Director of Business Development Je rey A. Goldberg
Special Projects Director Molly Willmott
Controller Lynn Sparagowski
Digital Services Director Kristin Pawlowski P.O.
Choose to Live — Right Now
Autumn is the one season that gives us all permission to fall back. During this time of year, an instant reminder awakens within us, triggering our thoughts toward calmness. Maybe it’s the leaves that embrace their shedding — hope for new life. Maybe it’s the clocks that rewind — hope for more time. Or maybe it’s the cool and crisp air that cozies up to us — hope for comfort. Perhaps it’s just nature’s thick aura — hope for prosperity.
I don’t know, but Fall is giving…hope. Something we can choose (wisely) to look forward to.
Hope is an enthusiastic goal of expectancy. Each day we’re allowed breath, we set our sights on expecting (hoping) positive things to occur in our lives. We expect to love and be loved. We expect our children to make good choices. We expect to be good managers of our household. We expect to advance in our careers. Foremost, we expect to live.
But what does life expect in return?
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it probably expects us to seek good health and wellness — mentally, physically, and emotionally (spiritually, for some of us). With the overwhelming opportunities of choices we get to make each day — whether wise or foolish — prioritizing our health can get lost in the shu e. That’s why at this very moment, we have to choose to live for the better…right now.
We’re busier than ever, piling on more and more, with some hope of securing worklife balance and a little sprinkle of self-care somewhere in the picture — if at all. Instead of consuming your mind with thoughts of tackling the whole elephant at once (as they say), just break it up into bite-sized moments throughout the day, week, and so on. Positioning your health and wellness on the front line.
It’s your time. It’s your season. It’s your choice. Take in every moment with purpose. And before you know it, hope will find you.
During this season of Memphis Parent, we
give much attention to health and wellness to help encourage our parent community and readers to be their best selves. We’ve carefully arranged some unique take-aways, such as: how parents can restore joy by reviving fun; helpful tips for children managing anger and emotions; grandparents sharing enjoyable moments of learning new things with grandchildren; how little food choices can create big habits; an outstanding teacher’s music mentorship; local dad’s view of making a di erence in Memphis; a calendar full of exciting family-friendly happenings across the Mid-South, and more.
We hope you will be inspired and share with others. To that end, when life throws you curve balls, you get to choose (wisely). And expect good things to happen.
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OPEN HOUSE DATES
October 16
Shelby Farms Campus
Open House (Grades 4-12)
October 21
Lower School
Open House (Age 2 - Grade 3)
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OCTOBER
8 • Wednesday
Food Truck Garden Party
Unwind with a vibrant evening of food, fun, and entertainment.
Memphis Botanic Garden, October 8, 5-8 p.m.
10 • Friday Zoo Boo
Have yourself a Halloween (not-so-scary) fright at the Memphis Zoo.
Memphis Zoo, select nights October 10-November 1
25 • Saturday
Greenline 15 Birthday Bash
Celebrate 15 years of Shelby Farms’ Greenline with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and good vibes.
Shelby Farms Park, October 25
31 • Friday
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.
Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the gira e, and Gloria the hippo accidentally end up in Madagascar after living their whole lives in blissful captivity.
Hattiloo Theatre, October 31-November 9
NOVEMBER
1 • Saturday
Broad Avenue Art Walk
This fall festival features 80-plus local artists and makers, live music, and fun activities. Broad Avenue, November 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
2 • Sunday
Memphis Japan Festival
Celebrate the history, culture, and people of Japan with hands-on experiences of Japanese culture featuring food, entertainment, games, crafts, and more.
Memphis Botanic Garden, November 2, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
14 • Friday
Lantern Festival
Be dazzled by mesmerizing light displays at the Memphis Zoo.
Memphis Zoo, select nights, November 14-January 31
22 • Saturday
Youth Workshop: Weaving (ages 10-13)
Tweens and teens will create their own handmade loom and turn it into a woven piece of art for the wall.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, November 22
DECEMBER
5 • Friday
Annie Jr. the Musical
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City.
Germantown Community Theatre, December 5-21
PAINT MEMPHIS
Paint Memphis 2025 returns for its 11th year with live painting and mural installations, food trucks, kids area, vendor market, and more.
Summer Avenue & National Street, October 11, noon-7 p.m.
12 • Friday
Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker
Join Clara on a magical holiday adventure with stunning dance and live music by the Memphis Symphony in the return of Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker. Orpheum Theatre, December 12-14
13 • Saturday
Breakfast with Santa
Santa comes to the zoo for a very special time. Memphis Zoo, December 13-14
2023
¡Christmas Fiesta!
Presented by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group, Opera Memphis, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens, this Christmas Fiesta brings together Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Guests will learn about parrandas, posadas, piñatas, and more, and enjoy traditional Christmas music in Spanish, Latin food, crafts, and activities. Dixon Gallery and Gardens, December 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
16 • Tuesday
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Orpheum Theatre, December 16-21
Paint Memphis
in the Edge District
Photo by Adarryll Jackson, Sr Courtesy of Paint Memphis Facebook
FINDING WAYS TO AVOID LAST YEAR’S HOMEWORK PROBLEMS
Parents: Your children have been in school for several weeks now. You’ve seen what they are studying and how they are handling the amount of homework assigned by teachers. If you are lucky, homework was handled smoothly last year with a minimum of parent-child conflict, and the same will go for this year.
If it looks like getting homework done could be a nightly issue, now is the time to establish a system that works for your family. You, and your child, should first establish the “where” homework will be done. It really doesn’t have to be sitting at a desk in a quiet room. It is fine for children to lie on a bed or floor, and even listen to music. Marge’s son completed his homework while watching TV; however, her daughter chose the kitchen while dinner was being prepared. All of Peggy’s children sat together and did their homework at the kitchen table. Whatever works for them.
Of course, some children will not be able to complete their homework e ciently unless they are being observed by their parents. If this is the case, parents and children can choose a homework place together.
The Procrastination Problem
Because doing homework after a long day in school is not an enjoyable task, unhappy homeworkers tend to put o starting it as long as possible. We have found that a homework contract between the parent and child — such as the one on our Dear Teacher website — can be an e ective agreement to determine a starting time.
Parents can make starting homework much easier if they sit with procrastinating children, and together, pick just one easy task for them to begin. When that is completed, a short break can ensue before a new task is chosen.
The Time Problem
According to most homework experts, the proper amount of time children should devote to homework is 10 minutes per grade level in school — 10 minutes for first graders, 50 minutes for fifth graders, and so on. Unfortunately, some teachers may go way overboard (time-wise) on too many nights. When this happens, homework time may possibly be reduced by parents talking to individual teachers, or by having the parent-teacher organization request the school set a homework policy.
In addition, when children reach an unreasonable saturation point with the amount of homework, parents can write a note to teachers stating their children completed as much as they could. This is not very helpful at the middle or high school levels when homework can be part of students’ grades. And obviously, the problem with children spending too much time on homework can be related to their not understanding the material. A talk with teachers is essential to handling this situation.
One unfortunate trend we have observed is the unreasonable homework load that students may have at some private high schools. It is not unusual for them to be up until midnight — night after night — especially if they have extracurricular activities after school. Some schools assign so much work as preparation for admission to highly selective colleges.
Ask for Accommodations
If children are having problems completing their homework because of a learning disability, accommodations for reduced homework time should be part of their Individual Education Plan (IEP).
By Marge Eberts and Peggy Gisler
How Much Should Parents Help
Parents will need to assist young children with tackling homework. When older children ask for help, they should teach them how to find the help they need by looking over notes and study guides. And now in this information age with most resources online, help can often be found by simply using a search engine.
It is realistic to expect children to handle their homework independently by seventh grade. And it is wise to be empathetic when your children complain about their homework so they know that you hear their concerns.
Disorganization
In the past, children had problems getting their homework done because they did not bring home a list of their assignments or the required books. This problem largely evaporates as soon as they are completing most of their work on computers or tablets as they can usually find both assignments and materials online.
For younger children who must take textbooks or materials home, having a reminder taped to their desk at school can be su cient for many of them.
9 out of 10 people who have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. We can change this. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research, and more lifesaving moments for everyone.
MEMPHIS Saved by CPR
Small Bites, Big Impact
The power of small choices.
Every October honors Child Health Day. Sounds o cial, right? But healthy habits don’t start in a doctor’s o ce: they start in our kitchens, at our tables, even in that ‘hidden’ snack stash.
The food we eat and the little choices we make every day have way more power over how we feel than we think.
Why Rules Don’t Work (and What Does)
When I was younger, “healthy eating” was basically a giant list of no’s.
No chips.
No soda.
No dessert.
You can guess how that went. The more I wasn’t “allowed” to have something, the more I wanted it.
Eventually, I figured out it’s not about saying no all the time. It’s about saying yes to better stu .
Yes to feeling awake after breakfast instead of zoning out in the first period.
Yes to cooking something fun with friends.
Yes to snacks that don’t make you crash an hour later.
Yes to laughing over food that fuels you, not just fills you.
And here’s something wild. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 27 percent of U.S. high school students eat breakfast daily, and for girls, it drops to just 22 percent. Just grabbing a banana in the morning already puts you ahead of most people your age.
Sunday Plates, Zero Drama
At my house, Sundays mean eggs and toast for breakfast, fish and rice for dinner. Nothing fancy, and everyone has a job. Someone cracks the eggs and someone toasts the bread. For about half an hour, we are all in the same place. No phones. No rushing. Just us.
That time together is more important than I realize. For us, those Sundays aren’t just about food. They are a way to check in without making it a big deal.
Over time, we made tiny changes.
Sourdough instead of white bread. Quinoa mixed into our rice. The smells, the sounds, the comfort, they stayed the same. It never felt like some big “health thing.” It just felt like…us.
Tiny Swaps, Big Wins
A lot of people think eating healthy means tossing out everything in the fridge and starting from scratch. Nope. Small changes are easier to keep.
Cooking together teaches you how to actually make stu . Paying attention to how you feel after eating helps you skip those “I’m bored, so I’ll snack” moments. And
doing it with someone else is just more fun. One time, my mom told me to choose a vegetable at the store. I grabbed broccoli, trying to sound like I knew what I was doing. She grilled it with olive oil, garlic, and some herbs, and it was ridiculously good. Now broccoli, zucchini, and mushrooms are just…there. Normal. That’s a big deal because the CDC reports fewer than one in ten high school students get enough fruits and vegetables each day. Only about 8.5 percent hit the fruit goal, and just 2.1 percent get enough veggies.
Quick Food Check-In
Think about this week:
• Did you eat something that actually made you feel good?
• Did you talk about food without mentioning weight or calories?
• Did you try to cook or learn something new?
Even one “yes” means you’re on track. No, yes? No problem, there’s always next week.
By Krishnav Manga
Snack Goals: Unlocked
• Eat something in the morning, even if it is just a piece of fruit.
• Try one new food each week.
• Focus on adding good stuff instead of banning favorites.
• Keep it simple with things like smoothies, pasta, quesadillas.
• Make it social by cooking with friends, trading recipes, or tastetesting each other’s creations.
Fuel Your Fun
Skipping meals and ignoring fruits and veggies is way too common. But it doesn’t have to be your story. You don’t need a strict plan or a total kitchen makeover. Start with foods you already like. Be curious. Bring a friend along. Try something new. Laugh if it’s terrible. Celebrate if it’s great.
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Love a little little and break the law.
a little little and the law.
Little choices pile up. Before you know it, you’ve got habits that make you feel better without even trying that hard. Food stops being just fuel. It becomes comfort, connection, and proof you’re taking care of yourself.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard. Just tasty, shared, and yours.
Love a little die a little and break the law.
Love a little die a little and break the law.
Love a little die a little and break the law.
Love a little die a little and break the law.
Milligan did three in the before his birthday.
In the end, it’s not about perfect eating. It’s about little choices that add up to a life that feels better: bite by bite.
Love a little die a little and break the law.
Milligan did three in the summer before his birthday.
Trey Milligan did all three in the summer before his 14th birthday.
Trey Milligan did all three in the summer before his 14th birthday.
Trey Milligan did all three in the summer before his 14th birthday.
Trey Milligan did all three in the summer before his 14th birthday.
Literary Group, by Frank Murtaugh amazon.com and Burke’s and Novel.
Sartoris Literary Group, novel by Frank Murtaugh at amazon.com and Burke’s and Novel.
Trey Milligan did all three in the summer before his 14th birthday.
From Sartoris Literary Group, debut novel by Frank Murtaugh Available at amazon.com and locally at Burke’s and Novel.
From Sartoris Literary Group, the debut novel by Frank Murtaugh Available at amazon.com and locally at Burke’s and Novel.
From Sartoris Literary Group, the debut novel by Frank Murtaugh.
From Sartoris Literary Group, the debut novel by Frank Murtaugh Available at amazon.com and locally at Burke’s and Novel.
From Sartoris Literary Group, the debut novel by Frank Murtaugh
and Novel.
ONE NOTE AT A TIME
The Music and Mentorship of Derrick Denham
On any given afternoon, you might find Derrick Denham leaning over a piano bench, listening as a student wrestles with a tricky passage. There’s no rush in his voice, no hint of impatience, just the steady encouragement of someone who knows that learning anything worth doing takes time. To him, the small victories between wrong notes matter just as much as the standing ovation at the end.
This October, the Outstanding Teacher Award goes to a man whose work reaches far beyond music. Denham has spent years not only training skilled pianists but also helping young people grow into confident, creative, and resilient adults. His dedication has earned him national recognition, including the rare honor of being named a Steinway Teacher in 2024, a title reserved for educators who hold themselves to the very highest standards.
For Denham, music has never been only about perfect notes or polished performances. “I was a very late beginner,” he says, recalling the start of his journey. “I began piano at 16, and fell in love with classical music on PBS.”
While many pianists start young, Denham’s story proves that you can discover music’s magic at any age. He often tells his students that’s part of its beauty: you can begin at any moment in life and still create something that moves people.
Denham began his studies at Lee University before transferring to Youngstown State University, where his own teaching career took root. Along the way, mentors like Dr. Caroline Oltmanns showed him that great teachers pass on far more than technical skill. “I always had wonderful lessons with her and left feeling like secrets of the magical world of music had been revealed to me, and I wanted to share that with others,” Denham says.
“Students are an extension of my family,” Denham says. Whether in a busy school
classroom or a quiet private studio, his belief is the same: music belongs in everyday life. The best lessons he received from his own teachers were not just about piano. They were about how to see the world, how to handle both joy and hardship, and how to use music when words fall short.
Denham knows music can become complicated and intimidating, which is why he focuses on breaking it down into something students can both understand and feel. Over the years, he’s learned that a lesson often becomes a safe space for more than music; it’s a chance to think, reflect, and breathe. And often, he admits with a grin, those moments help him just as much as they help his students.
Twice a year, Denham’s recitals give students a stage to shine. These events aren’t about competition, but encouragement, a reminder that audiences genuinely want to hear them play. One of his favorite stories is about a sixth grader who once asked to learn Chopin’s “Fantaisie-Impromptu.” “It was a leap, but I said, ‘Why not?’” The student rose to the challenge and (years later) became one of only six pianists in Tennessee chosen for the Governor’s School for Music.
More than anything, Denham hopes his students carry a lesson that will last long after they leave the piano bench: challenges, whether in music or life, are best faced the same way you learn a difficult piece, one note at a time. Over time, with patience and persistence, understanding deepens until one day you can play the whole thing. And the real joy isn’t found only in the performance but in those private hours when music becomes
a part of you. “Life is lived during the journey, not the destination,” Denham says.
Being named a Steinway Teacher still motivates Denham every day. This fall, he’s launching online group piano classes for teens and adults while preparing for his November recital, which will feature a playful pop music theme.
Denham’s influence stretches far beyond the keyboard. His teaching instills courage and the ability to find joy in steady, determined work. It’s this blend of artistry, mentorship, and heart that makes him truly an outstanding teacher. And for every student who walks through his door, the music is just the beginning, the real lesson is learning how to meet life’s challenges with the same patience, passion, and persistence.
To learn more about Derrick Denham, visit mypianoinstructor.com.
Submit your nomination for Outstanding Teacher at memphisparent.com/oustanding-teacher.
Derrick Denham | Photo courtesy of Derrick Denham
MENDED THERAPY
It can be hard to see your child struggling and not know how best to help them. That’s where I come in to support your child and you. With over 7 years of experience working with kids in various settings, I hope to help you all reach your therapeutic goals. I see kids ages 5 and up. I specialize in behavioral difficulties, mood disorders, trauma history, and working with children and adolescents that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
I currently accept Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, and Quest Behavioral Health insurance plans. I also provide a superbill for out-of-network clients if they want to submit to their insurance. Self-pay is $125 for individual sessions and $145 for the initial intake appointment. I see clients in-office in East Memphis and virtually for kids ages 12 and up.
The Moment Fun Became a Memory
— And How to Bring It Back
Why parents need to reclaim joy.
When did you grow up?
When did you stop playing?
When did fun become something you searched for rather than experienced? Can you recall the exact moment?
There was a time when we played without hesitation, and fun was simply a part of our daily lives. It wasn’t something we thought about, talked about, planned, or scheduled. It happened naturally and e ortlessly; it was integral to who we were. So, when did you stop being your authentic self?
When I talk to parents who are busy with life, overwhelmed by stress, and feeling guilty about their children’s screen time, I first remind them that they are doing their best. Parenting during these unprecedented times, often in an environment that doesn’t provide support, is a challenging task. The next question I ask is, “Why do you feel guilty?” I want every parent reading this to reflect on that question, because understanding the “why” is essential. If you feel guilty because society suggests your child is spending too much time on screens, or you read another article criticizing you, or you see someone’s Instagram post declaring they don’t allow
screens, then take a moment to breathe. This is not another article shaming you for screen time. In fact, I am going to tell you that screens can actually enhance the play experience when we use them as tools rather than distractions. If your guilt is from feeling unfulfilled, the desire for more playtime with your child, or wanting to deepen your connection with your child, keep reading, because we are going to discuss how to strengthen these areas without the added stress and pressure.
Play isn’t just an activity; it’s a way of life. It doesn’t need to be scheduled or squeezed into your daily routine; it’s a part of who we are. When applying this idea to our kids, remove the notion that play needs to be premeditated and planned. When we view our children as extensions of ourselves rather than additions, it lightens our burden as parents.
For busy parents feeling overwhelmed, how can you create play in your everyday
By Tanyell
life and extend that playfulness to your children? With ease. Think about how play can naturally flow into our daily routines.
Here are a few easy ideas to get your creativity and play juices flowing:
Turn dinnertime into playtime. Make a fun recipe together, allowing them to chop vegetables, or letting them mix flour and water to create playdough. Incorporate screens as tools to enhance your experience by following a favorite recipe together — have your child call out the steps to you, or record a playful cooking video.
Turn working from home into playtime. Create a playful task for your child, like shredding papers or taking notes for you. As a child, one of my favorite games was “work.” My grandmother would give me her expired checkbooks, and I’d write checks and pay bills for fun. Imagine that! You can incorporate screens by letting them type the notes on a computer — next to you at their own desk — or do “research” for a project you are working
(Left) Tanyell Cole, co-founder and CEO of Jumpin’ Jellybeans, wife and mother of 12 | Photo by Harper (Above) Five of Tanyell’s 12 Jellybeans enjoy play after a challenging day of losing their furry friend. | Photo by Tanyell Cole
DO GOOD. BETTER.
on and report their findings after your meeting. Give them that old checkbook rotting away in your desk and have them “pay” bills for you while you work.
Transform a chore like cleaning the house into a hide-and-seek game. Have your child take an item that needs to be put away and ask them to find its proper place. Then, you “hide” in the bathroom to start cleaning, while they search for you, or vice versa. Have them put the item away and hide, while you finish cleaning the tub, then go on a hunt for them. Putting things away as you playfully yell, “where is Timmy, I can’t find him anywhere!” This engages them in cleaning, gives you time to tackle tasks, and incorporates play. Want to include screens? Have your child take pictures of everything out of place in each room, and then take “after” photos of everything put away. Create a fun time-lapse video of ya’ll cleaning the house together and watch it later for lots of laughs.
Turn grocery shopping into a game. Play a game of I Spy and let your child mark items o the grocery list. If they are old enough, divide the list and race to see who can shop the fastest. Incorporate
By Tanyell Cole
(Above) Jumpin’ Jellybeans provides a place for parents to engage in play with their toddlers.
Photo by TGP Branding
(Below) Jumpin’ Jellybeans believes dress-up is the gateway to unlocking dreams — a superhero cape makes a child instantly become unstoppable.
Photo by Tanyell Cole
By Tanyell Cole
screens by allowing your child to film a “day in the life” from their POV (point of view) while grocery shopping. These are some of my favorite videos of my kids seeing the world through their eyes.
Life can be stressful and overwhelming, but remember, playing is fun and easy. Parenting is a game, and so is adulting. Screens are not inherently bad; they are tools that can enhance play and make life easier. Instead of building a negative connotation around them, use play as a way to teach kids how to use them appropriately, creatively, and moderately. The problem arises when we stop playing and having fun altogether.
Let’s reinvigorate the joy of play in our lives and the lives of our children.
Tanyell is the co-founder of Jumpin’ Jellybeans, a boutique indoor play space with locations in Tennessee and Mississippi. She is a wife, mother of 12, and has been a trusted voice for parents nationwide looking for grounded, practical, and emotionally attuned advice on raising young kids in today’s overstimulating world. To learn more about Jumpin’ Jellybeans or healthy ways to engage as a family, visit jumpinjellybeans.com.
Tanyell Cole, co-founder and CEO of Jumpin’ Jellybeans, makes sure parents enjoy hot co ee during their visit.
Photo by JB
HELPING CHILDREN MANAGE BIG EMOTIONS
Little children experience big emotions. When things don’t go as planned or they feel overstimulated, or even face new experiences, children may respond with anger and frustration, fueled by feelings of shame, embarrassment, and a sense of injustice.
Because young children often don’t have the language or regulation skills to handle these big feelings, they can result in tantrums, mood swings, rebellion, and emotional outbursts, which may trigger feelings of embarrassment and exasperation for parents. Fear not; every parent has been there.
Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic o cer at The Goddard School, along with Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, authors of “All Feelings Welcome,” share guidance to help parents e ectively deal with these situations.
Managing Meltdowns
Parents are most e ective when they stay calm, speak quietly, and move slowly. Counterbalance your child’s extreme emotion and behavior with the opposite extreme. Take deep breaths and stay near your child while the emotion dissipates.
Scolding only heightens the emotion, so start with empathy, not discipline, and a rm the feelings. For example, “We all get angry sometimes,” or “It makes sense that you’re feeling this way.”
(Left)
Help your child label feelings and seek to understand what caused the outburst. Try “sportscasting” — objectively narrating what you see. For example, “I see you taking deep breaths. I see your cheeks are pu ed up and your fists are clenched. I know your sister just took your toy and that might make you feel angry. Are you feeling angry?”
This technique can help your child associate physiological feelings with an emotional label.
Once calm, work with your child to repair and reconnect. Share your coping techniques. For example, “I feel angry sometimes. When I get angry, I like to stomp my feet and turn up my music. Do you want to try this with me?”
Model this often, either when you’re upset or as a teaching moment by pretending to feel angry. Real-life examples help normalize feelings and teach emotion regulation skills. If you acted in a way you regret — yelling, for instance — address it by apologizing and taking responsibility. This grounding can help you and your child move forward.
Taking Proactive Preventative Steps
While big emotions and corresponding behaviors are a natural part of early childhood, there are steps you can take to help mitigate future meltdowns.
Develop a routine and stick to it as much as possible. Children thrive with structure; the unexpected or unknown can lead to emotional dysregulation. That said, there will always be disruptions and transitions — some small (such as an out-of-town houseguest) and some large (like moving or welcoming a new sibling). Discuss these moments in advance to help your child anticipate and prepare for the change.
Certain situations, such as the grocery store or a public event, may be triggers for children. Avoiding these situations altogether won’t help them learn, so prepare them with social scripting. Tell a story about the situation, discuss what they’ll experience and how they might feel and label the emotions. This talk can reduce anxiety, build confidence, and make the situation more manageable.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize a child’s emotional state can be intertwined with yours; if you’re overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, your child may pick up on that and experience some of those same feelings. Likewise, if you’re calm, your child is more likely to be, too.
Finding Helpful Resources
When children are not in a heightened emotional state, reading books about characters and big emotions can be helpful. Pause and ask them what they think the character is feeling and if they ever feel that way. Consider Hammerhead, Mad’s Not Bad and Felix and the Picnic.
To access additional parenting insights and resources, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com.
Courtesy of Family Features, The Goddard School, and Slumberkins
Cooler weather often brings about nostalgic cravings for seasonal dishes and desserts. From grandma’s classic pies, to the sweet taste of apple cider touching your tongue, Fall is full of flavor, spice, sweets, and treats, just waiting to be devoured with family and loved ones alike.
Home chefs will know it’s time to tap into the flavor of fall once that first leaf drops to the ground. The pumpkins are set on porches and little ones all bundle up to go outside and play in the cool breeze. Nearly everyone can tell when the warm and cozy delight is here to stay for the season.
The kitchen is often known as the “heart of the home” and homes all over the country will smell and taste like fall festivities all season long with this recipe for Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches.
The best part about this timeless recipe is that it’s known to evoke memories from childhood and can help introduce a new generation to a treat many before them have enjoyed.
Easy to make and pretty to look at, these cookies are great to prepare with little ones after a long day of pumpkin carving. Let the kids help. They can use many ingredients you may already have in your pantry, especially the ones they can reach with their little hands.
The results are soft and slightly chewy, cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cookies sandwiched around a fluffy layer of vanilla bean cream filling that can keep each member of the family reaching for another. Serve them to friends, neighbors, kids and adults and you will notice the delight spread across their faces with the very first bite. This recipe is something scrumptious that makes a statement for the upcoming season.
Find more seasonal dessert recipes and fall flavors for your family at culinary.net.
Courtesy of Family Features and Culinary.net
A Sweet Seasonal Treat
Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Oatmeal Cookies
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
Vanilla Bean Cream Filling
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. To make oatmeal cookies: with a mixer, cream butter, dark brown sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and oats. Gradually add oat mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Spoon dough into hands and roll into balls. Flatten balls and place onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Move cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. To make vanilla bean cream filling: with a mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream; mix until combined.
6. Pipe or spoon a large dollop of filling on the bottom sides of half the cookies; top each with a second cookie.
Photos courtesy Culinary.net
HUNTING THE KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
The Netflix hit has all the kids talking.
This is the era of K-Pop Demon Hunters. It’s possible you’ve never heard of it if you have zero connection to global youth, and that would put you very far out of the loop.
The animated movie has been dominating Netflix, and not just by captivating millions of eyeballs. And if you’re a parent or grandparent, you almost certainly know about it — possibly more than you know about whatever grownup entertainment you’ve enjoyed binging.
It’s not that there’s anything particularly di erent about it. The animation is cutting edge from South Korea, and they do that craft almost better than anyone else, including the wizards in California, but it’s entirely what you’d expect. And the story is far from original: forces of good versus forces of evil with an overlay of Romeo and Juliet and tons of pop music. There are carefully calculated segments of slam-bang-wow graphics followed by touching traditional moments.
But when you stitch it together with the right kind of sensibility of filmmaking and awareness of your audience, you can have a huge hit. And is it ever huge? Netflix is delirious since KPDH has become the most watched film in the streamer’s history. In a weekend in late August, the film was shown in 1,700 theaters as a one-o sing-along, bringing in an estimated $18 - $20 million.
The soundtrack is dominating the Billboard charts, including four of its tracks making the Top 10 at the same time. The soundtrack has also surpassed three billion global streams. And the hits just keep on coming.
So, attention must be paid.
When I watched it with my 11- and 4-yearold granddaughters, I found it perfectly entertaining, and I could tell they were quite
taken with it. Since then, they’ve seen it several more times. The older one has been counting: at the time of this writing, she’s seen it 15 times. (Her little sister says she’s seen it 20 times, but I suspect that’s merely juvenile one-upmanship as well as being able to proclaim her mastery of quantities.)
But they both experienced the sing-along at a Malco in Collierville and the big sister was enraptured. “It was beautiful, it was great,” she said. “There were so many people screaming, and it was a harmony of children.”
The sing-along part was a new experience for her. “I definitely got louder as the movie progressed. But it felt weird screaming in the movie theater.”
This was where I got to hold forth with a generational observation: “Well, in my day, we had the Rocky Horror Picture Show, where people showed up for midnight screenings and not only sang along, but dressed liked the characters and chanted the dialogue.”
I think she considered this a curiosity, as one does when an elder shares a bit of odd history.
But she understood the concept, saying “It was cool having a bunch of other people be obsessed with the same thing.”
I asked about her favorite song, and she said, “I liked the ending villain song ‘Your Idol.’ It’s catchy.” No kidding — that one reached No. 1 on Spotify’s U.S. Daily Top songs.
The story itself is about dueling pop groups — an all-girl trio named HUNTR/X (pronounced Huntrix) versus the Saja Boys, who are demons, of course. Interspersed between bubbly tracks are supernatural battles where souls of the fans are at stake.
Just like in real life. But there are ancillary characters as well, and they have their own special appeal.
There is a recurring duo that is a welcome relief when some of the action gets heavy. Derpy the Tiger and Sussie the Magpie are simply adorable. Derpy (a big plushy hit in the merch world) is cuddly but serves as a protective spirit watching over the girls of HUNTR/X. My granddaughter’s favorite is Sussie, who is kind of mysterious, multi-eyed, and a symbol of good luck. “I like the bird because it’s weird and you could call it uglycute. It looks like a dinosaur and it’s very sassy.”
As any true fan is, the 11-year-old is hip to the making and marketing of KPDH. “I’m ready for the sequel, but they say it’ll be another three years,” she notes. “The animation is amazing and if they want to keep that title it’ll be a lot of work. I believe they’re also working on a prequel and a live-action. I feel like some of the things you can do with animation aren’t possible with live action. Of course CGI would be a big part of it.”
And here, it becomes clear that she’s a big movie nerd. She sees, she thinks, she observes. Along the way, she has a keen sense of what she likes with the music, the movement, the story, and the value of ugly-cute.
Let’s watch it again.
KPop Demon Hunters, an animated actioncomedy film, is rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) by the Motion Picture Association and is generally considered suitable for kids aged 10 and up.
Image courtesy of Netfl ix’s KPop Demon Hunters
By Je Hulett
MY TAKE ON MEMPHIS: 35 YEARS IN
In the spring of 1990, I was living a simple life in the suburbs of Chicago. Darien, Illinois, to be specific. One day, my dad, a salesman, threw me a Piggly Wiggly wooden nickel and said, “we are moving to Memphis.” “Memphis? I’ve never heard of it,” I said. I was 11, and my brother, Chris, was 13.
That August, we moved to the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee. Germantown, to be exact. Over time, I slowly but surely learned and eventually fell in love with the culture of the south. A culture that should have an onboarding book in my opinion.
Getting used to Memphis, and the south, wasn’t easy. In fact, I was suspended from sixth grade only a few weeks into my tenure
for essentially not saying, no ma’am and yes ma’am. Seriously, why don’t we have a roadmap for folks who move here?
I attended Farmington Elementary, and from there, I went to Houston Middle and Houston High. When it was time to graduate, I decided to try my luck at the University of Memphis, where I eventually landed a degree in journalism. This was also the time when I moved to Binghampton and fell head over heels for Midtown, a place I’ve never left, except for a brief stint Downtown in the Pinch District. This was also the time when I pushed all my chips to the center of the table, musically, and began touring the country
with my band Snowglobe. Today, I am a proud 17-year resident of the Vollintine Evergreen historic neighborhood, and 35-year Memphis inhabitant.
In late July, the Memphis Flyer’s cover story was about our city’s perception problem, and while I appreciated my colleagues and peers weighing in, I’d like to share my piece as well.
So, here it goes.
Sure, we have our issues and plenty of work to do, but people here care. People show up and do what they can to make this place better — every day. You may often hear that if you hug Memphis, it will hug you back, and that’s so true. Just get involved. Throw your hand on the pile and start digging in. Don’t ask to get in the mix, just jump in. You can make a di erence in Memphis.
Memphis is where I fell in love with music, met and married my wife, Annie, and where my children, Ella and Beatrice, were born — one at Methodist Hospital, and the other at Baptist Memorial Hospital.
Crime? Yes, we have crime.
Poverty? Yes, we have poverty.
Food insecurity? Yes, we have food insecurity.
But for all of these problems, which are slowly but surely improving (thankfully), there is hope, compassion, kindness, and love in spades. I see this on a daily basis in the work I do with many nonprofits across the city. Such as how the Memphis Botanic Garden reaches into our city to serve more than 52,000 students with meaningful and interactive field trips. Or how Shell on Wheels meets people where they are by extending the Overton Park Shell’s mission of bringing performing arts programming to Memphis and Shelby County neighborhoods.
I know I sound like a homer, but that’s what I am. I bleed Memphis Tigers and Grizzlies blue, and will defend our city to the nth degree if someone speaks ill of it. My advice to anyone who is down on Memphis — get involved. Join a board, volunteer with your neighborhood association, or simply attend a show. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Je Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and two dogs Chalupa and Delilah.
CALENDAR
OCTOBER
4 • Saturday Picnic for Pachyderms
By Abigail Morici
OCTOBER 11TH EDGE MOTORFEST
Shroomlicious Mushroom Festival
Expect an unforgettable afternoon filled with good people, great music, and handcrafted vegan plates.
See more than 150 cars compete in 25 di erent classes, while enjoying good music and food.
Edge Motor Museum, October 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
18 • Saturday
RiverArtsFest
Have a delightful encounter with the zoo’s elephants while you enjoy a picnic. Don’t forget the Art for Elephants is happening simultaneously.
Memphis Zoo, October 4, 11-1 p.m.
8 • Wednesday
Food Truck Garden Party
Unwind with a vibrant evening of food, fun, and entertainment.
Memphis Botanic Garden, October 8, 5-8 p.m.
10 • Friday
Zoo Boo
Have yourself a Halloween (not-so-scary) fright at the Memphis Zoo.
Memphis Zoo, select nights October 10-November 1
Paint Memphis
Paint Memphis 2025 returns for its 11th year with live painting and mural installations, food trucks, kids area, vendor market, and more.
Summer Avenue & National Street, October 11, noon-7 p.m.
Tom Lee Park, October 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
V&E Greenline Artwalk
This free, family-friendly event features over 50 local artists & makers, live music, food, drinks, kids’ activities, and more.
V&E Greenline, October 11
14 • Tuesday
Fall Break Bonanza (all ages)
Join the Dixon during fall break for a di erent pop-up activity each day.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, October 14-17
17 • Friday
Soul of the City: Secrets
This fall, Elmwood Cemetery’s residents reveal their secrets in a walking tour.
Elmwood Cemetery, October 17-18
Take part in a celebration of fine arts and the best local music with live artist demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages.
Riverside Drive, October 18-19
21 • Tuesday
Superhero Fall Festival
Join Chick-fil-A Southaven for food, trick-ortreating, costume contests, interactive fun, and more.
Landers Center, October 21, 4:30 p.m.
24 • Friday
Wolf River Fall Fest 2025
Get ready for an awesome time with an arboretum scavenger hunt, meet some creepy crawly critters, participate in a costume parade, and have delicious treats from food trucks!
Wolf River Greenway-Shady Grove Trailhead, October 24
Photo courtesy of Edge Motor Museum
25 • Saturday
CALENDAR
Greenline 15 Birthday Bash
Celebrate 15 years of Shelby Farms’ Greenline with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and good vibes.
Shelby Farms Park, October 25
Peanut Butter & Jam: Marcella Simien
GPAC presents a special concert featuring Marcella Simien designed to introduce young children to the vibrant sounds of soul, blues, and zydeco music.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, October 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
30 • Thursday
Spokes & Spirits: Bicycle Tour & Costume Contest
Take a one-hour bicycle tour through the historic paths of Elmwood Cemetery while in costume. Decorate your bike while you’re at it! Elmwood Cemetery, October 30, 4 p.m.
31 • Friday
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.
Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the gira e, and Gloria the hippo accidentally end up in Madagascar after living their whole lives in blissful captivity.
Hattiloo Theatre, October 31-November 9
NOVEMBER
1 • Saturday
Artrageous
Combining music and dynamic choreography with painting, Artrageous creates masterpieces live on stage in a family-friendly performance with lots of audience participation.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, November 1, 2 p.m.
Broad Avenue Art Walk
This fall festival features 80-plus local artists and makers, live music, and fun activities.
Broad Avenue, November 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Día de Los Muertos Parade & Festival
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with art-making activities, face painting, music, costumed performers, dance performances, and more.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, November 1, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
2 • Sunday Day of the Dead Concert
Luna Nova’s evocative music program will awaken the tradition where families and friends honor those who have passed. Elmwood Cemetery, November 2
Memphis Japan Festival
Celebrate the history, culture, and people of Japan with hands-on experiences of Japanese culture featuring food, entertainment, games, crafts, and more.
Memphis Botanic Garden, November 2, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
7 • Friday
Junie B. Jones the Musical
Based on the popular children’s book by Barbara Park, this stage adaptation follows the energetic and outspoken first grader, Junie B. Jones. Playhouse on the Square, November 7-December 20
8 • Saturday
Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market
Enjoy a free, fabulous, fun, family-friendly, and locals-first shopping event indoors and outdoors. Crosstown Concourse, November 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Peanut Butter & Jam: Graham Winchester (ages 8 and under)
Graham Winchester’s concert will introduce children to rock-and-roll music on a variety of instruments.
Germantown Performing Arts Center, November 8, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
14 • Friday
Lantern Festival
Be dazzled by mesmerizing light displays at the Memphis Zoo.
Memphis Zoo, select nights, November 14-January 31
Teen Workshop: Natural Dyes (ages 14-18)
Participants will create their own fabric work of art and learn the basics of dying fibers in this hands-on workshop for teens.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, November 14
Wizard of Oz
Dorothy and Toto get swept away to the wonderful land of Oz.
Playhouse on the Square, November 14-December 21
22
• Saturday
Youth Workshop: Weaving (ages 10-13)
Tweens and teens will create their own handmade loom and turn it into a woven piece of art for the wall.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, November 22
DECEMBER
5 • Friday
A Christmas Carol ’25
Theatre Memphis presents this holiday classic.
Lohrey Theatre, December 5-23
Annie Jr. the Musical
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City.
Germantown Community Theatre, December 5-21
12 • Friday
Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker
Join Clara on a magical holiday adventure with stunning dance and live music by the Memphis Symphony in the return of Ballet Memphis’
The Nutcracker Orpheum Theatre, December 12-14
Esprit de Corps Dance Company’s
The Nutcracker Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they journey through fantastic lands.
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, December 12-14
By Abigail
13 • Saturday Breakfast with Santa
Santa comes to the zoo for a very special time. Memphis Zoo, December 13-14
¡Christmas Fiesta!
Presented by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group, Opera Memphis, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens, this Christmas Fiesta brings together Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Guests will learn about parrandas, posadas, piñatas, and more, and enjoy traditional Christmas music in Spanish, Latin food, crafts, and activities.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, December 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
16 • Tuesday
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The Musical
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Orpheum Theatre, December 16-21
V&E Greenline Artwalk
Photo courtesy of V&E Greenline
CALENDAR
ONGOING
Mini Masters (ages 2-4)
Introduce your little ones to the arts and nature with crafts, movement, and more.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Club (ages 5-9)
Each week, participants will enjoy an art or horticulture project that sparks creativity and critical thinking.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.
Get Outside Fitness: Kid’s Yoga
Children explore breathing exercises to promote focus and relaxation through basic yoga poses with playful names that build strength, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.
Shelby Farms Park, Wednesdays, 5 p.m.
Get Outside Fitness: Kidokinetics
Young children learn the fundamentals of sports and movement through age-appropriate games and activities that build confidence, coordination, and a love for active play.
Shelby Farms Park, Thursdays, 5 p.m.
By Abigail Morici
Overton Square Movie Nights
Bring your picnic baskets and folding chairs for free movies each Thursday.
Overton Square, Thursdays
Story Time
Enjoy stories, songs, art activities, and creative play that connect with Collierville history every Friday at the Morton Museum.
Morton Museum of Collierville History, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Project Grow
Learn something new about gardening and horticulture every month while getting your hands dirty with a hands-on activity.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens, second Saturday of the month, 1-3 p.m.
Super Saturday
The Brooks o ers free admission and artmaking during its monthly Super Saturdays.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, first Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-noon
Stax Family Day
Join the Stax for a fun-filled afternoon with free admission, games, activities, and music.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music, second Saturday of the month
Garden Discovery Days
Join the Memphis Botanic Garden for monthly drop-in craft and activity stations designed to get kiddos outside and explore the great outdoors.
Memphis Botanic Garden, second Saturday of the month through November
Hustle & Flow Kids (ages 2-12)
Children are invited to explore a variety of sports in a fun, non-competitive environment.
River Garden, second and fourth Saturday through October, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Sing It, Memphis
Memphis River Parks Partnership, alongside the talented Keri Lee, invites you to raise your voice in harmony.
Tom Lee Park, third Saturday of the month through December
SAT NOVEMBER 8 10a-4p CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
It’s the holiday shopping event with serious personality! Meet some of the Mid-South’s most creative makers, crafters, and artists - just in time to find the perfect, not-so-basic gifts.
Shop local. Sip seasonal. Celebrate creativity.
While you shop, enjoy seasonal brews and good vibes in our Crafts & Drafts Beer Garden, plus all the festive fun Crosstown has to offer.
Regional One Health is the only hospital in Memphis with the Intuitive da Vinci DV-5 surgical robot, the most advanced system available for minimally invasive procedures. If you need surgery, our operating room offers technology not available in any other outpatient setting in the area – all designed to get you back to normal with less pain and a faster recovery.
Talk to your doctor about using the Regional One Health Surgery Center for your next procedure.
