Issuu

A P R2019

MID-SOUTH BABY EXPO DETAILS

NEWBORN HEARING

APPS FOR NEW PARENTS

A GUIDE FOR NEW PARENTS

LOSING THE BABY WEIGHT

ACTIVATE AWESOME AT URBAN AIR COLLIERVILLE BOWLING

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APRIL 2019

Transform Your Child’s Summer! Did you know that kids can actually lose math skills while school is out? Studies have shown that students can regress by up to two and a half months over the summer – a phenomenon known as “the summer slide.” At Mathnasium, we prevent the summer slide, give kid an edge for the next school year, and we make it fun! Mathnasium of Memphis East

901-343-0348

mathnasium.com/memphiseast 540 S Mendenhall Rd, Suite 7 Memphis, TN 38117

Teaching math is not just what we do, it’s all we do. Mathnasium is the authority in math education, with over 1,000 learning centers worldwide. Keep your child from sliding backward this summer. Schedule a no-obligation first visit with us to find out how!

CAMP 38017 MAY 28 - AUG 9, 2019

Celebrating 25 Years In The Collierville Community

BABIES

HARD TRUTHS ABOUT C-SECTIONS

Since many c-sections aren’t planned, here’s what soon-to-be mothers should expect. By Tonya Thompson

BABY WEIGHT

There are healthy ways to gain — and lose. By Jamie Lober

MID-SOUTH BABY & KIDS EXPO GUIDE Learn, shop, and play at the Baby Expo, taking place April 27th.

DOWNLOAD THIS

These helpful apps can make a new parent’s life a bit easier. By Tanni Haas

SOUND BEGINNINGS

Don’t delay on follow-up testing for newborn hearing screenings. By Meena Viswanathan

DEPARTMENTS

School Age Summer Camp FOR KIDS ENTERING 1ST-8TH GRADES

WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS • ON-CAMPUS GUESTS/EVENTS • ON-SITE SWIMMING POOL, GYM & PLAYFIELD EXPERIENCED COUNSELORS • ARTS & CRAFTS

Pre-School Summer Program FOR PRE-K2 THROUGH PRE-K 4/5 YEAR OLD

ON-SITE FIELD TRIPS • SPECIAL DAYS, EVENTS & SNACKS • SWIM & WATER PLAY DAYS, PLAYGROUND W/SHADE • DEGREED/EXPERIENCED TEACHERS • DAILY LESSON PLANS

REGISTER FOR AN EXCITING SUMMER! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 901-854-4334 910 COLLIERVILLE-ARLINGTON ROAD COLLIERVILLE, TN 38017 WWW.COLLIERVILLECHRISTIANACADEMY.COM

Please like us on Facebook

5 Parent to Parent Readers share from-the-heart commentary 6 901 Fun Enjoy Easter, Earth Day, and more

8 Dear Teacher When dyslexia runs in a family

30 Outstanding Teacher Celebrating unsung heroes

24 Calendar and Events Family-friendly fun all month long

31 Dad Libs What dad does when mom’s away

OUR STAFF Editor Shara Clark

Art Director Bryan Rollins Advertising Art Director Christopher Myers Graphic Designer Jeremiah Matthews Advertising Manager Sheryl Butler

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Account Executives Mary Ballard, Michelle Musolf

Excellent Care For Over 65 Years! Knowledge • Compassion • Quality • Continuity

• Well Child Exams • Immunizations • Illness Appointments • After-Hours On Call Nurse • Mon & Tues Nights Urgent Care Available • Sunday Urgent Care Available • Saturday Appointments • Most Insurance Accepted

www.memphischildrens.org We look forward to taking the utmost care of your child (children).

Please call one of our ofﬁces to schedule your appointment. Call ofﬁce to verify insurance prior to appointment.

Production Operations Director Margie Neal Calendar Editor Meena Viswanathan Social Media Coordinator Kalena Matthews STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Memphis Parent strives to provide information of value to all who are invested in our children’s future.

Memphis Parent is published by Contemporary Media, Inc. CEO Kenneth Neill COO Anna Traverse Director of Business Development Jeffrey A. Goldberg Editorial Director Bruce VanWyngarden Special Projects Director Molly Willmott Email Marketing Manager Britt Ervin Distribution Manager Carrie O’Guin Controller Ashley Haeger Digital Services Director Kristin Pawlowski IT Director Joseph Carey Editorial Assistant Julia Baker P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 p: 901.521.9000 • f: 901.521.0129 Send advertising queries to: sheryl@memphisparent.com

visit us at memphisparent.com memphisparent

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memphisparent

FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE

YOU’RE DOING GREAT

FRE

For Ch E EXAM ild (a $62ren Under Two!

by BETHANY PAULUS

I became a mom in July 2018, and since then, I have thought a lot about my interaction with moms in the past. Was I a jerk? Did I judge them thinking I could do a better job? Being a mom is hard, y’all. Being a parent means you worry about someone else every second of every day. If there was something I could say to a new mom now, I would say it’s OK to not feel good at it. If you really think about it, you are expected to just know everything about this little person right after meeting them. You are supposed to know what they like and what they don’t like; how to make them happy and not make them mad; how to comfort them when they are upset but also how to teach them to comfort themselves. All of this is funny because the moment you become a parent you suddenly realize you are no longer in control of anything anyway, so it can make you feel really lost. If you keep at it though, you will start to realize this stranger is someone you actually know after all. The feeling is familiar, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Don’t give up because soon you will feel more confident. Soon, you will know exactly what to do for certain cries, when to move faster, and when you can take it slow. I’m starting to realize that no one has the perfect answer for our kids, but the closest one is us. We are the perfect parents for our children, and we are all doing the best we can. So if you are feeling as though you’re not good at this whole parenting thing, hold your head up and keep going. Cut yourself some slack and take a deep breath. We are basically all winging it anyway. Bethany Paulus is a new mom, wife, and RN living in Memphis. We want to hear from you! Would you like to share from-theheart commentary on your parenting experience? Let us know what’s on your mind. Please send submissions for consideration with the subject line “Parent to Parent” to shara@memphisparent.com.

Value )

Pediatric Dentists

Steven J. Fuson, D.D.S., M.S., John A. Acosta, D.D.S., Dr. Nathaniel Denson, D.D.S., M.D.S. Toddrick Smith, D.D.S.,

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Family Dentists

Clayton Floriani, D.D.S., Adam Fitzhugh, D.D.S.

Orthodontists

Dr. Taylor Collazo, D.D.S., M.S.D., Gregg Bouldien, D.D.S., M.S.

Germantown

901.805.2127 Memphis

www.pdg4kids.com

901.363.8192

Olive Branch

662.371.4123 Southaven

662.269.6852

April 20, 2019

Cancer Survivors Park 701 Perkins Ext. 7:30 a.m. registration Race starts at 9 a.m.

Join us for the 23rd Annual Bunny Run 5K! Family fun for all, including an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny and more! Benefitting SRVS Kids & Families programs. Register online at BunnyRun.RacesOnline.com or visit srvs.org

Contact Cynthia Strong at 901-869-9275 cynthia.strong@srvs.org

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!

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PARENT TO PARENT

M CC SWIM SCHOOL Splash

#901FUN

Enjoy Easter, Earth Day, and more this month.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis hosts an Easter Bunny Breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. on April 13th. The Easter Eggstravaganza follows from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can take pictures with the Easter Bunny and enjoy egg crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and goodies. Breakfast is $12 (museum admission not included), and Eggstravaganza is included with museum admission. Visit cmom.com for details.

Group swim lessons available at the J! Ages 3–10

EASTER EGG HUNT

Germantown hosts an egg hunt from 10 a.m. to noon at Cameron Brown Park on April 13th. Children ages 8 and under will meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a petting zoo, moon bounces, and egg hunts with prizes. The event is free with concessions available for purchase. Call 757-7379 for details.

Structured Lesson Plans Small Class sizes Enthusiastic Instructors Progress Reports Open to all For more information, go to

jccmemphis.org/youthswim

SATURDAY EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

MONDAY EARTH DAY

COLLAGE DANCE

Celebrate Earth Day in and around My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden from 10 a.m. until noon on April 22nd. Festivities include mud pie making, scavenger hunt, eco instrument playing, and a tour of the new Castle Redeux Playhouse. Child admission is free all day. 636-4100.

A M PA RR ICL H 2 2 0 01 91 9

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 27th, the Agricenter hosts this expo, which features community and health resources, family activities, shopping, and more. $5/adult. Free for kids 12 and under. Visit midsouthbabyandkidsexpo.com for details.

SUMMER INTENSIVES 2019 FIRST POSITION | AGES 5 - 8 | JULY 1 - 12 RAISE THE BAR | AGES 9 - 18 | JULY 8 - 20

B A L L E T CO N S E RVATO RY 2 01 9 CLASSES BEGIN MONDAY, AUGUST 19

R E G I S T E R AT C O L L A G E D A N C E . O R G 6

SATURDAY MID-SOUTH BABY & KIDS EXPO

DOWN TO EARTH FESTIVAL

Shelby Farms Park invites you to celebrate sustainability at the biggest Earth Day party in the Mid-South. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 27th, the event features live music, kid-friendly activities, crafts, and eco-friendly vendors. Free admission. Parking: $5. Rain date: April 28th. Call 222-7275 for details.

Memphis University School makes summer SUPER COOL! Check out our sports camps and classes in robotics, drumline, 3-D printing, app building, college-essay writing, math enrichment, and much more. For boys in Grades 3-12

musowls.org/summer

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Give us a boy, and weâ€™ll make him stronger, smarter, happier, and overall, better.

DEAR TEACHER

WHEN DYSLEXIA RUNS IN A FAMILY Q My husband struggled mightily with

dyslexia in school and still isn’t too fond of reading. Is it possible to discover if one of our young children is following in his footsteps? – Curious

Get ready to have a BLAST this summer! Woodland Presbyterian School offers a variety of Creative, Academic, and Athletic day camps for 2K through 8th grade.

Camps run from May 28 to July 26.

DDARD SCHO GO O E H CRAYON N

RA YO

CRAYO

The Goddard School’s Summer Camp offers a broad range of programs and mini camps crafted to pique the interest and curiosity of every child; there is something for everybody!

AY ON

L®

For more information or to register, visit www.woodlandschool.org.

Call today to enroll!

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NOW ENROLLING! COLLERVILLE • 901-861-0108 CORDOVA • 901-708-3338 GoddardSchool.com The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2019

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website. Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2018 Distributed by King Features Syndicate

I L L U S T R TAT I O N B Y B R YA N R O L L I N S

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There is some evidence that children of parents who are dyslexic are more likely to also be dyslexic. Since you know that dyslexia runs in your husband’s family, you do need to watch for early warning signs. Dyslexia can be identified as early as pre-K. And the earlier it is identified, the greater the likelihood of your child’s success in school. Please remember that having some of the signs of dyslexia does not mean your children will be dyslexic. However, if you think they might, get help as early as you can from people (doctors, psychologists, teachers, childcare providers) who know your child. You also need to become as familiar as you can with dyslexia. Visit the websites of the International Dyslexia Association, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, and the Learning Disabilities Association of America. You might also want to read Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz. She lays out what parents can do to help their children year by year, grade by grade, and step by step. Here are some things to look for: When did your child start talking? Most children will begin to say words by their first birthday. By the time they are 2, they should be using phrases. Four-year-olds should be able to repeat nursery rhymes. And by the time your child is ready for kindergarten, he or she should be able to tell if two words such as “fair” and “hair” rhyme. Once your children were speaking, how did they pronounce words? By 5 or 6, most children will not have any problems saying words correctly. On the other hand, children who are still leaving off beginning sounds, such as saying “potamus” for “hippopotamus,” are showing a possible early sign of dyslexia.

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8000 Hwy 64, Suite 101, Bartlett, TN 38133

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In-Office Surgical Procedures

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www.universityclinicalhealth.com | 901.866.8812

HARD TRUTHS ABOUT C-SECTIONS

Since many c-sections aren’t planned, here’s what soon-tobe mothers should expect.

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By TONYA THOMPSON

Melissa Shaw was excited about a home birth experience. It was her first pregnancy, and she had spent countless hours researching — from midwives, to potential complications, to the perfect setting to introduce her baby to the world.

But then the unplanned happened. recalls. “We arrived at the hospital Her son was breech, and her midwives around 6 a.m., and by 8 a.m., I was on called 911. “I was a bit panicked,” Shaw a Pitocin drip. Going in, I was only 1 says, “and kept telling my contractions centimeter dilated. By noon, I was still to go away. The OB/GYN on call at the only 2 centimeters dilated with irregular hospital chewed my midwives out for contractions.” letting my labor progress so far without After increasing the Pitocin drip and checking the baby’s position.” At the breaking her water, the medical staff hospital, within a matter of minutes, she became worried because by 5 p.m. she was put under general anesthesia for was only 3 centimeters dilated. “At that the cesarean section procedure that was time, my doctor ordered an epidural, deemed medically necessary. even though I wasn’t in pain,” says Nolan. Shaw’s experience is a common one “I later found out that he knew I was since many c-sections aren’t planned going to end up with a c-section and and are the result of unpredictable wanted to ensure the epidural was in complications during labor. And these place in case of complications. At my 8 complications are on the rise. According p.m. check, I had stalled at 4 to the CDC, the rate of c-section centimeters, and my doctor let me procedures in Tennessee has risen. In know that he thought a c-section was 2005, the rate was 31.1, compared to going to be necessary. I was very afraid 32.4 in 2016. and wanted to weigh all my options.” Dr. Ashekia Pinckney, who has been a The fear and uncertainty of the practicing obstetrician and gynecologist procedure is a common experience in Memphis for six years, notes that the among mothers who undergo c-sections. rate in Tennessee is comparable to the According to Dr. Pinckney, “For some national average of 31.6 in 2016. mothers, there are varying degrees of “In my experience,” Pinckney says, emotional impact with cesarean “from 2016 to [the present], the rate of sections at play. The emotional impact cesarean sections has remained the primarily centers around the reasoning same here in Memphis.” behind the surgery, as well as how the C-section experiences can vary, surgery is carried out. For instance, a but many are emotionally and physically mother who has a scheduled cesarean shocking to the mother. Elizabeth Nolan, section for a baby in the breech a local mother who has had two presentation versus a mother who has c-sections, says, “My first c-section an emergency cesarean section will was due to failure to progress. My have very different perceptions. In due date was Christmas day. I’d had emergency situations, a mother has to an uncomfortable pregnancy, and I consider the emergency and place her really didn’t want his birthday to be and her child’s well-being in the hands of on Christmas.” the medical professionals.” Nolan begged her doctor to induce Dr. Pinckney notes that although labor, and he relented. “My induction there might be a great deal of anxiety was scheduled for December 19th,” she initially, upon safe delivery of the child,

any worries generally abate. “In cases of emergencies, to continue the healing process after a cesarean delivery, I encourage all mothers to talk to their healthcare professionals about the reason for the emergency. During a scheduled cesarean section, a mother has the ability to process the concept of the surgery and the possible outcomes.” Both Nolan’s and Shaw’s experiences with an emergency c-section included weighing these options given to them by medical professionals. For Nolan, the doctor explained that she could continue with the Pitocin until morning but that once she hit the 24-hour mark from her water being broken, a c-section was medically necessary. Shaw says that after being put under general anesthesia for the c-section, she remembers nothing about the actual procedure. “When I came to, after it was done, I immediately asked when I could nurse my baby,” says Shaw. “They told me ‘soon.’ About half an hour later, I was wheeled to a room where I was allowed to be with my baby. My baby was with my husband the whole time, which was a comfort to me.” For women who will undergo a c-section or who are at risk for needing the procedure, Dr. Pinckney’s advice is simple: “I would encourage patients to realize how much of a gift and sacrifice motherhood is, and the delivery is no different. Cesarean sections may not be planned but may be necessary to ensure the best outcome for mother and baby. Unfortunately, there is no way to prepare for a cesarean section physically. I encourage mothers to follow all postoperative instructions to help them with their healing process.”

A Middle Tennessee native, Tonya Thompson (deltacreatives.com) now lives in Southaven, Mississippi, with her three kids. 10

A Kids’ Music Class that Really Rocks Come Jam with Music for Aardvarks, Memphis!

An interactive music program for children 6 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers

Now Registering for Summer Classes ‘‘Leading Provider of Inflatable FUN!‘‘

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A Kid’s Music Class that Really Rocks Come Jam with Music for Aardvarks, Memphis! An interactive music program for children 6 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers

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“My passion is preventative care and establishing healthy habits for a lifetime. Beginning with optimal pregnancy care, to newborn and pediatric care,

Pregnancy Care Newborn Care Pediatrics Adolescent Care Delivery

Family Planning & Contraceptive Management Preventative Medicine Chronic Disease Management for Women and Men Diabetes Hypertension

www.universityclinicalhealth.com | 901.866.8700

6401 Poplar Ave. Suite 190 Memphis, TN 38119

M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

and transitioning into adulthood.”

BABY WEIGHT There are healthy ways to gain — and lose.

by JAMIE LOBER

have a healthcare provider temporary modifications. If a woman that you like and trust before delivered her baby by cesarean section, pregnancy. This way, you are there would be some restrictions about more likely to be at a healthy the type of exercise she could do. Aside weight and able to address from eating healthy foods, drinking any prior health conditions so enough water is helpful for weight loss, your pregnancy can be and another tip, Currin says: healthier. “Gaining too much “Breastfeeding burns calories a little bit or too little weight during faster than if you are not breastfeeding.” pregnancy can be harmful, Try not to compare yourself to friends and it is not recommended to or neighbors. “General guidance is that try to lose weight during right after birth women lose around 10 pregnancy,” Currin says. pounds and maybe a little more within Consider the extra pounds that first week, and then the weight loss as part of the journey. “Our process starts naturally as the body recommendation is that begins to change,” says Currin. pregnant women only need Some women lose weight faster than about 300 extra calories a others, and that’s OK. “Do not feel badly day to support healthy about it and know that just staying fit over growth and development of time and having healthy habits in place is the baby,” she says. most important,” Currin says. “If you think The amount of weight you about delivering a baby and then moving should gain depends on your into that phase where a woman is trying starting point. “For a woman to exercise, eat healthy, and lose weight, it who is at a healthy weight, it is called interconception, and the period is recommended to gain no between pregnancies is an opportunity to more than 25 to 35 pounds,” be even healthier than she was with the says Currin. “For a woman previous pregnancy.” Lifestyle changes who is considered overweight, can always be made to improve the the recommendation may be woman’s health and the outcomes for for her to gain 15 to 25 pounds, and for subsequent pregnancies. someone considered obese, [it may be] to Pregnancies are as different as women gain 11 to 20 pounds.” Parameters change can be from one to the next. There are if you are expecting twins or multiples, factors like increasing in age and changes but all pregnant women should take in metabolism between one pregnancy prenatal vitamins and eat foods high in and another, as well as increased stress folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin B. levels, that could contribute to weight There is no reason to be sedentary being different. Try not to get during pregnancy. “If a woman does not discouraged or caught up with the have any restrictions or guidance from number on the scale, but rather focus on her provider not to exercise, she can making positive choices and feeling great. continue her exercise regimen while she is “Being the healthiest you before you pregnant,” says Currin. The key is to find are ever pregnant is the greatest an activity you enjoy and stick with it. recommendation for a healthier mom and After delivery, there may be a healthy baby,” Currin says.

A P R I L

“Weight gain is normal during pregnancy,” says Tamara Currin, director of maternal child health and government affairs for the March of Dimes in Tennessee, noting there are misconceptions surrounding just how much you are supposed to eat. “A lot of times, we hear people say that you are eating for two, but there are some parameters around that based on each woman’s individual health history and health status.” By having a relationship with an obstetrician, you can take a close look at your individual plan and what recommendations will be best for you. The best-case scenario is that you will

Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics. 12

I L LU S TR ATI O N © S A B EL S K AYA | D R E A M S TI M E .COM

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One of the top concerns of new moms is when they will be able to get their pre-pregnancy figure back and fit into their favorite pair of jeans.

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Offer to be used on or before 6/25/19. Must mention promo code LMJA19 at time of booking. Excludes online bookings. Birthday party must be held by June 25, 2019, in order to redeem offer. Offer not valid on holidays or with any other offer or discount. Reservations required, 10 child minimum. Certain restrictions may apply.

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Valid for arcade game play only. Card is not entitled to a cash refund for unused portion, unless required by law. One coupon per person, per day. Expires June 25, 2019. All promotional FUNcard values valid for arcade game play only and cannot be used as cash or payment towards an activity, food, beverage or group event. Offers subject to change, may end at any time without notice and cannot be combined with other offers. Must bring coupon in from original advertising. Copies or duplicates or digital renditions will not be honored.

*Gravity Ropes and Laser Tag have a height requirement of 48” to play.

BDY19_PRT_MemphisParent_9x12.indd 1

2/21/19 11:08 AM

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BIRTHDAY OFFER!

FREE Homeschool Day at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Thursday, April 11: When you work at an art museum Activities Drop-in art-making studio, guided tours, gallery guides and more.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Art studio opens at 10 a.m. Tours begin at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. No reservations needed to participate and the program is free of charge.

Itâ€™s a fact: museums make you smarter. Visit Inside Art at the Memphis Brooks inside art is generously funded by the plough foundation

brooksmuseum.org

1225 Madison Ave., in the Midtown Medical District

901-722-3250 eyecentermemphis.com

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1350 Concourse Avenue | Suite 264 at Crosstown Concourse

Your familyâ€™s eyes deserve the best care.

901-252-3670 focalpointcrosstown.com

Visit any of our Southern College of Optometry facilities for your eyecare needs.

V. Lane Rawlins Service Court Building, University of Memphis Campus

OFFICIAL EYE DOCTORS OF THE MEMPHIS TIGERS

uofmeyecare.com

901-252-3697

Since 2003, the Mid-South Baby & Kids Expo has provided this fun, educational event for families. The goal of the event is to educate all parents so they can make wise, healthy choices for their families. Participants have a unique opportunity to gather information from a variety of wonderful community resources — all under one roof. From shopping to activities for children, there’s something for everyone at the Mid-South Baby & Kids Expo!

April 27, 2019 AG R I C E N T E R I N T E R N AT I O N A L

7777 Walnut Grove Road • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Admission: $5 per person; free for ages 12 and under

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

GOLD SPONSORS All Better Pediatrics, Lasting Expressions Photography, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis Children’s Clinic, Pediatrics East

SILVER SPONSOR Spence & Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital

EXHIBITORS All Better Pediatrics A Step Ahead Foundation Baptist Women’s Hospital Bartlett Pediatric Dentistry Brian Callies Foundation Carry Me Memphis Chiropractic Memphis Dr. Allison Stiles Dr. Carl Flinn, Pediatric Ophthalmologist Families Matter Food Allergy Alliance of the Mid-South Groome Realtors Hannah’s Dream Kindermusik Lasting Expressions Photography

Launch Chiropractic Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Mary Kay Cosmetics / Sharon Carney-Wright Matrescence Doula Services Mead-Johnson Memphis Children’s Clinic Memphis Moms Blog Memphis Parent magazine Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Mid-South Safe Kids Coalition One By One Ministry Pediatrics East Prairie Farms

Regional One Healthcare Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition Shelby County Health Department Shelter Insurance - Bryan Gore Spence & Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital State Farm Insurance - Pam Burch Summer Kids Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry The Bump Usborne Books

Visit the Mid-South Baby & Kids Expo’s Facebook page for additional information, to sign up for weekly door prizes, and chances to win free tickets. Additional information can also be found at midsouthbabyandkidsexpo.com.

M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

PRESENTING SPONSORS

A P R I L

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EDUCATION ZONES

BREASTFEEDING ZONE – Sponsored by Memphis Area Lactation Consultant Associates, who will be available to answer questions and provide information on: getting started, pumping, returning to work, troubleshooting, and available community resources. SAFETY ZONE – In this area, sponsored by Safe Kids, information will be provided on home and car seat safety with demonstrations on different safety topics for kids of all ages. Demos and interactive opportunities will help parents and kids develop preventive skills. Representatives from the Brian Callies Foundation will also be on hand providing free child safety IDs, gun safety locks, and other great information. KIDS ZONE – In this zone, sponsored in part by Spence & Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital, parents and kids can enjoy fun activities such as face painting by Fairies & Frogs Face Painting, photo opportunities with a variety of kids characters, and a Teddy Bear Clinic, where kids are welcome to bring their injured plush animals for repair. Information on healthy habits will be provided. And kids can have some inflatable fun, too! FEATURE AREA – Staffed by Memphis Birth Collective, this area will offer information on natural childbirth and natural childbirth practices.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Pickles & Ice Cream – Prairie Farms will be handing out free ice cream and pickles for parents and kids. Relaxation Station – Moms will be able to drop by for a little pampering and relaxation. Daddy Diaper Derby – Dads can sign up to compete in a diaper derby relay to win great prizes. Diaper Changing & Nursing Area – Sponsored by Memphis Moms Blog, this will be found in the Breastfeeding Zone Food from Moe’s Southwestern Grill will be available for purchase in the food court area. Participate in hourly door prize drawings, as well as special drawings in each of the zones. Join for story time with Usborne Books.

STAGE ACTIVITIES

11 A.M. Kindermusik demonstration NOON Children’s Fashion Show – Summer Kids Consignment 12:45 P.M. Regional One Health – Midwives presentation and Q&A 1:30 P.M. Wear Your Favorite Accessory – Carry Me Memphis 2:45 P.M. Grand Door Prize Drawing – $1,000 value package

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DOWNLOAD THIS These apps can make a new parent’s life a bit easier. by TANNI HAAS

Being a new parent can be overwhelming. Don’t forget to take some time to focus on yourself. There are a lot of apps out there that can make life a little bit easier. Here are the top apps for new parents, and they’re all free, so download an app — or three!

Available at: Amazon Appstore, Apple Appstore, Google Play One of the keys to a happy relationship with your partner after the baby has arrived is clear communication about who’s supposed to do what and when. Step 1: Get Cozi Family Organizer. This app has a shared calendar where you and your partner can see each other’s calendars and a shared shopping list where you can see when things to buy are added or crossed off the list in real time. You can also use the app to send automatic reminders to each other, make to-do lists, and organize receipts in a common place.

Ink Cards Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play If there’s one thing you can always use more of as a new parent, it’s time. How about downloading an app that lets you transform what you’re doing anyway (like taking lots of pictures of your baby) into something you know you really should be doing (like sending greeting cards to family and friends)? Ink Cards lets you do that. The app makes it easy to turn the best pictures of your baby into highquality print greeting cards, whether you need to send out thank-you notes, holiday greetings, or cards for any other occasion.

SitOrSquat Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play When you’re out and about with your baby, it’s so frustrating when you can’t find a clean public restroom with a changing table. SitOrSquat is a locationbased app that helps you find just that wherever you are. The app has a usergenerated list of more than 100,000 public restrooms throughout the U.S., and it tells you how long it’ll take you to get to the nearest one. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to post pictures and rate the restrooms as either “Sit” (good) or “Squat” (bad).

Smiling Mind Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play As a new parent, one of the things you’ll crave the most is a quiet moment to just relax, and Smiling Mind helps with that. This app has hundreds of guided meditations that help you tune everything out and focus on your breathing while visualizing calming images. The cool thing about this app is that it also has meditations for children ages 7 and up, as well as mediations that parents can do together with kids. As your child grows up, you can do the meditations together.

Wahoo 7 Minute Workout Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play Let’s be honest: No matter how incredibly enjoyable it is, being a new parent is physically exhausting. Finding the time to exercise can be difficult, but we all have seven minutes a day to spare. Wahoo 7 Minute Workout is one of the most popular short-interval fitness apps available. The routine is divided into 12 high-intensity exercises that last for 30 seconds, with 10-second rest intervals. The exercises train your chest, abs, arms and legs through bodyweight training, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. You don’t need any equipment, so you can do the exercises wherever and whenever.

Winnie Available at: Apple Appstor, Google Play Sometimes what you crave more than anything else is just to connect with other new parents and get their advice on what to do in certain situations. When you get that urge, download Winnie. Known as the Yelp for parents, this app lets you interact with a large network of other parents to ask questions. The app also has a large directory of baby-friendly restaurants, parks, and shopping centers.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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SOUND BEGINNINGS 20 20

Donâ€™t delay on follow-up testing for newborn hearing screenings. By MEENA VISWANATHAN

In 2014, new parents Callen and Lauren Hays welcomed fraternal twin boys, August and Landon, into the world. Navigating parenthood came with different challenges when Landon failed his newborn hearing screening. Follow-up testing confirmed permanent hearing loss.

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“I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to communicate with his twin brother, August, who has normal hearing,” says Landon’s mother Lauren. “Then, I learned about Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD), and our lives have never been the same.” Lauren became the executive director of MOSD in 2018. After having served as an on-air meteorologist for Local 24 News, she switched careers to become an even closer part of Landon’s life. Landon was fitted with hearing aids at 3 months old, and he began Sound Beginnings, a program for infants (birth to age 2) newly diagnosed with hearing loss. He was enrolled in the MOSD preschool at age 2, and now he hears and talks — thanks to early intervention, amplification, and the intensive services provided at MOSD. No sign language is used. Early intervention has helped Landon develop ageappropriate spoken language skills, allowing him to have a future of limitless possibilities. Memphis Parent spoke to Lauren Hays to find out more about the importance of newborn hearing follow-up testing and how MOSD’s unique auditory-oral education program plays a vital role in empowering children to listen, learn, and talk.

MEMPHIS PARENT: Tennessee became the 37th state to adopt the newborn screening mandate in 2007. According to Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) 2017 statewide statistics, approximately 25 percent of babies who failed the newborn hearing screening never returned for follow-up testing. How important is early detection? LAUREN HAYS: Babies begin listening from day one. For babies who fail the newborn hearing screening, follow-up testing is needed immediately to confirm or rule out hearing loss. Advanced technology has made it possible for children whose diagnosis can benefit from hearing aids to be fitted as early as 1 month old, and children can receive cochlear implants beginning at 12 months of age. Studies have shown that eligible children who receive a cochlear implant before 18 months of age develop language skills at a rate comparable to children with normal hearing, and many succeed in mainstream classrooms. Early identification, early amplification, and early intervention are the keys to building a strong spoken language foundation.

MOSD partners with Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) and EHDI and has hosted regional meetings to disseminate information to help make the public aware of the importance of follow-up testing. MOSD’s Sound Beginnings is the only program in our community to help families of infants newly diagnosed with hearing loss. How critical is this early intervention, and what are

teacher. Parents will learn the impact hearing loss can have on the development of their child’s social, cognitive, and language skills, and the importance of amplification. Coaching will give them the tools and techniques to enhance their child’s learning. Children in Sound Beginnings receive the educational foundation to prepare them for success in the MOSD preschool.

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Studies have shown that eligible children who receive a cochlear implant before 18 months of age develop language skills at a rate comparable to children with normal hearing, and many succeed in mainstream classrooms.

Who are your collaborators and how are they getting this important message to new parents? To achieve better early intervention outcomes, MOSD collaborates with local and statewide agencies, including partnerships with universities, pediatricians, ENTs, and professionals in the fields of education, audiology, and speech pathology.

parents learning from the family training program? Parents and family members learn through demonstrations and hands-on participation how to create a language-rich environment in their own homes. These experiences help families discover how to turn everyday routines into listening and language learning opportunities. Weekly sessions are focused on training the parent to become the child’s first Visit mosdkids.org or call 758-2228 to learn more.

Listening experience in infancy is critical for the development of both speech and language in young children. What role do audiologists play and how is your auditory-oral education program unique in helping reach those hearing development milestones?

MOSD students receive comprehensive audiological evaluations, including speech perception testing to monitor their listening progress over time. Cochlear implant mapping and hearing aid fine-tuning services are also offered to each family. The audiologists at MOSD perform daily listening checks of hearing aids and perform hearing aid maintenance as needed. They are on site every day to troubleshoot cochlear implant and hearing aid issues. They also provide daily aural habilitation (listening therapy) to help each child maximize his/her listening skills. Goals specific to each child’s listening needs are established to take them from the basics of sound detection to high-level auditory processing tasks. MOSD audiologists collaborate with the school’s speech language pathologists and teachers to help each child reach his/her educational, speech, language, and auditory goals.

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APRIL CALENDAR

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Easter Egg Hunt

DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

Check-in is at 10 a.m. Easter egg hunts start at 10:30 a.m. Hunt for eggs, meet the Easter Bunny, and make spring crafts. Lemonade, cookies, and healthy snacks will be provided. South lawn egg hunt (ages 4-8). Picnic area egg hunt (ages 3 and under). MEMBERS: $8; NON-MEMBERS: $10. 761-5250.

1 ∙ MONDAY

Tea & Toddlers. Universal Parenting Place (UPP) @ Christ Community Health Services. Mondays from noon until 2:45 p.m. Free. Email RSVP to brittany. hart@christchs.org or call 701-2871 for details.

singers performing your favorite Broadway hits; Opera Takes Flight: High Expectations Aerial Arts; Cartoons & Cereal: A Bugs Bunny introduction to opera. Visit operamemphis.org/mof19 to learn more or call 257-3100 for tickets.

3 ∙ WEDNESDAY

Toddler Time. UPP @ Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Meets Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Parent-toddler play group. Free. 227-9558.

4 ∙ THURSDAY

6:01 Commemoration. National Civil Rights Museum. 4:30-6:01 p.m. Event features changing of the wreath on the balcony of Room 306, guest speakers, music selections, a ceremonial wreath laying, and a community litany of remembrance. Throughout the day, the museum will offer educational, hands-on children’s activities to inspire, engage, and commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free and open to the public. 521-9699. Whet Thursday: Kickoff Party. Metal Museum. 5-8 p.m. Start the season with live music, blacksmithing demos, a gallery talk, and food trucks. Free. 774-6380.

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5 ∙ FRIDAY

First Friday Fun. Westminster Academy. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ages 2-5 years. This Mommy and Me series features stories, songs, and crafts. Free and open to the public. 380-9192. Mom and Baby Yoga. UPP @ Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. On select Fridays (April 5 &12), 10-11 a.m. Geared for children ages 1 and under. Free. 227-9558.

6 ∙ SATURDAY

Midtown Opera Festival. At various locations. Premiere event, The Falling and the Rising, takes place at Playhouse on the Square on April 6, 12, & 13 at 7:30 p.m. Family-friendly festival fringe events include Opera Goes to Broadway: Opera Memphis 24

games, food trucks, face painting, and more. Visit mdamusclewalk.org for details. Chucalissa Family Days. C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa. On select Saturdays (April 6, 13, & 27), at 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Family programs and craft activities change weekly. April 6: Music/Coloring Books. April 13: Mystery Box/Beading. April 27: Sports & Hunting/Pottery. Activities include museum tour, throwing darts with an atlatl, scavenger hunt, the hands-on lab tour, an educational program, and creating a keepsake craft to take home. $6/adult. $4/child (ages 4-11). 785-3160. Family Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Meets first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon. Free. 761-5250.

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Halloran Centre @ The Orpheum. April 6 at 10 a.m. Part of the Saturday Series, this non-verbal tale features magic, music, and puppetry based on the Chris Haughton book of the same name. $15/person. 525-3000.

Monarch Cardinal 5K. St. Louis School. Registration opens at 8 a.m.. The 5K is at 9 a.m., and fun run is at 10 a.m. The Monarch Cardinal 5K is an inclusive event for children and adults of all abilities. Features a 1-mile fun run for children up to age 10 and a 1/4 mile Monarch track option during the 1-mile. Benefits programs at St. Louis School and Madonna Learning Center. Contact Carrie Roberts at 752-5767 for details. MDA Midsouth Muscle Walk. Westminster Academy. Race takes place from 10 a.m. until noon. This community-wide event features

Library Tunes & Tales. At area libraries including Central, Bartlett, Cordova, Whitehaven, Collierville, and Germantown. 11 a.m. Join the musical families of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra as they present a story set to music followed by a craft activity. Free. 537-2500. Alice Tea Party. Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG). 1-4 p.m. Features craft projects, photos with whimsical characters from Cause Play, Eat Me treats, and snacks by Frost Bake Shop. $20. Reservations required. 636-4100.

9 ∙ TUESDAY

Caterpillar Club. MBG. On select Tuesdays or Wednesdays (April 9/10 & 23/24), 10-11 a.m. Choose Tuesday or Wednesday session. Led by instructor “Mister Drew” Massengale, this preschool program gets your little one discovering nature, hands-on, in the great outdoors. Six-class semester fee: $75. Call 636-4122 to register.

10 ∙ WEDNESDAY

Music for Aardvarks. UPP @ Christ Community Health Services. Select Wednesdays (April 10 & 24), from noon until 1 p.m. Early childhood music class for children ages 6 months to 6 years. Free. RSVP

11 ∙ THURSDAY

Fashion Fling 4MLC. Hatley Glenn Gymnasium @ Madonna Learning Center. 6-8 p.m. Madonna Learning Center students, teachers, and local talent will strut their stuff on the runway at this year’s Fashion Fling 4MLC. Contact Carrie Roberts at 752-5767 for details.

12 ∙ FRIDAY

Easter Egg Hunt. Elmwood Cemetery. 9-10 a.m. Open to kids up to age 10. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, join for an egg hunt, and find the prize egg. Free and open to the public. Reservations required. Search for the Elmwood Easter egg hunt on eventbrite.com for details. Easter Eggstravaganza. Cameron Brown Park. Egg hunt from 10 a.m. until noon. Children ages 8 and under are invited to meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a petting zoo, moon bounces, and egg hunts with prizes. Free. Concessions available for purchase. Call 757-7379 for details. Bookstock 2019: Bicentennial Celebration of Memphis. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The 9th annual Bookstock event features more than 50 local authors, panel discussions on Memphis history, keynote speakers, live music, children’s activities, CLOUD901 adventures for teens, food trucks, and more. Free. 415-2709.

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Germantown Performing Arts Center. April 12, 7 p.m. Also Sunday, April 14, at 2:30 p.m. New Ballet Ensemble puts together a unique blend of dance styles — ballet, flamenco, African, and hip-hop — into this theatrical production. Tickets are $20 at the door. Advance discounts available. Reservations required. 751-7500.

V&E Artwalk. V&E Greenline. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The 8th annual event features more than 70 artists, a silent auction, children’s area, youth art competition, local musicians, food, and drinks. Benefits Midtown’s V&E Greenline. Rain date: April 14. Visit vegreenline.org for details. If Loving You is Wrong, I Don’t Want to be Write. Stax Museum. Story time takes place from noon until 2 p.m. Celebrate Family Literacy Month with a musical story time presented by Memphis Public Library followed by an opportunity to write your own song. Free with admission. Visit staxmuseum.com for details.

20 ∙ SATURDAY After Dark Easter Egg Hunt. Cameron Brown Park. 7:15 -9 p.m. Children ages 9-12 are invited to this after-dark egg hunt. Bring a flashlight. Free. Concessions available for purchase. Call 757-7379 for details. Ballet Memphis presents Giselle. The Orpheum. Through April 14. Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Recommended for ages 10 and up. This Ballet Memphis’ production features highly technical dancing against the backdrop of a lush set. $7-$75. Call 737-7322 for tickets.

13 ∙ SATURDAY

Youth Villages 37th Annual 5K/10-Miler. Marsh Center. 10-miler at 8 a.m. 5K at 8:30 a.m. Celebrate with awards for top finishers in each age group followed by a post-race party featuring musical entertainment, refreshments, and children’s activities. $30 for 5K. $50 for 10-miler. $20 for Spirit Runner (T-shirt only). Early online registration ends April 11. Visit youthvillages.org for details. Easter Eggstravaganza. Children’s Museum of Memphis. Easter Bunny Breakfast: 9-10 a.m. Easter Eggstravaganza: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Take pictures with the Easter Bunny and enjoy egg crafts, face painting, scavenger hunt, and goodies. Breakfast is $12 (museum admission not included). Eggstravaganza is included with museum admission. Visit cmom.com for details.

23rd Annual Bunny Run 5K. Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. 5K run starts at 9 a.m. Bunny Run features music, food, family activities, appearances from the Easter Bunny, and egg hunt. $10 for individuals with disabilities. $15 for children 14 and under. $20 for Spirit Runner. Pre-registration: $25. Day of race: $30. Benefits SRVS Kids & Families. Go to bunnyrun. racesonline.com/register for registration details. Chucalissa Spring Family Fun Day. C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy guided tours of the excavation trench and nature trail, wildlife programs, and a host of family-friendly activities indoors and outdoors. Each child will receive a passport to get stamped at the different activity stations. $6/adult. $4/child (ages 4-11). 785-3160. Family Egg Hunt. MBG. Family prize egg hunt begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. (one prize egg per family, please). Bring the little ones to the 2-and-under Bunny Hop area for a mellow, hunt-at-your-ownpace space from 1-4 p.m.; ages 3-4, 2:30 p.m.; ages 5-7, 2:45 p.m.; ages 8-10, 3 p.m. Activities include photos with the Easter Bunny, kids crafts, lawn games, outdoor activities, and concessions. Tickets are $12 at the gate based on availability. Advance discounts available. Free for kids under 2. Photos and concessions available at additional cost. 636-4100.

22 ∙ MONDAY

Earth Day. MBG. Celebrations take place from 10

a.m. until noon around My Big Backyard. Festivities include mud pie making, scavenger hunt, eco instrument playing on Backyard Bluff, and a tour of “Castle Redeux” Playhouse. Child admission is free all day. 636-4100.

23 ∙ TUESDAY

Chelsea Clinton Book Tour. Memphis Zoo. Gates open at 5 p.m. Event starts at 5:30 p.m. Chelsea Clinton appears at Teton Trek @ Memphis Zoo for an evening conversation to discuss her new children’s book, Don’t Let Them Disappear: Twelve Endangered Species Across the Globe, and a photo opportunity. $25. Includes one pre-signed copy of the new book and admits up to four family members. Go to memphiszoo.org/chelseaclinton for reservations. MUS Spring Concert. Memphis University School. Also on April 30, 7 p.m. Features Beg to Differ, Studio Band, and Jazz Band performances on April 23 and Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Ensemble performances on April 30. Free. 260-1300.

25 ∙ THURSDAY

Discovery Days: Memorable Memphians. Pink Palace Museum. Also on Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. until noon. As part of the Making Memphis exhibit, learn about the lives of famous Memphians including Ida B Wells, W.C. Handy, Danny Thomas, and more. Free. 636-2362

26 ∙ FRIDAY

Youth Ballet Memphis presents “Once Upon Another Time.” Ballet Memphis. Through April 28. Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Youth Ballet Memphis presents this familyfriendly show with help from Ballet Memphis and the Ballet Memphis School. $10/person. 737-7322.

27 ∙ SATURDAY

Mid-South Baby & Kids Expo. The Agricenter.10 a.m.-3 p.m. 15th annual expo features community and health resources, family activities, shopping, and more. $5/adult. Free for kids 12 and under. Visit midsouthbabyandkidsexpo.com for details. Down to Earth Festival. Shelby Farms Park. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Celebrate sustainability at the biggest Earth Day celebration in the Mid-South. Features live music, kid-friendly activities, crafts, and eco-friendly vendors. Free admission. Parking is $5. Rain date: April 28. Call 222-7275 for details. Spotlight Saturday: At the Cabin. Historic Town Square. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Discover life in Collierville from the mid-to-late 1800s through old time music, crafts, games, weaving, quilting, and more. Takes place at the Cabin on the Town Square. Free. 457-2650. The 27th Annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. Wagner Place. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Festivities include live Cajun, rock, and funk music from local award-winning bands, crawfish contests, gumbo cook-off, and VIP swamp tent. Enjoy games including crawfish bobbing, eating, and racing, in addition to arts & crafts vendors and a play zone for children ages 12 and under. No pets, coolers, tents, handouts, or parking inside the festival area. Benefits Porter-Leath. Visit porterleath. org/rajun-cajun-home for details.

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to brittany.hart@christchs.org or call 701-2871 for details.

New Way Aquaponic Farms

ONGOING EVENTS MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITS

New Way Aquaponic Farms is a teaching, learning, and production farm located in Midtown Memphis. We train school age kids and adults in the science and art of growing food via aquaponics utilizing STEM. Aquaponics is growing plants in

water, along with fish.

Join us in June and July for: a 2 hour orientation for parents and children 13+; or for a week long 1/2 day camp for rising 7th - 12th graders. Search website newwayaquaponicfarms.com for details. For more info, call 901-314-3396 or email daryl@newwayaquaponicfarms.com

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We help Mid-South nonprofits succeed.

The Pink Palace Museum. Making Memphis: 200 Years of Community. Through October 20. The bicentennial exhibit interprets events of the past 200 years that have shaped Memphis’ past and present and form the basis for our future. 636-2362. CTI 3D Giant Theater. The Mysteries of China 3D. Through May 24. 636-2362. AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium. Seasonal Stargazing. Ongoing. Perfect Little Planet. Until further notice. One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. Until further notice. 636-2362.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Mallory-Neely House Tour. MalloryNeely House, 652 Adams Avenue. Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $9/adult. $5/child (ages 3 and up). 523-1484. Magevney House Tour. Magevney House. Open Fridays (April 5 & 12) for Lent from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Also open first Saturday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. 523-1484. Greater Memphis National College Fair. The Agricenter. Thursday, April 11. Two sessions: 9-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. NACAC’s National College Fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a variety of post-secondary institutions from around the United States. Free and open to the public. Visit nacacfairs. org for details. Lest We Forget Commemoration: Lay In. Hattiloo Theatre. Monday, April 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. People will lay on the floor, shoulder-to-shoulder, to recreate the feeling of being on ship as part of Hattiloo’s eight-month commemoration remembering the African-American community’s achievements, rejoicings, and struggles. The series uses theatre, film, scholarship, and music to share the 400-year history (1619-2019). Free. Reservations recommended. Email Elizabeth Baines at events@ hattilootheatre.org to make reservations.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

African Family Drum Circle. UPP @ Christ Community Health Services. On select Tuesdays (April 2 & 16), 3-4 p.m. Offers children the tools for developing lifelong safety, health, and learning habits. Free. RSVP to brittany.hart@christchs.org or call 701-2871 for details. Prenatal Yoga Classes. Evergreen Yoga Center. Through April 16. Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Women at least 11 weeks along join for yoga classes specifically designed for pregnant women. Drop in for $18/class. 647-2716. Monica Whatley: Shaping Hearts and Minds. Westminster Academy. Tuesday, April 2, 7 p.m. Monica Whatley and Dr. Shawn Whatley, authors of Shaping Hearts and Minds speak on the topic “Innoculate, Immerse, or Incubate?” discussing the merits of classical education. Free. Visit whywestminster.org/shaping for details. Compose Yourself: Writing and Communication for Life. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. On select Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. April 3: Writing in Digital Spaces. April 10: One-on-One Writing Help. Free writing workshop series hosted in partnership with University of Memphis Center for Writing and Communication. Free. No registration required but class size limited to 40, so arrive early to secure a spot. 415-2700. Breastfeeding Class. Baptist Women’s Hospital. Thursday, April 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $30. Call 226-5764 to register. Childcare Seminar at WKNO Studios. East Shelby Branch Library. Saturday, April 6. The seminar is hosted in partnership with WKNO-TV 3, parents, and educators from 8 a.m. until noon. The focus is on the Art of Play and also spotlights the Memphis Public Library’s DiscoverREAD centers throughout the city. Free. 751-7360. Saturday Childbirth Class. Baptist Women’s Hospital. April 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $75. Call 226-5764 to register.

Saturday Morning Unwind Sessions. Church Health Meditation Chapel. Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Unwind and refocus with instructors Greg Graber and Rob Dove. Free. Go to churchhealth.org/events for details.

Junior Artisans: Cast Pewter Letter Tiles. Metal Museum. Saturday, April 13, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Children ages 7-10 create molds and cast pewter using letter patterns. $15/ person. 774-6380.

Whitehaven Book Fair. Whitehaven Branch Library. Saturday, April 6, noon until 3:30 p.m. Meet Whitehaven authors and learn about their literary creations. Also join for a panel discussion on “How I Got My Book Published?” presented by local authors. Free. 396-9700.

Kids in the Garden: Tulip Mania. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Saturday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. until noon. Children ages 7-10 learn the basics about horticulture and the flora around them. $15. Call 761-5250 to register.

Family Storytelling: Copper Family Crest. Metal Museum. Sunday, April 7, 2-4 p.m. Learn to use chasing and repousse techniques to create a copper tile that depicts family imagery. $30/family. Reservations required. 774-6380. Mini Metalsmiths: Color Theory with Cast Chalk. Metal Museum. Wednesday, April 10, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Children ages 3-6 cast their own chalk while also learning color theory. $10. Reservations required. 774-6380. Living a Plant-Based Life. Frayser Branch Library. Wednesday, April 10, 4-5 p.m. Angela Hyde conducts cooking demos promoting a simple and affordable plant-based diet. Also learn about natural remedies and natural preventive measures that result from a plant-based life. Free. 357-4115. Baptist Memorial Health Care: Mobile Mammography Unit. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Friday, April 12, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Appointments available for participants 35 years and older with no symptoms or personal history of breast cancer. Insurance, self-pay, or grant funding available to qualified applicants. Free. 415-2700. Mid-Day Mindfulness in Motion Yoga. UPP @ Christ Community Health Services. On select Fridays (April 12 & 26), from noon until 1 p.m. Features simple, dynamic movement, gentle balance exercises, deep breathing, and guided relaxation. Free. RSVP to brittany.hart@christchs.org or call 701-2871 for details.

Young Coppersmiths: Forged Copper Wire Cuffs. Metal Museum. Saturday, April 13, 2:30-4 p.m. Children ages 11-13 create cuff-style bracelets by blending and shaping copper wire. $15/person. 774-6380. Nine Things to Consider for Spring. Cordova Branch Library. Wednesday, April 17, 1-2 p.m. Dr. Chris Cooper from Shelby County Extension Services addresses nine essentials you must recognize when readying your yard for planting season. Free. 7548443. Meet Momentum Fridays at Central Library. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. until noon. Meet Momentum Nonprofit Partners at the Central Library every fourth Friday to network, learn about services and programs, and meet other people in the nonprofit community. Free and open to the public. 415-2700. Make Your Own: Stamped Copper Tag. Metal Museum. Saturday, April 27. Two sessions offered: 10 a.m. until noon and 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Children ages 7 and up create a personalized tag using copper, steel stamps, and hammers. $10. Reservations required. 774-6380.

HOMESCHOOL CLASSES

Homeschool Day: Egg-Stravaganza. MBG. Wednesday, April 3, 2-3:30 p.m. Children ages 5 and up join for a hands-on learning experience. $5/person. Garden admission not included. Call 636-4100 to register and pre-pay.

FUND-RAISERS

The Art of Dinner: Elegant Easter. Church Health Nutrition Hub. Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. In this interactive cooking class, Chef Joshua House guides through a three-course menu. $65. Benefits the nutrition programming at the Church Health Nutrition Hub. Go to churchhealth.org for tickets.

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Plein-air-ology. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Meets on Saturdays (April 6, 13, & 20), 1:30-4 p.m. In this workshop series, children ages 10-13 use nature, light, and direct observation to make art in the great outdoors, en plein air, just like the French Impressionists. $45. Reservations required. 761-5250.

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TIME STEPPING

Buckman Arts Center @ St. Mary’s School. April 5-7. Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Hot Foot Honeys’ 6th annual show features guest artist Josh Scribner from Alchemy Tap Project performing with local guest artists Steven Prince Tate and Ashley Volner. The show explores various time signatures in music while providing commentary on women’s rights and social movements. $12-$20. Visit stmarysschool.org/the-buckman for details. 2019 Grizzlies Prep Mini-Golf Classic. Grizzlies Prep. Saturday, April 6. Family Play from noon until 2 p.m. The Grizzlies Prep Mini-Golf Classic is an 18-hole mini golf game spanning across four levels of their historic downtown campus. Proceeds from the event will benefit the 2019 College trips. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com to receive a tee time.

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2019 GPAC Gala: Cravings. GPAC. Saturday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the culinary arts at this event, which will feature master chef Jose Gutierrez and entertainment. $250/ person. Limited seating. Contact Parke Kennedy at 751-7505 for details.

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Ready. Set. Grow! Delta Blues Winery. Friday, April 12. Registration and race packet pick-up at 4 p.m. Race begins at 6 p.m. Race helps raise awareness about Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB). Early Online Registration: $25 (ends April 11). Race Day Registration: $35. Group discounts available. Benefits University of Memphis/ KTnB Foundation in providing funds for scholarships to students planning to study in the environmental conservation field and to community environmental education grants. Visit readysetgrow5k.com for details. Roar and Pour. Memphis Zoo. Friday, April 26, 7-10 p.m. An exclusive night of culinary and cocktail experiences with the cities’ most desirable chefs. Musical entertainment by Joyce Cobb and Friends along with Steve Selvidge and Band. $125/person. Visit memphiszoo.org/roar for details. Meritan’s Senior Citizen Prom. Lichterman Nature Center. Sunday, April 28, 4-7 p.m. The theme of the

Senior Citizen Prom is “A Red Carpet Affair,” and the event will include valet service and a red carpet leading up to the door, with opportunities to stop for a photo. Inside: a dance floor, hors d’oeuvres, photo booth, caricature artist, silent auction, drinks, and the crowning of prom king and queen. Tickets: $50 for one or $80 for two. Visit meritan.org for details.

THEATRE PERFORMANCES

U of M Opera presents The Magic Flute. Harris Concert Hall. Friday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday April 7, 3 p.m. As part of the Midtown Opera Festival, U of M Opera presents this Mozart piece. $20/adult. $15/child. 678-2541.

Time Stepping. Buckman Arts Center @ St. Mary’s School. April 5-7. Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Hot Foot Honeys’ 6th annual show features guest artist Josh Scribner from Alchemy Tap Project performing with local guest artists Steven Prince Tate and Ashley Volner. The show explores various time signatures in music while providing commentary on women’s rights and social movements. $12-$20. Visit stmarysschool.org/thebuckman for details. U of M Percussion Ensemble Festival. CFA Building #137 @ University of Memphis. Saturday, April 6. This allday event features world-renowned percussion virtuoso Casey Cangelosi in recital, clinics by Dr. Kae Reed with Arkansas Tech University and Dr. Shaltis with U of M, performances by U of M percussion group, area high school and middle school percussion ensembles, door prizes, and more. $10/person. Free for children 5 and under. 678-2541.

★ Harry Potter Escape Room. Friday, April 12, 2-5 p.m. Solve puzzles in this Harry Potter- themed escape room as you scour Dumbledore’s office to find the cure for dragon pox hidden somewhere inside.

WALK THE LINE (PG-13)

The Orpheum. Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. Celebrate the Memphis bicentennial with the movie Walk the Line, which features the historic Orpheum theatre and other local landmarks. $8/adult. $6/child ages 12 and under. 525-3000. The Falling and the Rising. Playhouse on the Square. April 6, 12, & 13, at 7:30 p.m. This new American opera premiered as part of Opera Memphis’ 7th annual Midtown Opera Festival chronicles the imagined journey of a soldier suspended inside a coma after a roadside attack on her convoy. $33$60. Free for military families. Call 2573100 for tickets.

Novel 387 Perkins Ext., 922-5526 Story Time with Miss Marjorie Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Ages 3 and under. E. E. Charlton-Trujillo with Fat Angie: Rebel Girl Revolution. Monday, April 8, 6 p.m. Ages 14 and up. Meet with the author at Novel for a discussion and book signing. Free.

Joan Osborne. Buckman Arts Center @ St. Mary’s School. Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m. Joan Osborne performs an evening of Bob Dylan songs on the Buckman stage for this season finale performance. $35/adult. $30/child. 537-1483.

Kwame Alexander with Randy Preston @ Benjamin L. Hooks Public Library. Monday, April 22, 6 p.m. Novel hosts this event at the Central Library featuring author discussion, music performance, and book signing. Free.

Walk the Line (PG-13). The Orpheum. Friday, April 26, 7 p.m. Celebrate the Memphis bicentennial with the movie Walk the Line, which features the historic Orpheum theatre and other local landmarks. $8/adult. $6/child ages 12 and under. 525-3000.

Story Time at Morton Museum of Collierville History 196 N. Main St., 457-2650 Fridays (excluding April 19), 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 5 and under. Enjoy a new story theme each week with songs, related craft, and snack. Free.

STORY TIME AT AREA BOOKSTORES AND MUSEUMS

CENTRAL 3030 Poplar Ave., 415-2700 CLOUD901 Classes & Events: CLOUD901 is the library’s state-ofthe-art Teen Learning Lab that includes a music studio, a video production lab, an art studio, Makerspace, gaming zone, and a performance stage. Open to teens ages 13-18 with a Memphis library card. Go to memphislibrary.org/ cloud901 for a class list.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers The Avenue Carriage Crossing Mall, 853-3264 Saturdays at 11 a.m. Ages 1-6. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 2774 N. Germantown Pkwy., 386-2468 Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Ages 2-8. April 2: We are the Gardeners. April 6 & 9: Family Forever. April 13 & 16: Pete the Cat’s Big Easter Adventure. April 20 & 23: Fresh Princess. April 27 & 30: What Do You Do With a Chance? Character Event: Pete the Cat’s Springtime Eggstravaganza. Saturday, April 20, 4-5 p.m. Join for a springtime craft, scavenger hunt (with a cookie prize), pictures with Pete the Cat, and more. Free.

★ 5 Fridays of Free Jazz. On select Fridays, 6:30-8 p.m. April 5: Rhodes Jazz Night featuring Joyce Cobb. April 26: Paul McKinney & The Knights of Jazz with special guest Stax Music Academy. This concert series is presented in partnership with the Levitt Shell and the Memphis Library Foundation. ★ Front Porch Music Series – Benjamin Aviotti. Tuesday, April 9,

★ The Beethoven Club Performance. Tuesday, April 30, 7-8 p.m. Features a performance by some of Memphis’ brightest young college classical musicians. BARTLETT 6382 Stage Rd., 386-8968 ★ Recycled Musical Instruments. Saturday, April 20, 2-4 p.m. Children ages 6-12 learn about the use of recycled musical instruments in a journey from Africa to Latin America, then make their own and join the drum circle. This program is presented in partnership with The HeartBeatLatidos Community Project. CORDOVA 8457 Trinity Rd., 754-8443 ★ Order up with Chef Logan. Tuesday, April 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m. TV’s MasterChef Junior winner Logan Guleff talks about his experiences in the kitchen and life and shares some special treats. ★ Dixon Art Classes for Teens: Wire Sculptures. Tuesday, April 16, 4:305:30 p.m. Teens create their own mini sculpture using flexible aluminum wire, masking tape, and plaster of Paris. ★ Chess Day at the Cordova Library. Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the Memphis Chess Club for a tournament and also learn how to play chess. CORNELIA CRENSHAW 531 Vance Ave., 525-1643 ★ Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday, April 20, 1-3 p.m. Children ages 6-12 are welcome to join the egg hunt. EAST SHELBY 7200 East Shelby Dr., 751-7360 ★ ACT UP Theatre. Meets on Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Children ages 6-12 learn how to perform different roles in a theatre. FRAYSER 3712 Argonne St., 357-4115 ★ Teen Gardening. Thursday, April 4,

4-5 p.m. Teens learn how to grow and maintain a vegetable/herb garden while working together as a team. ★ Explore STEAM: Tech it, Think it, and Grow! Friday, April 12, 4-5 p.m. Children ages 6-12 explore STEAM activities using high-tech to no-tech tools. ★ What I Dream To Be? Monday, April 15, 4-5 p.m. Teens interact with different presenters to learn about career choices. GASTON 1040 S. Third St., 942-0836 ★ Easter Arts & Crafts. Saturday, April 20, from noon until 1 p.m. Children under 5 cut out and decorate Easter eggs. LEVI 3676 Highway 61 S., 789-3140 ★ Follow Your Heart with Art. Mondays, 3:30-4 p.m. Children ages 6-12 use critical thinking to create artwork from a given subject. NORTH 1192 Vollintine, 276-6631 ★ Bunny Hop Scavenger Hunt. Thursday, April 18, 4-5 p.m. Children under 5 go on an adventure picking up clues to help the Easter Bunny find his way back home. POPLAR-WHITE STATION 5094 Poplar Ave., 682-1616 ★ Teen Zine Workshop. Monday, April 1, 3:30-5 p.m. Teens work on a DIY magazine that showcases their love for fandom. ★ Brush Up on an Artist. Monday, April 8, 3:30-5 p.m. Teens learn about a famous artist and recreate their artwork. RALEIGH 3157 Powers, 386-5333 ★ Earth Day Plant Workshop. Monday, April 8, 3-5 p.m. Children ages 6-12 learn how to grow and care for a flower, herb, or vegetable of their choice. They will have an opportunity to plant what they have grown in the library garden on Earth Day on April 22. ★ Spring Cookie Decorating. Wednesday, April 17, 3-5 p.m. Children ages 6-12 decorate spring- and Easter-themed cookies.

M E M PH I SPA R ENT.COM

7-8 p.m. This cultural series aims to bring people together in an intimate public space to experience the rich variety of cultures and music in Memphis.

LINDSAY PORTER By JULIA BAKER

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Lindsay Porter, founder and curriculum manager for Caterpillars to Butterflies Optional Preschool, has found a niche in teaching. Porter was a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher at Sea Isle Elementary School for nearly 11 years, but she wanted to start a school of her own. “I had been researching how to start my own daycare, and I found out that you can start one in a home,” she says. “So, when I saw a house go on sale across the street from the school, I bought it and established Caterpillars to Butterflies.” Porter’s inspiration to work with kids initially came from her grandmother, who taught preschool-aged children and who applied the knowledge and skill set she acquired from teaching to help raise Porter and her cousin. “She was very loving and nurturing, and she pushed us and instilled in us that we could be the best and try our best,” says Porter. “And those are the things that have been ingrained into me that I have instilled into all the children I’ve taught since I began teaching in 2007.” Porter combines this knowledge passed down from her grandmother with curriculum strategies she has learned while pursuing her doctorate degree at University of Memphis, where she is currently majoring in instruction, curriculum, and leadership. Porter’s specialized curriculum revolves around motivating her students to become well-rounded individuals and incorporates weekly Spanish classes, introduction to science and mathematics, and table manner and etiquette lessons.

“I start with the end goal in mind,” she says. “My goal is for them to not only be prepared for kindergarten but to be over-prepared. I start with the basics, like colors, numbers, and letters; but I also like to expose them to different things.” Porter encourages her students to figure out what they would like to be when they grow up and then brings their aspirations to life within the classroom. “I want them to be great because they are our future doctors, lawyers, astronauts, and presidents. So it’s important for me to do my part,” she says. One lesson Porter really enjoyed was when she turned the hallway of her school into outer space by putting black construction paper and planet models on the walls and bringing an astronaut suit for her students to put on. “They really enjoyed it, and one of my kids even begged his parents to take him to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville that summer,” she says. “That was a moment I realized that I really love teaching.” Porter also incorporates service learning into her lessons. “I believe in teaching them about giving and not just receiving,” she says. Past service learning projects have included putting together care packages for military personnel and their families and for the homeless. “But our biggest service learning project happens every April when we participate in the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon,” she adds. “In the last three years, we’ve raised almost $30,000.” Porter has learned a lot through teaching. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every day is a new day,” she says. “Each day is a day when you can start fresh and keep going. Even if you make mistakes, you get back up, and you try again.” Porter says she eventually plans to move her preschool into a bigger building, where she can teach children from birth to 5 years old. “But for right now, I enjoy being able to teach my kids one-on-one,” she says. “I can meet them where they are and take them where they need to be.”

We want to shine a light on your child’s teacher, or even a teacher who made a difference in your life. Submit your nomination today by emailing teacher@memphisparent.com. 30

WHEN MOM’S AWAY The kids will play — and so will dad. By JEFF HULETT

Recently, my wife attended a Montessori conference in New Orleans, leaving me in charge of our girls Ella (7) and Beatrice (4) for a long weekend. While this wasn’t my first rodeo alone with the kids, I was a little concerned about finding things to do with all of the cold and rainy weather. The good news was that we already had some plans going into the weekend.

Due to an in-service day at my kid’s school, the weekend started a little early. Thankfully, my girls are old enough to get up and make their own breakfast and crank up the litany of shows they enjoy. This allowed me a little extra time to sleep in — a rarity, and something you honestly have to take advantage of when given the chance. After my morning coffee and their cartoon session, we needed a plan. What to do, what to do? Then it hit me. “How about bowling, girls?” They screamed in the affirmative and off we went to Billy Hardwick’s All Star Lanes to meet Uncle

Chris. Bowling was the perfect option because it was an overcast Friday fraught with gusty rain and patchy fog. Bowling alleys these days are legit for family fun since you don’t have to be skilled and they provide little ramps for kids to roll their balls down. (I considered using it, to be honest.) We had a fun, competitive game, and we even threw a couple of strikes. The shoes were quite the topic of conversation. But the funniest part was Bea rolling a bowling ball sans ramp. I swear it took 10 minutes for her ball to crawl down the lane and bump into the pins.

The rest of the day was filled with games around the house and a pajama party with popcorn and a movie. While mom was away, the girls wanted to sleep in the big bed with me. I welcomed the company even though it meant a much earlier bedtime for me. Saturday morning came quickly, and we were off and running to Crosstown Concourse for ballet. Whether eating, shopping, or just hanging out, Concourse is always a guaranteed adventure. We always see people we know, and I always get talked into buying the girls a treat at either Lucy J’s or Mempops.

The girls wanted to hit the zoo, too. At the Memphis Zoo, we got to see a crocodile feeding at Zambezi River, goats and donkeys at the Once Upon a Farm exhibit, and a sneak peek of all the new Lego animals. The weather was still overcast and cold, so many of the animals were inside. The Tropical Bird House was the place to be that day. That afternoon, we hit the playground at their school with our dog Chalupa to work off some energy. Then we headed over to The Kitchen Restaurant on Jackson so I could pick up some delicious hot wings to enjoy

during the upcoming Tigers game. The girls had pizza, and we ended the evening with some classic Berenstain Bears books. Sunday, I took the kiddos to the Kroc Center for an afternoon of swimming. That night, we had taco night (always a hit!) replete with all the ingredients you could shake a stick at. The girls were helpful and sweet, but they missed their mother. Thank goodness for Facetime. After some silly phone time with mom, I got the girls to sleep in their own beds at a reasonable time. (Mostly so I could watch The Walking Dead.)

Monday, Annie would be returning from New Orleans. “One more day,” I thought. “I can do this!” Bea and Ella had a playdate set, so I was able to do some work. Afterward, we drove out to Bartlett for Ella’s gymnastics class. Upon returning, Annie was home. The girls immediately ran to their mama, and I was back to playing second fiddle. It was a great weekend overall, and one we filled with making fun memories. Thankfully, Memphis makes it easy to have family fun — even when mom’s away.

Jeff 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 dog Chalupa. He’s a fan of dad jokes.

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DAD LIBS

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M E M P H I S PA R E NT M AY 2016