Memphis Parent September 2015

09 15 FREE

Let’s Play!

Why Kids Need Recess * Are Selfies Shaping Your Child’s Self-Image? * Behind the Scenes at the New Halloran Center

SE U O N H , Oct. 3 E P O rday Office at Satur Admissionissit us onlinsee

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v u ou Call 2-4695 or rg/openho 4 .o w.

901-8 memphis r spot no s u at pd eserve yo r to

...because boys need an education customized for them.

4025 Poplar Avenue | Memphis, TN 38111 | 901-842-4600 | pdsmemphis.org photo courtesy of The Scout Guide

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September MEMPHIS PARENT

CONTENTS

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FE ATU RES

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Is Recess a Reality at Your School?

by Ginger Spickler

18 20 24

Desperately Seeking Sleep

by Malia Jacobson

Art Education Takes Center Stage

by Robin Gallaher Branch

VOIC ES

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Savvy Shopper

12

Online Life

14 22 26

Editor’s Note

Making Discoveries

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D E PA RTM EN TS

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Around Town

Gifted programs, motivating young learners

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Understanding Your Child’s Anxiety

by Jennifer Williams-Fields

Dear Teacher

Food allergy awareness event, Literacy Festival, Madonna’s new school

Health Matters

The lowdown on lice

M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. me m phi spa ren t .co m

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1106 Colonial Road, Memphis, TN 38117

East Memphis Upper School Campus 1100 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117

Our Favorite Moments Kid funnies and pictures of your cute kids

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Can-do Kids

Actor Benjamin Cheng

Parent to Parent

Selfies: How girls see themselves

Family Table

Savory chicken

Early Years

Start healthy exercise habits now, Introduce baby to solid foods

Join us at one of our three locations:

East Memphis Lower School Campus

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Make a digital citizen contract

P R E V I E W D AY

8350 Macon Road, Cordova, TN 38018

Calendar and Events

Saving money when you’re on the run

COVER: © Serrnovik | Dreamstime.com

Cordova Campus

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October 15 @ 9:00 a.m.

2 yrs.–Grade 6

October 20 @ 9:00 a.m.

2 yrs.–Grade 6

October 18 @ 2:00 p.m.

Grades 7–12

RSVP at www.HardingLions.org/PreviewDay or call 901-767-4494 to schedule a tour.

Strong faith. Strong future. Harding strong.

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STAFF Editor Jane Schneider

BY JANE SCHNEIDER

Art Director Melissa Ellis

hat I love when I travel is making connections with people, having conversations that give me a glimpse into the lives of others. It makes exploring the world a much richer experience. This summer, I traveled to Arches National Park outside of Moab, Utah, where I hiked among the enormous sandstone monoliths that make this arid landscape appear so otherworldly.

It was early August and the summer heat was in full force. That’s probably why I mistakenly thought a teenager who was on a hike I was taking was carrying (of all things) a tomahawk.

My conversation with 19-year-old Alex went something like this: Me: So, what’s that you’re carrying, a tomahawk?

Alex: What, this? he says, pointing to the object. What do you mean a tomahawk?

Me: I mean, it looks like a kid’s tomahawk. You know, the kind you’d buy at a souvenir shop here in the Southwest.

Alex, perplexed: No ma’am, it’s just my cell phone on a selfie stick.

Once I got closer, I could see this was evident. But I promise you, from a distance, it really did look like a tomahawk. To his credit, Alex just laughed. I’d venture to say a more typical college student might have beat a hasty retreat and hiked FAR AWAY from this goofy woman. But Alex was a sweet kid with a ready smile who seemed to be looking to share his journey with someone.

As we started talking, I learned he’d only just arrived at the park after driving 10-and-a-half hours overnight from Los Angeles. He had planned this summer break trip with a friend as a breather between semesters at school, but, at the last minute, she couldn’t get off of work. What else could he do but take off on an adventure of his own? He had always wanted to come here, he told me, so he just jumped into his car and drove.

Alex started the hike much like my partner and I did, bringing little more than our enthusiasm. None of us had heeded the park signs at the base of the trail that stated in big, bold letters “Carry Water.” In fact, for this trail they recommended not one but two quarts of water per person. But we reasoned it was a short hike (three miles) and that we wouldn’t have a problem. So we headed out, with early August sun blazing down on us as the temperature steadily climbed to the day’s high of 100 degrees.

Don’t be fooled by the “It’s a dry heat” claim you hear. Hot is hot, I promise.

As this is one of the more popular hikes in the park, we weren’t alone. Joining a steady column of hikers, we worked our way up the scrubby trail, stopping to examine a wall of petroglyphs, primitive drawings of animals etched into stone by the ancient Puebloans that once roamed this land. Further up, the trail became a scant thread that continued over slabs of sandston; we had to watch for rock cairns to be certain we were on course. Occasionally, we’d stop to rest and simply gaze out on the beautiful vistas.

As we walked, Alex told me a bit about himself. It turned out he was one of several siblings and the first in his family to attend college. His father, an Argentine, was out of the picture. His mother, who had emigrated to the U.S. from her native Guatemala, had not been able to complete her high school education, and so worked long hours to provide for her family. Although it was a struggle, the family made it, and now, here was Alex, preparing to start his sophomore year of college.

Alex told me he had basically raised himself. His mother’s absence meant he was often responsible for his brothers and sisters. And yet, his generous spirit and kindness indicated to me that he was well-loved by his family.

We walked on, talking and exploring; I loved his curiosity and optimism, qualities I find refreshing in today’s cynical world. But as the sun bore down, I began to feel terribly thirsty and nauseous, the early signs of heat exhaustion.

While I rested, my partner hiked back down to the car to retrieve water. Then Alex jumped to my aid as well, flagging down a Japanese hiker who generously shared his jug with us. Replenished, Alex encouraged me and we hiked on, finally arriving at Delicate Arch.

There, we used his selfie stick to take a picture as a reminder of our brief journey together. Alex’s ability to connect, to empathize, and to reach out to others makes me think he’ll go far in life. He might have grown up alone, but his mother’s guidance was never far. She would have been proud. MP

Advertising Art Director Christopher Myers

Graphic Designers

Dominique Pere, Bryan Rollins

Advertising Manager Sheryl Butler Account Executives March Gates

Production Operations Director Margie Neal

Calendar Editor Meena Viswanathan Copy Editor Shara Clark 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. Publisher/CEO Kenneth Neill Director of New Business Development Jeffrey A. Goldberg

Editorial Director Bruce VanWyngarden Chief Operating Officer Molly Willmott

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Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Developmental Therapy Join our Feeding Groups!

Call to register: www.brightsong.net ph: (901) 309-3077

Discover Your Unique Design and Thrive in it!

• Educational & Occupational Assessments available • Find more satisfaction in life by choosing the right career • Avoid wasting time and money in a job or college major that is not for you

Donna W. Walker

Certified Career Direct Consultant

(901) 577-0929

email: ruwalking@yahoo.com https://careerdirect-ge.org

Dentistry for ChilDren Betsy Barcroft, DDs, Ms Pediatric Dentist

6425 N Quail Hollow RD Suite #101 MeMPHiS, tN 38120 901.682.8491 baby-Dentist@ComCast.net

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Making Discoveries

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EDITOR’S NOTE

AROUND TOWN

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Looking for an open-minded, progressive church for your children? Where they can grow their souls, their characters and their minds?

As a non-creedal church, we teach our children to keep an open mind about religion--our own and others.

Regardless of your spiritual background (or lack thereof ), you’ll find other families like yours in our congregation.

Learn more at

www.churchoftheriver.org

292 Virginia Ave. West (off Riverside Dr., next to Channel 3)

901.526.8631 uuriver@aol.com

Eat Healthy

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ant to eat healthy while supporting restaurants that use sustainable practices?

Then look for the REAL Certified label.

Created by the U.S. Healthful Food Council (USHFC), REAL stands for Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership. USHFC is a nonprofit, Nikkole Turner, Eat REAL nongovernment organization working to affect change in the foodservice industries Tennessee Project Manager by providing incentives to increase the profitability of offering healthful food choices. Restaurants earn points by serving fruits and vegetables, buying locally produced food, providing healthy options children, and more. Nutritionists from USHFC work with restaurants to help them reach certification. More than 200 restaurants in 28 states are currently REAL Certified. Go to ushfc.org to learn more. MP

Memphis REAL Certified Restaurants Café Eclectic City Market Fuel Café Hog & Hominy Lettuce Eat McEwen’s

Rev. Eric Posa Interim Minister

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Cindy Sakaan Director of Religious Education

Porcellino’s Taziki’s The Farmer Trolley Stop Market Tsunami Two Vegan Sisters

Family Walk Highlights Food Allergies

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magine having a child with food allergies, where something as small as a trace of peanut butter can cause a dangerous allergic reaction. That’s what Lakeland mom Jennifer Lofton deals with every day. “When my daughter was 10 months old, I accidently gave her peanut butter from a knife I had used for her sandwich, and I noticed she was slightly allergic.” At 16 months, her daughter had a more pronounced reaction, “her face got swollen and there was vomiting,” says Loften. “You have a lot of worry because you strive to be nut-free, but it’s not easy.”

Researchers estimate that one in 13 children in the U.S. — roughly two kids per classroom — have some kind of food allergy. The most common culprits are milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Keeping kids safe requires vigilance on the part of parents, educators, and the general public.

To raise awareness, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Memphis is hosting a family fun walk. FARE works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food

Memphis FARE Walk for Food Allergy Saturday, September 26

Mud Island River Park • 144 Island Drive, 38103 Participants can ride the monorail, walk the pedestrian bridge, or park on the north side of Mud Island.

Meet Callie

Check-in/activities: 10 a.m.-11 a.m. The walk follows immediately after the ceremony.

To register, visit foodallergywalk.org/Memphis2015 allergies, including those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies.

The organization’s work is organized around three core tenets: LIFE • Support the ability of individuals with food allergies to live safe, productive lives through education and advocacy; HEALTH • Enhance the healthcare access of individuals with food allergies to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment; and HOPE • Fund research that promises new therapies to improve the allergic condition.

Old McDonald singer

Class of 2029

Bookworm Big sister

To raise awareness, the Memphis FARE Walk for Food Allergy is hosting a family walk at Mud Island on Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m. The event features music, face painting, a bounce house, and more. The family fun walk will circle the park. Register today. MP

Mid-South Book Festival Presents Literacy Summit

OPEN HOUSES

October 25 - Early Childhood and Lower School Prospective Parents (2 years old - 4th grade) November 15 - Middle and Upper School Prospective Parents (5th - 12th grade) www.stmarysschool.org | 901-537-1405 | All girls from age 2 through 12th grade. lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

A resource for bridging the reading gap

By Meena Viswanathan

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015, 2 P.M.

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THE SCHOOL FOR BOYS.

GR ADES 7-12 | 6191 PARK AVENUE, MEMPH IS, TN 38119 (901) 260-1300 | MUSO W LS.O RG

Schedule your tour today.

M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 ww w. m e mph isp aren t .co m

THE SCHOOL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

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ooking to connect with literacy advocates and explore handson strategies to use with your students? Then head to Playhouse on the Square for the Literacy Summit that kicks off the Mid-South Book Festival on Wednesday, September 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This year’s event hosts two national speakers” notes Sam Mattson, collaborative action manager for Literacy Mid-South. “Jeff Edmondson, managing director of StriveTogether opens the discussion on how the idea ‘it takes a village’ can help bring about educational change,” says Mattson. “Then, David C. Banks, author of Soar: How Boys Learn, Succeed, and Develop Character and president/CEO of Eagle Academy Foundation, shares his experience about establishing a school for boys with a different culture and how they servesnot only students but families and neighborhoods as well.”

In addition to the speakers, there will be a series of breakout sessions that cover the fundamentals of reading, phonological awareness, and expanding on-sight words to oral language/vocabulary development and comprehension.

Key presenters include Rosemary Williams, director of S.M.I.L.A (Simultaneous Multisensory Institute of Language Arts), Rene Friemoth Lee, an early literacy consultant, and Mark Conley, professor of instruction and curriculum leadership with the University of Memphis.

Other highlights of the Mid-South Book Festival include a literary street fair on Cooper Street Saturday, September 12th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival wraps up with two inaugural writers conferences, one for adults and one for teens on Sunday, September 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the experts. Registration for Literacy Summit: $10. For details, go to midsouthbookfest.org MP

ST. AGNES ACADEMY - ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL 2K-12

2K-8

Open Houses

Through award-winning innovation in technology, a commitment to academic excellence, and a dedication to Prayer, Study, Community and Service - we prepare students to be leaders who will make the world a better place. As a Catholic independent school with a tradition that spans over 160 years, this has always been our focus, and will always be our promise.

OCT 28

9th Grade Preview Day

NOV 04

GRADES 5-8 Preview Evening

NOV 10

GRADES 2K-4 Preview Evening

RSVP

901.435.5819

LEAR N E R S TO LE A D E R S 4830 Walnut Grove Rd.

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Memphis

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TN

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38117 l www.saa-sds.org

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A Catholic tradition since 1851.

GIVE YOUR KIDS

SOMETHING TO DO BESIDES

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M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. m e mp h isp are nt . com

“LIKE” AND “FOLLOW.”

Swimming, hiking, kayaking, playing, just being kids … there’s plenty to do in Arkansas’s state parks. Make plans to connect them with nature and a world of outdoor adventures today.

ArkansasStateParks.com My park, your park, our parks Pinnacle Mountain State Park

#ARStateParks

DEAR TEACHER

Meet a

MARGARET E BERTS & PEGGY GISLER

Motivating Your Young Child Q &A

I thought all young children were eager to learn. However, my first-grader is just not interested in school. What are some ways to motivate my young son?

Q &A

Finding a Fit for Gifted Learners I would like some information about good programs for young gifted students. I am looking for programs for my second-grade son who really needs to have more intellectual stimulation. Where can I find some solid sites online?

© EVGENY USTYUZHANIN | DREAMSTIME.COM

Your best immediate resources are local, not online. Find out from your child’s teacher what he or she can do to offer more challenging assignments in the classroom. If your child attends Shelby County Schools, ask when testing takes place for CLUE, the system’s program designed to meet the needs of academically talented and gifted students. The CLUE teacher should be able to answer your questions. If not, address them to Dr. Tommie Yelvington, Advisor, CLUE Program, yelvingtontb@scsk12.org or call 416-0155.

Beyond this, investigate what programs are offered at local museums and colleges.

Joining a local gifted organization is smart, too. You’ll connect with other parents who have kids your son’s age and may know of quality programs in your area.

You can also find the names of many helpful websites online at the American Psychological Association: apa.org. Also search for related gifted education websites. Ask your teacher for websites, too. MP Questions for Dear Teacher? Read more at dearteacher.com.

beta fish lover

Class of 2026 pianist

future singer

OPEN HOUSES

October 25 - Early Childhood and Lower School Prospective Parents (2 years old - 4th grade) November 15 - Middle and Upper School Prospective Parents (5th - 12th grade) www.stmarysschool.org | 901-537-1405 | All girls from age 2 through 12th grade. lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR OPEN HOUSE

for prospective students, parents, and grandparents on October 11 from 1pm-2pm.

Come find out why you should apply for enrollment at SLS!

St. Louis Catholic School

Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade

5192 Shady Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 255-1900 • www.stlouismemphis.org Like us on Facebook

M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. m e mp h isp arent . co m

© STEPHEN DENNESS | DREAMSTIME.COM

You definitely need to be your son’s motivational coach. When it comes to learning to read and write at this level, school, as well as home activities, need to be fun or at least enjoyable. Otherwise, it is possible to dampen or even kill a young child’s desire to learn.

What is happening at your son’s school?

You might want to go and observe. Are the classroom activities drudgery instead of delight because of too many worksheets and uninspired teaching? Or is your son becoming disinterested because he can’t keep up with his classmates?

While you are not likely to change what the teacher is doing, you can take his school activities and turn them into fun at home. You can play games such as Memory and Go Fish with the words he is learning to read. You can also make addition or subtraction fun by using counters or devising simple number games.

The more success your child has in school, the more likely he will be motivated to do his best in school. Talk with the teacher now to discover if your son is slow to catch onto reading or learning the basic math facts. If so, do find out how you and the teacher can help him catch up to the rest of the class.

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BY

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Meet a e

SAVVY SHOPPER

Don’t let it cost you money

© DAVE BREDESON | DREAMSTIME.COM

Always on the Go?

problem solver

Class of 2016 humorist

honor council rep

By Beth Bartholomew

www.stmarysschool.org | 901-537-1405 | All girls from age 2 through 12th grade.

M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 w ww. m em p hi spare nt . com

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hen I started teaching elementary school full-time, it was a drastic departure from my former career as a stay-at-home mom/writer/ substitute teacher. My boys were getting older and more involved in outside activities so I found myself stretched very thin. I was constantly on the go, which meant less time for managing meals and errands.

To help my bottom line, I work hard to make sure my budget isn’t stretched too thin as well. It is an easy trap to fall into when you are pressed for time. Often, items purchased in a hurry end up costing you more. Try these strategies instead.

Plan ahead • Get a good calendar or your smart phone and pencil in all family activities. Next, consider how you will feed your family, particularly on jampacked days. Try not to rely on fast food or take-out every time you have a busy evening. The cost of eating out adds up quickly: At $25 to $30 for a family of four, twice a week comes to $200 or more by month’s end.

Cook ahead • Worried about not having enough time to cook? Consider using a slow cooker, like a Crock-Pot. Go online to find tasty, reasonably priced recipes.

One of my favorite sites is Crockadoodledoo.blogspot.com, created by a busy mom who’s also a trial attorney. She offers great recipes for beef, chicken, desserts, and side dishes. A little effort in the morning before heading to work will yield a scrumptious meal when you return home.

Try meal planning • Many moms swear by eMeals. For $5 to $10 a month, you receive meal plans with recipes, directions, and even corresponding grocery lists.

You can buy meal plans that are specific to certain stores and nutritional needs such as low carbohydrates or low fat.

Buying pre-made meals can be another time-saver. It’s a little more expensive than making meals from scratch, but cheaper than eating out. Options include family value meals from Whole Foods in Germantown; for $20, you receive a meal for four. Curbside Casseroles (curbsidecasseroles.com) and Katie’s Kitchen (katieskitchengtown.com) offer casseroles. At Katie’s, you can even pick up your order at the drive-through. Both run from $10 to $30 depending on serving size.

Stock up • Another way to save time and money is to stock up on foods you eat frequently and eliminate special trips to the store for drinks or snacks. The same goes for household products, such as cleaners and toiletries. Watch grocery store flyers and clip coupons to use on sale items. That strategy can double your savings.

Warehouse clubs are another good place to buy items in bulk.

Also, check out mymemphismommy.com, which has an extensive coupon database. It contains current, local news about store sales, club membership info for places like Sam’s Club and Costco, and Amazon Gift Card Lightening Deals, which are daily sales you can participate in on Amazon’s website. (They’re quick, so you have to pay attention.)

When buying bigger ticket items — appliances, computer equipment, a car — make sure to comparison shop to find the best deals. Yes, comparison shopping is time-consuming, but there are several websites that do the legwork for you. Some of my favorites include pricegrabber.com, bizrate.com, and yahooshopping.com. MP

OPEN HOUSES

October 25 - Early Childhood and Lower School Prospective Parents (2 years old - 4th grade) November 15 - Middle and Upper School Prospective Parents (5th - 12th grade)

YOUR ONLINE LIFE

Kids Need Online Guidance Here’s how to design a family digital citizenship contract

by Christa Melnyk, Hines

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e raise our kids to be polite and respectful in person so why wouldn’t we stress those same values online? A digital citizenship contract can help you spell out your expectations of appropriate online behavior and send a clear message about how seriously you take your child’s safety and online reputation.

Involve your kids in the process and discuss issues that can arise. Here’s a checklist of points to cover in your contract: TREAT OTHERS WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT. In other words, treat people the same way you wish to be treated. Unacceptable behavior includes: • Posting/texting cruel remarks • Gossiping • Bullying • Using profanity • Impersonating others THINK BEFORE YOU POST. “Teenagers are all about instant gratification,” notes Sarah Manriquez, a licensed clinical social worker. “They aren’t necessarily thinking: ‘Well, if I do this, how is this going to affect the other person? How’s this going to affect my life in the future?’” Remind your kids to consider, “Would I want mom or dad to see this? Would I be embarrassed if friends at school saw it?”

SHOW EMPATHY. Explain that when they forward or share photos/texts/video that are harmful to a peer, they inadvertently condone cyber-bullying. Also, steer clear of mean-spirited chat rooms where anonymous members dish up snarky, cruel comments for entertainment.

ASK PERMISSION. Before logging into someone’s personal device, ask first and then log back off of the device when finished. Before downloading an app, tell your child he needs to discuss it with you first.

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M E M P H I S PA R E N T

SEPTEMBER 2015

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PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS. Errors of judgment happen as kids are still learning about boundaries. Immediately address the situation together, determine whether they need to craft an apology or remove a comment or photo.

DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS. Some free texting and gaming apps permit members to connect with others even if they aren’t “friends.” Emphasize that exchanging text messages with someone they don’t know is the same as talking to a stranger. Often, kids don’t view texting and talking in the same light.

GUARD PERSONAL INFORMATION. Avoid posting personal information in response to unknown individuals in a chat room or a public forum.

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

• Email address (don’t use your email as a user name) • Home address • Social security number • School name • Birthday with year • Photos with geotags (switch off the camera’s location tag under privacy settings) ASSUME EVERYTHING POSTED IS PUBLIC. Texts, images, and posts can be saved and shared. Review the latest news, TV shows, and other media for examples that can lead to conversation and empathy-building opportunities. Kids are generally more open to discussing mistakes made by people outside of their immediate circle of friends.

IGNORE ATTACKS. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one in three students has experienced cyber-bullying. Tell your kids to let you or another trusted adult know if someone bullies them. Reacting or retaliating generally adds fuel to the fire.

If the bullying continues, your child can politely ask the person to stop, report the behavior to the content provider, and/or block the individual. Preserve the evidence and contact law enforcement if your child feels scared or threatened.

Check out Thatsnotcool.com, a site geared for kids that features scenarios and text responses to help kids manage cyber-bullying, dating violence, and awkward peer situations, like password requests and gossip.

ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES. Declare certain times of the day, the car, or areas of the house as no-phone/no-device zones. At day’s end, power down and store electronic devices in a central location of your home. Start this habit early.

Disconnecting periodically allows for more opportunities to connect as a family, engage in creative pursuits, get adequate sleep, and complete homework and chores. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 72 percent of kids between the ages of 6 and 17 have electronic devices in their rooms. Blame the blue light or incoming message alerts, but kids sleep less if electronic devices are left on, losing up to one hour of sleep a night.

STRESS THAT PRIVACY IS EARNED. Because you are ultimately responsible for your child’s behavior, whether online or off, have access to all passwords, check their phones, and visit the apps/social media networks they frequent regularly.

PLEDGE NOT TO TEXT AND DRIVE. Finally, if your child is of driving age, include a pledge on your contract that includes a promise that he will not text and drive. Consider watching the 30-minute documentary, From One Second to the Next by Werner Herzog, on YouTube together.

CLEARLY STATE CONSEQUENCES. Consequences include loss of devices, screen time (except for required school work), and driving privileges.

SIGN HERE. After your child signs the commitment, hang it up near your computer or on your refrigerator as family reminder. Review and adjust as needed. MP

For more ideas about creating a family digital citizenship contract, visit Safekids.com. Additional online resources, include CommonSenseMedia.org and ConnectSafely.com — Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two young technology junkies. Christa’s latest book Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World, is available on Amazon.

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Trick?

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Treat?

Schedule a Tour Today to See What Separates Us from the Rest!

INCARNATION Catholic School PreK-8th Grade Co-educational

DR. MICHAEL A. NELSON

www.goICS.org 901.853.7804 Collierville, Tennessee

FALL ADMISSION EVENTS Lower School (grades PK-5) October 27 @ 6 PM | Germantown campus November 10 @ 6 PM | Memphis campus

Middle and Upper School (grades 6-12) October 29 @ 6 PM | Collierville campus TOP 5 CARDIOLOGY PRACTICE

7751 Wolf River Blvd • Germantown, TN 901.297.4000 • proactivehv.com

ST. GEORGE’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

PK—Grade 12 sgis.org

agile teaching

to build disciplined minds, adventurous spirits, and brave hearts

SEPTEMBER 2015

TOP 5 CARDIOLOGY PRACTICE

M E M P H I S PA R E N T

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HEALTH MATTERS

The Lowdown on Lice L ice happens; here’s how to tak e charge

BY KRISTI COOK

L

ICE: That dreaded, four-letter word that sends parents and teachers scrambling.

These tiny insects are so common that Dr. Jason Yuan, a pediatrician at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital says they effect more elementary school students in North America than all other communicable diseases combined (with the exception of the common cold). Yet, despite this fact, damaging stereotypes of who gets lice persist.

“A lot of people think only dirty kids can get lice, or that it comes from bad hygiene or the house is dirty. That’s just not true,” says Yuan. Whether your family is clean or dirty, wealthy or poor, athletic or coach potato, anyone can be an unwilling host.

Here’s how to avoid infestations — and how to treat them once they occur.

DON’T SHARE PERSONAL ITEMS Lice transmission occurs only through direct contact with an infected individual or item, notes Yuan, because lice can’t jump, fly, or hop; they only crawl. This limitation means elementary students are more likely to contract lice than teens since young children share personal items and play close together, often touching heads. Teens, not so much.

However, while incidental or brief contact associated with volleyball, basketball, or riding the team bus is not as likely to allow lice to move from person to person, the closeness of some contact sports works to a louse’s advantage. Even the close quarters of locker rooms offer travel opportunities. Sharing towels, jerseys, T-shirts, hats, helmets, or lockers provides the perfect means for lice to change hosts.

Because lice will happily suck the blood from any scalp, Yuan says the best prevention is not sharing personal items, such as combs, scarves, barrettes, hair bows, or brushes that come in close contact with another’s hair.

WHEN AN OUTBREAK OCCURS A note from school advising of an outbreak or your child’s excessive scratching, especially behind his ears or around the hairline, are good reasons to do a check.

However, don’t assume your kid has escaped infection just because he’s not scratching, itchiness may not develop until three to four weeks after an infestation.

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M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. m e mp h isp are nt . com

To check for lice: • Split hair into small sections, looking for sesame seed-size, pale gray to light brown, fast-moving insects.

• Nits (or eggs) are easier to spot. Attached firmly to the base of hair follicles, yellow to white, oval-shaped nits resemble dandruff or dirt that can’t be shaken from hair.

• Wet-comb hair. Dampen hair with conditioner and run a comb or nit comb (available in over-the-counter lice medications) through small sections of hair to remove nits.

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TREAT IMMEDIATELY Yuan recommends parents first seek over-the-counter lice medications, such as Nix or RID, as these less expensive options are usually sufficient. However, if these don’t work, contact your pediatrician. Newer prescription remedies, such as Spinosad or topical Ivermectin, may be necessary. As with any medication, follow all directions, including age restrictions and number of treatments deemed safe.

LAUNDER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS While applying household pesticides is not recommended, certain precautions in the home are necessary. Wash any clothing, linens, towels, or other personal items the child has had contact within the last 48 hours. Use hot water, followed by 20 minutes at high-heat in the dryer. Place non-washable items, such as stuffed animals or hats, in a plastic bag, seal tightly, and set aside for at least two weeks to kill lice and nits. Soak combs or brushes in hot water, rubbing alcohol, or medicated shampoo for 10 to 15 minutes, or simply toss. As a final precaution, vacuum carpets and upholstery well, especially in areas your child frequented in the previous two days.

NO NEED TO DITCH SCHOOL While many schools have a ‘no nit’ policy, meaning children must be free of nits before returning to school, Yuan says this step is unnecessary. “Kids with lice don’t need to be excluded from school. Just treat them, and let them know to avoid direct contact with other children.” MP

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FALL ADMISSION EVENTS Lower School (grades PK-5) October 27 @ 6 PM | Germantown campus November 10 @ 6 PM | Memphis campus

Middle and Upper School (grades 6-12) October 29 @ 6 PM | Collierville campus

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I

PeabodyElementary’scommunity-builtplayground n the waning days of summer last month, my fifth grader surprised me by stating he was actually “kind of ready” to get back to school.

Intrigued, I probed a little further to find out what it was he was looking forward to.

“Recess!” was his reply.

Well, I didn’t exactly expect him to say long division, now did I?

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© SERRNOVIK | DREAMSTIME.COM

The reason for recess

In reality, there may be more of a connection between recess and long division than you might think. While we tend to consider recess mainly in terms of the energy burn it provides restless young bodies, overwhelming evidence from more than 200 studies suggests that physical activity actually supports learning by increasing the brain’s metabolism and its capacity to store new information.

Recess also provides social and emotional benefits, as it allows children time to establish and nurture friendships, navigate complex social situations, and learn how to resolve conflicts. (Rock, paper, scissors, anyone?)

And, of course, there are the health benefits. Heather Jordan is a mother of three and a health and wellness coach at the Kroc Center. Jordan is an advocate for ample recess time as a way to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity. She pulled her own kids out of a local school where her kindergartner was only getting recess once or twice a week. “Poor diets, coupled with inadequate opportunity for exercise — it’s a recipe for disaster,” she says.

The state of play

Tennessee state law requires schools to provide at least 90 minutes of physical activity every week. But even if schools are hitting that target (and most claim they do, according to state surveys), it still breaks down to just 18 minutes of physical activity during a seven-hour school day, with physical education and in-class movement also counting toward that requirement.

Nationwide, research reveals that as many as one in three students have little to no recess in their school day. And children in high-poverty schools, of which Memphis has more than its share, are four to five times more likely to go without recess than their more advantaged peers.

In my own informal survey of local parents with kids at both public and private schools, I’ve heard tales of indoor recess on perfectly lovely days or recess privileges being taken away as punishment for bad behavior or even academic troubles. In some cases, recess seems to have been squeezed out of the school day altogether, perhaps due to growing pressure to increase test scores.

Is Recess a Reality at Your School?

Why kids need movement — and what you can do to help BY

GINGER SPICKLER

“One all-too-common reason children can struggle to focus in the classroom is because we create schedules and structures that suit big people rather than young learners.” – Bob Nardo, Libertas School

No play today?

According to a 2009 survey, an overwhelming majority of elementary principals nationwide believe that recess has a positive impact on achievement and learning, as well as kids’ general well-being. So why is recess increasingly becoming an endangered species?

Inadequate or unsafe play spaces, school staffs stretched thin, and behavior issues that arise at recess are all reasons why schools may deprioritize recess.

But Bob Nardo, head of Libertas School, the area’s only public, all-Montessori campus, says, “One all-too-common reason children can struggle to focus in the classroom is because we create schedules and structures that suit big people rather than young learners.”

Indeed, lack of time in the school-day schedule is the most frequently cited reason schools give for not providing students with more unstructured time for

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Peabody Elementary School Playground • 2008 • KaBoom! grant value (equipment & labor): $100,000 • Community raises $10,000 in matching funds & recruits 200 volunteers for build Shade Structure Added • 2012 • KaBoom! grant value: $25,000 • Community raises $10,000 in matching funds Additionally, a basketball court is given by an anonymous donor. physical activity. Having watched administrators at my own kids’ school try to fit all the mandatory academic elements into the school-day puzzle, I sympathize with principals who want to give students recess — but just can’t seem to fit it all in.

Of course, no amount of recess coaching or new playgrounds will help until school leaders are convinced that 15 to 30 minutes of daily recess is a good use of precious school-day minutes.

At Peabody, we noticed that, despite the new playground sitting right outside the school’s back door, our kids weren’t getting daily recess. After forming a small group made up of parents, teachers, and administrators to investigate, we discovered that a lack of shade and extra play equipment were part of the problem.

Using another KaBoom! grant and additional PTA-raised funds, we were able to add a shade structure over the playground, as well as purchase jump ropes, soccer goals, and balls. But we also needed the school’s 20-minute daily recess policy to be consistently enforced among all classrooms, something that requires sustained vigilance by the principal and periodic nudges from parents.

If you believe your child’s school is giving short shrift to recess, the best thing you can do is — something. Parents often have more influence than they realize.

No one is going to be a better advocate for your child’s health and well-being than you. MP

active learning

TAKE ACTION & IMPROVE RECESS AT YOUR SCHOOL Confirm the problem • Talk to your child and other parents to ensure that a no-recess day wasn’t just an isolated incident.

Know your facts • Get up to speed on how play positively impacts learning before you go to make your case. Both Playworks and KaBoom!’s websites offer lots of research on the benefits of play.

Reach out • In the spirit of cooperation, ask your child’s teacher or principal what obstacles they face in making recess happen, you might be surprised by what you learn.

Help out • Can you write a grant for better playground equipment, or organize volunteers to give teachers a break at recess? The school is more likely to take your concerns seriously if you’re willing to pitch in to solve the problem.

FALL ADMISSION EVENTS Lower School (grades PK-5) October 27 @ 6 PM | Germantown campus November 10 @ 6 PM | Memphis campus

Middle and Upper School (grades 6-12) October 29 @ 6 PM | Collierville campus

ST. GEORGE’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

PK—Grade 12 sgis.org

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M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. m e mp h isp arent . co m

Taking a stand for play

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© MARZANNA SYNCERZ | DREAMSTIME.COM

Advocating for recess

The good news is that a number of organizations have come along recently to advocate for recess. Playworks, a national nonprofit based in Oakland, California, has worked with Aspire Hanley Elementary in Orange Mound and Aspire Coleman Elementary in Raleigh. In addition to providing recess coaches who work directly with low-income schools, Playworks also offers professional development to help teachers better manage recess.

My own journey into the world of recess started before my kids were even in school, when I pitched in to build a new playground at our neighborhood school, Peabody Elementary. The community (not just the school) applied for a grant from KaBoom!, another national nonprofit, and then raised matching funds and recruited more than 200 volunteers to erect the brightly-colored play structure in a single day.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S ANXIETY A N T IC IP A T IN G A T E S T C A N

I T ’S W HE N

M A K E K ID S N E R V O U S .

A N X I E T Y I N T E R F E R E S W I T HD A Y - T O - D A Y

A C T I V I T I E S T HA T I T B E C O M E S A P R O B L E M .

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BY J ENNIFER

WILLIAMS-FIELDS

acob Harrison remembers walking to school in fifth grade worrying about what he’d face at school each day.

“I’d try to anticipate every possible scenario that might happen,” the now 21-year-old says. “By the time I got to school, I would already be anxious and on guard. It felt very defeating.”

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

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WHEN WORRY ISN’T NORMAL

Smith explains that feeling some anxiety is normal — when anticipating a test, a new job, or a new school, for example. Anxiety becomes a problem, however, when it starts to interfere with regular, day-to-day activities.

“I noticed when other kids got teased or got a bad grade, they just let it roll off their back,” says Harrison. “But when it came to me, I became obsessed with it. I internalized everything.”

Smith uses the word FEAR, an acronym for False Events Appear Real, as a way of describing how people with anxiety perceive reality. “We project dragons out in the world and our body secretes fear hormones based on those false events,” she says. “That’s anxiety.”

As with most mental health issues, anxiety falls along a spectrum. Many children and families are helped with talk therapy and coping strategies. However, some children may need to see a pediatric psychiatrist to discuss medication options.

Although many people told Nicole her son would outgrow his condition, she instead sought treatment through a licensed counselor and together they began

• Stay calm when your child becomes anxious.

• Don’t punish or ridicule your child’s concerns, even if you think they are unfounded.

• Try to keep a normal routine so your child knows what to expect.

• Be flexible during stressful periods.

• Plan ahead for times that could be difficult for your child (mornings before school, an upcoming test).

• Have your child seen by a therapist to learn other ways of helping him or her cope.

Source: The Anxiety and Depression Association of America

therapy. Smith agrees that any therapy for childhood anxiety must include the whole family.

“A good therapist will tell the parents at the front end ‘If I’m going to work with your child, then I’m going to have to also work with you,’” she says. “As a therapist, I need to be sure the parents are on board with whatever the therapeutic homework is.”

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Therapists initially depend on a parent’s report of the symptoms they are seeing in their child.

Physical signs include irritability and withdrawl as well abrupt changes in eating and sleeping patterns. Smith says while girls are more apt to reach out to female friends, boys are less verbal and tend to keep their feelings to themselves. “A fearful child can look like an angry child,” she adds.

Harrison says he tried to explain to other kids and adults that he felt different. But he didn’t have the right words to describe what it was like becoming extremely emotional, sweating, having a racing heart, and feeling lightheaded over what others considered a minor incidence.

“It’s hard to cope with anxiety, when anxiety is what hinders your ability to cope,” says Harrison.

Anxiety in children isn’t something a child can ignore or toughen up over.

Anxiety is a chemical reaction to a real or perceived problem. Even if the problem isn’t a legitimate concern to others, the anxious child’s body is still releasing the fight-or-flight hormones causing a reaction in his or her body.

“For the anxious child or the OCD child, the root cause is the nervous system is running too hot,” says Smith. “The solution is unique to each child. Some children can learn to regulate that through behavioral change and some will need medicine and behavioral change. It’s like working a puzzle.” MP

© MOHAMED OSAMA | DREAMSTIME.COM

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) reports that eight percent of teenagers have an anxiety disorder, with symptoms usually emerging around age 6.

Mental health professionals believe the true number to be much higher however, since about 18 percent of teens are actually receiving mental health treatment.

Factor in a struggling economy, unemployment, and additional stress on parents, and anxiety in children becomes a serious social issue.

“We’re living in a very different time,” says Martha ‘Kip’ Smith, a licensed clinical social worker who works in Shelby County. “Kids are more structured than ever before. They don’t have a lot of time to explore their own creativity, there’s more competition today than there’s ever been for grades, looks, to be better, and to be smarter. It’s too much,” she says.

Jacob’s mom, Kim Nicole, says her son was first diagnosed with anxiety at age 6. Insomnia, fainting spells, hives, and excessive worry initially led Nicole to the doctor. Once in treatment, Jacob was diagnosed with anxiety as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

“It was horrible for him during the school year,” Nicole says. “He was bullied mercilessly, had panic attacks, and still today has self-esteem issues.”

Tips for Helping Your Anxious Child

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Desperately Seeking Sleep 10 surprising ways overtiredness hurts kids BY

Y

OUR SEEMINGLY-HEALTHY CHILD MAY BE harboring a serious health problem. Left unchecked, this highly common condition can contribute to weight gain, and hinder school success. When your child is irritable, inattentive, or sullen, this often-overlooked ailment may be to blame.

The problem? Chronic overtiredness — doctors say it’s rampant among kids today. “Many children are notoriously sleep-deprived,” says Stephen Grant, MD, sleep specialist with Iowa Sleep Centers.

The good news is that overtiredness is preventable. The more you know about how this affects your child, the better you’ll be able to spot it and take action.

SURPRISE 1: TRICKY TOTS

M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. me m phi spa ren t .co m

Don’t assume you know when your child is overtired — kids who need sleep often appear anything but sleepy. Detecting overtiredness can be tricky, says Maida Chen, MD, associate director of the Pediatric Sleep Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

“Parents should remember overtiredness can look like hyperactivity,” she says. That means your child’s late-night burst of energy is actually a sign of sleepiness, despite appearances to the contrary.

20

© MOHAMED OSAMA | DREAMSTIME.COM

MALIA JACOBSON

SURPRISE 2: SCHOOL STRUGGLES

night often backfires. When kids are awake too long, an overbalance of adrenaline makes it difficult to reach and maintain deep, restorative sleep.

SURPRISE 6: ADHD IMPOSTER

Overtiredness can masquerade in a host of ADHD-like symptoms, and even lead to misdiagnosed ADHD. According to a recent study, faux ADHD is characterized by behavior problems, violence, and learning difficulties. Further, it’s linked to poor bedtime habits and too little sleep.

SURPRISE 7: EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION

Research links overtiredness — brought on by missed naps — to mood disorders in toddlers. According to a new study, toddlers who miss naps have trouble expressing emotions, which may have a lasting effect on their developing brains.

SURPRISE 8: NIGHT FRIGHTS

Enabling your child to get adequate sleep can protect him or her against things that go bump in the night. Kids who are overtired are more prone to nightmares.

Doctors chalk this up to children spending more time transitioning in and out of deep sleep when overtired.

Want your child to ace that big exam? Make sure he hits the sack early because sleepiness can sabotage school success. The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep deprivation in children is associated with poor school performance and lowered test scores.

SURPRISE 9: FIDGETY LEGS

SURPRISE 3: WEIGHTY MATTERS

SURPRISE 10: EARLY BIRDS

Chronic overtiredness can pack on the pounds and make it difficult for children to maintain a healthy weight. Research from Warwick Medical School shows that sleep deprivation increases the risk of obesity two-fold in children and adults.

According to the journal SLEEP, reduced REM sleep is associated with excess body weight in both kids and teens.

SURPRISE 4: DIABETES DANGER

Kids who don’t sleep enough have an increased risk of diabetes. Multiple studies link insufficient sleep to increased diabetes risk, and new research published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that just one night of sleep deprivation can bring on insulin resistance, a factor in Type 2 diabetes.

SURPRISE 5: TOO TIRED, TOO WIRED

It’s counterintuitive, but overtiredness makes sleep more difficult. So, depriving kids of naps or encouraging too-late bedtimes to presumably help kids sleep better at

Overtiredness worsens the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. According to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, RLS affects 1.5 million children and teens. It also contributes to disrupted sleep, fatigue, and depression.

If your little rooster is up at 5 in the morning, overtiredness may be the culprit.

Exhaustion is a common cause for waking too early, when we reach the naturally occurring phase of lighter sleep in the pre-dawn hours (between 4 and 6 a.m.).

Many kids wake up and stay awake instead of rolling over and falling back to sleep.

The best prevention for overtiredness is also the best cure: An age-appropriate bedtime and a solid bedtime routine. According to doctors, parents can prevent the health havoc overtiredness can cause by prioritizing their child’s sleep needs.

An extra half-hour of sleep is more important than another extracurricular class, television show, or round of video games. And it’s a small price to pay for a calmer, happier, healthier child. MP — Malia Jacobson is a nationally published sleep journalist and mom. Her most recent book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, and Tirades. Read more at thewellrestedfamily.com.

MORE THAN FINDING THE ANSWER , IT’S FINDING YOURSELF. At Briarcrest, we believe in the journey of discovery. The stops and starts. The challenges and the breakthroughs. Whether it’s academics, athletics, fine arts or missions, we are with your student all of the way. To schedule a tour, call 901.765.4605 or visit www.briarcrest.com.

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Shining Star CAN-DO KIDS

Benjamin Cheng can sing, dance, and act

BY JANE SCHNEIDER

I

f you meet 13-year-old Benjamin Cheng, you might not peg him as a theatre kid. He’s reserved and poised and talkative to a point, but not in a ‘Look at me’ sort of way.

In fact, he admits he’s more of an observer of people than someone who begs to be observed.

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Scenes from the play Billy Elliot with Michael Detroit (right) and Travis Bradley (below).

But on stage, a different child emerges.

This Ben shines in the spotlight, where his strong voice and elegant dance moves make him a stand out. Morphing into different characters energizes the eighth grader, who brings his more exuberant self to auditions, too.

“In auditions, it takes being outgoing,” he says. “I don’t care if I mess up, I’ll just go for it.”

And go for it he does in his starring role in Billy Elliot.

Last February, Cheng auditioned with eight other boys for the starring role of Billy in the popular musical, Billy Elliot, currently on stage at Playhouse on the Square (August 14-September 6). He was a great fit for the part, says public relations director Noby Edwards, because he’s “a triple threat. He can dance, he can act, and he can sing.” And his talents get to shine in this performance, where Cheng is on stage for almost the entire show.

Ironically, it was Benjamin’s shyness that first prompted his mother Shelly, who he jokingly refers to as his “momanger,” to encourage him to try out. The stage had given his older sister, Megan (15), a place to develop her voice, and his younger sister, Olivia (11), her acting chops. Ben discovered he enjoyed theater, too, because “I got to be someone I wasn’t on stage.”

His first performance was with New Day Children’s Theatre at age 8. Then, Theatre Memphis’

Kids’ Cabaret introduced him to the world of musical theater, where he discovered he could sing. As time went on, he gave up soccer so he could concentrate solely on theater, performing in The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, and Peter Pan. The world of dance also captivates him. Ben initially wanted to learn hip-hop, but his mother offered him a deal. If he would take ballet and tap, then hip-hop lessons could be part of the package.

He enthusiastically agreed, and it turned out that the combination was a perfect fit for his role as Billy, which uses all three dance forms in its energetic choreography.

Benjamin started learning new steps with assistant choreographer Whitney Branan in May, rehearsing two to three hours a day so he’d be ready when the show’s director, Geoffrey Goldberg, arrived in July.

Goldberg is a New York City-based theatre artist who came to Memphis to rehearse the play. Once underway, it was eight-hour days, six days a week, refining the show night after night until, as Ben puts it, “the role was ingrained in my brain.”

Since the teen is not a fan of reading at all, he frequently learns his lines during rehearsal. “I prefer listening to books rather than reading them,” says Ben, who attends Briarcrest Christian School.

When not in a production, Ben enjoys hanging out with friends, playing video games, gobbling up macaroni and cheese, and walking his dog, Snickerdoodle. When I ask whether he’s got a girlfriend, his reply sounds vaguely, shall we say, rehearsed? “I’m too young. I haven’t developed the emotional readiness. But I’ve had crushes,” and he spreads out his arms wide to indicate how many.

Living in Lakeland means family time frequently involves driving Ben and his sisters to and from rehearsal, which can get particularly hectic when they’re cast in different shows. “When the kids are performing in Memphis and Collierville, we have to meetup somewhere in the middle,” says Shelly.

“We have date lunches.” But they like the way acting is shaping their son. “He’s grown more confident,” says Stephen Cheng, Ben’s dad. And that confidence shines forth in his performance. But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself. MP

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SKY ZONE [ MEMPHIS ] 5355 Distriplex Farms Dr., Suite 102 Memphis, TN 38141

A rts E du cation T ak es

C enter S tage T h e O r p h eum T h ea tr e celeb r a tes th e op ening of th e H a llor a n C enter , th eir new a r ts a nd ed uca tion w ing BY

ROBIN GALLAHER BRANCH

K

atie Riedel keeps her eyes focused,

her right foot tapping, her left hand pointing.

Along with 10 others kids in this newly formed chorus line, she two-steps, claps, twirls, huddles, and constantly smiles as the group rehearses “King of New York,” a song-and-dance number from Newsies, The Musical.

Katie, a sixth grader at Harding Elementary, is spending a week at Broadway Boot Camp, one of four camps offered each summer by The Orpheum theatre. Rehearsals take place in a rather unusual setting: The theatre’s ornate main lobby.

“We’re at capacity in our building now,” says Alice Roberts, vice president of programming and education. “We meet in hallways and on staircases for classes.” Not that that bothers Katie.

“I’m a dance and theatre geek,” the 11-year-old says with a grin.

But next year, that rehearsal space will look quite different with the opening of the new Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts & Education, a 39,000-square-foot facility that opens later this month.

“We’re on schedule,” says Pat Halloran, president/CEO of The Orpheum. The education wing, named in his honor, will engage thousands of additional students and families in the performing arts. It is Halloran’s final hurrah as he anticipates his retirement at the end of the year.

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AN EMPHASIS ON THEATRE ARTS

The new education building shines a spotlight on the importance the Orpheum places on arts education. “Some of us realize how many hurdles and challenges young people face,” says Halloran. “It was much different 30 or 40 years ago. Today’s students, on the whole, face a declining emphasis on arts. The Orpheum seeks to fill that gap.”

While the Orpheum’s educational programs currently serve 66,000 students, Halloran anticipates that number will jump. “We’ll go to 80,000 or 90,000 in the next three years,” he predicts.

What makes this important is how the arts can affect kids’ lives. Take Maclean Mayers, a Germantown High graduate who received the Best Actor from the regional High School Musical Awards (HSMA) and went on to win two Jimmy Awards in the National HSMA program. He didn’t discover acting until high school, but “Theatre changed my life,” he told Memphis Parent during a recent interview.

Ron and Alice Roberts

ADDING TO DOWNTOWN’S PROFILE

The new center — a sleek two-and-a half-story building that cost $14.5 million — was designed by The Crump Firm, Inc. and adds to downtown’s architectural diversity. Its extensive use of green glass, marble, and columns that span two levels, creates an open, airy feel. Rich sapele, a hardwood from Africa, provides warmth throughout the building, where it’s used for cabinets, tables, and doors. Sapele is also used in making musical instruments and here serves as an acoustical element in the building.

Alice Roberts’ background in acting, directing, and company management, plus her 15 years at the Orpheum as the education head, equipped her to oversee the project.

The Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts & Education hosts an Open House Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Come take a building tour, hear live music, and celebrate the arts.

d School

An International Baccalaureate Worl

The Orpheum’s Education Programs Include:

Centre Daytime Student Series • This series provides field trips for area students to see internationally touring companies perform.

COMMITTED TO QUALITY

The Orpheum’s educational program started in 1999 with 50 high school students.

Today it reaches children from preschool to high school. Last summer, they hosted 250 campers. In addition to Newsies, students rehearsed and performed selections from Pippin, Matilda, and Cinderella. One camp even introduced teens to the business side of the theatre world. Other classes covered stage construction and auditioning.

Roberts sees two immediate goals for the new education wing. One is to grow their summer camp program from four to eight weeks, the other is to offer more courses for students and teachers on the technical side of theater, so people can learn more about lighting and sound design.

A fun part of Broadway Boot Camp for Katie was the team effort of writing a script called Betrayal on Broadway, a take-off on Bullets over Broadway. Katie played Elizabeth. “I am in a relationship with Zach the mobster,” Katie says.

“After I become famous, I dump him.”

Another Boot Camper, David Long, 13, a rising eighth grader at Elmore Park Middle School, says watching a Disney movie at age 5 convinced him he wanted a life on stage. He played Ichabod Crane in his school’s production of Sleepy Hollow. What did he gain from camp? “I’ve learned how to breathe and sing, how to turn so the audience can see me, and how to put it together when you’re singing and dancing.”

That’s a lot of learning for a summer. And it’s only just begun. MP

September 26 at 6:00 p.m.

Monthly Admission Previews at Lausanne

September 11 - Middle School Preview September 16 - Lower School Preview September 30 - Upper School Preview

Each month you’ll find division-specific presentations designed to help you learn how Lausanne can empower your child as an individual and prepare him or her for college and for life in a global environment. Help your child start ahead, come visit Lausanne as soon as you can! Please RSVP for the above events using the Admission Calendar, www.lausanneschool.com/admissioncalendar.

Individual tours are also available!

Early Explorer Experiences

First Wednesday of the Month September – May, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

September 3 - Music October 7 - Engineering

Make plans to bring your little ones to a special hands-on experience each month in the Lausanne library and explore how enhanced literature, language, art, music and science studies in early childhood and lower school create greater connections for students in the classroom and a stronger knowledge base for success in upper levels of study. Activities will include story time and a special activity followed by time playing in Lausanne’s new Outdoor Discovery Center. Sign up for an upcoming event: www.lausanneschool.com/EEE

Lausanne, whe re we emp owe r indi viduals to be The Rea l Me”!

Watch how! admission@lausanneschool.com | 901.474.1030 | www.lausanneschool.com | Memphis, TN

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“I took my wish list to the architects. They gave me exactly what I wanted,” she says. Roberts stipulated classrooms of various sizes, a rehearsal space similar in size to the Orpheum’s stage, a sprung floor room with a barre suitable for dance practice, and a tech room for video production.

The new, 350-seat theatre, with red seats that contrast against black walls, is striking.

Row A is flush with the stage, merely a few feet from the performers. Actors can rehearse here and then take their performance to the main theatre. Another feature is the video room, earmarked for in-house shorts and promotions, as well as student audition projects. In today’s competitive world, videos are what open doors for auditions.

“We want the video to be top quality, and this production site will do that,” Roberts says. “Ultimately, we want it to be a peer-on-peer project,” where adults supervise only.

It’s clear as you hear their vision, this state-of-the-art building creates space to imagine, learn, and grow. “Education gives young people the chance to build their confidence and makes them better contributors to society, better leaders, and eventually, better parents,” says Halloran.

Though 2011 “wasn’t a very good year to raise money,” according to Halloran, the Orpheum’s prestige and dedication to arts education, coupled with the deep and generous pockets of many friends and institutions, made their building campaign a successful one.

“We have only $600,000 left to raise,” Roberts adds, “and we’re not over budget.”

Night of Broadway & Arts Gala

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Kennedy Center Teacher Professional Development • The Orpheum partners with the Kennedy Center and Shelby County Schools to bring in national teaching artists to coach area school teachers in classroom arts integration.

“

Broadway Workshops • Broadway 101 is offered to teens and taught by cast members of each Broadway show that comes to the Orpheum.

PARENT TO PARENT

Like Me, Like Me!

Selfies and social media can shape your girl’s body image

BY CAROLYN JABS

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© KIRILLICA | DREAMSTIME.COM

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aising a daughter who’s happy in her own skin isn’t easy. For years, parents have worried about the unrealistic way women are depicted in media, advertising, pop culture, even video games. Many try to counter this influence by pointing out to their daughters that commercial images of women are often manipulated by people hoping to make a profit.

Social media poses different challenges, largely because girls themselves are creating and commenting on their own images. This gives them tremendous power — and makes them hugely vulnerable. On platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter, appearance can become a competitive sport as girls vie for emoji, likes, and followers.

Selfies in particular push girls to compare themselves with peers at their prettiest, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that the fastest way to get more likes is to be thin, skilled with make-up, and dressed in revealing clothing. A recent survey by Common Sense Media found that, among teens who post online, 35 percent are worried about being tagged in unattractive photos, 27 percent feel anxious about their appearance in posted photos, and 25 percent take it personally when their photos are ignored.

Parents may not be able to dominate the conversations about appearance that are going on in social media, but they can and should comment. Girls need to hear from mothers who have come to terms with their own body issues and fathers who appreciate women for more than their faces and figures. Here are some things to keep in mind.

DON’T DISMISS. For better or worse, people do make judgments about each other based on how they present themselves physically, so your daughter’s concerns about how she looks are valid. And for girls who constantly see images that have been filtered and photoshopped to match an ideal, the curves and pimples of puberty can feel like a crisis. Parents cannot change the prevailing culture, but you can help your daughter think clearly about two things. First, how much will she allow herself to be influenced by what others think about her looks? Encourage her not to give power to those who don’t deserve it. Second, how will she evaluate others? Help her understand that other qualities —integrity, intelligence, sense of humor, compassion — are more important than appearance.

BE AWARE OF THE AWFUL. Yes, there really are pro anorexia (pro-ana) and thinspiration (thinspo) websites that encourage girls to starve themselves and praise them when they post emaciated photos. Yes, girls post “Am I pretty?” videos on YouTube and, perhaps not surprisingly, attract the attention of trolls. Apps like Hot or Not exist simply to rate the physical attractiveness of users. Although many girls are turned off by these sites, others are susceptible to their appeal.

POINT OUT POSSIBILITIES. Social media gives girls more opportunities to find allies who will encourage them to be themselves, without conforming to other people’s ideas about how they should look. Some girls, for example, post what they call “uglyselfies” unadorned photos that mock conventional ideas about beauty. Others, like actress Amy Pohler’s Smart Girls website, post info that emphasize accomplishments or insights instead of appearance. Girls can also follow celebrities like Lorde and Emma Watson who have been outspoken about the way representations of women are manipulated and exploited.

CRITIQUE PHOTOS. A photo can capture a “real” moment or it can be a performance. Talk to your daughter about how she chooses the photos she decides to post online. What is she trying to express about herself? How does she edit her images and why? What kind of feedback does she hope to get? How will she feel if people misunderstand what she is trying to communicate? You can ask similar questions about the photos her friends post online. Do specific photos capture what she likes about her friend or their relationship? Do others make her uncomfortable?

Social media gives girls more opportunities to find allies who will encourage them to be themselves, without conforming to other people’s ideas about how they should look.

FILTER FEEDBACK. Teens long for feedback from peers — as long as it is positive. Negative comments can be crushing, so parents need to help children develop defenses. Rather than accepting hostile or cruel comments as objectively “true,” teach kids to understand them as a reflection of the other person’s state of mind. People who are happy with themselves don’t feel the need to attack others.

Encourage your child to be constructive in her own comments — supporting and encouraging other girls instead of tearing them down.

GET REAL. Positive role models have an enormous effect on kids. Be sure your daughter knows plenty of real life women who are comfortable with themselves.

Surround her with female role models — grandmas and aunts, teachers and coaches, your own colleagues and friends. Talk about the accomplishments of these women and the qualities you admire in them. Most of all, model a lifestyle that includes a balanced approach to eating and exercise. And create a family environment in which every member is respected for who they are and what they can do rather than how they happen to look on any given day. MP

LEARN HOW IMAGES ARE CHANGED • geenadavisinstitute.org • the infographics at representationproject.org, • the interactive game at mypopstudio.com

Swimming Lessons

• Ages 6mo and Up • Baby & Me Classes • Private Swim Lessons • Group Lessons

Year ‘round in our HEATED indoor pool!

SCUBA RANGERS Come Join the Fun with Scuba Rangers Ages 8 - 12

• Scuba Skills • Accomplishment • Community Awareness • Teamwork • Goal setting • Snorkel & Scuba Classes • Confidence Gift Certificates make great gifts!

Open House Tuesday, September 29th at 10 a.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT BILL WALKER AT BWALKER@EMMANUELMEMPHIS.ORG OR BY CALLING

901-754-3607 (901) 754-3607 | 2404 Kirby Road | Memphis, TN 38119

www.eumk.org

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A nurturing educational environment that encourages discovery and play for children 12 months through Senior Kindergarten.

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999 South Yates, Memphis, TN 901-763-3483 www.diveshop1.com

FAMILY TABLE

Tasty, Versatile, Affordable Chicken

A dd this to your repertoire of dinner winners

by Liz Phillips

T

here’s a story out there — probably an urban myth — about a young woman who goes off to college and heads to the dining hall with her new roommate for their first meal as undergrads. As she pushes her tray down the cafeteria line, her eyes widen as she takes in the salad bar. “What is all this stuff ?” she asks her new friend.

Her roomie identifies Salisbury steak, lasagna, creamed corn, and chili con carne, but her companion’s blank stare baffles her. Finally, the mystified girl’s face lights up. “There’s something I recognize!” she says, reaching for a baked chicken breast. “I’ve had chicken for dinner for as long as I can remember. I didn’t know there was anything else.”

Given my druthers, that would’ve been me. Chicken was my first true love, one of the only foods I would eat under any circumstance. My kids love chicken, too: stewed, roasted, fried; in soup, on a sandwich. And though it’s hard to imagine a life in which eating chicken for supper every night would make sense, it’s possible to understand a parent deciding to stick with a food her children will eat without griping.

Chicken’s healthfulness, versatility, and moderate cost make it an ideal contender. And unlike some other meats, it’s fairly affordable to buy cage-free, sustainably raised chicken, which tastes better and is easier on the conscience.

Though my dad’s roast chicken and my mom’s Shake ‘N Bake drumsticks (or the occasional KFC) are in my DNA, my own kids are eating a lot of thighs. I use skinless, boneless thighs for curries and tacos, but my current favorite is this preparation of bone-in thighs. It produces skin as crispy as anything Colonel Sanders ever dreamt of.

hicken was my first true love, one of the only foods would eat under any circumstance.

The process is too simple to be true: rub the thighs down with salt and pepper, put a little oil in a good-sized skillet, and put the thighs in, skin-side down. Unlike the usual technique for browning or frying chicken parts, you don’t need to make sure there’s a lot of room in the pan. Go ahead and jigsaw them in; they’ll shrink as the fat in the skin renders down.

Once you get it on the stove, they’re almost completely no-maintenance — after a while, you flip them and add a little something for flavor. If you can’t find preserved lemon rinds, don’t fret. Try several twists of fresh lemon rind (cut with a vegetable peeler), plus maybe a sprig or two of rosemary and a couple of peeled cloves of garlic. The mission here is weekend-size flavor on a weeknight schedule.

On a recent warm summer night, I served these with some roasted broccoli and a simple salad of fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. As the cooling weather awakens your family’s desire for sturdier fare, consider pouring this dish’s luscious drippings over mashed potatoes and steamed green beans or Brussels sprouts. (Don’t forget the lemon wedges to brighten up the chicken and vegetables’ flavor.) Or follow my grandmother’s lead: She loved to pour chicken drippings on a salad of tender greens, wilting them and making them ravishingly savory. You might just want to eat this every night. MP

WEEKNIGHT CHICKEN THIGHS WITH LEMON Adapted from Food52.com

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Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 6-8 bone-in chicken thighs Salt & freshly ground black pepper Rind from half of a preserved lemon, finely chopped; or a couple of sprigs of rosemary plus optional strips of lemon peel and 1-2 peeled cloves of garlic Lemon wedges, for serving

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Method Warm a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Rub the chicken generously with salt and pepper and add pieces to the skillet, skin side down. (I squeezed 6 thighs into my large 10” cast-iron skillet.) Cook without moving until the fat has rendered out and the skin is deep golden brown and crisp, 15 to 30 minutes. Check occasionally and reduce the heat to medium-low if the skin begins to burn before becoming golden brown. Turn the thighs over and stir the preserved lemon rind or other seasoning into the fat in the skillet. Continue cooking the thighs until no pink shows near the bone, about 15 minutes more. Serve the thighs and pan drippings with lemon wedges.

© SERGE BERTASIUS | DREAMSTIME.COM

EARLY YEARS

Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes G ood ex er cise h a b its w ill sta r t your ch ild on th e r oa d to w ellness B Y M AT THEW TIMBERLAKE

H

FOR THE

U RBAN C HILD I NSTITUTE

ere’s a truth about very young children: Unless they’re fast asleep, they love to be in motion. They run to their classroom, leap over puddles, squirm in your lap while reading a story.

While it can be exhausting, this is also great news. A child’s energy is momentum we can harness to lead young children toward becoming healthy adults.

When you help your child establish patterns of physical activity early on, they are more likely to practice healthy behaviors later in life and less likely to make common choices that can be predictors of future health woes, such as smoking, alcohol abuse, or poor diet.

BENEFITS OF ACTIVITY The physical benefits of being active are well known. Doctors have touted the importance of exercise in children for decades. But now, emerging science is giving parents a new imperative to encourage exercise. Since these benefits take root early, there’s no reason to wait to get your child moving.

Research indicates that along with shaping the body, physical activity also builds the mind, especially the emotional and social areas of the brain. Team sports, meditative yoga, outdoor play with peers, and family walks can lead children to important lessons about themselves and others.

A LITTLE STRUCTURE Among Peers • Its 2015, give your little girl a nod for the karate class she’s been talking about, or introduce your fidgety son to yoga for preschoolers. You’ll quickly see your children beginning to learn how their bodies move and function.

They’ll also learn where they fit into a team and how their talents blend with others.

Those experiences will likely provide the hilarious-in-retrospect childhood rites of passage that come from dramatic lessons in pride and embarrassment.

With the Family • There are also fun opportunities for family sporting, from the more elaborate camping and canoeing weekend to simply setting up the croquet set in the backyard. Children hone their motor skills and sweat a bit in the outdoors while they’re absorb lessons in rule-following, winning and losing, and following directions from a team leader.

You’re also expose them to new experiences, and possibly introduce them to new, life-long habits. MP

© STOCKYIMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM

PARK LIFE The Park • In a city’s many public spaces, children can combine their imagination with their physicality, and go wild in a safe place. As an added bonus, they’ll generally encounter other kids, which is good way for your child to develop broader empathy and a better understanding of diversity. Waiting his turn to swing, work a seesaw, or play inventive games can provide social and emotional experiences.

On Foot • The Greenline, the Shelby Farms trails, the hikable hills of Shelby Forest or Chickasaw Park, our area is bursting with interesting pathways to explore on a family walk. Get tricked out in comfortable shoes and find the route for your family.

Kids will love seeing how easy nature is to encounter in Memphis, and sharing the path with walkers, bicyclists, and dog-joggers can teach subtle but key lessons about our social web.

COLLIERVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Weekday Early Education • PLANNED AGE-APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM • MUSIC CLASSES FOR ALL AGES • KINDERGARTEN READINESS SKILLS

Call:901-312-3472 • www.cfbcpreschool.com

Peace on Earth Begins at Birth

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• 1 YEAR THRU 4 YEARS OLD/PRE- K • SMALL CLASSES • CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT

Trillium WomanCare

prenatal care ~ home birth ~ water birth www.trilliumbirth.com 901-292-5354

Certified Professional Midwife services licensed by NARM and The State of Tennessee

If you lose your self-control, your child will never find his.

Go to TUCI.org for a copy of the Parents Guide to Kindergarten Readiness.

MG-10

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TUESDAY & THURSDAY 9:30 AM-3:00PM

EARLY YEARS

© LEOCAM | DREAMSTIME.COM

When Should My Baby Start Solid Foods?

Y our q uestions answered B Y VICTORIA R OSELLI

I

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ntroducing solids to your baby, whether breast-fed or bottle-fed, brings many questions and can even stir up emotions. You might feel this will end your breastfeeding experience. Or you may receive conflicting advice from family and friends about when and how to introduce solids. So, how do you successfully introduce solids while continuing to provide breastmilk for your baby? And when do you start introducing solids? Here are some helpful tips from lactation consultant, Victoria Roselli.

WHEN DO YOU START TO INTRODUCE SOLIDS? The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breast milk is the ideal nutrition for babies. It’s sufficient enough to support optimal growth and development for up to six months after birth. At about six months, your baby’s neuromuscular and gastrointestinal systems begin to mature and he begins to metabolize his own iron. However, nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and calcium might be too limited in breast milk alone after six months.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BABY IS READY FOR SOLIDS? Many moms believe their baby is ready for solids when they can reach for food from the table. However, this is not a clear indication of baby’s readiness. Most babies after four months will gum or mouth objects to discover more about them.

Another misconception is that babies are ready to be introduced to solids when they are not satisfied after a nursing session. This is also unfounded. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you think your baby is ready to start solids: • Is baby able to sit up (with little assistance)?

• Is baby able to reach and grab his toys?

• Does baby intently watch you eat?

Remember, you are beginning the transition to solids while continuing to nurse.

Babies need to continue receiving breast milk until 12 months of age (if possible), when they can transition to cow’s milk. If your baby does not seem satisfied after nursing, rather than resorting to formula try these tips: • Go back to skin-to-skin nursing • Use breast compressions

• Allow your baby to sit up more • Have your baby hold your other breast WHICH FOODS ARE BEST TO START INTRODUCING? The good news is that breastfed babies transition easier to solids because of the various flavors of your breast milk, which is based on your own diet. In contrast, formula-fed babies have tasted the same flavor at every feeding since birth.

Iron fortified cereals or other iron-containing foods are a great start. So are pureed meats, chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, eggs, and yolks. Some ways to increase iron is to introduce vitamin C, which can aid in the absorption of iron. Some foods rich in vitamin C are bananas, peaches, green vegetables, and tomatoes.

While making your own dinner, make food for your baby as well. I like the “ice cube” method, where I make sweet potatoes for two and place the baby’s in ice cube tray. It can then be freezed until ready to use. Once thawed, your work is done. For more on introducing solids, go to askdrsears.com or kidshealth.com CAN I GIVE MY BABY WATER, ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS? Exclusively breast-fed babies don’t need to receive water during the first six months, as water makes up 87.5 percent of human milk. Instead, keep nursing on demand and know that your baby is receiving adequate hydration. After six months, you can start to introduce water.

WILL RICE CEREAL HELP BABY SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT? Doctors recommend against introducing solids foods, such as cereal, via a bottle or before bedtime. There have been many discussions on this topic and research has found little significance with the need to offer cereal to help babies sleep through the night. MP — Victoria Roselli is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, International Board Certified Lamaze Instructor, and Newborn Care Specialist.

Learn more at maternalblessings.com.

Tired of searching for the right ADHD prescription?

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Learn which ADHD medications are the most effective, based on your child’s DNA. Use our simple, affordable test.

Searching for the right medication for children with ADHD can be frustrating — especially if their DNA keeps certain medications from being effective.

Find what’s right for your child.

Visit harmonyxdiagnostics.com to locate a pharmacy near you that offers the Harmonyx® Test for ADHD.

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CALENDAR

Happenings in September Memphis-area activities and events for families

BY MEENA VISWANATHAN

1 · Tuesday

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Caterpillar Club: Ducks Quack, Geese Honk.

Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG). 10-11 a.m. Choose Tuesday or Wednesday session. Alternate weeks in September with different themes. Sept. 15/16: Frogs Croak, Fish Splash. Sept. 29/30: Water Gurgles, Rain Patters. Our semester theme: The Music of the Garden-The Rhythm of Life. Six class semester fee: $75. Reservations required. 636-4122.

Mini Masters. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Tuesdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. $8. Pre-register and pre-pay by Monday noon before the class. 761-5250.

3 · Thursday

Cordova Festival. Cordova Community Center. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Features children’s activities, entertainment, and food. Free. Visit cordovacommunitycenter. com or call 757-4400.

“Reel” Family Time Outdoor Movie Series.

Municipal Park in Germantown. Thursdays in September. Show times for September 3 & 10 at 7:30 p.m. September 17 & 24 at 7:15 p.m. September 3: Raiders of the Lost Ark. September 10: Muppets Most Wanted. September 17: Ghostbusters. September 24: Cinderella. No pets allowed. Rain date is October 1. Free. For details, call 757-7375.

The Playground King

4 · Friday

Delta Fair & Music Fest. Agricenter International.

Through September 13. Enjoy carnival rides, live music, crafts, livestock, and food. $10/adult. $5/child ages 5-12. Midway wristband: $25 for all ages. Discounts for family fun pack and all-day ride pass available at Kroger.

Visit deltafest.com or call 213-7469.

Rock for Love. Locations across Midtown. Through September 6. This live music festival kicks off with the Crosstown Block Party Friday night and ends with a Sunday evening finale at the Levitt Shell featuring North Mississippi All-Stars. Free. Donations benefit Church Health Center. For details, go to RockforLove.org Delta Fair & Music Fest

Fall Concerts Series at Levitt Shell. Overton Park.

Through October 11.

Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Grab a blanket and enjoy free concerts at Memphis’ favorite openair amphitheater. Go to levittshell.org for performer bios.

5 · Saturday

Memphis Music & Heritage Festival.

Main Street from Peabody Place to Union Avenue.

Also on Sunday. Folk artists perform on six stages, along with cooking demos, workshops, storyteller’s corner, heritage fest for kids, and vendors. Free. Visit southernfolklore.com or call 525-3655.

Family Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Outdoor program (weather permitting). 761-5250 Ballet Memphis presents The Little Prince Story Time. The Booksellers at Laurelwood. Noon. At this special story time, children are invited to meet dancers in costume, get autographs, and watch excerpts from Saint-Exupery’s classic, The Little Prince. Free. For details, call 737-7322.

7 · Monday

13th Annual Chick-fil-A 5K Walk/Run. Entry Plaza of AutoZone Park. Registration at 7:30 a.m.

Race begins at 9 a.m. The event features children’s rides, live music, entertainment, goodie bags, and free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches. Early registration: $25. Day of race: $30. Benefits Junior Achievement.

Register online at chickfila5k.com The Playground King. Woodland Discovery Playground Tree Nest at Shelby Farms Park.

10-11 a.m. Opera Memphis presents this 15-minute program for families featuring music by Verdi, Bizet, Offenbach, Strauss, and Gilbert + Sullivan. Free. For details, go to shelbyfarmspark.org/family-programs

8 · Tuesday

Food Truck Garden Party. MBG. 5-8 p.m. Families are invited to join for dinner al fresco, featuring live music by Josh Cosby and Jeremy Stanfill. Kids can enjoy the new Memphis Parent Play Zone, with themed activities every month. $10/adult. $5/child. 636-4100.

September Calendar Germantown Festival

Ballet Memphis presents The Little Prince. Jim Duncan Stage at Memphis Botanic Garden. Children’s crafts and activities begin at 6:30 p.m. Performance at dusk. A special performance of Water of the Flowery Mill, part of the repertory Ballet Memphis will tour to New York City this October, follows The Little Prince and will last 15 minutes. Picnics welcome. Food trucks also available. Rain date is Cooper Young September 13. $10 for Festival lawn seating. $25 for chair seating.

737-7322.

“Best Private School”

2014 Memphis Parent Magazine Family Choice Awards

Coed Pre-K3 – 8th grade

Open House

Sunday, October 11, 2015 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

9 · Wednesday

Hummingbird Migration Celebration & Nature Festival.

Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs, MS. Through September 13. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Festivities include hummingbird viewing and banding, guided wagon rides and nature walks, kids’ nature tent, live animal shows, vendors, and food. $15/adult. $5/child ages 5-12. 12-passenger vehicle: $10/ adult. Visit strawberryplains.audubon. org or call (662) 252-1155.

Movie Mania at Carriage Crossing.

Carriage Crossing Mall in Collierville.

Movies begin at dusk in Central Park on alternate Fridays. Rated PG. September 11: Wreck-It Ralph. September 25: The Lego Movie. Free. 854-8240.

12 · Saturday

Germantown Festival. Germantown Civic Club Complex. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Arts & crafts vendors, rides, games, and more. The Dachshund Race & Costume Contest Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Free admission & free shuttle bus. • germantownfest.com

www.holyrosarymemphis.org Repair Days 2015 Metal Museum

Halloran Centre Community Open House. Halloran Centre at The Orpheum. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Celebrate the new Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education with a building tour, performances, food trucks, and arts & crafts. Free. • orpheum-memphis.com

16 • Wednesday

Teen Learning Lab Opens. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. 11 a.m.

Come explore the new lab for teens ages 13 to 18. Free. memphislibrary.org

19 · Saturday

Cooper Young Festival. Cooper-Young Historic District. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Street art festival features music, art, and children’s area. Free. cooperyoungfestival.com or call 276-7222.

Buccaneer Adventure Character Breakfast. Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM). 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Enjoy breakfast, face painting, take part in a scavenger hunt, make a craft, and pose for pictures with preschool pirate Jake. $15. Museum admission not included. Call 458-2678 to register.

Small Fry Triathlon. Farmington Park in Germantown. Triathlon for kids ages 2 & 3 at 10 a.m. and ages 4-6 at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers run, bike, and

Background checks are not enough.

Stewards of Children training teaches parents, professionals, and volunteers who work with kids how to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. To register for a class or schedule a training at your organization, contact Kris at kcrim@MemphisCAC.org or 901.888.4363.

MemphisCAC.org | @MemphisCAC #StewardsOfChildren

M E M P H I S PA R E N T S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 www. m em p hi spare nt . com

11 · Friday

4841 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38117 901.685.1231

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2015 Mid-South Book Festival.

Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse. Through September 13. Features author signings, an inaugural writers conference for students and adults, a literacy summit, and more. A street fair on Cooper Avenue includes children’s activities, author presentations, book giveaways, and food trucks.

Most events are free. Registration required for writers conference and teen writers workshop. Scholarships available. Registration for Literacy Summit: $10. For details, go to midsouthbookfest.org

Buccaneer Adventure Character Breakfast

September Calendar Peanut Butter & Jam - Mariachi GPAC

Saturday, September 19 9:30-10:30am

Admission is $12 for members and $15 for non-members and does not include museum admission. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 901-458-2678 or visit CMOM.COM for more details.

458-2678 • CMOM.COM

Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm

swim (run through fire truck spray) to the finish line to win a gold medal.

Bring a bike or trike and helmet to participate. Rain date is September 26. $7/child. Pre-register at Germantowntn.gov/registration

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Repair Days 2015. Metal Museum.

Through Sunday, September 27. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Family Fun Day on Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. features hands-on activities, Opera Memphis’ 30 Days of Opera presentation, blacksmithing demos, and a silent auction. Admission is free. Bring in your metal repairs to help raise money for the museum. 774-6380.

25 · Friday

There are many ways to help kids who stutter...

StutteringHelp.org

24 · Thursday

Kid Station Drop-in Child Care

Short term child care for kids ages 3 months to 12 years.

Peanut Butter & Jam - Mariachi Fiesta. Germantown Performing Arts Centre (GPAC). 10:30 a.m. Celebrate National Spanish Heritage month with a concert featuring traditional Mexican folk music from Los Cantadores. $8/ child with two adults free. 751-7500.

Celebracion: Family Art Day. GPAC. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. In conjunction with the art exhibit “Celebracion” featuring works of area Hispanic artists, GPAC hosts “create and play” for families. Meet the artists, enjoy interactive demos, and create themed crafts from Latin America. Free. 751-7500.

Pops in the Park Concert. Kiwanis Pavilion at Municipal Park in Germantown. 5:30 p.m. Pack a picnic and enjoy a concert by Germantown Symphony Orchestra along with choirs from Germantown and Houston High Schools performing music inspired by outer space. No rain date. Free. For details, call 757-7375.

20 · Sunday

Fairy Tea Party. MBG. 2-4 p.m.

Come dressed in your fairy outfit to enjoy floral tea and snacks with fairies, pixies, and sprites, then create a fairy house or gnome home for your garden friends. $25. Call 636-4131 to register.

579 Erin Drive Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 761-7529

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Stomp in the Swamp. Lichterman Nature Center. 5-8 p.m. Features live entertainment by Aaron Shires, special appearance of Sister Myotis, square dance demo, children’s activities, scarecrows on display, silent auction, and food. $15/adult. $7/child ages 10 and under. 636-2211.

Memphis Airshow. Millington Regional Jetport. Through September 27. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the Memphis Airshow featuring the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds at the Millington Regional Jetport. $25/adult. $15/youth. • MemphisAirshow.org The Mid-South Fair. Landers Center in Southaven, MS. Through October 4. Enjoy 10 full days of music, rides, shows, arts & crafts, food, and fun. $6-$12. Advance tickets available online. • midsouthfair.com 2015 Bartlett Festival & Car Show.

W.J. Freeman Park. Friday, 6-9:30 p.m. Also on Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy an autumn evening with a midway carnival, live music, and food vendors. Saturday highlights include a classic car show, an amateur barbecue cooking contest, and children’s activities.

Free admission. Free shuttle bus. Visit cityofbartlett.org or call 385-5589.

26 · Saturday

Museum Day Live! Event. At participating museums in Memphis.

Beginning in August, download a free ticket to participating museums in Smithsonian magazine’s 2015 Museum Day Live! event. Each ticket valid for two visitors. Limit one ticket per household. For tickets, go to smithsonianmag.com/museumdaylive Harvest Fest. Memphis Zoo. Also on Sunday, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring your family to learn from local craftsmen, hear folk music, and churn your own butter at the Once Upon a Farm exhibit. Free with admission. 333-6500.

Memphis FARE Walk for Food Allergy. Mud Island River Park. 1011 a.m. Features music, face painting, bounce house, and a family fun walk around the park. Benefits Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

Register online at foodallergywalk.org/ Memphis2015 Memphis Euro Auto Fest. Youth Villages Bartlett Campus. View an exhibit of European classic cars

including Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, and more. Free. Visit youthvillages.org or call 251-5000.

27 · Sunday

Dog Day at the Garden. MBG. 2-5 p.m. Enter your dogs to win prizes for best trick, most fitting name, and best costume. Keep cool in the Hot Diggity Dog Kiddie Pool Area and learn about raising a healthy pup at Doggie Expo. $10/person. 636-4100.

Total Lunar Eclipse. Learning Arbor at Shelby Farms Park. 7-10 p.m. Come view a full lunar eclipse with the Memphis Astronomical Society. Free. shelbyfarmspark.org/family-programs

LOOKING AHEAD October 2 · Friday

S’mores and Snores Family Campout and Outdoor Movie. Farm Park in Germantown. Tent set up at 4 p.m. Relax by the campfire and enjoy a traditional

cook out dinner and s’mores. Grab a sleeping bag and watch a movie outdoors.

Campers provide own tents and camping equipment. Light breakfast served prior to departure on Saturday. No pets. Rain date is October 3. $40/tent (4 person maximum) $10 for each additional camper. Register online at Germantowntn.gov/registration or call 757-7375.

3 · Saturday

Fuller Fest 2015. T.O. Fuller State Park. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Festivities include free 1-mile fun run and walk, car show, live music, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, birds of prey program, and food. Free. 543-7581.

Magic Carpet: Hip-Hop-Hurray with the Grizzlies Minis and SubRoy Studio. Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School. 10 a.m. Children ages 2-8 are invited to grab their magic carpet for a hip-hop adventure across the globe. $5/child. Free for adults. 537-1483.

Magic Carpet: Hip-Hop-Hurray with the Grizzlies Minis and SubRoy Studio

The Pool School’s UNDER THREE SWIMBOREE A NEW SELF-PACED, INTERACTIVE APPROACH TO PARENT/TOT SWIM LESSONS BEGIN YOUR CHILDS WATER EDUCATION IN A FUN, NONTHREATENING ATMOSPHERE WATER TEMPERATURE 90 DEGREES YEAR AROUND CLASSES SATURDAY MORNINGS TO ENROLL, GO TO: WWW.SWIMPOOLSCHOOL.COM, CLICK ON ENROLL HERE CLASSES BEGIN MONTHLY

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CALL: 901-386-1999

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. “The Art of Video Games.” Through September 13. Exhibit explores the 40year evolution of video games from an artistic perspective through interactive games, still images, videos, historic gaming consoles, and interviews with 20 developers and artists. 544-6200.

CTI 3D Giant Theater. Prehistoric Planet: Walking with Dinosaurs 3D. Through March 4. Humpback Whales 3D. Through November 13. Hidden Universe 3D. Through November 13.

636-2362.

Memphis Zoo. Memphis Zoo Takes Flight. Through October 31. Bird show times during the week: 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Show times during weekends and holidays: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. 333-6500.

Family fitness is fun at the Church Health Center Wellness Creative Movement Studio!

Our NEW 9-week sessions kick off this August and are open to the entire community.

Affordable classes for all ages include: • Yoga • Pilates • Ballet • Restorative Bodywork • Urban Fusion Dance

Sharpe Planetarium. Wonders of the Universe. TBD. A flat screen tour through the current night skies offered in the Mansion Theater or the Discovery Theater, while planetarium is being renovated. 636-2362.

REV.Memparent.Wellness. 7.22.15.indd 1

For more information, call 901-701-2239 or visit churchhealthcenter.org/forchildren.

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Memphis Pink Palace Museum.

“Wicked Plants.” Through September 7.

Inspired by Amy Stewart’s book Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities, this family-friendly exhibit gives visitors hands-on experience with some of the world’s most diabolical botanicals. 6362362.

FITNESS FAITH FUN

Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Jun Kaneko. Through November 1. This outdoor exhibit offers an opportunity for adults and children to discover the beauty of Dixon’s gardens through Kaneko’s sculptures. Pick a map for a guided tour. 761-5250.

Museums and Exhibits

Church Health Center Wellness

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Ongoing Events

7/24/2015 11:57:23 AM

Ongoing Events Stomp in the Swamp: Lichterman Nature Center

Get your kids in the kitchen

with A Fresh, Healthy, local Produce Subscription Bring it Food Hub 694 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 901.444.3055

www.bringitfoodhub.com

Parent Support Groups and Mom and Baby Classes can be found under Resources & Guides at memphisparent.com

Other Programs

Mallory-Neely House Tour. MalloryNeely House, 652 Adams Avenue.

Fridays & Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7/adult. $5/ages 3-12. 523-1484.

Magevney House Tour. Magevney House, 198 Adams Avenue. Saturday, August 1, from 1-4 p.m. Free. 523-1484.

Classes & Workshops

The 5th Annual Children’s Ball

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“Be Courageous and Kind”

Prenatal Yoga Classes. Evergreen Yoga Center. Through August 22. Meets on Saturdays from 1-2:15 p.m. Pre-natal yoga classes open to pregnant women at least 11 weeks along. Learn how to use mental focus to calm and relax your body. Beginners welcome. $16/class. evergreenyogamemphis.com Open Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Fridays from 4-5 p.m. Ages 15 and up. This summer, Dixon offers open studio time in the gardens. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and get advice from an art instructor on how to advance your skills. Folding stools available. Walk-in program. Free with admission. 761-5250.

Homeschool Classes Members - $40 Non-members - $50 Reservations Only Tickets are limited (901) 458-2678 CMOM.COM

CMOM Castle Formal Dress Attire Saturday, October 3 6 - 8pm

Dancing • Carriage Rides Jewelled Swords • Sparkling Tiaras Family Crests

Homeschool PE. YMCA at Schilling Farms. August 26 through October 7.

Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. Ages 5-12.

This seven-week program is held in the gym and indoor pool. Participants take part in basketball, soccer, wallyball, and kids water fitness, ending with a water obstacle course and pool party. $50 for first child. $25 for additional child. Call 850-9622 to register by August 21.

Auditions

Tiger Youth Wind Ensemble Audition. Rudi E. Scheidt School

of Music at University of Memphis.

Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Grades 9-12. Offers master classes and sections with University of Memphis faculty and graduate students. The experience culminates in shared concerts with U of M Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Cost: $150 plus $25 registration fee. Contact the Community Music School at 678-4244 to schedule an audition.

Auditions for A Christmas Carol.

Theatre Memphis. August 15 & 16. Show requires two casts: A cast for regular evening and weekend performances (full version) and a cast for weekday school matinee performances (truncated version).

Regular performances on the Lohrey Stage run from December 4-23.

Weekday school matinee performances (two per day at 9:30 & 11 a.m.) run on the Lohrey Stage from December 2-17.

For details, go to theatrememphis.org/achristmas-carol-audition Open Auditions for the BoyChoir, GirlChoir, & Chamber Choir. Saint John’s Episcopal Church. August 17 through September 8. Auditions to join this after-school program are open to elementary-aged boys and girls.

Financial assistance available. Call 3238597 to make an appointment.

Theatre Performances

Dragonball Z: Resurrection F. Malco Paradiso. August 4, 6, & 11 at 7 p.m.

August 8, at noon. The second film, personally supervised by the series creator Akira Toriyama, showcases the return of Frieza. • malco.com DCI 2015: Big, Loud, & Live 12.

Malco Paradiso. Thursday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m. Broadcast LIVE from the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, the show gives

Ongoing Events

Barnes & Noble Booksellers The Avenue Carriage Crossing Mall 853-3264 Mondays at 11 a.m. Ages 1-6.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers 2774 N. Germantown Pkwy.

386-2468 Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Ages preK-6.

National Story Time. Saturday, August 15 from 11-11:30 a.m. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the children’s book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie with a special story time and activities. Free.

Character Story Time: Clifford the Big Red Dog. Sunday, August 16, from 3-3:30 p.m. Drop in to catch Clifford when he visits for this special story time. Free.

The Booksellers at Laurelwood 387 Perkins Rd. Ext. 683-9801 Story time with Miss Marjorie every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Memphis Library Events

For a complete listing of library events, stop by your local branch and pick up “Infodates,” the library’s monthly calendar, or go to memphislibrary.org Central 3030 Poplar Ave., 415-2700 · Gadget Lab for Kids: a Technology Learning Lab. On select Mondays (August 10 & 24), from 4-5 p.m.

Children ages 6-12 invited to learn through play on the library-owned Kindle Fires, iPad Minis, and iPad Airs.

Cordova 8457 Trinity Rd. 754-8443 · Made in the Shade! Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. until noon. Decorate some cool sunglasses and hat. · Healthy Afterschool Snacks.

Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Learn to make easy, healthy afterschool snacks. No cooking needed. · Calligraphy for Kids! Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. until noon.

Discover the art of calligraphy. Pencils, ink, and paper provided.

Germantown Community Library Events

For a complete listing, visit facebook. com/GermantownCommunityLibrary

North 1192 Vollintine 276-6631 · Teen Creation Thursday. Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Series teaches teens how to make different types of craft projects.

Building Blocks Story Time. Saturday, August 22, at 3:30 p.m. This sensory story time is for children ages 2-7 with special needs and developmental abilities on a preschool level. Siblings welcome.

Must be accompanied by an adult. Free.

Registration begins August 15. 757-7323

Poplar-White Station 5094 Poplar 682-1616 · Bullying Prevention Campaign.

Tuesday, August 18 from 3-4 p.m. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department discusses anti-bullying tactics for school children and their parents.

Story Times: Book Babies and Wonderful Ones. Meet on select Mondays (August 24 & 31) and Tuesday (August 25) at 10 and 11 a.m. respectively.

Terrific 2s and 3s. Meet on August 26, 27, & 29. Wednesday at 10 & 11 a.m.

Thursday, at 10 a.m. Saturday, at 10 a.m.

Raleigh 3157 Powers 386-5333 · Creative Loafing. On select Wednesdays (August 19 & 26) from 4:30-5:15 p.m. STEAM activity for children ages 6-11.

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Story Time at Area Bookstores

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Our Favorite Moments

KID FUNNIES

Overheard, 5-year-old Nate, talking to his cousin: “I’m a superhero. I’m Dark Vader. And I have a light saver that saves lives. But not you; you are a bad person. And the green light in the light saver means it’s full of poison ivy, so it shoots poison ivy, and now you’re dead. And when the light saver flashes, that means I am late for the fight. Or we can use it as a drying rack for clothes or to hang Ayla’s baby toys or as a fishing rod so we can go fishing at night because it glows. We can hang a hook on it. We can do whatever we want.” ~ Thanks to Sonja

ld -month-o se ghter, 10 u ou a h d d d ir n b d the My gra e “ , it s is e v it e r h s Igrid w ackyard. es when ad big ey arden’s My Big B h , n ly e d A tanic G at the Bo

Elijah (2) is excited to be heading to daycare.

A recent bathtub conversation with my 6-year-old daughter went something like this: Addy (holding a heart-shaped sponge to her chest): “Is this where my heart is?”

“Close,” I tell her. “It’s about here,” as I point more to the right center of her chest.

Addy: “Oh, so this is where I love my brother Solomon!” ~ Thanks to Sarah

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Ashley sa ys her s the summ on, Jaycen (4), gre er. wa Lord’s Ta Now he’s ready fo n inch over bernacle Christian r preK at Academy .

Lotus (2) is growing taller, just like the sunflowers at Shelby Farms.

Your Child Should Be Here!

Send us your kid funnies, photos, or artwork via email with Favorite Moments in subject line to janes@memphisparent.com

Logan and Tyler (1), with older sister Serenity (5), enjoying summer at church.

A: Actually, it’s the opposite. Travel agents earn their money from the travel suppliers.

The travel agent is looking at you as a potential long-term client, unlike the internet (once you click “BUY”, the internet is through with you!). Our goal is to take care of your trip, monitoring it every step of the way. We want you to call us again! We will

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help you make lasting memories.