Memphis Parent, April 2016

APRIL 2016

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APRIL 2016

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How to Start a Playgroup

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for more info.. contact the Racquet Club Tennis Office

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Pay Attention to Baby Milestones

by Stephanie Painter

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Share the Spectacle of Universal Orlando

by Liz Phillips

L to R: April + Lukas, Amanda + Elise, Nancy + William, and Abbi + Aliva Photography: Marci Lambert

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Threshold

Montessori School 581 Ellsworth Memphis, TN 38111

901-327-4980

DEPARTMENTS 6 Around Town Autism piano camp, Brooks renovation, 3 ways to enjoy spring 9 Dear Teacher Improve writing and math skills 10 Savvy Shopper Teach your kids financial literacy

13 Health Matters Nursing your baby 18 Other Voices A new dad weighs in 26 Family Table Delicate egg salad

OUR STAFF Editor Jane Schneider Art Director Bryan Rollins Advertising Art Director Christopher Myers Graphic Designer Dominique Pere “Building the Joy of Learning” NEW Opening time 6:30 a.m.

Starting Students at 18 months.

Close to U of M, Midtown and East Memphis.

We accept DHS vouchers.

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Advertising Manager Sheryl Butler Account Executive March Gates Production Operations Director Margie Neal Calendar Editor Meena Viswanathan Copy Editor Shara Clark, Richard J. Alley STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Memphis Parent strives to provide information of value to all who are invested in our children’s future.

28 Early Years Grandma as sitter, let your child grow 35 Calendar and Events 38 Favorite Moments Your cute kids here!

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 Events Manager Jackie Sparks-Davila Marketing/Communications Manager Kendrea Collins Email Marketing Manager Britt Ervin Distribution Manager Lynn Sparagowski Controller Ashley Haeger IT Director Joseph Carey 460 Tennessee Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 p: 901.521.9000 • f: 901.521.0129 Send advertising queries to: sheryl@memphisparent.com Visit us online at memphisparent.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

ABOUT THAT TRUTH YOU’RE TELLING

JANE SCHNEIDER

janes@memphisparent.com Follow me @membelle

A decade ago, the blogosphere was the sole provenience of parents, mothers largely, who started blogging about their personal lives as a way of giving themselves perspective on the often messy, joyous, maddening job of child-rearing.

It started quietly, unassumingly really, but over time some blogs caught fire because the writers spoke a truth that hadn’t been heard much before. As their communities grew, more traditional media outlets began to realize these parent bloggers had stories that would resonate with the rest of us.

In the blogosphere, everything about child-rearing became fair game: Babies who cried incessantly, toddlers who refused to nap, the frustration of managing daily demands on way too little sleep — nothing was too minute or mundane to be examined in detail.

If you are a parent who blogs or uses social media extensively to talk about your private life, perhaps you’ve considered this.

I know my son and I wrestled with it. While I didn’t wade into the blogosphere, I’ve always had a monthly column that’s been devoted to my life as a parent. Naturally, as a writer whose job it’s been to examine parenthood, my son became my muse, his childhood a way of considering myself, and the choices I made as I raised him.

several I would receive as he became more vocal about of my work as a journalist. I think many parents have written about their lives as a way of finding solace and support. You can hardly blame them; the wonder years are a challenging time in life.

But ultimately, we also have to consider what we share and how it impacts our family and children.

Weighing privacy The question we have to answer is this: How do you write your truth as a parent without Seeing through their eyes While I always tried to be measured jeopardizing your child’s right to privacy?

Not everything should be shared, would about what I shared, I remember at around fourth grade, my son began to ask more probably be your kid’s response. I typically pointed questions about my writing, limited my writing to issues I thought would particularly if I was quoting him or using his resonate with others and tried to reflect our reality in a way that wasn’t too antics as a way of making a point.

What was interesting was that the embarrassing. But the fact is, publishing things that angered him weren’t always detailed information (which includes family apparent to me, at least not at first glance. photos) does leave your children vulnerable.

I remember one column that centered Furthermore, it leaves a lasting digital Unvarnished truth Many bloggers found the unvarnished on the moral dilemma of fessing up about footprint over which they have no control.

There is a new social site called Just10 truth-telling liberating. But of course, how a new cell phone got ruined (it was writing about one’s home life involved dropped in the toilet). My son became (just10.com) that gives users a safe place to others, namely the children we habitually upset when I described a scene in which he post whatever they choose. No information cried. It made him look babyish, he said, and is ever seen by the public and all data kept under the microscope as we wrote. disappears within 10 days. Since you can Now, as that generation of kids edge that was unacceptable.

His comment made sense when he told only share with 10 friends, your information into adolescence, they are becoming more aware and vocal about having their lives me, but his being potentially embarrassed and photos are confinded to a select few.

No, it’s not the community-building broadcast for the world to see. A recent hadn’t occurred to me. As I wrote the New York Times story, “Don’t Post About column, I simply told the story as it had blogs have traditionally offered, but it does Me On Social Media,” highlighted the unfolded. I wasn’t trying to be dismissive of consider others in the equation of truthmulti-faceted dilemmas that exist as his feelings or his privacy; I simply failed to telling. And it gives your children the right to determine their own digital footprint on children become teens and discover their see the event through his eyes.

It was a wake-up call, though, one of the infinite landscape that is the web. history isn’t exclusively theirs.

M E M PH I S PA R ENT.COM

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AROUND TOWN

FAMILIES SET TO EXPLORE INSIDE ART With the reopening of the Brooks Museum of Art, exciting new venues await

By JANE SCHNEIDER As I gaze down at the rotunda of the Brooks Museum of Art, the first thing I notice is the iconic Vid-O-Belisk television sculpture is gone. Instead, pallets of construction materials festooned in mustard yellow wrap await workers who are busy laying new floors and replacing windows. Gallery walls are bare, too, paintings carefully stowed away as the museum receives the most extensive facelift it’s experienced in recent memory.

The work is all in preparation for the Brooks’ huge centennial celebration. The museum will reopen to on Friday, April 29, after a two-month hiatus.

In the coming months, edgy new sculptures will grace the museum’s rotunda, while upstairs, families can explore Inside Art, the new hands-on art gallery. Look up from the rotunda and you’ll see a second-floor window that teases visitors with a glimpse into this interactive space, designed to provide children a visual vocabulary for viewing art.

Like Alice through the looking glass, kids step through a pint-sized painting that leads into the gallery. Here, seven activities engage in unexpected ways: Kids can climb on or color art, contemplate art while listening to music, or get up close and examine art with a magnifying glass. They can even create art, by building a sculpture or pairing pictures from the Brooks’ collection with descriptive words and symbols. Each station presents different ways to think and talk about art.

“We tried to be whimsical and inventive,” says director of special projects Janet Lo, showing me beautiful, handmade costumes kids can wear that mimic subjects in the paintings. “We wanted to get kids thinking about what art feels like, to encourage creative, imaginative play.”

Determining what the gallery would look like involved families too, as museum staff quizzed parents in focus groups. “We want the museum not to be intimidating, but for kids to feel like it is for them, too,” says Lo. “We want to get on the short list of places families go on a Saturday morning.”

Inside Art’s grand opening takes place Saturday, May 7, during the Brooks Museum’s Party for the Century, noon to 7 p.m.

The party, which is free, celebrates the museum’s 100th anniversary.

THREE PLACES TO ENJOY SPRING

PIANO CAMP FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM

Step into Stacy McVay’s piano studio and you’ll notice students working on piano music, just not in the traditional ways. They might spin or clap out tunes before ever touching a keyboard. “It’s not unusual for my student to know the song because we jump up and down and sing it, or play patty-cake, Bountiful Blooms • Saturday, April 2, 2-5 p.m. & Sunday, April 3, 1-4 p.m. or chant to learn it,” says McVay. “I do whatever I have to do to familiarize Dixon Gallery & Gardens shows off its beautiful tulip and daffodil gardens, the student before playing it on the piano.” now in full bloom. • Free | dixon.org McVay began teaching music at Transformation Autism Treatment Center several years ago, then branched out to offer private lessons (her Environmental Playhouse • April 1-30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. business is called Smiles and Symphonies) at her home. Since many of her My Big Backyard presents an environmentally-friendly display on earth- students have autism, she applied for and received a grant to produce two saving practices families can try at home. Pick up recipes for natural piano camps in hopes of studying how autistic kids learn. cleaners and tips on resource conservation and pollution reduction.

“My goal is to teach kids an activity they enjoy and open doors to a new Free with admission | memphisbotanicgarden.com way to communicate,” says McVay. “So many students on the spectrum have tremendous trouble communicating, and music can help them and Earth Day Family Campout • April 22-23, 6 p.m.-11 a.m. motivate them.”

Enjoy the wilds of Shelby Farms as the trees begin to green. Campout in One boy was initially hesitant to try new things but now he plays the the Woodlands Playground, take a nature hike, do earth science activities, piano and even romps with her dog, an activity that terrified him initially. and enjoy breakfast with the buffaloes. Campers bring their own equipment. Helping kids overcome their anxiety to enjoy a new skill can take time, but $10/members, $15/nonmembers | shelbyfarms.org McVay says she’s found her calling.

Autism Piano Camp June 6-17 & July 11-22 Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon. $100 • For details, call Stacy McVay at 491-1919 6 6

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WHAT AGE SHOULD CHILDREN

FIRST SEE THEIR PEDIATRIC DENTIST? AGE 5 AGE 3 AGE 1 Yes, that’s right!

Actually within 6 months of their first birthday!

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Family Dentists Clayton Floriani, D.D.S., Natalie Carruth, D.D.S., Adam Fitzhugh, D.D.S.

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PARTYFOR THECENTURY SATURDAY, MAY 7 / 12 NOON - 7 PM FREE FOR ALL The Brooks Museum is turning 100 and you’re invited to help us celebrate!

Don’t miss this dynamic day-long celebration of the Brooks history and the diversity of the collection.

Festivities will include performances inside and outside, artmaking, birthday cake, and more. There’s something for everyone, including a few surprises!

EDAMN–E12SPMDAY WACJUKNEY+ JUW LY // 10

FREE ADM ISSION Come to the Brooks for a fun, free, family friendly summer of art and film! Join us each Wednesday in June and July for art-making in our drop-in studio and a variety of short films for children. Come in, cool off and explore our new hands-on family art gallery, Inside Art!

brooksmuseum.org 8

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APRIL 2016

SUMMERFEST

For boys & girls ages 4–13 (rising JK –8th)

June 6 – August 5

DEAR TEACHER by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

ST. AGNES ACADEMY ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL LEARNERS TO LEADERS A Catholic Tradition Since 1851.

St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School encourages academic excellence and prepares students to be spiritual and moral leaders with social and ecological responsibility who will lead lives of significance.

MY TWEEN’S WRITING NEEDS WORK My 11-year-old son is a terrible writer. Is it really important for him to become a good writer when he’s able to express himself so well orally?

Even today, with all our advanced technology, it remains necessary to express one’s thoughts clearly and concisely in writing. For example, think of the importance of sending emails, a communication staple in many professional fields, as well as the need to write memos, reports, and clear instructions in our everyday work life.

For most children, writing is the weakest skill of the traditional three Rs (reading, writing, and arithmetic). This is not good news, because with each year of school, a child’s ability to adequately put words down on paper plays a larger role in the grades he or she receives.

Since you say your son expresses himself well orally, have him try using a computer program that turns speech into writing. First, he needs to think about what he wants to say. Then, encourage him to write a brief outline or talking points. After he has finished, make sure he edits his work.

“Practice makes perfect” holds true in becoming a strong writer. The more your son writes, the better writer he will become. This summer, have him write 100 words every day in a journal for practice. Give him writing prompts, such as his favorite activity, a dream vacation, or something that is on his mind. Because reading and writing are closely linked, also encourage him to spend time reading. Steady work will pay off.

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WAYS TO IMPROVE MATH SCORES While my children do all right in math in elementary school, they usually receive Bs or Cs. I wonder if you have some tips that might help them improve.

What you do to sharpen your children’s math skills will depend on what grade they are in school. Since your children are already receiving good grades, slight tweaks could result in even better grades.

Our number one suggestion for helping children in elementary school is for them to neaten up their work if it is sloppy. Neat writing and numbering causes fewer errors to be made. Young children may need to work on the correct formation of numbers, while older students should make sure the numbers in problems are properly aligned. It also helps at this level to make manipulatives available at home to reinforce basic concepts. You can also sing the basic math facts to make recalling them easier. In addition, there are a great number of websites that let children drill basic facts. Just remember, not all children can memorize math facts well, so be patient if your child struggles.

Students in middle school may find it easier to solve word problems if they use smaller numbers in place of the actual numbers in a problem. This is called number sense, where numbers in problems are rounded up or down to make an equation easier to solve. Students may also be helped if they underline the key facts in a problem and cross out unnecessary ones. They should circle the question they need to answer. And sometimes, drawing a picture can help in solving a word problem.

My favorite math teacher used to say: The more problems you do, the better you become at doing them. Repetition is key. I would agree.

Send your questions to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or visit dearteacher.com.

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ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL 2K-8

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SAVVY SHOPPER

RAISE YOUR CHILD’S FINANCIAL LITERACY With tax season upon us, it’s a good time to think about family finance

By DAVE RAMSEY with JANE SCHNEIDER

Are you smart about how you talk about and spend your money? Consider the example you set with your spending habits, since children frequently pick up on our practices.

If you go on a spending spree after receiving your paycheck but then don’t have money for necessities later in the month, or are constantly putting charges on highinterest credit cards, what message does this send your children? Consider your biggest challenge when it comes to family finances and find a new way to manage your money.

Best-selling financial author Dave Ramsey has written several books on money management, including The Total Money Makeover and Smart Money Smart Kids. Here are his top three financial literacy tips:

BE INTENTIONAL

If you’re going to win with money, you have to be intentional. Many people get into financial trouble because they don’t know where their money is going or what they’re spending it on. Create a written budget each month so you can be intentional with where your money goes. Track it via the envelope system; once money is spent from each envelope, you must wait until the next pay period.

AVOID DEBT

Debt robs you of your income and can cause immense stress in people’s lives. Without debt, you’re able to more freely spend and give. Be wary of taking out payday loans and others that have high interest rates.

Consider credit unions instead.

THE FINANCIAL LITERACY CHALLENGE

From April 7-25, students can take a financial literacy quiz at daveramsey.com/challenge. Students who score 100 percent on the online quiz are eligible to win prizes, including: • One $40,000 college scholarship for a high school senior and a set of Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum for their school • A $3,500 college scholarship for a high school senior and a set of Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum for their school • A $1,000 college scholarship for a high school senior • One of three Chromebook 2 laptops for underclassmen

PUT ASIDE SAVINGS EVERY MONTH.

There are three things you save for: large purchases, emergencies, and retirement. By saving for these things, you’re not only able to avoid debt, you’re able to set yourself up for long-term financial success.

TEACHER APPRECIATION GIVEAWAY From April 1-30, teachers can register at daveramsey.com/teacher for a chance to win:

• A $5,000 vacation • One of two $500 gift cards for their classroom • A school assembly featuring Ramsey personality Anthony O’Neal

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MEMPH IS PARE NT

APRIL 2016

HEALTH MATTERS

NURSING YOUR BABY How to ensure he is getting enough

By VICTORIA ROSELLI with JANE SCHNEIDER If you are like many nursing moms, you may be wondering if your baby is receiving enough breast milk.

Moms who use formula know, when the bottle is empty, baby is (likely) full. For breastfed babies, it’s different.

During the first month of life, your newborn will eat 8 to 12 times a day, or every 1.5 to 3 hours. Since breast milk is more easily digested than formula, baby gets hungry sooner. As your baby matures, she will likely get on a more routine schedule and eat every 3 to 4 hours.

Here are some ways to determine whether your baby is getting what he needs.

baby’s bowel movements may vary from once a day to once every three to four days. Seek medical advice should you notice changes in color, odor, or see infrequent discharge.

BABY’S BEHAVIOR: A baby that is getting enough milk each feeding will be satisfied and content, and may fall into a quiet state immediately after feeding.

Overall, a well-fed baby is alert, sleeps soundly, and is gaining weight.

A baby that is not getting enough to eat will be fussy, will not be gaining weight, and may feed for more than an hour but still not be satisfied.

Shortly after the quiet state, your baby will fuss.

This typically means he is ready to nap. Babies are hungry soon after waking. Between eight to 12 weeks of age, they can generally wait 10 to 15 minutes before giving feeding cues: Fussing, smacking of lips, putting hands to their mouth, and crying.

FEEDING DURATION: Allow your baby to fall off each breast. He will probably be on the breast about 5 to 15 minutes per side. Typically, babies feed on the first breast longer than the second. Letting them fall off ensures that they stay on long enough to trigger several letdowns, which yield the creamier, highcalorie hind-milk. Make note of which breast you end a feeding with so you can start baby on the other What about maintaining my milk supply? You may breast during the next session. have heard time and again that nursing is about supply URINE OUTPUT: A baby that is getting enough breast and demand. That actually has truth. Routine nursing, milk will usually have six to eight wet diapers a day. The without skipping a feed, will allow you to maintain your urine should be odorless and clear or very pale in color. milk supply as your baby matures. Conversely, regularly skipping feedings will result in your body making less Seek medical advice if urine is dark or has an odor. milk, as this is the practice you would do to begin the BOWEL MOVEMENTS: During the first few days, look weaning process. Be sure to eat a nutritious diet and for black, tarry stools. By day three, when your drink plenty of water to keep your milk supply flowing. transitional milk comes in, look for green/yellow stools.

By the end of the first to second week, when your Do you have other breastfeeding questions? Call the mature milk comes, your baby’s stools should be yellow Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline at (855) 423-6667. and seedy. At about four to six weeks of age, your Lactation consultants and counselors are available 24/7.

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COVER STORY

NEW MOMS BUILD COMMUNITY Words by CANDICE BAXTER • Photography by MARCI LAMBERT

When my daughter was born, we moved to the suburbs where I knew no one, and my husband, a military pilot, left on a four-month training mission. The days seemed loosely strung together by endless diaper changing and nighttime feedings. I felt fat, adorned with spit-up. I longed for adult conversation beyond the grocery clerk and doctor. Though social media was helpful, I wanted connections that were stronger than the mom groups I joined on Facebook.

I scheduled one lunch a week with a friend, usually another new mom, which gave me something to look forward to. I would be guaranteed a shower, make-up, and an outfit other than the usual nursing tank and yoga pants. We dined out (sort of) with our babies, thankful to be with another who understood.

April Proveaux, Midtown mom of 9-month-old Lukas, found community in a different way. Neither she nor her husband have family in town, so when her son turned 12 weeks, she turned to fitness with a friend from her childbirth class. As Lukas grew, she found different opportunities to work out, while bonding with her son and meeting other new moms. “It was great for us. I’m a stay-at-home mom, so it’s been good to get out of the house,” says Proveaux. She and Lukas began with Mommy and Me yoga, did the Kroc class until her son started crawling, and then moved on to Stroller Strides.

Parenting is hard. That’s why it takes a village. Here are a few places new mothers can go to build community in Memphis.

NOTE: All groups are nursing-friendly, offer accommodations for progressing postnatal stages, and understand that babies get fussy. No one will judge, and a new friend might just offer to help. • Special thanks to Celinda Smith with Fit4Mom Memphis and her Stroller Strides class for our photos!

BEAUTIFUL BUNDLES

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, 5th Floor • baptistonline.org Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. • Free Best for ages: Newborn to mobility Nurse Cathy Cooper leads this two-hour, informal support group. While no speakers or activities are offered, nursing staff and lactation specialists are on-hand to give new moms guidance. “Mostly, it’s a resource to share stories with other moms with babies the same age or a little older,” says Cooper. Most hear of the group through prenatal birthing classes at the hospital, but all are welcome.

Afterward, moms go out for playdates.

FIT MOM AND ME

Kroc Center • krocmemphis.org Monday & Wednesday, 11 a.m.

Free with membership, $5/guest pass with a member Best for ages: 6 weeks to mobility Worn in wraps or carriers, babies are the weights for these exercises. Nathalie Mooney who leads the workout/bonding sessions says, “It’s a great transition class to progress and add weight while baby grows. We work on muscles that have been ‘asleep’ during pregnancy.” The first 25 minutes involve strength training focused on legs and core, then Pilates-inspired exercises allow mom to bond with baby.

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MOMMY AND ME YOGA

Delta Groove Yoga • deltagrooveyoga.com Thursdays, noon. $10/first class. $15. Discounts available, including unlimited monthly packages.

Best for ages: 6 weeks to 3 years Ten-month-old Kaura leads this one-hour class with her mom, yoga instructor Meredith Melvin. Using no carriers, this class is dictated by mobile babies. “If the kids aren’t into it, we move on,” says Melvin. Mothers do stretches, poses, and some baby massage techniques. “The class is about building strength for baby and flexibility for mom. We close with a walk around the room, being very conscious of breath. As we sync our breathing, the babies begin to follow. It’s really sweet.”

STOLLER STRIDES©

Overton Square Tower Courtyard, Beale Street Landing, Shelby Farms, St. John’s Episcopal Church • memphis.fit4mom.com Days & times vary by location First week free. $45/month, 2 weekly classes. $55/month, unlimited classes.

Best for ages: 6 weeks to 3 years This is not a bunch of mamas walking with strollers. “It’s like boot camp, but we also play peek-a-boo and sing songs. We’re constantly moving to keep babies happy,” says founder Celinda Smith, who started the FIT4MOM Memphis franchise 18 months ago. Kids stay strapped in strollers for the hour, which includes a warm up, icebreaker, cardio and core stations, and stretching. Playdates after class and a monthly Mom’s Night Out keep everyone happy.

We’ll take extra care with your special delivery.

Accepting new patients at our newly expanded location!

If you’re expecting a baby, you can expect us to offer the personalized care you need. We specialize in providing safe arrivals and healthy birth experiences for mothers and babies. So while you’re waiting for your special delivery, let us offer you extraordinary care.

Rye Estepp, M.D. OB/GYN

Kira Cooley, M.D. OB/GYN

Call 888-812-3672 to make an appointment today. memphisdocs.com/stayhealthy

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FEATURE

STARTING A PLAYGROUP

By STEPHANIE PAINTER Back in 1998, my mother called early one morning. My 3-month-old daughter had colic and my mom could hear the frustration in my voice.

“Staying home with a baby can be so isolating,” she said. “Why don’t you find other moms who would like to get together? It will break up your day and give you time with other adults.”

Attend to my own needs?

When my baby required so much care? It was one of the best ideas my mom ever shared. I soon found my “tribe” among those who joined a local hospital’s support group to get advice from a lactation consultant. I chatted with several tired moms and soon discovered we were all in our early 30s and at home full-time.

Amanda suggested we start a playgroup and meet weekly in one another’s homes. I took out my day planner and highlighted 10 a.m. Thursdays into the spring.

For the next four years we shared problems, struggles, and worries. “Is she eating enough?”

“Shouldn’t she be talking by now?” As part of a community, you figure things out together. We shared names of good pediatricians and quality preschool programs.

Making fun a priority Three boys plus a girl named Emily became my daughter’s first friends. We graduated from indoor sessions to playdates at the Children’s Museum and the zoo. Lindsey hosted an annual Easter egg hunt, where my daughter learned a

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lesson in sportsmanship. Scooping up most of the eggs, I urged her to put some back so her pals could enjoy the hunt, too.

Another year, I supplied an ornament-crafting project. When the kids got bored, we moms finished gluing fabric and tying ribbon. Today, that ornament still adorns our Christmas tree.

As time went on, we celebrated the births of new siblings and eventually introduced spouses, going out to dinner as couples. Like the kids, we put the ‘play’ in playdates.

Reining in our anxiety Observing our kids, it was tempting to make comparions. You couldn't gloat when your kid seemed to have a knack for manipulating Legos, but you certainly worried if she was slow to develop in other areas. We tried to rein in our competitive instincts. One child was late to crawl, another required more time before he spoke. But eventually, everyone came into their own.

Each girlfriend contributed unique aptitudes, too. Amanda, who studied chemistry, emerged as the group’s problem-solver. She listened and helped me develop an action plan that reduced

my stress. An educator, Lindsey provided insight on developmental stages. Helen spoke Spanish and introduced exotic words. Alyson gave us the skinny on delivering a baby with a doula at your side.

After four years of regular playdates, it grew harder to coordinate our schedules, particularly when second babies arrived. When the older kids graduated from preschool, we finally phased out our weekly meetings. Today our firstborn attend high school and most of us have eased back into careers. One friend even moved home to Texas.

But we stay connected through social media and share photos of our teenagers dressed up for homecomings and proms.

My daughter, Kara, was recently invited to join a friend’s family on a beach trip. Guess who was there? Our friend Helen, along with her two teenagers. Kara had a fun reunion with Harrison and Abby. When she returned home, I showed her a photograph of five smiling kids snapped back in 2001. Those mothers helped me grow — as an individual and as a parent. Our playdates brought connection and support to everyone, the children as well as the adults.

See you at 10 a.m. next Thursday.

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Sign up for an upcoming event: www.lausanneschool.com/EEE 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.

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Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a division-specific presentation 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 All-School Preview so materials can best be prepared for you and your child. Individual tours are also available!

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THE AUTHOR WITH HIS SON, LEVETT, WHO SMILES MORE THAN HE CRIES THESE DAYS

BABY MINE

One dad shares the sweet, challenging awakening of fatherhood

By MARSHALL SANCHEZ My wife’s pregnancy ran nine long, miserable months. She beat the induction buzzer by hours, only to have it all end with an emergency Cesarean. It was such a whirlwind; I actually lost memory of many of the day’s events in a stress-induced blackout. Yet, in the end, my wife and newborn son were safe, and four days later, we were sent out into the world with very little guidance and no instruction manual — not that I really needed one.

You see, when I was nine, my dad and new stepmom started having kids.

I soon morphed from being an only child to the oldest of four. Throughout this time, I changed diapers, bottle fed, and otherwise served as a live-in babysitter. So when it came time to raise my own baby, I felt completely ready to make the seemingly simple transition to fatherhood.

It was going to be beautiful and sweet and perfect.

Except that first night at the hospital, my son cried nonstop When he finally did sleep, I held him. I was exhausted, but he was amazing.

This was exactly what I expected and I wasn’t scared. I even remember telling my wife on that first night, “I got this.”

When we arrived home, our son kept crying. A lot. Still, I wasn’t worried; I knew how to calm a baby. I held him and paced and hummed and patted and rocked him with all my heart.

But he cried. And cried.

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And he cried and he cried and he cried.

To make matters worse, whenever I held him, he wailed even louder. He doesn’t like me, I thought to myself. I had read somewhere that newborns slept 16 hours a day. Well, our baby defied that, sleeping only five hours and crying the other 19. We were inundated with advice on how to calm a “fussy� baby. But ours wasn’t fussy; he was colicky, in the truest sense of the word.

It was around that time that I realized I didn’t “got this.�

Over the next few days, I found myself lingering longer than normal at work. Suddenly, there were numerous projects in my garage that couldn’t wait. I became angry, edgy, withdrawn; I even went to my therapist to vent.

At one point he said, “You talk as if you don’t feel like he’s your son.�

I realized I didn’t, not at all. I didn’t want to be around my child — and my wife knew it.

I had no idea what to do This wasn’t the plan. This wasn’t beautiful and sweet and perfect.

I’m not one who typically reaches out to my friends for help but I was out of options. So I texted the smartest, most put-together father-of-two friend I knew: “Hey, can you talk?� I typed. “I'm at work tonight,� came his reply, “but I can call you tomorrow.� “Ok,� I replied. “Sorry. Just been really hard for me. Don’t feel like there’s much I can do and having real trouble bonding with him. Just need to bounce some stuff off the wall.�

There was a long pause. I could see him typing. Then finally: “Hey. This may or may not make you feel better, but my son HATED everyone except my wife, including me, until he was about three or four months old. I didn’t really even like him until closer to five months. Obviously, I loved him because he was my kid, but I had deep regrets about having him for a long while. I know it’s not exactly what you are dealing with, but I definitely understand the helplessness and lack of connection.�

Wow. It was exactly what I was dealing with — all of it. In that one text, my “perfect father� friend removed all of the guilt I carried about my terrible thoughts and feelings. I knew I wasn’t crazy, I wasn’t alone, and our new life together was going to be okay. (He also mailed me a life-saving DVD, Harvey Karp’s The Happiest Baby on the Block, which teaches new parents how to calm fussy babies. Trust me, it works.)

In those first 90 days of fatherhood, I learned a few valuable lessons:

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Life absolutely won’t go as planned. The reason is because there’s no instruction manual for raising a child, and no single path to take. Parenthood is a parade of problems followed by wonderful resolutions and solutions.

Your baby may cry a lot, or not eat enough, or have tummy troubles or special needs. The only way to make it through parenthood without becoming a neurotic mess is to handle each situation as it comes, and relinquish control of the uncontrollable.

Your baby (and you) won’t be perfect. And you’ll have thoughts and feelings you never imagined you’d have. I’ve heard stories of new parents needing to step outside and scream, or hand their tyke over to a friend for 10 minutes so they could regain composure. It’s normal, and those things don’t make you a bad person. Caring for a newborn is one of the most demanding tasks you’ll ever encounter. But it’s also the most rewarding.

This, too, shall pass. This is a fantastic mantra to remember — in both good times and bad. Embrace the joyous moments, savor them, and stockpile those memories for when you need them most. Sometimes my son’s smile from yesterday can get me through a screaming session today.

Thankfully, these days, Levett is amazing. He truly makes me laugh out loud, and I often find myself staring at him while he sleeps. Trust me, he still cries a lot, but certainly nothing like he did that first month.

And at times, when he’s beautiful and sweet and perfect in my arms, I find that I am the one who cries. And that’s okay, too.

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FEATURE

PAY ATTENTION TO BABY MILESTONES If your child is behind, early intervention can help

By STEPHANIE PAINTER Early intervention is an important buzzword in the pediatric community, but new parents aren’t always clear how therapy can benefit a child during the early years.

What is early intervention? It’s a system of services that help babies and toddlers born with developmental delays or learning disabilities become stronger. Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS) is the state agency that links families to therapy services while also equipping parents to serve as coaches for their children at home. TEIS serves children up to their third birthday. Receiving an evaluation and therapy during the early years can help rewire the developing brain, enabling a child to become more fully functioning.

“The earlier you work on developmental milestones and getting children caught up and closer to where they need to be, the better,” notes Cyndi Griffin, director of children’s services with Shelby Residential & Vocational Services (SRVS).

MAKING STRIDES For Southaven mom Cassidy Todd, paying close attention to her daughter Carol Ann’s physical skills resulted in getting her the treatment she needed.

Todd began to notice Carol Ann’s speech wasn’t keeping up with the banter and expanding vocabulary of her toddler playmates. She also had difficulty grasping a crayon when coloring. When she turned 2, Todd made an appointment with her pediatricia and further testing resulted in an answer: Carol Ann was autistic.

Following the diagnosis, Todd and her husband, Ricky, who own the Sensory Shop in Southaven, learned about therapy resources available through Mississippi’s early intervention office.

The couple began juggling appointments for their daughter, who received speech, occupational, behavioral, and social therapies.

By age 3, Carol Ann was attending a preschool program in DeSoto County public schools for children with developmental delays. The couple also coached their daughter at home, using techniques they learned from her therapists.

Eventually, their hard work paid off.

Now 5, Carol Ann continues behavioral therapy, but all signs point to her attending a typical kindergarten classroom next fall. “Her expressive speech is above average, and she reads at an advanced level for her age. At 2, she understood us but wouldn’t or couldn’t verbalize.

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Therapists call her a poster child for early 9:30 a.m. Parents learn teaching and therapy intervention,” says Todd. techniques to apply at home. (Pregnant women who have received a prenatal diagnosis may also WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY? participate.) SRVS also operates Play Do Learn, Observe your child closely. If she is significantly an inclusive preschool for typical and special behind other children her age in one of five major needs children. skill areas, she may have a delay: Motor skills Mom Shontie Brown has found valuable (crawling, walking, using hands to play); support at Early On. She has four typical communication (babbling, indicating wants and daughters, but her fifth daughter was born with needs, talking); cognitive skills (choice-making, Down syndrome, a diagnosis that was unexpected. problem-solving); social (making eye contact, Once her daughter was enrolled with TEIS, the following things visually, playing near other agency sent a developmental therapist to their children or adults); and adaptive skills. home and taught shared activities the family If you think your child is not developing could incorporate into their daily lives. Now, older properly in one of these areas, get her evaluated. siblings encourage 10-month-old Makayla to clap Children whose test results show they have a 25 and roll a ball. With physical and occupational percent delay in two developmental areas or a 40 therapy, she is making progress. percent delay in one area may be eligible for When Collierville mom Robin Stevens’ son TEIS. Information from your child’s doctor, as well Cricket was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and as the results of a developmental test, will blindness, “It felt like a giant hole had opened up.” determine eligibility. Your pediatrician can point When her doctor couldn’t refer her to a parent you to groups like SRVS that do evaluations. support group, Stevens started her own.

Stevens is the director of the Regional PARENT SUPPORT Intervention Program (RIP), where parents whose SRVS Kids & Families provides children (ages children have behavioral issues can receive help. birth to 3) early intervention services. Their Early She has learned the importance of being an On program offers a free, family-centered group advocate for your child. If you see concerns, she that gives parents with children up to 24-months says, speak with your pediatrician. the opportunity to build community and work “Remember, all you need is a referral,” says with pediatric therapy professionals in a small Stevens. “Without it, you miss the window to get group setting. They meet every Thursday at those services.”

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FEATURE

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES FOR CHILDREN

By JANE SCHNEIDER There are a number of agencies and private practice groups that provide services to families with special needs. We will be launching a Special Needs directory on our website, memphisparent.com, and are starting here with a list of basic services to help your family begin that journey. NOTE: If you are a service provider and would like to be included in our directory, please contact editor Jane Schneider at janes@memphisparent.com.

EARLY INTERVENTION AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities uthsc.edu/bcdd • 448-6511 Serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. Offers comprehensive outpatient diagnostic evaluations by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Le Bonheur Early Intervention and Development lebonheur.org • 287-4900 LEAD promotes the optimal development of children birth to 3 who experience delays in more than one area. Services include developmental assessments, developmental therapy, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and more.

Memphis Speech and Hearing Center memphis.edu/csd • 678-5800 Memphis Speech and Hearing Center provides diagnostic and therapy services for speech, language, and hearing disorders for all ages. Services provided by graduate students in the University of Memphis School of Communication Sciences and Disorders under the direction of certified clinical faculty.

Sound Beginnings mosdkids.org • 758-2228 Program by Memphis Oral School for the Deaf for newly diagnosed hearing-impaired children ages birth to 3. Participants receive appropriate amplification, and parents receive training in how to communicate orally with their child.

SRVS srvs.org/kidsandfamilies • 312-9915 SRVS offers comprehensive disability services to people of all ages. SRVS Kids and Families offers family-centered programs and services (speech, physical, and occupational therapy) for children with special needs. Includes Play Do Learn, an inclusive preschool, and Early On, a weekly parent support group for parents with children from birth to 24 months.

Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) tn.gov/education/early_learning/teis • 937-6738 or (800) 852-7157 TEIS is an educational program for families with children from birth to 3 who have disabilities or development delays. Links to early intervention services, family support while promoting child development.

ADVOCACY GROUPS Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired afb.org • 766-0600 or (800) 487-5207 Services, assessments, community education, and support group meetings for all ages of people who are blind or visually impaired.

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The Arc Mid-South thearcmidsouth.org • 327-2473 Family support services, advocacy, employment training, referrals, career development, and job placement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Day care, respite services, and weekend retreats for children.

Autism Resources of the Mid-South autismresources.org • 509-3027 Accurate information, treatments, and resources for families who live with autism. Events include monthly family support nights for adults and children. Check website for dates/times.

Disability Law and Advocacy Center of Tennessee disabilityrightstn.org • 458-6013 Advocates to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. Center offers information and referral services, education and mediation opportunities, public speakers, and legal representation when necessary.

Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South dsamemphis.org • 547-7588 Supporting and empowering people with Down syndrome and their families.

THERAPY SERVICES Brightsong Pediatric Therapy & Education Services brightsong.net • 309-3077 Provides speech-language, physical, and occupational therapy plus education services to children from birth to 18.

Germantown Speech Language and Learning Clinic speechlang.com • 756-4499 Offering speech and language screening, auditory processing evaluations, and therapies.

Janna Hacker and Associates jhatherapy.com • 328-2110 Speech-language, occupational, physical, and social therapy offered. Also, preschool groups that work on readiness skills and other groups that focus on feeding, typing, and social skills.

Pediatric Therapy Services pediatrictherapyservices.com • 864-4030 Offering speech, physical, and occupational therapy plus sensory integration.

Shady Creek Farm shadycreekfarm.com • 262-1173 Equine-assisted psychotherapy programs offer social skills, therapeutic riding, and hippotherapy for children with autism, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Southern Reins for Equine Therapy southernreins.org • (290) 1011 5750 Offers therapeutic riding and horsemanship/barn lessons in Nesbit, Mississippi, for children with disabilities.

Transformations Autism Treatment Center transformingautism.com • 379-8827 Provides developmental and speech therapy, ABA therapy, and behavior services assessment for children on the autism spectrum.

PRESCHOOLS & PARENTING CLASSES Early On Program SRVS • 484-5115 SRVS support program for parents with special needs children up to 24 months. Parents help each other and talk with pediatric therapy professionals. Meets Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Independent Presbyterian.

Free.

Harwood Center harwoodcenter.org • 448-6580 • 711 Jefferson, 38105 Harwood provides support and education for young children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. Children must meet Tennessee’s Early Intervention System eligibility guidelines. Also provides a full ABA Therapy Program.

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf mosdkids.org • 758-2228 • 7901 Poplar, 38138 Preschool that teaches hearing-impaired and deaf children with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Play Do Learn Preschool SRVS • 288-8819 • 4738 Walnut Grove (inside Independent Presbyterian Church) 38117 This inclusive preschool brings together special needs and typical children ages 18 months to 5 years in an enriched educational setting. Designed to meet the unique abilities and learning style of each child.

Regional Intervention Program (RIP) ripnetwork.org • 678-5258 A free, activity-based program for families with children ages 3 to 6 who exhibit behavior problems at home or school. One-on-one instruction teaches parents how to practice positive behavior management skill to help children reach their full potential. Children learn social skills and self-control techniques. Parents also receive peer support from other parents.

WHAT KIND OF THERAPY DOES MY CHILD NEED? For preschoolers, getting help early can make a big difference

When children are young (birth to 5), parents may begin to realize their child is failing to reach developmental milestones. A child that is four to six months behind (in activities such as walking, speaking, engaging with others) should be evaluated. (Preemies are adjusted according to their original due date.) It is a good idea to start by bringing your questions and concerns to your pediatrician. Then, to adequately address a delay or developmental issue, have your child evaluated.

“Pediatricians don’t see kids regularly enough,” notes speech therapist Janna Hacker of Hacker and Associates. “Teachers see delays more readily because they have typical kids to compare to and are giving children more varied tasks to do. Evaluations never hurt — it can help you make an informed decision per what to do next . . . If everything is fine, then you won’t have to live with that regret.”

Children can begin receiving early intervention services from Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) from birth to the third birthday. Those services then transition into public school programs. Eligibility is based on one-on-one observation, screening tests, and evaluation results. Categories include developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, hearing impairment, speech or language impairment, and others. Getting a child into therapy by age 2 is optimum, says Hacker. “Give us a year of intensive therapy, and we’ll give you a different child.”

Therapists generally require a hearing and vision screening as a first step.

Most insurance companies cover an evaluation as well as a predetermined number of therapy visits annually.

Here are brief descriptions of the issues you might notice with your young child and the specialists who can best address the problem.

ISSUE: My child stutters; has speech or pronunciation difficulties; is behind in language comprehension and pre-reading skills, has auditory processing problems, and has feeding or swallowing issues.

SPECIALIST: Speech pathologist (speech therapist). They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat children who can’t communicate clearly or have trouble with feeding and/or swallowing. Speech language analysts might refer to other specialists, like a neurologist or psychologist.

ISSUE: My child has a difficult time stacking blocks, holding a crayon, or writing at the appropriate level; has poor coordination, low muscle tone or strength; has difficulty completing tasks that are easily completed by peers; has difficulties with self-care skills such as buttoning, snapping, brushing teeth, or holding utensils.

SPECIALIST: Occupational therapist. These professionals help children develop the underlying skills necessary for learning and performing specific tasks, but also address social and behavioral skills.

ISSUE: My child has difficulties with social interaction and communication; has repetitive behaviors and sensitivity issues; exhibits sensory processing or social behavior issues, has behavior challenges at home; has delayed social skills (these might be signs of autism spectrum disorders or Asperger’s).

SPECIALIST: Speech pathologist or applied behavior analyst (ABA) therapist, who can teach children with autism social skills, self-care tasks, and more.

ISSUE: My child isn’t crawling or walking compared to his peers, and/or isn’t walking by 18 months; can’t jump with both feet or hop on one foot; isn’t meeting gross motor milestones; has troubles with balance and coordination.

SPECIALIST: Physical therapist, who work to improve skills such as crawling, walking, and running.

ISSUE: My child has memory difficulties; has visual-spatial problems (difficulties telling how near or far objects are).

SPECIALIST: Psychologist, who can administer psychological testing.

ISSUE: My child has enlarged tonsils that affect swallowing; has a voice disorder; has mouth-breathing that affects speech or tongue posture.

SPECIALIST: Ear, nose, and throat doctor. ENTs examine tonsils, adnoids, and vocal cords to determine source of the problem.

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SHARE THE SPECTACLE OF UNIVERSAL ORLANDO There’s more to this theme park than Hogwarts Castle, though your kids might not care

By LIZ PHILLIPS

When The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at the Universal Orlando Resort in 2010, Universal’s theme parks stole the spotlight from its neighbors over at Disney. But there’s more to Universal than just Daigon Alley and Hogsmeade. Shows, parades, spectacles, and character visits pepper the parks. Smart alecks will love Springfield, home of the Simpsons; comic book fans will freak for the Marvel section; little ones and their nostalgic parents will fall for Seuss Landing’s charms. Outside the parks, City Walk offers shopping, dining, hotels, street performers, and more shows; plus, there’s a hotel for every preference and pocketbook.

My husband and I recently took our two sons, ages 12 and 7, for three days at Universal (we visited the Magic Kingdom for one, which I won’t discuss in detail). Here’s how we prepared, and what we enjoyed. © Aguina | Dreamstime.com 24 4 2

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PARK BASICS Universal Orlando Resort consists of two distinct theme parks, a water park, five hotels, and the City Walk area that links it all. It’s massive but easy to navigate. A Park-to-Park Pass allows guests to shuttle between the two theme parks via the magical Hogwarts Express, a replica of the train that takes Harry Potter and his friends between London and their school.

Universal Studios, which opened in 1990, is organized into areas designed to resemble iconic entertainment locations like New York, Hollywood, and London, but there are also areas like Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone that don’t follow this logic. Islands of Adventure opened nine years later with a fantasy theme, each “island� representing a fictitious destination such as Toon Lagoon, SuperHero Island, or Jurassic Park. There’s also a water park that will be replaced by Volcano Bay in 2017.

The themes, especially in the Harry Potter areas, are beautifully executed. For popular rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which explores Hogwarts Castle, Universal has perfected the art of making the wait in line almost as good as the ride itself. Inside Diagon Alley’s Gringott’s Bank, riders wait for the spectacular dark coaster in the bank’s intimidatingly ornate lobby under the beady eyes of the animatronic goblin tellers. Outside, a dragon perched atop the bank breathes fire at any who might attempt a heist. Here and in Hogsmeade, shops like Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes sell irresistible gadgets and treats. Buy a handsome wand with an electronic tip and your wizard can execute magic spells all over Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade; for $45 at Ollivander’s, it’s worth the splurge. Hogsmeade also has two of the park’s most thrilling coasters: the Dragon Challenge, and a milder coaster for younger riders, The Flight of the Hippogriff, which flashes past Hagrid’s hut.

DRAFT A PLAN As we hopped from ride to ride, we were aided by a handy app from Undercover Tourist that tracked our wait times for maximum efficiency. The website, which also offers deals and tips plus an invaluable crowd calendar for all Orlando-area attractions, is a great resource for discounted tickets, saving us more than $260 on four, two-day park-to-park tickets with a third day free.

If you can avoid the crowds, do. On our first two days at Universal, rated a 6/10 on Undercover Tourist’s crowd scale, we only waited in one long line, for Minion Mayhem. Otherwise, a combination of good planning and low crowds kept us moving along. But the park was far more congested on our last day, making it harder to move freely. Our next day at Disney, rated a 9/10 on the crowd scale, was exhausting and stressful in a way that I’d rather avoid on a vacation.

WHERE TO STAY Book well in advance and avoid peak periods for the best deals. We used miles, booking in August for a mid-December stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. A moderately priced, 1950s-themed mega-motel, it had everything we needed to unwind: on-site dining, a bowling alley, and an arcade. Shuttles to theme parks provide early park entrance and regular service all day. Our family suite overlooked a pool area with a lazy river, water slides, games, and fire pits where kids can make s’mores.

However, I have friends who swear by Portofino Bay, which provides not only early park entry, but also Express Pass access to all rides, indispensable if you visit during busy times. Other options include the Hard Rock Hotel, the soon-to-open Sapphire Falls, and dozens of area partner hotels.

OUR FAVORITES

BEST RIDES Escape from Gringotts Dragon Challenge The Mummy Spider-Man Caro-Seuss-el Jurassic Park River Adventure Men in Black Alien Attack Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls COOLEST SHOWS Universal’s Horror Make-up Show Beedle the Bard Poseidon’s Fury TASTY EATS Fish and chips, butterbeer • The Three Broomsticks or The Leaky Cauldron Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour Lard Lad Donuts (Mmm!) Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck • Springfield

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25 5 2

FAMILY TABLE

THE BEST EGG SALAD EVER Good egg salad, seasoned just so, can hold its head up in the best company

By LIZ PHILLIPS

EGG SALAD FOR SANDWICHES

It’s egg season. Spring’s rebirth and eggs go together both literally and metaphorically, so chances are you have some pastel hard-boiled eggs in your fridge, or you might be boiling a few to have ready for the Seder plate.

But what do you do when you have more leftover boiled eggs than ideas?

It’s an old standby, but egg salad often gets overlooked when we’re scrambling to feed our kids. A fresh approach can help. A group of kids I Your egg salad is up to you. If you’re lucky, you can find fresh, flavorful eggs was cooking with surprised me by agreeing to pair a potato-leek soup with with bright-yellow yolks from a neighbor who keeps hens. And if you’re wise, egg salad sandwiches. I’d suggested it on a hunch but figured they’d be you’ll use good mayo; I’ve converted from Hellman’s to Duke’s since moving turned off by its old-school mayonnaise-y-ness. Instead, they all looked to the South. Crush your boiled eggs with a potato masher, or dice them thoughtful, then started nodding their heads. A couple said they recognized minutely with one of those gadgets that slice them with a harp-like array there could be good and bad egg salads. They trusted me to lead them of fine wires. Or chunk them up with a sharp knife as I usually do. For 6 eggs, I add a couple of spoonfuls of mayo and a dollop of Dijon mustard, a toward the light.

Bad egg salad really is awful. Sweet yet pallid, mushy yet spongy, it generous pinch of salt, and a few turns of the peppermill. Then the fun repels any self-respecting eater, kids most of all. But good egg salad, begins. Eggs are the perfect canvas for bold swipes of flavor. Am I in the seasoned just so, can hold its head up in the best company. The recipe I’m mood for curry? Something more Mediterranean? The clean, classic notes providing is hardly that, because I think that “salads” like these (including of tarragon and chives? Make your sandwiches on sturdy whole wheat tuna and chicken salads) are highly personal. I like mine chunky with lots of bread swiped with a bit of mayo, and garnish with something crisp. Fancy mayo and fresh black pepper, but my husband prefers his almost paste-like them up by cutting off the crusts. Marvel at the transformation an egg can undergo. and mildly seasoned.

However, it’s worthwhile to talk about boiling eggs. Doing it right can make them easier to peel and ensure tender yolks. My longtime method was to cover eggs straight from the fridge with cold water, bring them gently to a boil, then cover the pot, turn off the flame, set the timer for 12 Basics minutes, and walk away. After cooling them in ice water, I’d then peel them 6 hard-boiled eggs by rolling them around on the counter to decimate the shell, then start at 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise the fatter end of the egg to find the airspace that allowed me to get under Dijon mustard to taste the shell’s membrane. When I was lucky, the shell came off in wide strips, ½ teaspoon cider or sherry vinegar still attached to the membrane. But just as often, the membrane clung to Finely minced parsley or celery the egg white, pulling chunks off as it came. (This mess is why I make egg Salt and pepper salad more often than deviled eggs.)

More recently, though, I’ve been steaming my eggs, a technique a Amendments (choose one and go with it) former student taught me. Start with six eggs at room temperature, which • Minced capers and cornichons; sweet, smoked, or hot paprika is possible even with refrigerated eggs if you immerse them in a bowl of • Minced cilantro (instead of parsley), scallions, and sweet pickles with curry powder, a squirt of sriracha really hot tap water. By the time your cooking water is boiling, your eggs should be ready. Use a pot with a steamer insert (or a colander that can fit • Minced fresh tarragon and chives into a larger pot with a lid fitting snugly over it). Bring a few inches of water to boil in the pot, then place your eggs in the steamer over the water, and Sandwich garnishes: tender lettuce; watercress or arugula; or paper-thin cover. Steam for 12-15 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to sliced radishes cool. Follow the directions above to peel.

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27

EARLY YEARS

HELP YOUR CHILDREN GROW By giving them the freedom to find their own way

By MATTHEW TIMBERLAKE for the Urban Child Institute As parents, it is natural to compare our children to their peers. The little girl in your playgroup who already has a 10-word vocabulary at 14 months; the neighbor kid who is taking ballet and violin at age 4, the 8-year-old who still wets his bed. Comparing our own kids to others’ can be a frustrating exercise.

Worse, it can direct little egos toward unrealistic extremes; I’m the best! I’m the worst.

Rather than looking outward and comparing to others, we should help our children look inward and find the developmental path that will help them enjoy a healthy, successful life.

WHO AM I BECOMING? “One thing a parent is doing wrong,” says Gabriel Fotsing, founder and CEO of the College Initiative, a local nonprofit providing low-income high school students with pathways to college, “is associating extreme factors to their kid, whether or not those should be the right parameters to use in terms of judging if their child is at the level that they need to be.”

Each child follows a unique developmental timeline. Good parenting helps children by providing a safe, comfortable home and the space for children to grow at their own pace. Fotsing points to the newest research in early childhood brain development, which tells us social and emotional health are key to helping children

achieve happiness and success later in life. An expert on college readiness, he says those children who grow up having their needs met, and are encouraged to recognize and develop their personal abilities, start college with powerful tools for success.

EASE THE PRESSURE “One thing I think a lot of people don’t talk about is the social aspect of college,” says Fotsing.

“Social and emotional health matters in terms of how you interact with your classmates, your professors, how you interact with your roommates, and how you interact with that new space.”

“If you always attach outside values to where

a child’s natural worth is and assume that is where they are supposed to be, they can’t be happy, at all, ever,” Fotsing said.

“It’s always going to be about milestones; the next one and the next one and the next one.

There will always be pressure to be something else, which on a young kid is not a good thing. It puts a lot of undue pressure on the development of the child.”

This is far from the safe, loving environment children need to thrive. Fotsing suggests parents instead take an introspective, sensei-like approach, encouraging and incremental, so that a child can blossom at their own rate.

Identify and teach your child’s emotions so he knows “angry” from “happy.”

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

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EARLY YEARS

WILL GRANDMA BE YOUR GO-TO SITTER? Have a conversation and lay out expectations before the weirdness sets in

By SANDRA GORDON • Illustration by JOHN LEE Even if your mom (or his) has always been there for you, given the rising cost of childcare, and pretty much everything else related to raising a family, you may be relying on her support more than ever.

Studies indicate grandparents today are helping to defray the cost of full-time care by being childcare providers for their grandkids.

They’re also increasingly picking up the tab for everyday items, such as food, furniture, baby gear, and clothing. “Parents naturally want to give to their adult kids, even though it can sometimes be uncomfortable for the adult child, who may be thinking, I should be dealing with this,’” says Deanna Brann, Ph.D., a clinical psychotherapist and author of Reluctantly Related: Secrets to Getting Along with Your Mother-in-Law or Daughter-in-Law. Grandparents fit a niche a babysitter or daycare doesn’t because they have a vested interest in your child’s welfare. Still, as much as you may value the assistance, family contributions can be a source of conflict and confusion.

“There are strings attached, whether spoken or not,” Brann says. If your mother-in-law volunteers to pay for your daughter’s birthday party, for example, does grandma get to call the shots? What about differences in opinion about childrearing? How will these issues be resolved? Have that conversation now and consider the following.

Set clear boundaries. No matter how grateful you are for family help, grandparents still need to follow your parenting rules. “Let your parents or in-laws know what your guidelines are for your child’s eating, sleeping, and screen time before they start babysitting,” Brann says. Team up with your spouse to present a united front.

“It’s fair to say, for example, ‘We’d appreciate it if you could read to the kids or play games with them instead of just letting them watch TV,’” Brann says. Or, ‘Please don’t give Aidan candy.’ Write your household rules down so your caregivers don’t forget. Express them nicely so no one gets offended. Defining your expectations from the onset gives the arrangement a foundation you can refer to if rules aren’t followed.

Run the show. If your parents or in-laws volunteer to pay for something, you can still specify what you’d like them to buy and from where.

“Just because someone else is paying for something doesn’t usurp your right as a parent,” Brann says. “It’s not written that whoever pays gets to take over.” As the parent, you need to be clear about what you want. If your mother-in-law says she’ll pay for your 5-year-old daughter’s birthday cake, for example, you might say, ‘Thank you so much for offering to pay for Sophie’s birthday cake. The princess cake we have planned costs $30 from our favorite bakery down the street. That may be more than you were planning to spend. If you’d still like to pay for it, that’s great. If not, we’ll figure something out.’

“It can feel awkward to communicate this stuff, but if you don’t, resentment can build that can fracture your relationship,” Brann says. “Your parents or in-laws might start to back off or not follow through with things.

Weirdness will start to happen and you won’t know how to react.”

Have a back-up plan. Formulate a plan B in case family doesn’t follow your parenting rules or you get the feeling they don’t really want to babysit or pay for something even though they’ve agreed to. Without a plan B, “your parents’ help can feel like it’s extortion,” Brann says, as in: We have to have them babysit because we can’t afford anything else.”

Can you cut back somewhere in your budget to pay for at least parttime daycare if you had to? Just knowing you have options can help preserve your relationship if things don’t work out. “If it comes to that with your childcare arrangement, you might say, ‘We decided we’d rather you be a grandparent than a caregiver because that’s more important to us,’” says Brann.

Pay back with appreciation. Whether your parents or in-laws graciously provide childcare or help pay for things your family needs, such as daycare tuition or a new stroller, tell them how much you appreciate their support.

“I work with women who are mothers-in-law, who say to me, ‘I do this and that, but I don’t even get a thank you,’” Brann says. “Acknowledgement is so important. It really needs to be verbal.”

Other small gestures, such as sending an occasional thank you note, can also mean a lot. “If you really want to score points with your mother-in-law, put a photo of her with your kids somewhere in your house,” says Linda Della Donna, 63, a grandmother of Hunter, 2, and Zoey, 1, who babysits for them on a weekly basis. Inviting your parents or in-laws over for dinner occasionally or including them on family outings is also a nice way to giveback.

Send the message that you value them and their contributions.

Sandra Gordon is a national freelance writer based in Connecticut who specializes in food, nutrition, health and fitness. Learn more at sandragordon.com ME EM MP PH H II S SP PA AR RE EN M NT T .. C CO OM M

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APRIL 2016

TennisMphs2016camp_MphsParent-halfpg.indd 1

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APRIL CALENDAR

by MEENA VISWANATHAN

Black Violin Saturday, April 9, 7p.m.

The Orpheum Wil B and Kev Marcus are classically trained viola and violin players who first met playing in the high school orchestra in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After graduating college, they joined up as hip-hop studio rats in the South Florida, working with several different acts before returning to their roots by fusing the two genres in a groundbreaking collaboration that has seen them play their music for everybody from the troops in Iraq to both the official President’s Inaugural Ball and the Kids Inaugural in Washington, DC. $20-25. Group discounts available. 525-3000.

1 • FRIDAY

Earth Month at the Garden! Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG). Through April 30. “Think Globally, Act Locally” by celebrating Earth Day all month long.

Check out Facebook for environmentally themed trivia, contests, and giveaways. • memphisbotanicgarden.com/earthmonth

Seventh Annual Shelby County Schools ArtsFest.

Colonial Middle School. 10 a.m. Celebrate student achievement in the arts at ArtsFest, where you can view a variety of projects that highlight the power of an arts education. • scsk12.org

Toy Trade in My Big Backyard. MBG. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Trade your old (but in good condition) toys for others Spring Market. Agricenter. Through April 3. Friday, 9 new to you! Any unclaimed toys will be donated to a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 charity. Free with admission. 636-4100. p.m. Features more than 175 vendors, special Chucalissa Family Days. C.H. Nash Museum at demonstrations, a photo booth, and door prizes. • Chucalissa. Saturdays at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Family themarketshows.com programs and craft activities change weekly.

Environmental Playhouse. MBG. Through April 30, 9 April 2: Sports & Hunting/Coloring Books. a.m.-6 p.m. Visit this environmentally friendly display April 9: Prehistory to Trail of Tears/Beading.

April 16: Spring Family Fun Day. in My Big Backyard and pick up a take-home tip April 23: Music/Talking Sticks. sheet with recipes for natural cleaners plus tips on April 30: Trash Talks/Snake Painting. resource conservation. Free with admission. 636Family Day activities include museum tours, throwing 4100. darts with an atlatl, lab tours, and creating a keepsake craft. Free with admission. Group discounts Wild Lunch at Lichterman. Lichterman Nature available. 785-3160.

Center. Tuesday through Saturday at noon. Watch the Backyard Wildlife Center’s animal keepers feed Family Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. 10:30 the animals. Free with admission. 636-2210. a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. 761-5250.

Into the Woods. Theatre Memphis. Through April 3.

Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. This Deep Swamp Canoe Float. Reelfoot Lake State Park storybook fantasy is a musical journey based on in Tiptonville, TN. Through April 30. Saturdays at 1 Brothers Grimm fairy tales featuring an all-star cast p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m. Enjoy a wetland paddle and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. $30/ through unique areas of Reelfoot Lake’s beautiful adult. $15/child. 682-8323. cypress swamp. Donations accepted. (731) 253-9652.

2 • SATURDAY

Opening Day at Memphis Farmers Market. Memphis Farmers Market. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Memphis Farmers Market opens its 11th season under the Pavilion at Central Station. Free • memphisfarmersmarket.org

Pinkalicious the Musical. Circuit Playhouse. Through April 10. Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Children ages 2-12 will enjoy this musical, which features Pinkalicious, a girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes. $30/adult. $10/child. Reservations.

726-4656.

Toy Story 2D. CTI 3D Giant Theater at Pink Palace Museum. On select weekends (April 2 & 3 and 23 & 24) in April at 4 p.m. Toy Story Part 2 (2D) shown on April 9 & 10 at 4 p.m. Toy Story Part 3 (2D) shown on April 16 & 17 at 4 p.m. Watch your favorite films on the giant screen at the Pink Palace. $9/adult. $7/child.

636-2362.

New Ballet Ensemble presents Springloaded.

Playhouse on the Square. Also on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Performance features genre-defying style with a blend of improvisational hip-hop, ballet, and flamenco starring Noelia Garcia Carmona. $25.

Visit newballet.org or call 726-9225.

4 • MONDAY

After School Adventures. MBG. Mondays, 3-4 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Month with memorable family activities exploring different areas of the garden each week. Free with admission. 636-4119.

5 • TUESDAY

Mini Masters. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m. $8/child. Call 761-5250 to preregister and pre-pay by noon the day before class.

Caterpillar Club: Nature Photography Garden Frame it Up! MBG. Also on Wednesday, 10-11 a.m.

Choose Tuesday or Wednesday session. Semester theme: Gardens at the Garden. 6-class semester fee: $75. Registration required. 636-4122.

7 • THURSDAY

SmART Kids. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Thursdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Children ages 4-5 get to explore art and horticulture activities. $8/child.

Reservations required. 761-5250.

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CALENDAR Whet Thursday. Metal Museum. 5-8 p.m. Participate in a foundry class, explore the galleries, listen to live music, enjoy refreshments, or simply enjoy the sunset on the Mississippi River. Free. 774-6380.

8 • FRIDAY

Southern Junkers Vintage Market. Expo Center - Agricenter International. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also Saturday, April 9. Creative artisans and collectors share upcycled, repurposed, and handmade wares. $7/adults, ages 1-13/free.

Maternity & Baby Fair. Baptist Women’s Hospital. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Educational information and fun activities geared toward expectant moms and dads, along with giveaways and door prizes. Free. 227-9873 Goodnight Moon with Runaway Bunny. The Orpheum. 6:30 p.m. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents this double-bill adaptation of beloved bedtime classics featuring whimsical puppetry and original music. Regular: $15. VIP: $20.

Group discounts available. 525-3000.

9 • SATURDAY

SUMMER CAMPS

Let’s Go Fishing Clinic. Johnson Road Park Pavilion in Germantown. 9-11:30 a.m.

Beginning and intermediate fishermen learn the basics of fishing. Free. 757-7375.

Whether you're looking for the perfect summer quest for your little adventurer or a way for your child to perfect some seriously thrilling skills, The Little Gym Summer Camps have something for everyone! Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to schedule several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time!

Van Dorn Rides Again! Holly Springs. Also on Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Throughout the weekend, visits with soldiers begin at 10 a.m. The battle starts at 2 p.m. Step back in history as Civil War re-enactors recreate General Earl Van Dorn’s raid on Holly Springs. Meet Confederate and Union troops in their camps and learn about war medicine, music, and weapons. Concessions available. Bring a blanket to watch the action. $10/adult. $7/child ages 5-12. • hollyspringspilgrimage. com or call (662) 551-0076.

Enrolling Now For Summer Classes & Camps

Magic Carpet: Movin’ and Groovin’ with Memphis Music for Aardvarks.

Buckman Arts Center at St.Mary’s School. 10 a.m. Children ages 2 to 8 should grab their magic carpets for an adventure with Music for Aardvarks. $5/child.

Free for adults. 537-1483.

Cartoons & Cereal. Playhouse on the Square. 10-11 a.m. Families can enjoy a bowl of cereal as they watch an Opera Memphis’ presentation featuring favorite characters singing opera’s greatest hits. Free. 202-4537.

The Little Gym of Germantown www.tlggermantowntn.com 901.755.1323

Families Matter Family Fun Day. Shelby Farms Park. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Features live music, games and attractions for children, live animals, horseback riding, and concessions. Admission. • FamiliesMatterMemphis.com or call 260-8521.

Mommy’s Secret Consignment Spring/Summer Sale. Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Olive Branch. Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Half-price day Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dollar Da$h, 3-4 p.m. Free admission and parking. • Facebook.com/ MommysSecret.com or call 606-8434.

Swimming Lessons

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Year ‘round in our HEATED indoor pool!

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Let’s Go Fishing Clinic. Johnson Road Park Pavilion in Germantown. 9-11:30 a.m.

Beginning and intermediate fishermen learn the basics of fishing. Free. 757-7375.

15 • FRIDAY

EGG. Halloran Centre at The Orpheum. 6:30 p.m. A sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m. This story of friendship is told through physical theatre, illusion, and music, creating a nonverbal exploration of the theme “flying the nest.” Regular: $15. VIP: $20. Group discounts available.

525-3000.

16 • SATURDAY

Spring Family Fun Day. C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day with fun-filled activities at this Indian mound complex. Free with admission. 785-3160.

Come Join the Fun with Scuba Rangers

East Buntyn ArtWalk at St. James Church: Outdoor Galleries, Outright Cool.

East Buntyn Historic District. 1-7 p.m. Features more than 60 regional artists in homeowners’ front yards, a silent auction tent, a children’s entertainment booth, live music, and food trucks. Pick up a map at St. James Church. Free. Rain date: April 17. • eastbuntynartwalk.com

• Scuba Skills • Accomplishment • Community Awareness • Teamwork • Goal setting • Snorkel & Scuba Classes • Confidence

Ballet Memphis presents Cinderella. The Orpheum. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Also on Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m. Ballet Memphis’ most popular fairy-tale production features Steve McMahon’s choreography set to Sergei Prokofiev’s classical score. $7-$72. • balletmemphis.org or 737-7322.

Ages 8 - 11

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Memphis Arts Festival. Morris Park. 1-5 p.m. American Muslim Intercultural Network (AMIN) hosts its third annual festival featuring local artisans, children’s activities, information tables, and food vendors. Free. • aminusa.org or call 490-9772

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17 • SUNDAY

The Naturalists Know. MBG. 1-3 p.m. Visit with Tennessee naturalists stationed throughout the garden to learn about trees, birds, butterflies, and plant life. Free with admission. 636-4119.

22 • FRIDAY

Happy Earth Day! MBG. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Take a garden tram tour or stroll through the 96-acre garden. This worldwide event promotes sustainability and an appreciation of planet Earth. Free with admission. 636-4100.

Art Squared: The Art Festival at Overton Square. Overton Square. Through April 24. Friday, & Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate art in the heart of Midtown! The festival features live craft demonstrations, live music, and vendors selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, baskets, pottery, and more. Free.

• zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=4386 Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. Hattiloo Theatre. Through May 1. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. This children’s show (based on the popular PBS series) features such memorable tunes as “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction.” $12/ adult. $5/child. 525-0009.

Desoto Family Theatre KIDS presents Seussical Jr. Landers Center Theater, Southaven, MS. Through May 1. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Enjoy this musical featuring Cat in the Hat as the narrator. $12/adult. $7/child.

Visit dftonline.org or call 662-470-2131.

23 • SATURDAY

Bookstock Festival. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate “Shakespeare, Dr. Seuss, and Everything in Between” at this literacy event.

Festival features a hat-making workshop, a scavenger hunt, face painting, chalk art, live music, author talks, book signings, and food trucks. Free. 415-2709.

V&E Artwalk. V&E Greenline. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The fifth annual art walk features 70 artists, a children’s area, music, food and drink. • VEGreenline.org or call 2761782.

Farm Park Art & Talent Contest. Farm Park. 3-7 p.m. Enjoy a spring afternoon listening to talented local musicians, then vote for your favorite. Also featured are arts & crafts activities, and food trucks. Free. Pay to cast a vote. Proceeds benefit the Farm Park. For details, contact Joni Roberts at 757-7378.

27 • WEDNESDAY

Farmer’s Market at the Garden. MBG. Through October 26. Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m. Shop for locally grown produce including flowers, home-baked breads and sweets, honey, and artisan items. Free. 636-4100.

30 • SATURDAY

Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Circuit Playhouse. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Children ages 5-11 will enjoy this musical adaptation of Barbara Park’s best-selling books. $10/ adult. $5/child. Reservations. 726-4656.

IRIS Orchestra Family Concert. Whitehaven Public Library. 1-2:15 p.m. Musicians from the IRIS Orchestra perform a 45-minute, kid-friendly concert with interactive audience participation. Instrument petting zoo follows the show. Free.

751-7669.

ONGOING EVENTS MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITS

Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Made in Dixon. April 24 through May 15. The exhibit displays works from artists of all ages celebrating the Dixon’s commitment to community through its 18 educational programs. 761-5250.

Pink Palace Museum. Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters. Through May 1.

636-2362.

CTI 3D Giant Theater. National Park Adventures 3D. Through June 24. The ultimate off-trail adventures into wilds of our national parks. Journey to Space 3D. Through June 24. Living in the Age of Airplanes in 2D. Through June 24. 6362362.

AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium is Open! Firefall. Through June 3.

Astronaut. Through June 3. Seasonal Stargazing. Through June 3. One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. Through June 3. 636-2362.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Mallory-Neely House Tour. Mallory-Neely House, 652 Adams. Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7/adult. $5/child (ages 3-12). 523-1484.

Healthy Living, Happy Living Family Resource Fair. Church Health Center Wellness. Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This fair brings together community resources including Universal Parenting Place, Collegiate Life Investing Fund, and Memphis Police and Fire Department to provide information and giveaways.

701-2289.

Camps Enrolling Now!

Shady Creek Farm 25+ yrs history of fun, safe riding & learning

iGET UP Camps — meeting special needs with therapy individual & Group Equine Therapy Unbridled Potential Led by caring Trained & Licensed Professionals Horsemanship Camps for Everyone ages 5 yrs & up

www.shadycreekfarm.com Dates, Times & Registration on website

Like us on Facebook

Email: info@shadycreekfarm.com Phone: 901.262.1173 11081 Shady Lane, Eads, TN 38028 Riding lessons age 3-age 90 • Beginner or Experienced • Indoor and Outdoor Facilities • Miles of Trails • Volunteers Welcomed

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CALENDAR

May 31 - August 5, 2016 REGISTRATION FEE is $25 WEEKLY FEE is $85 offering sibling discounts and flexible payment options

For Additional Information Call 901-795-2510 or Email Us at INFO@KAIROSMEMPHIS.ORG

‘‘Leading Provider of Inflatable FUN!‘‘

As little as $100 for all day FUN! Call Us Today! 901-360-9000

Fairgrounds Walking Tour with Jimmy Ogle. Mid-South Coliseum. Sunday, April 17, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn about the history of the fairgrounds with Shelby County historian Jimmy Ogle. Free. • facebook.com/colisuemcoalition

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Open Studio - Sketching in the Galleries. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Fridays, 4-5 p.m. Ages 15+. Sketch masterworks and learn how to advance your skills with help from an instructor. Walk-ins welcome. Free with admission. 761-5250.

Sibling Class. Baptist Women’s Hospital. Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m.-noon. For children ages 3-10 with parent. $20. Call 226-5764 to register.

A Couple’s Guide to Creating & Keeping an Organized Home. Great Hall & Conference Center, Germantown. Sunday, April 3, 2-4 p.m. This workshop offers home organizing tips, legal advice, and financial planning. $10. Refreshments provided. 651-0432.

Kaleidoscope Club. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. Ages 6-9.

This after-school program explores a project involving horticulture, art, or literature. $8. Snack provided. Call 761-5250 to register.

Boys Hip-Hop and Jookin’ Workshop. Ballet on Wheels Dance School & Company. April 6-May 11. Meets on Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. Boys ages 5-10 will learn hip-hop and jookin’ basics from Montrell Visions, as seen on So You Think You Can Dance. $75 for 6-week class. Register online at balletonwheels.org or call 870-4348.

DramaDays: Puppetry. Sunfish Children’s Theatre. Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.noon. Children grades preK through second get to create their own puppet and put on a show. $30. Call 826-6649 to register by April 6.

Teen Leadership Workshop. Frayser Branch Library. Saturday, April 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Author Cynthia Dickerson facilitates this workshop based on her book Momma Said, Hit’Em Back, aimed at increasing teens’ leadership effectiveness and self-awareness. Free. 357-4115.

Skippers I & II Parent/Child Swim Classes. YMCA at Schilling Farms. Mondays from April 11-May 23. Skippers I (ages 9-18 months) meet 11-11:30 a.m. Skippers II (ages 18 months-3 years) meet 11:30 a.m.-noon. Under the guidance of Y instructors, parents introduce children to a variety of swimming skills. $90 for 7-week session. Call 850-9622 to reserve your spot.

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MAPLEGROVE GROVE FARM, LLC MAPLE FARM, LLC MAPLE GROVE FARM, LLC A UNIQUE SUMMER FARM CAMP A AUNIQUE SUMMER FARM CAMP UNIQUE SUMMER FARM CAMP FOR KIDS AGES 4-10 FOR FORKIDS KIDSAGES AGES4 4- 9- 9 2016 FARM CAMP EVENT WEEKS June 13-17 Farm Mania July 11-15 June 20-24 Wild West Hoe Down July 18-22 June 27-July 1 Nature Farm July 25-29

Barnyard Round - Up Sheriff’s Posse Fishing Hole

Growing GrowingHappy HappyHearts Hearts Growing Happy Hearts Also Open for Birthday Parties, Weddings, and Events!

FARM OPEN 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Magic Carpet: Movin’ and Groovin’ with Memphis Music for Aardvarks.

Buckman Arts Center at St.Mary’s School.

10 a.m.

Money Smart Week. Frayser Branch Library. Saturday, April 23, 1-2 p.m. Teens learn to make “smart” decisions with money at this financial literacy workshop.

Financial management materials provided. Free. 357-4115.

HOMESCHOOL CLASSES

Homeschool Days: Spring Fest. Memphis Botanic Garden. Wednesday, April 6, 2-3:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Hands-on learning experience for homeschoolers. $5/child. Garden admission not included. Call 636-4130 to pre-register and pre-pay.

Homeschool Drop-in Days: Space. The Pink Palace Museum. Thursday, April 14, 1-2 p.m. Explore the wonders of the universe. $6/participant. Parents are required to attend. 636-2362.

FUNDRAISERS

Nature Learning School’s 2nd Semi-Annual Rummage Sale. Vacant lot at Central and Cooper. April 2 & 3, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Rummage sale includes clothing, books, toys, games, and more. Also features live music, a silent auction, and food trucks. Benefits the Teacher Development Fund of Nature Learning School. For details, call 485-1444.

Sixth Annual Bull Moose BBQ and Charity Poker Run. Somerville Moose Lodge.

Friday, April 8: BBQ events begin at 8 a.m. Music starts at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 9: Sign up at 9:30 a.m. and first bikes take off for Poker Run at 11:30 a.m. BBQ events and contest on April 8. At the Poker Run, bikers and car drivers follow a map from location to location to receive one playing card. At the end of the race, whoever has the best hand wins a cash prize. $5/unlimited BBQ. Poker Run: $20/ rider + $15/passenger. Benefits the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis.

• somervillebullmoose.com or call 282-6138.

YV5K & 10-Miler. Ridgeway Loop. Saturday, April 16. 10-Miler starts at 8:15 a.m.

5K at 9 a.m. Join for the annual Youth Villages run, plus a 3.1-mile family-friendly course near Ridgeway Center. Live music, food, and drinks postrace. Registration fee: $20 for 5K & $40 for 10-Miler. • Register at youthvillages. org through April 12 or on-site on race day.

CAMP OPEN 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Missy & Firecraker Tim orNicole Nicole McDaniel 901-861-7422 Tim or Nicole McDaniel 901-861-7422 Tim or McDaniel 901-861-7422

4961 Windsong Park Drive • Collierville, Tennessee 38017- 9380 www.maplegrovefarm.net

SUMMER PIANO CAMP specially designed for children with asd $100 per session | 10 Kids per session All Sessions are 9:30-12:30pm

Session 1 June 6th-17th Ages 5-7 Session 2 July 11th-22nd Ages 8-12 Call Stacy To Register (901) 491-1919 Presented By

Le Bon Appetit. The Pipkin Building, Tiger Lane. Saturday, April 16, 7-11 p.m. Chef Kelly English hosts 14 local celebrity chefs plus 14 regional chefs to present this tasty culinary experience. $250/person. VIP ticket: $500. Benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. • lebonappetit.org ME EM MP PH H II S SP PA AR RE EN M NT T .. C CO OM M

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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 Walking as One. Church Health Center Wellness. Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m.-noon.

Annual community walk features The Mighty Souls Brass Band, Amurica photo booth, food, games, and entertainment. $15/adult. Under 12/free. Benefits Church Health Center. Register at walkingasone.org or call 701-2151.

Annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament. TPC Southwind. Monday, April 25. Noon tee-time. Golfers enjoy lunch at the clubhouse, awards ceremony, and dinner. $400/person. $1,600/team of 4. Benefits Agape Child & Family Services.

Contact: David Jordan, 323-3600 x18.

Opening Eyes to Autism 5K. Cooper Young Sports. Friday, April 29, 7 p.m. Race on Friday night in the Cooper-Young District and join for pre-race activities at Bluff City Sports. Spirit Runner: $20. 5K: $30. Benefits children and families served by Harwood Center or Autism Resources of the Mid-South (ARMS). Early bird discounts through April 15. Register at openingeyestoautism.racesonline. com or contact Tara Mohundro with ARMS (509-3027) or Claire Moss with Harwood Center (448-1647) for more info.

AUDITIONS

“Dream to Dance” Open Call Scholarship Auditions for 2016-17 Dance Season.

Galloway United Methodist Church. Saturday, April 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Ages 12+.

Auditioning students participate in various dance technique classes for audition process. Full and partial scholarships available. Training begins immediately. Wear formal dance clothes or attire suitable for movement. Ballet shoes required. Visit balletonwheels.org or call 870-4348.

THEATRE PERFORMANCES

Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Performances on Saturday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. at the Cannon Center; and Sunday, April 3, 2:30 p.m. at GPAC. The MSO’s fifth concert of the First Tennessee Masterworks series.

Tickets: 537-2525.

Martin Lawrence. The Orpheum. April 2 & 3 at 8 p.m. This popular comedian, actor, director, and producer continues his national tour, DOIN’ TIME: UNCUT LIVE. $55-$95. 525-3000.

Althea. Halloran Centre at The Orpheum. Wednesday, April 6, 7 p.m. A film on Althea Gibson shares the story of how she emerged to become a tennis champion in the highly segregated tennis world of the 1950s. Filmmaker hosts a post-show Q & A. $10/person. 525-3000.

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Saturday, April 23 9 a.m. registration 10 a.m. start $15/Free for children under 12

Church Health Center Wellness 1115 Union Avenue walkingasone.org

Bookstock Festival.

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Honeys on Tap! Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School. April 8-10. Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Memphis’ professional tap dance company, The Hot Foot Honeys, presents this high energy show featuring tap, hip-hop, spoken word, aerial-tap fusion, breakdance, and more. $20/adult. $12/ages 2-10.

Reservations: buckmanartscenter.com or call 302-5487.

The Milk Carton Kids. Halloran Centre at The Orpheum. Thursday, April 14, 8 p.m. This Grammy-nominated American folk duo brings a special blend of music. $28-$53. Tickets: 525-3000.

Sierra Leone’s Refuge All Stars. Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School.

Saturday, April 16, 8 p.m. One of Africa’s top touring and recording bands performs with an encouraging message of hope, faith, and joy. $28/adult. $25/ child. 537-1483.

Spring 2016 The River Series Concert. Harbor Town Amphitheater. Saturday, April 23, 7 p.m. Goner and Heavenly (U.K.) recording artists NOTS, local rockers Chickasaw Mound, and DJ Painted Birds perform. $5/person. Benefits The Maria Montessori School. • bit.ly/RiverSeries

STORY TIME AT AREA BOOKSTORES AND MUSEUMS

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

more information at walkingasone.org

SUPER SEGA SUMMER CAMPS Camps for Boys and Girls Ages 3 & Up

Summer Classes available, Mornings and Evenings

Barnes & Noble Booksellers 2774 N. Germantown Pkwy. 386-2468 Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. Ages preK-6.

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

A Memphis Reads Event featuring author Erik Larson. Christian Brothers University Theater. Friday, April 15, 7 p.m. Erik Larson, author of Dead Wake, discusses the book at this Memphis Reads event. $15. Students/free. Includes a paperback copy of Larson’s book.

Germantown Community Library 1925 Exeter Rd. 757-7323 After School Lounge. Monday and Tuesday, 3-6 p.m. Teens bring their own snacks and hangout in the Youth Services programming room. Free.

SIGN UP ONLINE!

170 Mid-South Cove Collierville 854-8825 www.segagym.com ME EM MP PH H II S SP PA AR RE EN M NT T .. C CO OM M

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CALENDAR

St. Augustine Catholic School 1169 Kerr Ave., Memphis, TN (901) 942-8002

Forming tomorrow’s citizens through Christian values and academic excellence

St. Augustine Catholic School serves students PreK3-6th Grade.

We nurture the whole child in the tradition of Catholic education by motivating students to be respectful, focused, and prepared.

• Christ-centered • Academic excellence • Structured & nurturing environment • Tuition based on sliding scale • Balanced school year

• Technology-intergrated classrooms • Small group instruction and tutoring • Character education • Before and after school care • Athletics programs

For more information on enrollment or to schedule a school tour, contact St. Augustine at (901) 942-8002 or kelsey.bourquin@staug.cdom.org.

Tennessee Shakespeare Company at Hutchison School

New Summer Camps

Once Upon a Time...

Live Your Own Fairytale!

In this exciting one-week camp, students explore famous fairytales including Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin, re-living the stories as the characters themselves. Students present their favorite characters on the last day!

Ages: 7-11 Dates: June 13 – 17; 9 am - 4 pm Cost: $250; Price includes daily lunch

Create Your Own Shakespearean Tale!

What would happen if Romeo and Hamlet met? Or if Julius Caesar joined the cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream? In this two-week interactive camp, students devise a new play using Shakespeare’s characters, plots, and even iambic pentameter! Students perform the new works on the last day of camp.

Ages: 12-18 Dates: June 20 - July 1; 9 am - 4 pm Cost: $450; Price includes daily lunch

Fun with Fables and Folktales!

Over four days, students learn famous fables and folktales from all different cultures and then act them out. A different folktale for every day, including Chicken Little, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Bremen Town Musicians, and Anansi.

Ages: 4-6 Dates: July 5-8 ; 9 am - 12 pm Cost: $150; Pre-and post-child care available

Register today: www.tnshakespeare.org/education/summer-camps 38 8 3

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Goodnight Moon with Runaway Bunny.

The Orpheum.

6:30 p.m.

Wild, Wild Wednesday. On select Wednesdays (April 6 & 20), 1 or 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Exercise STEM skills and learn basic home-ec skills. Free.

MEMPHIS LIBRARY EVENTS

For a complete listing of library events, pick up “Infodates,” the library’s monthly calendar • memphislibrary.org

CENTRAL 3030 Poplar Ave., 415-2700 CLOUD901 CLASSES & EVENTS: CLOUD901 is the library’s state-of-the-art Teen Learning Lab that includes a music studio, video production lab, art studio, Makerspace, gaming zone, and performance stage. Open to teens ages 13-18 with a Memphis library card. For a class list, go to memphislibrary.org/cloud901 Gadget Lab for Kids. On Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Join Ms. Luna and learn about apps and games available on Kindle Fires and iPads.

Crafternoon. On select Thursdays (April 14 & 28), 4:30-6 p.m. Children ages 6-11 enjoy 90 minutes of stories and crafts.

International Story Time. Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. “Travel abroad” with Ms. Phyllis to celebrate the culture of a featured country listening to stories and music, and making crafts.

BARTLETT 5884 Stage Rd. 386-8968 Poetry for Teens. Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. Different themes each week.

April 5: Blackout Poetry.

April 12: Found Poetry.

April 19. Acrostic Poetry.

April 26: Best Part of Me. Teens create poems using different techniques. Call 386-8968 to register.

R.E.A.D. to Tootsie. Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m.-noon. Children ages 5-12 strengthen literacy skills while reading to trained therapy dog Tootsie. Call 386-8968 to register.

FRAYSER 3712 Argonne 357-4115 Pillowcase Making Class. Saturday, April 30, 1-2 p.m. Teens design and create their own sassy pillowcase.

RANDOLPH 3752 Given 452-1068 Teen Cooking. Tuesday, April 19, 4-5 p.m. Teens make something new in the kitchen.

WHITEHAVEN 4120 N. Mill Branch Rd. 396-9700 Handmade Wednesdays. Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m. Children read a book and make a craft.

KID FUNNIES

ite ar-old Derek’s favor Can you guess 8-ye and reading books. g hobby? Yep, buyin

e an in g o f kn o w th e m y c Lu d an Jo si e friendship.

My son Evan (21) wa I became the editor s a preschooler when He is now, officially of Memphis Parent. , an adult!

Tyler (2) turned into the cutest tiger during his first visit to circus.

A ninth-grade teacher recently administered the TNReady test to her English class. After school, one student told her about a conversation he had in his mind while he took the test.

“I looked at the prompt and didn’t know how to approach it, but then I heard your voice ask ‘What is the article about?’

I answered the question and then I heard you ask me, ‘What is the claim?’ Once I thought it through, I felt confident and ready to write.”

The best part, says the teacher, was that her student told his friends about their “conversation” because he felt so good about how he did on the test. ~ Thanks to Roz My 2-year-old grandson Charlie always gets a free balloon when he goes to the grocery with his mother, my daughter, Natalie.

Recently, after receiving his balloon, they happened upon a little girl in the store who was crying.

Charlie wanted to hand her his balloon saying, “Share.”

Natalie explained that if he did this, he wouldn’t get it back.

“Share,” came his reply.

So Charlie handed the little girl his gift and watched as a much happier child walked out of the grocery, a red balloon bobbing behind her. ~ Thanks to Jill

YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE HERE! Victoria (4) showing off her silly side at Incredible Pizza.

G rann loves ty says her gr aking a a bath. Cnddaughter, La an you tell? von (1),

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

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Every child is different, even identical ones.

Twins Penny and Lydia Chu were born prematurely and needed immediate help from Le Bonheur pediatric specialists. Penny had a particularly difficult time, requiring intricate heart surgery. We understand that no matter how similar they may appear, every child is different – with a unique set of needs – and that’s exactly how we treat each one. lebonheur.org

Where Every Child Matters

Twin sisters Penny and Lydia Chu of Memphis