COLLIN
THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN COLLIN COUNT Y
J U N E 2019
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT HATE SPEECH
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CAN’T-MISS EVENTS THIS MONTH PLAY TIME! TIPS FOR TAKING KIDS TO THE THEATER
MEET MOM NEXT DOOR
MADISON MCKINLEY ISNER
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SUMMER OF FUN
TOUGH LOVE HOW TO NURTURE A SPIRITED KID
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DEPARTMENTS NOTED 9 Watch Your Mouth
How to talk to kids about offensive language
REAL MOMS 13 Mom Next Door / Madison McKinley Isner
The jewelry designer is back in the studio after the birth of her first child
16 5 Things... / Pearls of Wisdom
Where our Mom Next Door goes for a workout or quiet time 18 Routines / Katie Anderson This Little Elm mom works hard and plays harder when it comes to juggling work as a nurse practitioner and focusing on her family
KID CULTURE 31 Curtain Call It’s not too early to introduce your kids
13 ABOVE // We chat with Highland Park mom Madison McKinley Isner on life with 8.5-month-old Hunter Grace and designing jewelry with her own mom.
to live theater
35 Calendar / The Agenda
Our favorite family events this month
LOCAVORE 43 Influencer 46 Kids Eat Cheap
FEATURE
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20 Rebels With a Cause Is your strong-willed child just testing boundaries, or is there something deeper going on? words Sundey McClendon
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADISON MCKINLEY ISNER; ©ISTOCK; NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS; ILLUSTRATION BY MARY DUNN
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Avoiding tough topics to preserve our kids’ innocence doesn’t work. words Carrie Steingruber DallasChild: Xavier, 8, of Dallas
CollinChild: Jaxon, 8, of Plano
Photography: Cindy James Hair/Makeup Styling: Gary Parson/ Kim Dawson Agency Styling/Art Direction: Heather Vance Devers
On our website, we’ll tell you how to have fun this summer for $5 or less words Elizabeth Quinn
50 Confessions / Mommy Fails First day of day care mishaps, failed hairdos and more LOL parenting moments
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hello / E D I T O R ’ S
ABOVE // Sometimes we need a wake-up call that forces us to face awkward— but necessary— conversations with our kids.
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NOTE
“P
wake-up call
ARENTS HAD BETTER WAKE THE HECK UP.”
Laura Hill, the mayor of Southlake, was not messing around when she took to Facebook to respond to a couple of recent videos that featured Southlake students using a racial slur. Those videos certainly caught the attention of Gina Mayfield, a freelance writer and local mom who wondered what her own kids would do in that situation. She penned our story on page 9 about combating hate speech and teaching children how to act with kindness and respect. Mayfield and I exchanged a few emails during the editing process because I wanted more concrete answers: At what age should you teach your child about racial slurs? Is there even such as a thing as “too young” for something like that? Turns out, we don’t have consistent, concrete answers to those questions. Raising culturally competent kids is a surprisingly nascent topic of study. “This is a new frontier and even the experts are still trying to figure out the answers,” Mayfield told me. I admit I was not expecting that. After all, hate speech is not exactly a new issue—I’m pretty sure humans have been saying offensive things since… well, just about since we’ve been saying things at all. But topics like race were long considered taboo, and even today some parents fear that talking about our differences (by definition the target for hate speech) will plant divisive ideas in the minds of their otherwise innocent youngsters. We don’t need to worry about accidentally robbing our kids of their naiveté because the classroom, the playground or social media will take care of that for us. The internet, especially, amplifies the anger that seems to have permeated our society—if we don’t talk to our kids about offensive language, the YouTube comments section will. Yeah, those conversations can be awkward and scary—but even scarier is the thought that it could be your kid who’s on the 6 o’clock news for using words you never thought you’d hear coming out of their mouth. Read Mayfield’s article for some practical pointers, and embrace the awkwardness. We’re all on a learning curve here.
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Carrie Steingruber ©ISTOCK
Free First Saturdays is presented in partnership with Neiman Marcus and Bank of America. Promotional support for Free First Saturdays is provided by Univision. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is the public transportation partner for Free First Saturdays.
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R TS FO EVENAMILIES F TH MON THIS
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online / D F W C H I L D . C O M WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN
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OFF THE PAGES
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what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com
Pediatric Behavioral Center
A Counseling Center for Kids, Teens and Families ABOVE // Take the kiddos to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science outdoor frog park and water feature for some splashing (free) fun.
AFTER WEEKS OF HOMEWORK AND FINALS and classroom parties and extracurriculars, everyone—especially you, Mom—deserves a break … but then the kiddos will be wandering around the house (read: bouncing off the walls) droning the dreaded phrase: “Mom, I’m bored!” Summer consists of roughly 104 days, so we’ve collected 120 places to go and things to do with your kids for $5 or less; find the list on our website and start checking things off. Or if you need a vacation, like, now, but can’t hop on an airplane just yet, you and the fam can see the world right here in Dallas-Fort Worth—we’re talking Japan, Mexico, Korea and Brazil, all in our notso-small backyard. Visit dfwchild.com for the details.
Summer Learning Activities
It’s important for the kids to keep practicing what they learned this year, because science says they will lose it if they don’t use it—the summer brain drain is real. We’ve compiled brain-stimulating activities with flair, including geometry with pretzel sticks and marshmallows, a science-y scavenger hunt, and historical field trips.
New Beginnings Start Here
Take advantage of the not-July weather while you still can, and take the gang to one of the many outdoor movie screenings around Dallas-Fort Worth. Catch flicks like Coco in Arlington and Ralph Breaks the Internet in Frisco, one of several “dive-in” movies you can enjoy from the comfort of a pool. Most screenings are free; check out a complete list on our website.
We do everything we can to help get a kid back on track, whether that is in the family, social or school arena.
17210 Campbell Road, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75252 972-250-1700 www.drbeckloff.com ©
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Father’s Day Gift Ideas
He is always the hardest person in the family to shop for, we know—we’ve been there. So take the stress out of finding the perfect gift for the perfect dad this Father’s Day (June 16) because we’ve rounded up more than 20 timeless ideas that will be sure to make any father happy, whether he’s a gourmet chef, beer enthusiast, coffee addict or Bob the Builder.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE; ELIZABETH QUINN; TIM SPORCIC; ©ISTOCK
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WATCH YOUR MOUTH keeping hate out of your kid’s vocabulary WORDS
GINA MAYFIELD
L
AST FALL, I CAME HOME FROM WORK, kicked off my shoes and casually flipped on the evening news, just like I had so many nights before. I was expecting the usual traffic incidents, airline delays, weather reports and the like. But there it was: a deeply disturbing video of a group of Southlake teens, mostly girls, chanting a racist slur in unison. A second, similar video featuring Southlake students was circulated in February. I’m sure so many other parents thought the same thing I did when that footage surfaced: What would my children do if they found themselves in a similar situation? I would like to think they would never say such things, that they would immediately speak up and put an end to that behavior, but have I really prepared them for our current cultural climate? Hate in all its forms—crime, speech and the dangerous comingling of the two—seems to be reaching a fever pitch, so much so that just this past March the House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at its own members that condemned “hateful expressions of intolerance.” But hate speech is not something many of us address directly with our children because → dfwchild.com / june 2019
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noted / W A T C H
YOUR MOUTH
we think bigotry is taught by imitation or overt instruction, and that if we’re not using offensive language, our kids won’t either. But many will fall victim to everyday exposure—TV shows, online games, memes, music, the comments section on a YouTube video. So what can we do to raise children who speak (and act) with compassion and empathy?
No Limits, Just Possibilities
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Kind Words
As children get older, look for teachable moments— maybe something that happened at school, a racially charged news story (such as those videos), an undertone in a show on Netflix. Then be authentic. “Hate speech hurts,” Anderson says. “Sometimes I think we are really afraid to tell our kids, ‘I feel really devastated. That kind of breaks my heart.’” Talk about how words are powerful and the hurt they can cause and why, including the historical ties. “Kids don’t always understand why using [a slur] is harmful, because they don’t understand the historical, structural ties … because we don’t bring it there,” Anderson explains. Most of all, remember that the conversation should be ongoing. “That’s the great thing about having children—you get to keep them! So if you mess up, you can come back that next day,” says Anderson. “It’s OK to misspeak or wish you would have said something differently and come back and acknowledge that and say it differently. That really is the beauty of relationships.”
Then, get the conversation started with your little ones by digging into ageappropriate books. For title ideas, check out Common Sense Media’s Books that Promote Tolerance and Diversity (commonsensemedia. org). You might be pleasantly surprised to find some familiar titles including Wonder, Last Stop on Market Street, Wishtree, Invisible Boy, Inside Out & Back Again and so many others.
TEACH BY EXAMPLE The tolerance you demonstrate by the way you treat and speak to others naturally sends your children a message. “Behaviors are learned, so it’s just about teaching them the expectations,” Nelson says. “What does kind look like? What does it feel like, what does it sound like? So instead of telling them what not to say, we want to teach them what we want them to do.” But what about those times when they blurt out an insensitive comment that makes us wish the floor of the grocery store would just open up and swallow us whole? First, acknowledge the hurt by simply apologizing to the hearer. Then stop and think about
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOLERANCE.ORG; PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
LOOK INWARD “We have these biases we’re not even aware of, so for adults, it’s more about self-reflection first before we can even start the process of teaching kids how to be culturally competent,” says Tyisha Nelson, the executive director of special programs for Carroll Independent School District. She is facilitating programs to teach Southlake elementary children about cultural competence in response to the recent videos. But even younger children watch and imitate us and will reflect the attitudes and values of those they look up to and love. At a recent training with a child development specialist, Nelson learned that children as young as 3 months can pick up on how their parents respond to people. At that age, they may not be expressive, but they’re certainly receptive to everything from body temperature to mannerisms.
your child’s intent versus their impact before turning your attention back to them. “In that moment, validate the truth of their intention in a way that doesn’t make them feel like pointing out things that are different is bad,” says Bianca Anderson, the Dallas-Fort Worth director of the Center for Racial Justice in Education. “When we negatively reprimand for pointing out difference, we can subconsciously send the message to kids that As with so many other topdifference is to be feared.” ics, books can be a welcome Then share the impact resource when of their words in a way it comes to that’s developmentally raising culturally appropriate for that child. “Think about what that competent kids. child needs and the way Consider starting it would land for them,” with Beyond the Anderson says. “The worst Golden Rule: A thing to do in that situaParent’s Guide tion is just reprimand and to Preventing that child not understand and Responding to Prejudice the impact.” from the nonprofit Teaching Tolerance (tolerance.org). START A DIALOGUE
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real moms.
THE NITTYGRITTY
AGE 26 LIVES IN Highland Park ALMA MATERS Parsons School of Design and The University of Texas at Austin SIGNIFICANT OTHER John Isner, professional tennis player OFFSPRING 8 1/2-month-old Hunter Grace WHERE SHE FINDS INSPIRATION Steerhead, her family’s ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming OTHER TALENTS Horseback riding, tennis and painting PERSONAL PROJECT “My New Year’s resolution was to read one book a month, so I’m trying to read all of the books written by C.S. Lewis.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON MCKINLEY ISNER
ABOVE //
mom next door /
MADISON MCKINLEY ISNER rhinestone cowgirl
INTERVIEW NICOLE JORDAN
S
Madison McKinley Isner is reveling in the first year of motherhood with Hunter Grace. “The love they already give to you is so incredible.”
INCE LAUNCHING AN EPONYMOUS JEWELRY LINE WITH HER MOTHER IN
2017, Madison McKinley Isner has made headlines for her unique aesthetic. Just like her, the collection is equal parts city sophistication and rustic charm, inspired by the designer’s Dallas upbringing and summers spent at her family’s Wyoming ranch. Shortly after its debut, the line drew the eye of industry heavyweights, leading to collaborations with Veronica Beard, Wrangler and Dallas-based KOCH, where Isner had previously worked as accessories designer for nearly seven years. Last September, Isner took a brief hiatus from her responsibilities as designer and creative director to welcome Hunter Grace, her first child with husband John. Now, almost nine months into motherhood, the new mom is acclimating to her new normal and is back in the design studio with more fervor than ever. → dfwchild.com / june 2019
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real moms / M O M
NEXT DOOR
DFWChild: Are you feeling settled into motherhood now? Madison McKinley Isner:
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I don’t think you’re ever settled. She’s changing so much. As soon as you get the schedule figured out, it changes. I didn’t realize how hard it would be. I don’t think I have it figured out, but I definitely feel more comfortable. I can get in the car with her to run an errand and be OK. Child: How did you and John navigate this huge change as a couple? MMI: One step at
a time. It’s such an adjustment. You have to realize you’re on the same team working toward the same goal: keeping her happy and healthy. Staying on the same page and really communicating about that is key. We sat down and talked about expectations. That was really good. Once I voiced what I needed from him we started sailing smoothly. We had to get our system down. Child: How have you dealt with the challenges of John’s career—the erratic schedule and travel? MMI: That’s been tough. Travel
is hard when you don’t have a baby. She was 7 weeks old on her first trip; we went to London. I was so nervous. If you think about it too much you’ll psych yourself out, so I say just do it. So far, she’s been everywhere with us. Flight attendants know it’s hard and are so helpful. People understand.
Child: How have you balanced your work on the jewelry line with a new baby? MMI: It depends
Find a store near you or shop online at
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high school. My mom and grandmother have always been involved with fashion, so there’s a family love of fashion and design. I’ve always loved being creative and having an outlet to express myself. Jewelry seemed a perfect fit. It’s a place where I can be my own person and express what I want to be. I also think jewelry makes people feel good, so that’s been awesome.
Child: What’s it like working with your mom? MMI: She’s incredible. My mom is one
of a kind. She’s taught me everything I know. She really pushes my creative thinking. Two is always better than one. Being on her team is awesome. Child: Were you a creative kid? MMI: I think so. When I was 12 years old, my mom and I started a T-shirt line and sold it to a few stores. I was always painting. My paternal grandmother was an artist. She had a studio in Wyoming, which is where my jewelry line started. I used to go there and paint. All art forms start with an idea. It’s just how you make that idea come alive.
“ALL ART FORMS START WITH AN IDEA. IT’S JUST HOW YOU MAKE THAT IDEA COME ALIVE.”
on the day. When she naps I go to the office and work. And when John’s in town we take turns. I’m lucky that I get to work from home so I can make my own hours. Before the baby I wasn’t as intentional with my time, but now time is so limited. No moment is wasted.
Child: Are there things you’re looking forward to layering back into your life now that Hunter Grace is a bit older? MMI: I try to take
time for myself every day, whether it’s meditating, doing my devotional or doing some yoga moves as I watch her play. It’s a practice that you have to make a habit. My mom has always told me, “When Mommy is happy, baby is happy.” I took that to heart. When you’re happy and you’re your best self, you can give your best self to your baby. Child: What attracted you to jewelry design? MMI: I started making jewelry in
Child: Will it be a priority for you to cultivate creativity in Hunter Grace as she grows up? MMI:
I’ll do my best to give her opportunities, but I know she’ll be her own person. I’ll provide an environment for her to be creative and learn and use her imagination. That’s all I can do. Child: Do you ever succumb to the mom guilt that’s perpetuated by Pinterest and social media? MMI: It’s
so hard not to. It’s in your face. You have to trust your own instinct and that you know what’s best for your baby. All the free advice is out there, but you have to find what works for you and your family. Child: Is there a piece of parenting advice someone’s given you that really resonates? MMI: One of my good friends told me that
as long as you love your baby to the best of your ability, and surround them with love, nothing can really go wrong. I think that resonated because there are so many things you’re told to do or not to do. We forget that most basic principle. — Editor’s note: As this interview went to press, we learned that Isner is now pregnant with her second, a boy. Congratulations to Mom and Dad!
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dfwchild.com / june 2019
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real moms / 5
THINGS …
INTERVIEW NICOLE JORDAN
PEARLS OF WISDOM the places and podcasts that help madison mckinley isner tackle life with a baby
1
FO R Q U I E T TIM E
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“I always start my day with the First15 app. It’s a daily devotional and gets me going in the right direction. I also love my Headspace app. I’ve recently grown to love meditation and it’s an awesome tool for that.” FIRST15, free for iOS and Android // first15.org HEADSPACE,
‘‘
FO R S E LF- C A R E
free to download for iOS and Android; subscriptions from $7.99 per month // headspace.com
I TRY TO GET A FACIAL WITH JOANNA CZECH ONCE A MONTH AND I LOVE PILATESBARRE AND SOULCYCLE.
FO R A N I G HT O UT
4
3
FO R I N -H O U S E FITN E S S
JOANNA CZECH // 2410 Victory Park Lane, Dallas; 214/812-9488; joannaczech.com THE PILATESBARRE // Multiple locations; thepilatesbarre.com SOULCYCLE // 5944 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas; 972/737-7685; 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 309, Dallas;
“Our favorite place for date night is Grange Hall, hands down. There is not a better place in Dallas for food or experience. For girls night, I love Javiers or R+D.” GRANGE HALL // 4445 Travis St., Dallas; 214/443-5175; ufgrangehall.com JAVIERS // 4912 Cole Ave., Dallas; 214/521-4211; javiers.net R+D KITCHEN // 8300 Preston Center Plaza Drive, Dallas; 214/890-7900; rd-kitchen.com
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FO R L ATE-N I G HT FE E D I N G S
“PODCASTS ARE A MUST WHEN YOU’RE A MOM! I’M LOVING THE REMEDY AND SCHOOL YOUR SOUL.” THE REMEDY WITH TOVA SIDO // tovasido.com/podcast SCHOOL YOUR SOUL // schoolyoursoul.com/podcast
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
I follow @MelissaWoodHealth on Instagram. Melissa Wood’s workouts are amazing to do at home.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOANNA CZECH; PILATESBARRE; SHAYNA FONTANA; SARAH ORBANIĆ; TOVA SIDO; VIOLETA MEYNERS
214/360-7685; soul-cycle.com
a thursday in the life of
KATIE ANDERSON Katie Anderson lives in Little Elm with her art director husband of five years, Kirk. They have an almost 3-yearold son, Luke, plus another addition to the family due in September. When Katie is not taking care of her family, she is working as a full-time family nurse practitioner in Cross Roads at Be. Women’s Health and Wellness.
6
AM Alarm goes off ... up and at ’em! Who am I kidding? I hit the snooze button ... twice. 6:22AM OK, I finally surrender to the alarm. Time to get up and get ready for the day ahead. 7AM Moving fast. (I shouldn’t have hit that snooze button.) I work on making Luke’s lunch and throw some things together for my own, and then on to prepping breakfast. Luke is up. I get his teeth brushed and get him dressed and ready for day care as efficiently as you can with an energetic and squirming toddler. It’s almost like an early morning workout, right? My mother arrives early to pick up Luke and take him to day care, and she brought coffee. Bless her. 7:30AM Quick snuggles and kisses for Luke, then I’m out the door for my morning drive to work. I immediately start listening to one of my favorite medical podcasts to “warm up” my brain for the day ahead. This morning’s topic is on dementia and age-related cognitive decline. I wonder to myself, Is there such a thing as motherhood-induced cognitive decline? Maybe the coffee just hasn’t hit me yet. 7:45AM I arrive at work. I quickly glance at my schedule; it’s going to be a busy day. Lucky for me, I have a nurse-practitioner student with me today to help with the patient load. I typically accept one to two
students per semester. I enjoy acting as a clinical instructor for students and do so regularly. It really keeps me on my toes and strengthens my own clinical practice. 8AM Time to start my morning patient rounds. I have an almost full schedule today, but this quickly changes as patients start calling for same-day sick visits. The flu is rampant right now. 12:30PM I come up for air. Time to catch up on charting, phone calls, ordering tests, medications and more labs to review. I also use this time to go over our morning with my student and discuss any important teaching points. Oh, and we eat lunch too. 1:30PM Back to clinic for the afternoon. It looks a little lighter than this morning (phew!). One of my favorite roles as a family nurse practitioner is helping patients prevent illness by teaching them about healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention and providing information for people to take control of their health. 5:15PM Wrap-up time in clinic. I finish up a few loose ends, then head home to enjoy the evening with my boys. 5:30PM I make it home. We have a “phones down” policy we try to implement to the best of our ability. I try to put down the cell and give 100% to this fleeting family time. I have a work-hard, play-hard mentality. I truly enjoy my work (and I work hard), but after work it is my time to spend with family. 7PM I start working on dinner. Tonight’s menu: spaghetti with sausage. Luke has decided to boycott the dinner selection, so it takes more time tonight than it typically should. Why do toddlers love something one day then refuse to eat it the next? Hopefully, this picky-eating thing is just a phase. 7:45PM Kirk takes care of the dishes. I take Luke to bathe and scrub off the spaghetti he has managed to smear onto every inch of his face. (Really, though, did he eat any?) After his bath, he likes to run off (usually stark naked) to his dad and play a quick game of hide-and-go-seek where I must always be the one to seek them. It’s tradition. 8:15PM Luke is cozy in his PJs. We snuggle up to read a few books, his favorite Matchbox car by his side. His two favorite books right now are Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night? (by Brianna Caplan Sayres) and I Am a Big Brother (by Caroline Jayne Church). The latter is an attempt to get him ready for the new baby due in September. He loves the book, but I’ll be honest, I don’t think any book can truly prepare him (or Kirk and me, for that matter). 8:45PM After reading his books, Luke kisses Daddy goodnight, and I take him up to bed. He sweetly asks me to hold his hand for a
Diaries are penned by moms (and dads!) in the Dallas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by DFWChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space. 18
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAITE ANDERSON
real moms / R O U T I N E S
the fine
BOOK ON HER NIGHTSTAND I’m a Big
Brother by Caroline Jayne Church—an effort to prep our son for his new sibling due in September WHAT’S
IN HER NETFLIX QUEUE Narcos FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT A Dallas Stars hockey game BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Pregnant, ginger ale; not
pregnant, I like the occasional craft sour beer. FAVORITE SCENT I love cinnamon. BEST PURCHASE EVER Robotic vacuum. Hands down, best time-saving device ever. WORDS SHE LIVES BY Motherhood is like folding a fitted sheet. Nobody really knows how to do it. … Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street. BIGGEST PET PEEVE The toilet paper has to roll from the top, or I will change it. WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL
PHOTO COURTESY OF BN.COM
Pump some iron/exercise GREATEST FEAR The loss of a child DREAM JOB AS A KID A “food taster” (food critic)—still do this as my pretend side hustle. GO-TO SELF-CARE SPOT My office! I inherently trust my wonderful staff and co-workers and can’t beat that commute.
minute. I happily oblige. Then, I quietly sneak downstairs for some me time. 8:58PM Just kidding. Luke is calling for me. Apparently he’s suddenly afraid of the dark. I must remember to Amazon Prime a nightlight. He asks me to hold his hand for just a little bit longer. 9:15PM My husband’s ice hockey game this evening has been canceled. He has been playing since he was a child and absolutely loves the sport. Apparently the Zamboni burned a hole in the ice. I’m not sure how that happens, but I’m also glad that we have the rest of the evening to spend together. 9:30PM We muster up the energy to complete a quick weightlifting workout together followed by an episode of Narcos on Netflix. I really like this show, but there are so many subtitles. 10:45PM I shower and crawl into the most impossibly comfortable bed. I check some emails, read articles that I’ve bookmarked and respond to some missed text messages. 11:15PM Lights out. I’m asleep before my head hits the pillow. And I most certainly don’t snore. My husband simply doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Where Science and Fun Become One The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden was designed to connect children with nature. With over 119 interactive computer games and daily themed programming the garden features The Texas Skywalk, The Moody Oasis, a Walk in the Clouds, and more. Find out why the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is the best family friendly attraction in Dallas.
DallasArboretum.org Dallas, Texas • 214-515-6500
The Dallas Arboretum is a non-profit organization supported, in part, by funds from Dallas Park & Recreation.
Melissa O’Neill RN-NIC, BSN Infant Care and Sleep Specialist
www.newbornnightingales.com
dfwchild.com / june 2019
19
ReBeLS wItH a CaUsE 20
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
Spirited kids are often branded as “bad,” but their behavior is more complex than a single label—and, most important, fixable WORDS
G
EORGETTE HUNTER-FRANKLIN
SUNDEY MCCLENDON
does not abide by anyone saying her son is “bad.” “Food goes bad; people are not bad,” she says with a laugh, speaking about her spirited 7-year-old son, Hunter. “People are complicated. They have bad days, they have challenges, and that’s OK.” The local mom is one of many parents who have “spirited” children—those who test boundaries or are even openly oppositional. This year Hunter, a smart and athletic boy, faced consequences countless times at school for his behavior, which memorably included a verbal standoff with a staff member after they tried to correct him for skipping in the hallways. For his mom, these missteps require what she calls “fierce accountability” but are also only a part of the whole child, and she recognizes that some of the characteristics that cause friction now, like questioning authority and an independent spirit, could be helpful to Hunter as an adult. But when do willfulness or behavioral challenges like Hunter’s cross over into defiance— or possibly even a diagnosis of a deeper issue? And what can be done to parent children who test boundaries, both small and large?
Some experts, like child intervention specialist and best-selling author Joe Newman, are leaning away from the traditional approaches of discussion and medication and toward a more compassionate approach to dealing with “spirited” kids. The first step: understanding that not all oppositional behavior is created equal. CHASING THE WHY
“I’ve never met a child who hasn’t argued with an adult,” says Renee Lexow of Bella Living Psychological Services in Fort Worth, “and some of that is totally normal and developmentally appropriate.” Lexow, who has a doctorate in clinical forensic psychology, points out that some boundary testing is an important part of understanding how the world works. “As adults, we learn that there are some rules that can be bent, some that can be broken, and some that can be neither bent nor broken,” she says. For instance, many adults who would not shoplift or commit assault might be open to crossing the street against the traffic light. “Children pick up on that concept quickly,” Lexow explains, “and they are testing and trying to determine which rules can be bent and which cannot.”
> dfwchild.com / june 2019
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She says that this type of boundary testing and other strong-willed behaviors, such as questioning authority, asserting themselves and being independent, are actually signs of social intelligence and personal growth. This is the defining difference between boundarytesting behavior and defiance: If a child has a specific and reasonably logical reason for not wanting to do something, they are likely testing a boundary in a developmentally appropriate way. “If your child says they don’t like peas, that’s not being defiant,” Lexow says. “That’s more independence, and that is a good thing. Asserting yourself is a necessary skill for an adult and we want to foster that.”
at Allen ISD) that teaches social and behavioral skills to kids who struggle in a typical classroom. She says that finding the source of defiant behavior is the key to correcting it. “We use this phrase a lot: ‘Chase the why.’” The first thing she asks parents is what time their child goes to bed. “Kids need sleep,” she explains, “and if they don’t get enough, their behaviors are intensified.” Lexow agrees, explaining that oppositional behavior that’s not linked to a diagnosable condition can be caused by a number of things, including sleep and food. “Diet can be a big factor,” she says. “Too much sugar or caffeine can often lead to irritability.” Environment can also be a major contributor as a child seeks a way to deal with what they perceive to be chaos at home. “This can be something big like changes in their environment, but it can also be a lack of stability and regularity in routines, or inconsistent rules and punishments at home,” Lexow explains.
“Defiant kids are not bad kids. They just need to be taught how to do things differently.” Hunter-Franklin says her son is more of a boundary-tester and that while she will always find a consequence for his misbehavior, she knows that some of those strong-willed character traits are beneficial. “I see that he could be a CEO one day with his ability to question things and his independent thinking,” she explains, “so I find ways to address what he did wrong while still accepting these parts of him.” Such behavior might instead be called defiance if the child generally refuses to comply seemingly without a rational reason or deliberately breaks a rule and cannot explain why. That’s not to say there isn’t a why—there can be many, up to and including underlying mental health conditions and behavior disorders. Candice Grisham is a teacher for the Bridge Program, a pilot program at Mesquite Independent School District (adapted from a similar program
22
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
Grisham says she sees this play out in the school setting. “In school, when a child is defiant, they are wanting to be in control of their situation,” she shares. Or, Lexow says, defiance might simply be a personality trait. “Sometimes it can just be a natural disposition to be stubborn,” she explains. On the other hand, misbehavior can actually be symptomatic of a deeper issue. The cause of unexplained strong-willed behavior might be attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism or mood disorders like depression. The best way to determine whether there is a condition linked to the behavior is to seek outside testing from a professional. MORE THAN A BAD DAY
Tarrant County mom Alexandra Villanuevos (not her real name) says her daughter Nina struggles with impulse control and exhibits a general lack of participation. “Her interactions with people didn’t go well—she has a hard time making friends and working with people,” Villanuevos explains. “We took her to therapy, and she wouldn’t participate in the therapy.” Villanuevos recounts the day she knew that something was seriously amiss with her daughter: While at an after-school program at the YMCA, Nina decided—obviously against
the rules—to leave and walk home on her own. She got lost on the way and ended up getting into a car with a man she didn’t know. “Thankfully the man drove her to our neighbor’s house without issue,” Villanuevos says. “But I was so terrified. I was angry-crying. She didn’t even stop to think about the danger in getting in the car with a stranger.” Villanuevos says she was relieved when Nina was diagnosed with oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), along with ADHD and anxiety, when she was about 9 years old. “I really didn’t know about ODD before, or I thought she wasn’t extreme enough before this,” she says. ODD is a common issue in children, with more than 200,000 cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Kids with ODD exhibit behavior that is oppositional and openly disobedient, uncooperative or flagrantly disrespectful to authority figures. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology notes that ODD is often seen in tandem with ADHD and sometimes autism. They also point out that in two-thirds of children with ODD, the symptoms will resolve within three years of diagnosis and treatment. Lexow says it’s common for people to misunderstand the difference between a typical level of misbehavior and one that requires intervention by a psychiatric professional. “If the behavior has gone on for more than six months, if it is impacting the child’s functioning and relationships with adults in his or her life, not counting siblings, I would want to see that child,” she says. Some other red flags to look for are irritability and unwarranted resentfulness toward adults, seeking to deliberately annoy or provoke others, continual refusal to comply in many different subjects, or vindictive or spiteful behavior occurring daily if the child is under 5 years old and weekly if they are older. “If a parent is seeing this kind of unrelenting defiance with authority figures, I would encourage them to go beyond their school counselor and see a psychiatrist,” she says. “There are very specific criteria and testing we can do to find out what is going on.” THE DISCIPLINE DILEMMA
Not all parents have the relief of knowing the why behind their child’s defiance. Chelsea Peters’ 7-year-old son, Daniel, has not been diagnosed with any type of condition that would explain his behavior. “For him, he will pretend he doesn’t hear you or like he doesn’t know the rules when he does,” she says with a sigh. When she tries to correct him the way she does with her two younger children, he turns to self-harm. “He will go to his room
and slam his head into things,” the Arlington mom reveals, “so we had to try something else. We started taking away things. That seems to work, but it was hard to know what to do.” In his book Raising Lions: The Art of Compassionate Discipline, Joe Newman says that parents and teachers need to understand the power struggle between themselves and the spirited child. He makes the case that consequences are a far better teacher than lecturing or “talking it out” in most cases because a consequence appeals to the whole child and affirms that you feel they are capable. This is a far cry from what modern parents typically hear. With the disciplinary practice of spanking under fire, many parents have reverted to the other extreme, trying to reason with their children about their behavior. Peters says this didn’t work with Daniel; he was not receptive to listening, and it made her feel frustrated and hurt that he wouldn’t hear her out. Hunter-Franklin has found success with asking questions and seeking to understand her son Hunter’s behavior in tandem with letting him deal with the consequences for his actions. For her, this looks like asking him about the incident and meeting his answer with empathy but still imposing a consequence, such as revoking access to a favorite toy or having him write a letter of apology. “I think communication is paramount across the board,” she says. “Communicating with Hunter what I expect or what to do after he has handled a situation poorly, and also talking to his teachers to make sure we are all on the same page.” Lexow says that when a child is testing a boundary, discussion is healthy, but when a child is acting strong-willed without any specific reason, talking it out can often just lead to an argument—a losing battle for the parent. Villanuevos learned early on that when she was feeling pushed beyond her limit, losing control and yelling did not work with Nina. “When she actively defies me, it can be something like asking her to put the laundry away. I can ask repeatedly, and she won’t do it, or she may do something like dump the contents of the basket on the floor in her closet,” she reveals. “Now we have been at it for two hours trying to get her to put away laundry, and I am exhausted and frustrated, and I will lose my cool. But I am learning that it will just escalate. I have been working on taking deep breaths and not allowing her to pull me in.” Lexow says that as long as there is no safety risk, ignoring poor behavior and staying extremely calm prevents you from giving the child too much power. “Ignoring them can be effective in the correct setting,” she explains.
“An argument takes two people, so if one is not participating, there is no argument to escalate things.” She adds that giving choices is a great way to help kids work on understanding and selfregulating their behavior.
The Power of Choice
Giving choices is a great way to give kids some ownership over their behavior while still allowing the adult to retain the majority of the power. Candice Grisham, a teacher in the Mesquite Independent School District, says that choices are an important part of correcting the defiant behavior of students in the Bridge Program, where she works. “For example, if a student doesn’t want to do his or her work, the teacher could say, ‘You can choose to do it now or during station time.’ Either way, the child does the work,” she explains. EXPERTS SAY THESE ARE THE KEYS TO USING CHOICES EFFECTIVELY:
+
CHOICES SHOULD BE LIMITED—AT F I R S T . Renee Lexow, a Fort Worth psycholo-
gist, says for younger kids or kids who are particularly type A, two choices work best. Try offering multiple options with the same result. “Do you want to take a bath or a shower?” is a good example.
+
CHOICES CAN EVOLVE AS THE CHILD E V O L V E S . As the child becomes better at
self-regulating, the choices may become more open-ended: “If you don’t want to take band as an elective, what class do you think you would like to take?”
+
CHOICES MAY INCLUDE CONSEQUENCES.
In Grisham’s example, if the student chose to defer doing their work, they were choosing to miss station time with their classmates. The natural consequences of the choice help the child learn to make better decisions in a way that doesn’t invite conflict. On his YouTube channel, Newman demonstrates how to offer a child the choice of a short timeout if they will stop the behavior immediately or an extended timeout if the behavior continues. That small choice gives the child a sense of self-control while still allowing the adult the majority of the power. He says this tactic works for kiddos who have been diagnosed with a behavior disorder and kids like Daniel who are just prone to defiant behavior. “Most kids that are defiant will work better
if they are rewarded for making good choices,” Grisham says. At the Bridge Program, offering choices gives the students agency and reinforces positive outcomes. “It teaches them to make good choices and feel good about themselves,” she explains. “When this happens, they will most likely choose to make that good choice again.” NO LABELS
Grisham says she wishes everyone knew what she knows about problematic behavior: that it is fixable. Teaching a strong-willed child to make good choices might be a slow and challenging process, but Grisham stresses that it’s necessary. “As parents, it’s our job to teach kids how to follow behavior, even when they don’t want to,” she says. “If we don’t correct defiant behavior, then the child thinks they can continue. There is help and assistance when things get hard.” Due to Nina’s severe behavior, Villanuevos doesn’t socialize much with other families out of fear she will be judged. “I don’t want to be ‘that mom,’” she says wistfully, “the one who is arguing with her child in public, the one who is unleashing on her kid in Walmart. Even though I know rationally we all have stuff going on and I shouldn’t feel ashamed, it’s really hard.” Hunter-Franklin can empathize. “No one is saying on social media that their son [was disciplined] at school every day for the last two months,” she laughs. “As a parent, you can feel embarrassed and think it is a reflection of your parenting, but it’s really not about us. ODD or behavioral problems or just strong-willed kids—these don’t make you a bad parent or a failure. Don’t allow yourself to sit in those labels.” And even with a rap sheet of bad behavior, an oppositional child does not deserve the label “bad.” “Defiant kids are not bad kids,” Grisham says. “They just need to be taught how to do things differently.”
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Staying home this Summer but still want to have big fun? DART has you covered. Check out our DARTable Staycations for adventures the whole family will enjoy. From entertainment to dining, these local hidden gems have a little something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part? It’s all DARTable!
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MAPPING YOUR FAMILY’S
SUMMER OF FUN
Sweet summertime is finally here. This comprehensive directory features Dallas-Fort Worth’s top destinations that are perfect for keeping the whole family entertained all summer long. The best part? We’re giving away weekly passes to your favorite local spots through our Summer Fun Map contest. Learn more about how to participate by sharing your Insta-worthy shots on the next page. 1.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DFW. Multiple locations; drafthouse.com/dfw. Pick your own ticket price of $1, $3 or $5 at our Kids’ Camp screenings 10am weekdays all summer with proceeds benefiting HopeKids North Texas.
2.
Alley Cays Entertainment. Arlington; 817/7842695; Hurst; 817/589-0523; alleycatsbowl.com. Plenty of fun for everyone! Bowling, laser tag, Putt-Putt Golf, arcade games, go-carts, more. Attractions vary by location.
3.
Altitude H2O @ Meadowmere Park . Grapevine; 817/207-7236; altitudeh2ograpevine.com. Home to the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas. Our enormous floating playground is the best way to cool off this summer!
4.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Fort Worth; 817/738-1933; cartermuseum.org/calendar/search?keys=storytime. Take a trip with the Amon Carter as we take our storytime program to locations across Fort Worth. Wednesdays in June and July.
5.
Arbuckle Wilderness Park. Davis; 800/PET-PARK; arbucklewilderness.com. Drive on the wild side. Come feed the animals while driving through the Arbuckle Mountains. Walk-through features; reptiles, petting zoo, fish feeding, pony rides+.
6.
Bowl & Barrel. Dallas; 214/363-2695; bowlandbarrel.com. Strike up the party! Our boutique bowling alley is great for kids 6 and up. With party packages, kid-friendly food, ramps, bumpers and more.
7.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing—Tour and Visitor Center. Fort Worth; 817/231-4000; bep.gov/fortworthtxtours.html. Learn how billions of dollars are printed at the BEP, where the nation’s paper currency order is produced. Self-guided tours, admission is free!
13.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Dallas; 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org/ events-activities/summer-at-the-arboretum. Enjoy Summer at the Arboretum with Family Fun Fridays in June and July, Nature Walk Bingo Nights and Family Fun Lawn Games on Sundays.
14.
Dallas Museum of Art. Dallas; 214/922-1200; dma.org. It’s free family fun all summer at the DMA! Enjoy free general admission and free programs, including story time, gallery tours, art making and more.
15.
Dallas Zoo. Dallas; 469/554-7500; dallaszoo. com. The wild is calling at the Dallas Zoo, where over 2,000 animals are waiting to be discovered at the largest and oldest zoo in Texas!
16.
Denton County Office of History & Culture. Denton; 940/349-2850; dentoncounty.com/chos. The Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum is 40 this year! See anniversary exhibits and play in our vintage grocery store. Come visit—admission is free!
17.
Dough Dough,The. Multiple locations; 214/254-4445; thedoughdough.com. Serving cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, brookies or indulge in one of 12 flavors of safe to eat raw cookie dough! Gluten-free and vegan available.
18. Explorium Denton Children’s Museum. Denton; 940/320-5444; exploriumdenton.org. Explorium Denton Children’s Museum is designed for children 12 and under, provides opportunities for children and their families to learn and play together.
27.
George W. Bush Presidential Center. Dallas; 214/200-4300; bushcenter.org. This summer explore the Presidential Retreats: Away from the White House special exhibit to learn how presidents and their families rest, rejuvenate, and work too.
28. Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau. Grapevine; 817/410-3185; grapevinetexasusa. com. Discover a whole world of play in Grapevine. SummerBlast features fun for the whole family including waterparks, Friday Night Fireworks, Nash Farm and more! 29. Hilton Anatole. Dallas; 214/748-1200; anatolepool.com. Experience JadeWaters, Dallas’ only resort pool experience, complete with two 180-foot slides, a 630-foot lazy river, luxury cabanas, a swim-up bar and more! 30.
Historic Downtown Carrollton. Carrollton; 972/466-9135; cityofcarrollton.com/downtown. Downtown Carrollton features unique shops and restaurants, as well as events like World of Foodies Fest on Saturday, June 29, from 3–9pm.
31.
Hydrous Wake Parks . Multiple locations; 214/310-1105; hydrouswakeparks.com. What could be better than spending time on the water learning how to wakeboard? Sign up now. Hydrous Wake Parks camps, parties and lessons
20.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Fort Worth; 817/255-9300; fwmuseum.org. Learning is cool at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History this summer in 165,000 square feet of air conditioning!
32.
iT’Z Family Food & Fun. Euless; 817/283-3700; itzusa.com. iT’Z the summer fun destination with a huge arcade, laser tag, rock climbing and bowling. The 8-visit Annual Pass offers the best value at $9.99/visit.
33.
JCC Dallas. Dallas; 214/739-2737; jccdallas.org. JCC Dallas has something for everyone—enjoy the outdoor pool, modern fitness facility and more! Open to families of all faiths, shapes and sizes.
34.
Kemah Boardwalk. Kemah; 877/285-3624; kemahboardwalk.com. Waterfront dining, rides, games, shopping and entertainment all year long at the Kemah Boardwalk! Make plans now—stay at our hotel, the Boardwalk Inn.
35.
Kimbell Art Museum. Fort Worth; 817/332-8451; kimbellart.org. Celebrate Monet: The Late Years with activities for kids and teens all summer long. Don’t miss our Family Festival/Ice Cream Sunday, July 21.
36.
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA). Lewisville; 972/219-3550; llela.org. Explore oak forests, kayak by beaver dams, fish for bass in the Trinity, and more at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)!
9.
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. Dallas; 469/554-7340; childrensaquariumfairpark.com. Explore the undersea world at the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, designed with kids in mind. You can see fish, feed stingray, and more!
21.
Fort Worth’s Fourth. Fort Worth; 817/698-0700; fortworthsfourth.com. Fort Worth’s Fourth is a day full of family fun at Panther Island Pavilion! Enjoy free festival admission, kid zone activities and tubing.
10.
Cinnamon Shore. Port Aransas; 361/336-0688; cinnamonshore.com. Stay in a seaside village with classic charm and casual sophistication that’s all about family and fun. Surf lessons! Sandcastle lessons! Music and more!
22.
Fort Worth Zoo. Fort Worth; 817/759-7555; fortworthzoo.org. Adventure awaits at the Fort Worth Zoo. Explore wildlife firsthand at one of many interactive exhibits, from giraffes to stingrays. Plan your visit today!
23.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Glen Rose; 254/8972960; fossilrim.org. The memories you make with your children now will be with you forever. Feed giraffes and watch baby rhinos play, visit Fossil Rim today!
24.
Frog Pond Water Park at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, The. Farmers Branch; 972/9198720; fbh2o.com. This neighborhood oasis in Farmers Branch features an activity pool, lazy river, lagoon pool and water slides plus swim lessons, programs and events all summer!
Dallas Aquatics—Dallas Park and Recreation. Dallas; 214/670-1926; dallasaquatics.org. Bahama Beach Waterpark, 6 aquatic centers, 11 swimming pools, Bachman indoor pool. Swim lessons, swim teams, water exercise classes and special events.
26. Gaylord Texan Resort. Grapevine; 817/7781000; gaylordtexan.com/summerfest. Experience SummerFest at Gaylord Texan featuring The Adventures of Peter Pan now through Labor Day. Enjoy family fun with pool parties, scavenger hunts, more.
Fairview Town Center. Fairview; fairviewtowncenter.com. Fairview Town Center is northern Collin County’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination, featuring Dillard’s, iPic Theaters, JC Penney, Macy’s, Whole Foods Market and more!
Cedar Hill Parks & Recreation. Cedar Hill; 972/291-5130; cedarhilltx.com/pard. Have fun the Cedar Hill way this summer! Enjoy summer camps, pool activities, live concerts, community celebrations and much more. Visit cedarhilltx. com/pard for information.
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Galveston, It’s Island Time!. Galveston Island; 409/797-5144; galveston.com.Whether you’re a history buff, thrill seeker or beach bum, Galveston Island has something for you. Let us help you plan the perfect island getaway.
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11. Crayola Experience Plano. Plano; 469/6422901; crayolaexperience.com/plano. Discover the magic of color at Crayola’s premier, one-ofa-kind family attraction. Dozens of hands-on, creative activities and a day of fun awaits! Buy tickets https://bit.ly/2UZ73y9.
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37. Maze Kids. Frisco; 469/656-9087; mazekids.org. Maze Kids offers a safe, all-inclusive, fun
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environment at an unbeatable price! Programs immerse students in cutting edge hands-on STEM, sports, art and lifestyle activities. 38.
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Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Dallas; 888/935-6878; medievaltimes.com. Kids free this summer with any full price adult admission Monday–Thursday. Code:DCKF Knights compete in thrilling games on horseback inside the Queen’s 11th Century castle.
ment, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features family-oriented attractions including rides, games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops. 45.
Pump It Up. Multiple locations; pumpitupparty. com. Our indoor arenas feature gigantic inflatables that are ideal for your child’s 100% private birthday party or check our online calendar for weekday public playtimes.
Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce. Mineral Wells; 940/325-2557; visitmineralwells.org. Visit Mineral Wells where fun and adventure run deep. Dig for fossils, test your rock-climbing skills, become a butterfly with our amazing murals.
46. Reunion Tower. Dallas; 214/712-7040; reuniontower.com/things-to-do/summer. Join us for activities all summer long on the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. Activities will include bingo, magic shows, arts & crafts and story time.
Museum of the American Railroad. Frisco; 214/428-0101; museumoftheamericanrailroad. org. Experience family fun at TrainTopia this summer! Features 2,500 sq ft of running model trains inside the Frisco Discovery Center. Visit historictrains.org for tickets.
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NRH2O Family Water Park. North Richland Hills; 817/427-6500; nrh2o.com. NRH2O Family Water Park features over 24 slides and attractions for a fun-filled day. Fireworks and dive-in movies on select dates. Free parking. Coolers welcome. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show. Fort Worth; 888/COW-TOWN; stockyardsrodeo.com. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show features trick roping, trick shooting, trick riding, cowboy songs and more! Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm and 4:30pm, call 1-888-COWTOWN.
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leader of in-theater dining whose passion is film, food and fun! 52.
Texas Discovery Gardens. Dallas; 214/428-7476; txdg.org. Stop by Texas Discovery Gardens and take a stroll through our two-story tropical butterfly house and 7.5 acres of gardens.
53. Topgolf. Multiple locations; 817/349-4002; topgolf.com. Grow your child’s game this summer with Topgolf Summer Academy. This academy is jam-packed with fun and learning for kids ages 6–12. 54.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!. Grand Prairie; 972/263-2391; ripleys.com/grandprairie. Come into Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! this summer and get your weird on. With 5 awesome attractions, there’s something for everyone!
Town of Little Elm. Little Elm; 972/731-3296; littleelmliveandplay.com. Best beach in North Texas! Sand volleyball, fire pits, swimming, kayaks/SUPs, unique restaurants, cable wakeboarding, hike and trails. There’s something for everyone in Little Elm!
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Shops at Lakeside, The. Flower Mound; 469/533-4131; lakesidedfw.com. Singer/songwriters perform Friday nights, 7:30pm, at the Lakeside Music Series in the plaza. Bring portable chairs or blankets. Children welcome.
Twin Points Park. Fort Worth; 817/720-4551; twinpointspark.com. White sandy beaches 15 miles from downtown Fort Worth. Details about activities (Free yoga) available on Facebook @twinpointspark. Bring a picnic and the whole family.
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Urban Air Adventure Parks. Multiple locations; 800/960-4778; urbanairtrampolinepark.com. Experience next level adventure this summer on epic attractions like Sky Rider Indoor Coaster, Warrior Obstacle Course, ropes course, climbing walls and so much more!
Shops at Willow Bend—Grand Court, The. Plano; 972/202-7110; shopwillowbend.com. Families get ready for a summer of heartpounding, bubble-popping, mind-stretching, floor-stomping and clown-laughing fun during this summer’s performances at Summer Fun Thursdays from noon–1pm.
Peppa Pig World of Play. Grapevine; 214/2859110; peppapigworldofplay.com/dallasfw/en. Jump into the world of Peppa Pig to laugh, learn and play! New indoor play attraction for preschool children—now open in Grapevine Mills.
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Stockyards Station. Fort Worth; 817/625-9715; fortworthstockyards.com. Shopping, dining and big fun—Texas-style! Located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Stockyards Station has western fun for everyone!
Pleasure Pier. Galveston Island; 409/766-4950; pleasurepier.com. Waterfront fun and entertain-
51. Studio Movie Grill. Multiple locations; studiomoviegrill.com. Studio Movie Grill is the
57. Visit Lubbock. Lubbock; 806/747-5232; visitlubbock.org. Bring history to life and find adventure in Lubbock’s many family-friendly attractions this summer. Plan your next trip to the “Hub City” today! 58. Water Works Park. Denton; 940/349-8800; dentonwaterworks.com. Enjoy a wave pool, five giant slides, two toddler slides, a lazy river, a children’s play pool, pavilions, cabanas, delicious concessions and more!
Win a family vacation! Join in on the Summer Fun Photo Contest for a chance to win weekly giveaways to our featured destinations. With every shared photo, you will be automatically entered to win the grand prize: A two-night stay for four at The Gaylord Texan!
MAPPING YOUR FAMILY’S
SUMMER OF
FUN
Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow @dfwchildmag on Instagram 2. Visit any Summer Fun Map locations 3. Snap a picture and post it to Instagram 4. Use hashtag #DFWChildSummerFun and be sure to tag us @DFWChildMag
#DFWChildSummerFun Photo Contest Contest closes July 31 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be announced on August 1. Winners selected at random. Must be 21 years or older to enter.
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june 2019 / dfwchild.com
WELCOME TO GRAPEVINE.
GREAT THRILLS. GREAT FUN.
Enjoy an entire season, jam-packed with cool events! Spend less time and money traveling and more time having fun close to home in Grapevine. A whole world of play awaits you this summer in the perfect staycation destination – where there’s something for everyone.
GrapevineTexasUSA.com
817-410-3185
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VINTAGE TEXAS 5/9/19 5:13 PM
kid culture.
ABOVE //
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS
The nonprofit North Texas Performing Arts provides tons of opportunities for kids to see and act in productions like The Wizard of Oz.
CURTAIN CALL how to introduce your kids to the theater WORDS
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OUR 6-YEAR-OLD YELLING OUT, “WHERE IS BABY JESUS?!” as soon as the lights go down for The Nutcracker is probably similar to what you imagine when you think about taking your kid to the theater. That was the scenario for Mollie-Claire Matthews’ family when they took her little sister Madigan to her first show at 6 years old. But despite Madigan’s spontaneous outburst, Mollie-Claire looks back fondly at the memory. “It doesn’t always work for everybody, but that is such a funny story to have to tell,” says Mollie-Claire. The high school senior saw her first play—a classic, The Sound of Music—at just 3 years old. She’s been part of the programs at North Texas Performing Arts ever since. Mollie-Claire believes that watching a play at such a young age and taking classes throughout her life has given her far more than stage or acting techniques—it’s built a foundation for lifelong skills. “If I didn’t have theater, there is a certain confidence I wouldn’t have walking into a room,” → dfwchild.com / june 2019
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Park Cities Day School
kid culture / C U R T A I N
CALL
Where minds grow in a loving place
ENROLLING NOW 6 weeks–5 years
Gymnastics, Spanish, Soccer, Ballet 469-776-5501 parkcitiesdayschool.org PCdayschool@sbcglobal.net 5923 Royal Ln., Dallas 75230
ABOVE // Each year-round season at Allen’s Community Theatre includes at least one youth production like Mulan Jr., plus a slate of summer camps for age 6 and up. BELOW // See plays made for young audiences at Dallas Children’s Theater.
214-704-8378
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REHEARSAL Take baby steps toward introducing your kids to theater. Piñon began by showing her kids 30- to 40-minute movies to see if her then 2-year-olds could stay focused for that length of time. “That’s when I realized, OK, they can do a 30-minute cartoon, they are ready to [watch] a play,” she says. “It wasn’t easy, there was a growing curve. But I feel like now they really appreciate it. They love going to plays.” Libraries are also great resources to begin introducing your kids to plays; several local libraries have puppet shows and short skits for toddlers and babies. When your kids are ready for a real theater, look for plays labeled TYA, or Theater for Young Audiences. These plays are designed specifically to keep kiddos engaged,
explains Mike Mazur, managing director at North Texas Performing Arts in Plano. “They encourage the kids to cheer and boo for the villain and the hero,” he says. Also look for musicals with “Jr.” in the title. These are shortened versions of stories you know and love, typically with kid actors. If the play is based on a movie or book, watch the movie or read the story with them so they’ll already be familiar with the characters and plot. Often the stage version of the story is a bit different from the movie or book. “When you come to see a play, say, ‘We’re going to see it live. I can’t wait to see what’s the same or different,’” Mazur says. SHOWTIME Mazur recommends talking your kids through what they’re about to experience. “Say, ‘We’re going to go see a play, and the play is done by real people right in front of you. We’re going to be quiet and watch them,’” he explains. Since most plays have an intermission, Mazur also suggests telling your kids to look out for certain things during the first half of the show that you can discuss during the break—a certain dance move, the intricacies of the actors’ costumes. You can also tell the kids to watch out for lights and sounds and how they help tell the story: “‘Look—there’s a light over there.’ (It turns blue.) ‘How did that make the room feel?’ Guide them with things to look for,” he shares. And remember, plays are just that: play. Mazur notes that adults often forget that taking their kids to see a show is supposed to be fun. “There’s nothing like watching a parent and two kids experiencing the performing arts together,” he says. “I really believe what we do brings families closer together in ways they didn’t expect.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEN’S COMMUNITY THEATRE; LINDA BLASE
Choose your favorite Princess, Pirate or Superhero to come to your next event! Includes: Games, Treasure Hunt, Face Painting, Balloon Animals and a special gift!
she shares. “It teaches you so much about knowing who you are, and I think that’s really hard for lots of kids.” Lizdelia Piñon, a Tarrant County mother of 6-year-old triplets who all have cerebral palsy, has taken her kids to plays since they were toddlers. The Chicago native and educator sees the importance of involving her kids in the arts at a young age—something she had growing up as well. “I wanted them to enjoy all the things that my parents did with me as a child,” Piñon says. “My kids see things a little differently, I think, because of the arts that I’ve exposed them to.” Although the thought of taking your kids to the theater might be scary, with the right preparation your littles can enjoy the wonders of live theater while picking up lessons and memories that will stick with them long after the curtain call.
AT A THEATER NEAR YOU
Take your kids to one of these upcoming shows:
Dallas Children’s Theater is showing Diary of A Worm, A Spider & A Fly June 14–July 7. Recommended for age 3 and up. Tickets are $30 for adults
and $28 for ages 3–17, but you can buy discounted tickets Saturday at 4:30pm. The show is an hour and 15 minutes long with an intermission. And if you still aren’t sure about bringing your kids to a live show, contact Trish Long (trish.long@dct.org or 214/978-0110) to sit in on a performance and get a feel for it in person. DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER // 5938 Skillman St., Dallas, 214/978-0110; dct.org
See marionettes perform The Little Mermaid at Geppetto’s Marionette Theater in Dallas June 8–September 22. Tickets begin at $20. Shows are about an hour in length and designed for kids as young as 3. GEPPETTO’S MARIONETTE THEATER // 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, 469/442-1925; geppettostheater.com
Disney Legends (June 14 and 15), The Wizard of Oz (June 21–30) and The Sound of Music (July 19–28) are on stage at Plano’s Art Centre Theatre. Tickets are $15 per seat if you purchase online. Shows are about two hours long with a 15-minute intermission. THE ART CENTRE THEATRE // 1400 Summit Ave., Plano, 972/881-3228; artcentretheatre.com
North Texas Performing Arts has multiple locations and a full slate of shows this summer. Coming this month: Matilda (June 7–15) and Legally Blonde Jr. (June 27–30) in Fairview; Mary Poppins Jr. (June 7–16) in Frisco; Newsies (June 7–16), Fiddler on the Roof Jr. (June 7–15), Mulan Jr. (June 21–29) and Nancy Blue: Girl Detective (June 21–29) in Plano; and Aladdin (June 27–28) at Parish Episcopal School in Dallas. All ages are welcome to most shows; tickets are typically $12. NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS // Multiple locations; northtexasperformingarts.org
Or sign them up to go behind the scenes at a theater summer camp: Allen’s Community Theatre offers a slew of weeklong camps with varying themes for kids 6–18, including (but not limited to) Pom Pom Zombie camp June 10–14; Pixar Redux July 15–19; Sorcerer’s School for Harry Potter fans July 22–26; and Greek Adventures July 29–August 2. Tuition is $225 per week; find application details online. ALLEN’S COMMUNITY THEATRE // 1210 E. Main St., Suite 300, Allen, 844/822-8849; allenscommunitytheatre.net
North Texas Performing Arts offers weeklong art and drama camps for ages 5–8 and theater camps for ages 7–11. Kids focus on a different theme each week, such as How To Train Your Dragon and The Lion King. Full-day and half-day options are available at the Plano, Frisco and Fairview locations; tuition begins at $225. Two-week production camps, where kiddos rehearse and put on a show, are also available at all locations; tuition begins at $250. NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS // Multiple locations; northtexasperformingarts.org
Kids in grades two to six can get a head start on high school lit at
Shakespeare Dallas’ three weeklong camps that focus on acting, move-
ment and vocal work. What Visions Have I Seen! (June 17–21) and Midsummer Madness (July 8–19) will held at Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, and All the World’s A Stage (June 24–28) at Genesis Children’s Theatre in Plano. Tuition begins at $215. SHAKESPEARE DALLAS // Multiple locations; shakespearedallas.org At The Art Centre Theatre, kids ages 6–17 can choose from weeklong camps beginning June 10 based on titles like The Wizard of Oz, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Sound of Music. Tuition begins at $350. THE ART CENTRE THEATRE // 1400 Summit Ave., Plano, 972/881-3228; artcentretheatre.com
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OUR NEWEST HANDS-ON EXHIBIT IS HERE! Experience the newest, most playful, canʼt-miss exhibit at the Fort Worth Zoo. Just steps from the Yellow Rose Express train, inside Texas Wild!, you will find a friendly stop where you can pet, brush and learn all about the animals you encounter. The fully immersive adventure features hands-on activities that invite
MEET THE KEEPER PAN FOR GOLD ON THE MINING SLUICE BRUSH A GOAT PET AND PLAY WITH MANY OTHER RANCH ANIMALS
the entire family to experience life on the ranch.
FORTWORTHZOO.ORG
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2 1 F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY E V E N T S Y O U C A N ’ T M I S S I N
JUNE
SUMMER FUN THURSDAYS
T H E SHOP S AT W I L L OW B E N D June 6–July 25 Nix the summer sun and come inside the shopping center’s Grand Court, on the lower level past the food court, for free kids’ entertainment every Thursday (except July 4). The guitar-shredding David Chicken, ventriloquist Ian Varella and magicians Bo Gerard and Christopher Lyle bring down the house in June. Be sure to come early for extra fun during the preshow entertainment starting at noon. FREE 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano; 972/202-4900 shopwillowbend.com
JUNE 6–JULY 25 // DURING SUMMER FUN THURSDAYS, THE SHOPS AT WILLOW BEND BUBBLES OVER WITH FREE FAMILY FUN, INCLUDING THE REAL MAD HATTER BUBBLE SHOW.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SHOPS AT WILLOW BEND; TUCKER HILL; DEEN VAN MEER; DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
DALLAS FESTIVAL OF BOOKS AND IDEAS
DA L L A S M U SE UM OF A RT June 1 Try your hand at sketching faces and masks with Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Dan Santat and let the Austin-based Typewriter Rodeo group churn out poems on demand for you at this free event, offered at the DMA as part of the Dallas Festival of Books and Ideas. Guest speakers include Dr. Seuss biographer Brian Jay Jones and a poetry and lyrics writing workshop designed for age 7 and up and led by the Old 97’s Rhett Miller. FREE 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas; 214/922-1200 thedallasfestival.com
PORCH FEST
TUCKER HILL June 1 Several musicians and bands perform their music live from
the actual front porches of Tucker Hill residents at this fourth annual festival helping to bring back the cultural significance of the front porch. Bring your blankets or chairs to sit for a spell and then follow the kids over to the playground for the new kids’ zone with children’s entertainer Tanna Banana, lawn games and free face painting and Henna tattoos. FREE 2100 State Blvd., McKinney; 214/544-7550 tuckerhilltx.com
FIREBIRD & OTHER FEATHERED FRIENDS
MORTON H . MEYER SON SYMPHONY CENTER June 1 Bird is the word during this one-hour family concert when the Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird (first performed in Paris in 1910), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and an orchestral telling of Gertrude
McFuzz (and her one-feather tail), a Dr. Seuss favorite. Introduce your kids to the classical music from these fairy-tale ballets and other stories on Saturday morning for tickets from $33. 2301 Flora St., Dallas; 214/849-4376 mydso.com
VOLY IN THE PARK
K LY DE WA R R E N PA R K June 1 Want to do some good as a family this summer but not sure where to start? Get your hands dirty at this sixth annual volunteerism festival designed by VolunteerNow to connect people to nonprofits. Stop by each of the 75-plus booths representing local organizations to learn about what they do through hands-on activities. Educational animals from the Dallas Zoo and local dance and children’s theater performances help provide the entertainment. FREE 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas; 214/826-6767 volnow.org
ALADDIN
M U SIC HA L L AT FA I R PA R K June 6–23 Shortly after the live-action remake of the beloved Disney film hits big screens nationwide, double up on the Aladdin fun by securing your family’s tickets to see Broadway’s touring production of Aladdin as part of Dallas Summer Musicals. General tickets from $30. VIP packages available. 909 First Ave., Dallas; 800/745-3000
dallassummermusicals.org/ shows/aladdin
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
S A M U E L L G R A N D PA R K A M P H I T H E AT R E June 12–July 21 Every night (save for Mondays) the actors of Shakespeare Dallas bring back one of the Bard’s famous comedies, As You Like It, and another inspired by his life. Pack your lawn chairs and find your spots on the sloped lawn to see Shakespeare in Love on select nights June 12–July 21 and As You Like It June 19–July 19, both open to all ages. Doors open as early at 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday during “pay what you can” nights (suggested $10 donation). Free for children 12 and younger and for active duty military and their families. 1500 Tenison Parkway, Dallas; 214/559-2778 shakespearedallas.org
BUTTERFLY TEA PARTY
T E X A S DI S C OV E RY G A R DE N S June 13 In the book Bonjour, Butterfly by Jane O’Connor, Fancy Nancy preps for a butterflythemed birthday party. On
JUNE 1 // INSIDE THE MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER, DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS THE CHILDREN’S CONCERT FIREBIRD & OTHER FEATHERED FRIENDS COMPLETE WITH LIVE ANIMALS. dfwchild.com / june 2019
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kid culture / C A L E N D A R FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND
DAY OF THE YEAR WHEN LOCAL ARTISTS AND STREET PERFORMERS LEAD AT THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ARTSPOT FESTIVAL IN WEST DALLAS.
Thursday morning join a real-life party inside the glass butterfly house with tea and snacks and crafts, capped off with a butterfly release at noon. Admission is $10 for adults; $5 children 3–11 years; free for children 2 and younger. 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas; 214/428-7476 txdg.org/kids
KATY TRAIL 5K AND PICNIC PARTY
R E V E RC HON PA R K A N D KAT Y T R A I L June 13 To help keep the Katy Trail in peak condition (daily safety patrols don’t pay for themselves), help the nonprofit group Friends of Katy Trail make a dent in its $1 million fundraising goal by lacing up for the 21st annual Katy 5K and Kids .5K dash. Both races start and end right outside Reverchon Park, followed by live music and food offerings from 50-plus local restaurants. $50 for adult 5K; $10 for kids’ 5K or kids’ dash. $135 VIP registration includes private area with cooling fans, barbecue provided by the Katy Trail Ice House and a year membership. 3505 Maple Ave., Dallas; 214/303-1180 katytraildallas.org/5k
DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY
DA L L A S C H I L DR E N ’ S T H E AT E R June 14–July 7 DCT’s national touring cast returns to Dallas for this Rock ’n’ roll musical based on the best-selling books by Doreen Cronin. See the three adolescent insects promote tolerance, earth science and eco-consciousness. Recommended for 3 years and up. Reserve your seats inside Baker Theater for tickets from $17. 5938 Skillman St., Dallas; 214/740-0051 dct.org
SUMMER SOLSTICE ARTSPOT
SY LVA N T H I RT Y June 22 36
The Oak Cliff nonprofit Over the Bridge Arts brings together local dance groups and the Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble for an all-day family fun event at the mixedused development Sylvan Thirty in West Dallas. Come pound away on the drums and enjoy complimentary food and drinks from Whisk Crêpes Café, Houndstooth Coffee and others. FREE 1818 Sylvan Ave., Dallas; 817/937-6846 overthebridgearts.org
DIVE-IN MOVIES
BA HA M A B E AC H WAT E R PA R K June 22–August 3 The fun doesn’t end at quitting time for Bahama Beach. The Oak Cliff water park reopens at 8pm for a family-friendly flick and float every other Saturday through Aug. 3. For only $5 admission, shoot down a 300-foot-long mat racing slide and play games until sundown when the movie cranks up on the big screen. The first dive-in movie of the summer features the 2018 action flick Aquaman. 1895 Campfire Circle, Dallas; 214/671-0820 bahamabeachdallas.com
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
W I L L OW B E N D C E N T E R OF T H E A RT S June 20–July 7 The adult actors of North Texas Performing Arts’ Repertory Theatre troupe stage this fulllength Broadway production of the modern Disney classic. Hear all the songs you know by heart and more you might not—Human Again, If I Can’t Love Her—that were originally cut and added back in for the stage musical version. $18 for orchestra seating; $30 for premium seating. NTPA Repertory also presents West Side Story next month. Get tickets to both shows for $29 orchestra and $54 premium. 6121 W. Park Blvd., Suite B216, Plano; 972/422-2575 ntparep.org
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
MERMAID PARTY
T H E T E X A S P O OL June 22 Channel your inner Ariel and slip on a mermaid tail fin for a dive in the saltwater, Texasshaped swimming pool. (A limited number of tail fins will be on hand to try.) Professional mermaids and mermen lead a mono-fin class and pose for photos. Make mermaid art and walk the plank with pirates for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Free for Texas Pool members. 901 Springbrook Drive, Plano; 972/8818392 texaspool.org
JOJO SIWA D.R.E.A.M. THE TOUR
THE T H E AT R E AT G R A N D PRAIRIE June 25 The Nickelodeon star and her signature hair bows embark on her first North American tour with not one but two stops in Grand Prairie. Join the Siwanatorz fan club and sign up for your seats for Tuesday, June 25, and/or Sept. 17 (depending on your kids’ level of superfandom). Tickets from $44. 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie; 888/929-7849 itsjojosiwa.com
DINOS AT THE DALLAS ZOO
DA L L A S Z O O Through September 2 More than 24 animatronic dinosaurs that roamed the earth long ago now roam through ZooNorth. Find them in this new exhibit with plenty of extra interactive dino fun every day, such as dino encounters in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo and fossil hunting in the Dino Dig Zone. Be
BY AIR, LAND & SEA
Avoid the minefield of planning summer entertainment for the kids by sticking with these surefire wins on a surfing simulator, over the ice rink and at your Lego duty stations. FLOWAPALOOZA
E P IC WAT E R S I N D O OR WAT E R PA R K June 6–8 Professional boarders from across the country compete for the World Flowboarding Championship on Epic Waters’ own FlowRider surfing simulator. Come meet the pros and step up to the plate yourself with a Flow with the Pros beginner’s clinic. (Must be 48 inches tall to stand up and 42 inches to lie down on the body board.) Admission from $29 and from $17 for Grand Prairie residents; free for children 3 and younger. Includes access to the Epic’s brand-new wave pool. Free for outdoor activities and live music all weekend. 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie; 972/337-3131 epicwatersgp.com
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S CRYSTAL
C OM E R IC A C E N T E R June 13–16 Cirque du Soleil slices into new territory with its first-ever ice skating production Crystal – A Breakthrough Ice Experience. Watch the world-class ice skaters—including not one but four red-haired Crystals—contortionists, acrobats and aerial artists in the all-ages show inside the newly renamed Dr Pepper Arena. Tickets from $45. 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco; 800/745-3000 cirquedusoleil.com/crystal
LEGO CITY – REPORT FOR DUTY
L E G OL A N D DI S C OV E RY C E N T E R June 15–July 7 Be the hero of your family and treat the kids to Legoland during these activity days honoring first responders. Meet and greet costumed Lego City Policemen characters and then play the part of a police officer yourself by making your own badge and filming your own police chase. Don’t forget to check out the new Lego City 4D Movie – Officer in Pursuit in the theater. Free with admission: $25.95 at the door for age 3 and older. Online tickets from $19.99. 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine; 469/444-3050 dallasfw.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
sure to visit now through June 2 for the International Dino Day party with a special appearance from “Dr. Dino” Dr. Chris DeLorey on June 1. Free with general admission: $17 adults; $14 children ages 3–11; free for children 2 and younger and Dallas Zoo members. 650 S. R.L Thornton Freeway, Dallas; 469/554-7500 dallaszoo.com
SWEET TOOTH HOTEL – DISCOTECH
V IC TORY PA R K Through September 30 Slip on a pair of silent disco
headphones and “check in” to the SweetTooth Hotel’s third and newly expanded audio-visual art installations created by innovative local artists, as well as two solo artist exhibits in larger separated “hotel” rooms concepted by Dallas creatives Tramaine Townsend and Shamsy Roomiani. Purchase your timed tickets in advance. $20; $40 for VIP admission. Free for children under age 2. Open daily. 2316 Victory Park Lane, Dallas; 888/454-4353 sweettoothhotel.com
F O R M O R E F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY F U N T H I S M O N T H , C H E C K O U R O N L I N E C A L E N DA R AT D F W C H I L D.CO M/C A L E N DA R.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF OVER THE BRIDGE ARTS; FLOWAPALOOZA; LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
JUNE 22 // DRUM, DANCE AND PLAY YOUR WAY THROUGH THE LONGEST
DA L L A S A R B OR E T UM June 15–16 The Classic Chassis Car Club Dallas sets up shop at the Dallas Arboretum for the first time ever for Father’s Day fun. Take a family stroll around 30-plus classic cars in between sips of free iced tea and bites of barbecue. More family fun includes a Sunday morning bird show and superhero-themed activities in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (costumes encouraged). Free activities with regular garden admission: $15 adults; $10 children ages 3–12; $3 addition for the children’s garden. Family photos available for a donation. 8525 Garland Road, Dallas; 214/515-6615 dallasarboretum.org
All Aboard For Fun!
Creative and integrated approaches to speech and feeding therapy We believe in a multi-sensory holistic approach to therapy to meet individual needs by embracing the PROMPT philosophy. Reshaping speech movements and phrases liberate our patients, who become more effective communicators in motivating play and social interaction routines.
Upcoming Special Events
TICKE ON SA TS L NOW! E
Father’s Day Train June 16 at 1:15 p.m. Rebecca L. Dana, MS, CCC/SLP, PC, SIPT-C
Fourth of July Train July 4 at 1:15 p.m.
7002 Lebanon, Suite 102, Frisco, TX 75034 469-408-4634 • F: 972-618-1051 • walkeztalkez@gmail.com
walkeztalkez.com ©
For tickets, schedules and train information visit www.GVRR.com or call 817.410.3185.
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4/25/19 5:31 PM
Awarded Oklahoma’s Outstanding Tourist Attraction!
OPEN FOR SUMMER FUN!
More than 200 acres in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains with hundreds of exotic animals roaming free! Walk-Thru has pony rides and bouncers (weather permitting), house of reptiles, petting zoo, gem mining and feed the hundreds of fish and turtles. Group rates are available for 25 or more.
Come Feed The Animals And Shop The Safari Gift Shop Open 9am–6pm Daily • Last car admitted at 5pm Less than 2 hours north on I-35, Exit 51 1-800-PET-PARK
arbucklewildernesspark.com
1/2 OFF KIDS ADMISSION Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2019.
Coupon is Good For Up To 4 Kids Under 12 Years
A $30 VALUE! Good Thru Labor Day 2019 (Not to be combined with any other offers)
Gov. & Military Discounts! All Summer Coupons Honored Thru Labor Day!
dfwchild.com / june 2019
37
TREAT EVERYDAY
LIKE A VACATION
1.
Brookhaven Country Club – Farmers Branch
2.
Canyon Creek Country Club – Richardson
3.
Prestonwood at The Creek – Dallas
4.
Prestonwood at The Hills - Plano
5.
Gleneagles Country Club – Plano
6.
Hackberry Creek Country Club – Irving
7.
Las Colinas Country Club – Irving
8.
Oakmont Country Club – Corinth
9.
Shady Valley Country Club – Arlington
10. Stonebriar Country Club – Frisco 11.
Stonebridge Ranch Country Club – McKinney
12.
Timarron Country Club – Southlake
13.
TPC Craig Ranch – McKinney
14.
Trophy Club Country Club – Trophy Club
15.
Walnut Creek Country Club – Mansfield
JOIN IN JUNE AND ENJOY PREFERRED PRICING!
clubcorp.com/dfwchild
*Offer expires June 30, 2019. Membership is contingent on successful completion of Club’s enrollment process. Offer may require a loyalty agreement. Kids’ Club is not a licensed childcare facility and parents must remain on Club premises at all times. Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Call for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 44360 0419 LK
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BESTSummer EVER EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/camps
Action-packed Summer Day Camps Fit & Fun Day Camps, ages 5–13
Cooper Fitness Center 12100 Preston Rd. Dallas, TX 75230 972-233-4832 Register today at cooperyouth.com/dallas
Plan an action-packed summer with ease at Cooper Fitness Center. Our ultimate day camp experience introduces sports, activities and overall wellness through daily fitness and nutrition lessons. Each week is different with Water Day each Friday (no swimming). Summer camp runs June 3–August 9. Oneweek sessions, Monday–Friday, times vary by age. Add-ons of Splash Camp, Extended Care and Lunch for additional fees.
Sports Camps, ages 5–16 Build fundamental skills with basketball and tennis camps. Dates/ages/times vary by sport. One-week sessions, Monday-Friday, 1–2 ½ hours per day. Full day = Fit & Fun Camp + Sports Camp
DESTINATION SCIENCE
Multiple Locations in Dallas Fort Worth Area Colleyville, Coppell, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Keller, Plano 888-909-2922 • destinationscience.org/dfw
The fun science day camp where curious kids can build their own robot, mix up some magic molecules, take home a magnetic roller coaster, launch into space and become science makers and innovators this summer! Three science stations, 15 science activities plus games, silly songs and all the fun of camp! Hurry! Few Spaces Remaining!
dfwchild.com / june 2019
39
BEST Summer EVER
CAMPS/TRAVEL/SPORTS/ARTS/EDUCATION
The Hockaday School 11600 Welch Rd. Dallas, TX 75229 hockaday.org/summer Contact information Melissa Curtis, Director of Auxiliary Programs 214-360-6534 mcurtis@hockaday.org
Summer at Hockaday invites girls and boys, age 3 through 10th grade, to The Hockaday School for a summer of academics, enrichment and fun led by a nurturing and experienced faculty and staff. Campers and students will create awesome summer memories with new friends while participating in sports, fitness, the arts, technology, academics, LEGO®, culinary, STEM, science and MUCH more! Summer at Hockaday is thrilled to offer new classes along with favorites that have stood the test of time. Don’t miss the Summer Math & Writing Institute for coed students entering grades 5–10, and come discover our Discover Day Camp for 3’s and 4’s and the ever popular Creative Arts & SCIENCE Camp for girls and boys entering grades K–4. Let us help you build an amazing summer schedule for your child! View all camp and class offerings at hockaday.org/summer.
2019 SUMMER
CHESS CAMP Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids ... they think chess is fun!
CHESS CAMP 972-883-2898 utdallas.edu/chess james.stallings@utdallas.edu
Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am–noon) or afternoon (1–4pm) sessions are available June 10–14, June 17–21, July 15–19, and July 22–26 and extended playing classes. Camp includes T-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. This year the UT Dallas Chess Team is going to a recordsetting 16th appearance at the College Chess Final Four!
The Splash Kingdom family consists of waterparks in Canton, Weatherford, Greenville, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Each park houses a kids’ area as well as its own set of unique aquatic thrills. 1001 Cinema Dr. Weatherford, TX 76087 817-598-0777 splashkingdomwaterpark.com
3000 Waketon Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028 972-355-9988 winkids.net
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june 2019 / dfwchild.com
Splash Kingdom Waterparks is a Christian-run organization with a straightforward mission statement: “To glorify God while providing a safe and fun recreation experience for families. Win Kids…famous for first-class summer camps for children. From themes like Kritter Kids to Ninja Warriors, Police and Fire and more, our caring teachers will treat your child to the super-fun camps we are famous for! Come experience sports and fitness “The Win Kids Way!” Your child will be handled with love in a high-quality environment! Ages 2½–12. Full and half-day options. Camps fill fast so enroll early. Enrollment is Now in Progress!
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Spanish Immersion available!
Discover your capable, confident Montessori child. At Guidepost, your child will enter a wonderful world of activities, tools, and learning materials, designed to captivate her interest and inspire her budding intelligence in remarkable ways. Early childhood is a brief moment in time when your child’s mind develops rapidly, and she establishes foundational character traits. Take advantage of this critical age!
Eldorado
7508 Eldorado Parkway McKinney, TX 75070 (972) 427-4018
Timber Ridge
2550 Timber Ridge Drive Frisco, TX 75034 (469) 458-7200
Stonebriar
NEW CAMPUS! 10247 Warren Parkway Frisco, TX 75035 (972) 332-0221
Visit us online today to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour!
GP050819
Hiking with Guidepost Montessori at Eldorado Saturday, June 15, 8:30 to 10 a.m. guidepostmontessori.com/dallas Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary 42
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
county/locavore. collin
BELOW // Mission Possible Kids set out to be agents of change by volunteering for local causes, such as participating in a neighborhood food drive.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS
influencers /
YOUNG HEROES
a q&a with kathy meadows, founder of mission possible kids WORDS LISA SALINAS
W
HEN HE WAS 4 YEARS OLD, PLANO RESIDENT
Kathy Meadows’ son discovered a love for service. He and his mom began delivering candy canes and greeting cards to 100 neighbors during the holidays, and the “Candy Cane Kid,” as he was dubbed, soon became eagerly awaited every year. He continued to make those annual rounds until the year before he left for college. But the Meadows’ tradition of giving didn’t end—local parents asked how their young kids could follow suit. So in 2003, Meadows and her son founded Mission Possible Kids (MPK), a nationwide nonprofit that gives elementary-age kids a chance to volunteer. We talked to Meadows about MPK’s impact and how parents can get their own kids involved. → dfwchild.com / june 2019
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collin co. / I N F L U E N C E R S
Smile
at Teeth R’ Us Children’s Dentistry
Infants, Children & Teenagers Cosmetic Pediatric Dentistry Dental Services for Children with Disabilities
Open Saturdays and Late Evenings Dr. Nathifa Smith, D.D.S. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
4865 Hedgcoxe Rd, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75024
972.820.2022 www.teethruschildrensdentistry.com
44
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
CollinChild: What motivated you to start Mission Possible Kids? Kathy Meadows: My
CC: And how has this organization had on impact on the kids? I imagine it has built their confidence. KM: Absolutely. I’ve seen little
son was the catalyst. When he was 4, he kids who were so shy, they wouldn’t even had this heart for wanting to give back, but come out behind their mom’s skirt. Once no place in town would let us because [of] they got involved in doing something they insurance liabilities and [other] reasons. forget they are nervous and shy. I had one The doors were constantly closed, yet I little girl … her mom contacted me and said, knew that was the age when kids are most “My daughter was so shy she wouldn’t even teachable. When a child is showing interest look at anybody in class. She has just blosin doing something that is important, you somed in this program.” She spoke to her don’t say, “No, you have to wait until you’re class and told them about what they were a teenager.” I started coming up with projdoing. The teacher was so excited about seeects of my own that I felt different charities ing this shy little girl who was so excited she could use. Inevitably, as soon as we would forgot she was shy. The teacher then asked get there, [they’d] go, “Oh, this is really Lily (the little girl) to speak to the whole cool, yes, we could use that! Can you do first grade—she was around 6 years old. more of that?” I saw over a period of several CC: What advice do you have for parents on years how much [my son] was affected by teaching the importance of community that, I was affected by that, the chariservice to their kids? KM: Bring ties were helped by it. your child to go help an elderly One day when he was just neighbor who needs to have about to go into third grade I their lawn raked, or just difhad this epiphany for Mission ferent things that they can Possible Kids, where kids do [to help] people got to be secret agents that are nearby. Even doing top-secret missions at the grocery store, to change the world. We taking the time with knew we hit on something a child to teach them that people wanted from how to hold the door the get-go. I knew what it open for someone… was like for parents tryLittle things like that ing to find ways to teach start opening up ways their kids by doing good that kids can help. And things—the society just YOUR MISSION they’ll start looking for makes it very difficult for ways on their own … kids to do that. Meadows says the best way to without you even saying get involved with Mission Possible CC: Why do you think Kids is to start your own local anything. They can also that is? KM: First and forechapter—this can be at your do their own collecmost, I think it’s insurance child’s school, your church or a tion drive with kids…. liability. The other thing is nearby nonprofit. Inquire about They can read things in that nonprofit people are starting your own group online, or the newspaper to their very busy. Unfortunately, ask about the groups nearest you child, on a child-approit’s very shortsighted (there are about 20 in Dallas-Fort priate level, especially because we’re missing a Worth) so your kids can begin if it’s something where full decade of being able to their own top-secret missions. the parent can think turn kids on to service. of something they can CC: What has the Facebook: @MissionPossibleKids do. If they run across a response been of the orgaInstagram: @MPKids_Official story they can share it at nizations you’ve helped over Twitter: @MPKids_Official dinner and say, “What the years? KM: Oh, it’s missionpossiblekids.org do you think we can always positive! With my do to help?” Those are first group of kids, I saw the things that make an an article in the newspaimpact on kids. per about a Dallas food CC: One last question, something personal. shelter in crisis. The holidays were not far Now that your son is older, as you look back away and their shelves were almost bare. and reflect, how has his experience with MPK I lined up three different grocery stores to influenced the man he has become? KM: He allow our kids to pass out wish lists to cusstill cares deeply about making a differtomers going inside. People wanted to help ence and always looks out for the underdog. when they understood it was for an emerHe is starting his doctorate in psychology gency crisis at a food bank, and that these at Texas A&M this fall, with plans to be a kids were spending their Saturday helping. therapist as well as contribute to research They ended up raising enough food [to] in the field, specializing in what gives stock that food bank through the entire people meaning. winter, not just for the holidays.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS
Start your kids’ summer with a
One-on-One ABA Therapy. 100% summer fun. Enroll in our Summer Camp today! Children with autism often need extra time and attention to learn basic compliance and cooperation skills. That’s what One-on-One Therapy Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange is all about. We combine fun learning programs we’ve developed over the years with ABA Therapy techniques to help children in all kinds of ways. Our approach is always caring as well as scientific.
The proven, data-based science of ABA Therapy is what makes learning possible. Experience the difference it can make in your child’s life this summer at The Behavior Exchange.
SUM M ER KIDS MOVIE SERIES
intake@behaviorexchange.com
behaviorexchange.com
Plano | Frisco!
6831_TBE_DallasCh_AD JUN2019.indd 1
SUM M ER KIDS ENTERTAIN M ENT SERIES TUESDAYS 11:00 AM MAY 28 – AUGUST 6
The Behavior Exchange is an in-network provider with most insurance companies.
972.312.8733
A SUM MER FULL OF FREE FA MILY FUN
THURSDAYS 10:30 AM MAY 30 – AUGUST 8
5/9/19 10:20 AM
SUM M ER FRIDAYS ARE KIDS NIGHT FRIDAYS 6:00PM MAY 31 – AUGUST 9 Visit FairviewTownCenter.com for a complete schedule of weekly events.
AL!* E M S ’ D I K FREE er, discount or h any other off rée. Not valid wit location only. se of an adult ent id at Grapevine cha val pur er Off the b. ith Clu *W discount. Select e ’s eiv dry rec Lan to ing present coupon promotion includ per table. Must strictions apply. Limit one coupon cash value. Re or gratuity, no 58 Not valid on tax 8-8 Code: 534-22
GRAPEVINE MILLS 972.539.5001 rainforestcafe.com
F AI R VI E W
F I T S
Stacy Road at US 75 in Fairview
FairviewTownCenter.com dfwchild.com / june 2019
45
collin co. / R E S T A U R A N T S Cowboy Chicken | Southern
Kids eat free after 4pm with the purchase of an adult entree. Dine-in only. Age 10 and younger. Multiple locations; cowboychicken.com Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex
Kids age 12 and younger eat for under $2. Two discounted kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal all day. Dine-in only. Deal also offered on Tuesday. Multiple locations; cristinasmex.com JC’s Burger House | Burgers
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal after 4pm. Age 12 and younger. Hours and details vary by location. Deal also offered on Tuesday. Multiple locations; jcsburgerhouse.com Modern Market | Farm-to-Table
EDITED BY LISA SALINAS
= Kids eat free
Blue Mesa Grill | Tex-Mex
vary by location. Multiple locations; freebirds.com
Kids age 5 and younger eat free with purchase of an adult brunch buffet from 9am–3pm. Deal also offered 10am–2pm Saturday and at the lunch buffet 11am–2pm Wednesday. 8200 Dallas Parkway, Plano; 214/387-4407; bluemesagrill.com
Modern Market | Farm-to-Table
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
Steak ’n Shake | Diner
Free kid’s entree with purchase of an adult entree from 5–10pm. Age 12 and younger. Drinks charged separately. Prices vary by location. Deal also offered Monday–Thursday. 2071 N. Central Expressway, Richardson; 972/783-9011; cafebrazil.com Dickey’s | Barbecue
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult dinein meal, all day. Age 12 and younger. Also, free ice cream every day with dine-in purchase. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; dickeys.com Freebirds World Burrito | Tex-Mex
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Age 12 and younger. Details 46
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
Free kid’s entree with purchase of an entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in and takeout. Deal also offered on Monday. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; modernmarket.com One free kid’s plate per every $9 on the ticket, all day. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. Excludes drinks and shakes. Details vary by location. Deal also offered on Saturday. Multiple locations; steaknshake.com Woody’s Sports Restaurant | American
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree valued at $7 or more. Age 11 and younger. Dine-in only. Deal also offered Monday–Thursday. 307 W. Main St., Suite 105, Frisco; 214/872-4943; woodyssportsrestaurant.com
MONDAY
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details..
Free kid’s meal after 4pm with the purchase of an adult entree. Deal also offered on Tuesday. 190 E. Stacy Road, Suite 500, Allen; 972/912-3200 8240 Preston Road, Suite 100, Plano; 972/731-0005; paradisebakery.com Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen | Southern
fill little tummies by spending a crisp Lincoln or less
SUNDAY
Paradise Bakery | Deli
Up to two free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entree, all day. Deal also offered on Tuesday. 163 Fountain Court, Fairview; 844/853-7335; pauladeensfamilykitchen.com Señor Locos | Tex-Mex
Get up to two kids’ meals for $2, all day. Age 12 and younger. Deal also offered on Tuesday. 701 W. Parker Road, Plano; 214/501-4258; senorlocostexmex.com The String Bean | Southern
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult dinner entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. 1310 W. Campbell Road, Richardson; 972/3853287; thestringbean.com Woody’s Sports Restaurant | American
See Sunday for details.
TUESDAY
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex
See Monday for details.
Hat Creek Burger Company | Burgers
Burgers are half off on Family Night after 5pm. Deal from $2.99. 555 E. Exchange Parkway, Allen; 214/785-7330 3321 S. Custer Road, McKinney; 214/5920534; hatcreekburgers.com
©ISTOCK
KIDS EAT CHEAP!
meal deals for every day
See Sunday for details.
JC’s Burger House | Burgers
See Monday for details.
Luna Grill | Mediterranean
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree after 4pm. Dine-in only. Age 10 and younger. 1419 E. Renner Road, Suite 510, Richardson; 469/677-6812; lunagrill.com Paradise Bakery | Deli
See Monday for details. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen | Southern
See Monday for details. Pluckers | American
Up to two free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Age 10 and younger. Drinks not included. Dine-in only. 190 E. Stacy Road, Allen; 972/678-9464 3316 Preston Road, Plano; 972/599-9464 pluckers.com Señor Locos | Tex-Mex
See Monday for details. Texadelphia | Deli
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree or regular sandwich, all day. Dinein and takeout. Details vary by location. 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 125, Frisco; 214/619-1590 5813 Preston Road, Suite 574, Plano; 972/781-1616; texadelphia.com
Serving the needs of learning-different students for more than 30 years
Woody’s Sports Restaurant | American
See Sunday for details.
WEDNESDAY
Blue Mesa Grill | Tex-Mex
See Sunday for details.
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
Firehouse 52 | Steakhouse
Kids eat free on Wednesday nights with the purchase of an adult meal. Dine-in only. Age 8 and younger. 26781 U.S. Highway 380, Aubrey; 972/347-6552; firehouse52.com
• • • • • • •
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal after 4pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. Deal also offered on Friday. 8520 State Highway 121, Frisco; 972/3778625; jasonsdeli.com Luby’s | Cafeteria
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult FIND OUR FULL LIST OF LOCAL KIDS EAT FREE DEALS AT DFWCHILD.COM. BE SURE TO CALL BEFORE YOU GO, AS DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2019.
Jason’s Deli | Deli
EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL SMALL CLASS SIZES SOCIAL LEARNING CURRICULUM AT ALL GRADE LEVELS SPEECH AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ON SITE SENSORY MOTOR LAB TRANSITIONS SKILLS AND JOB READINESS SUMMER CAMPS
Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to providing individualized academic and social-emotional learning programs not found in traditional learning environments. Through a multi-sensory instructional model, we take a whole-child approach, preparing our students for life after graduation. 9407 MIDWAY ROAD, DALLAS 75220 | 214-353-8804 | www.oakhillacademy.org
dfwchild.com / june 2019
©
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collin co. / R E S T A U R A N T S dine-in meal, all day. Age 10 and younger. Deal also offered on Saturday. 5040 W. Park Blvd., Plano; 972/7328472; lubys.com
SUMMER CAMPS
Woody’s Sports Restaurant | American
See Sunday for details.
THURSDAY
Off to Wizarding School Dance for Theatre Heroes and Villains Meisner Technique Devised Theatre Filmmaking
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
Woody’s Sports Restaurant | American
SATURDAY
Luby’s | Cafeteria
See Wednesday for details. Steak ’n Shake | Diner
See Sunday for details.
EVERY DAY
Cici’s Pizza | Pizza
Kids age 3 and younger eat for 99 cents on Tuesdays after 4pm, and kids ages 4–10 eat for under $4 every day. Drinks charged separately. Prices and days vary by location. Multiple locations; cicis.com Denny’s | Diner
Spoons Cafe | American
Kids’ meals from $4.95. Age 12 and younger. 100 E. Louisiana St., McKinney; 972/5486900; spoonscafe.com Starwood Cafe | Breakfast/Brunch
Kids’ meals from $4.95. Age 12 and younger. Details might vary by location. Multiple locations; starwoodcafe.com The Crab Station | Seafood
Kids’ meals from $3.99. All ages. 2625 Old Denton Road, Suite 572, Carrollton; 972/242-2889 6500 Cascades Court, Suite 200, The Colony; 214/281-8887; crab-station.com Torchy’s Tacos | Tex-Mex
El Fenix | Tex-Mex
Smoothies from $2.99 or $3.99 for an entree a la carte. Smoothies are discounted when added to entrees. Multiple locations; tropicalsmoothiecafe.com
Golden Corral | Buffet
Kids age 3 and younger eat free. 4675 State Highway 121, The Colony; 972/668-7550; goldencorral.com IKEA | Swedish Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2019.
Buffet costs $4.99 for kids ages 3–12 and is free for kids age 2 and younger. Drinks not included. Details vary by location. 1017 N. Central Expressway, Suite 250, Plano; 972/422-7022; soupersalad.com
Up to two free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal from 4–10pm. Drinks not included. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; dennys.com Kids’ meals cost $4.99. Age 12 and younger. 3450 S. Central Expressway, McKinney; 972/542-7076 810 N. Central Expressway, Suite 100, Plano; 972/578-1020; elfenix.com
june 2019 / dfwchild.com
Rosa’s Café | Tex-Mex
Souper! Salad! | Buffet
See Sunday for details.
48
Menu options from $4. 641 Powell Lane, Plano; 469/409-4628; rodeogoat.com
FRIDAY
Blue Mesa Grill | Tex-Mex
outcrytheatre.com/summer
Rodeo Goat | Burgers
Kids’ meals cost $3.99. All ages. Multiple locations; rosascafe.com
See Wednesday for details.
For more info and to sign up, visit
Kids’ meals cost $1.99 when you dine in or $2.99 for takeout. Age 12 and younger. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; mcalistersdeli.com
See Sunday for details. Jason’s Deli | Deli
Opportunities for ages 5–18
McAlister’s Deli | Deli
Kids’ meals start at $2.99. Age 12 and younger. 7171 Ikea Drive, Frisco; 888/888-4532; ikea.com
Menu options from $4.25. Multiple locations; torchystacos.com Tropical Smoothie Cafe | Sandwiches
Which Wich | Sandwiches
Kids meals are free when you purchase any regular sub during the weekdays. Age 10 and younger. 232 W. Campbell Road, Richardson; 972/705-9424; whichwich.com Whistle Britches | American
Kids’ meals from $3. Age 12 and younger. 2405 Dallas Parkway, Plano; 214/2995971; whistlebritcheschicken.com
FIND OUR FULL LIST OF LOCAL KIDS EAT FREE DEALS AT DFWCHILD.COM. BE SURE TO CALL BEFORE YOU GO, AS DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. KNOW OF ONE WE MISSED? EMAIL US AT EDITORIAL@DFWCHILD.COM.
Ages: 5–12 | Program Time: 7am–6:30pm Week 1: June 10-14 Week 2: June 17-21 Week 3: June 24-28
Week 4: July 8-12 Week 5: July 15-19 Week 6: July 22-26
Week 7: July 29-Aug. 2 Week 8: Aug. 5-9 Week 9: Aug. 12-14
info@mazekids.org | 8789 Lebanon Rd., Frisco, TX 75034 | 469.656.9087
dfwchild.com / june 2019
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confessions
MOMMY FAILS
ON MY POTTY TRAINDAUGHTER’S ING OFTEN INVOLVES FIRST DAY OF REWARDS FOR GETDAY CARE TING SOMETHING One morning I woke up really tired and I DRESSED did my daughter’s chongos (pigtails). One IN THE POTTY. MY HER UP IN A came out sideways, but I let her go to day 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER MADE IT HAPPEN NEW OUTFIT. care like that.” ONE DAY, SO SHE DURING THE EARNED A STICKER. THREE-MINUTE “I was shopping at a “One day when I picked THE STICKER WENT DRIVE TO THE up my son from his farmers market with MISSING, AND SHE Montessori school he was DAY CARE, my daughter in her very upset. On probing STARTED SNIFFLING. SHE HAD A umbrella stroller and further he was like, ‘It’s IT GOT STUCK UP HER BLOWOUT IN hung bags of produce all Miss K’s (his teacher) NOSE, SO WE RUSHED husband’s fault. He on the handles. It HER DIAPER. TO THE ER. IN TWO left the backyard door outweighed her and WHEN THEY open and now she has DAYS THE STICKER the whole thing OPENED THE allergies.’” MADE IT TO THE tipped backward.” DOOR TO POTTY.” GREET US I WAS HOLDING While I was attempting to put my 1-year-old to sleep, I HER BY THE Got a parenting fail you’d like leaned in to kiss him goodnight. He looked up at me and to share? We’d love to hear said, ‘No, Mama,’ and climbed out of my lap. It was another 20 ARMPITS.” from you. Send it to ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN
COMPILED BY LISA SALINAS
—JAQUELINE, IRVING
—AMRUTA, PLANO
—JUDY, WYLIE
—REBECCA, GRAPEVINE
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june 2019 / dfwchild.com
editorial@dfwchild.com.
minutes before he went to sleep.” —TRACI, DALLAS
—ONTARA, ARLINGTON
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