DallasChild February 2020

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T H E M AG A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E BY I N DA L L A S CO U N T Y

F E B R U A R Y 2020

MEET FASHION DESIGNER

SHERIDAN FRENCH

ICELAND FOR FAMILIES

+

THE RESULTS ARE IN! BEST: MOMS & BABIES WINNERS

EVENTS TO LOVE IN FEBRUARY

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TONGUE-TIE

TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

DATE RIGHT HOW TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE STRONG

pages / F E B R U A R Y

2020

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 7 Loosen Their Tongues

Tongue-tie can lead to lifelong problems, so why does it often go untreated?

REAL MOMS 11 Mom Next Door / Sheridan French

On raising four kids, life as an entrepreneur and picking herself back up after divorce

11 ABOVE // Designer Sheridan French reflects on the past and looks toward the future with her four children.

FEATURES

18

How to strengthen the relationship with your spouse after kids words Sundey McClendon

22 Best: Moms & Babies

Drumroll, please … Here are the winners of our annual survey words Lisa Salinas

24 Mom Approved / Moms & Babies

Readers share their favorite midwives and OB/GYNs

ON THE COVER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; ©ISTOCK; PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY JAMES

16

Routines / Linda Black This “World’s OK-est Mom” proves she’s one of the best, managing work, kids and more

KID CULTURE 37 Seeing Past Differences

How to talk to your child about kids with disabilities and foster inclusivity

18 Connect More

14 4 Things... / Lookbook

Our Mom Next Door’s fashionable faves for going out and staying in

37

40 Travel / Explore Iceland

Put a stamp in your passport with a visit to this small island nation

42 Celebrate / Get Crafty

With beads, twine and paint, throw a simple (but stellar!) craft party

45 Calendar / The Agenda

From zany experiments to a water circus, here are our favorite events this month

LOCAVORE 55 Influencer

58 Restaurants / Kids Eat Cheap

Free and discount deals for every day of the week

COLUMNS

DallasChild: Maverick, 2, Dallas

CollinChild: Wade, 2, Frisco

Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Hair & Makeup Artist: Michael Thomas / Seaminx Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

4 Hello / Bold Moves

Take a step toward what’s calling you, mama words Heather Vance Devers

62 Confessions / Mom Truths

Dallas princesses and more reader stories that made us LOL dfwchild.com / february 2020

3

hello / E D I T O R ’ S

NOTE

CONCERTS FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

Pre-concert activities at 2pm

Civic Auditorium of Allen Public Library

Free Event Special guest soloist will be the gold medal winner of our very own Roger & Ella Jo Adams Concerto Competition. This will be a chance for kids to see a performance by someone not much older than they are, and it’s sure to jumpstart their excitement about learning music!

Featured programming will include a new work entitled A Family for Baby Grand, the story of a Baby Grand piano who leaves home to join an orchestra.

APRIL SPRING CONCERT

Beethoven’s Big Birthday Bash

Saturday, April 4, 7:30pm Lowery Freshman Center Auditorium

Celebrate Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with the Allen Philharmonic and enjoy a performance of three of his iconic works. Birthday cake for all!

Visit allenphilharmonic.org for ticket info.

ABOVE // Heather Vance Devers in her home with her daughter, Betty, and son, Jude.

The Weekend Guide

Handpicked events for your family to enjoy every weekend. Subscribe at dfwchild.com/newsletter.

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Follow Us on Instagram

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Email Us

Let us know what’s on your mind. editorial@dfwchild.com

I

T’S NOT EVERY DAY that an HGTV star sings your praises.

Last fall, I interviewed Grace Mitchell of the show One of a Kind for a Mom Next Door profile—and Grace recently posted a lovely Instagram story about the article, with some incredibly kind words about me. As if that weren’t enough, her fellow HGTV personality Brian Patrick Flynn reposted it. That was a true red-letter day.

I tell you this to demonstrate the possibilities that are in front of us. Less than a year ago, I was a full-time stay-at-home mom. While I loved supporting two small humans, I started silently wondering, What if I went back to work? I shrugged it off. I had tried to continue my job after my daughter was born. Didn’t work for our family. Plus, my husband travels so much in his career. And my son was in preschool … and there’d be no one to pick up the kids … and so on.

Still, I couldn’t shake the thought that my professional life was calling—which troubled me. I’m a mom, I reminded myself. My kids need me. But when I read Rachel Hollis’ book Girl, Wash Your Face (read it immediately, if you haven’t), I realized that I wasn’t alone in thinking about reclaiming a part of who I was before I became Mom. It was scary, though, to actually step toward the next chapter.

When this very magazine contacted me and asked me to be the subject of a Mom Next Door profile, it took all the courage I had to add to my response, “I saw that you had an editor position open.” My heart thumped as I pushed send. But six weeks later, I was sitting at my new desk, and everything at home had worked out. And today I’m getting kudos on social media from TV stars.

(I’m still shocked!)

I just wanted you to know that if there’s something out there you’re considering, be brave. Give it a shot. Yes, I’m tired, and there’s a lot to balance—but I’m exhilarated by my work, and coming home to my family is a joy that never gets old. A character in We Bought a Zoo says, “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” I think that’s true for us all.

XO,

Heather Vance Devers 4

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KORENA SINNETT

A Grand Performance

Saturday, March 7, 3pm

bold moves

COLLIN

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes

CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Heather Vance Devers

EDITORIAL

Executive Editor

Carrie Steingruber Managing Editor

Alexis Patterson Freelance Editor

THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN COLLIN COUNT Y

J A N U A R Y 2020

EVENTS TO KICK OFF 2020

KAMERON WESTCOTT

+ IS YOUR KID SKILLED FOR LIFE?

T H E M AG A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E BY I N DA L L A S CO U N T Y

J A N U A R Y 2020

EVENTS TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR

HOW TO RAISE A BILINGUAL CHILD

HOW TO RAISE A BILINGUAL CHILD

MEET REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DALLAS’

20

20 THE 2020 PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST

BUDDY SYSTEM HOW A DIAGNOSIS CREATED A STRONGER FRIENDSHIP

THE 2020

MEET REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DALLAS’

PRIVATE SCHOOL

KAMERON WESTCOTT

LIST

BUDDY SYSTEM HOW A DIAGNOSIS CREATED A STRONGER FRIENDSHIP

IS YOUR KID SKILLED FOR LIFE?

Maya Butler

Calendar Editor

Elizabeth Smith Digital Editor

Sydney Blalock Ritchie Editorial Intern

Emily Yearwood

ART

Contributing Editorial Designer

Lesley Busby

Graphic Designers

Susan Horn, Ariana Leyva

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT LARGE Lauren Niebes

ADVERTISING

Account Executives

Alison Davis, Becca Hobby, Nancy McDaniel, Diana Whitworth Nelson, Sandi Tijerina Advertising Coordinator

Alli Renner

PR/MARKETING

Audience Development Director

Candace Emerson

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We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DallasChild and CollinChild are ©2020 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

dfwchild.com / february 2020

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SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT. WIN COOL PRIZES!

2020 DART

STUDENT ART CONTEST DEADLINE: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2020 DART.org/ArtContest 6

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

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©ISTOCK; NOUN PROJECT

noted.

LOOSEN THEIR TONGUES taking tongue-tie seriously

WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER

K

AILAS WAS A TEETH-GRINDER for as long as his parents could remember. He also wet the bed more nights than not. “Last year … he was already 7 years old and we had to have him on Pull-Ups,” says his mom, Angela Brennan.

He had attention issues. Breathing issues. Growth issues—doctors said at age 8 he had the bones of a 5-year-old.

Thanks to his tongue, of all things.

“From the tip of the tongue to the tip of the toe is one fascial tissue,” explains Dr. Dunia Korous, Kailas’ dentist, who practices at Millennium Smiles in Frisco. “When the tongue is restricted, it pulls everything together. When the lower jaw gets narrow, the upper jaw follows, and when the upper jaw follows … the airway also gets a little narrower.”

In Kailas’ case, the restriction is ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie—meaning a pesky strip of tissue anchors the tip of his tongue to the floor of his mouth, limiting the tongue’s movement and kicking off a conga line of other symptoms. → dfwchild.com / february 2020

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noted / L O O S E N

THEIR TONGUES

You might associate tongue-tie with latching problems and nipple pain during breastfeeding. As more mamas get their infants’ troublesome tissue cut or lasered, some doctors have labeled the treatment a fad—at best, uninformed scaremongering, and at worst, a scheme by practitioners to profit from unnecessary procedures.

Then there are kids like Kailas and adults like our 36-year-old creative and content director whose tongue-ties have contributed to problems with sleep, breathing, posture and focus, among other woes.

Tongue-tie appears to have compounding effects over time—literally from head to toe—yet dentists and pediatricians may not look for it.

“I didn’t even know that it was an issue as you got older,” says Brennan. “I thought the only time kids had issues with tongue-ties was with breastfeeding.”

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

Patients are prescribed tongue exercises in order to learn to swallow correctly, increase their range of motion and prevent the clipped tissue from regrowing. These glossal workouts might include touching the upper lip and licking a Popsicle.

Korous believes in starting therapy before the tongue-tie release so that the tongue knows what to do once it’s free to move about the mouth.

Though Kailas hasn’t had his release procedure yet, for months he stood in front of the bathroom mirror alone, three times a day, to move his tongue.

“He gets a little embarrassed doing the facial exercises with people watching him,” Brennan reveals, adding that toys and other rewards motivated her son to keep it up.

Cole recommends facial exercises too but says the release is most important—even without therapy, kids can ALL TIED UP adapt. “It’s better to do it Symptoms to watch for—or THE MORE YOU KNOW poorly than to not do it,” How is it that many parents ask your child about—that he says. might indicate a tongue-tie: and professionals are in the Here’s the thing about dark about the effects of tongue-tie: Even dentists • Trouble latching or pain who agree on its significance untreated tongue-tie? Dr. during breastfeeding Stacy Cole of Clear Fork don’t agree on exactly how • Picky eating Healthy Dental Care in Fort it ought to be fixed or the • Speech delays or articulation Worth says dental programs extent of its impact. For problems have a lot to cover in order example, Korous believes that • Snoring to satisfy certification tongue-tie can lead to sleep • Mouth breathing requirements, and there’s breathing disorders like sleep • Attention and behavior simply no more room in apnea; Cole says that tongueproblems the syllabus. tie may exacerbate airway • Teeth grinding “A lot of our education issues but isn’t the cause.

• Bedwetting is after school—it just kind Both absolutely agree • Headaches of gets us to where we don’t • Poor dental health that correcting tongue-tie kill people,” he jokes. “And can change people’s quality • Forward head posture then we get out and start of life, even in small ways. realizing more and more After doing thousands what we don’t know.” of tongue releases, Cole went under the laser Korous says the symptoms also evade himself. “I thought, You know, when I get detection because parents don’t know to ask, that released, I’ll be leaping tall buildings,” and kids don’t think to tell. “They don’t he remembers. “Nothing. I could not tell even talk about it because it’s the norm—it’s a thing, except it was sore for a few days. what they’ve been dealing with all their life,” About three weeks later, I thought, You she explains. know, I can turn [my neck] to my left and my Ideally, tongue-tie is caught on day one; right and it doesn’t catch anymore.” in fact, Brazil requires every infant to be For more than a year, Kailas has been examined for tongue-tie before leaving the doing facial exercises and wearing mouth maternity ward. When it’s not caught, kids appliances to expand his jaw. Though and adults may show a range of symptoms, his tongue is still tied, he’s already out of like Kailas, or just one or two. Thankfully, Pull-Ups. more professionals are beginning to recog“I think he’s more confident,” Brennan nize the signs and recommend treatment. says. “He would have a lot more temper tantrums; now it’s very minimal. His teeth look SNIP IT IN THE BUD significantly better.”

The fix for tongue-tie sounds simple (snip, She’s helping spread the word about snip!) but experts say the brief procedure is tongue-tie to friends and neighbors. “If you best with a side of myofunctional therapy— don’t start it and correct it early,” she says, “then that is, a retraining of the mouth muscles. it’s gonna get even worse as they get older.”

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real moms.

FRENCH STUDIES AGE 35 HAILS FROM & LIVES IN

Fort Worth OFFSPRING Two boys and two girls ALMA MATER University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in management and business DREAM JOB AS A KID Being a mom WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER sheridanfrench.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF NOUN PROJECT

Sheridan French is conscious of the example she is setting for her four children.

mom next door /

SHERIDAN FRENCH family, faith, fashion & finding her path

INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

N

EARLY 10 YEARS AGO, Sheridan French started production on her first clothing line.

The same day, she found out she was pregnant with her second child. It was a memorable start to her career as a fashion designer. But a few years later, French walked away from her successful business to focus on her marriage and family.

“I was struggling,” she admits. “It was a really dark time. I was at the point with the business where it was kind of ‘go big or go home.’ I was not ready to be away from [my] little babies.

I wanted to work on my marriage … and know that I did everything I possibly could.”

Today French is a thriving single mom, re-launching her brand and expanding to home textiles this summer. “My family is incredible, my friends are incredible, I’m so excited about the business, and my kids are doing amazing,” she smiles. “It’s been awesome. It’s really been an incredible journey. I’m so thankful. I feel like I’ve lived a lot in 35 years, and I love it.” → dfwchild.com / february 2020

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real moms / M O M

NEXT DOOR

Did you always want to be a designer?

All the women in my family are creative.

My grandmother is an artist, and my greatgrandmother is a seamstress. I made my first dress with her and my mom. I knew I’d do something in the creative space jobwise, but I wasn’t certain [what] at first.

How did you get started? I had samples in hand four months [after launching production through a contact from the University of St. Andrews]. I did not know what I was doing.

All I knew is that I loved clothing, loved design and felt like I had a good eye. I was cold calling boutiques. … I broke even that first year with a teeny, minimal investment, but it was enough to get me to the second year.

What a leap of faith. I think many moms are afraid to take that first step because they are concerned about the impact of change on their family. That

was really hard for me. I was running everything from my house all by myself.

My kids were 3, 2 and 1, and I was pregnant. And my marriage was falling apart. I was losing my mind. I was kicking and screaming, making the decision of “hitting pause” [professionally]. I didn’t know when I would start again, but I knew it was “pause,” not “stop.”

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the example I want to set for them. That’s one thing I thought of, especially with my daughters. How do I want them to see me navigate this part of my life, not only with career but with marriage ending and picking myself back up on my own two feet? It’s a huge responsibility but also such a privilege.

Tell us about re-launching your clothing line. I’ll do about 15 or 20 boutiques for this

year, but then I will go to markets, Atlanta and Dallas, for the 2021 season. Then also by summer I’ll be doing wallpaper and fabric by the yard, which I’m so excited about.

That’s always been like my underlying goal, to do more than fashion.

What inspires your collections? I’ll take a picture of a sunset, and [think,] That’s a good color palette, right there. Or when my daughters are painting, they put things together that I love. Looking at old patterns, from the ’50s and ’60s, or the embellishments that used to be on clothes. Those are just beautiful. A lot of it comes from interior design.

I want women to feel so confident when they put on a piece of my clothing, like they can take on the world.

So anything that gives me that feeling internally, that kind of lights that fire, I’ll make a note, I’ll take a picture.

“BALANCE IS A FOURLETTER WORD, AND I WISH PEOPLE WOULD JUST PUT IT IN THE TRASH CAN AND STOP STRIVING FOR IT.”

Like I was about to jump out of a plane without a parachute.

I also had a fear of, Everything I worked so hard to build—would I be able to get it back? [But] as soon as I made the decision, it was a weight lifted. I stopped for five years.

I never really expected to come back this soon—but as the marriage continued to deteriorate, I needed to start having that foundation for financial reasons to support four babies. And I’m so thankful. It’s been amazing. God has been so present through all of it.

Beckloff

Sometimes we have to ask ourselves who we want to be when our kids grow up. Yes, and

Staying home or returning to work is a hard decision for a lot of women, but it’s important to remember you can change your mind. It’s

hard for me when I see someone that’s paralyzed in that position. I just want to be like, “You can do it! I will be your cheerleader.

Just do it, just try. If you try and it’s a bust, at least you won’t wonder.” Too many people are afraid of failure, so they never have that chance for success.

Your Instagram is a mix of parenting and fashion. Was that a conscious choice? Well, yes,

actually it was. I want people to see into my life. I have dinners to make and carpools to be done. I really do try to let people into the struggles, because we’re all there. I’ll get these amazing, sweet messages, like “I’ve been following you for 11 years, and I just want you to know that this helped me so much.” That’s so validating to me.

You’re a single mom of four and an entrepreneur. How do you find balance? Balance is

a four-letter word, and I wish people would just put it in the trash can and stop striving for it. No one’s balanced—just forget about that. It helps that all of my kids are in school. I don’t think I would have been able to start back yet, at least not at the level I wanted to be, if I had any kids still at home.

ABOVE // Inspired by creative women in her family, Sheridan French has been making stunning dresses (like this one) since age 12.

One of the best things my kids’ dad ever told me was “Adjust as necessary.” I take that through pretty much every day. There’s always a curveball. You just do what needs to be done, keep pushing. And you learn a lot of lessons and come out stronger and better.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTI COSPER / CANDID CHIC PHOTOGRAPHY

It seems like you have a really good mindset about giving yourself grace. How did you get there? It was really when our marriage got to

rock bottom, 2014, when I was pregnant with my fourth, stopped the business and went to this amazing marriage ministry called Re-engage. I really heard the gospel … and felt so much love, so much peace. … I really just let go.

How has life changed since the divorce? It’s still pretty fresh. I feel like I’m walking through that now. There are a lot of people, especially being such a strong Christian, that divorce is like a four-letter word, and that was very, very hard. I hold no ill will toward anyone because I know everything that has been said to me has been said with a heart of love. That doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but it gives me understanding, and it’s helped me grow tremendously in compassion.

Logistically things were difficult, like moving out of our house. I was in the middle of redoing our 10,000-square-foot dream home in a beautiful neighborhood. You’re faced with a lot of questions, like Why am I valuing this home over my sanity? People call [divorce] the living death, [but] I think that we walked through it as well as we could have. It was very short, and the kids were our priority, and they always will be. There’s the co-parenting challenge, which we’re learning still. I mean, it’s all a process, but I’m encouraged every day, and I know we’re headed in the right direction.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would really love to be a fully developed lifestyle brand. I want to continue running my online business. I’d love to be in several hundred stores. I’d like to be working with some majors like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.

I don’t know as far as personally. I was with one of my mentors yesterday, and she said something; it brought tears to my eyes instantly. She said, “Sheridan, at the end of this decade your children are going to be 16, 17, 19 and 20. … This is when you pour into them. You will have taught them everything they need to know, the basics, within these next 10 years.” That floored me. I was like, “Oh my gosh. What a wakeup call.” So, that would be my hope, that in the next 10 years I have really instilled so much wisdom and so much love and understanding in each of my children, and could really give them a rock solid foundation in the Lord, in their academics, in their emotions, to be able to go on into the world and be a blessing to others and then do whatever they want to do. dfwchild.com / february 2020

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real moms / 4

THINGS …

INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

LOOKBOOK from luxe favorites to oh-so-relatable treats, here are sheridan french’s chic recommendations

FO R R ECH A RG I N G

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g Theme parks (including Disney World and Six Flags) “I could theme park

all day long, like theme park hard.

Take me on all the roller coasters.”

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS // 2201 Road to Six Flags St., Arlington; sixflags.com/overtexas

g Jumby Bay, off the coast of Antigua “It’s like a dream. I met Penelope Cruz there. She was amazing.

Her two beautiful children were there, and we all got to play together. Oh my gosh, she was so beautiful. I just wanted to, like, touch her face and her lips.”

REBEL ICE CREAM // rebelcreamery.com

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february 2020 /dfwchild.com

‘‘

FO R S E LF- C A R E

IF I’M TRYING TO FO RFOR A RMYSELF E BO OT CARE AS FAR AS PHYSICAL HEALTH, I REALLY ENJOY BARRE CLASS. I’M TRYING TO DO MORE STRENGTH TRAINING. AND I LOVE RUNNING. I DO ULTRA-MARATHONS— THE LONGEST I’VE DONE IS 41. I’D LOVE TO DO 100 SOMEDAY, BUT THE TRAINING THAT WOULD GO INTO THAT IS REALLY TIME CONSUMING. I DON’T HAVE THAT BANDWIDTH TO DO THAT.

‘‘

REBEL ICE CREAM IS KETO ICE CREAM. I’LL SIT AND EAT A PINT OF THAT AND WATCH SOME CHICKFLICK WITH JENNIFER LOPEZ. I EAT THE WHOLE PINT OF ICE CREAM, AND I JUST ADORE IT. I AM SO RECHARGED FROM THAT.

3

FO R A D U LT R E FR E S HM E NT

4

Ranch Water (tequila, soda water, lime juice) “With a ton of lime. All the lime juice.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBEL ICE CREAM; OETKER COLLECTION’S JUMBY BAY ISLAND; ©ISTOCK

1

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a tuesday in the life of

LINDA BLACK

This special events manager (and selfproclaimed “World’s OK-est Mom”) is a Houston native who now calls McKinney home. In addition to throwing events for CASA of Collin County and clients of Black Event Agency, Linda Black enjoys time with daughter Caitlin, 15, son Luke, 12, Jazmine (the dog she admits could be her favorite child), Moose (another pup) and Mister Hobo (the cat in residence).

5

:45AM Alarm goes off. Usually I ignore anything before 6am; however, it’s event day. Immediate action needed. Hop in the shower two minutes later. Contemplate the need for a waterproof notepad to jot down ideas that pop in my head.

6AM Teen daughter knocks on my bedroom door to ensure I’m up. (She has early color guard practice.) Surprise her by not only being awake and dressed but also super cheerful—the excitement of event day has kicked in. She is even more surprised when she learns I haven’t had any coffee. Yet. 6:30AM As we pull out of the garage, I ask the same question I ask every early morning practice day: “Why do the band directors hate us parents??” Early practices are terrible. Proceed to drop teen and her friend off at school. Time to jump into work mode.

Head to the golf course where the event this afternoon takes place. I’m glad it’s only a few minutes away from the school, since I’ll have to head the other direction right after.

6:45AM Drop a carful of event items off at the course before heading to Carrollton to pick stuff up from Marquee Event Rentals.

(Thank you, Tori and Randi, for accommodating an early pickup so I could beat traffic!) While the warehouse crew is loading up my vehicle, I check in with other vendors via text to see if there are any changes I need to be aware of and verify that arrival times are as planned.

7:52AM I get a text from my son that he made it on the bus. Good. Check that off the list.

8AM Second stop at the golf course to drop off rentals. I do a quick walk around the event area to verify that things are prepped and ready for us. Head to the office. Dance around the office because hey, it’s event day! I love these days. Nonstop busy but so rewarding.

10AM Last-minute office work complete and vehicles loaded. Head to the golf course along with staff. Upon arrival, I immediately jump into event setup and volunteer management. It’s a beautiful day outside, and my volunteers are the best. It’s a great work day!

NOON The golf tournament is in full swing.

Players check in and prepare for a day on the course. Tee-off isn’t until 1pm, so I have some time to chat with the attendees as they arrive and grab their lunches.

12:45PM Firetruck with a ladder for the ball drop is MIA. Confirm they got sent out on a call (awesome work by some of McKinney’s finest!) and reschedule for the evening.

1PM Players tee off on time; all is well. I spend my afternoon prepping for the posttournament Party on the Patio and driving around the golf course a bit to check on players and sponsors. Everything is going smoothly.

4PM Son calls. He made it home from school. “What’s for dinner tonight?” …

Uhhhh. Decide to get back to him on that.

Ingredients for the Crock-Pot meal are still in the fridge, so pizza it is. I should put in the order now but get distracted by the band’s sound check and other vendor arrivals for the evening portion of the event.

5:15PM Firetruck arrives for the rescheduled ball drop. Upon its conclusion, the evening event gets underway.

7PM Remember son’s dinner and quickly order him a pizza. Text son to keep the pizza warming in the oven so daughter can have some when she gets home from her orchestra concert that I’m sadly missing.

9PM The event concludes, so vendors arrive for breakdown and volunteers pack up the vehicles. I hang out until everything is clear, then head home. Realize on the drive home that I didn’t eat dinner. Hmmm. Not worth

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the Dallas/Collin 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.

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAJANI SATISH FOTOGRAPHY

real moms / R O U T I N E S

the fine

print

BEVERAGE OF CHOICE My go-to is pinot noir, but I love a good dirty martini every now and then. WHAT’S IN HER NETFLIX QUEUE The Crown, season 3 FAVORITE MOVIE Probably Top Gun. It’s one that I loved as a kid, and it’s just stuck with me.

BEST PURCHASE EVER My dog Moose.

I may or may not have told my family before I signed a contract on him. It was a great surprise though! WORDS SHE LIVES

BY Stay strong. I have it tattooed on my wrist in my kids’ handwriting. BIGGEST PET PEEVE People who don’t attempt first before asking for help MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Entertaining. Expensive.

Tiring. Stressful. Rewarding. DREAM JOB AS A KID Veterinarian. That changed after I worked at a vet’s office when I was a teenager. I decided to keep animals as a hobby and not work. WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Go for a run or call a good friend to chat SOMETHING SHE LEARNED THIS WEEK You can remove a message you send on Facebook Messenger! SHE’S REALLY GOOD AT Creative parenting lessons through Linda’s School of Hard Knocks SHE’S REALLY BAD AT Singing. Doesn’t stop me from belting it out in the car though!

IF SHE HAD TO CHANGE CAREERS, SHE’D BE A

Ringleader in the world’s greatest circus. Have you seen the cool top hats they get to wear?!

THE KENNEDY CENTER THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES ON TOUR PRESENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARIANA LEYVA

Smithsonian Affiliate

the stop; I will scrounge something up at home.

10:15PM I arrive home and visit briefly with the family (no early bedtimes here). Eat a piece of cold pizza (no desire to go to the trouble of heating it up) and send kiddos off to bed. I make a social media vendor shout-out post about the tournament on my personal page and then create a list of what needs to be done tomorrow.

11PM Post-event high is keeping me awake. I walk over to the on-site gym and get a quick run in. Start thinking about my next event, a Hindu wedding out of town in a couple weeks.

Start a to-do list for that on my phone while running.

11:45PM Shower and head to bed so I can start this crazy thing called life all over again tomorrow. Lie in bed snuggling my Great Danes while thinking about how thankful I am to have found this career. I really love my job and life here in McKinney.

MARCH 12 9:30 and 11:30 AM Carpenter Hall Best for grades pre-K through 3rd grade

The script is written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling,Caldecott-honor award winning Pigeon picture books.

IrvingArtsCenter.com or call 972.252.ARTS 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, TX, 75062 Open 7 days a week • Free parking

dfwchild.com / february 2020

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Connect

More

nurturing your post-kids romantic relationship WORDS SUNDEY MCCLENDON

“I DON’T THINK WE ARE SUPPOSED to talk about this,”

©ISTOCK

©ISTOCK

I said nervously to my husband from across a delicious spread of carefully selected oysters. The waiter filling our wine glasses raised an eyebrow and then silently vanished.

“We aren’t supposed to talk about our kids?” my husband said incredulously.

dfwchild.com / february 2020

19

“Well, the experts say on a date night, we should set aside talking about our kids and focus on each other.”

“Well, if the experts say it,” he joked, gulping down an oyster. Then we sat in silence as I wondered, What else would two people in the trenches talk about besides the overwhelming and exhausting work unfolding around them?

Later that night, we sat on a blanket at a Jack Johnson concert. It was one of those perfect Texas nights in May, on the precipice of summer but without the mosquitos. Jack was in top form and I swayed along with the crowd, finally soaking in the elusive date experience that we were supposed to have, according to every magazine and news story about a post-kids marriage. I looked down, thinking I would put the meaningful cherry on top of our evening with some prolonged eye contact, only to find my hardworking, dad-at-the-top-of-his-game husband laid out and snoring lightly. Sigh.

Another imperfect date night, I thought as I calculated whether it would be better to leave and save money on the sitter.

Prior to having kids, falling asleep at a concert would have been something to laugh about—but since going on a date when you have children requires a level of planning on par with launching a rocket, I was disappointed.

It was important to us both to make time for each other, but with three active tweens, we are as energy-poor as we are time-short. What is a couple to do if they hope to emerge from the 20-plus-year stretch of parenting as a unified, loving couple who enjoy each other’s company?

We’ve all heard marriage advice about the importance of maintaining a connection with your spouse. But that advice seldom comes with a free babysitter, some extra cash and a shot of espresso. How do real parents find balance and connection amidst diapers and Legos and lost socks and soccer practices and homework help?

her to adjust a little—during a time when most women feel particularly vulnerable. Though it was difficult, Xochilt made the conscious choice to focus on admiring Mike’s devotion to their daughter and adjust her expectations to fit their family.

But this was just the first hurdle. As Presley grew, the couple had to learn to understand and respect each other’s cultures.

“Presley is the first grandbaby on either side of our family,” Xochilt explains, “and for my family, in our culture we have a lot of traditional Mexican remedies that would make Mike, and sometimes me, weary.”

For example, when Presley came down with the sniffles, Xochilt’s mom had some outdated ideas for treatment. Balancing the delicate relationship with Xochilt’s mom, who felt strongly that their family remedies and traditions should be passed down, with modern parenting was hard on Mike and Xochilt—who were already fatigued and feeling the strain of shifting relationship dynamics that come with a new baby.

With patience and open communication, the couple powered through to find solutions.

Xochilt says staying mindful that they were both tired and trying their best helped her to focus on the end goal (a strong marriage) as they adjusted.

Fort Worth counselor Janice Moran says it is not uncommon for new parents to have these hurdles, and that issues can be compounded by sleep deprivation and a change in routine.

“One very common issue [new] parents encounter is experiencing changes in both emotional and energy levels,” she says. “Sleep deprivation affects all our systems, and it contributes to highly charged, tense emotional situations.”

Pastor Curt Krohn of Faith Bible Church in DeSoto has counseled engaged couples for 30 years. He says often they don’t grasp—and aren’t prepared for—how much a child can

NURTURING IS KEY

Arlington mom Marie Reddick and her husband Nathan say that saving space for each other has seen them through more than a decade of marriage and four children ranging in age from 11 years to 4 months.

As we talk, the baby coos and cries, and Marie and Nathan seem to have a shorthand for handling it. They laugh, looking back at the early days of being married and having young children.

“When we were dating, we didn’t fight at all,” Marie recollects. “I always joke that he saved it all up for when we were married.”

Nathan laughs in agreement, and points out that a follow-up visit to their premarital counselor helped them to develop healthy patterns that have been helpful throughout marriage.

“When we showed up, the counselor was kind of stunned,” Nathan explains. “He said no one had ever taken him up on the followup visit before.” During that visit, the couple discussed open communication and empathy, helping them better frame how to work (and fight) together.

“We had to learn how to understand each other,” Nathan explains, and Marie adds that understanding that men are wired differently and think differently than women was a crucial point for her.

“It was a Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus moment,” she says.

“We are both type A people, and we can bicker sometimes about the little things,” she continues, pointing out that counseling helped establish how they can disagree productively and how to make time for their marriage in such a busy season of their lives.

“We talk constantly,” Marie explains. “We call and check in with each other several times throughout the day, and we are very honest with each other and very open in communica-

A ROUGH START

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

“Checking into one another’s inner world is vital for growing and changing together.” impact their relationship.

“Certainly, children and the changes they will bring are discussed in pre-marriage counseling,” Krohn says, “but, in reality, my experience is that it is difficult to have an engaged couple fully understand what children will mean to their relationship. It is often evident that the reality did not successfully sink in!”

tion, which I think is really helpful and keeps us connected even when life gets crazy.”

Moran says this is at the heart of all marriage advice: Date nights are great (provided your partner can stay awake)—but when you distill the principles behind the date night, it’s about nurturing the relationship. The goal behind time spent together—fancy restaurant or otherwise—

©ISTOCK

Dallas mom Xochilt Madden and her husband Mike had their daughter, Presley, six months ago. After meeting in 2014 in a chemistry lab at Eastfield College, Mike and Xochilt (pronounced SO-chee) were inseparable.

“We’ve always been best friends,” Xochilt confides. “We were spontaneous and loved spending time together, doing things we both enjoyed.”

She says Mike was a wonderful and supportive spouse who doted on her through her pregnancy, and when their baby was born, he bonded with Presley right away.

“And that was so great,” Xochilt says. “It was sweet and beautiful and what I wanted, but I got pushed to the side a little bit.”

She says sharing Mike’s attention required

is the connection. “Checking into one another’s inner world is vital for growing and changing together,” Moran emphasizes.

Marie Reddick adds that dating does not just entail physically spending time together, but also continuing to grow and develop as a person, to put your best foot forward for your spouse. “For me, ‘never stop dating your spouse’ means that I never stop trying to be the best version of myself for my spouse,” she explains.

Besides, you and your spouse are not the only ones who benefit from a healthy connection. “Every day, you are modeling for your children how you treat people and how you want to be treated and your standards for relationships,” Moran says.

Tending to a relationship is a form of selfcare that we model for our children, which not only helps us care for our children better, but teaches them how to operate in a relationship as well.

“By implementing self-care for both you and your relationship as a couple, you are vicariously teaching your children the importance of these skills,” Moran says.

FINDING WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

When our kids asked how our disastrous date went, we were honest and laughed about my husband falling asleep.

“Smooth, Dad!” my daughter teased, and then added, “Maybe next time you could have a lunch date!”

In the weeks after, my husband and I tried various ways to make time for connection. We made a point of having breakfast or coffee together in the morning—another washout, as we sat in stony silence trying to will ourselves into action and not feeling much like talking. But we did keep trying, powering through other failed attempts and finally moving our dates to when we were most alert—midday. Our sage little daughter was right: Lunch dates were best for her two exhausted parents. We took longer lunches and saw movies together, which gave us something other than our kids to discuss.

As Xochilt and Mike began to date postbaby, they also had to find their sweet spot— and stop trying to expect the things to work the same way they did before Presley was born.

“We decided to go out for our first date night on a Friday night,” Xochilt explains, “but when we got to the restaurant, we were exhausted and had a hard time.” Another night they sent Presley to stay overnight with a grandparent while they went to a friend’s annual Halloween party, an event they enjoyed a lot before they were parents.

“Mike was so excited to go, and so was I, but I had a hard time letting loose in the same

way I could before I had Presley,” she explained.

“Mike didn’t say anything, but I could tell he was wishing that I could relax more. But it was my first night away from her and it was hard.”

She says that eventually, they had to find a “new normal” and new ways to connect. Step one: setting up a sleep routine for Presley that allowed them to make time for each other.

“We put Presley to bed around 6:30–7pm so that we can eat dinner together and watch Netflix or play a game,” Xochilt says. “And that works great for us. It helps us keep the love and friendship alive while being parents.”

THE LONG RUN

For parents of older kids, the issue is often less about finding the energy—or a sitter—and more about finding the time amidst busy schedules.

When their kids were younger, Carol and Kevin Smith’s dating life dwindled. It was actu-

we could leave them alone,” Carol says, “so that helped a lot.”

Occasionally their “dates” weren’t much fun—an evening at the laundromat when their washing machine broke, a meal in a hospital cafeteria after their daughter had surgery—but creating a habit of dating proved hugely helpful to their marriage.

“It definitely made us closer,” Carol says, “and I think we are more intentional with each other now because of it.” And yes, they won the cruise; Carol urges other couples to set up a rewards-based system if they find it hard to make dating a priority.

Their experience underscores that dates don’t have to be a big production.

According to Pastor Krohn, the value of a date—whatever form it takes—is in the shared experience and the development of the relationship. “Doing this does not require just the two of them, alone, focused on the other,” he clarifies, “but it can be with a group of friends or staying at home with their children, reading a book together or participating in a common task.”

“The goal is to make time for your relation-

3-Step Process Janice Moran, a Fort Worth counselor, says many couples do not seek counseling until there is a problem, but counseling can be a wonderful preventive measure. To take the first baby step, try a page out of Moran’s playbook by practicing Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) method.

“In a nutshell, it’s a form of communication that meets another with empathy, and promotes compassion and connection,” Moran explains. She says the first part of the process is communicating an emotion through an “I feel” statement, then stating an underlying need. Finally, make a request, “not a demand,” she points out.

So, instead of “I feel like I need to get the housework done! Help me!” according to Moran, a more effective NVC way of communicating would be: 1. “I feel frazzled because company is coming over in an hour.”

2. “I need support.”

3. “Would you be willing to do the dishes?”

Moran says that effectively communicating feelings and needs while requesting help in a way that gives choice and leaves room for discussion is a healthy jumping-off point for communication.

ally a contest at their church that prompted the Garland parents of three to get back in the habit of making time for each other. “Our church wanted to do something to strengthen marriages within the church, so they offered a contest where we went on three dates a month for a year,” Carol explains. “The prize was a cruise, and I am very motivated to win things.”

Carol says the potential reward gave them the fuel they needed to make a change. She admits that prior to the contest, she and Kevin did not do the greatest job making time to connect, but they were entering a new season of their lives and felt it was a good time to try something new. “Our kids had just gotten to the ages where

ship by taking advantage of organic opportunities,” Moran agrees.

She says that laying a foundation of friendship and building on it with open communication helps build a strong shelter for when times get tough.

“When I work with couples, we talk a lot about friendship being the foundation of the relationship,” she explains. “If the foundation is not solid, then the chances increase for the relationship to fall apart, especially in times of strife.”

For my husband and me, working on our friendship meant pivoting on when and how we date—as well as some light teasing whenever Jack Johnson comes on the radio. dfwchild.com / february 2020

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BEST: MOMS & BABIES 2020 WINNERS WORDS LISA SALINAS

Best: Moms & Babies Winners

So many choices for taking care of your little one! Our readers are making it easier to find the best for you and baby.

W

e know it takes a village to prepare for and welcome your new baby.

Of course, finding that village, from childbirth instructors to doulas to the best babysitting service, can seem overwhelming—there is so much information out there these days. But don’t worry! Your fellow readers have stepped up to help. Our annual Best: Moms & Babies survey features the best of the best in all these topics (and more), chosen by local moms. Consider this our baby gift to you.

BEST CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR & BEST DOULA Melissa Espey-Mueller, ProDoula CD Labor & Educator, CLE – North Dallas Doula Associates

As director of new parent education at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and Medical City Las Colinas, EspeyMueller’s motto is that the best birth is an informed and supported birth. Given her slogan and extensive experience (she’s celebrating 20 years at North Dallas Doula Associates), it’s no wonder our readers vote for her in our survey year after year.

Her class menu includes just about every topic you could imagine (seriously!), from Prenatal Wellness to Rocking Dads—yep, partners are included, too.

As owner and directory of NDDA, EspeyMueller offers doula services to thousands of families each year; moms trust her for her dedication to each birth and array of services.

Espey-Mueller—a DONA- and ProDoula22

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

trained, master-level doula—keeps up with moms after delivery through postpartum doula support (from emotional support to pumping and bottle feeding aid) and offers placenta encapsulation, pre-conception planning and certified lactation consulting—to name a few of her services. She also is a gynecologic teaching associate (GTA) through Texas A&M Health Science Center.

107 Murray St., Dallas, northdallasdoulas.com RUNNERS-UP: Childbirth instructor: Rosemary Zinser – Medical City Dallas Doula: Keisha Baker, CD (DONA) – Dallas Birth Doulas

BEST HOSPITAL TO HAVE A BABY Baylor University Medical Center We know choosing the right hospital to deliver your family’s newest addition is important.

Our readers trust Baylor University Medical Center for its attentive physicians and comfort-

able amenities—for both you and your family. The New Family Center includes private rooms and a daybed for your support person. Services for you, Mom, include nitrous oxide, wireless fetal monitoring, aromatherapy and snacks upon entering the postpartum room. After birth, baby will stay with you in the Family Center, as you both receive care together. This is part of Baylor Dallas’ mission to promote education and confidence between you, your family and your new baby. Baylor Dallas also recently partnered with North Dallas Doula Associates to offer childbirth classes.

3500 Gaston Ave., Dallas; bswhealth.com/dallaschildbirth RUNNER-UP: Medical City Dallas

BEST BIRTHING CENTER Lovers Lane Birth Center For the birth center experience or birthing at home, our readers choose Lovers Lane Birth Center, a midwifery practice in Richardson.

Located near Cottonwood Park in a quiet neighborhood, the center is decorated in calming colors, like soft blue and green, plus there’s a family room and kitchen. Here, soon-to-be moms can opt to see the center’s midwives

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHILDREN'S HEALTH SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER; MELISSA ESPEY-MUELLER; BAYLOR UNIVERISTY MEDICAL CENTER; ©ISTOCK

dallas’ top resources for all things childbirth

11909 Preston Road, Suite 1442, Dallas; thelittlegym.com

3611 Swiss Ave., Suite 200, Dallas; dallasmidwifeassociates.com RUNNER-UP: Adrienne Jones, MSN, RN, CNM – Modern Midwifery & Wellness

BEST INFANT SWIM CLASSES Emler Swim School

BEST CHILD CARE Primrose Schools Our readers trust Primrose Schools, which was founded over 30 years ago, for their babies’ educational growth. The private preschools provide care and classes for littles as young as 6 weeks old, nurturing infants’ development through movement, music, sign language and more. Titled Balanced Learning, the curriculum places equal value on a variety of learning areas so kids leave fully equipped to enter preschool or big-kid school. All teachers have experience in child development and are first aid- and CPR-trained.

Multiple locations; primroseschools.com RUNNER-UP: Bright Horizons

BEST BABYSITTING SERVICE Mom’s Best Friend

early on for prenatal visits; discussions touch on overall health, including the best diet and supplement options. The midwives typically check on moms two to three days after the birth, too. Sign up online for a tour.

304 S. Cottonwood Drive, Suite A, Richardson; dallasmidwife.com RUNNER-UP: Urban Family Co-Op (formally Dallas Birth Center)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ©ISTOCK; CHILDREN'S HEALTH SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER; TAYLOR HOUSER; ELMER SWIM SCHOOL; REST TO YOUR NEST WITH MARY CANTWELL;

BEST MIDWIFE Taylor Houser, DNP, CNM –Dallas Midwife Associates Led by a belief that every woman deserves choices, certified nurse-midwife Taylor Houser (who also holds a doctorate of nursing practice) has seven years of experience serving women and babies. Along with her mother, she founded Dallas Midwife Associates, where she offers boutique-style prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum care. Additionally, the practice provides well-woman services, including preconception counseling and family planning options. This year, Dallas Midwife Associates is welcoming a fifth midwife to the practice and expanding its postpartum program to offer amenities like a fitness series and support group.

When our readers and their partners need to take the night off, they call Mom’s Best Friend—a household staffing agency (with decades of experience serving families) that is quite literally a mom’s best friend. Much more than a babysitting service, MBF matches families throughout Dallas-Fort Worth with full- and part-time nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants—even chefs. Their sitters are all certified in CPR and first aid, in addition to completing a 10-step screening process. They can care for littles as young as newborns. Find your next babysitter (or chef) by calling or searching online. mbfagency.com RUNNER-UP: Sitter.com

BEST PARENT + BABY CLASSES The Little Gym

For fun time with a side of educational play, The Little Gym’s parent and child classes are a favorite among our readers. The 45-minute classes (for babies as young as 4 months) involve age-appropriate activities and exercises; the theme, music and gym setup change each week. As young children are exploring and learning about the big world around them, classes focus on developing strength, balance and spatial awareness, plus social skills.

6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 410, Dallas;

RUNNER-UP: KinderMusik

With heated, saltwater pools (with a max depth of 4 feet), it’s no wonder families flock to Emler Swim School for kiddos to earn their fins. As an added bonus, pools have ultraviolet water purification systems, and some locations boast dehumidifiers. The veteran Best: Moms & Babies winner offers year-round swim lessons for children as young as 2 months. Swimmers move up levels as they get older and master breath control and independent movement; until then, as your little one splashes away, you are right there in the water with them.

9820 N. Central Expressway, Suite 500, Dallas; 11909 Preston Road, Suite 1422, Dallas; emlerswimschool.com RUNNER-UP: YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

BEST SLEEP CONSULTANT Rest To Your Nest with Mary Cantwell Our readers continually trust certified sleep consultant Mary Cantwell for her dedication to bringing restful nights to families across DallasFort Worth. Rest To Your Nest was born from Cantwell’s own struggles with sleep upon giving birth to her first son. Her program begins with an evaluation call, followed by a customized sleep plan. Cantwell educates families on the art and science of sleep, with the goal of bringing clarity and sanity back to your brood. resttoyournest.com RUNNER-UP: Live Love Sleep

BEST SLEEP DISORDER EXPERTS Children’s Health Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep is baby’s (and Mom’s) best friend, we know. So when things are going awry in the snooze department, our readers call the Children’s Health Sleep Disorders Center.

Their board-certified physicians, psychologists, respiratory therapists and sleep technologists (yep—it’s a whole team!) determine your child’s diagnosis and come up with a personalized plan. Plus, their facilities feature amenities for ultimate kiddie comfort, such as TVs, games and themed rooms.

2620 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas; childrens.com RUNNER-UP: Pediatric Sleep Institute dfwchild.com / february 2020

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved 2020

MOMS & BABIES WORDS DFWCHILD EDITORS

WHOA, MAMA! EATING FOR TWO? CHECK OUT THESE FACTS ABOUT WOMEN AND BABIES IN TEXAS.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES?

LOW BLOOD SUGAR

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

MALE CHILDREN BORN IN 2019 ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO THE YEAR

BEST FOODS TO EAT WHILE BREASTFEEDING

2095 WHILE

EGGS

MEAT

HIGH BIRTH WEIGHT

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

2099

TWIN BIRTHS ACCOUNTED FOR 3% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS IN 2015, WHILE OTHER MULTIPLES OCCURRED IN 0.1% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS DURING PREGNANCY REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS IN A WOMAN’S BODY ARE

20–30 TIMES HIGHER THAN USUAL

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

Dallas has the

12TH HIGHEST

average cost for routine vaginal deliveries in the United States

POTATOES

DARK CHOCOLATE

PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD LIMIT THEIR CAFFEINE INTAKE TO LESS THAN

200 MG PER DAY

SOURCES: HEALTHLINE; TEXAS CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS; STATISTA; PYSCHOTHERAPY.COM; AMERICAN PREGNANCY ASSOCIATION; CASTLIGHT HEALTH; TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES

FEMALE CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

B

ringing a new life into the world is nothing short of miraculous. And you want the best for your little miracle. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to many excellent OB/GYNs and midwives, so how do you begin the search for the provider who will care for you and baby through pregnancy and birth? Your fellow DFWChild readers have made the process easier by sharing their recommendations for our annual Mom Approved guide—a list we compile to help you find the perfect midwife or OB/GYN for your growing family.

WHAT IS A MOM APPROVED DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE?

Mom Approved Doctors and Midwives are women’s health care professionals who have earned the trust, admiration and respect of our readers. Local moms reached out to our magazine, recommended these providers and told us why. Whether it’s for their empathy and kindness or their professional acumen, these doctors and midwives have impressed parents like you. All of these providers were in good professional standing at press time.

WHAT MAKES MOM APPROVED DOCTORS DIFFERENT?

Each year various publications come out with lists ranking area health care professionals. Often these providers are chosen not by patients but by other providers.

We think Mom Approved Doctors are special because they’ve been nominated by the consumers: local parents. These providers didn’t make it on our list by purchasing space in the magazine, and their inclusion doesn’t imply an endorsement by DFWChild. This is truly a momto-mom referral list.

IS THE LIST EXHAUSTIVE?

The list is by no means exhaustive—there are likely many outstanding professionals who aren’t on the list because our readers didn’t pass on a recommendation. If you have a local OB/GYN or midwife you love, tell us.

HOW DO I RECOMMEND A PROVIDER?

DFWChild holds four surveys a year for readers to nominate their favorite health care providers (along with OB/GYNs

and midwives, surveys include pediatricians, dentists and wellness professionals such as counselors). We post surveys at different points during the year on our website; just log on to dfwchild.com/directory and look for Mom Approved Docs to find active surveys. We ask that you leave comments telling us why you love a particular provider.

Is it her friendly demeanor? His listening and communication skills? Other parents want to know why you think this health care professional is special. (We may edit comments for length, grammar and clarity.)

WHERE CAN I VIEW COMMENTS ABOUT THESE MOM APPROVED DOCTORS AND MIDWIVES?

Jones, Adrienne MSN, RN, CNM Modern Midwifery Kaney-Francis, Meghan MSN, RN, CNM Modern Midwifery

Blewett, Kavitha MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas See ad on page 28

Morrow, Carla DNP, CNM Dallas Midwife Associates

Brothers, Sandra MD Women’s Health Alliance

Sloan, Emily APRN, CNM East Dallas Birth & Wellness

Brough, Jonathan MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas See ad on page 28

Tate, Amy CPM, LM, CLC Origins Birth & Wellness FRISCO Mitchell, Teri RN, CNM, IBCLC Bundleborn Midwifery & Pediatrics GARLAND Buchanan, Christina CNM Family Centered Maternity Care KAUFMAN Turner, Linda LM, CPM Delivered With Love Birthing Center MCKINNEY Mayorga, Kathleen APRN, CNM Bella Births PLANO Tate, Jeannine MSN, RN, CNM Plano Birthplace

The full list of Mom Approved providers, with comments from the mothers who recommended them, can be viewed in the Mom Approved Docs section at dfwchild.com/directory.

OB/GYNS

HOW DO I FIND MORE READER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOMS AND BABIES?

CARROLLTON Stimage, Rachnetta MD Women’s Premier OBGYN

Glad you asked! Each year, DFWChild holds a survey called Best: Moms & Babies. Readers share favorites in many areas— childbirth education, doulas, sleep consultants, child care, momand-me classes and more. Check out our winners on page 20!

MIDWIVES

ADDISON Lively, Cori LM, CPM Barefoot Midwifery Walcott, Kassia LM, CPM Singing Tree Midwifery DALLAS Houser, Taylor DNP, CNM Dallas Midwife Associates

Bertrand, John MD Walnut Hill OBGYN

ALLEN Slabas, Karen MD Texas Health Women’s Care Weise, William MD Texas Health Allen

CEDAR HILL Vaughan, Jeremy MD Cedar Hill Women’s Center DALLAS Anders, Brittney MD Legacy Women’s Health Angel, Angela MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas See ad on page 28

Caram, Bianca MD, FACOG Legacy Women’s Health Chhutani, Sheila MD Gynecological & Obstetrical Associates Collins, Linden MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Dallas Crable, Quanita MD Dr. Crable OBGYN Crochet, Melissa MD UT Southwestern Medical Center Culpepper, Kelli MD, FACOG Dallas Obstetrics & Gynecology PA Diaz, Monica MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA Dinh, Quynh Chi MD Dallas Obstetrics & Gynecology PA Dullye, Tara MD OBGYN Dallas Elmquist, Alison MD Vernon & Waldrep Ob-Gyn Associates Elwell Silver, Kyler MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Park Cities Foxworth, Kecia MD Kessler Women’s Health Gaitonde, Ashwin MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Dallas Godat, Mark MD Mark J. Godat MD, PA

Arzac, Jorge MD Dr. Jorge A. Arzac, MD PA

Gunby, Jr., Robert MD Swiss OB-GYN

Behan, Joseph MD Behan OBGYN

Gunderson, Rachel MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA

Benjamin, Shruti MD, FACOG Legacy Women’s Health

Hagood, Julie MD Walnut Hill OBGYN dfwchild.com / february 2020

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mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Harms, Heidi MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Perugini, Francesca MD Health Central Women’s Care

Woodbridge, Ann MD Health Central Women’s Care

Welborne, Leslie MD Centennial OBGYN

Harris, Steven MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Dallas

Peveto, Joy MD Women’s Health Alliance

DESOTO Dean, F. Thomas MD F. Thomas Dean, MD

GARLAND Lora-Alcantara, Isamarie MD DeLeon’s Woman’s Health Care

FRISCO Allen, Jennifer MD Frisco OB/GYN

GRAND PRAIRIE Reese-Holley, Melodi MD, FACOG Omega Ob-Gyn Associates

Hays, Tracy Diane MD Carter, Hays, Martin & Associates Heckman, Glen MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Dallas Heintges, Michelle MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare Jahangiri, Farnaz MD UT Southwestern Medical Center Joykutty, Jessy DO Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates Leinauer, Meghan MD, FACOG Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Group Light, Natalie MD Health Central Women’s Care Littrell, Christina MD Swiss OB-GYN Lopez, Jorge F. MD, FACOG Medical City Dallas Martin, Amy MD Carter, Hays, Martin & Associates

Reyes, Maria MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare Richards, Hampton MD Walnut Hill OBGYN Ripp, Zachary MD Women’s Specialty Center Roberts, Connie DO Ob/Gyn & Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic Rosenfield, Laura MD Gynecological & Obstetrical Associates

Callejas-Weintz, Arminda MD Health Central Women’s Care Dobi, Brittany MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Elliott, Tracy MD Health Central Women’s Care Ellis, Malathi MD, FACOG Nurture Women’s Health

Harn, Jason MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Robert, Sara MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN

Holt, Catherine MD Catherine Holt M.D.

Steininger, Dani MD Adriatica Women’s Health

Innes, Kristen MD Kristen M. Innes, MD, PA OBGYN

MESQUITE Brodsky, Charles MD Women’s Health Alliance

Jarnagin, Hillary MD Frisco Women’s Health

Odogwu, Maduka MD Holy Cross OB/GYN PLANO Bankston-Troiani, Dawn MD Associated Women’s Healthcare

Shepherd, Jessica MD Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Group Shimer, Tricia MD Tricia Shimer, M.D., P.A.

McClintock, Jean MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Slocum, Paul MD Premier Urogyn of North Texas

Mitchell, Jordan MD Jordan Mitchell, M.D.

Slocum, Stephanie MD Health Central Women’s Care

Ortiz, Christopher DO Frisco Women’s Health

Smith, Liesl MD Health Central Women’s Care

Patterson, Carrie MD, FACOG Nurture Women’s Health

Nokleberg, Jane MD Walnut Hill OBGYN Oliveira, Marcia MD Medical City Healthcare

Speight, Tracey MD Health Central Women’s Care Stevenson-Gargiulo, Elizabeth DO Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates Thurston, Jeffrey M. MD Walnut Hill OBGYN

Parnell, Wendy MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA

Tillman, Felicia MD Health Central Women’s Care

Payne, Paul MD Swiss OB-GYN

Walker, Angela MD Vernon & Waldrep Ob-Gyn Associates

Pero, Roxanne MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas See ad on page 28 26

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

Luciani, Gerald MD, FACOG Comprehensive OB/GYN

Schermerhorn, James MD, FACOG Office of James Schermerhorn, MD, FACOG See ad on page 29

McClure, Meredith MD Frisco OB/GYN

Newman, Erin MD Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology

Derrick, Heather MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN

Gulick, Jennifer MD Jennifer Gulick, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sigman, Amy MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Napier, Amie MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Chan, Renee MD Comprehensive OB/GYN

Ryder, Kristi MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

McCants, Shannon MD Women’s Health Alliance

Murray, Lauren MD Walnut Hill OBGYN

MCKINNEY Baidwan, Christine MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN

Wells, Lauren MD Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology

Rajala, Bruce DO Women’s Medical Associates of North Texas

Bellanger, Heather MD Plano Women’s Healthcare See ad on page 29 Bradley, Laura MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN Burt, Randall MD OB/GYN North Dallas

Pendley, Nicole MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Coronado, Elizabeth Neugart MD Women’s Specialists of Plano

Pepperell, Michele MD Frisco OB/GYN

DaVolio, Julie MD Plano Healthcare for Women

Petrovski, Pauline MD Frisco OB/GYN

Endelman, Irwin MD Northern Bay Women’s Health Center

Ricks, Jon MD Jon T. Ricks, M.D. Sokunbi, Yinka (Adeyinka) CNM, RN Caring for Women

Garner, Garrett MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Ward, Alisa MD Centennial OBGYN

Hartley, Cindy MD Associated Women’s Healthcare

Weinstein, Jonathan MD Frisco Women’s Health

Jacob, Shaheen MD Contemporary Women’s Care

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Joseph, Ralph DO, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN Kaye, Richard MD, PA Dr. Kaye OB/GYN Leveno, Joseph MD Dr. Joseph Leveno Obstetrics & Gynecology

Walsh, Katrina MD Dr. Katrina Walsh Obstetrics & Gynecology Watson, Angela MD OB/GYN North Dallas Watts, Jenelle MD Specialized Women’s Healthcare

Mos, Amy MD Plano Healthcare for Women

Webster, Gwen MD Plano Healthcare for Women

Parker, John MD John M. Parker, MD PA

White Jackson, Tania MD Radiance Women’s Specialty Group

Reisler, Keith MD Dr. Reisler, M.D., P.A. Roberts, John Paul MD OB/GYN North Dallas Robins, Darrell MD OB/GYN North Dallas

Zhang, Wei MD Midway Medical Center

Rovner, Ivan MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN

RICHARDSON Brooks, Elayna MD Women’s Health Associates of Richardson

Taylor, Marcia MD OB/GYN North Dallas Trylovich, Courtney MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Vu, Julie MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN

Downey, Charles MD Women’s Health Associates of Richardson Sesay, Charmaine MD Women’s Health Associates of Richardson ROCKWALL Gillean, Julia MD Metroplex Women’s Care

Zandomeni, Gabriela MD Crossroads Women’s Health ROWLETT Hearne, Monika MD Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology Nelson, Jeffery Taylor MD Baylor Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology

Woods, Christina MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Spooner, Melinda MD Specialized Women’s Healthcare

McStravick, Molly MD Texas Health Women’s Care

Skora, Daniel MD Fertility Specialists of Texas See ad on page 27 Thomas, Mika MD Dallas Fertility Center & IVF Lab FRISCO Mehta, Rinku MD Dallas IVF MCKINNEY Havemann, Dara MD Dallas IVF PLANO Douglas, James MD IVF Plano

FERTILITY SPECIALISTS

ADDISON Elkins, Linda MD Aspire Fertility Dallas DALLAS Bukulmez, Orhan MD Fertility & Advanced Reproductive Medicine Clinic Chantilis, Samuel MD Dallas Fertility Center & IVF Lab

Check out our Mom Approved lists at dfwchild.com/ directory. You’ll find a variety of readerrecommended providers and the reasons local moms love them.

Goldstein, Jerald MD Fertility Specialists of Texas See ad on page 27 Patel, Satin MD Fertility Specialists of Texas See ad on page 27 Putman, John Michael MD Fertility Center of Dallas

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Satin Patel, MD; Jerald Goldstein, MD; Daniel Skora, MD Fertility Specialists 4x Mom Approved

Fertility Specialists of Texas (FST), a leader in the field of reproductive medicine, is celebrating 15 years proudly growing families throughout North Texas. Specialists Dr. Jerald S. Goldstein, Dr. Satin S. Patel, and Dr. Daniel A. Skora have been awarded the Mom Approved seal by the readers of DallasChild thanks to their ongoing commitment to providing effective, comprehensive treatment delivered with the utmost care and compassion.

Fertility Specialists of Texas Frisco | Dallas | Rockwall Southlake | Fort Worth 214-618-2044 FertilityTexas.com

• Success Rates Above the National Average • 1,000s of babies born • World-Class IVF Lab • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) • Genetic Testing “Infertility can feel so dark and lonely; the team at FST made it something we could overcome. We will never be able to thank them enough.”

— Proud Parents of two FST Miracle Babies

dfwchild.com / february 2020

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Jonathan Brough, MD; Angela Angel, MD; Kavitha Blewett, MD & Roxanne Pero, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 7x Mom Approved Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas is a seasoned Obstetrics & Gynecology group proudly serving women of all ages for the past 40 years. Our team of board-certified OB/GYN physicians offer a wide range of services to help women through their pregnancies and maintain optimal health, from puberty through menopause. We strive to provide a personal, trustworthy, and superior experience for all our patients. As a comprehensive stop for women’s care, and with convenient locations in Dallas and Rockwall, the practice offers the best technology, treatment methods, and medical knowledge women need to navigate almost any female medical concern and remain healthy for years to come. All of our physicians specialize in high risk obstetrics, minimally invasive surgery, infertility evaluation, and full spectrum gynecological care.

Dr. Brough was recognized as a Physician All-Star by the medical staff at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital for his expertise in OB/GYN, and his track record of public service.

He lives on a small ranch in East Texas and he is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Dr. Angel earned Living Magazine’s Best of Reader’s Choice award for her work as an OB/GYN in Dallas and Rockwall, Texas. She lives in Rockwall with her four children and is a leader in community service in her hometown.

Dr. Blewett has consistently been recognized for her exceptional patient care. Top 1% in Nation for patient satisfaction, and a DallasChild Mom Approved Doctor since 2015. Dr. Blewett, originally from New York, moved to Plano at young where her family now resides. She enjoys a very active lifestyle with her husband and two daughters Dr. Pero is board certified in Lifestyle Medicine, a branch of medical care that teaches patients how to augment western medicine with evidence-based lifestyle interventions. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and traveling back to her hometown of Baton Rouge.

Dr. Ebrahim, who recently moved back to Dallas from several years of practice at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills, is excited to provide her excellent and compassionate care to her home community. She is conversational in Spanish and fluent in Arabic. She enjoys exploring new adventures and traveling with her husband and two sons. Our team is thrilled to have her!

Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas strives to provide trustworthy, superior healthcare for all of your female-specific medical needs through all your stages in life. We are accepting new patients at both the Dallas and Rockwall locations and look forward to serving you.

Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas, PA 8160 Walnut Hill Ln., Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75231 1005 W. Ralph Hall Pkwy., Ste. 130, Rockwall, TX 75032 214-363-4421 whsdallas.com

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Heather Bellanger, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 5x Mom Approved Dr. Heather Bellanger has been with the Plano Women’s Healthcare Practice since 2008. She strives to provide personalized healthcare for women in Collin County and the surrounding communities. While, she enjoys all aspects of being a physician from routine gynecological care to pregnancy, childbirth and beyond, Dr. Bellanger’s practice is focused on obstetrics as well as minimally invasive surgery. She also treats menopause with therapies that include BioTe hormonal supplementation.

Dr. Bellanger is affiliated with Medical City Plano, where she is the former chief of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, as well as Medical City Frisco.

She is Board Certified with the American Board of OB/GYN. Dr. Bellanger is married to husband, Marc, and also has two children, Madeleine and Preston.

Plano Women’s Healthcare 1600 Coit Rd., Ste. 202, Plano, TX 75075 972-596-2470 planowomenshealthcare.com

Jim Schermerhorn, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 6x Mom Approved Women’s healthcare and grandkids are Dr. Jim Schermerhorn’s passions.

He and his family have been living and working in the East Dallas area for over 30 years. The moment you walk into the office, you’ll be treated like family. Dr. Schermerhorn provides the most up-to-date medical care, from obstetrics to minimally invasive treatments like robotic da Vinci® surgery, aiming to get you back to your life quickly. His medical care focuses on your very specific needs. Your story is what matters, and Dr. Schermerhorn will take the time to learn about you. Let Dr. Schermerhorn show you that personalized, family-centered medicine still exists! In fact, Dr. Schermerhorn personally delivers almost all of his patients’ babies. His practice is located close to White Rock Lake. Serving as chairman of the Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics Department, Dr. Schermerhorn is your healthcare champion in the White Rock community. Please call today to speak with a staff member about scheduling your appointment.

James E. Schermerhorn, MD, FACOG 1151 N. Buckner Blvd., Ste. 206 Dallas, TX 75218 214-320-8447 • schermdoc.com

dfwchild.com / february 2020

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL G U I D E

Want more information? Find these child care centers and preschools on our website. dfwchild.com

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Tuition rate is $5,250 per year ($525 per month for a 10-month payment schedule).

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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dfwchild.com / february 2020

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

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dfwchild.com / february 2020

35

kid culture.

©ISTOCK

SEEING PAST DIFFERENCES how to talk to your child about kids with special needs WORDS LISA SALINAS

A

S PARENTS, WE KNOW ALL TOO WELL THAT CHILDREN HAVE A

million questions. They are instinctively curious and ask things sans filter.

But what happens when those questions are about—and perhaps voiced in front of—someone who has special needs?

“Why do his eyes look like that?”

“Why does his voice sound funny?”

(Cue the cringing.)

Local mom Brittany Lopez is very familiar with the looks and remarks that come from inquisitive kiddos.

“My son—he just turned 4—has autism and is about a year behind,” Lopez says. “My dfwchild.com/ february 2020

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kid culture / S E E I N G

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PAST DIFFERENCES

sister has intellectual disabilities. She’s 30, 31 “I don’t mind if a child comes up to me now and functions around a 5-year-old level. and asks me why Zach’s eyes are different,” Growing up with her, you definitely dealt says Bryan. “I would probably take offense if with stares.” they said that he looked ugly.”

As a special education teacher for 10 years, When your child does notice differences, Lopez worked with children who had mental your tone is important. “If you yell at [your health and emotional child]—because I’ve also issues, learning disabilities, seen that; ‘I told you not IN THE MOMENT autism spectrum disorders to be staring at them!’— and intellectual disabilities. If your kiddo does something that’s not going to help,” Putting neurotypical children uncomfortable when interactexplains Hernandez. ing with someone who has a disat ease around those If your child asks ability, here’s how to respond: kids starts with your own questions about a peer actions, according to Lopez. with special needs, give “It has to do with you straightforward, ageBe kind and calm.

Stay away • as the adult building an appropriate answers. from hastily reacting to your environment of inclusivity,” child’s actions, and instead kindly “I think we sometimes she says. “You have to as adults forget that kids redirect their attention. “Not model it.” can still understand in any abrupt way, or yelling at That might look like certain things,” says them, but just gently tell them, inviting a kiddo who has Bryan. If answering a ‘It’s not polite to point, it’s not special needs over to play OK to stare, so let’s just sit down question about a child with with your child. But first, Down syndrome, “you for a minute and talk,’” advises it’s emphasizing to your don’t have to go into the Cook Children’s family therapist child that we’re actually whole triplication of the Janette Hernandez. all different­—and that we chromosomes,” she says.

Talk it out.

Once you have • connect with each other your little’s attention, give them “You can just say, ‘He has not by pointing out those Down syndrome. It’s a some information. differences, but by finding medical condition that makes “Explain to them, in a nice commonalities. his eyes shaped different.’” tone, in a whisper tone, what “We all have the ability the child might be up against,” to love,” notes Janette OPEN DOORS Hernandez says. “This happened Hernandez, family therapist just here the other day in the Special needs don’t have to at Cook Children’s McCart clinic with a little boy [whose] be a barrier to meaningful Neighborhood Clinic in interactions. Lopez helps legs were truncated. A little boy Fort Worth. “We all have her son’s peers understand was staring at him, and his mama the ability to be kind.” how they can play together. was like, ‘OK, I don’t want you to “Other kids say, ‘Why stare, but let’s talk about how the DIFFERENT, BUT isn’t he talking to me?’” body is formed inside.’ She [did] a THE SAME Lopez notes. “I say, ‘Well, wonderful job of explaining you Alice Bryan is a Farmers it’s hard for him to talk, don’t know exactly what’s going Branch mother of five, talking is hard—but, you to happen when the baby is born, including 5-year-old twins know, he’s really good at but that the baby is just as special Luke and Zach. Luke is these puzzles right here.’” as the other children.” neurotypical, and Zach has Hernandez agrees • Make a connection. If you have Down syndrome. Although the time and opportunity, connect that kids connect when they are physically different with the parent and child. you create opportunities.

(Zach comes up to Luke’s “We see it out here in “Apologize and have a shoulders), Bryan reiterates conversation with your child and the waiting room a to her sons that there is lot—disabled children the disabled child,” Hernandez nothing wrong with that. with other children that says. “If you can open doors for “We come in all shapes, sit down and color. … communication, then kids will sizes and colors,” she says. see that [the differences are] not They forget that they’re so Even though we explain such a big thing. .... [They realize] different.” to our children that being You can also redirect that, ‘Hey, we both can sit down different is OK, they might and color.’” your child’s language and still have questions and thought processes to look slip-ups. Bryan recalls an at others’ differences as instance when Luke was staring at a child in evidence of their strength. a wheelchair.

“Luke sometimes will point out “I’ll just say, ‘They need a little extra help differences,” Bryan says of her twins. “I sometimes,’” she says. “I teach them it’s OK to started to explain that you don’t point out ask questions, but it’s not OK to make fun.” what [Zach] can’t do. I said, ‘What you don’t Bryan welcomes questions about Zach as understand is that Zach works twice as hard long as they are offered respectfully. to do what you do.’”

At the end of the day, remind your littles that they’re looking at another kid just like them.

“You look at the person; you acknowledge the person, not the medical device, right?” Bryan says. “And say hi. Then … you can kind of judge the scenario or have the [other] parent help judge the scenario—see if it’s appropriate to ask questions.”

It all comes down to the golden rule.

“Treat others as you want to be treated,” Hernandez says. “Everyone is gifted, everyone is creative in our own way, and [we should] teach that to our children more and more.”

EDUCATION IS KEY

Here are some resources to help your child better understand and interact with kids who have special needs:

JOIN OUR TRIBE. GET REWARDED.

BOOKS & OTHER MEDIA Kelly and the Great Pinewood Derby

Dallasite Jordan Burk—a caregiver to his uncle Kelly, who had Down syndrome— authored this book that touches on our differences and similarities. The story stars a character named Kelly (who has Down syndrome) and his trusty koala friend. kellyandkelso.com

Sesame Street

The beloved children’s TV show debuted Julia, a muppet who has autism, in 2017. Go to Sesame Street’s website to find interactive games, videos and stories that enable discussions about what it means to be on the autism spectrum and how we can celebrate those with differences. autism.sesamestreet.org

Get connected with DFWChild newsletters to stay updated on local events, exclusive offers, ticket giveaways and more!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TO BE LIKE ME; PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; SESAME STREET; KELLY AND KELSO

Just Ask

Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this picture book introduces characters with an array of differences, such as dyslexia, Tourette syndrome and autism.

The book uses the metaphor of a garden to explain that we’re all different—and special too. Available in Spanish and English. penguinrandomhouse.com

SIGN UP: DFWCHILD.COM

COMMUNITY PROGRAM To Be Like Me

This two-hour program, created by local professionals-slashmoms, focuses on awareness of different abilities. Participants go through simulated situations (a classroom, a flight, a restaurant) to learn how to better interact with people who have disabilities and learning differences. The program is offered at Tolleson Family Activity Center in Dallas. tobelikeme.org

dfwchild.com / february 2020

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kid culture / T R A V E L

2

pack your bags for the land of fire and ice WORDS LAUREN BRYAN KNIGHT

T

he bulk of people who come to me for European travel consults are interested in vacations in France or the UK. Iceland, though, is becoming a contender for the most popular destination. While DFW International Airport does not currently have direct flights to Reykjavik, Iceland is worth extra effort. With vast landscapes and stunning scenery, this small place has big impact.

MINI REYKJAVIK

While some European cities can

4

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

leave parents flustered, the cozy capital of Iceland takes younger visitors in stride. With wide sidewalks, unfussy restaurants, an abundance of English speakers and a generous supply of apartments to affordably rent, you’ll be able to easily navigate the best of the city. The great part for parents is that you don’t have to visit Reykjavik’s historical sites and quiet museums to experience the culture—it’s also found walking the streets, visiting cafes or chatting with a shop owner.

Still, no trip to Reykjavik is complete without a visit to HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, the country’s largest church and one of its most famous landmarks. Then wander down the street for coffee from Reykjavik Roaster and warm cinnamon rolls from BRAUD & CO. (Don’t walk too fast, though; they come out of the oven after 11am.) You can also fill the day with shopping on the boutiqueheavy Laugavegur street, or putzing around down by the wharf—just make sure that at some point you’ve stood in line for one of the famous hot dogs at BÆJARIN’S BEZTU PYLSUR (in English: “the best hot dog in town”). The classic one will be served with raw white

1 3

onion, fried crispy onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard and a remoulade sauce.

GET OUT OF TOWN

On Iceland’s Southern Coast, you’ll find unbelievable views— white waves pounding the black sand beaches in Vík, a walk around the Dyrholaey Peninsula and rainbows floating above the waterfall at Skogafoss. Spend the night at HESTHEIMAR, a horse farm where you can have homecooked meals and a private riding session. Alternatively, make your way around the Golden Circle. This loop includes three stops: THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK (where the European and North American tectonic plates meet), Geysir (to watch hot water shoot out of the ground every 10 minutes) and the massive waterfall Gulfoss.

SOAK IT UP

One of the most “local” experiences you can have in Iceland is soaking in a pool of some sort. Most people default to a dip in the Blue Lagoon, geothermal waters named as one of National Geographic’s Wonders of the World. But the real treat is to grab your swimsuit and go to the local pool. The largest and most popular is LAUGARDALSLAUG. This is one of the cheapest ways to spend the day in Reykjavik; it’s only around $1.50 per child, and children under 5 swim free. Traveler beware: Access to

1 / Quaint Iceland streets are perfect for a family stroll. 2 & 3 / Majestic landscapes are Iceland’s hallmark­­—and sure to delight even the tiniest of visitors.

4 / The decor gives shops and restaurants a cozy feel.

Icelandic pools is granted only after you take a rather exposed shower in the locker room. While locker rooms are not mixed gender, little kids can go in with either parent. Some pools have private cubicles, but not all.

(No need to be shy though. The Icelanders won’t pay you any attention­­—unless, that is, you try to skip this step. They see it as necessary for proper hygiene.)

Lauren Bryan Knight is a Dallas native who is now loving life in London. Knight is a mother and the author-owner of Aspiring Kennedy (aspiringkennedy.com), a travel guide website that found its name after she jokingly referred to herself in an email as an “aspirational Kennedy.”

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA

hallgrimskirkja.is BRAUD & CO.

braudogco.is/en BÆJARIN’S BEZTU PYLSUR

bbp.is/information-in-english HESTHEIMAR

hestheimar.is

THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

thingvellir.is/en

LAUGARDALSLAUG

reykjavik.is/stadir/laugardalslaug

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN BRYAN KNIGHT AND ASHEL PARSONS

EXPLORE ICELAND

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.

Rebecca L. Dana, MS, CCC/SLP, PC, SIPT-C 7002 Lebanon, Suite 102, Frisco, TX 75034 469-408-4634 • F: 972-618-1051 • walkeztalkez@gmail.com

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LEARN MORE AT OUR MONTHLY ORIENTATION JPKIDS.ORG

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how to throw an arts & crafts party WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN

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5 1 / Guests get their creativity on at craft tables.

2 & 3 / Kids chose from bright beads to make their creations. 4 / The painted rocks featured positive messages. 5 / Heidi couldn’t help but grin during her party.

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days of camp crafts? We’re talking friendship bracelets, rock painting, the works. Everything was so uncomplicated. Well, one Dallas mom believed today’s kids could benefit from that approach.

Sporting a tie-dye jumpsuit, Lilly Neubauer threw a celebration for her daughter Heidi, 5, dubbing it a “Backto-School Craft Jam” at their home in Preston Hollow. The party marked Heidi’s transition to kindergarten while serving as the ceremonial launch of Camp Crafty Parties, Neubauer’s new business. (She previously planned events as the director of marketing for a Dallas-based retail company.) “Growing up in Preston Hollow, childhood was pretty blissful in its simplicity,” Neubauer says of the inspiration for her venture.

She brought back that simplicity for the Backto-School Craft Jam. The festivities included eight kiddos, with both children and parents encouraged to “come as they are,” Neubauer says.

(In other words, they wore clothes they weren’t afraid to mess up.)

“Let’s craft,” read a bright string of letters hung

above rainbow tassels. Confetti-filled balloons adorned both sides of the piano. While one craft director led a beading and rock-painting table for little ones, another led a floral design workshop for the parents—though there was plenty of back and forth between tables.

Neubauer, her husband and Heidi handled all the decorations. Some of the decor, like the “Let’s craft” garland, was Neubauer’s original work; other items came from Amazon. Guests feasted on cookies (chocolate chip, homemade by the Neubauers) along with a turkey party sub (the No. 3) from Great American Hero.

“There’s something that is casual fun about having a big party sub out for people to enjoy,” Neubauer says. “It’s also a hearty treat for the price.”

Heidi’s favorite part of the celebration was being able to chat with friends while doing a fun activity.

The party was a hit for Neubauer too. “I felt really good about what we had accomplished when, over four hours later, our guests were still making art or so filled up with energy and ideas that we stood around the counter and had deeper conversations about our dreams,” Neubauer says. “It was a really special afternoon. I know I’ll cherish [the memories] for years to come.”

PART Y DIY DECORATIONS Amazon amazon.com

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO B Family Films bfamilyfilms.com

CATERING Great American Hero 4001 Lemmon Ave., Dallas greatamericanhero.net

CRAFT ACTIVITIES Camp Crafty Parties @campcraftyparties campcraftyparties.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF B FAMILY FILMS

GET CRAFTY

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Spring Break Wonders at the Modern

March 9–12

Two sessions each day; 11–11:45 am & 2–2:45 pm Take advantage of family programming at the Modern over the course of the week while your school-aged children are on Spring Break. Each unique session includes a tour and gallery project focusing on selected works in the special exhibition, Mark Bradford: End Papers. Arrive early, this program fills quickly. Attendance is limited to 45 children per session; admission is free.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.738.9215

Free Spring Break Monday The Museum will be FREE and open to the public on March 9 from 10 am–5 pm.

EVERYONE DESERVES A CHANCE TO PLAY BASEBALL

We provide children and young adults the opportunity to play baseball regardless of their abilities

SPRING SEASON BEGINS LATE MARCH FALL SEASON BEGINS MID SEPTEMBER Games are played at Randol Mill Park in Arlington

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BEST EVER 2020

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FEB. 6–9 // YOUR JAW WILL DROP AT THE HIGH-FLYING FEATS (AND MANY MORE IMPRESSIVE CIRCUS ACTS) IN CIRQUE ITALIA, FEATURING PERFORMERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CIRQUE ITALIA; VSTAR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP; TURK STUDIOS; JENNA ROCKETT

DINOSAURS LIVE!

H E A R D NAT UR AL S C IENC E M USE UM & W ILDLI F E S ANC TUARY Through February 17 The 46-foot-long T. rex and nine other life-size animatronic dinosaurs created

by Allen-based Billings Productions packs up for the season soon. During the exhibit’s last few weeks, take your kids on a hike down the Heard’s half-mile nature trail to experience the creatures’ movements and roars, climb on top of smaller dinos and play in the outdoor fossil dig.

Free with admission ($12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3–12 and free for children 2 and younger; also free for Heard members).

1 Nature Place, McKinney heardmuseum.org/dinosaurslive

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

DA LL AS C H I L DRE N’ S T H EAT E R Through February 23 This live production carries on the educational Saturday morning TV series from the

’70s for a new generation.

Here’s your chance to sing along to “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction” and share with your kids this cult classic animated show that made learning English, history, science and math even more fun. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets from $17.

5938 Skillman St., Dallas dct.org

CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

NORTH PAR K CENTER February 1 It’s the Year of the Rat on the Chinese astrological calendar, and in honor of the animal sign, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is throwing its annual bash at NorthPark Center. Join in the Saturday afternoon celebration of dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances and art making that includes everything from traditional Chinese calligraphy and red envelope decorating

to rat-inspired crafts. Plus, announcers speak in both Mandarin and English. FREE 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas crowmuseum.org

FREE FIRST SATURDAYS

NASHE R SCULP T URE C E NT E R February 1 Try a tamale from Casa Masa, listen to live music from the McKinney Boyd Orchestra ambassadors and experience all the rotating art activities, sketching and creative writing led by educators and guest artists at the Nasher’s monthly family day. Free activities from 11am–2pm and complimentary admission all day. FREE 2001 Flora St., Dallas nashersculpturecenter.org

affectionately named groundhog Arboretum Annie will predict either a longer winter or an early spring in time for Dallas Blooms (opening Feb. 29; find more info on the next page).

Come to the Arboretum on Feb. 2 for the possible shadow sighting and stay for a full day of fun in the garden, a free coffee or hot chocolate, breakfast foods and a screening of the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. Free with admission: $15 for adults and $10 for children age 3–12; $3 additional admission to the children’s adventure garden.

8525 Garland Road, Dallas dallasarboretum.org/winter

CIRQUE ITALIA

BIG TOP AT STONE BRIA R CE NT RE February 6–9 The artists of Cirque Italia perform on no ordinary stage but one that holds 35,000 gallons of water.

Take your seats under the blue-and-white tent to witness the performance around fountain jets, curtains of rain and laser lights. This European-style circus is animal-free. Watch the trailer online to pique your interest.

Tickets from $10.

2601 Preston Road, Frisco cirqueitalia.com

TROLLS LIVE!

T HE T HE ATRE AT G R A ND PR AI RI E February 7–9 Poppy, Branch and more curiously coiffed characters from the 2016 animated movie come to DallasFort Worth on the first-ever Trolls Live! musical tour. Bring your little fans along to experience the new storyline: the Trolls’ Hug Time is at risk and the only way to save it is by—what else?—throwing a glitter dance party. Tickets from $19. VIP tickets include a character meet and greet.

1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie trollslive.com

GROUNDHOG DAY WITH ARBORETUM ANNIE

DA LL AS A RB ORET UM February 2 When the sun rises at precisely 7:22am, the

THROUGH FEB. 17 // SEE JUST HOW COOL PREHISTORIC BEASTS CAN BE WITH A VISIT TO DINOSAURS LIVE! IN MCKINNEY.

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AVANT CHAMBER BALLET

MO ODY PE RF ORM ANC E HA LL February 14-15: Romeo and Juliet Feb. 15: I Heart Ballet Spend Valentine Day’s weekend at the ballet as Avant Chamber presents the classic (and tragic) love story Romeo & Juliet.

Tickets start at $20. Also, if you‘re looking to introduce your kiddos to the art form, check out the I Heart Ballet show. It‘s perfect for kids of all ages.

Reserve your free tickets now. FREE 2520 Flora St., Dallas avantchamberballet.org

PBR GLOBAL CUP USA

AT & T STADI UM February 15–16 Head to AT&T Stadium (it’s worth the drive to Tarrant

County) for high-stakes bull riding with the WinStar World Casino and Resort PBR Global Cup USA. Members of Team USA Eagles and Team USA Wolves—many of them worldchampion riders now healed from injuries—get back in the saddle for the “Olympics of bull riding.”

Tickets start at $20 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday.

There are additional options for meet and greets, tours and dinner.

1 AT&T Way, Arlington pbr.com/globalcup

DALLAS BLOOMS: SOUNDS OF SPRING

DALL AS AR B OR ETUM February 29–April 12 Experience the Arboretum’s new exhibit featuring six music topiaries—a harp, guitar, saxophone, bass, violin and piano, some of which are 8 feet long—along with the half million blooming flowers all throughout the gardens. Look online for a full schedule of live bands (a different music genre is showcased each weekend) and more activities in the main garden and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden—which celebrates its reopening with a kickoff event on leap day, Feb. 29. $15 adults; $10 kids ages 3–12. Admission to the Children’s Garden is $3 for

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 D A R A T DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR. A N D W H I L E Y O U ’ R E T H E R E , S I G N U P F O R O U R W E E K LY E - N E W S L E T T E R : THE WEEKEND GUIDE.

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THIRD SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE

FRISC O HE RITAG E CE NT E R February 16 On the third Sunday afternoon each month, docents with the Heritage Association of Frisco open up the one-room schoolhouse, working blacksmith shop and more to offer free guided tours. Take advantage of free admission to tour the historic buildings, see the exhibits inside the Frisco Heritage Museum and participate in themed kids activities, such as crafts and animal encounters. FREE 6455 Page St., Frisco friscoheritage.org

DFWCHILD’S BEST SUMMER EVER

G RE E NVILLE SCHO OL February 22 To help you get a head start on making summer plans for your family, we’re bringing back our original camp fair and planning expo.

We’ll keep the kids busy throughout the day while parents and caregivers meet with reps from more than 80 local and national camps, day and overnight camps, schools and other education programs. Sign up for extracurriculars and even plan your family vacation in one afternoon. FREE 4141 Spring Valley Road, Addison dfwchild.com

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

A ME RICA N A IRLINE S CE NT E R February 22 Want to make your weekend a slam dunk? Bring your young sports fans to see and play with the basketball wizards of the Harlem Globetrotters, returning to North Texas on the Pushing the Limits World Tour. Stay after the game to meet your favorite player courtside for a photo. Game tickets from $23; the Magic Pass (additional $22) gets you pre-game court access with the stars to snap photos and learn the tricks behind their trick shots.

2500 Victory Ave., Dallas harlemglobetrotters.com

WE’VE GOT CHEMISTRY

Bring science outside the classroom this month with off-the-wall experiments, kitchen discoveries

by Sesame Street characters and some interdisciplinary lessons at an art museum.

DOKTOR KABOOM & THE WHEEL OF SCIENCE

WYLY T HE AT RE February 3–4 The explosively funny actor-slash-comedian David Epley wows young audiences as German physicist Doktor Kaboom in four educational shows—and thanks to his giant spinning Wheel of Science, no two shows will be alike. Come watch him spin the wheel and select which science experiment he’ll perform next— electrocuting a pickle, catapulting bananas across the stage or testing out a homemade hovercraft—all in the name of teaching scientific principles. Tickets are $10.

2400 Flora St., Dallas attpac.org

SESAME STREET LIVE! MAKE YOUR MAGIC

FORD CE NT E R AT T HE STA R February 14–16 A magician named Justin inspires Elmo to perform magic tricks.

There’s just one problem: He doesn’t know how. Elmo discovers the power of practice, practice, practice in this live show that also stars Big Bird (who learns how to do shadow puppetry) and Cookie Monster and Gonger (who uncover the science of baking). Tickets from $35. VIP tickets include a pre-show meet and greet, on-stage tour and up-close magic trick from a roaming magician.

1 Cowboys Way, Frisco sesamestreetlive.com

LATE NIGHTS: CHEMISTRY

DA LL AS MUSE UM OF A RT February 21 The Dallas Museum of Art’s third Friday Late Night event elaborates on a wider definition of chemistry, from the chemistry developed in personal relationships to the science of conservation. Look at the full entertainment schedule for a variety of performances, live music, tours and more art activities inside the Center for Creative Connections from 6–11pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children 11 and younger as well as DMA members. Some exhibits require an additional ticket.

1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas dma.org

JUDY MOODY & STINK

E ISE MA NN CE NT E R February 23 Sibling duo Judy Moody and her little brother, aptly nicknamed for his foulsmelling sneakers, seek fame and recognition in this touring show, part of the Eisemann’s Sunday matinee series for families.

Tickets from $12. For even more fun, come an hour before the show for Eisemann Extras featuring live reptiles. The preshow festivities are $10; show tickets sold separately.

2351

Performance Dr., Richardson; eisemanncenter.com

LIGHTWIRE THEATER’S THE UGLY DUCKLING

W I N S PE A R O PE R A H OU S E March 1 On a blackened stage, dancers strapped head to toe with colorful, electroluminescent wires and fitted with puppet apparatuses share this classic story of the Ugly Duckling in a modern performance. Get your tickets now; there’s only one performance.

Tickets from $19.

2403 Flora St., Dallas attpac.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVANT CHAMBER BALLET; WJN PHOTOGRAPHY; ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF ©ISTOCK

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FEB. 14-16 // SESAME STREET IS COMING TO A STAGE NEAR YOU. YOUR LITTLES WILL ENJOY COOKIE MONSTER AND MORE FAVORITES.

KA LITA H UM PH REYS T H EAT E R February 7–March 1 Much like the Oscarnominated film, this brandnew stage version of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women reinterprets the coming-of-age story of ambitious Jo March and sisters Meg, Beth and Amy. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $12.50 for children. Go online ASAP to snag paywhat-you-can tickets for the opening day performance.

3636 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas dallastheatercenter.org

age 2 and up.

8525 Garland Road, Dallas dallasarboretum.org/blooms

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BEST Summer EVER EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/directory

Fill Spring Break with Fun at Cooper Keep kids active at Cooper Fitness Center. Our experienced staff and outdoor setting provide the ultimate camp experience as well as yearround programming.

“Get Your Game On” Spring Break Camp, Ages 5–14

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Cooper Fitness Center – Dallas 12100 Preston Rd. Dallas, TX 75230 972-233-4832

Led by Cooper Basketball Pro Coleman Crawford, this three-day basketball camp offers the fundamentals that make a player great— passing, dribbling, shooting and position development through scrimmage situations.

Offered March 16–18.

Register today at cooperyouth.com/Dallas

Take a Swing with Junior Tennis Clinics, Ages 5–16

2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt TX 78024 830-238-4650 RagsdaleFamilyCamps.com

Two- and four-week options for traditional camps (boys and girls separate) on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Ages 6–16. Family style dining, home cooked food, worldwide, limited enrollment, personable staff, role model counselors and fun programs!

Instruction-oriented, offering more than 50 activities, including sports, horseback riding and swimming.

Also intangibles—self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity and dealing with challenges. Ragsdale family owned and operated.

Stewart est. 1924, Heart in 1953.

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

Led by Cooper Tennis Pros Corey Noel and Andre Vahdat, Cooper Tennis Clinics help young players gain confidence and build better playing skills. Ages 8 and under progress through the USTA Quick Start Tennis program. Players ages 9 and older further their tennis skills and learn technique and strategy for tournament play.

Eight-week session offered March 16-May 10.

BEST Summer EVER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

28 Exciting Science Day Camps!

Kids Grades Pre-K–7th Spark your children’s love of science this summer by enrolling them in fun and engaging science day camps! Your children are sure to have an unforgettable experience as they do hands-on activities and learn how science is used in everyday life. 5 new camp themes offered this year! Topics include rocketry, video game creation, robotics, veterinary medicine, meteorology, paleontology and many more.

Locations in Addison, Dallas, and Plano 214-530-5979 ClubSciKidzDallas.com Hello@ClubSciKidzDallas.com

Who: All Children Grades Pre-K–7th

What: Science Day Camps

When: June 15–August 7, 2019

9am–4pm, Mon–Fri (Optional Pre & Post Camp Hours Available)

Where: Two Dallas locations, one Addison

location, and one Plano location

Cost: $245–$295/per week Please visit our website for more details and registration: ClubSciKidzDallas.com Don’t wait—many camps fill up quickly!

Dallas Arboretum Summer Camps provide children ages four to rising 6th graders with hands-on explorations in STEM and nature that will spark their imagination and inspire environmental stewardship.

8525 Garland Rd. Dallas, TX 75218 214-515-6500 dallasarboretum.org

Day camps run Monday through Friday, 9am–12pm or 9am–3pm.

Find your place in nature!

2020 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 972-883-4899 utdallas.edu/chess james.stallings@utdallas.edu

Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 6 to 14 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am–noon) or afternoon (1–4pm) sessions are available June 15–19, June 22–26, July 20–24, and July 27–31 and extended playing classes. Camp includes T-shirt, chess board and pieces, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks.

This year the UT Dallas Chess Team is going to a recordsetting 17th appearance at the College Chess Final Four!

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BEST Summer EVER

CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

Ann & Nate Levine Academy Summer Camps offer fun-filled learning opportunities for children ages infant to 12 years old! Campers may enroll in one or more weekly sessions, facilitated by professional staff. Themes vary weekly throughout the summer.

18011 Hillcrest Rd. Dallas, TX 75252 972-248-3032 levineacademy.org/camp

Camp Shemesh, ages Infant-care through rising Kindergarten Early care/aftercare available from 7:45am to 6pm (5pm on Fridays) Summer@Levine, ages 6–12 Weekly camps embrace arts, sports, STEM, and much more!

Open to the community.

ABA therapy makes happy campers out of everyone.

ABA therapy services combined with a fun curriculum of activities to bring about measurable improvements in the behavior of children with autism. We collect and analyze extensive data from each therapy session, so we can ensure every child is making progress on their goals. Our unique learning programs and proven ABA therapy techniques help children: Plano Hive: 6105 Windcom Ct. Suite 400, Plano, TX 75093 Frisco Hive: 8501 Wade Blvd. Building 12, Frisco, TX 75034 971-312-8733 behaviorexchange.com

• Communicate better • Successfully participate in group activities • Get ready for school • Develop their social skills All in a colorful, caring, and engaging environment. Once you see the results, you can’t help but be happy. Reserve your spot today! Our programs, including Summer Camp, are covered by insurance in most cases.

The DIS Summer Enrichment Camp is a 6-week program for children ages 3 to 17.

The camp offers a wide range of activities, including Arts, Sports, Science and Languages.

Campers can enroll for either a half-day or a full-day program, combining activities of their choice.

Lunch is provided at no additional cost for the campers enrolled in the full day program.

Dallas International School Summer Enrichment Camp

6039 Churchill Way, Dallas, TX 75230 972-991-6379 camps@dallasinternationalschool.org dallasinternationalschool.org/enrich

Register Here: dma.org/summercamp 214-922-1200 familyprograms@dma.org

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Dates: June 8–July 17 Full-day: 9am–3:30pm Half-day: 9am–12pm or 12:30–3:30pm Extended day options are also available: Morning: 7:30–9am Evening: 3:30–6pm

Ready, set, MAKE! Summer Art Camps at the Dallas Museum of Art have something for every creative kid. Week-long camps, starting June 1 through August 7, provide opportunities for children 4–12 to explore the Museum galleries, make new friends, work in the studio, and create their very own art!

Each camp runs Monday–Friday for a half-day, 9am–noon or 1–4pm. For full-day options, campers ages 6 and up may register for both a morning and afternoon camp and enjoy a supervised lunch.

DMA Members enjoy early camp registration access and discounts beginning February 4.

Public registration opens February 6.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BEST Summer EVER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

Camp Lamplighter June & July 2020 Class sessions include offerings in arts & crafts, creative expression, literacy, games & sports, world languages, and STEM. Registration opens February 18.

11611 Inwood Road Dallas, TX 75229 214-369-9201 thelamplighterschool.org

Online Camp Lamplighter Guide and Registration thelamplighterschool.org/summer Open to rising Pre-K–5th grade students.

Early Bird Discount Expires March 25!

June 1–August 21 • Full & Half-Day Camps • Ages 3–18 • Programs from 7:30 am–6:00 pm • Discounts & payment plans • Open to the community

Summer 2020 Camps include:

Parish Episcopal School 4101 Sigma Rd., Dallas, TX 75244 972-852-8752 summer@parish.org

parishsummer.org

359 Lake Park Rd., Suite 118 Lewisville, TX 75057 getintotheact.org/camps

7710 Fall Creek Highway Granbury, TX 76049 817-831-2111 • CampFireFW.org

16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 573-458-2125 • office@bearriverranch.com CubCreekScienceCamp.com

• Academics – Financial Literacy, Launch (6:1 ratio!), Study Skills • Arts – Movie Magic, Painting, Theatre • Athletics – Basketball, Football, Soccer • Community Service – Earn required hours!

• Day Camp – Waterslide Tuesdays, Field Trip Thursdays • STEM – Coding, LEGO, Roblox, Robotics, Rocketry Plus so much more!

Full camp listings, registration and discount information available on the Parish Summer website on February 12.

ParishSummer.org

ACT Spring Break Musical Theatre Camp is an experience full of fun, creativity, and hard work. While immersed in an action-packed, fast-paced environment, all campers receive intentional direction, choreography instruction, and music, all taught by our one-of-a-kind camp staff. Instructors inspire and ignite the imaginations of young performers, who are challenged to stretch themselves and explore their own creativity and gifts.

While campers enjoy an exhilarating experience working toward a fabulous show, the hidden gifts they receive are the lessons and friendships that last a lifetime!

Camp El Tesoro overnight camp inspires boys and girls ages six–16 to achieve whatever they set their minds to. Archery, canoeing, horseback riding, nature studies, dance and more! Kids go to camp because it’s fun, but what they find are new friendships and magic in themselves. El Tesoro creates connections like nowhere else. See for yourself what makes El Tesoro a special place! Come to a FREE Camp Preview. Details online.

Imagine a summer camp where campers eat breakfast with a colony of lemurs, zoom down a zip-line and pet a camel before lunch, and play a camp-wide game of Capture the Flag after dinner! Cub Creek is that camp! With 300 incredible animals and over 100+ classes, we are not your average science camp! Welcoming boys and girls ages 7 to 17 for over 25 years.

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BEST Summer EVER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

Dallas Zoo Wild Adventure Camps

650 S. R.L. Thornton Frwy., Dallas, TX 75203 469-554-7300 • education@dallaszoo.com dallaszoo.com

March 16–20, 2020 | PreK–Grade 5 June 8–August 3, 2020 | PreK–Grade 12

This spring and summer, a Dallas Zoo camp is the perfect way to get your kids out of the house and into nature.

Choose from themes like animal adaptations, zoo habitat design, and more! Visit DallasZoo.com/Camps to learn more and sign your camper up for a wild adventure today.

The Episcopal School of Dallas 4100 Merrell Rd., Dallas, TX 75229 214-353-5854 esdallas.org/summercamp

Summer fun for everyone, ages 3 and up. Weekly programs offered May–August, 8:00a.m.–6:00 p.m.

There’s truly something for everyone, from arts to academics, sports, STEM and most importantly, making new friends and having FUN!

Questions? Contact Mike Schneider, Director of Summer Programs at schneiderm@esdallas.org

SPLASH INTO SUMMER AT ESD!

11110 Midway Rd., Dallas, TX 75229 gsesdallas.org/summer Whitney West, Director of Enrichment 214-357-1610 ext. 283 wwest@gsesdallas.org

J Dallas Summer Camp 7900 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75230

Laura Seymour, Camp Director, at 214-239-7110

jccdallas.org/camp

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Good Shepherd Episcopal School’s Summer Program shatters all expectations of summer! We provide students the opportunity to take risks and try unique, fun activities in a safe and nurturing environment! We are excited to bring you classes from May 26–July 17, 2020, designed specifically for prekindergarten (PreK) through eighth grade, offering a unique blend of dynamic and academically-rich sessions. Visit our website, gsesdallas.org/summer soon for class descriptions and registration!

See #2020campvision at J Camp this summer where the focus is YOU! J Camp is the destination for summer fun and personal growth with traditional, gymnastics, performing arts, sports, teen travel and tennis camps. Extended care and bus pick-ups are available to help the busy parent make sure their camper gets the full camp experience. The fun starts Monday, June 8.

DISCOVER LAKEHILL SUMMER CAMPS Coeducational Kindergarten through High School June 8–July 31

Morning, afternoon and full-day teacher-led camps are available, as well as free before- and after-camp care.

214-826-2931 lakehillprep.org/summer-camps

Academic Readiness • Acting and Film-Making Community Service • Cooking • Crafting and Building Arts • LEGO • Outdoor Adventure • Science and Discovery Sports • Technology • And More!

Online Summer Camps Guide and Online Registration: lakehillprep.org/summer-camps

Learn! Grow! Create!

Plano, Fairview, Frisco, and Dallas NTPA.org/camps 972-422-2575

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

This summer you can transform into a superhero, a princess, or your favorite storybook character.

Our morning, afternoon and full-day camps bring your favorite childhood stories to life on stage.

With summer learning opportunities for ages 5 to 18, there’s a spot for everyone to learn from our professional directors, actors, and singers who have worked everywhere from Broadway to L.A. Perfect for new actors!

BEST Summer EVER

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAMPS | TRAVEL | SPORTS | ARTS | STEM

Summer The Shelton Way June 8–26 The Shelt on Wa y SCHOOL AND EVALUATION CENTER

Shelton School & Evaluation Center 15720 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75248 972-774-1772 Ext. 2223 shelton.org/summerschool shelton.org/sportscamps

There’s something for everyone! Shelton’s unique multisensory and discovery learning methods are perfect for students with and without a language-learning difference. And did we mention fun?

Academic and Enrichment Classes EC–12 Languages • Drama • Fitness • Technology • Science • Reading Scholars Small Group Tutoring in Reading / Writing / Spelling Upper School Credit Classes Sports Camps for girls and boys Speech / Language / Hearing Program

SUMMER AT ST. JOHN’S

With over 180 camps to choose from, Summer at St. John’s is the perfect camp for children who love art, music, sports, cooking, dance, sewing, robotics, building, coding and animals. Join campers from schools throughout Dallas to explore, create, play and make friends.

St. John’s Episcopal School 848 Harter Rd., Dallas, TX 75218 214-328-9131 ext. 132 StJohnsSchool.org/Summer

June 3–July 26 Open to ages 4–14 Half- and full-day camps Before/after camp care 7:30am–6:00pm Registration opens early February StJohnsSchool.org/Summer

Ballet Basics introduces boys and girls, ages 3 to 6, to the fundamentals of ballet. The camp experience also includes crafts, story time and choreography to correlate with the theme of the week.

300 N. Coit Rd., Suite 231 Richardson, TX 75080 texasballettheater.org/summer-program

The Junior Intensive Program broadens the perspective of 7–14 year old students with a variety of classes including ballet, modern, jazz and musical theater.

It’s Your Child’s Summer to Shine!

Boost your child’s creativity, confidence & talent…

The Westwood School Summer Camps are designed for MORE FUN at every age!

• An exciting daily schedule with art, games, cooking & more • A special guest each week and Pizza/Splash Fridays • Camp times: 9am–3pm, plus Extended Day & Childcare available 14340 Proton Rd., Dallas, TX 75244 972-239-8598

Register by May 1st for $50 Early Bird Discount WestwoodSchool.org/summer

Want more camps?

From sports and STEM to dance and art—we’ve got them all! Explore our not-so-secret weapon, the online directory, at dfwchild.com.

dfwchild.com / february 2020

53

Thanks for making us the Best Place to Have a Baby in Dallas.

There’s nothing Better than winning over moms and dads. With dedicated teams across Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Antepartum and our Level 3 NICU, we focus on empowering families in their birth experience and preparing them for the unexpected. Most of all, we’re proud to help deliver so many unforgettable moments for Dallas families every day.

BSWHealth.com/DallasChildBirth

DFW

BEST 2020

Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do notprovide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2020 Baylor Scott & White Health. 99-ALL-73395-BUMCBestPlaceBaby2020_Launch

county/locavore. dallas

Natalie Boyle and her twins celebrate the most recent North Texas Giving Day, which brought in more than $90,000 for Mommies in Need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE BOYLE

influencer /

MOTHER’S HELPER

a q&a with mommies in need founder natalie boyle WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN

A

T 32 WEEKS PREGNANT WITH TWINS, Natalie Boyle left her acting career to move to Dallas for more stability. Four weeks later, she delivered Emma and Kate, now 7 ½, by C-section. Something wasn’t right, though, and Boyle wasn’t able to recover from the surgery. Her ordeal would include infections, a cancer diagnosis and multiple surgeries; it was a long time before she was finally able to feel healthy again. Meanwhile, a mom friend named Annie received her own cancer diagnosis, and Boyle’s desire to help led to the creation of Mommies In Need—a nonprofit that provides child care for parents who are in a health crisis or temporarily disabled. We chatted with Boyle about the journey from fledgling organization to flourishing nonprofit that’s about to expand in a major way. → dfwchild.com / february 2020

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dallas co. / I N F L U E N C E R Your own health crisis spanned more than two years. What happened? I really just couldn’t

recover from the C-section. I kept getting these infections, and it was really painful, more so than it should have been. My doctor thought I just had some leftover placenta tissue. So he went in to do a D&C [dilation and curettage], and then I just started hemorrhaging uncontrollably. I almost hemorrhaged to death.

When [the twins] were babies and young toddlers, I had something called ulcerative colitis, and eventually my doctor told me I had to have my colon removed. I knew I was looking at a hard year of pretty much being disabled. Then, three days before my colon removal surgery, they did a body scan. My doctor said they thought [a nodule on my thyroid] was cancer. So I had the colon surgery and recovered just enough to do a biopsy. It was thyroid cancer, and I had to have my entire thyroid removed and have treatment for that, and then go back in and have [another colon] surgery.

East Dallas Spanish Immersion School Nursery, Preschool, Elementary & Adult Education

New Family Registration Opens 2/10/20

DallasSpanishHouse.com 214-826-4410

How did that experience influence your future nonprofit work? As I was ©

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february 2020 / dfwchild.com

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That’s incredible. How much has the nonprofit grown? We just broke 20,000 hours

of child care we’ve provided in the five years.

We have nannies that are employees of the company and we send them into client family homes, and they’re there up to 48 hours a week for up to six months, and it’s totally free of cost to the family. We do that all through fundraising. We institute kind of a pay-itforward system, where families who [receive assistance] ask their friends and family to donate in their honor for the next family. I think we’re at like 55 families now that we’ve helped.

My dream is to have a drop-in child care center where we could take care of kids and help so many more, but I was thinking this was another 5–10 years out.

We started working with a team at Parkland, and everybody got on board and wanted to do it. We expect it to open [by this fall].

Unfortunately, the mom that was the very first mom I helped, she passed away. We decided to name it in her honor. It’s going to be called Annie’s Place. We’re going to be able to serve 50–60 kids a day.

HELP A MOM OUT

That’s amazing. How do you vet the nannies and child care workers? The first, like,

Donate to Mommies In going through that, I kind Need at mommiesinneed.org. five nannies were people of started thinking, What The organization’s biggest that had taken care of my happens if you don’t have fundraising event of the year—a kids when I was sick. So, family? What if you don’t circus-themed auction party—is have the money to be able to coming up Feb. 28; tickets start that was the early vetting process. We’ve really, over pay someone to help? at $100 for dinner, drinks and the last few years, refined I was in a moms group, carnival games. our hiring process. We and a friend of mine who If you aren’t able to attend the had sat at my table when event or give monetarily, you can do extensive background checks, and then we I was going through all still get involved with Mommies do a bunch of in-house my illnesses, she found In Need. Email the organization training—CPR and first at info@mommiesinneed.org and out she had colon cancer. share how you can help in other aid. Then we have quarterly When she found out she ways. To apply to be a nanny, look nanny in-service days. We was having six months of for postings on job boards. have about seven nannies. chemo, she said, “Well, I Facebook: @MommiesInNeed Who can benefit from guess I’ll just get a friend to watch the kids on chemo Instagram: @MommiesInNeedOrg Mommies In Need? We take anything that we days, and I’ll deal with call a “health crisis.” It’s it myself the other days.” something that temporarily I just remember being disables you. For our in-home program, like, I can’t let her do that. That’s horrible, about 60% of that is cancer cases. The next and I don’t want anyone to have to do that. highest is actually somebody that has a So, I said, “Well, I’m not using my nanny pregnancy complication and has to go on anymore. I know that she needs work, so full bed rest. We also get a lot of postpartum why don’t you start using her?” She’s like, complications, like someone’s ripped stitches “We really can’t afford that.” I said, “That’s or something’s happened post-birth. We’ve OK—we’ll just start an Indiegogo campaign done transplants. When a mom was in a car and try to pay for it.” accident and lost her leg, we helped her while Once we started publicizing this she learned to use a prosthetic. We’ve helped Indiegogo campaign, we discovered there people with strokes. We do consider both were people willing to fund this care. I started mental health and addiction recovery to be a researching and discovered there really aren’t health crisis. We serve all of Dallas and Collin any nonprofits that have that specific area counties right now and a teeny sliver of that they help in. We got our 501(c)(3) in Denton County. Our goal is to start moving November 2014, so our five-year anniversary into Fort Worth in 2020. [was last year], which is so exciting.

AL!* E M S ’ D I K FREE discount or any other offer, . Not valid with n only. of an adult entrée Grapevine locatio at se id cha val pur er Off the b. *With lect Clu discount. ing Landry’s Se pon to receive cou t sen pre st promotion includ per table. Mu strictions apply.

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GRAPEVINE MILLS 972.539.5001 rainforestcafe.com

SUMMER

DISCOVERY CAMPS PRE-K—6th GRADE

Discovery Camps combine hands-on exploration and activity with stimulating scientific concepts to keep young minds sharp over summer vacation. Campers will incorporate skills using science, technology, engineering, and math. We will have camps at both the Museum and The Hockaday School, with before and after care available for campers in kindergarten and up.

SUMMER CAMP AT THE PEROT MUSEUM JUNE 1 -AUGUST 14

DISCOVERY CAMP IN SPANISH AT THE PEROT MUSEUM JULY 6

DISCOVERY CAMP AT THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL WEEKS OF JUNE 22, JULY 6, JULY 13

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Reserve your campers spot at PerotMuseum.org/Camps dfwchild.com / february 2020

57

dallas co. / R E S T A U R A N T S Posados Café | Tex-Mex

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult meal, all day. Age 12 and younger.

4000 Towne Crossing Blvd., Mesquite; posados.com The String Bean | Southern

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult dinner entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger.

Dine-in only.

1310 W. Campbell Road, Richardson; thestringbean.com

TUESDAY

Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch

See Sunday for details.

Fill little tummies by spending a crisp Lincoln or less. (Be sure to call before you go.) Know a deal we should feature? Send us an email at editorial@dfwchild.com. = Kids eat free E D I T E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

SUNDAY

Blue Mesa Grill | Tex-Mex

Kids age 5 and younger eat free brunch with purchase of an adult brunch buffet from 9am–3pm.

Deal also offered from 10am–2pm Saturday.

14866 Montfort Drive, Addison; bluemesagrill.com Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch

Free kids entree with purchase of an adult entree from 5–10pm. Age 12 and younger.

Prices vary by location. Deal also offered Monday–Thursday.

Multiple locations; cafebrazil.com Cowboy Chicken | Southern

Kids eat free after 4pm with purchase of an adult entree. Dine-in only. Age 10 and younger.

Deal also offered on Monday (but Monday only at the Greenville Avenue restaurant).

Multiple locations; cowboychicken.com Dickey’s | Barbecue

Free kids meal with purchase of a $10 adult dinein meal, all day. Age 12 and younger. Also, free ice cream every day with dine-in purchase.

Multiple locations; dickeys.com Freebirds World Burrito | Tex-Mex

Free kids entree with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Age 12 and younger.

Multiple locations; freebirds.com 58

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

Modern Market | Farm-to-Table

Kids eat free after 5pm. All ages. Deal also offered on Monday.

7949 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 101, Dallas; modernmarket.com Slim Chickens | Southern

Free kids meal with purchase of one adult meal. Age 13 and younger. Dine-in only.

9100 N. Central Expressway, Dallas; slimchickens.com

Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex

See Monday for details.

Hat Creek Burger Company | Burgers

Burgers are half off on Family Night from 5–9pm. Meals from $2.25.

Multiple locations; hatcreekburgers.com Luna Grill | Mediterranean

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult meal after 4pm (Richardson) or all day (Dallas).

Dine-in only. Age 10 and younger.

8165 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 1300, Dallas; 1419 E. Renner Road, Suite 510, Richardson; lunagrill.com Paradise Bakery | Deli

See Monday for details.

Pluckers | American

Up to two free kids meals with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Dine-in only. Age 10 and younger. Drinks not included.

5100 Belt Line Road, Suite 520, Addison; 5500 Greenville Ave., Suite 406, Dallas; pluckers.com Slater’s 50/50 | Burgers

See Sunday for details.

Kids age 12 and younger eat free from the kids menu with purchase of an adult entree, all day.

2817 Greenville Ave., Dallas; slaters5050.com

Cowboy Chicken | Southern

Texadelphia | Deli

MONDAY

Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch

See Sunday for details.

Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex

Kids age 12 and younger eat for under $2.

Dine-in only. Deal also offered on Tuesday.

Multiple locations; cristinasmex.com

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Dine-in only.

Multiple locations; texadelphia.com

WEDNESDAY

Braindead Brewing | American

Modern Market | Farm-to-Table

See Sunday for details.

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger.

2625 Main St., Dallas; braindeadbrewing.com

Paradise Bakery | Deli

Charco Broiler | Steakhouse

Free kids meal after 4pm with purchase of an adult entree. Deal also offered on Tuesday.

13710 Dallas Parkway, Dallas; paradisebakery.com

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree from 5–9pm. Age 12 and younger.

Dine-in only.

413 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas; charcodallas.com

©ISTOCK

KIDS EAT CHEAP!

meal deals for every day

Colter’s Texas Bar-B-Q | Barbecue

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult platter after 4pm. Age 12 and younger.

3904 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas; coltersbbq.com Luby’s | Cafeteria

Free kids plate with purchase of an adult dine-in meal, all day. Age 12 and younger. Deal also offered on Saturday.

Multiple locations; lubys.com

Exceptional dental care,

one smile at a time!

Penne Pomodoro | Italian

Up to two free kids meals with purchase of an adult entree after 4pm (Abrams) or all day (Preston). Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only.

1924 Abrams Parkway, Dallas; 11661 Preston Road, Suite 143, Dallas; pennepomodoro.com

THURSDAY

Beto’s Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only.

2530 W. Interstate 20, Grand Prairie; eatatbetos.com Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch

See Sunday for details.

El Chico Café | Tex-Mex

Kids age 12 and younger eat for 99 cents from the Little Amigos menu with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Dine-in only.

1111 N. Interstate 35 E., DeSoto; 503 Interstate 30, Rockwall; elchico.com

Dr. Melissa Rozas

SATURDAY

Blue Mesa Grill | Tex-Mex

See Sunday for details.

El Rincon Mexican Kitchen | Tex-Mex

Free kids entree with purchase of an adult entree from 11am–1pm. Age 12 and younger.

1114 S. Elm St., Suite 100, Carrollton; elrincontx.com Luby’s | Cafeteria

See Wednesday for details.

EVERY DAY

Big Al’s Smokehouse | Barbecue

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. Deal offered all day on Saturday. Closed Sunday.

3317 Inwood Road, Dallas; bigalsbbq.com

Dr. Terra Compton

Dr. Loria Nahatis

Board Certified Diplomates, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry • Oral Wellness & Prevention

• Hands on Learning Lab

• Restorative Treatment

• CO2 Laser

• Hospital Dentistry

• Laser Frenectomy

The Biscuit Bar | Breakfast

Kids meals from $4.50. Age 12 and younger.

6501 Hillcrest Ave., Dallas; 2505 Pacific Ave., Suite 150, Dallas; thebiscuit.bar Blatt Beer & Table | Burgers

Kids meals from $4. All ages.

7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas; blattbeer.com Bread Winners Café | American

Kids meals from $5. All ages.

Multiple locations; breadwinnerscafe.com Chipotle | Tex-Mex

Kids meals from $3.95. All ages.

Multiple locations; chipotle.com The Crab Station | Seafood

Kids meals from $3.99. All ages.

9780 Walnut St., Suite 270, Dallas; crab-station.com

972-393-9779 632 E. Sandy Lake Rd. Coppell, TX 75019 www.RozasDDS.com ©

dfwchild.com / february 2020

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El Fenix | Tex-Mex

Kids meals cost $4.99. Age 12 and younger.

Multiple locations; elfenix.com

Providing Lifelong Learning through Community Experiences Serves all people with different abilities from ages three through adulthood.

Hook Line & Sinker | Seafood

Kids meals from $3.75. Age 12 and younger.

3103 Lemmon Ave., Dallas; hookline-sinker.com Keller’s Drive-In | Burgers

Menu options from $2.50.

10226 Garland Road, Dallas; 10554 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas; 6537 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas McAlister’s Deli | Deli

Kids meals cost 99 cents when you dine in and $2.99 for takeout. Age 12 and younger.

Multiple locations; mcalistersdeli.com Oliver’s Eatery | Deli

Free kids meal for every $9 spent at participating locations on Saturday and Sunday. Does not include drinks or shakes. Dine-in only. Age 12 and younger. Kids meals are regularly priced under $3.

Multiple locations; steaknshake.com Tacodeli | Tex-Mex

Kids meals starting at $2.15. All ages.

1878 Sylvan Ave., Dallas; 8031 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas; tacodeli.com Thai Box | Asian

Kids meals from $4.25. All ages.

4816 Belt Line Road, Addison; thaiboxusa.com Torchy’s Tacos | Tex-Mex

Kids meals from $2.50. All ages.

Multiple locations; torchystacos.com

Free kids meal with purchase of an adult meal, all day Saturday and Sunday. Dine-in only. Age 12 and younger. On weekdays, kids meals are under $5.

4727 Frankford Road, Suite 373, Dallas; oliverseatery.com

Tropical Smoothie Cafe | Sandwiches

Original Chop Shop | Healthy

Kids meals from $5. All ages.

Multiple locations; originalchopshop.com

Twisted Root | Burgers Kids meals starting at $4. All ages.

Multiple locations; twistedrootburgerco.com

Pakpao Thai | Asian

Unleavened Fresh Kitchen | American

VOLUNTEERING

Kids meals from $5. Age 12 and younger.

1628 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 120, Dallas; 7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 150, Dallas; pakpaothai.com

Up to two free kids meals with purchase of an adult meal after 4pm. Age 12 and younger.

Dine-in only.

Multiple locations; unleavened.com

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS: money management, cooking, shopping, social skills + more

Pints & Quarts | American

Velvet Taco | Tex-Mex

HEROES Academy HEROES Academy is a community-based, year-round day program for adults who have aged out of the school system.

We provide the much-needed opportunity for individuals to become active and contributing members of the community.

JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Kids meals starting at $3. All ages.

Multiple locations; velvettaco.com

Samee’s Pizza Getti | Italian

Kids meals from $4. Age 12 and younger.

1722 Routh St., Suite 132, Dallas; 8315 Westchester Drive, Dallas; eatyolk.com

Shady’s Burgers | Burger

Other programs offered: WEEKEND RETREATS + SLEEPOVERS PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT CONTINUING ED COURSES SEASONAL DAY CAMPS: Summer, Winter, Spring Break SIBSHOPS: Fun activities for siblings of brothers/sisters with disabilities

For further information or to schedule a visit, email info@heroesdfw.org

heroesdfw.org 972-663-5853 Like us on Facebook: HEROESCamp

Kids meals from $5. All ages.

9661 Audelia Road, Dallas; 2701 Custer Parkway, Suite 915, Richardson; shadysburgers.com

Yolk | Breakfast

Zoës Kitchen | Mediterranean Kids meals from $3.99. All ages.

Multiple locations; zoeskitchen.com

Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse | Barbecue

Kids meals from $4.99. Age 10 and younger.

Multiple locations; sonnybryans.com Start | American

Kids meals from $3. All ages.

4814 Greenville Ave., Dallas; 4023 Lemmon Ave., Dallas; startrestaurant.net FIND OUR FULL LIST OF LOCAL KIDS EAT CHEAP AND 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.

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

Smoothies from $2.99; entrees à la carte from $3.49. Smoothies are discounted when added to entrees. All ages.

4560 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 118, Dallas; tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Kids meals start at $3.95. All ages.

3102 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 110, Dallas; psandqsdallas.com Kids eat for $4.95. Age 12 and younger.

561 E. Interstate 30, Rockwall; sameespizzagetti.com

60

Steak ‘n Shake | Diner

= Kids eat free

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 his interest and inspire his budding intelligence in remarkable ways. Early childhood is a brief moment in time when your child’s mind develops rapidly, and he establishes foundational character traits. Take advantage of this critical age!

Eldorado

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Timber Ridge

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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! guidepostmontessori.com/dallas

GP122719

Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary

confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

WE TOOK

MY DAUGHTER TO SEE DISNEY ON ICE AT AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, SO NOW SHE THINKS THAT DALLAS IS WHERE ALL THE PRINCESSES LIVE. I DON’T HAVE THE HEART TO CORRECT HER.” —HEATHER, FRISCO

62

february 2020 / dfwchild.com

CO M P I L E D BY E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

My aging parents moved in with us recently. One day, my son was yelling, ‘Mommy, Mommy, I have a new toy!’ He was using his grandmother’s bedpan and basin for her bedside commode as a shield and hat! Fortunately, they were clean.”

—NICOLE, LITTLE ELM

“My 3-year-old daughter recently heard me tell someone that I thought her 5-month-old sister was a boy during my pregnancy because of the way I felt. A week later, I’m sorting boy clothes for my cousins and my daughter asks, ‘Mommy, is this from when the baby was a boy?’”

—ESTELA, IRVING

“My daughter got ahold of my Vaseline right before we were about to leave for preschool. I walked into her room and she just turned to me with the biggest smile. I asked her, ‘Uh, baby, what did you do?’ She replied, ‘I’m getting pretty!’”

—TASHAE, ARLINGTON

I MISSED MY CHILD’S PARENTTEACHER CONFERENCE. THE TEACHER SENT ME A SWEET EMAIL THAT SAID, ‘I HOPE I DIDN’T KEEP YOU WAITING TOO LONG THAT YOU HAD TO HEAD OUT!’ IT COMPLETELY SLIPPED MY MIND!” —CHRISTIN, FORT WORTH

Got a funny parenting moment you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.

I took the kids to a ballet. My 5-year-old son said, ‘When are they going to stop dancing and hopping around and tell us what’s going on?’ I explained that they dance the entire time and that there aren’t really words. He replied, ‘Dance the whole time? What’s the point of that?!?’”

—TINA, COLLEYVILLE

OUR KIDS What matters to you, your family, your children?

Our journalists cover the biggest stories impacting your child’s education, health and community.

Where there’s a story, we’ll be there.

Let us know what matters to you at dallasnews.com/matters

Real.

Journalism.