20 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
N O V E M B E R 2019
EVENTS TO LOVE THIS MONTH
HOW TO THROW A HIGH TEA PARTY
IS BLUE LIGHT REALLY HARMFUL? MEET MOTHER BEVERAGE’S ALLISON ELLSWORTH
+
HOW BURNOUT AFFECTS YOUR CHILD
A FAMILY GUIDE TO GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA
MOMMY BURNOUT IT’S REAL. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.
FREE ADMISSION FROM 1 – 4 PM ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2019
Children will enjoy art projects with Artist DIY, Creative Arts Center, KidArt and Sour Grapes, as well as a Bookmarks scavenger hunt and walkSTEM tours. Free admission. ArtROCKS! is a NorthPark Center arts and education initiative that fosters children’s understanding of the arts through hands-on projects inspired by some of the world’s most famous artists.
VI SI T NORTH PAR K C ENT ER . C OM, C ALL 214. 363. 7441 OR D OWNLOAD T H E NORT H PAR K APP @ N O R T H PA R K C E N T E R
an exhibition that dares to be different...
OPENS NOVEMBER 10
T I C K E T S A N D M O R E AT D M A . O R G
Ini Archibong, rendering of theoracle, Š 2019
speechless: different by design is co-organized by the Dallas Museum of Art and the High Museum of Art, Atlanta. Additional support provided by The Bonnie Pitman Education Endowment to Do Something New. The Dallas Museum of Art is supported, in part, by the generosity of DMA Members and donors, the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
pages / N O V E M B E R
2019
11 DEPARTMENTS NOTED 7 The Blue Waves
Get the facts about blue light exposure
REAL MOMS
11 Mom Next Door / Allison Ellsworth
14 16
The Dallas prebiotic soda mixologist spills on Shark Tank, running a small business and the struggle between mom and CEO 5 Things... / A Full Life Our Mom Next Door’s favorite self-care ritual and gluten-free dining spots Routines / Alicia Makaye The Allen mom and business owner starts her busy day with gratitude and “Hallelujah” music
KID CULTURE 27 Worn Out Is your kiddo burned out? Here’s what you can do
40 Celebrate / A Posh Event
ABOVE // After experiencing gut problems and experimenting with apple cider vinegar, Allison Ellsworth created Mother Beverage.
FEATURE
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARTER ROSE; CINDY JAMES; ©ISTOCK; ILLUSTRATION BY MARY DUNN
27
22
This 10-year-old wanted a high tea party complete with finger foods and etiquette instructions 42 Travel / Falling for Greenville Fall in love with Greenville, South Carolina, at these must-see spots
45 Calendar / The Agenda
Our favorite family events this month
LOCAVORE
Burn Out
A new two-part series tackling the causes—and the cure—for parental burnout
words Jessica Elliott
53 Influencer
56 Playground Review 58 Kids Eat Cheap
ON THE COVER
COLUMNS
7
DallasChild: Layla, Jeremiah and Amy of Dallas
CollinChild: Zoey, Lexi and Jennifer of Celina
Photography: Cindy James Hair & Makeup Artist: Kay Reeder and Nicole Estill / Independent Artists Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers
62
6 Hello / Editor’s Note
8 dfwchild.com / Off the Pages
Breaking Point words Heather Vance Devers
Speech pathology, fall recipes and more words Sydney Blalock Ritchie
62 Confessions / Mom Truths
Five-year-olds say the darnedest things dfwchild.com / november 2019
5
hello / E D I T O R ’ S
The Weekend Guide
Handpicked events for your family to enjoy every weekend. Subscribe at dfwchild.com/newsletter.
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I
VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS EDITOR’S NOTE FOR WEEKS. It’s only 400 words, but I want it to be perfect because the feature in this issue hits so close to home. Almost two years ago, with a 4-month-old baby boy who hadn’t slept through the night since birth, a “spirited” 4-yearold girl, and a husband who was traveling constantly for work, I was done. Burned out. Absolutely pushed to the brink of my sanity. I remember a particularly dark moment when my daughter was throwing her umpteenth tantrum of the day after I had finally gotten the baby down for a nap, and she woke him up. I lost it. I sobbed so hard that my daughter got scared. That was when I knew I needed help. I needed to put myself back in the equation. That night I desperately Googled therapists who specialized in post partum depression and emailed the closest one. I called my general practitioner, and we came up with a plan: therapy to help lower my anxiety and manage my depression, and Zoloft to level out my moods. Within weeks I was feeling less isolated; I was losing the urge to run away and never come back. I found a gym with great child care so I could carve out some time for self-care. Did my kids hate it at first? You know it. But my therapist helped me realize that I had to fill my well before I could fill my kids’, so I kept at it. And you know what? I started to gain a little of myself back. I started meditating when I felt overwhelmed. I started putting myself out there to make more mom friends. I started to realize that I am someone beyond “Mom,” and that is OK. Is mommy burnout something that you fix and never have to deal with again? Absolutely not. It’s a black dog that sits on my doorstep, and if I’m not intentional about making time for myself, it starts scratching at the door. Why do most of us struggle with burnout? I think it’s a combination of the pressure of social media, the surplus of conflicting information on how to raise our kids, the strain of balancing 20 different activities to ensure our kids get into the best schools, and the expectation to do it all in a fashionable outfit with a smile on our face. We can’t do it all. I’m sharing my story with you in case you’re struggling with burnout. If you’re reading this while locked in the bathroom hiding from your kids, you’re not alone. If you want to talk, I’m here. Email me—heather@dfwchild.com
Heather Vance Devers 6
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
breaking point
KORENA SINNETT
ABOVE // Heather Vance Devers in her home with her daughter, Betty, and son, Jude.
NOTE
No Limits, Just Possibilities
PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes
CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Heather Vance Devers
EDITORIAL
Executive Editor
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online / D F W C H I L D . C O M WORDS SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE
OFF THE PAGES
what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com
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WELCOME TO NOVEMBER, the month that really kicks off the biggest holidays of the year. But don’t start getting stressed about all the planning, shopping and cooking just yet—there’s still so much fall yet to enjoy. As you enjoy your pumpkins, leaves and apple picking, make sure you check out some of our picks for the season too—you can find these three articles (and more) at dfwchild.com. While you’re there, sign up to receive this magazine in your mailbox every month and our e-newsletter every week.
5 Go-To Fall Recipes
Looking for some new tasty recipes to add to your family kitchen’s repertoire? We found (and tried out) five scrumptious fall recipes. From roasted veggies to a hearty baked potato soup, your family is sure to request these again and again all season long.
What Speech Therapists Want You To Know
Ever heard of speech pathology? Don’t know too much about it or how it works? This article is just for you. We spoke with three local speechlanguage pathologists about what they want parents to know, how speech therapy works and how to work with your kids when the therapist isn’t around.
Find a store near you or shop online at
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november 2019 / dfwchild.com
Your Kids and Vaping
We’ve all seen a lot about vaping in the news recently. Stores are even pulling vape products from the shelves because some young people are having serious health issues related to the hobby. But do you know enough about vaping and how it can impact your kids? We have the facts for you.
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November 15, 2019 – January 5, 2020 This holiday season, Gaylord Texan Resort will present a winter wonderland with two million lights, a 54-foot tall Christmas tree and 15,000 ornaments! Family events will include Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Breakfast with Charlie Brown™ & Friends, Build-A-Bear Workshop®, and our signature hand-carved attraction ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Stay overnight to experience it all! Tickets and packages on sale now.
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GRAPEVINE, TX
noted.
©ISTOCK
THE BLUE WAVES Is blue light really that dangerous?
T
AKE A PEEK INTO THE HOME OF MOST NORTH TEXANS ON ANY GIVEN EVENING, and chances are you’ll see faces awash in a faint bluish glow—Mom and Dad doing one last email or social media check and the kids squeezing in a final video game, sitcom or movie before bedtime. Or, if they are procrastinators like my own children, they may be finishing up homework on a school district–issued Chromebook—the same one they’ve been staring at all day in school. Even if all the gadgets and gizmos are off for the night, fluorescent and LED household lightbulbs—even that new flat-screen—emit brighter short-wavelength blue light than those oldfashioned incandescent bulbs ever did. So in recent years, attention has turned to the effects of light pollution on our eyes, with shortwave blue light as the primary concern. We’ve all seen the articles, news segments and blog posts about the perceived dangers of blue light, but, truth be told, the long-term consequences of blue light exposure in children are not well understood. That’s why we decided to shed a little light on dfwchild.com / november 2019
11
BLUE WAVES
this subject (pun intended) and look at what we do know now. BLUE SCREENS OF DEATH?
Turns out this high-energy blue light passes through the cornea and lens to the retina, and that can cause problems such as dry eye, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, according to a late 2018 study published by the International Journal of Ophthalmology. But not all ophthalmologists are sounding the alarm. “There is blue light spectrum in most ‘white’ light, including sunlight,” says Dr. Serena Wang, a pediatric ophthalmologist from Children’s Health and associate professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “As best as we can tell, blue light is not different than exposure to light itself,” If your children spend too much time she says, citing an in front of a screen, that can keep article recently published online by the them from blinking as often as they American Academy of should, which may make their eyes Ophthalmology, titled feel dry, gritty, tired or strained. The “No, Blue Light From simple solution is to have them look Your Smartphone Is at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, Not Blinding You.” every 20 minutes. Ophthalmologists As that title sugcall this the “20-20-20 rule.” gests, and as Wang
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november 2019 / dfwchild.com
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and wake cycles. “During the day, blue light wakes us and stimulates us,” says Dr. Cynthia Beauchamp, managing partner of ABC Eyes, a pediatric ophthalmology practice with offices in Grapevine, Dallas and Plano. “But too much exposure to blue light at night can make it simply more difficult to get to sleep.” With that, she hit on one of the greatest concerns parents have about screen time: While we may not be going blind from staring at our cellphones all day, what concerns many already sleep-deprived parents is their child’s brain stimulation. Turns out blue light may inhibit melatonin secretion levels, which affect sleep quality. “Using a device at bedtime can delay sleep and can affect REM sleep and simply make it more difficult to get your child to calm down,” Beauchamp explains. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION
So what’s a parent to do? Simple solutions, based on the age of the child, make the most sense. “With little children, up to a year or two in age, I just advise that they don’t puts it, “There is no Other minor adjustments can help too: use devices at all,” good evidence that Beauchamp says. For blue light is harmful Lighting: Keep the room softly lit. young school-age to the eye itself or The biggest troublemakers are light children, the American vision.” The article sources above or behind the screen, Academy of Pediatrics says that concerns including fluorescent lighting and recommends less than raised by recent sunlight. Turn off some or even all of half an hour to an hour research out of the the overhead lights. a day, in part to give University of Toledo Glare: Lower blinds and shades, and kids the opportunity and in Scientific be sure the screen isn’t positioned to get up from behind Reports is “alarmist.” a computer for cardioAs a matter of directly in front of a window or white vascular exercise, she fact, some blue light wall. Consider anti-glare covers for says. That’s something exposure is essential your devices. everyone can agree on. for a healthy body Screen settings: Enlarge the type to And what about and may even help make reading easier for little ones, those older kids like with eyesight. and be sure to set the brightness and mine, who tend to be “The progression contrast to comfortable levels. finishing homework of nearsightedness is late into the evening? really this hot topic “Definitely putting in pediatric ophthalaway the device an hour before bedtime is mology right now,” Wang notes. “Many absolutely reasonable,” she says. studies have linked light levels and being Truthfully, being “reasonable” seems to outside to helping slow the progression of be the answer to our questions surroundnearsightedness.” ing blue light. (Check the sidebar for more Plus, blue light boosts alertness, helps reasonable precautions.) memory and cognitive function and Like most things in life, “everything in elevates mood. It even helps regulate those circadian rhythms, the body’s natural sleep moderation” applies here as well.
©ISTOCK
noted / T H E
BOARDING SCHOOL GUIDE //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BOARDING SCHOOL G U I D E
Boarding school might be considered unconventional for some parents but leaving the nest sooner has its long-term benefits. From financial aid that precedes many private day schools to smaller class sizes and more time to explore electives, eliminating some of the stress in everyday life could help nurture a more well-adjusted child. If boarding school is something your family is considering, let our guide be your starting point.
Bishop’s College School (BCS)
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Cate School is set on the warm and sunny California coast, just south of Santa Barbara, with mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. We’ve been here for more than 100 years, offering curious, hardworking, and creative students from all over the world access to outstanding faculty and a challenging program.
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Cushing Academy Cushing Academy’s innovative curriculum develops curious and confident learners and ensures a transformative experience for each individual, at every level. With expansive and renowned visual and performing arts, ESL and academic support programs, 14 sports, and numerous activities, students build skills for college and beyond in a supportive, diverse, and community-oriented environment. 39 School St., Ashburnham, MA 01430 978/827-7000 cushing.org
805-684-4127 x217 admission@cate.org
The MacDuffie School A boarding and day school for boys and girls in grades six through twelve in Granby, Massachusetts. We foster in students the intellectual habits of mind, high ethical standards, and respect for diversity required for becoming effective individuals in their lives and moral and responsible participants in the world beyond. 66 School St., Granby, MA 01033 413/255-0000 MacDuffie.org
Northwood School Northwood School is a coeducational, independent boarding school in Lake Placid, New York of 190 students in grades 9–12/postgraduate. In addition to a traditional college prep curriculum, Northwood offers Signature Academic Programs in Robotics, Innovation + Design, and Entrepreneurial Studies, as well as a wide range of co-curricular offerings including, ice hockey, soccer, skiing, dance, theater, music, and rock climbing. 92 Northwood Rd., Lake Placid, NY 12946 northwoodschool.org
dfwchild.com / november 2019
13
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real moms. BELOW //
Co-founder of Mother Beverage Allison Ellsworth was nine months pregnant when she went on Shark Tank.
MOTHER LOAD AGE 32 HAILS FROM Wichita Falls LIVES IN Lake Highlands SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband and business partner Stephen OFFSPRING Theodore, 3, and Sebastian, 1 ALMA MATER University of North Texas PREVIOUS CAREER Landman in the oil and gas industry CURRENT CAREER Co-founder of Poppi, formerly Mother Beverage CV HIGHLIGHT Getting a deal on Shark Tank when she was nine months pregnant WHERE TO FIND HER DRINKS Whole Foods, Central Market, Market Street, Tom Thumb, Natural Grocers and some small eateries. “We are going nationwide in Sprouts next year, and then we are in talks with Whole Foods to do seven regions across the U.S. next year, and then HEB as well.”
mom next door /
ALLISON ELLSWORTH health mixologist PHOTOGRAPHY CARTER ROSE
A
FTER FOUR YEARS OF WORKING WITH DOCTORS to figure out her stomach issues—with no answers—Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Mother Beverage, took her health into her own hands. She turned to Dr. Google and read about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. “I was amazed, within two weeks of drinking it every day, how amazing I felt,” Ellsworth says. “[I] immediately had lost that bloat, and I felt more energetic, and it was just crazy that this apple cider vinegar could do this to you.” Now almost four years, two sons and a Shark Tank deal later, she and her husband are expanding their beverage company nationwide with new branding and packaging—they’re moving from bottles to cans and changing the name to Poppi. “Renaming your company is like renaming your child,” Ellsworth says. “But we love it.” → dfwchild.com / november 2019
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real moms / M O M
NEXT DOOR
NorthTexasChild: Tell us a little bit about your story. Allison Ellsworth: In my previous an exhibition that dares to be different...
OPENS NOVEMBER 10 T I C K E T S A N D M O R E AT D M A . O R G
career, I was on the road a lot. I traveled town to town in small little towns across the U.S. for about 10 years, living in hotels, and eating on the road, and not really living the healthiest of a lifestyle. I had that bloating feeling in the stomach where your gut kind of always hurts, and my face was always a little red. I read online drinking apple cider vinegar could help with a lot of those issues. So I was like, “What’s the harm in trying [something] natural?”
Child: Is that how you started Mother? AE: Yeah. I couldn’t get Stephen to try
it, or my family. So I’m like, “I’m going to come up with an idea, or a recipe, to make this taste good so I can get everybody else to feel as good as I feel.” I spent a few months in the kitchen doing different things, like I would take real raspberries and simmer them down to make a syrup. A lot of people … add a bunch of honey, and they mix it with all these different things, and you end up drinking like 200 calories in the morning. What was really important to me was to taste good as well as keep it healthy. So, I was just playing around with it, and then I started giving it out to friends and neighbors, and they were like, “Wow, this is actually pretty good.” Child: So, it took off organically? AE: I
just started selling it at the farmers market, and it just took off. Within the first three weeks, the Whole Foods buyer was there, tried it, and she’s like, “Here’s my number. Call me. Let’s get you guys in Whole Foods.”
Presented by
Child: Talk about serendipitous! AE: I
know, and it was still in, like, prototype Mason jars. We were just making it in our kitchen at home. I never really set out to start a beverage company. It just kind of happened. own production facility. At that point it had
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
Child: What role does apple cider vinegar play with prebiotics and probiotics? AE: Apple
cider vinegar is actually prebiotic not probiotic. The prebiotics actually feed the healthy gut flora. So, probiotics are putting in extra to make you feel better, then the prebiotics are helping feed those probiotics. You kind of need both to really feel at your best. If you don’t have the balance or the alignment in your gut, it can throw so many things off.
Child: How have you balanced building a business and having small kiddos? AE: It’s
actually really difficult. From the outside it looks great, but it’s really tough because when we started the company, I was pregnant. We were a startup. We weren’t paying ourselves. Stephen actually got a second job, was working at night, after working 80-plus hours at Mother. I was putting caps on, filling bottles, the day I went in labor. We just didn’t have that luxury where you get to take three months off. At one point, I just wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and just focus on my baby.
“I’M GOING TO COME UP WITH AN IDEA, OR A RECIPE TO MAKE THIS TASTE GOOD SO I CAN GET EVERYBODY ELSE TO FEEL AS GOOD AS I FEEL.”
Child: How did you go from Mason jars to Whole Foods? AE: We ended up opening our 16
taken off quite a bit at the farmer’s market, so we were like spending 10-hour days filling these by hand. It was really crazy. If you’re going to sell in stores, you have to be in commercial kitchens. You can’t make it at your house anymore. So we signed a lease and just started making plans to really grow this.
Child: And then you decided to have a second child. AE: I
didn’t want to sacrifice having a family for the business. So I got pregnant with our second, and Stephen kind of backed off [from] depending on me so much that I was actually able to enjoy being a mom a little bit. Child: How do you make time for romance and your husband? AE: It’s hard, I think, to
find the balance sometimes of not just being roommates, best friends and business partners. We go on a date, and we just talk about
POPPI BY MOTHER // FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOTHER BEVERAGE, POPPI SPORTS REDESIGNED PACKAGING IN HOPES OF APPEALING TO MORE CONSUMERS.
business the whole time. It’s because we’re so passionate about it. It’s funny because I get a lot of the credit, and I get to do all of the fun interviews. He would not want to do any of that. He’s like, “Well, you deserve it, Babe.” He’s just so sweet about it, and he realizes we play our roles.
Child: You signed a deal with Rohan Oza on Shark Tank last December. What has that been like? AE: In the beverage industry, he’s like Steve
Jobs or Bill Gates as far as shaping brands and starting at the bottom and working his way all the way up to make you a really successful national brand. They actually didn’t tell us he was a Shark—you don’t know who your Sharks are until the night before you go on. The whole Shark Tank process is very hush hush. They don’t tell you you’re going to be on the show until a week before. Child: And you were nine months pregnant. AE: Yeah, they are like, “Are you sure you can fly?” I’m like, “I will have my baby in California. I am coming to Shark Tank.” So we’re backstage at Shark Tank. I didn’t want to stress myself out because I didn’t want to go into labor. I think was a blessing that I was so pregnant because it kind of brought this calmness over me. You’re actually in there for like an hour talking with them, and they cut it down. You pour your blood, sweat and tears into this thing.
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Child: What’s the biggest thing that’s happened since signing with Rohan? AE: Something crazy, which we haven’t told anybody yet, is
we’re actually changing the name of the company. What we’ve found is vinegar is very polarizing—the word “vinegar.” It just scares a lot of people off. So we’re actually just marketing ourselves different to be more successful and go after more consumers. We’re basically just recategorizing ourselves as a prebiotic soda. It’s the exact same liquid. Our formula is not changing at all. Child: Sounds like people are judging a book by its cover. AE: It’s funny—in consumer studies [with the new packaging] everyone is like, “This tastes so much better with the prebiotic soda.” It’s the exact same. We’re switching from bottle to the cans because glass is definitely recyclable, but cans are a lot easier, and we’re trying to do our part with the footprint of being easy to recycle. The packaging is really fun and cool and more for the masses. This [current] packaging is very feminine. We found a lot of women were buying it for their husbands, and then they got hooked, but if they walked up on the shelf, they wouldn’t pull it themselves. Literally just because of the look. What’s really been amazing through the whole process is Rohan is very involved with the decision-making and the big stuff, but he’s not interested in running the day-to-day. He still really values us as founders. Child: It seems like this has been a major passion project for you and your husband no matter how much work it takes. AE: It goes back to
the fact that I didn’t start this to get rich. I genuinely had a problem, this solved it, and I wanted to help other people. I know it can make people feel better—I get emails and people are calling. We have grown quite a bit, but we’re still small in the scheme of things. At the beginning of the year, we just started paying ourselves. My husband finally got to quit the second job that he was working that was paying our mortgage. It’s just crazy because everyone thinks, “Oh, you guys made it, you were on Shark Tank,” but it’s still so scrappy. dfwchild.com / november 2019
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real moms / 5
THINGS …
INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS
A FULL LIFE how allison ellsworth fills her well and her “me” time
FO R A R E BO OT
IN OIL AND GAS, WE MADE PRETTY GOOD MONEY—FOR ME, GOING TO GET MY NAILS DONE EVERY OTHER WEEK OR ONCE A WEEK WAS LIKE NO BIG DEAL, AND BEFORE YOU HAD KIDS, YOU HAD TIME TO DO THAT TOO. BUT NOW IT’S A REALLY BIG LUXURY TO GO GET A MANICURE AND PEDICURE. I STILL ONLY DO IT ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR HONESTLY BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE TIME, BUT WHEN I DO, I AM JUST LIKE, ‘AHH, THIS IS SO NICE.
‘‘
18
2
Justin Bieber and the stuff on the radio. I used to
3
FO R A FA M I LY VAC ATI O N
have my pulse on music
and go to festivals and do all that fun stuff. Now, I just enjoy listening to what’s popular.”
g “For podcasts, probably How I Built This and This American Life. I like something that’s just easy, maybe a little educational kind of podcast.” How I Built This // npr.org/podcasts This American Life // thisamericanlife.org
5
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
g “I love Justin Timberlake,
FO R D I N I N G O UT
4
“I am gluten free, so my options are very limited. And I’m a pretty big cook, so we don’t eat out that often, but when we do my go-to’s are probably Flower Child or HG SPLY CO. FLOWER CHILD // Multiple locations; iamaflowerchild.com
HG SPLY CO // 2008 Greenville Ave., Dallas; 469/334-0895; hgsplyco.com
FO FORRFA S EMLFI LYC A TIM R EE “My absolutely favorite thing in the entire world is going to a yoga class. I used to go to Lifetime Fitness. I was obsessed; the kids love it. We moved a month ago, so I’m actually looking for a studio right now.”
STEPHEN’S FAMILY HAS A HOUSE IN NEWPORT BEACH. WE GO EVERY SINGLE YEAR, AND IT’S LIKE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. IT’S ON THE BEACH WITH THE KIDS, AND IT’S NICE NOT BEING IN A HOTEL. YOU’VE GOT THE GROCERIES AND YOU CAN COOK, AND THE NAPS. IT’S JUST MAYBE THE ONE PLACE IN THE WORLD THAT WE CAN GET AWAY.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NPR; CARTER ROSE; ARIANA LEYVA; ©ISTOCK;
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a monday in the life of
ALICIA MAKAYE Allen mom Alicia Makaye, Ph.D., and her husband George own GXA, an IT support business in Richardson. They’ve been married for 17 years, have worked in the same business for 15 years and have two kids: Zack, 10, and Sania, 5.
6
:15AM Alarm radio goes off. Say a prayer, take deep breaths and hit the floor running. Brush teeth, read a Bible scripture. I start the morning off with a little “Hallelujah” music and think of at least two things I am grateful for before my day starts. 6:20AM Check to make sure my son is awake and in the kitchen making breakfast and lunch for himself and his sister. 6:25AM Throw a load of clothes in the washer. Quick, quick folding of at least 10 pieces. 6:30AM Grab a load to put away, then wake up my youngest child and take her with Mommy to model dress-up time. She follows well and gets herself dressed and brushes her teeth, and I comb her hair. 6:35AM Get myself ready and finish my hair and my daughter’s hair. 6:45AM It’s time to hit the gym. Most days I meet my trainer for our grueling workout. If not, it’s a run or hot yoga at Sunstone. 6:50AM Trampoline time for the kiddos. Physical activity is important, so I have a trampoline in the kitchen. 7AM Buffer time to make sure everyone took care of chores and self-care, put on shoes, unplug car, load projects and backpacks, sign parent papers, load lunch accounts with
depleted funds, etc. 7:30AM Time to go get in the car. Prayer time with the kiddos. We discuss life lessons, and I give my daily speech: “I am raising you to be a productive citizen. Please conduct yourself like you are a productive citizen.” 7:31AM Ride time. When we are done with lessons and questions, I turn up the tunes (music, music and more music). 8AM Scheduling last-minute handyman house items and taking calls from employees who cannot make it into the office. 8:30AM Arrive at work and check email. 9:30AM Emails, employee questions, text messages—my cell phone and office phone are constantly ringing. 12:30PM Just remembered I forgot to eat or drink. Yikes. Luckily my spouse works one office over, and he stops by to ask if I want lunch. And my answer is yes, please. 1PM Back on the phone and eating lunch while on conference call. 2PM Catching up on morning emails again. Someone else walks into my office with another request. Phone is ringing— someone who sent me an email needs additional information. 2:30PM Time to get up and walk around to stretch. 3PM Interview a candidate that is looking for a job. 4PM Time is running out, and I am working on a contract that needs to be sent out. 4:14PM Take a call from my oldest child, and he informs me as to what happened at school and what homework he has for the day. He reminds me that he has hockey practice. 5PM Office slows, and I finally get a chance for quiet time and crunch time. 6PM Oldest child calls to let me know that he is headed to hockey practice with Dad. 6:05PM Catch up on social media posts and see who is doing what. 6:15PM A happy dash to hockey practice to pick up my youngest child and eat dinner sitting outside during practice. 6:45PM Take Sania home to spend time with her and get ready to wrap up the night. 6:46PM Answer all the “why” questions: “Mommy, why are your shoes red?” My youngest child wants to find out if she can wear her Moana dress to school tomorrow. She tells me who she played with at recess and who was not at school for the day, and how her teacher told her that she cannot drink her milk all day. 7:30PM Bathtime, reading time and Awana Bible verse review for Sania. 8PM Zack is back at home, and he joins the reading time after bathtime.
Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the Dallas/Collin areas. 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. 20
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN LYNCH
real moms / R O U T I N E S
the fine
WHAT SHE’S READING The Memo: What
Women of Color Need To Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts BEVERAGE OF CHOICE 7UP BOOK ON HER NIGHTSTAND My gratitude journal WHAT’S IN HER NETFLIX QUEUE 93 days, Fractured, Rhythm + Flow, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Unnatural Selection and The Game Changers WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY White House Black Market FAVORITE MOVIE Enemy of the State FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH Prince FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Fogo de Chão WORDS SHE LIVES BY You will win if you do not quit. WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Massage therapy FAVORITE INDULGENCE Ice cream DREAM JOB AS A KID Attorney SELF-CARE SPOT Craig Ranch Spa FAVORITE CHEAP MEAL WITH THE FAMILY Cowboy Chicken HOW SHE AND HER PARTNER MET Happy hour and yes, it was a happy hour! SOMETHING SHE LEARNED THIS WEEK Hire former drug dealers. (They make great managers, deliver product on time and motivate staff—who knew?)
FAMILY OWNED, FAMILY FOCUSED CURRENTLY IN 18+ COMMUNITIES With Top Rated School Systems
IF SHE HAD TO CHANGE CAREERS, SHE’D BE Working in a
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARIANA LEYVA
church or nonprofit
8:15PM Giggle time with hugs and kisses (last-minute Mommy requests). 8:30PM Lights out (one more hug and kiss). Then it’s hubby time and catching up at the end of the day. 9PM Back to answering emails, loading laundry and reviewing lastminute requests. 9:30PM Work looks good, so I head back to social media to find out if anything interesting or funny has happened. I can get my last-minute smiles. 9:45PM Review mail and jump online to pay any last-minute utility bills. 10PM Thinking about what I need to post for the week for the business, and I start getting my post ready to send out. 10:30PM Lights out—no work projects tonight. Late nights do happen if work cannot be finished during the work hours, and sometimes that drags out until 1am. 10PM Thirty minutes of my favorite show, Good Morning America, and I fall asleep about five minutes in as George Stephanopoulos tells me for the 1,000th time about the latest political developments.
SHADDOCKHOMES.COM
dfwchild.com / november 2019
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burn When did feeling exhausted and overwhelmed become our everyday reality? WORDS JESSICA ELLIOTT
ABOVE //
Burnout is "akin to having a completely overwhelming day— day after day."
22
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
PHOTOGRAPHY CINDY JAMES
PART NO. 1
STA I WA NDI S NG I N KIT THE C EYEHEN ING
a full pot of chili I’d absentmindedly left out overnight, made to last at least a few dinners. A year before, I’d have spent some energy upset about the waste. Instead, I shrugged and blankly stared out the kitchen window, the trees becoming a hazy blur as the chili slid down the drain. I was too tired to care. This wasn’t the first day I’d had such an apathetic reaction. Off and on for months, I’d felt impatient, anxious, maybe even uninterested in parenting. It was a challenging state of mind, one I’d drifted into while caring for my 2-year-old son and 5-month-old identical twin daughters. As the chili disappeared, I gave up on assembling a solidly nutritious lunch for my son and poured him some cereal. That’s when it hit me: I was burned out. Toasted. Crisped to a multigrain Cheerios level that required far more intervention than a coffee date or pedicure. Though it was little consolation, I knew I wasn’t alone. Late-night or rapid-fire naptime texts from friends often consisted of confessions—of exhaustion, of feeling overwhelmed, of day-to-day parenting minutiae leading to minimal patience, dissatisfaction and emotional withdrawal. The number of moms reeling from this host of emotions is well documented in books, articles, medical journals and surveys. A Care.com survey from 2014, for instance, found that “one in four working moms cry alone at least once a week,” due to the stressors of balancing work, child care and household duties. And “Exhausted Parents,” a study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2017, documented that nearly 13% of mothers are experiencing “high burnout.” There’s an official term for this hung-out-to-dry state: It’s
“mommy burnout,” and it’s widely recognized as a real—and potentially serious—problem. It creates a seemingly inescapable emptiness that impedes your ability to properly care for yourself—and your family. Despite previously devoting your full being to every aspect of your child’s life, it becomes hard to enjoy a moment with them—hard to simply think. You lose interest in parenting and have a hard time coping. Burnout makes you irritable, moody, unable to manage responsibilities—in short, it’s the worst version of yourself on autopilot. It’s a dark place, and it’s one that more and more moms are finding themselves in.
DO I HAVE MOMMY BURNOUT?
After months of mothering, it was clear I’d reached an utterly drained state of mind. I took a burnout quiz created by two of the “Exhausted Parents,” researchers, Isabelle Roskam and Moira Mikolajczak. (You can quickly gauge your own burnout level by taking the assessment at parentalburnout.com.) According to the quiz, I am at the “moderate burnout” level, meaning I need to get to a better place—soon. The intensity of mommy burnout lies between stress and postpartum depression, according to the “Exhausted Parents” study. Burnout compounds when perceived demands continually outweigh resources—when there is no respite from acute stress. In other words, it happens when stress becomes chronic. It’s akin to having a completely overwhelming day—day after day. “It’s like a bank account that keeps dwindling,” says Katie Sardone, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and owner of Behavioral Health Dallas who specializes in peripartum and postpartum depression. “You hit your limit, and you keep going, and once you overdraft, there are fees and fines, and you’re going into debt. It takes so long for people to see that they are in the red.” In simply struggling to get through the day, it’s easy to miss warning signs on the road to burnout. Cognitive errors, such as being at fault in a minor accident or making an unusual mistake at the office, are red flags, Sardone says. Sheryl Ziegler spent years observing mothers who were suffering from the rigors of parenthood. When she had her second child, the Denver-based doctor of psychology began to dfwchild.com / november 2019
23
struggle alongside her patients. “I felt like I was drowning,” she says. “I didn’t have enough time, and thought, ‘Am I even a good mom anymore?’” This led her to write Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process. In her book, Ziegler, who now has three kids under 11, notes that signs of burnout also include having too little energy to speak to friends, having less interest in sex, erratic and unhealthy eating, and self-deprecation. “A hallmark of mommy burnout is that you no longer feel good at your job,” Ziegler says. In a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers Sarah Hubert and Isabelle Aujoulat found the same underlying theme in worn-out moms: fear. Moms are afraid of being bad parents, afraid of losing control and afraid of losing their sense of self.
parenting norms and the pressure for perfectionism—both societal and individual—are two of the main culprits. Parents are feeling more pressure to raise successful, well-rounded kids, possibly thanks in part to income inequality. In the U.S., inequality has drastically risen since the ’80s, and as economists Matthias Doepke and Fabrizio Zilibotti explained in a Quartz article earlier this year, the wider the economic disparity, the higher the parenting fervor. Fueled by concern for their kids’ futures, middle- and upper-class parents are trying their best to ensure their kids go to college and have successful careers. “My goodness, the pressure on these moms and dads to have their kids in every activity known to man,” says Beth Ann Contreras, a licensed therapist and counselor and the Bedford site director for Logos Counseling. Contreras and her husband THE NOT-SOhave three grown daughters, GREAT ESCAPE and now she’s watching BURNOUT, DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY? The evening after delivering them raise children of their my twins via unexpected own in this environment of While mommy burnout can have seri•Experiencing real problems with C-section, I found myself frantic overscheduling. ous ramifications, it isn’t genetic and concentration? downright relaxed—giddy, “It borders on insanmedicine is not required for treatment. •Experiencing headaches and even—as I lay in my hospiity,” she laments, adding Anxiety and depression, meanwhile, are stomachaches? tal bed. My 19-month-old that of course parents feel psychiatric disorders that can require •Having suicidal thoughts or fantasies rainbow baby, my first son, the strain of “being in the medicine and/or therapy for complete such as “disappearing permanently”? healing. (They also can be experienced was snoozing in his crib (conright place at the right time, •Abandoning your goals completely? simultaneously.) •Snapping at people easily and firmed via iPhone app), the with the right clothing and But how can you determine whether exhibiting close to zero patience for substantial weight and stress the right equipment, in the you’re dealing with mommy burnout, your kids or spouse? of carrying my preemies right car…” postpartum depression (PPD), general •Struggling to get out of bed in the had lifted, and the girls were This might be why depression or anxiety? Burnout crosses morning and fantasizing about being cared for in the NICU. “overzealous, overcommitinto postpartum depression, for instance, sleeping all the time? Dinner was delivered, and it ted” parents are most at when a mother’s daily abilities are felt like I was on vacation. risk for burnout, according severely impaired and she is unable to eat, Then you might be depressed. sleep and take care of herself. Because Before the twins, I’d to the “Exhausted Parents” depression or anxiety might require HAVE YOU BEEN… devoted every minute to study. different interventions than burnout, it’s •Preoccupied with something most my precious son, and while In any case, it is clear important to seek help from a doctor days of the week and hours of the pregnant, I didn’t feel good we are devoting a lot more or therapist when symptoms start to day for the past six months? enough to take any sort of time to hands-on parentinterfere with daily life. •Experiencing trouble sitting still, real vacation. (Not to mening. According to Pew Here are a few symptoms that cross fatigue, trouble concentrating, tion I worked harder than Research Center data, the the line from burnout to depression or agitation, tight or sore muscles, or anxiety, according to Mommy Burnout by ever to earn the time off and average time U.S. moth difficulty falling or staying asleep? Sheryl Ziegler. •Dealing with so much worry that it financial cushion I’d need ers spent caring for chil causes significant stress and when my twins arrived.) dren increased by four HAVE YOU BEEN… interferes with daily life? Sadly, I’m not alone hours weekly from 1965 •Engaging in reckless behavior to in enjoying a hospital to 2016. A 2016 study for escape your family and responsibilities? Then you might be anxious. visit. Maybe you know the the National Council on feeling—that urge to “escape” Family Relations’ Journal of for a break, even if it means Marriage and Family found being in an unfavorable situation. developed a sense of being overwhelmed by the much the same. Women suffering from burnout often look pressure that they perceived was being put on Ziegler notes that because of this increase in to debilitating circumstances for downtime, them.” And they blamed themselves instead of engagement, today’s families lack the freedoms Ziegler says. their situation—I know I did—therefore becomwe—and therefore, our parents—once had. In “When women tell me they want to run away ing both the “victims and perpetrators.” the past, “there was much more of an emphasis or get injured so they will be taken care of for a So, do these internal pressures or societal to go outside and play, and ‘Don’t come in until change, I hear chronic stress that has turned into and other external pressures cause burnout? it’s dark,’” she says. “Now we are like, ‘Let’s do mommy burnout ringing through,” she writes. The answer is a mix. flash cards together.’ We have taken on the role She speaks from experience—once, she of play dates, coaches and stimulators.” thought she might need surgery and was looking STRESSONOMICS I can relate. Homemade sensory or motor forward to a “much-needed break.” Then when Parental burnout triggers are wide ranging, but skill-building activities found via Pinterest? doctors determined she didn’t need surgery after experts and research confirm that intensive Check. Apps with tips on challenging your 24
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
all, Ziegler was actually disappointed not to be getting a “night off” in the hospital. Not only do burned-out mothers feel a loss of self-identity, they also feel trapped. And that’s how they end up fantasizing about having an ailment or sickness that warrants a night away. Eight months after my hospital stay, following severe sleep deprivation (my husband and I clocked three hours in total too many nights to count), near-constant pumping, and a home as dirty as I’d ever lived in, I found solace in spending two hours at Starbucks working. It was an escape, if temporary. You can’t quit motherhood like you can a job—and this can ultimately lead to frustration and emotional distancing. Burnout is often reinforced by feelings of “guilt, shame and loneliness,” the 2018 study says. The researchers found that mothers who were intentionally overinvolved “gradually
newborn daily? Check. As we’re spending more time on parenting, we’re also spending more time at work. Pew Research Center data shows that mothers spend 16 more hours a week at their jobs than they did in 1965. (To help balance the difference, we’ve cut time on household chores, but there’s still a two-hour disparity.) Not only are we working more and spending more time with our children—we have less help. Experts say there are vast differences in the familial structure today versus that of the 1950s and ’60s. “Throughout the history of humans, communities used to raise babies together,” says Sardone, who has two daughters, ages 4 and 2. Now, “it’s more common to live away from parents and has become harder and harder to get practical support.” Ziegler agrees. “We don’t raise children around our extended families, and we are not meant to raise generations of children without help,” she says.
SHE’S A SUPER MOM
Even with abundant resources, women often have a hard time delegating, which could be credited to an unspoken societal pressure to be “supermom.” Kelly Krug, a physician assistant at Olympus Family Medicine in Frisco, attributes our society’s “females can do everything” mentality to some of our stress. “I’m not opposed to the idea that women should have equal rights, but we haven’t managed our expectations,” explains Krug, who has a 14-year-old stepson, 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. “Women are expected to be CEO of a company and manage the household, creating grocery lists and helping with bills. Any woman can’t keep all of those balls up at the same time.” Krug works three days a week and stays home the other two days, and still struggles to maintain a balance. “Trying to juggle naps, appointments and take care of tiny humans that are needing all day long is exhausting,” she says. She believes our empowerment is a doubleedged sword: “Women are taking on the role that men traditionally did of working fulltime, then trying to be a perfect mom, perfect employee and perfect wife, and it’s impossible.” These high expectations are costly, resulting in “maternal guilt, lower self-efficacy beliefs, and higher stress levels,” notes a 2018 study titled “Feeling Pressure To Be a Perfect Mother Relates to Parental Burnout and Career Ambitions.” What’s more, mothers fear “social penalties” for falling short of these high standards—perhaps feeling like an outsider or being looked down upon by other parents. To make matters worse, efforts to live up to these standards only worsen perfectionism, which is rampant among mothers. Psychologist Paula Miltenberger, Ph.D., of Dallas-based
ABOVE // "WE ARE DEVOTING A LOT MORE TIME TO HANDS-ON PARENTING. ACCORDING TO PEW RESEARCH CENTER DATA, THE AVERAGE TIME U.S. MOTHERS SPENT CARING FOR CHILDREN INCREASED BY FOUR HOURS WEEKLY FROM 1965 TO 2016."
Women’s Mental Wellness says about 85% of her clients struggle with unattainable expectations. “A lot of women tend to have perfectionist personalities, which can lead to never feeling good enough,” she says. This pressure leads to a dangerous thinking pattern of I should or I must. “When our thinking patterns get that way, we add additional stress on ourselves,” she adds. Then there’s that other big stressor that feeds right into our own self-doubt: social media. It’s a pressure-cooker of images from parents who expertly conjure balanced (and, of course, organic) bento box meals, make crafts that rival preschool teachers’ projects, and assemble magical playrooms. Moms in the past didn’t have this “barometer people were judging themselves by,” says Miltenberger. “I don’t have a bone in my body that can craft, but if I were to look at all these mothers on social media who do crafting, I’d be setting myself up for disappointment and negative thoughts.” Which is what many of us do—to our own detriment. “Social media can significantly exacerbate depression and anxiety,” Sardone says. For many, time spent on social media is a substitute for real phone conversations or time spent with friends—those face-to-face connec-
tions that Ziegler contends are key to motherhood fruition. “One of the reasons moms are so unhappy is the lack of connection and isolation in motherhood,” she says. “Moms are very isolated,” agrees Contreras. She says that stay-at-home moms, especially, can lose their sense of self because they lack meaningful interactions with family, friends, neighbors, even strangers at the grocery store. “A stay-at-home mom doesn’t have what historically women had, which is connection,” she explains. “It’s all about the child, and they don’t have an adult to speak to all day long.” In short, we are loaded with more expectations and work than ever before, with less support than ever before. It all equates to lots of stress and little personal time for matriarchs. Unfortunately, healing requires more than a quick fix. As I’ve discovered in my own efforts to achieve postpartum normalcy, beating burnout is a journey that requires consistent dedication and the most precious of commodities: time. Read the December issue of DFWChild, on newsstands the last week of November, for part two of this series. dfwchild.com / november 2019
25
SCHOOL GUIDE //
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november 2019 / dfwchild.com
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SCHOOL GUIDE //
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THE COVENANT SCHOOL “Pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty” The Covenant School is a Charlotte Mason-inspired K-12 community of faith and learning emphasizing the classical arts and sciences. At The Covenant School, a proven model of classical Christian education is used to teach students to confidently engage the world for Christ through authentic Christian living, wisdom, and virtue. Covenant offers: • A rigorous curriculum using Socratic instruction • Championship winning sports teams • Rich fine arts program • Small class sizes • Highly-skilled faculty
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Application Period for 2020 - 2021 November 2, 2019 - January 31, 2020 dallasisd.org/yourchoices
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SCHOOL GUIDE //
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SCHOOL GUIDE //
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Cosmos
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Lakehill Dallas Child Nov 2019.pdf 1 10/3/19 SCHOOL GUIDE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
9:14 AM
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www.htadallas.com 13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75240 | 972.490.7060 SACS ACCREDITED
Authentic Montessori education for children ages 3–6 years
Upper School Preview November 13, 2019 6:30 p.m. Environmental Science Center, Roger L. Perry Campus Admission Coffees (K-12) December 10, 2019 | January 8, 2020 8:30 a.m. Main Campus 2720 Hillside Drive | Dallas, TX 75214 214.826.2931 | admission@lakehillprep.org
lakehillprep.org
Montessori Children’s House and School 7335 Abrams Rd. | Dallas, TX 75231 214.348.6276 | mchs-dallas.org AMI Accredited
AGES 6 WEEKS - GRADE 12
I’M AN EAGLE
HOME OF THE
Providing professional evaluations for children, youth and adults since 1976. Specializing in learning differences. Shelton School and Evaluation Center
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november 2019 / dfwchild.com
6001 Summerside Dr. Ste. 204 Dallas, TX 75252 972.774.1772 Ext. 2243
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SCHOOL GUIDE //
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Register online at www.stphilips1600.org/admissions or call 214-421-5221, ext. 156 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75215
Montessori Lower School Community TODDLER THROUGH GRADE 6
PK2-6th grade, robust academics, project based learning, STEM, robotics, Spanish, and fine arts. Full day PK2-PK4.
PRESCHOOL PARENT PREVIEW Thursday, January 23, 2020 9:30-10:30 am
Transforming the world by FAITH, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE
RSVP to this event or schedule a personal tour: Debra Giorgini, dgiorgini@westwoodschool.org | 972-239-8598
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W I N T E R 2019
MOM NEXT DOOR
WHITNEY KIELWASSER FIVE THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER
FIND THE RIGHT SITTER PUBLISHED BY
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dfwchild.com / november 2019
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COLLIN
THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN COLLIN COUNT Y
N O V E M B E R 2 01 9
20 EVENTS TO LOVE THIS MONTH
IS BLUE LIGHT REALLY HARMFUL? MEET MOTHER BEVERAGE’S ALLISON ELLSWORTH
+
A FAMILY GUIDE TO GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA
HOW BURNOUT AFFECTS YOUR CHILD
20 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
N O V E M B E R 2 01 9
HOW TO THROW A HIGH TEA PARTY
IS BLUE LIGHT REALLY HARMFUL? MEET MOTHER BEVERAGE’S ALLISON ELLSWORTH
MOMMY BURNOUT IT’S REAL. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.
EVENTS TO LOVE THIS MONTH
+
HOW BURNOUT AFFECTS YOUR CHILD
A FAMILY GUIDE TO GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA
MOMMY BURNOUT IT’S REAL. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.
DON’T WANT TO MISS THE NEXT ISSUE? GET IT DELIVERED TO YOUR MAILBOX. Visit dfwchild.com to sign up for free home delivery.
kid culture.
©ISTOCK
WORN OUT
how to protect your kid from burnout WORDS LISA SALINAS
A
FTER A LONG DAY, YOUR KIDS MIGHT BE MORE AGITATED AND LESS
likely to want to do their homework—or anything, for that matter. But when do these outward expressions of fatigue become telltale signs of more than just that long-day crankiness? We use the term “burnout” when talking about adults feeling completely overworked and overwhelmed. (Read about mommy burnout on page 18.) But kids can suffer from burnout too. It’s defined as physical and emotional exhaustion and having a lack of motivation. Laura Wright, family therapist at Cook Children’s, defines the key elements of burnout. “[It’s] a breakdown of being overstimulated and not having enough down time to recharge,” dfwchild.com / november 2019
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kid culture / W O R N she explains. “A physical, mental, emotional collapse.” Wright, who’s been practicing for 10 years, says she has seen several young patients experiencing burnout, even kids as young as 5—yes, 5. One particular 5-year-old patient has a full plate: soccer, T-ball, family outings almost every night and on top of all that, kindergarten. The new kid culture is a culture of busyness: While involvement in after-school clubs and lessons has fluctuated over the past couple of decades, the number of children ages 6–17 involved in sports has increased according to the U.S. Census Bureau—in 1998, 36% of kids were involved in sports compared to 42% in 2014. And younger elementary kids seem to have more homework than they did in the 1980s, per data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress—more homework but less recess and free play time. All of this activity can add up to burnout. As your kiddos’ first line of defense, you can watch for burnout symptoms and find a plan to help your kids truly feel and do their best in the things they love. STRESS FACTORS
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OUT
your kiddos up for extracurriculars such as basketball or dance, on top of taking them to social events on the weekends because you want them to make new friends. “[Parents feel pressure] to get their kids involved in so much more because they feel like their kids are going to get left behind or left out, or they’re not going to be successful later in life, and so they’re just kind of guilted into that path of overscheduling,” Wright says. BURN(OUT) RELIEF
Signs that your kiddos are burned out include a sudden disinterest in things that they used to love, complaining that they don’t want to do something, and procrastinating. “[They are] just having less enjoyment or pride in what they’re doing,” Wright says. Sometimes an extreme change might be needed to address your kids’ burnout symptoms. Polk and her husband decided to move—now in Rowlett, they’ve cut the school commute by more than half. But smaller steps can be taken to prevent burnout too. Wright recommends taking a step back and doing one thing at a time. For example, don’t enroll your kid in soccer and baseball at the same time. And help them manage the time they spend on dayto-day activities such as school and chores. “Teach them how to take effective breaks,” she says. This is something Polk does with her kids—they tackle homework piece by piece. “[My son] will work on it a little bit, while I’m making dinner,” she explains. “And in the morning, while I’m preparing breakfast, I’ll say, ‘Hey, let’s start your homework, let’s see if we can get a little more done. Or we’ll just practice spelling words while I’m cooking.” Wright stresses the importance of checking in on your kids. Talk to them about how they’re feeling. “Ask about their needs,” she says. She also mentions giving your kids unstructured time, which she says shouldn’t be synonymous with screen time. This
“GIVING UNSTRUCTURED TIME HELPS KIDS LEARN TO MANAGE THEIR FEELINGS, TO COPE WITH UNCOMFORTABLE FEELINGS.”
Local mom Courtney Polk noticed her two young kids, ages 3 and 5, were showing signs of exhaustion from their long commute to and from school (a drive of a little over an hour—multiply that by five days a week). She explained that her 5-yearold son would become frustrated when he would do his homework and would sometimes cry. “[He] would just give up,” Polk says. “I want him to be excited about learning and want to learn. It’s hard to find that balance, pushing him to do it, and knowing we have to do it, but also not overwhelming him— that was really difficult with us getting home so late.” Aside from school and long commutes, extracurricular activities can also add to that feeling of exhaustion. Remember Wright’s 5-year-old patient? As parents, it’s natural to want our kids to excel in all aspects of life. You might sign
should be a time where kids get to play freely. “Giving unstructured time helps kids learn to manage their feelings, to cope with uncomfortable feelings,” she says. Take your kids out to the playground or a walk (weather permitting, of course). Polk tries to make sure her and her kids’ weekends stay free of work for the most part. One of her son’s favorite pastimes is going to the discount store Five Below. “He looks forward to the weekends and going to Five Below if he’s had a great week,” she shares. “Even if he doesn’t do that great, we still celebrate his accomplishments.”
RECHARGE & RESET Although this might seem like you’re adding one more thing to your and your kid’s to-do list, yoga classes can actually help them learn how to refocus their energy and cope with their emotions. Consider replacing something on the schedule with one of these kids’ yoga and meditation classes, and we’ve included a few athome resources to try too. Just released earlier this fall, Stress Stinks by Bryan Smith tells the story of little Amelia, who is overwhelmed by school, extracurricular activities and social worries. The book talks about her feelings and stressors and how her mom helps her through these feelings. Recommended for ages 5–11. boystownpress.org If your child is more of a visual learner, check out Cosmic Kids Yoga’s YouTube channel. Episodes incorporate stories and themes—such as cats, Pokémon and Frozen—with yoga poses and guided meditation. youtube.com/cosmickidsyoga DFW Sahaja Meditation hosts meditation classes for kids all throughout the Metroplex, including Coppell and Irving. RSVP for a session near you online. If you can’t make it to a class, join the online meditation class on Saturday mornings at 11am (in your PJs, of course). Multiple locations; dfwmeditation.com
IMAGES COURTESY OF BOYSTOWN PRESS; KELLER YOGA
Stop by We Yogis with your little ones for Lil Yogis, offered at both locations for ages 4–8 (Lovers Lane) and 3–8 (Mockingbird). Sign up for classes online. 5600 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 150, Dallas; 214/351-1229 6465 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 362, Dallas; 469/206-3311; weyogis.com Kiddos ages 4–12 can get their zen on at Yoga on Main in downtown Frisco. Classes on Tuesday at 5pm focus on basic yoga poses and calming techniques. 6726 Main St., Suite 310, Frisco; 214/407-8337; yogaonmainst.com Yogees Yoga 4 Kids offers a variety of classes in Dallas and Collin counties for age 18 months and up. Search for classes near you and sign up online. Multiple locations; yogeesyoga4kids.com.
dfwchild.com / november 2019
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kid culture /
CELEBRATE
22
1
how to throw a high tea party
WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN
4
5 1 / Party guests had a multitude of sweets to choose from. 2 / The venue, Edith’s French Bistro, was already posh, so decorating was easy. 3 / The guests learned about the proper etiquette when dining. 4 / The high tea party idea came after Nike and Teni Olagbegi attended a mother-daughter tea party event. 5 / Everyone was to wear their Sunday best for the blissful bash. 40
november 2019 /dfwchild.com
F
RISCO MOM and party stylist Nike Olagbegi and her daughter, Teni, were attending a motherdaughter tea party event at Edith’s French Bistro. After the party was over, the then 9-year-old Teni said she wanted to have her next birthday there. In May, Olagbegi, owner of the party planning business The Art of Finesse, threw her daughter a high tea party that her now 10-year-old will be spilling tea (as the youth say—which just means gossiping) about all year long. It was a cordial event fit for the queen. Twenty of Teni’s dearest friends dressed in their Sunday best to attend the event at Edith’s French Bistro. Thankfully for Olagbegi, the bistro didn’t need to be decorated too much as it’s already a regal place. The girls walked in to find golden chocolate bars with each invitee’s name sitting on a teacup. Arrayed on the white-clothed table was a fine china tea set, pastry dishes (filled with scones, sandwiches and tarts), golden utensils and blush pink napkins. The party took place during afternoon tea, which is from 4–6pm.
Guests sat in their seats while the entertainer went over etiquette, including how to use proper silverware and in what order. The tea party fare for the event was anything but minuscule. The golden menus designed with pink and purple flowers and stacked teacups included jelly vol-au-vents and jambon and gruyere sandwiches—only the most elegant—oh, and of course, tea. There was no shortage of desserts, from a tower of rose-toned macarons (complete with real roses) to tea party-inspired sugar cookies to a two-tiered cake with one level red velvet and the other confetti vanilla (which was decorated with pink roses, pink and purple macarons, and edible golden butterflies). When it was time to say au revoir, partygoers received party favor bags, which had a lip balm, bath bomb, personalized lollipop and bag of popcorn. Teni has a party every year, and this one deserves a standing ovation, but she expects something bigger next year—good luck, Olagbegi!
TE A-RIFIC PARTY STYLIST & PLANNER The Art of Finesse theartoffinesse.com
BALLOONS & BACKDROP STANDS Sweet Elegance sweeteleganceevents.com
VENUE Edith’s French Bistro edithsbistro.com
TEA SET ACCESSORIES Dallas Tea Garden dallasteagarden.com
CAKE, MACARONS & STRAWBERRY TOWER Edith’s French Bistro edithsbistro.com
FAVOR BAGS Little Event Rentals DFW @LittleeventrentalsDFW
COOKIES Yummy Tecture yummytecture.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Mr. V Photography Victor Iwotor @Drealmr_v_photography
PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. V PHOTOGRAPHY
A POSH EVENT
3
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dfwchild.com / november 2019
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kid culture / T R A V E L
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where to go in upstate south carolina WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN
“O
UR DOWNTOWN
looks like something out of a movie,” says mom of three Ashli Stockard. “Everything is green, the landscape is manicured and there’s a beautiful bridge over the river running through the center of downtown.” A close climate relative to Dallas-Fort Worth, Greenville, South Carolina, might be the next best place to vacation this November. With temperatures usually in the 50s, it’s the perfect destination for some outdoor fall-stivities or indoor exhibitions. Stockard is a DFW native who now lives in
Greenville with her husband and girls. She gave us the rundown on all the not-to-miss spots and even notable events to keep in mind for future travels.
FOR THE BUDDING ZOOLOGIST
Open during its fall/winter season from 10am–5pm, the GREENVILLE ZOO is near downtown Greenville for an easy all-day schedule. Between farm animals, African cats and reptiles, there’s something for all bravery levels. Stockard notes the zoo isn’t too big, so it is walkable in around an hour and a half—“but that means you often get to see the animals getting fed or trained,” she says. Just outside the zoo is a shaded park that Stockard likes to take her girls to for lunch and playtime after exploring the zoo. “There is also a splash pad in downtown Greenville you can hit up after the zoo if it’s especially warm,” she says.
FOR THE CURIOUS KID
One place everyone mentions is 4
42
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE UPSTATE —and for good
reason: It was the first children’s museum to be an affiliate of the
november 2019 /dfwchild.com
1 3
Smithsonian. With over 20 indoor and outdoor exhibits and activities for kids (Stockard recommends the experience for ages 1–9), the museum is sure to have something for every interest. Littles can engage in STEAM activities (the entire downstairs section is just for art and technology) as well as imaginative play. “A favorite attraction is the farm exhibit where you can pick vegetables and even milk a fake cow,” Stockard says.
FOR THE ADVENTURER AND THEIR TUMMY
Get some fresh, crisp autumn air on the PRISMA HEALTH SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL , equipped with restrooms, paved trails, secondary trails, half-mile markers and more. Trees line the trails for the perfect fall aesthetic. There’s even a digital guide to food, drinks and “hops” within a mile of the trail—conveniently called The Carrot. “You can bike from Greenville to [Travelers Rest, South Carolina], and eat at the SWAMP RABBIT CAFE ,” Stockard says. “The menu changes often but any of their sandwiches on stecca are the bomb! [The trail is] not super hilly, so it would work for families with kids of all ages.”
FOR FUTURE PLANS
If you find yourself in or near Greenville during the holidays, there is plenty to do. A little over an hour away is a free gingerbread house exhibit in Asheville, North Carolina. Held at The Omni Grove Park Inn,
1 / Walk inside the wind tunnel at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. 2 / Pick your own berries at familyowned Blueberry Hill. 3 / The Swamp Rabbit Trail is good for cyclists of all ages. 4 / Don’t miss the gingerbread competition an hour away in Asheville.
the NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION viewing is from Nov. 20–Jan. 4, 2020. These go beyond the simple brownboxed gingerbread sheets and white icing. Or in the spring and summer season, go strawberry picking at SANDY FLAT BERRY PATCH in Taylors or blueberry picking at BLUEBERRY HILL . “We do [Blueberry Hill] every year,” Stockard says. Blueberry Hill is family-owned by a local and has enough property to spend two to three hours just picking berries. “The kids love trying to find the biggest berries—some of them are huge!” Stockard remembers. “We fill our baskets full and occasionally taste a few, and the owner lets us feed fish in his koi pond.” GREENVILLE ZOO
greenvillezoo.com
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE UPSTATE
tcmupstate.org
PRISMA HEALTH SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL
greenvillerec.com
SWAMP RABBIT CAFE & GROCERY
swamprabbitcafe.com
NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION
omnihotels.com
SANDY FLAT BERRY PATCH
@SandyFlatBerryPatch on Facebook BLUEBERRY HILL
Search on Facebook
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRISMA HEALTH SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL; CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE UPSTATE; BLUEBERRY HILL; THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN
FALLING FOR GREENVILLE
Easy to get to. Hard to leave.
Get a
Oct. 11 - Nov. 24 Make the most of the season by staying at one of our scenic resorts just a short drive away. With pumpkin bowling, hay mazes, trick-ortreating, ghostly mini golf and more, there’s something for everyone. Fall in Texas may be short, but your getaway doesn’t have to be when your 3rd night is free!
Villages Resort Flint, TX
3rd night FREE at Falladays.com
Hill Country Resort Canyon Lake, TX
Calling it another hospital is like calling Frisco another city.
Introducing the all-new, altogether different Texas Health Hospital Frisco. There’s no place in America that’s quite like Frisco. That’s why it deserves a hospital that’s one of a kind. From the moment you arrive on campus, you will see that Texas Health Hospital Frisco was built with you in mind. It has everything you would anticipate from an advanced medical center, including a collaboration with world-renowned UT Southwestern. But it also has touches you wouldn’t expect, like boot camps and yoga classes, walking trails and natural building materials like wood and limestone, and a rainwater irrigation system. And that makes us more than a hospital, we’re a destination for your health and well-being.
Opening December 2019 TexasHealth.org/FriscoHealth
Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health Hospital Frisco. © 2019
the agenda HILD.COM
R DAILY E
VISIT
FO
DF
WC
V
EN
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WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
20 F A M I L Y - F R I E N D L Y E V E N T S Y O U C A N ’ T M I S S I N
NOVEMBER
NOV. 5–17 // BEFORE IT COMES OUT IN THEATERS, CATCH CATS IN ITS THEATER PERFORMANCE FORM
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATTHEW MURPHY; DALLAS ARBORETUM; COSMIC YOGI FESTIVAL; BRET REDMAN
FESTIVAL AT THE SWITCHYARD
D OW N TOW N C ARROLLTON November 2 The children’s entertainment lineup for this 10th annual festival on the square kicks off inside Carrollton’s Plaza Arts Center. Don’t miss the axe juggling at 12:30pm, followed by break-dancers, a magician and a sword swallower-slash-escape artist fresh from America’s Got Talent. Head back out into the square for rides and crafts with the kids before the Old 97’s and Tripping Daisy headline the evening rock concerts (open to all ages). FREE 1106 S. Broadway St., Carrollton carrolltonfestival.com
COSMIC YOGI FESTIVAL
ADDISON CONFERENCE & THEATRE CENTRE November 2 Are your littles really taking to yoga? Bring them with you to this event billed as Texas’ largest yoga festival with
kid-friendly classes, sessions with goats and puppies (the puppies are up for adoption too), and more advanced classes using aerial silks. Listen to live music while you get a henna tattoo, or grab a snack from the on-site food trucks. Admission is $5; free for children under 5. 15650 Addison Road, Addison; 214/624-9896 cosmicyogifestival.com
DFWCHILD’S PROJECT PRESCHOOL
TH E SHOPS AT W ILLOW BEND November 2 F RONTIER S OF F LIGH T MU SEUM November 3 Ready to enroll your child in preschool but have no idea how to decide which preschool? Let us guide you in your search by introducing you to top early childhood educators at our third annual Project Preschool event on Saturday in Plano and again on Sunday in Dallas. You’ll
meet face to face with the heads of schools—Montessori and traditional, public and private—to learn about their teaching philosophies. FREE 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas 972/447-9188 dfwchild.com/events
HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM
DA LL AS A RB ORET UM November 9–December 31 The dozen glass gazebos, each featuring a different line from the song “12 Days of Christmas,” return to the arboretum for daytime viewing and, on select nights, nighttime viewing with all the lights and sparkle of the holiday season. Look online for a full list of holiday exhibits, activities and special festival pricing from $5. Separate tickets required for nighttime viewing. 8525 Garland Road, Dallas; 214/515-6615 dallasarboretum.org
to experience this real-life winter wonderland kept at a frigid 9 degrees. You’ll zip down two-story-tall ice slides and stroll through an exhibit of colorful ice sculptures, hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice and modeled after scenes from the Charlie Brown holiday film. Even more fun at the Gaylord’s Lone Star Christmas includes ice skating, 12 lanes of snow tubing, Santa’s Snow Throw and Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends. Prices vary by activity. ICE! tickets are $23.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine; 817/778-1000 christmasatgaylordtexan.com
DALLAS ZOO LIGHTS
DA LL AS ZO O November 15– January 5 Come early on select days to see the animals before they turn in for the night (around 4pm), and stick around to be the first to see the lights flip on at 5pm, transforming ZooNorth into a winter wonderland of
light displays and silk-covered lanterns in the shape of zoo animals. Warm up with hot cocoa as you stroll under a rainbow arch or make ornaments from natural materials. Animal encounters begin every 30 minutes in the Elves’ Workshop at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. Free with regular admission: $17 adults; $14 children ages 3–11. 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas; 469/554-7500 dallaszoo.com
THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK
NORT HPA RK C ENT ER November 16–January 5 Make a coast-to-coast journey via this miniature train exhibit with 1,600 feet of track and scenes from landmarks across America. Take a closer look to see the recognizable locations in Dallas, plus some interplanetary visitors. Tickets are $7 adults; $4 children ages 2–12; free for children under 2. Hand-painted railcars also available for purchase and
ICE! FEATURING A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
G AYLORD T E X A N November 15–January 5 Bundle up and buckle up
NOV. 9–DEC. 31 // LIGHTS, HOLIDAY EXHIBITS AND ACTIVITIES ARE JUST A FEW THINGS TO DO AT HOLIDAY IN THE ARBORETUM IN DALLAS.
northtexaschild / november 2019
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CALENDAR 5741 Legacy Drive, Plano; 469/467-9995 shopsatlegacy.com
DISNEY ON ICE – DREAM BIG
NOV. 22–24 // CATCH ALL THE NICK JR. FAVORITES IN NICK JR. LIVE! MOVE TO THE MUSIC IN GRAND PRAIRIE.
to keep after the exhibit. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas; 214/631-7354 thetrainsatnorthpark.com
CANDY CANES FOR KIDS
FA IRVIEW TOW N C E N T ER November 16 Sing along to live music in a free concert by band Stars Go Dim (you may know the tune “It’s Gonna Get Better”), and enjoy entertainment—everything from a petting zoo and bounce houses to a holiday market and fireworks— all day at this seventh annual family fun day benefiting Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. Free admission. Activity tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Donations welcome for the holiday toy drive. 329 Town Place, Fairview; 972/363-2209 fairviewtowncenter.com
DRUMLINE LIVE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
W IN SPE AR OPE R A HOUSE November 19 The Historically Black College and University marching band takes the drumline off the football field and onto the stage for a rollicking performance of favorite holiday songs. Dance in your seats to “The Little Drummer Boy,” The Nutcracker Suite and Mariah Carey’s hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” combined with the sounds of gospel, jazz, hip-hop and Motown. Tickets from $29. 2403 Flora St., Dallas; 214/880-0202 attpac.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
W YLY TH E ATRE November 22–December 29 Three spirits take Ebene46
zer Scrooge on a journey through his past, present and future Christmases in this family series production by Dallas Theater Center. Come witness how he transforms from, well, a Scrooge to a joyful soul in this classic tale from Charles Dickens. Tickets from $12.50. Pay what you can for the show on Nov. 24 at 2pm. 2400 Flora St., Dallas; 214/522-8499 dallastheatercenter.org
NICK JR. LIVE! MOVE TO THE MUSIC
TH E THEATRE AT GR AND PR AIR IE November 22–24 Dora the Explorer and PAW Patrol pups Marshall and Rubble team up with friends from Bubble Guppies, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and more Nick Jr. shows for this first-ever live show on tour. General tickets from $19. VIP tickets include a post-show meet and greet with Dora and Rubble and a photo op with Blaze. 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie; 888/929-7849 axs.com
LIGHTS AT LEGACY
TH E SHOPS AT LEGACY November 24 Meet up with Santa Claus at the Angelika Film Center to watch the 2pm movie screening of The Grinch (tickets are $9), or catch him later during Santa photos from 4–6:15pm during the Lights at Legacy party including free rides on the Christmas train, toy soldier stilt walkers and more holiday fun. The official tree lighting begins at 6:30pm. FREE
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
ALLE N EVE NT CE NT E R November 27–December 1 This mashup of multiple Disney stories highlights the epic journeys of Coco’s Miguel, who travels through the Land of the Dead, Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, and more lead characters from some of Disney’s most recent films. Bring your whole family to this show during the Thanksgiving Day holiday to be inspired by each character’s story. Tickets from $35. Meet and greet with Belle and Mickey available as an add-on. 200 E. Stacy Road, Allen; 972/912-1057 disneyonice.com/ dream-big
HARRY POTTER MOVIE IN CONCERT
MEYE RSON SYMPHONY C E NT E R November 27–December 1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—the movie based on the book that started it all—comes back to the big screen. Bring your family’s Potterheads young and old(er) to listen to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams’ score live as the movie plays overhead. Tickets from $44. 2301 Flora St., Dallas; 214/849-4376 mydso.com
NORTH POLE EXPRESS
GR A PEVINE VINTAG E R A ILROA D November 29–December 23 Let your little ones live out their Christmas adventure fantasy inspired by The Polar Express storybook. Head to downtown Grapevine to board the vintage train cars, where you’ll be greeted with chocolate milk and cookies. Once the trains reaches its destination at the snowy North Pole Forest, you’ll disembark to walk through the forest toward Santa’s workshop and take in a performance from elves, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. Tickets from $28. Seats sell out quickly, so purchase your tickets soon. 705 S. Main St., Grapevine; 817/410-3185 grapevinetexasusa.com/ christmas
STRAIGHT FROM THE STORYBOOKS
If your kids blow through library books like candy, check out these new titles coming to life on stage in the form of musicals, plays and ballets. CATS
MUSIC HA LL AT FA IR PA RK November 5–17 A month before the new Cats movie musical hits theaters, here’s your chance to awaken your “Memory” of the live production straight from Broadway and share it with the kids. See the coolest cats—first introduced in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot—dance to new choreography capturing the one magical night when a tribe of felines gathers for its annual ball. Recommended for age 5 and older. Tickets from $25. 909 First Ave., Dallas; 800/982-2787 dallassummermusicals.org
MIRETTE
MAJE ST IC T HE AT RE November 15–17 In keeping with the season’s Wonder Women theme, Lyric Stage presents a musical based on Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully. In this Caldecott Medal–winning children’s book set in a boarding house for circus performers in 1890s Paris, a gutsy little girl convinces high-wire walker Bellini to teach her his craft and saves the day when he becomes paralyzed with fear. Tickets from $29.50. 1925 Elm St., Dallas; 214/871-5000 lyricstage.org
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR CHRISTMAS SHOW
DA LL AS CHILDRE N’ S T HE AT E R November 23–December 29 The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrates Christmas and its birthday (the children’s book turned 50 this year). Get a look at the holiday version of the caterpillar’s story by children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle along with three others—10 Little Rubber Ducks, Dream Snow and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?— in this allages show (no intermission). Tickets from $17. 5938 Skillman St., Dallas; 214/740-0051 dct.org
PETE THE CAT
E ISE MA NN CE NT E R November 24 In this particular musical, the blue cat from the long-running series by illustrator James Dean helps young Jimmy Biddle conquer second grade art class, and together they go on a road trip to Paris and back in a Volkswagen bus. See the Sunday matinee performance for $12. (Family Theatre Series subscriptions available from $36.) $10 for Eisemann Extras kids’ activities before the show. 2351 Performance Drive; Richardson; 972/744-4650 eisemanncenter.com
TEXAS BALLET THEATER’S THE NUTCRACKER
WINSPE A R OPE R A HOUSE November 29–December 8 Clara and her Nutcracker Prince from the fairy tale ballet return to the stage and a winter wonderland for this classical, full-length ballet set to the music of Tchaikovsky. Before settling into your seats for the 2pm Saturday performances (Nov. 30 and Dec. 7), come early for the Kingdom of Sweets party in the lobby with crafts, a story time, a photo op with a ballerina, and a chance to try on costumes. Free with regular tickets, starting from $25. 2403 Flora St., Dallas; 877/828-9200 texasballettheater.org 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.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAIRVIEW TOWN CENTER; FIELD ENTERTAINMENT; GRAPEVINE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU; VSTAR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP; ©ISTOCK
kid culture /
Spanish Immersion available!
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Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary
HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY
Whether your thing is hot chocolate in your jammies or dressing up for a holiday theater performance, here’s a list of family-friendly events and winter activities to get you in the holiday spirit.
DESCRIPTION
Adventure Kids Playcare adventurekidsplaycare.com 972/899-9332
Spend the holidays with Adventure Kids! We offer flexible options for every parent's need! Drop in holiday camps, exciting theme nights, daily activities and so much more! See ad on page 17.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org/events/merry-members 817/738-1933
Make the most of your holidays with Merry Members! on Dec. 7 at 5 pm exclusively for Carter members. Become a Carter Family member today for art making, wintery art tours and milk and cookies with Santa.
AT&T Performing Arts Center attpac.org 214/880-0202
Drumline Live Holiday Spectaular—Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Winspear Opera House. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical—Sunday, Dec. 15, at Winspear Opera House. See ad on page 4.
Christmas at the Anatole hiltonanatolehotel.com 214/748-1200
Christmas at the Anatole presents Peppermint Park! Enjoy Breakfast with Santa, games, activities and relaxing accommodations for the whole family. Book your wish-list weekend today!
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/ holiday-at-the-arboretum 214/515-6615
Visits with Santa: Wednesday evenings from 6–9pm, Nov. 13–Dec. 18; Saturday & Sunday noon–4pm, Nov. 30–Dec. 22; Pecan Grove. Bring the kids to share their Christmas wishes with the Jolly Old Man. See ad on page 7.
Dallas Repertoire Ballet eisemanncenter.com 972/744-4650
Celebrate the holiday season as Dallas Repertoire Ballet presents the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, Dec. 13–15 at the Eisemann Center, including a sensory-friendly performance for children with special needs on Dec. 14 at 2pm.
Dallas SPARK! sparkdallas.org 214/421-7727
Fall break day camps (Nov. 25–27) promise a fun-filled adventure with a unique opportunity to learn and create expressions through numerous forms of art, science and technology. Pre-registration $65/drop-in $75, before/aftercare available. Go to sparkdallas.org/camp to register!
dfwchild.com / november 2019
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HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DESCRIPTION
50
Disney Jr. Holiday Party Live! at The Theatre at Grand Prairie axs.com
Dec. 8. Sing along to holiday hits with your favorite characters at this interactive live concert experience. Featuring live appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Vampirina, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Puppy Dog Pals, Fancy Nancy, and special guest Santa Claus! See ad on page 6.
Fairview Town Center ftcsanta.com 972/363-2209
Santa's Winter Woods—Nov. 16–Dec. 24—Enjoy indoor snow, children's art area, selfie stations, a Christmas Store, and visit Santa! Candy Canes For Kids—Nov. 16, 10am–6pm Family fun, free entertainment, children activities, character visits, fireworks and more.
Firewheel Town Center firewheeltowncenter.com 972/675-1041
Visit Santa at the Santa Photo Experience from Nov. 22–Dec. 24. Enjoy holiday events, such as Holiday in the Park Nov. 23, Caring Santa Dec. 1, Pet Photos with Santa Dec. 8, Breakfast with Santa Dec. 14, and more!
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org 817/255-9300
All aboard! Polar Pajama Parties are your chance to enjoy wintry hands-on activities coupled with the classic holiday film The Polar Express at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History!
Gaylord Texan Resort christmasatgaylordtexan.com 817/778-1000
From Nov. 15, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2020, Gaylord Texan Resort will transform into a winter wonderland featuring millions of holiday lights, lavish decor, hand-carved ice, snow tubing, ice skating, gingerbread decorating and so much more! See ad on page 10.
Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas 817/410-3185
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas! With 1,400 Christmas events in 40 days, enjoy millions of lights, enormous decorations, classic Christmas movies and more. It's more merry in Grapevine! See ad on page 41.
Hanukkah Hoopla at the Aaron Family JCC jccdallas.org/hoopla 214/739-2737
Join us for a free event on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon–4pm to explore all of our local and unique vendors as well as enjoy family activities and delicious kosher foods. See ad on page 41.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary heardmuseum.org 972/562-5566
Experience the most unique North Texas holiday event at Holidays at the Heard, featuring live entertainment and a nature trail accentuated with holiday décor. See life-size animatronic dinosaurs along a nature trail at Dinosaurs Live!
Heritage Farmstead Museum heritagefarmstead.org 972/881-0140
Bring your entire family to Lantern Light on Dec. 7. There will be wagon rides, holiday exhibits, carolers, choirs, crafts, food and so much more. Cookies with Santa is Friday, Dec. 13, call or go online to make your reservation.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament — Dallas medievaltimes.com 888/935-6878
Gather your friends and family and travel back to the 11th century with Queen Doña Maria Isabella! Unlock discounted prices by using coupon code DC383 (adults $38.95|kids $30.95) this holiday season! Offer expires Jan. 31, 2020.
Miracle on 34th Street eisemanncenter.com/events-tickets 972/744-4650
Creative Arts For Christ presents Miracle on 34th Street, a 1940s heartwarming Christmas classic, Nov. 29–Dec. 3, photos with Santa and a holiday silent auction. Info on $10 daytime matinees for school groups/seniors Dec. 2–3 available at creativeartsforchrist.com.
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DESCRIPTION
North Texas Performing Arts ntpa.org 972/422-2575
Get into the Christmas spirit with a live holiday production! Scrooge the Musical! an NTPA tradition in its 9th big year! Santa Claus, pre-show Christmas Carols and more! Holiday Camps also available for grades K–12!
Prairie Lights prairielights.org 972/237-4569
Drive through 4,000,000 lights at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake. Half-way through the drive, stop at Holiday Village for vendors, concessions, carnival rides, an indoor holiday show, and the lighted walk-through forest.
Rainforest Cafe rainforestcafe.com 972/539-5001
Join us for Breakfast with Santa Dec. 7, 8, 14,15, 21 and 22. Start the holiday with a wild adventure! Bring the family to meet Santa and Cha! Cha! in the rainforest. Purchase tickets today at rainforestcafe.com.
Reunion Tower reuniontower.com 214/712-7040
Tis the season to be jolly! Reunion Tower is sprinkling holiday cheer from 470 feet above Dallas at the GeO-Deck. Join Santa and his elves for photos on Dec. 14 from 12–3pm.
Texas Ballet Theater texasballettheater.org 877/828-9200
TBT presents The Nutcracker in Dallas Nov. 29–Dec. 8 and Fort Worth Dec. 13–29. Select Saturday matinees include Kingdom of Sweets craft and activity center one hour before the performance begins.
The Theatre at Grand Prairie theatregp.com 972/854-5092
Cirque Musica presents Holiday Wishes brings a holiday story to life in a full theatrical cirque event for the entire family. Featuring the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica with your favorite holiday hits all performed live by a full symphony orchestra.
Town of Little Elm littleelmspecialevents.com 972/731-3299
Live reindeer, pictures with Santa, a light parade, a 5K, and more! Come visit Little Elm during Christmas at the Beach for the best holiday sightings! See ad on page 17.
Trains at NorthPark thetrainsatnorthpark.com 214/631-7354
The Trains at NorthPark has been a Holiday family tradition for 32 years! Support the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas while enjoying the best toy train exhibit in DFW. For more information, visit thetrainsatnorthpark.com. See ad on page 21.
Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery vetroartglass.com 817/251-1668
Create your own hand-blown glass ornaments at Vetro Glassblowing Studio this holiday season! Or visit our onsite Fine Art Gallery to purchase beautiful artistmade ornaments, along with fine art glass jewelry, lighting, sculptures and more.
Visit Mineral Wells merrywells.org 940/325-2557
Merry Wells is more than a festival, it's a month of holiday fun and festivities. Day-long festival, lighted Christmas parade, photos with Santa, Lighted Homes Scavenger Hunt, events and activities from Nov. 30–Dec. 25. See ad on page 9.
Still have room in your stocking for more holiday events? Bundle up and glide through our online calendar that has got a sleigh full of festive activities around the DFW area.
dfwchild.com/calendar
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Photo credit: Charles Davis Smith, AIA
ronwommack.com
county/locavore. dallas
influencer /
©ISTOCK
WINNING RECIPE a q&a with kidpreneur Ti’Ani Mitchell WORDS
ELIZABETH QUINN
T
ODAY, ROSTINN AND TI’ANI MITCHELL WOKE UP AROUND 5AM AND
headed out the door for some walking and jogging. Starting every day with a clear mind is important for this mother-daughter duo. “CEO” reads 12-year-old Ti’Ani’s shirt, while Rostinn’s reads “CEO’s Mom.” They’ve been making waves in Cedar Hill (and beyond) with what might seem like a simple Saturday activity—selling lemonade. As a Girl Scout, Ti’Ani wanted to entice people to stop and buy cookies, and offering lemonade seemed like the perfect fit, but when demand grew, Rostinn and Ti’Ani realized they had a potential business on their hands. They participated in the Kidpreneur Expo at St. Philip’s School and Community Center to sharpen their business savvy and ended up repeatedly winning awards. We sat down with Ti’Ani and her mother to talk about Ti’Ani’s accomplishments and plans to give back to her community. → dfwchild.com / november 2019
53
dallas co. / I N F L U E N C E R started with Girl Scouts… Most people give us $5, and most Girl Scout cookies cost $4. So that $1 can go toward lemonade. But the lemonade is also on the table to bring people to our table. It wasn’t a business at first. It was just something we used to play with, and when most people coming asked for the lemonade instead of the cookies, we knew we had something. Child: How did St. Phillip’s help y’all? Rostinn Mitchell: We only went there with
ing v i g s k Than Rocks!
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november 2019 / dfwchild.com
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All instructors have earned Graduate Degrees in Music
going to have to dummy that down.” That just killed my spirit, you know? He said our business wasn’t a very lucrative business. He said, “But what makes yours so much different from everybody else who does lemonade? Everybody does lemonade.” From the back of the room, I could see [Ti’Ani] from the back, and it was like somebody took a pin and stuck it in a balloon, and the air was just seeping out slowly. I just saw her whole demeanor change. Child: How did you bounce back? TM: I looked at my mom,
and she said, “Don’t you stop a few jars of lemonade not knowing what believing in that lemonade. You to expect. Later on, we found it got this.” was a competition. She won first Child: Any future plans? TM: With place the first year. We were all the money, I want to put it into just going to get knowledge a building, and I want to make on how to run a business and the building a home for homeless how to get our name out there. women, kids and men, and they So they invited us to come back can stay there as long as the second year. [Snaps.] they need because most Won again. Then we went homeless shelters, they again last year. We won just tell them they can second place this time. We stay there for a couple of never came here to comdays, but then they need pete. So to be here and winSPREAD THE LOVE to leave. Or most homening every year, that says less shelters, it’s not for a lot our product and her To try some lemonade that’s humble spirit. made with love, contact Ti’Ani and women and men and chilRostinn on their Facebook and dren; it’s for women and Child: How do you preInstagram pages. You can buy any children. I want them to pare for these expos? TM: flavor (25 and counting, including feel it’s their actual home. Well before I go to the tropical, spicy watermelon, Child: Is there a reason expos, I go in the mirror, blackberry, black cherry limeade that’s what you want to do and I tell myself, “You’ve and pineapple) for $12 per gallon. with the money? TM: Yes, got this; you’ve got this.” I They also sell sweet teas and because every year we go believe in God, so I say this an adult flavor called Twisted Lemonade that is $22. All the to this event where we saying: I can do all things flavors come in a sugar-free pass out food to homeless with strength in me. So that’s what I use to encour- version too. Can’t decide? Ti’Ani’s people, and it’s hard seefavorite flavor is peach. ing how those people live. age myself. And when I RM: It’s called The go there, I also use people If you’re out and about, you Purse Project. We do who hate on me or say I can also find their lemonade it every year [with Girl can’t do it, I use that as at Winner’s BBQ (in Cedar Hill Scouts]. Each girl is energy. That doesn’t affect and Plano) and Meijays Creole responsible for filling me. It just helps me more Cooking (a traveling food truck). the purse with items that to do my business. women, children and men RM: The night before, Search “LeMonADE with Love” on Facebook. may need. For the men, we literally spend a full we do backpacks, but for day preparing for that one Instagram: the women, we do purses. day’s event. @lemonade_with_love_tiani We take them out, and we TM: Five pitchers pass them out to certain makes one cooler, and we areas of downtown Dallas. take two to three coolers. The first year that we did it, a classmate that RM: On top of that, we do the mason I used to go to school with recognized me jars, and we take those full already. We do in giving. But when I saw the friend in that the 32-ounce jars. So we’re pumping out predicament, it touched me to where I had 60–70 gallons of lemonade for those expos. to sit [Ti’Ani] down just to show her I used Child: Have there been any hard times? RM: to roll with that kid and look at where they [St. Philip’s] had an event a couple months are. So that just kind of sparked something ago where all the winners were able to come in her. So one day, she said, “I know what back to a room. One of the guys there actuwe can do. We can take my money and ally told us… “Ugh, you’re going to have build a transition home. Maybe we can hire to do something else because nobody cares people to teach them life skills.” about 25 flavors of lemonade. So you’re
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSTINN MITCHELL
DFWChild: Tell me about LeMonADE with Love. Ti’Ani Mitchell: LeMonADE with Love
Pumpkin Help Create October 5–November 2 $60/pumpkin // Reservations Required
Extreme Ornament Help Create November 15–December 28 $50/ornament // Reservations Required
GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Traditional Ornament Experience November 23–December 23 $30/ornament // No Reservations
fortworthmuseum.org
& FINE A R T GALLERY
701 S Main St, Ste 103 Grapevine, TX 76051 817.251.1668
vetroar tglass. com AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF
AMERICAN ART
You’re in for a surprise. After an exciting renovation, we’re transforming the way you can experience American art, with reimagined galleries, expanded exhibition spaces, and new events. Always free. Always inspiring.
THINK YOU KNOW THE CARTER? THINK AGAIN.
Discover the new Carter. CARTERMUSEUM.ORG #CARTERART @THEAMONCARTER Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986), Series 1, No. 1, 1918, oil on composition board, © 2012 The Georgia O’Keeffe Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
dfwchild.com / november 2019
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dallas co. / G R E E N
SCENE
DALLAS’
CUSTOM PAINTINGS 469.254.8762 juliandounleystudios.com
presents
November 29–December 3 Tickets $10–$20 Playing at the Eisemann Center, Richardson To purchase tickets Nov 29–Dec 1, visit eisemanncenter.com/events-tickets To purchase school matinee tickets Dec 2–3, visit www.creativeartsforchrist.com
ROSE HAGGAR PARK LOCATION: 18100 Campbell Road, right next to Rose Haggar Elementary School. There is a dedicated parking lot that can hold only a handful of cars. (To exit, you must go through the elementary school’s lot.) BEST FOR: Toddlers and older kiddos to build their strength. There is no shortage of climbing areas at this park, and the structure itself has futuristic, geometric obstacles, which can be a fun change of pace from other playgrounds. From ropes to metal to plastic climbing structures, this playground is very interactive and meant to be played on all over. There are also two regular and two baby swings, a tennis court, a kickball field, a basketball court, and a grassy area. There’s also a NEOS Ring with games such as duck, duck, goose and tetherball, but the system wasn’t working when we checked the park out. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: Find a shaded pavilion with picnic tables and two grills nearby to keep you cool. Reservations can be made for the pavilion. Kids can keep quenched at the water fountain next to the park while they run around. Mom, there’s one shaded bench under a tree near the front of the park. (All the other benches are not shaded.) SAFETY: The road adjacent to the park is used for residential neighborhood access, so it can be slightly busy at times. There is a little bit of green between the park and the road, but stay vigilant. —Elizabeth Quinn
+
+ Shaded pavilion + Water fountain nearby + Safe area next to a school
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-
- No restrooms - No shade on the structures - Wood-chip surface
Overall Grade: 4/5 swings
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH QUINN
Julian Dounley Studios
NC19-Dallas Child 3.5.pdf
16
9/24/19
3:22 PM
Dallas Repertoire Ballet Mark your Calendar for
December 7, 3–8pm
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Friday, Dec. 13th at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 14th at 2:00 pm* and 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 15th at 2:00 pm
A Holiday Tradition on the Farm, discover the Innovations of the 1920’s Cost: $5
*sensory-friendly performance designed for children with sensory processing disorders and special needs
Eisemann Center 2351 Performance Drive Richardson, Texas 75082
For tickets call
972.744.4650
Order online at www.eisemanncenter.com This organization is funded in part by the City of Richardson through the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission.
The Academy of Dance Arts is the official school of the Dallas Repertoire Ballet — www.danceada.com
Cookies with Santa
December 13 • 10–11:30am • Cost: $15 Check out details on our website:
heritagefarmstead.org 1900 West 15th St. | Plano, TX 75075 | 972-881-0140
dfwchild.com / november 2019
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dallas co. / K I D S
EAT CHEAP
Cowboy Chicken | Southern
See Sunday for details.
Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex
Kids age 12 and younger eat for under $2. Two discounted kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal, all day. Dine-in only. Deal also offered on Tuesday. Number of discounted kids’ meals varies by location. Multiple locations; cristinasmex.com Denny’s | Diner Up to two free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal from 4–10pm. Drinks not included. Details vary by location. Deal also offered on Tuesday, though days vary by location. Multiple locations; dennys.com Modern Market | Farm-to-Table
Fill little tummies by spending a crisp Lincoln or less. Know of a deal we missed? Send us an email at editorial@dfwchild.com. = Kids eat free EDITED BY EMILY YEARWOOD
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; 972/9340165; bluemesagrill.com Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
Free kid’s entree with purchase of an adult entree from 5PM to close. 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 Sunday only at the Greenville Avenue restaurant); other details vary by location. Multiple locations; cowboychicken.com Dickey’s | Barbecue
Free kid’s meal with purchase of a $10 adult dine-in meal, all day. Age 12 and younger. Also, free ice cream every day with dine-in purchase. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; dickeys.com Freebirds World Burrito | Tex-Mex
Free kid’s entree with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Age 12 and younger. Multiple locations; freebirds.com 58
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
Modern Market | Farm-to-Table
Kids eat free from 5 to close. All ages. Dinein only. Deal also offered on Monday. Details vary by location. 7949 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 101, Dallas; 469/532-0206; modernmarket.com Oliver’s Eatery | Deli
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal, all day. Dine-in only. Age 12 and younger. Deal also offered on Saturday. Kids’ meals are under $5 on weekdays. 4727 Frankford Road, Suite 373, Dallas; 972/818-5445; oliverseatery.com Simply Fondue | Fondue
Paradise Bakery | Deli
Free kid’s meal after 4pm with purchase of an adult entree. Deal also offered on Tuesday. 13710 Dallas Parkway, Dallas; 972/503-1800; paradisebakery.com Poké Bop | Asian American
Free kid’s meal with a purchase of an adult entree, all day. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. Deal also offered Tuesday–Thursday. 4140 Abrams Road, Dallas; 214/821-7653; 4103 Lemmon Ave., Dallas; 469/608-5407; ilovepokebop.com Posados Cafe | Tex-Mex
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal, all day. Age 12 and younger. 4000 Towne Crossing Blvd., Mesquite; 972/682-0688; posados.com The String Bean | Southern
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult dinner entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. 1310 W. Campbell Road, Richardson; 972/385-3287; thestringbean.com
TUESDAY
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex
See Monday for details.
Free kid’s plate with purchase of an adult entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. 2108 Greenville Ave., Dallas; 214/827-8878; simplyfondue.com
Denny’s | Diner
Slim Chickens | Southern
Burgers are half off on Family Night from 5–9pm. Deals from $2.50. 8185 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 1400, Dallas; 469/206-3305 3318 Lakeview Parkway, Rowlett; 469/4430731; hatcreekburgers.com
Free kid’s meal with purchase of one adult meal. Age 10 and younger. Dine-in only. 9100 N. Central Expressway, Dallas; 469/4669016; slimchickens.com Steak ’n Shake | American
Free kid’s meal for every $9 spent. Dine-in only. Age 12 and younger. Deal also offered on Saturday. Multiple locations; steaknshake.com
MONDAY
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
See Monday for details. Hat Creek Burger Company | Burgers
Jed’s Grill | Burgers
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree over $8, all day. Age 12 and younger. 1001 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas; 469/291-5001; jedsgrillrestaurantdallas.com Luna Grill | Mediterranean
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal
ILLUSTRATION BY ARIANA LEYVA
KIDS EAT CHEAP!
meal deals for every day
See Sunday for details.
from 4 to close. Dine-in only. Age 10 and younger. 8165 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 1300, Dallas; 469/480-8480 1419 E. Renner Road, Suite 510, Richardson; 469/677-6812; lunagrill.com
November 29 to December 23
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; 972/490-9464 5500 Greenville Ave., Suite 406, Dallas; 214/363-9464; pluckers.com
What’s on your Christmas list?
Poké Bop | Asian American
See Monday for details.
Slater’s 50/50 | Burgers
Kids age 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with purchase of an adult entree, all day. At this location only. 2817 Greenville Ave., Dallas; 214/8880158; slaters5050.com
Plan your family’s perfect wish-list weekend at the Hilton Anatole. Enjoy breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Clause, explore Peppermint Park, and celebrate the holiday season in style!
Texadelphia | Deli
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entre, all day. Dine-in only. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; texadelphia.com
2201 N Stemmons Fwy Dallas, TX 75207 214 748 1200 • ChristmasAtTheAnatole.com
WEDNESDAY
Braindead Brewing | American
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. 2625 Main St., Dallas; 214/749-0600; braindeadbrewing.com Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
Charco Broiler | Steakhouse
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree from 5–9pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. 413 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas; 214/9426806; charcodallas.com Colter’s Texas Bar-B-Q | Barbecue
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult platter after 4pm. All ages. 3904 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas; 972/298-3335; coltersbbq.com Luby’s | Cafeteria
Penne Pomodoro | Italian
Up to two free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult entree from 4–10pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. Deal offered all day at the Preston Road location. 1924 Abrams Parkway, Dallas; 214/826-6075 11661 Preston Road, Suite 143, Dallas; 214/368-3100; pennepomodoro.com
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Free kid’s plate with purchase of an adult dine-in meal, all day. Age 12 and younger. Deal also offered on Saturday. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; lubys.com
dfwchild.com / november 2019
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EAT CHEAP
Poké Bop | Asian American
See Monday for details.
THURSDAY
Beto’s Mexican Restaurant | Tex-Mex
Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entree after 5pm. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. 2530 W. Interstate 20, Grand Prairie; 972/660-1289; eatatbetos.com
vary by location. 2625 Old Denton Road, Suite 572, Carrollton; 972/242-2889 9780 Walnut St. Suite 270, Dallas; 972/8893888; crab-station.com El Fenix | Tex-Mex
Kids’ meals cost $4.99. Age 12 and younger. Multiple locations; elfenix.com Golden Corral | Buffet
Café Brazil | Breakfast/Brunch
See Sunday for details.
Kids age 3 and younger eat free. Multiple locations; goldencorral.com
El Chico Café | Tex-Mex
Hook Line & Sinker | Seafood
Kids age 12 and younger eat for 99 cents from the Little Amigos menu with purchase of an adult entree, all day. Details vary by location. 1111 N. Interstate 35 E., DeSoto; 972/228-2133 503 Interstate 30, Rockwall; 972/7718814; elchico.com Poké Bop | Asian American
See Monday for details.
SATURDAY
Blue Mesa Grill | Tex-Mex
See Sunday for details.
El Rincon Mexican Kitchen | Tex-Mex
Free kid’s entree with the purchase of an adult entree from 11am–1pm. Age 12 and younger. 1114 S. Elm St., Suite 100, Carrollton; 469/892-6429; elrincontx.com Luby’s | Cafeteria
See Wednesday for details. Oliver’s Eatery | Deli
See Sunday for details.
EVERY DAY
AREPA TX | Latin
Kids’ menu options from $5. All ages. 5940 Royal Lane, Dallas; 214/396-8866; arepatx.com Big Al’s Smokehouse | Barbecue
Kids’ meals from $3.75. Age 12 and younger. 3103 Lemmon Ave., Dallas; 214/965-0707; hookline-sinker.com IKEA | Swedish Kids’ meals start at $2.99. Age 12 and younger. 1000 Ikea Way, Grand Prairie; 888/8884532; ikea.com Keller’s Drive-In | Burgers
Menu options from $1.55. Details vary by location. 10226 Garland Road, Dallas; 214/319-6060 10554 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas; 214/357-3572 6537 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas; 214/368-1209 McAlister’s Deli | Deli
Kids’ meals cost $1.99 when you dine in and $2.99 for takeout. Age 12 and younger. Details vary by location. Multiple locations; mcalistersdeli.com Original Pancake House | Breakfast/Brunch Kids 12 and younger eat from $3.19. Multiple locations; ophdfw.com Pakpao Thai | Asian Kids’ meals from $5 with purchase of an adult entree. All ages. Details vary by location. 1628 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 120, Dallas; 214/749-7002 7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 150, Dallas; 214/484-8772; pakpaothai.com
Free kid’s 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; 214/350-2649; bigalsbbq.com Blatt Beer & Table | Burgers
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Chipotle | Tex-Mex Kids’ meals from $3.95. All ages. Multiple locations; chipotle.com The Crab Station | Seafood
Kids’ meals from $4.99. All ages. Details 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.
ILLUSTRATION BY ARIANA LEYVA
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Kids’ meals from $4. All ages. 7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas; 469/3722080; blattbeer.com
Samee’s Pizza Getti | Italian
Kids eat for $4.95. Ages 12 and younger. 561 E. Interstate 30, Rockwall; 972/722-5835; sameespizzagetti.com Shady’s Burgers | Burgers
Kids’ meals from $5. All ages. Details might vary by location. 9661 Audelia Road, Dallas; 469/726-2920 2701 Custer Parkway, Suite 915, Richardson; 214/484-2689; shadysburgers.com Start | American
Kids’ meals from $3. All ages. Details vary by location. 4814 Greenville Ave., Dallas; 214/265-1411 4023 Lemmon Ave., Dallas; 214/599-7873; startrestaurant.net Subway | Sandwiches
Kids’ meals from $5. Details might vary by location. Multiple locations; subway.com Texas de Brazil | Brazilian
Kids age 2 and younger eat free. Kids ages 3−5 eat for $5. Details vary by location. 15101 Addison Road, Addison; 972/385-1000 2727 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas; 214/720-1414; texasdebrazil.com Thai Box | Asian
Kids age 12 and younger eat for $4.25. 4816 Belt Line Road, Addison; 972/233-3269; thaiboxusa.com Torchy’s Tacos | Tex-Mex
Kids’ meals from $2.50. Details might vary by location. Multiple locations; torchystacos.com
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GRAPEVINE MILLS 972.539.5001 rainforestcafe.com
Tropical Smoothie Cafe | Sandwiches
Smoothies from $2.99; entrees a la carte from $3.49. Smoothies are discounted when added to entrees. All ages. 4560 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 118, Dallas; 214/351-7037; tropicalsmoothiecafe.com Twisted Root | Burgers Kids’ meals starting at $4. All ages. Multiple locations; twistedrootburgerco.com Unleavened Fresh Kitchen | American
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 Velvet Taco | Tex-Mex
Kids’ meals starting at $3. All ages. Details might vary by location. Multiple locations; velvettaco.com Which Wich | Sandwiches
Kids’ meals are free when you purchase a meal. Age 10 and younger. Details vary by location. 4135 Belt Line Road, Suite 120, Addison; 972/404-9424 232 W. Campbell Road, Richardson; 972/705-9424; whichwich.com Whistle Britches | American
Kids’ meals from $3. Age 12 and younger. 6110 Frankford Road, Dallas; 972/590-8991; whistlebritcheschicken.com Yolk | Breakfast
Kids’ meals from $4 with purchase of an adult entree. Age 12 and younger. Dine-in only. 1722 Routh St., Suite 132, Dallas; 214/855-9655; 8315 Westchester Drive, Dallas; 469/351-0344; eatyolk.com Zoës Kitchen | Mediterranean Kids’ meals from $3.99. All ages. Details might vary by location. Multiple locations; zoeskitchen.com dfwchild.com / november 2019
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confessions
MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN
WE TRIED A NEW SIPPY CUP WITH A SUCTION TOP. THE TOP WOULDN’T STAY, AND IN MY ATTEMPT TO FIX IT, THE TOP BURST OFF, EXPLODING MILK IN MY SON’S FACE.”
“The first time I took my new baby to my sister’s house to babysit, I was overprepared with multiple outfits, toys and blankets. I even had several bottles made … that I left at home. All that prep and no food!”
MY HUSBAND PUT OUR 6-MONTHOLD SON TO BED. HE WOKE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT CRYING; HE AND THE BED WERE SOAKING WET. MY HUSBAND FORGOT TO PUT A DIAPER ON HIM BEFORE PUTTING HIS PAJAMAS ON!”
—KISHIA, FORT WORTH
—ASHLEY, DALLAS
I once sent my kid to school dressed up for character day a week early.” —CHRISSY, DENTON
—AUDREY, FORT WORTH
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COMPILED BY LISA SALINAS
november 2019 / dfwchild.com
“While we were doing our Thanksgiving shopping, my 5-year-old granddaughter, who was eating Jelly Bellys, said very loudly, ‘This one tastes like beer!’ I immediately asked, ‘How on earth do you know what beer tastes like!?’ She said, ‘I meant root beer!’” —LEIGH, ARLINGTON
Got a funny parenting moment you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.
I slept late Thanksgiving night and was half asleep the next morning when I woke up. I put two different socks on my 11-month-old son without realizing, only to be told by the day care provider that my son threw the ‘oddly designed’ sock somewhere and she couldn’t find it. Now he’s got only one sock of that design.” —ARPITA, PLANO
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