DFWChild May 2021

M AY 2 021

MEET HOW TO THE COOKIE START SOCIETY’S HOLIDAY MARISSA TRADITIONS ALLEN MOM NEXT DOOR MARI CAN HIDALGO THERAPY HELP KING YOUR CHILD?

BREAK STORIES OF THE2020 CYCLE ACHIEVING SOBRIETY PROTECTING KIDS HOW NORTH TEXANS AND COPED IN A CHALLENGING YEAR

8 HIKING TRAILS YOU’LL LOVE

ACTION!

TEACH KIDS TO MAKE A MOVIE

SUMMER GUIDE TO GALVESTON

+ +

MAKE THE MOM HOLIDAYS APPROVED MORE PEDIATRICIANS THAN GIFTS

H S I L P S

!

H S SPLA Stand on the EdGe of Adventure

Get up close and discover some of the world’s largest animals at the Fort Worth Zoo’s all-new habitat, Elephant Springs! Experience the Asian elephant herd and greater one-horned rhino splashing, rumbling and roaming alongside lush, tropical landscapes and an authentic village, transporting you to the other side of the world.

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pages / M A Y

2021

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 7 Hearts and Minds

Every kid is sad, anxious and fearful at times. When do you seek help?

REAL MOMS 11 Mom Next Door / Marissa Allen

This cookie pro talks about starting

11 7

ABOVE // Frisco mom Marissa Allen is serving up mouthwatering gourmet cookies through her storefront and online business—and even Oprah has taken notice.

FEATURE

ON THE COVER

INFLUENCER

31 Positive STEPS

Horses help the journey to wellness

KID CULTURE 37 Crew Call

18 The Bond that Breaks Us

her business with two babies and a husband in the NFL, then opening a storefront during the pandemic

14 Briefs / One Smart Cookie Our Mom Next Door shares a batch of her favorite (delicious!) places

16 Routines / Lanna Nguyen A peek at this Grapevine mom and business owner’s busy day, from an early-morning HOA meeting to late-night Go Fish

You’ve heard all the mommy’s juice quips—here’s the sobering reality of addiction, and how to bring about recovery words Erin Hayes Burt

Is your child the next Spielberg? Here’s how to get them started on filmmaking

42 Travel / Sea Spell

Take the family on an island adventure along the Texas coast

PEOPLE + PLACES 53 Green Scene / Trail Mix

SPECIAL SECTION

Lace up your sneakers, load up the bikes—here are some of the best places to hike and ride in Dallas-Fort Worth

23 Mom Approved Pediatricians

ALLEN FAMILY: DOROTHY GAUTREAUX; BOY CRYING: CRYING ©ISTOCK ILLUSTRATION: MARY DUNN; EQUINE THERAPY:JANA VINSON

Explore facts about kids’ health and the Dallas-Fort Worth doctors and nurse practitioners our readers love for their

little ones

31

COLUMNS

Cover Kid: Avarie, 5 Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Hair/Makeup: Lana Adams / Kim Dawson Agency Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

62

4 Hello / Rise and Shine

Make your kids—and yourself—a priority in the season ahead words Heather Vance Devers

62 Confessions / Mom Truths

Memorable parenting moments, from young body shamers to the case of the missing mouse dfwchild.com / may 2021

3

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

New Beginnings Start Here

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Pediatric Behavioral Center

I

NOTE

rise and shine

F I HAD TO CHOOSE my favorite month of the year, May would be it. The weather is perfect, everything is green and lush, and the kids are getting out of school: Summer is upon us.

When I was a kid, I remember getting out of school in May and feeling like the world was at my feet for the next three months. I was going to camps, making new friends, and excited for a vacation. As a mom, I still get that feeling—well, a modified, less footloose-and-fancy-free version. After all, I am the one booking the camps for my kids, planning the vacations for the family, and driving to and from playdates. Seeing my daughter and son so happy and relaxed is rewarding, but let’s be honest: Summer is a lot of work for parents. That’s why I like to make sure I line up activities that I will enjoy right alongside my kids.

Sometimes it’s as simple as a morning outing to a farmers market, where I can grab some produce for the week and they can pick a sweet treat. Or we’ll head out for a hike at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (check out our Green Scene on page 53 for a list of awesome hike-and-bike trails across DallasFort Worth); I take in some vitamin D while the kids get out their wiggles. I make sure to take care of myself while taking care of them, because honestly, that’s better for everyone.

Speaking of self-care—this is our mental health issue, a topic that is more important than ever. The last year has been hard on everyone, even our kids. In March, Cook Children’s Medical Center reported a record number of children treated for suicide attempts.

With that shocking information in mind, we put together a story on how to know if your child would benefit from therapy (page 7).

Meanwhile, our feature article on page 18 talks about the realities of alcohol addiction for parents. I know many moms leaned on an extra glass of wine (or two or three) to manage the stress of the pandemic, and for some, that casual drink may have turned into a real problem. We talked to a local mom who shared her story of alcoholism and recovery, while experts share what all parents should consider about their own drinking habits.

Whether it’s connecting you with resources for improved wellbeing or compiling your family’s summer bucket list (coming up in our June issue), we’re here to help.

Be Well,

Heather Vance Devers

DEVERS FAMILY: KORENA BOLDING SINNETT

hello / E D I T O R ’ S

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dfwchild.com / may 2021

5

BOY CRYING: ©ISTOCK; THERAPY: NOUN PROJECT

noted.

HEARTS AND MINDS how therapy can benefit your child WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

S

ABRINA BLAKELY NOTICED HER SON’S INTENSE ANXIETY after a misunderstanding in the bathroom. Blakely (who asked to remain anonymous) found her son, then 4, trying to flush essentially a whole roll of toilet paper.

“My reaction wasn’t the greatest,” the Frisco mom admits. “And I made a comment that he was going to flood the bathroom.”

To a young child, the word flood was terrifying. In fact, Blakely’s son quit using that bathroom altogether. “He thought he would die by drowning in there,” she said. “And a small ceiling crack made him think our roof was going to collapse. There was nothing I could say that would calm him down.”

That’s why Blakely, who had seen a counselor for years, decided to take her son to therapy.

While his concerns were unreasonable, they were very real to him. dfwchild.com / may 2021

7

noted / H E A R T S

AND MINDS

SEE THE SIGNS Anxiety, depression, anger problems, grief: these diagnoses and conditions apply to children, even if the situations they face are different from grown-up problems.

“Thoughts are often at the crux of the struggle” that brings someone to counseling, says Kyrstin Jimenez, Ph.D., of Clear Life Counseling & Testing in Frisco. “Kids might face a similar situation with a bully or feeling left out, but it’s their thoughts that inform how they feel about it. If kids think, I have other friends and activities; I can get through it, that’s one thing. But when a child thinks, I’m not lovable if those people don’t like me, then you have a problem.”

The situation that might result in mistaken beliefs, as therapists call them, can be in any realm: friendships, behavior, a parent-child relationship or academic struggles, for example. Another child’s problems may involve a big change, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one (including a pet).

Many parents try to help their children deal with a troubling circumstance on their own, but that method doesn’t always succeed. Parents may be too close to the problem their child is experiencing, or they could be part of it. And therapists are specially trained to diagnose and work with children. Plus, some kids just do better with an outside individual. “I think it’s really good for kiddos to have a trusted adult who is not their parent to talk about hard stuff with,” says Blakely, noting that the therapists at Connect to Thrive in Plano have helped her son and daughter (who has depression) with everything from social skills and getting along at home to general emotional well-being.

Mental health problems in children have become more common recently. Isolation from friends, virtual school, perhaps the illness or even the death of a family member—those things take a toll. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an increase in children and adolescents diagnosed with anxiety or depression, according to Becky Taylor, Ph.D., a professor of counseling in the College of Education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Taylor points to a study that showed a 24% increase in emergency room visits for mental health crises in children ages 5–11 in the past year, and a 31% increase for those ages 12–17. “The problem is magnified when you consider that these [situations], unlike an accident, did not occur suddenly,” Taylor notes, “but were developing for a while

before someone took notice and recognized the need for help.”

A general guideline for seeking professional help is when there is a significant difference from how a child typically acts. “If you can’t figure it out or you need support in dealing with the situation, you want to take them to counseling,” Jimenez explains. “If they’re having accidents, crying all the time, isolating and shutting down, even if they’re an adolescent—anytime there’s a big shift in demeanor, or when what you’ve tried to do isn’t working, look into counseling.”

THERAPY PLAY-BY-PLAY For young children, from toddlerhood up to age 10 or 12, play therapy is standard. Play therapy doesn’t require children to verbalize; instead, toys and play are used to understand what’s happening, unravel a child’s emotions and teach coping mechanisms. While parents or other lay people may see simple play, trained counselors will see metaphors, patterns and emotional expressions that children are communicating.

Older children, up to age 17, may take part in activity therapy, using items such as puzzles or art supplies to engage with the therapist and work on areas of concern.

Sessions are often limited to the child and the therapist; if you ask what happened, “don’t be surprised if the child says, ‘We just played,’ or, ‘Nothing much,’ because children often do not understand the therapeutic process,” Taylor says.

But parents of children in counseling will get information and insight. “The parent should work with a therapist who includes the parent, whether through consultation, insession training where the parent works with the child through coaching by the therapist, or family therapy,” Taylor adds. “Depending on the severity of the issues, it may take several months or longer to see progress, but progress is often amplified when parents take part in the therapy process.”

That’s how Blakely approaches her children’s treatment. In addition to the kids’ own sessions, she meets with their counselors and occasionally sits in on sessions when asked.

Blakely’s kids have graduated from therapy and returned multiple times as they grow and encounter new situations, and she maintains that the benefits for the entire family are tangible. “When you’re able to work through things and come to a good place, there’s a lot more harmony.”

“THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD SAY THAT WOULD CALM HIM DOWN.”

8

may 2021 / dfwchild.com

G HIN C UN 6 LA MAY

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real moms.

RÉSUMÉ

AGE 30 CAREER PATH Owner and baker

at The Cookie Society, a gourmet cookie bakery LIVES IN Frisco HAILS FROM Plano ALMA MATER University of Illinois, where she played soccer HER SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband Jeff Allen, a retired NFL player who is CFO of The Cookie Society CHILDREN Daughter Joy, 6, and son Jay, 4 WHERE TO FIND HER @CookieSociety on Instagram; cookiesociety.com; in the store, located at 9320 Dallas Parkway, Suite 160, Frisco

Marissa Allen is a Collin County native; she moved back home after having children.

COOKIE: NOUN PROJECT

mom next door /

MARISSA ALLEN living the sweet life

INTERVIEW BY

HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

PHOTOGRAPHER

D O R O T H Y

GAUTREAUX

M

ARISSA ALLEN HAS HAD A WILD YEAR. After finding success with her online cookie bakery that shipped nationwide, she and her husband Jeff Allen (a former offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs) decided it was time to launch a storefront for The Cookie Society near their family’s home in Frisco. After their meticulous planning, the couple were ready to open the bakery’s doors. They never imagined that a global pandemic would force them to close almost right away.

“Frisco was on lockdown. So we’re like, ‘All right, well, we’re going to do curbside,’” recalls Allen.

And it was a hit. People began lining up at the store to snag some of Allen’s treats, and just months later, The Cookie Society became one of Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2020. Allen is now looking ahead toward more locations and out-of-state expansion. “I’m tired just thinking about it,” says Allen of all that has happened with her business, “but it’s the most exciting thing.” dfwchild.com / may 2021

11

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

/ MOM NEXT DOOR

DFWChild: Where did your love of baking begin?

Marissa Allen: In my family, that’s our thing. My grandmother had a small catering company in Louisiana when my dad was growing up. She was like, “I’m going to teach you.” So we made pie and bread and cake. Never cookies. I think my family is shocked that I make cookies now.

C: How did you decide on cookies?

MA: We went to New York and visited Levain Bakery, and that was my first time seeing a specialty [cookie] bakery. It was so inspiring to me that [the owner] was making something good enough that she only had to sell one product.

C: How did you turn that inspiration into your own business?

MA: I have a food blog, firstandfull.com, but it’s mostly savory recipes, like quick dinners for professionals and families. But I kept testing cookie recipes. The cookies would go to the locker room with my husband, and the other players started making requests. My mind was blown. It was crazy because I had a 4-month-old and a 1-year-old. And we were away from family then.

C: What was it like to start a business with two young children and Jeff traveling?

MA: It is complete divine intervention that we made it to this point, because I was so exhausted. I would take [the kids] to school. I would rush to the commercial kitchen, do what I had to do there, get to UPS because I was still personally dropping off packages, then go pick up the kids. For weekends, I’d pick the kids up early, fly to Kansas City, watch the game. I was on the 6am flight from Kansas City every other Monday for almost two years. I had a suitcase of cookies, each kid had a backpack, plus I had car seats. That was not sustainable.

C: How did your family end up back home in Dallas-Fort Worth?

MA: We wanted to be closer to family. I’m an only child, so my parents were hurting. They’re like, “Our only grandbabies are so far away.”

C: When did your business really take off?

MA: In 2018, I remember crying because I got into the Dallas Farmers Market. I was so excited, because you have to try out—it’s a whole process.

And I had to defer my admission because Jeff was going back to play [in Kansas City]. I was like, “This is it. I can’t do this. I can’t keep up.” But

somehow, we coasted through. We did a big holiday [in the business] that year, but I was keeping really tight numbers on inventory. I did that for two years before we were like, “Let’s open Frisco.”

C: How did you keep the store going in 2020?

MA: We would run to cars and say, “Are you here for cookies?” Some people were actually here for a margarita because you could get a to-go margarita from Blue Goose [Cantina] next door.

But they’re like, “Well, what do you have?” So we run back and get a menu. It was laminated. And then we’d have to bleach it. I don’t know how we survived, but we did.

C: That would be hard enough, but you also had kids at home. How did you manage?

MA: I was always at the bakery by 5 or 6am.

Jeff would get up with the kids, then come into the bakery at 11am or noon, when my mother-in-law would come over to watch the kids.

C: Your cookies were one of Oprah’s Favorite Things at Christmas. That had to be surreal.

MA: At first, we thought it was a hoax, because the email was one line. And I was like, “How would they find me?” [Then the Oprah representative] said, “Put me in contact with your PR.” I was like, “Should I create another email address so I look like I have PR?” We sent them our boxes, and they replied, “What about a crate?” So I’m calling around, “Who can make crates for me?” We’re also sending cookies to New York, Los Angeles, Seattle. Once the cookies were approved, they said, “We need a final [crate] prototype.” We found someone and sent the crate prototypes to Oprah’s team, and they liked them.

I asked our manufacturer, “How many more can you make?” And we put the money down.

We hadn’t received the final, green light that we would be on the list, so it was risky, for sure.

C: Where do you see yourself in five years?

MA: We’re looking at new [store] spaces now. I want to expand outside of Texas—Kansas City, Chicago, places that we really love.

I also want to enjoy my kids while they’re young. We’re always asking, “How can we remove ourselves from this part of the business? How can I separate myself so that the business can be bigger than me?” Hanging out more with family, that’s definitely in the next five.

“THE COOKIES WOULD GO TO THE LOCKER ROOM WITH MY HUSBAND, AND THE OTHER PLAYERS STARTED MAKING REQUESTS. MY MIND WAS BLOWN.”

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dfwchild.com / may 2021

13

real moms /

BRIEFS

ONE SMART COOKIE

One of The Cookie Society’s not-to-miss treats.

delectable spots for every occasion, recommended by marissa allen

1

BEST BREAD

“WE REALLY LOVE GOLDEN GRAIN BAKERY. YOU CAN GET FRESH CROISSANTS, FRESH BREADS, SANDWICHES. THEY MAKE BEAUTIFUL BREADS, AND THEY’RE MY FAVORITE.”

2

HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

“We love Val’s Cheesecakes. If I’m in Dallas, I’ll swing by there and bring some back for everybody. And J. Rae’s has the best frosted sugar cookie I’ve had.”

FO O D I E BO UTI Q U E O F CH O I CE

VAL’S CHEESECAKES // multiple locations; valscheesecakes.

com J. RAE’S DALLAS // 5600 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 143, Dallas; jraesdfw.com

WH E R E TO S TAYC ATI O N—A N D E AT

4

GOLDEN GRAIN BAKERY // 5160 Collin McKinney Parkway, Suite 100, McKinney; goldengrain-bakery.com

3

FO R S WE E T-TO OTH S ATI S FAC TI O N

“We’ve got to go to Bishop Arts and go to Salty Donut. And I love pizza, so Eno’s Pizza, which is down there.” THE SALTY DONUT // 414 W. Davis St., Dallas; saltydonut.com;

ETTIENE MARKET, [A KITCHEN AND PANTRY STORE] IN MCKINNEY. I WENT FOR THE FIRST TIME AND BOUGHT CANDLES, AND I LOVED IT. THAT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE.

ETTIENE MARKET // 115 Louisiana Blvd., McKinney, and 402 W. Eighth St., Dallas;

ENO’S PIZZA TAVERN // 407 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas; enospizza.com

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

5

DATE-N I G HT D I N I N G g CASUAL: “We like Mexican Bar Company at the Shops at Willow Bend. My husband Jeff lives for the lobster tostadas.” g UPSCALE: “Nick and Sam’s or Hillstone, if we’re going to the city.” MEXICAN BAR COMPANY // 6121 W. Park Blvd., Suite RS-10, Plano; mexbars.com NICK & SAM’S // 3008 Maple Ave., Dallas; nick-sams.com HILLSTONE // 8300 Preston Road, Dallas; hillstonerestaurant.com

ettienemarket.com

MARISSA ALLEN: DOROTHY GAUTREAUX; COOKIE: COURTESY OF COOKIE SOCIETY BREAD: COURTESY OF GOLDEN GRAINS; CHEESECAKE: COURTESY OF VAL'S CHEESECAKES; DOUGHNUTS: COURTESY OF SALTY DOG; DISH: COURTESY OF MEXICAN BAR COMPANY

INTERVIEW

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15

/ ROUTINES

a thursday in the life of

LANNA NGUYEN

Grapevine mother Lanna Nguyen proclaims herself a night person, but she is still up with the sun. Nguyen is the owner of Smoothies Paradise in Irving; her husband Robert is a supervisory analyst for Fidelity Investments.

They’re the parents of 5-year-old Olive, a rising kindergartner who has been home since the pandemic began— keeping the couple even busier than usual. (Thank goodness for iPad time!)

6

:50AM I wake up before the alarm goes off—why does that happen? This morning, I have an HOA meeting at 7:45am. Robert is already in the home office, working away.

7AM I go into the home office to talk with Robert about the day ahead and come up with a game plan for Olive. We float ideas for the business. I write out an old-fashioned to-do list and shopping list.

7:15AM I’m in the kitchen prepping breakfast, usually something pretty simple. I also prep all our lunches for today and make sure dinner is prepped for later.

7:35AM Time to get ready. It takes me only 10 minutes; I’m a jeans-and-T-shirt mom.

7:45AM I run out the door to meet with my HOA group outside. This is so important to me because I have been blessed to be part of great communities my entire life. My neighbors are some of my closest friends now.

9AM I’m back in our office replying to emails

and text messages, then I start the process of payroll. I can get a lot done when Olive is asleep.

9:30AM Olive is up and asks for her usual milk and a movie. I give it to her and set up all her activities—some independent, some with Dad— for while I’m gone. Giving Olive an iPad usually gives Robert a good 30 minutes of time to get things done. Olive has been home with us since the start of COVID-19—a blessing and curse.

I’m thankful Robert will be holding down the fort while I’m gone today.

10AM I’m out of the house, heading to Sam’s Club. I probably visit this place at least three times a week.

11AM I open my shop, Smoothies Paradise. Business has picked up, so I’m short-staffed. Today, I’m mostly an employee helping customers. In between, I’m taking inventory and calling and texting in my orders for the week before 1pm. I make more lists for the following days.

3PM Employees relieve me from my shift. I spend a few minutes giving them a rundown of the day.

3:15PM Headed from Irving to Addison. I have a meeting with a product manager helping me with a new product.

3:40PM I run in late to this meeting—good thing he does too! We have an extremely productive meeting. He doesn’t have a lot of extra time, and neither do I. 4:30PM The guy loads my car with new product, and I rush home to Grapevine. During traffic, I call my mom in Austin. We haven’t seen her as often as usual because of COVID-19. She’s excited that we’re vaccinated, and she and my dad want to come for a visit this weekend. Yay! 5:15PM I get home to find Olive and her dad playing Uno. She asks to go outside to play with her friends. I let her ring doorbells and gather as many friends as she can to play for the next hour, before dinner. Today is chalk drawing in the driveway. I do some light yardwork and try to figure out what to do with the dead bushes left from the February snowstorm.

6:30PM We go inside. As I am preparing dinner—Chilean sea bass, spinach and rice—Olive goes upstairs and plays grocery store by herself.

Mom guilt kicks in. I invite her down to help me make dinner.

7PM Dinnertime—my favorite time of the day.

We have silly conversations over our short meal.

It always takes longer for me to cook and prepare dinner than it takes to eat it. I clean up and prep tomorrow night’s dinner to make things easier for me the next day.

8PM I have two new employees tonight, so I run back out to my shop to check up on them. They seem fine. I help them close, and we all head out at 9pm.

9:20PM Olive and her dad are having a dance party. [Boy band] BTS is the new thing in my house. (Don’t ask.) I was the bad guy and asked Olive to do bathtime and try to settle down.

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the North Texas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by DFWChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space.

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

NGUYEN FAMILY: BETH GOLD PHOTOGRAPHY

real moms

the fine

print

FAVORITE INDULGENCE The center of a Cinnabon roll. If it’s in front of me, I can’t stop. WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY Like most moms, Target!

FAVORITE CHEAP MEAL WITH HER FAMILY Spaghetti BEST PURCHASE EVER My

Dyson Animal cordless vacuum.

We don’t have a pet right now, but it cleans better than the normal vacuum. I don’t know if I could live without it. LANGUAGES SHE SPEAKS English, Vietnamese and conversational Spanish FAVORITE DRINK Green tea (iced or hot) BEAUTY PRODUCT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Chapstick and the Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Moisturizer

WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL I eat. MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Unconditional love. Fun. Rewarding. Stressful. HOBBIES Baking,

DYSON V8 ANIMAL+ CORDLESS STICK VACUUM: DYSON; CINNAMON BUN: ©ISTOCK

cooking, gardening, crocheting, crafting, walking, watching sports SHE WISHES SHE HAD MORE TIME TO Take my family on vacations. LOOKING FORWARD TO Giving hugs and shaking hands without it being weird. BEST ADVICE SHE’S BEEN GIVEN From Grandma Nguyen: “Nothing is permanent, not even your troubles.”

CELEBRITY MOM SHE ADMIRES I admire working moms with multiple kids. You’re the real celebrities to me!

10:30PM She’s settled in bed and wants to play a game of Go Fish. We play about five games before I turn off all the lights. We toss and turn and chit-chat for 30 minutes before Olive finally falls asleep. Yes, we’re late-night people.

11PM I call this my magic time because I can get so much done when the house is quiet and nobody is bothering me. I catch up on the day’s obligations, like writing recommendation letters for my two high school senior employees. The letters look very similar. Hope they aren’t applying to the same places!

12:30AM I go through the emails I skipped this morning. If you get emails from me, most of them come from this hour. Late!

1:30AM I’m getting tired, so I take a shower and wind down. I always turn on the TV for background noise while I reflect on the day. Today, I have total mom guilt, like I didn’t spend enough time with my kid. I should have put Olive back in school. But I did my best. Tomorrow is another day.

2:15AM Goodnight, DFWChild moms!

Have to go to sleep so I can get up and do this again tomorrow.

Mom Approved 2021 WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS

NOMINATE TODAY! PLUS BE ENTERED TO WIN A $250 VISA GIFT CARD

SCAN WITH CAMERA TO NOMINATE

Survey closes May 13

dfwchild.com / may 2021

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

R

E

A

K

B

THE BOND THAT

S

US

Alcohol can bring people together and tear them apart.

How to recognize you have a problem—and encourage healing in your family WORDS

LAURA FOSTER WOKE UP DROWSY.

ERIN HAYES BURT

WINE. IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER.

Today we may know more about alcoholism and addiction, but it’s cloaked just as effectively. Mommy culture on social media runs on jokes about wine, vodka, margaritas. A search for “Mommy needs…” on Google ends in 10 different drinks. Jessica Lahey, who is the author of The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence, notes that mommy-culture messaging may be meant for moms, but it isn’t lost on children. “It’s pretty disastrous modeling for kids. They hear and see these things, and what sticks is ‘I need alcohol because you’re so stressful.’”

There’s a reason the pop culture references stick. “Women are twice as likely to have anxiety disorder as men,” Lahey states in the book.

“And women with anxiety disorders are more likely to use alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms. In fact, women with anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse alcohol than to drink normally, and progression from alcohol use to dependence happens faster in these women.”

She says it was true in her case, too: “The drink I miss the most is the one right before a party.”

A barrier to recognizing a problem with alcohol or any other substance is that addiction is largely diagnosed through self-disclosure.

Most formal assessments still rely on an addict’s willingness to admit their habits and recognize that those habits are problematic. “If you think that you have an addiction, you probably do,” says Ann Qualls,

CLIFF: ©ISTOCK

Actually, she didn’t wake up, not on her own. She remembers her husband shaking her awake, trying to rouse her because it was Christmas morning. Foster (not her real name) had been out late, really late, crawling into bed around 2 or 3am after a family gathering. Her husband was trying to get her up so they could play Santa for the kids.

Foster distinctly remembers not being physically able to get out of bed, but she didn’t want to say that out loud.

“They’re too little,” she told him. “They won’t even know.”

Foster had a hard time identifying herself as an alcoholic. Partly because she was in denial, like many tend to be, but partly because she blended in so well in her very social Dallas family. It was hard to realize she might have a problem. “Drinking is a big part of our family gatherings. My grandfather died of alcoholism, but we didn’t talk about it as a problem. My aunt died in a one-car accident on [U.S.] 75, not long after getting two DUIs. This was in the ’70s. No one called that alcoholism.”

Foster didn’t call it alcoholism when she drove drunk. “In college, I drove my car off a cliff into the side of an apartment building at 2am.

There was a hole in the wall next to the pillow of a bed, but the girl who lived there had slept out that night. It was a miracle no one was hurt.”

That could have been a wake-up call, but family connections kept Foster from experiencing repercussions. “My mother was married to a federal judge then, so I got off with no consequence, not even a ticket.”

dfwchild.com / may 2021

19

BE WILLING TO BE THE 98TH PIECE

“I knew they were into drugs, but I didn’t realize the types of drugs they were using or just how bad the situation was,” remembers Allie Calhoun of her son and daughter-in-law. Calhoun got custody of her granddaughter after figuring out that her son and daughter-in-law were addicts and had been for years.

“They were jittery, evasive. They wouldn’t ever stick around. They couldn’t look me in the eyes.”

Today, Calhoun’s granddaughter lives with her mom, who is eight-years sober. But the consequences remain. Calhoun’s granddaughter still has trust issues, abandonment issues and outbursts.

“I wish I had called them out earlier,” Calhoun says. “But I was afraid that they would take the baby and run, and then I wouldn’t be able to keep her safe anymore.”

20

may 2021 / dfwchild.com

The anxiety of confronting a friend or family member is very real, agrees Lahey. But, she says, put your concerns out there anyway. Couch it with love, and go ahead and have the discussion.

Just because you don’t see a signficant change in that person as a result doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth saying something. “It’s a puzzle with 100 pieces, and piece 100 can’t happen without piece one,” Lahey points out. “I’ve been the 100th piece, and that feels great. But it doesn’t usually happen that way.”

There often is a tipping point that brings a sense of awareness. “For many people, the way they finally realize they have a problem is when they lose everything—their job, the kids—and they have no other options,” says Medley, who advocates for brutal honesty in approaching a friend or family member who is struggling with an addiction. “Don’t disregard their feelings, but do disregard your fear over how it’s going to make them feel.” In the case of a family member, Medley says it is especially helpful to consider bringing in a professional addiction interventionist, who can facilitate the conversation.

Melissa Silva, a licensed therapist at Stages of Recovery as well as a recovering addict and parent, agrees. She is one of many addicts who were in denial until family stepped in. “My parents and ex-husband came and took the kids, and that’s finally what did it. I thought, Maybe they’re right.

Maybe my life is unmanageable.”

THE CYCLE OF ADDICTION

Issues with abandonment and attachment are a problem that lingers in the children of alcoholics and other addicts, and that’s often why people get addicted in the first place. Then the cycle repeats

itself as the next generation grapples with that lack of attachment.

“The thing that’s hard about alcohol,” notes Lahey, who struggled with her addiction before working in a recovery center for teens, “is that it can be a bond. The United States was dreamed up and planned and born in taverns. But for the 10% of people who can’t use substances normally, it leads to a place of isolation.”

In Foster’s family, alcohol was just a fun part of getting together. When she had kids, it got hard.

And then it wasn’t fun anymore. It was something that brought isolation, guilt and shame—a cycle now three generations deep.

This cycle of addiction, isolation, detachment, addiction occurs because most people deal with the addiction on the individual level. “It is helpful to think of the family system as a mobile,” a 2013 National Center for Biotechnology Information study puts it. “When one part in a hanging mobile moves, this affects all parts of the mobile but in different ways, and each part adjusts to maintain a balance in the system.”

“Children who grow up with addicted parents are ‘primed’ genetically, emotionally and experientially for addiction,” Lahey writes in The Addiction Inoculation. “They are not only more likely to become alcoholics, they are also more likely to marry an alcoholic even if they are not alcoholics themselves, thus perpetuating the intergenerational cycle of addiction.”

Genes account for 60% of the cause of substance abuse disorders. The other 40% is determined by environment and epigenetics. This is where parents, teachers and caregivers have a fighting chance to influence the outcome. The addiction cycle can be broken.

FAMILY: ©ISTOCK

a licensed professional counselor associate with His Story Coaching and Counseling in Grapevine.

“Diagnosing [yourself] is really just admitting you have a problem. If you’re not sure, find a therapist immediately for assessment.”

The fear of being found out is a big indicator for those who abuse alcohol. “One of the first red flags for many people is simply being afraid you’ll get caught, or realizing you had a near-miss,” says Jennifer Sartin, a licensed chemical dependency counselor with Alcohol and Addiction Support in Keller. She says the pandemic has had a huge impact on alcohol abuse. In addition to adding stress, the pandemic removed many people’s builtin accountability systems. “When you work 9am to 5pm, you can’t drink until 6pm. When you are working from home, 6pm turns into 5pm, then 4, then 3, then 2, then before you know it, you’re drinking around the clock.”

Sometimes, even when people are able to admit they have a problem, they decide to try to fix it themselves, rather than telling anyone. “There’s a stigma attached to being an addict or alcoholic,” says Stephen Medley, CEO and owner of Stages of Recovery addiction services in Fort Worth. “But there’s also a stigma to being in recovery.”

Going it alone may work temporarily, but it’s not likely to last. “White knuckling it may stop the addictive behaviors for a while,” Qualls warns, “but chances are it won’t stop the addiction itself, and relapse is more likely to happen.”

This is exactly what happened to Foster. “I thought it was a matter of willpower,” she explains.

“I would stay sober sometimes and all of a sudden, I would go on a bender and it was worse than ever. I finally got help.”

One major barrier to getting help is telling family and friends. Most people around Foster were surprised to learn of her addiction. Even when loved ones do know about a problem, they often don’t know how to tell that person they think there’s an issue, or what the process of realizing that you’re an addict looks like. “I justified everything,” remembers Foster. “As long as I had a sober adult around with me and the kids, I told myself I can drink what I want and that I’m not hurting anyone.”

THE BOND THAT BREAKS US

ABOVE // Parents who get into recovery can prevent addiction in their children as well as generations to come.

WRITING YOUR OWN ENDING

Preventing addiction begins with small conversations.

“Early on, the conversations aren’t about injecting heroin,” says Lahey. “They start with talking about general health and safety, like why we don’t swallow toothpaste, or why Grandma makes your uncle go outside to smoke.”

“You want to make sure you are using words they understand,” agrees Qualls. “Older kids may have more questions, and you want to encourage them to ask.”

Foster recognized that transparency with her children was important; even though her boys were just 3 and 5 when she entered recovery and she could have probably avoided the topic, she was open with them about it. “They know that Mommy has an allergy,” she says, “and that allergy is to alcohol. They know I can’t have it because it makes me sick.”

Starting the conversation isn’t necessarily easy, but research suggests that creating opportunities for family time bonds parents and kids—of all ages—and creates trust, making it easier for kids to bring up tricky subjects they have questions about. Of kids who eat less than three meals per week with family, about 30% use alcohol. But among those who eat dinner with their family five to seven nights per week, alcohol use drops by half, no matter what you talk about around the dinner table.

“Kids are more able to communicate with their parents if they feel a strong connection,” shares Qualls. “You can create that with family dinners, outings and other time spent together.”

Keeping an open dialogue is key. Create opportunities for connection and conversation, and don’t feel like you have to be the one talking the whole time. It can be easier to talk about tough subjects in the dark, or when you’re not having to look each other in the eyes. This could be while driving, hiking or having a conversation at bedtime. Be ready to be honest with your kids and give them real, data-backed information, whether answering questions about your experience with alcohol or addiction in general.

Research with teenagers in recovery backs up this approach. “We asked teens in our group, ‘What could an adult have said to you that would have made you think twice about using drugs and alcohol?’” says Lahey. “They told us they would have listened to real data about drug use, information on exactly how drug use affects the developing brain and the pros and cons. Drugs aren’t all bad, right? They do give you good feelings. But those feelings don’t last. And the high you get from a drug is accompanied by a low later that’s just as intense.”

Since anxiety and other uncomfortable emotions are a key reason many people drink heavily or become addicted to other substances, healthy coping skills go a long way toward a sober life— modeling good habits for children and cutting down on the chance of relapse for those who are in recovery. “You want to swap out behaviors,” Qualls advises. “What works best to eliminate a negative behavior is replacing it with a behavior that’s positive or beneficial.”

For those in recovery, Qualls recommends therapy, meetings and having a sponsor or other healthy support system. If you’re seeking counseling but are worried about the cost or don’t have insurance, ask providers about sliding scales, or if there’s a student completing their practicum in the practice who might need experience. For community and accountability, Qualls suggests evidencebased programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery. Individuals in recovery may also benefit from apps for guided meditation, breathing and grounding exercises. These can help take the edge off stressful moments while keeping someone present.

Relapse is a normal part of the recovery process, but for parents, it’s especially painful; you have an audience when you fail. This is when it’s important to have an open dialogue with kids and talk to them about your recovery process honestly, in an age-appropriate way. “Shame can keep parents from talking about that elephant in the room,” says Sartin, who had her own struggle with prescription medication as a parent. “Children who are raised in a situation where they see their parents go through something hard and come out on the other side often do better in life than kids who never see struggle. You’re modeling for your kids how to get up and move on.”

Recovering from addiction as a parent is a long journey, but it’s also an opportunity to stop the cycle. You’re healing not just yourself but also generations to come. Foster has no illusions about the journey she began three and a half years ago.

“Alcoholism is progressive, terminal and fatal.

[Left unchecked,] it never gets better. It always gets worse,” she says. Then she adds, smiling, “But it’s the only terminal disease where your life improves after you have been diagnosed and get into recovery.”

Seeking Help

Most addicts ultimately need treatment and support to reach recovery. Here are several resources.

ALCOHOL AND ADDICTION SUPPORT // Keller Licensed chemical dependency counselor for adults and adolescents; also provides family counseling. alcoholandaddictionsupport.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Provides fellowship and accountability through meetings and the 12-step program. fortworthaa.org, aadallas.org BURNING TREE PROGRAMS // Dallas Treatment offerings include mindfulness plus 12 steps, women only, long-term and young adult services. burningtree.com CELEBRATE RECOVERY Christian-based 12-step program with meetings and peer accountability. celebraterecovery.com HIS STORY COUNSELING AND COACHING // Grapevine Counseling for children and adults for a variety of issues, including addiction. his-story.org LIFE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES // Plano Substance abuse evaluations, addiction treatment and family counseling. lifemanagementresources.com NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Meetings and recovery support for those who have struggled with drugs. na.org NEXUS RECOVERY CENTER // Dallas Includes specialized services for women, adolescent girls and their accompanying children. nexusrecovery.org SAMHSA’S NATIONAL HELPLINE // 800/662-HELP Free, confidential information and treatment provider referral line from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

SOBER MOM SQUAD Virtual meetup opportunities, a resource library, peer support, webinars and more. sobermomsquad.com STAGES OF RECOVERY ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICES // Fort Worth Recovery coaching, family coaching and interventionist recommendations, with additional treatment services in Waco and Lubbock; stagesrecoverycenters.com dfwchild.com / may 2021

21

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved 2021

PEDIATRICS WORDS

THE EDITORS

TO THEIR HEALTH! KIDS MAY BE LITTLE, BUT THEIR WELL-BEING IS A BIG DEAL. HERE ARE A FEW FACTS AND FIGURES FOR PARENTS TO KNOW:

FIRST NOTICEABLE SIGNS OF

PUBERTY

FOOD ALLERGIES THAT TEND TO BE LIFELONG:

USUALLY HAPPEN IN GIRLS AT AGES

8–13

PEANUT

IN BOYS AT AGES

SOURCES: NEMOURS KIDSHEALTH; CHILDREN’S HEALTH; TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES; CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION; ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL; OFFICE OF DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

SHELLFISH

UNDER AGE 2

TREE NUT

AND

12–15

CHILDREN

FISH

SHOULD NOT WEAR A FACE MASK. IT CAN BE HARD FOR THEM TO BREATHE, AND STRINGS OR ELASTIC BANDS PRESENT A CHOKING HAZARD.

AGE 8 IS GENERALLY AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO LEARN TO SWALLOW PILLS. PILLS PRACTICE FIRST WITH PILL-SIZED FOOD.

67.3% 67.3%

CHEW ON THIS:

1 IN 10 AMERICAN CHILDREN DON’T CONSUME FRUITS OR VEGETABLES AT ALL ON A DAILY BASIS.

of Texas children born in

2015 and 2016 are up to date on recommended vaccines.

The U.S. average is

SUGAR-SWEETENED beverages account for 10% of the daily

68.5% 68.5%

caloric intake of children and adolescents. dfwchild.com / may 2021

23

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

T

hank goodness for pediatricians. These special doctors ensure our little ones’ well-being, make them better when they’re sick or hurt, and provide valuable guidance for moms and dads who just want to raise happy, healthy kids.

So how do you find the right doc for your family? Every year, we ask our readers to share the pediatricians, family doctors and nurse practitioners they love—for their expertise, kid-friendly warmth, outstanding nurses, helpful office staff and more. Here are the 2021 Mom Approved Pediatricians, Family Doctors, Nurse Practitioners and Pediatric Specialists. Head to dfwchild.com and click Directories to find all our Mom Approved providers and comments from parents who nominated them.

PEDIATRICIANS

Lluberes, Karla MD MD Kids Pediatrics Bachman Lake See ad on page 27

DENTON

DESOTO

ALLEN

Copeland, Emily MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

ARLINGTON

Curtis, Somer MD, FAAP Pediatricians of Dallas

Milici, Marjorie MD Baylor Scott & White Pediatric Center See ad on page 27

Davis, Rachel MD Children’s Health Specialty Center Dallas Campus

Mitchell, Damien MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

Huffman, Landon DO Kids Choice Pediatrics Dao, Vuong DO Cook Children’s Pediatrics Arlington See ad on back cover Gibson-Hull, Stacey MD SGH Pediatrics Nussbaum, Sherry MD Sherry Nussbaum MD Pilgrim-King, Karen MD Bright Star Pediatrics

BURLESON

Vert, Deborah DO Cook Children’s Pediatrics Burleson See ad on back cover

CARROLLTON

Manikonda, Neha MD MD Kids Pediatrics Carrollton See ad on page 27 Phan, Tam MD MD Kids Pediatrics Carrollton See ad on page 27 Rivera, Richard MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Carrollton - Hebron See ad on back cover Tucker, Michelle MD Castle Hills Pediatrics

DALLAS

Agrawal, Anuradha MD PGV Pediatrics P.A. Anglas, Pablo MD, FAAP MD Kids Pediatrics Wynnewood See ad on page 27 Bacsik, Sue DO Oak Cliff Pediatrics 24

Bergman, Barry MD Bergman Pediatrics

may 2021 / dfwchild.com

Drake, Casey MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Fernandez, Ernie MD Clinical Pediatric Associates Gore, Lauren MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Guimont, Sheree MD MD Kids Pediatrics Oak Cliff See ad on page 27 Jindal, Meenu DO, FAAP Comprehensive Pediatric Care See ad on page 29 Jowdy, Michelle DO Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine Lakewood Kammerer, Kristen DO Park Cities Pediatrics Karam, Albert G. MD Karam Pediatric Group Kravitz, Michelle MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Len, Julio MD Metro Pediatrics Lewis, Hillary MD, FAAP Pediatricians of Dallas

Nale, Daniel MD Pediatricians of North Texas, P.A. Oquendo, Marcial MD Oak Cliff Pediatrics Pass, Amy MD, FAAP North Texas Pediatrics See ad on page 29 Patel, Nikita MD, FAAP MD Kids Pediatrics North Cockrell Hill See ad on page 27 Roberts, Tana MD Pediatrics at Campbell Center Rogers, Donza MD Kessler Pediatrics Seidel, Jack MD Jack D. Seidel, M.D., P.A. Simon, Matthew MD Park Cities Pediatrics Spaeth, Stefanie MD Dr. Stef On Call Straughn, Christopher MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

Sanborn, Cheryl MD, FAAP Nuby Pediatrics Keyes, Elizabeth MD Pediatrics Southwest Longshaw, Jacquelynn MD Pediatrics Southwest

EULESS

Nnamani, Ijeoma MD, FAAP Ivy Children’s Clinic

FLOWER MOUND

Olteanu, Alina MD Whole Child Texas See ad on page 26 Piga, Naomi MD Piga Primary Care Associates Seibert, Lori MD Best Nest Pediatrics

FORT WORTH

Arnaout, Diane MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Forest Park See ad on back cover Gronberg, Michael MD Alliance Pediatrics

Burgess, Kim MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Flower Mound See ad on back cover

Hayes, Eriel MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Forest Park See ad on back cover

FRISCO

Hayward, Tamara MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Southwest Harris Parkway See ad on back cover

Bain, Deborah MD, FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP Healthy Kids Pediatrics Blair, Ronald MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Capote-Piga, Versallie MD, FAAP Piga Primary Care Associates Dickschat, Diana MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Hoang, Thai MD Stonebriar Pediatrics Hsu, Alison MD, FAAP, DABP Starside Pediatrics Huffman, Landon DO Kids Choice Pediatrics

Strong, Lily MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

Mannering, Isha MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

Tang, Lynda MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

McGonnell, Chris MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

Hippeli, Angela MD Cook Children’s Neighborhood Clinic Miller See ad on back cover Jones, Mark MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Henderson See ad on back cover Kinloch, Ramon MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Forest Park See ad on back cover Phillips, Alice MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Cityview See ad on back cover Powderly, Mary MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Magnolia See ad on back cover Spalla, Caroline MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Fort Worth - Clearfork See ad on back cover

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Wineriter, Nicole MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Keller - Heritage See ad on back cover

Reed, Kristina DO Cook Children’s Pediatrics Mansfield See ad on back cover

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

Young, John MD Young Kids Pediatrics

Wallace, Erin MD USMD Mansfield Pediatric

PLANO

GARLAND

MCKINNEY

Holliman, Joanne MD MD Kids Pediatrics Garland See ad on page 27

GRAPEVINE

Hopkins, Eric MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Grapevine Springs See ad on back cover McCoy, Michael MD Practical Pediatrics

HIGHLAND VILLAGE Adams, Amy MD Preferred Pediatrics Primary Care and Urgent Care for Kids

HURST

Deitchman, Michael MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Hurst See ad on back cover

Bonnet, Elizabeth MD, FAAP Pediatric Healthcare Associates Chinnareddy, Prasanthy MD Kids Klinic Eley, Cheryl MD Children’s Choice Pediatrics Frank, Catherine MD, FAAP Pediatric Healthcare Associates Menchaca, Virginia MD, FAAP Pediatric Healthcare Associates Reyes, Paul MD, FAAP Lone Star Pediatrics

Harston, Melanie DO Cook Children’s Pediatrics Hurst See ad on back cover

Smith, Kelley MD All About Children Pediatrics

Lopez, David DO Cook Children’s Pediatrics Hurst See ad on back cover

Blair, Ronald MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

IRVING

Kurian, Darlene MD Baylor Scott & White Medical & Surgical Clinic Las Colinas Williams, Tammi MD Baylor Scott & White Medical & Surgical Clinic Las Colinas

KELLER

Leffel, Alicia MD Kid Care Pediatrics

LEWISVILLE

Elhence, Sangeeta MD Lake Lewisville Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Levy, Kathryn MD Lake Lewisville Pediatrics See ad on page 28

MANSFIELD

Daniels, Clive MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Mansfield See ad on back cover

MESQUITE

Jindal, Meenu DO, FAAP Comprehensive Pediatric Care See ad on page 29 Lai, Wendy MD Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center Mesquite See ad on page 27 Lalwani, Mansi MD Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center Mesquite See ad on page 27 Straughn, Christopher MD Forest Lane Pediatrics See ad on page 28

MURPHY

Bilal, Kiran MD My Pediatrician Rosen, Myron MD Baylor Scott & White Pediatric and Adolescent Associates - Murphy

Dosu, Babatunde MD Metroplex Pediatrics

Henderson, Allison MD Allison Henderson MD See ad on page 28

Berger, Laurie MD West Plano Pediatrics

Naidoo, Randy MD, ABIHM, FAAP Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center

Berry, Marcy MD A Bright Future Pediatrics

Porter, John MD John Porter M.D.

Corrigan-Garrett, Nicole MD P.A.D. Plano

Pounds, Natalie MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

Gair, Ashley MD West Plano Pediatrics Goebel, Charles DO Pediatric Specialists of Plano Hayes, Amy MD P.A.D. Plano

Randles, Norah MD Richardson Pediatric Associates Smith, Abbie MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

Hebbur, Malini MD Village Pediatrics

Troendle, Sarah MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

Horn, Cheryl MD, FAAP Collin County Pediatrics

RICHLAND HILLS

Le, Janet MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Majeed, Muhammad MD North Dallas Children’s Clinic Mehendale, Kimberly MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Michaels, Shobha MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Mix, Angela DO West Plano Pediatrics Mobley, David MD Pediatric Associates of Plano Okammor, Chioma MD Village Pediatrics Rylie, Sarah MD A Bright Future Pediatrics Schwartz, Jay MD, FAAP Collin County Pediatrics Shouse, Theresa MD Pediatric Associates of Plano Sickler, Susan MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Taneja, Nancy MD, FAAP Collin County Pediatrics

PROSPER Bridgewater, Erin MD Centennial Pediatrics

RICHARDSON

Daniel, Richard MD Richard H. Daniel MD

Jaramillo, Alejandro MD Cook Children’s Neighborhood Clinic Richland Hills See ad on back cover

ROCKWALL

Benson, Todd MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Drake, Casey MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Laird, Nicole MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28 Waw, Kristen MD, FAAP Lake Ray Hubbard Pediatrics Wood, Virenda MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28

SOUTHLAKE

Benzick, Arthur Eric MD Baylor Scott & White Southlake Family Medicine Nichols, David MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Southlake See ad on back cover

TROPHY CLUB

Smith, Justin MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Trophy Club See ad on back cover

WYLIE

Luan, Rae MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28

Pecson, Grace MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics See ad on page 28

FAMILY DOCTORS GRAND PRAIRIE

Cunningham, Mara DO Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center Riverside

MCKINNEY

Chartrand, Daniel MD Harmony Family Health

NURSE PRACTITIONERS EULESS

Featherston, Elishia DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS True Connections Pediatrics

FRISCO

Clayborne, Annalise CPNP-PC Natural Choice Pediatrics See ad on page 13 Greco, Rebecca CPNP-PC Natural Choice Pediatrics See ad on page 13 Potter, Christie CPNP-PC Natural Choice Pediatrics See ad on page 13

RICHARDSON

Garvey, Chandra MS, RN, CPNP Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center

PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS FRISCO

Berry, Lindsay OD, FCOVD Optometry Vision Advancement Center Cavalier, MaryEllen MD Pediatrics/Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Joy & Crown Pediatric Specialists

PLANO

Dave, Mona MD Pediatric Gastroenterology Texas Digestive Disease Consultants dfwchild.com / may 2021

25

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD Pediatrics

4x Mom Approved Dr. Alina Olteanu is the founder of Whole Child Texas, a pediatric integrative, holistic, and functional medicine practice in Frisco, Texas. She is board-certified in pediatrics and in integrative and holistic medicine. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill. She did her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas and received her medical degree from the University of Medicine in Cluj, Romania.

She has extensive knowledge about herbs, supplements, homeopathy, aromatherapy, functional medicine, energy medicine, mind-body medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which she practices in combination with western medicine. Dr. Alina is also a meditation instructor certified by the Chopra Center and attended multiple meditation courses in India and the U.S. She loves teaching parents how to use meditation as a stress management tool.

Dr. Alina believes that healing is multilayered and multifaceted. There isn’t a one-size fits all cure or treatment.

At Whole Child Texas, our approach is slightly different from traditional medicine. We are not focused on just treating disease and symptoms; we treat the whole child by addressing all aspects of a child’s health — mind, body, emotions, spirit, family, and parenting. Our practice is rooted in integrative and functional medicine principles, along with a great respect for the progress and marvels of modern medicine. We also teach parents and their children — both healthy kids and those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression — how to cope with challenging, stressful situations in life, at school and at home, by offering guidance on a variety of mind-body techniques like meditation, breathing exercise, and guided imagery.

Services offered include wellness and sports physicals, acute sick visits and care of chronic conditions like eczema, asthma, allergies, PANDAS/PANS, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, defiance and other mood disorders, stress management and meditation, homeopathy, nutritional counseling and functional medicine. We also have a natural pharmacy on-site, that includes carefully selected, safe, and palatable herbal and nutraceutical grade products for children.

Dr. Alina believes that the environment plays a crucial role in healing. As you walk into the Whole Child Texas clinic you feel your stress melting away, like walking into a spa. Every design detail has been thought of with one goal in mind: healing. The soothing music, the relaxing essential oils diffused in the waiting room, the soft colors of the paint and the quiet cork floors, are an invitation to relaxation and safety, as a path to healing.

Dr. Alina strongly believes in treating the whole child, addressing all elements that contribute to a child’s health, using safe and scientifically proven treatments, and a large dose of LOVE.

Whole Child Texas 3550 Parkwood Blvd., Suite B-100 Frisco, TX 75034 214-736-1954 wholechildtexas.com

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Karla Lluberes, MD; Neha Manikonda, MD; Tam Phan, MD; Pablo Anglas, MD; Sheree Guimont, MD; Nikita Patel, MD & Joanne Holliman, MD Pediatrics 2x Mom Approved

MD Kids Pediatrics 1-888-776-5252 mdmedicalgroup.us

MD Kids Pediatrics’ mission is to provide easy access to health services; we do so by offering same day appointments, virtual visits, extended and weekend hours for your family’s convenience.

At MD Kids Pediatrics, our team of board-certified pediatricians are dedicated to meeting the health needs of your newborn, infant, adolescent or teen in Dallas, Denton, Collin, and Tarrant county. We have 142 healthcare providers in North Texas making us one of the largest medical groups. For more information about our clinics visit our website at mdmedicalgroup.us/locations/ md-kids-pediatrics or call 1-888-776-5252.

Dr. Lluberes – MD Kids Pediatrics, Bachman Lake 2750 W Northwest Hwy., Ste. #170, Dallas, TX 75220

Drs. Manikonda and Phan – MD Kids Pediatrics, Carrollton 3044 Old Denton Rd., Ste. 138, Carrollton, TX 75007

Dr. Anglas – MD Kids Pediatrics, Wynnewood 655 W Illinois Ave., Ste. 216, Dallas, TX 75224

Dr. Guimont – MD Kids Pediatrics, Oak Cliff 3434 W. Illinois Ave., Ste. 306-3 Dallas, TX 75211

Dr. Patel – MD Kids Pediatrics, North Cockrell Hill 4351 DFW Turnpike, Ste. 150 Dallas, TX 75211

Dr. Holliman – MD Kids Pediatrics, Garland 3050 S. 1st St., Ste. 209 Garland, TX 75041

Mansi Lalwani, MD & Wendy Lai, MD Pediatrics

Dr. Mansi Lalwani, a two-time Mom Approved doctor and board-certified pediatrician, treats newborns to children 18 years of age. She holds special interests in childhood nutrition and development, ADHD, learning difficulties, asthma, and allergies. Her patients’ families love how she works with them as a team to provide quality care.

Dr. Wendy Lai, who trained at a pediatric hospital ranked #3 in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, has the experience to help parents navigate the challenges of keeping their child healthy and safe. From premature infants to adolescents up to age 21, she thrives on building long term relationships with her patients and their parents.

Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Mesquite 1575 Interstate 30, Mesquite, TX 75150 • 469-800-2800 bswhealth.com/wendy-lai bswhealth.com/mansi-lalwani Physicians are employees of HealthTexas Provider Network, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2021 Baylor Scott & White Health.

Marjorie Milici, MD Pediatrics

7x Mom Approved Marjorie Milici, MD provides compassionate medical care to the children of Dallas and their families.

Dr. Milici focuses on wellness, prevention and education and has been practicing alongside the providers at Baylor Scott & White Pediatric Center for over 25 years. Her professional interest includes well care, adolescent health care, developmentally challenged and learning different children. Dr. Milici is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans. She partners with Dr. Jenny Clifford, who is also accepting new patients. For our patients safety, Baylor Scott & White Pediatric Center is offering virtual care, as well as curbside testing including strep, flu and Rapid Covid testing.

Baylor Scott & White Pediatric Center 9101 N. Central Expy., Ste. 420, Dallas, TX 75231 214-823-2525 • bswhealth.com/PediatricCenter Physician is an employee of HealthTexas Provider Network, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health ©2021 Baylor Scott & White Health

dfwchild.com / may 2021

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ronald Blair, MD; Emily Copeland, MD; Diana Dickschat, MD; Michelle Kravitz, MD; Isha Mannering, MD; Christopher McGonnell, MD; Damien Mitchell, MD; Christopher Straughn, MD; Lily Strong, MD; & Lynda Tang, MD Pediatrics 9x Mom Approved At Forest Lane Pediatrics, we have 15 outstanding board-certified pediatricians in 3 offices who are dedicated to optimizing the physical, mental, and emotional health of your child. We have separate waiting rooms for well and sick patients as well as virtual visits. We also have fantastic lactation consultants and an extensive website with great information to help you care for and nurture your child from birth to college.

Forest Lane Pediatrics Locations in Dallas, Mesquite and Frisco 972-284-7770 • 972-629-2250 • 972-526-0700 forestlanepediatrics.com

Todd Benson, MD; Casey Drake, MD; Nicole Laird, MD; Rae Luan, MD; Grace Pecson, MD & Virenda Wood, MD Pediatrics 9x Mom Approved Pecan Tree Pediatrics is proud to have six physicians voted DFW Child’s 2021 Mom Approved Pediatricians.

Congratulations to Todd Benson, MD; Casey Drake, MD; Nicole Laird, MD; Rae Luan, MD; Grace Pecson, MD and Virenda Wood, MD. Pecan Tree Pediatrics has three locations to serve our families: Rockwall, Wylie and our newest location in Lakewood. Our Lakewood office is located at 6301 Gaston Avenue, Suite 125P, Dallas, TX 75214. Please call 214-214-3100 for appointments. More information on Pecan Tree Pediatrics can be found on our website: pecantreepediatrics.com.

Pecan Tree Pediatrics 6301 Gaston Ave., Ste. 125P, Dallas, TX 75214 • 214-214-3100 3360 W. FM 544, Ste. 910, Wylie, TX 75098 • 972-429-4800 1005 W. Ralph Hall Pkwy., Ste. 135, Rockwall, TX 75032 • 972-772-3100 pecantreepediatrics.com

Sangeeta Elhence, MD & Kathryn Levy, MD Pediatrics

6x Mom Approved Dr. Sangeeta Elhence has been in practice in the DFW community since 1995. Her interests include childhood development, nutrition, and travel health. She is certified to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder in young children. At Lake Lewisville Pediatrics, she provides care for children and young adults from birth to 22 years of age.

Dr. Kathryn Levy has practiced in the Lewisville/Flower Mound community since 1993. She see patients from birth through college helping them develop as individuals who are competent managers of their own health. She has pursued additional training to support breastfeeding and nutrition, and for treating mental health issues like anxiety and ADD.

Lake Lewisville Pediatrics 2141 S. Edmonds Lane Lewisville, Tx 75067 972-315-8500 • llpediatrics.com

Allison Henderson, MD Pediatrics

5x Mom Approved Dr. Henderson is a board certified pediatrician who has been providing excellence in pediatric care for over 20 years. She offers well child exams, sports/camp physicals, management of chronic disease, same day sick appointments, support for ADHD/learning difficulties, labs, EKG, allergy testing, pulmonary function tests, ear piercing and more. She has an on-site therapist because she believes mental health is just as important as physical health.

Dr. Henderson is committed to the health and happiness of children locally and globally and has led medical mission trips to Haiti, South Sudan, Kenya, Romania, Colombia, Guatemala and the Amazon River Basin.

Allison Henderson, MD 1112 N. Floyd Rd., Ste. 8 Richardson, TX 75080 214-484-8802 • allisonhendersonmd.com

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mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Meenu Jindal, DO, FAAP Pediatrics

3x Mom Approved Compassion...Community...Comprehensive Care. This is the motto of Dr. Meenu Jindal, a boardcertified pediatrician with 15 years of experience. At her offices in Casa Linda/White Rock lake area and Mesquite/Sunnyvale area, families will find a nurturing, welcoming place for their children. Dr. Jindal is affiliated with Children’s Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center. She takes a special interest in guiding new parents and pediatric learning and developmental problems like autism. Her practice philosophy is to integrate holistic care with evidence-based pediatric care. To learn more about team Comprehensive Pediatric Care, visit dallaspeds.com.

Comprehensive Pediatric Care 1151 N. Buckner Blvd., Ste. 203, Dallas, TX 75218 214-324-4221 2379 Gus Thomasson Rd., Ste. 200, Mesquite TX 75150 972-686-6400 • dallaspeds.com

Amy Pass, MD, FAAP Pediatrics

Dr. Amy Pass is honored to be a 2021 Mom Approved pediatrician. Dr. Pass joined North Texas Pediatrics in 2018, and she is very proud to lead the practice with Dr. Lori Accordino and their caring staff. Dr. Pass found her calling in general pediatrics, helping children and their families from the first day of newborn life, through the challenges of adolescence. Dr. Pass has a passion for personalizing care for each child, educating her patients about their health, as well as their illnesses. Her patients describe her as knowledgeable, nurturing and empathetic. Located in North Dallas, North Texas Pediatrics welcomes patients from the greater DFW area.

North Texas Pediatrics 12200 Park Central Dr., Ste. 255 Dallas, TX 75251 214-553-0705 • northtexaspedi.com

Mom Approved Want more resources for health care?

Visit our online directory:

dfwchild.com/directory PEDIATRICIANS // COUNSELORS THERAPISTS // WOMEN’S HEALTH DENTISTS // ORTHODONTISTS WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS

dfwchild.com / may 2021

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FOR AUTISM DR. REGINA CRONE INTRODUCES AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM

The acronym STEM has become a known National educational initiative to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and you don’t need to hold a degree in engineering or computer science to see that STEM is everywhere. From ordering groceries online, using cell phones or even checking traffic we encounter STEM daily.

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influencer.

S.T.E.P.S. EQUINE THERAPY: JANA VINSON; HORSE: NOUN PROJECT

Young clients at S.T.E.P.S. With Horses do play therapy in a ranch environment.

POSITIVE STEPS

equine therapy’s mental health benefits INTERVIEW BY

SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

H

ORSES ARE MAJESTIC CREATURES. Their manes, big eyes, strong bodies and peaceful dispositions are awe-inspiring—so it’s no wonder that equine therapy is a powerful tool for mental well-being. We spoke to Hallie Sheade, co-founder of S.T.E.P.S. With Horses—located in Cresson, a city just outside Tarrant County— about the transformations they’ve seen in children and adults from all over Dallas-

Fort Worth.

DFWCHILD: Tell us about the origins of S.T.E.P.S. With Horses.

Hallie Sheade: My husband Paul Ziehe, a [U.S. Marine Corps] veteran, and I started S.T.E.P.S. in 2017 to expand equine-assisted mental health services and to increase access to these services.

I have a Ph.D. in counseling, and I’m a licensed professional counselor supervisor as well as a registered play therapist supervisor, and have been practicing equine-assisted counseling for dfwchild.com / may 2021

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influencer / P O S I T I V E

STEPS

more than 10 years. I’ve seen many clients [The horses] notice many cues indicative of struggle to access high-quality mental health a person’s emotional state, such as breathing services, with cost being the main barrier. rate, heart rate, body language, facial expresThat’s compounded by the fact that many sions, tone of voice, even scent. The feedback clients, especially military and at-risk youth, the equine provides assists the client in gaining are reluctant to try office-based approaches. insight into thoughts, feelings, behaviors as We created S.T.E.P.S. to help fill that gap. they’re happening in the moment. The counC: You mentioned military and at-risk youth; selor helps them connect those experiences to are they your primary clients? any challenges they’re facing. The clients also HS: We specialize in working with military have the opportunity to practice problemservice members, veterans, their family memsolving, decision-making, calming skills and bers, at-risk youth and others with mental communication skills that can be applied to health needs. Most commonly, we [work daily life. with those] experiencing posttraumatic stress, C: What about equine therapy for kids? aftereffects of trauma, depression, anxiety, HS: We use an approach I developed, Equinechild behavior problems, and social skills and Partnered Play Therapy, for kids ages 4–10. self-esteem issues.

We recreated the traditional play C: What makes interacting with therapy room in a ranch environhorses so restorative? ment. Miniature equines are HS: Research has demoninvited into the therapy strated numerous benefits process, and the child has the of interacting with animals, opportunity to include the such as reduced blood equines in their play as they pressure, reduced anxiety, work through things. [The increased [positive] horkids] can express themselves mones and decreased stress … but also project their feelhormones. It’s also been shown ings onto the equine. that animals help facilitate relaC: Can you tell us about a child tionship development you have worked with? between people. The HS: Sam [whose name presence of horses suphas been changed for ports the development privacy] started coming of a strong therapeutic to us at age 7. Sam’s relationship. father served in the As prey animals, military, and Sam and equines are constantly his parents lived all over S.T.E.P.S. (which stands for Spectrum aware of everything the world. His parents of Therapeutic Equine-Partnered and everyone in their brought him to counselServices)​With Horses is always in need environment. For this ing because he had diffiof donations in order to provide no-cost culty getting along with reason, they have a high services or financial assistance; the level of attunement to kids his own age. Sam organization is also in the process of human feelings, even would tell his parents raising funds for a facility. You can donate that he often felt sad those feelings that we through stepswithhorses.org. ourselves may not and angry; he had years consciously know we’re of problem behaviors, experiencing. That including tantrums and makes equines ideal trying to hurt himself, partners in counseling. They’re inherently [which] resulted in frequent hospitalizations. genuine and authentic, non-judgmental, When he first began working with [us], Sam empathic. We view equines as true partners in was very unaware of how his behavior affected the healing journey. those around him. He would frequently C: How does treatment work? run to the horses screaming and waving his HS: It focuses on lessening symptoms or hands. He was unconcerned that the horses disorders. It can also help people cope with moved away from him. Over the next several challenges and experience greater meaning in weeks, Sam began to try out different ways of their lives. Interaction with equines is used in approaching and talking to them. He noticed conjunction with a variety of counseling tech[the horses] wanted to be close to him when niques, including trauma processing, cognitive he was calm and quiet; they chose to approach behavioral strategies, motivational interviewhim on their own accord. By befriending the ing, mindfulness and grounding skills. horses, he learned how to make friends.

There’s no riding involved. Working with Soon, his parents [told us] Sam was acting the horses in their natural environment, more nurturing to the family dog; he also without attempting to exert control over started trying to make friends at school. He them, allows them to respond to the client in told [his parents] he was happy again, and his a natural manner, as if the client were a part teachers noticed he was more focused. Today, of the herd. he’s finding healthy ways to relate to others.

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S.T.E.P.S. EQUINE THERAPY: JANA VINSON; HORSESHOE: NOUN PROJECT

STEP UP

PROMOTED CONTENT | HOW-TO GUIDE

HOW-TO GUIDE

Everyone’s into life hacks these days. We want to do things better, faster and without complications. So here’s our How-To Guide for a simplified family life.

How to Improve Your Child’s Social IQ Does your child struggle with peer interactions, changes in routine, new experiences? Does it always feel like a social struggle at school or on a playdate?

A shaky social pragmatic foundation can be the result of a learning difference, language disorder, ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder or no diagnosis at all. Our children have had few opportunities to practice social skills in the past year. Improving your child’s social intelligence quotient can impact conversation skills, friendships, peer conflict resolution and problem solving.

Your involvement as a parent is as easy as infusing perspective-taking

and empathy skills into your everyday life. Become your child’s “social coach” and help raise their social IQ with these tips.

Serving students in preschool through high school, Oak Hill Academy fosters social intelligence by incorporating social learning into the students’ daily schedules and offering small group social lessons. We offer a differentiated, multisensory approach to learning where students learn to thrive.

oakhillacademy.org facebook.com/OHADallas instagram.com/OakHillAcademyDFW

3 Social IQ Building Tips

RECOGNIZE DIFFERENT THOUGHTS IN OTHERS

Explain that others have different “thought bubbles.”

Practice using new language such as “I am having a thought about…” Notice others’ body language and make guesses on emotions, thoughts, motives and intentions.

READ BOOKS AND WATCH MOVIES

Discuss each character’s thoughts, feelings and motives ­— including the villains!

MEET PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES

Volunteer, interview a grandparent, watch documentaries or vacation to new places to broaden perspective on different ways people live. dfwchild.com / may 2021

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PROMOTED CONTENT | HOW-TO GUIDE

How to Choose the Right Dog Day Care and Boarding Facility Trust Camp Bow Wow® with your furry family member As a pet parent, there are many things to consider when choosing a facility to take care of your furry child. Trust is a critical factor that should be at the top of every pet parent’s mind, along with these other important aspects:

• Will my dog only play with dogs of similar size?

• What other personalized services are available for my dog?

• Are there webcams available so I can watch my dog?

• Is the staff trained or certified?

• What are the safety features?

• How often will my dog have access to play yards and outside areas?

• Will my dog play with other dogs, and if so, are the other animals properly socialized?

For those times you can’t be with your pup, Camp Bow Wow will give you confidence that your dog is in safe, qualified and loving hands. With 12 locations in DFW, Camp Bow Wow is a one-stop shop for all your pet care needs — in addition to doggy day care and boarding, many locations also

offer individual enrichment, training and grooming services.

See the Camp Bow Wow difference yourself by stopping by anytime for a tour, or schedule your dog’s free interview day by visiting campbowwow.com/dfw.

Coppell: 769 S. MacArthur Blvd. #233, Coppell, TX 75019 • 972-393-2267

campbowwow.com/dfw facebook.com/campbowwow

Dallas High Five: 13730 Floyd Cir., Dallas, TX 75243 • 214-575-9663 Fort Worth: 1751 Eastchase Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76120 • 682-207-2296 Grand Prairie: 117 N Belt Line Rd., Grand Prairie, TX 75050 • 972-264-3647

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Grapevine: 1200 Texan Trail #300, Grapevine, TX 76051 • 817-329-7667

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McKinney: 448 N Custer Rd., McKinney, TX 75071 • 214-592-0440 Plano: 2060 W. Spring Creek Pkwy. #404, Plano, TX 75023 • 469-331-6223 Rowlett: 4604 Industrial St., Rowlett, TX 75088 • 469-543-6130

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

PROMOTED CONTENT | HOW-TO GUIDE

Some of history’s most successful adults— Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin—were dyslexic.

ADHD Signs of ADHD are divided into inattentive behaviors and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors.

Inattentive symptoms: + Making careless mistakes + Being easily distracted + Not seeming to be listening when spoken to directly + Having difficulty following instructions + Having trouble organizing + Avoiding or disliking sustained effort + Being forgetful, always losing things Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms: + Fidgeting or squirming, trouble staying in one place or waiting his turn + Excessive running and climbing + Having trouble playing quietly + Showing extreme impatience + Seeming to always be “on the go” or “driven by a motor” + Excessive talking or interrupting, blurting out answers

How To Identify Signs of a Learning Difference in Your Child Take the first step toward learning success Does your child fall apart after school? Do certain homework assignments take an excessively long time to complete? Maybe your child refuses to go to school on certain days, such as when there’s a math or spelling test. These may not be behavioral issues—they could indicate that your child has a learning difference.

Students with learning differences often struggle with time management, transitions and organization. These timing troubles can cause problems both in school and at home. But you can learn to recognize the signs and help at-risk children before they experience learning failure.

The most frequently diagnosed learning differences include dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning problems, dysgraphia (an impairment in writing ability) and dyscalculia (which makes basic math difficult to learn).

Children may have a variety of symptoms.

numbers may be even higher. Those who have dyslexia use only the right side of their brain to process language, while non-dyslexic individuals use both sides of their brain for this task. Symptoms of dyslexia may include:

DYSLEXIA This is by far the most common learning difference; studies indicate that 5–10% of the population has dyslexia. The actual

Though children do not grow out of dyslexia, with appropriate interventions, hard work and support, they can overcome or manage associated reading problems.

+ Struggling to detect and manipulate sounds in words they hear + Having difficulty learning the sound symbol relationships essential for sounding out words + Relying on memorization, sight word reading or guessing when it comes to reading words + Becoming frustrated when reading or showing reluctance to read + Suffering from feelings of inadequacy or low self-confidence around peers + Displaying feelings of anxiety or depression, or acting out as a result of challenges

winston-school.org facebook.com/thewinstonschool instagram.com/thewinstonschool 214-691-6950 5707 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75229

Most kids with ADHD have deficits in some executive functions (planning, organizing time and materials, making decisions and learning from past mistakes, to name a few). However, not all children with executive function issues have ADHD. HELP THEM MEET THEIR POTENTIAL Children with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences may be underachieving in school, even though they are often bright and motivated. The goal for them, as it is for all children, is to meet their potential and support their educational needs as early as possible.

The only way to know for sure if your child has a learning difference is through a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation.

This will shed light on your child’s challenges and strengths. That knowledge can open the door to the right resources, and you will be in a position to find an optimal learning environment to help your child thrive.

At The Winston School, bright students who learn differently® prepare for college and beyond through engaging, innovative, individualized learning led by exceptional faculty in a supportive environment. The school serves students in grades K–12, helping them work through obstacles while celebrating their individuality and creativity.

In addition to rigorous core studies, Winston offers fine and performing arts, service learning, student-centered athletics and more ways for children to embrace their education experience. The school’s students are empowered to be confident, well-rounded and lifelong self-advocates.

Winston’s Testing and Evaluation Center is open to all families seeking to understand their students’ learning styles and educational needs. Visit winston-school.org for more information and to connect with the campus’s renowned experts. dfwchild.com / may 2021

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INDIVIDUALLY, WE’RE STRONG. TOGETHER, WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE. From working and stay-at-home moms to patient mothers and health care employees, we’re proud to celebrate all the super moms who help defend and protect kids each and every day.

Learn more at redballoonleague.com

Gabby & Harrison Parent Advocate and Patient

FILM: ©ISTOCK ©ISTOCK; CLAPPERBOARD: NOUN PROJECT

kid culture.

CREW CALL

teach your child the art of filmmaking WORDS

HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

K

ATI GIBSON, 18, IS A SENIOR at Greenhill School in Addison. She started filming skits and basketball trick shots on her family camera in elementary school as a hobby. As she got older, her skills and talents grew—and her short film Chill was accepted to the renowned SXSW film festival in 2020 (held virtually). “I first thought it was fake,” says Gibson of finding out her movie was included in the lineup. “I was in class at the time; I looked at my email and thought it wasn’t real. I was in total disbelief.”

But it was real, and Kati’s film was one of 21 films under five minutes that was accepted into the Texas High School Shorts Competition. That’s a pretty high honor for someone who still thinks she has a lot to learn. “I think the biggest hurdle is coming up with something and being able to tell the story through film,” says Gibson. “It [may seem] easy to have something in your head, but to put it into reality and onto a screen for people—that’s pretty amazing.” dfwchild.com / may 2021

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kid culture / C R E W STORY FIRST If you have a budding filmmaker at home, how do you nurture their interest? Where do you start? Here’s the key: Before they even pick up a camera, it all starts with a story. Troy Perkins, associate professor of film at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, says the fact that his students were not able to meet in person during the pandemic actually helped the process.

“The core of our classes isn’t the technical side of filmmaking; it’s the storytelling,” explains Perkins.

Chris Rupert, film director and partner for Dallas-based company Name Tag Films, has masterminded productions for companies including Mercedes Benz, JCPenney and Mary Kay. He tells his 9-year-old son that stories are just as important as camera angles, reinforcing the concept at every opportunity. “Whenever he’s reading a book, I walk in and ask him, ‘What’s the book about?’ He’ll say, ‘Oh, it’s about the magic tree house.’

And I’ll say, ‘OK, what’s the conflict with that? What are they fighting against? What do they want?’ That gets him to understand that every story has a conflict and a hero.” Encourage your kids to think through those elements as they come up with their

CALL idea. If they want to make a movie but are still stumped, have them think about books they love or other movies they’ve seen. Professional filmmakers adapt novels and remake movies all the time. (Just don’t profit from your remake to stay copyright-safe!)

GO WITH THE (WORK)FLOW Once your child has their story, it’s time to to create a workflow of how they are going to turn that idea into a movie. They’ll need to write a script and think about what images would best tell their story. Even when it’s a short film, following a process is helpful (and prepares children for more intensive filmmaking later on).

“We made a big shot list, storyboard, script—just kind of planned out everything,” says Kati about producing and directing Chill. And even young people can be creative in their planning. “With the overhead plane shots in my film, we set up at Bachman Lake, near where all the planes come in and take off [at Love Field].”

“TO PUT [YOUR IDEA] INTO REALITY AND ONTO A SCREEN FOR PEOPLE— THAT’S PRETTY AMAZING.”

ABOVE // A still from Kati Gibson’s film Chill, which is about a surprise during a transplant surgery.

TOP // Gibson, a senior at Addison’s Greenhill School, began making short movies as a young child.

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

ALL IMAGES: COURTESY OF KATI GIBSON

COLLABORATE AND LISTEN Once you help your child create a story and a workflow, it’s time to recruit others. Most filmmaking is a group effort—and learning how to collaborate is important in itself.

COME FOR THE PAST, STAY FOR THE FUTURE

We’re celebrating 60 years of American art all year long at the Carter! Join us as we look back on our story and look forward to our journey ahead.

CARTERMUSEUM.ORG #CARTER60

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.

Legacy (PS–K) (469) 573-0077 6700 Communications Parkway, Plano Independence (PS–K) (469) 642-2000 10145 Independence Parkway, Plano An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade © 2021, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

We are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of our Plano campuses!

Open House: Saturday, May 1 (10–3) and Saturday, May 22 (10–3)

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kid culture / C R E W

If it’s your child’s vision, they’re the director, who guides the crew.

Does your kiddo have a sibling who is creative in the way they see things? Maybe they’re the cinematographer and work the camera. A super-dramatic friend could be an actor. And perhaps everyone works together to figure out the costumes. There are many moving parts when it comes to filmmaking, and everyone depends on their fellow crew members.

Vetro’s Glassblowing May Help Creates

CAMERA READY Now it’s finally time to pick up a camera. We’re lucky these days—most of us have a great camera in our back pocket. “The iPhone is by far the most powerful tool that everyone is going to have access to,” says Rupert. “Now [smart phones] have attachments and apps that make them a very versatile filmmaking tool.”

When shooting the film, have your child think about creative angles.

If they’re shooting outside in the grass, try putting the camera where you can see some of the blades of grass in the shot. If a character is supposed to be menacing, angle the camera under them. If they’re supposed to be meek, angle the camera above them. Think outside the box to create more context.

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CUT AND PASTE Once your child has filmed every scene in their movie, that’s not the end. It’s time to stitch everything together into a fluid film. “Once you design something, when you film it, you’re still only getting footage,” says Perkins. “The film is not fully shaped yet. I just tell [my students] to keep believing in yourself and moving into post-production, where the film really comes together.”

Post-production is the final step. Gone are the days of purchasing expensive editing software for an amateur production; in fact, Rupert recommends FiLMiCPro, a $14.99 app that can create cinema-quality films right on your device. Perkins recommends DaVinci Resolve for comprehensive desktop editing software you can get for free. You can find tutorials on YouTube and help your kiddo through the process.

But wait—maybe post-production isn’t the final step. After all, don’t you want to see the finished film? Pop some popcorn and dim the lights—it’s show time.

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SWEET INSPIRATION

Not all filmmakers are adults! Get your kid inspired with these movies and classes: Chill: Kati Gibson’s two-minute film (about a transplant surgery and a little mix-up) that was accepted to a high school category at SXSW can be seen on Vimeo. Go to vimeo.com/379162403.

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2021.

The Robot and the Butterfly and more shorts: Find a stop-motion animated movie and other films made by kids at stonesoup.com/movies-made-by-kids.

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may 2021 / dfwchild.com

Dallas Young Actors Studio: This nonprofit arts organization offers acting and filmmaking programs for children and teens. Visit dallasyas.com for information.

Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce Film Institute: This annual program is open to children age 6 and up as well as adults. Log on to the chamber’s website at fwmbcc.org/film-institute and plan ahead for 2022.

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kid culture / T R A V E L

2

1 / Visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for rides, food and shops.

2 / You can tour a 19th-century tall ship.

3 / Get around town on the Galveston Island Trolley. 4 / Take the plunge at Schlitterbahn water park.

family fun on galveston island

WORDS SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

T

HERE IS A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT LIFE IN NORTH TEXAS—but if you’re looking for salt water and seashells, it’s time for a getaway. Here’s your guide to a vacation on Galveston Island.

WHERE TO STAY Whether you’re interested in booking a hotel, condo or vacation house, Galveston has great lodging options.

Some highly rated hotels include The San Luis, Hotel Galvez, the Hilton Galveston and Courtyard Galveston. These hotels are located on Seawall Boulevard; request a gulf-view room for the full experience. If a condo or house is more your style (or you just need more space to accommodate a big family), there are a lot of properties to choose from on rental websites, such as VRBO or Airbnb.

WHAT TO DO You can’t visit Galveston without getting in some beach time, of course. Stewart Beach on the island’s East End and Palisade Palms are some favorites. Stewart Beach is known as a great family spot, with 42

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nearby restrooms and rentals for umbrellas and chairs.

Later, make your way to Moody Gardens. You’ll find giant glass pyramids that are home to sharks, monkeys, penguins and more wildlife. You can also enjoy nature at Galveston Island State Park, a great spot for birdwatching.

Want some aquatic fun without the sand? Galveston is home to a Schlitterbahn water park featuring slides, water coasters and more. The park is massive—26 acres—so you could spend an entire day splashing around there.

You won’t want to miss The Strand, Galveston’s historic downtown shopping street. There are boatloads of boutiques and restaurants, all nestled in incredibly charming Victorian-era buildings.

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It’s also right by Pier 21—a waterfront district where you can go on a harbor outing, such as a dolphin watch or a tour of the 1877 tall ship Elissa.

Speaking of historical ships, the Galveston Naval Museum lets you explore three World War II vessels.

You can also visit Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum and the Galveston Children’s Museum.

WHERE TO EAT Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 21 is a must; it’s a huge, casual restaurant with everything from pasta and steak to bacon-wrapped, jalapeño jack cheese shrimp. Willie G’s is a local fave for seafood.

Jimmy’s on the Pier is another excellent choice for an on-the-gulf meal. Fish or walk the pier before you dive into one of the best po’boys you’ll ever have—and browse the gift shop after you eat. For a date night, you can’t go wrong with Gaido’s.

This upscale spot features fresh seafood (naturally) and has been serving locals and tourists since 1911.

For a breakfast feast or treats, we recommend Miller’s Seawall Grill and the Sunflower Bakery & Café.

And by this time, you probably need a caffeine fix. We recommend a trip to downtown’s MOD Coffeehouse.

THE SAN LUIS RESORT // sanluisresort.com HOTEL GALVEZ & SPA // hotelgalvez.com HILTON GALVESTON // hilton.com COURTYARD GALVESTON ISLAND // marriott.com STEWART BEACH AND PALISADE PALMS // galveston.com MOODY GARDENS // moodygardens.com GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK // tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ galveston-island SCHLITTERBAHN WATER PARK // schlitterbahn.com/galveston THE STRAND // galveston.com PIER 21 // pier21galveston.com GALVESTON NAVAL MUSEUM // galvestonnavalmuseum.com OCEAN STAR OFFSHORE DRILLING RIG MUSEUM // oceanstaroec.com GALVESTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM // galvestoncm.org FISHERMAN’S WHARF // fishermanswharfgalveston.com WILLIE G’S // williegs.com JIMMY’S ON THE PIER // jimmysonthepier.com GAIDO’S // gaidos.com MILLER’S SEAWALL GRILL // millersseawallgrillgalveston.com THE SUNFLOWER BAKERY & CAFÉ // thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com MOD COFFEEHOUSE // modcoffeehouse.com

PLEASURE PIER: ©ISTOCK ©ISTOCK; ALL OTHER IMAGES: GALVESTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

SEA SPELL

Pediatric Home Health Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy Serving Children Ages: 0–21

Terapia de Lenguaje, Ocupacional y Física

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Highly Experienced Clinical Team Specialized Feeding Program Achieving your child’s greatest potential

Our therapists create a fun and nurturing therapy experience for children with special needs.

Serving the greater DFW area 214-295-5374

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214-245-5217

sagecaretherapy.com

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BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BUSINESS PROFILES

Take a deeper look into what makes these local businesses a great choice for your family

Aaron Vogt President of Vogt RV Centers Wife: Laura Children: Logan, 13; Max, 11; Chloe, 9 The Vogt family RV dealerships have been a staple in the DFW area for decades. In the late 1960s, Danny Vogt, founder of Vogt RV, began selling truck campers next door to his dad’s boat shop in Haltom City, Texas. Although just a teenager, he used his father’s philosophy of, “you can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing right.” Fast-forward over 60 years and that philosophy guides the Vogt family till this day.

Aaron Vogt, current president of Vogt RV, maintains a family-owned environment through a set of core values: integrity, servant’s heart, motivated, team mentality, teachable, authentic and enthusiastic.

“Vogt RV is committed to changing the industry,” said Aaron. “We pride ourselves by creating and providing a true customer-first experience with programs like our new ‘Same-Day Service’ initiative.”

It is the deep-rooted values that run through every aspect of the family business, from the people they hire to the brands they sell (i.e. Tiffin, Jayco, Leisure Travel and Airstream). Vogt RV offers a wide range of quality products and services for every stage of the RV buying experience, providing all adventure enthusiasts the single most trustworthy and professional RV experience.

5301 Airport Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76117 817-831-1800 vogtrv.com

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BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Patricia Feltrup-Exum, M.A., LMFT, BC-TMH Bruce Feltrup-Exum, M.Div., LMFT, BC-TMH Owners of Fair Winds Assessment and Counseling Center Children: Jordan, 37 and Brendan, 35 Bruce and Patricia started Fair Winds Assessment and Counseling Center, known previously as Feltrup-Exum & Associates, in 2003. Bruce and Patricia have been married for 39 years and have two sons, Jordan (37) and Brendan (35). Their mission has been to remove the stigmas surrounding mental health and develop better access to quality mental health for their community.

Both Bruce and Patricia have worked in research and the renorming of diagnostic materials and test instruments, which has improved mental health practices across the nation. Patricia has recently been recognized with a Lifetime

Achievement Award from the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists for her instrumental work in revising the DSM-V manual.

For over 20 years, their desire to expand access and quality of care in mental health has led to developing the highest quality of testing and therapy services offered in Tarrant County. Knowing full well that mental health issues can affect anyone, they see individuals, couples and families, caring for the family as a whole.

With decades of experience in developmental disorders like

autism and ADHD, they have rigorously developed peerreviewed diagnostic assessment batteries. These series of tests can help generate an in-depth, multi-step treatment plan to help you and your child start the healing process with a simple, straightforward approach. They develop a treatment plan that focuses on help from all aspects, including educational assistance, medication management, parental coaching, emotional therapies, occupational therapies, speech therapies, wellness and nutrition management—and so much more.

6551 Harris Parkway, Suite 240, Fort Worth, Texas 76132 817-735-4165 • Fax: 817-735-4688 • info@fairwindsmentalthealth.com fairwindsmentalhealth.com • facebook.com/fairwindsmentalhealth

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BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Local Photographer Sets Out to Equip Moms Ilona Jade Photography Children: Jolene, 3; Joshua, 1 This year WRECKED me in the best way. As a photographer my calling to capture raw, authentic, and joyful portraits was brought to life in a new passion; educating mothers on how to take emotive portraits. During the full lockdowns, I not legally allowed to do photoshoots, I waited it out months before I could take clients again. I saw mamas posting how upsetting it was to have their photoshoots being canceled.

I felt their pain as I had my own newborn and imagined how sad it would be if I didn’t know how to take beautiful photos of his precious wrinkly face. Looking back, I see the printed photos I took of my twoyear-old daughter peering through the crib spaces in awe of her little brother. Or the photo of my boy sneeze coughing milk straight into

my camera as I took the shot. That still makes me giggle as I pass by it!

I felt a pain for the mamas that could snap some iPhone shots but longed to have an artist’s skill in taking portraits that would take their breath away years down the road.

Being a photographer for ten years, I’ve had the joy in capturing over 200 families. Hearing the parent’s reactions to receiving the gallery still wrecks me every time. Parents tearfully write me their praise for capturing them so “authentically, just how we are but in such a beautiful way”. That never gets old, I still show my husband each message I get.

When mamas scroll through my feed, I often get messages asking how I took a certain shot, what camera/

lens I used, or how I edit. I write back, but I know that one or two messages will not be enough to teach them photography. I craved to sit down with each mom and explain everything they need to know to start.

Imagine if you had a camera on hand that you knew how to use to capture your babies in stunning frames?! That’s what I’m here to offer the world. Memories are so important and emotive imagery should be available to everyone.

I am so thrilled to release my course this fall and hold hands with mamas as they learn photography in SIMPLE lessons. I also welcome moms monthly as I teach photography classes at a local farm in Aubrey.

Helping moms gain these skills makes me so proud!

ilonajade.com Serves the greater DFW area

facebook.com/ilonajadephoto instagram.com/ilonajade_

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BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mad Science of Dallas & Fort Worth Uniquely prepares your child for STEAM Careers of the Future For over 20 years, Mad Science of Dallas & Fort Worth has been a leader in growing STEAM competencies in children attending K–12 grades in the DFW metroplex. It is a part of the Mad Science Group, a global organization established over 30 years ago. Mad Science programs stand out for their focus on handson, project-based and experience centered mastery of STEAM concepts delivered by certified coaches supported by 100+ custom-created learning kits, each delivered directly to the student. Based in DFW, they deliver programs on-site, virtually and in hybrid mode. The business has successfully adapted to customer needs during the Covid-19 era without missing a beat. Parents, PTA, school officials and partners continue to seek and tap into over 250 different learning modules spanning all STEAM domains. Mad Science has also forged partnership with other STEAM leaders such as NASA, LEGO, Ozobot, Crayola and Scholastic, for programs and products.

2309 Springlake Road Suite 620 Farmers Branch, TX 75234

STEAM FOUNDATION ACADEMY Delivered through its Foundation Academy are an impressive suite of programs spanning Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science and Technology and Literature for Elementary grades. It is also one of the few builders of STEAM enrichment programs for early childhood learning.

STEAM INNOVATION ACADEMY The Innovation Academy reinforces more advanced STEAM concepts required in Middle school and High school grades through project-based learning, maker-experiences, Career & Technology introduction and professional development for Texas STEM educators.

STEAM HIGH ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMY Established in response to more recent demand from families, this academy provides small-group format programs for children in grades 4–9 in emerging disciplines.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT* STEAM Future Ready for grades 4–9 Uniquely tailored for families desiring concierge-quality coaching for a child preparing for a future in nextgen STEAM. Focus: Genomics, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Manufacturing, Robotics & Autonomy, Blockchain, and Game Design.

This is an 8 to16 week preparatory program requiring 3 hours of commitment per week, in a smallgroup setting of only 8 students per pod.

The program also prepares your child to enter the high school or college of choice by building a strong, early foundation for STEM careers of the future, while also instilling habits and discipline of high performers and achievers. *A High Achievement Academy offering.

972-241-0475 dfw.madscience.org info.request@msgdallas.com

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BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rebekah Reedy Miller Owner of MYX Blend Bar MYX Blend Bar is a unique DIY concept that specializes in creating custom lipstick and lip gloss as well as they offer discontinued shade replication. Customers can choose from 8 different styles of lipstick or lip gloss bases and MYX provides all base options from lip balm to liquid matte. With the help of an expert MYXologist, clients create the perfect shade by blending pigments that match their unique skin tone all while adding shimmers, fragrances, plumper, vitamins, anti-aging treatments, SPF and more to their custom lipstick and lip gloss. You even get to name your custom blend!

MYX Blend Bar is owned by Rebekah Reedy Miller of Dallas, Texas. Rebekah started MYX Blend Bar in her home in 2017 with her youngest stepdaughter Samantha.

Rebekah was intrigued by the concept of a truly custom DIY lipstick and lip gloss product that was made from scratch with raw ingredients rather than premade products. Rebekah’s curiosity got the best of her, and her Biology and Chemistry degrees came in handy as she began to obsess over how to make high-end lipstick and lip gloss custom.

In 2018, Rebekah hired her first staff which she calls MYXologists, and she began to develop the process for creating the perfect high-end lipstick and lip gloss which she calls the MYXperience.

The name MYX originated from her mom. Her mom floated the idea of MYXperience since the concept was DIY inspired paired with an experiential retail concept.

MYX Blend Bar’s MYXperience

West Village 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 302 Dallas, TX 75204 972-349-9599

may 2021 / dfwchild.com

Rebekah debuted MYX Blend Bar at Dallas’ Boho Market and local events out of a 1969 Airstream that she converted into a MYX Mobile Blend Bar. To date, she uses the MYX Mobile Blend Bar for private events and marketing events.

The mobile blend bar was such a success that Rebekah opened her first brick and mortar in West Village in Dallas, Texas on January 10, 2019. She opened her second store in Rice Village in Houston, Texas on August 1, 2020 and is in the process of her third location out of state that will be announced at the end of this year.

Rice Village 2524 Amherst St., Suite E110 Houston, TX 77005 713-393-7262

MYXBlendBar.com

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embraces the custom and truly unique “my kiss” or “my x” her customers create as well as the process allows customers to also “mix” their custom blends.

BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Eva A. Brandys, M.M., M.Ed. Founder and Director of Park Cities School of Music, Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts, and Heritage Learning Center of East Dallas Meet Eva Brandys, the owner of 2 Dallas area music dance and fine art schools: Park Cities School of Music, Lakewood Conservatory and a private school Heritage Learning Center. Eva has many passions and talents. She is a musician (pianist/composer), music teacher, music school owner, realtor and trilingualist to name a few. In her spare time she also loves competing in dog shows with her sidekick Mimi. Eva was born in Poland which she often visits since most of her family is still there. Poland is where she first started her formal music training and specialized studies. She moved to the United States as a young adult to continue pursuing music. She received a full Scholarship and a Degree from both DBU and SMU where she graduated with high honors and a Masters in Piano Pedagogy and Music Education.

Park Cities School of Music and Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts have been in business for over 10 years catering to their community needs and going above and beyond for their families. Both schools offer a variety of in person classes as well as nationwide online classes. They go beyond just offering one-on-one music lessons by offering a number of ways for children to learn. Throughout their experience teaching students in the DFW Metroplex, they have come to realize that every student learns differently. Their teachers are dedicated to helping all students learn the instrument they desire and they offer opportunities to learn oneon-one, in a group setting or even host birthday parties for a unique learning experience.

Park Cities School of Music 7979 Inwood Rd. #113, Dallas, TX 75209 214-455-1477 parkcitiesschoolofmusic.com

Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts 7328 Gaston Ave. #130, Dallas, TX 75214 214-613-2020 lakewoodconservatory.com

In addition to Music, Dance and Art lessons, Heritage Learning Center

of East Dallas features a learning pod (where kids can be dropped off to complete their academic work), a chess club as well as foreign language lessons in French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. This school has an immersion in Music, Dance and Visual Arts. They also have programs for special needs students with specially trained and experienced teachers to help make the child’s experience extraordinary.

Spring and summer camps are available at both locations with a variety of Camps to choose from such as Instrument Explorers or Piano Beginnings. Special Camps include Princess and Superhero camp, Sing Like a Star and Baby and Me Music camps. LEGO and Art Camps are exclusively offered at Lakewood Conservatory of Fine Arts.

Heritage Learning Center of East Dallas 7328 Gaston Ave. #130, Dallas, TX 75214 214-613-2020 facebook.com/HeritageLCED

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BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“Would we adopt again? We just did!”

— Jennifer Moffatt “We adopted our first teenager just six years ago and our family of five became six. We never thought we’d become a family of eight, but with a daughter-in-law and our second adopted teen, we are one big happy family! The training and support from ACH made both times a beautiful experience.”

It only takes one child, one family, one journey to become a foster or adoptive family. Consider becoming a foster or adoptive family and recognize the beauty inside a child waiting to be loved. Call us to find out more and rest assured, ACH will be with you on your entire parenting journey.

817-886-7140 • 817-335-HOPE(4673) ACHservices.org/foster-care-adoption 3712 Wichita Street Fort Worth, TX 76119

J. Diane Colter, DDS Owner of All About Kids Dentistry Husband: Dr. Shandon Colter Children: Sydney and Landon Dr. Diane Colter grew up in Athens, TX. She completed her degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, where she graduated top of her class. She completed a Residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of California in Los Angeles, serving as chief resident. Dr. Colter says her mission statement sums up her practice’s goal: “To provide exceptional dental care to every child in a fun and loving environment.”

As the board-certified pediatric dentist at All About Kids Dentistry, Dr. Colter and her staff are well-trained for routine treatments, emergency situations and special-needs patients. We tailor each appointment specifically for every child’s needs because each is unique.

With decades of experience under her belt, Dr. Colter enjoys building family relationships and personally nurturing her young patients’ oral health development.

Away from the office Dr. Colter loves spending time with her husband, Dr. Shandon Colter, and their beautiful children, Sydney and Landon. Dr. Colter also enjoys reading, traveling and time spent with family and friends.

12300 Inwood Rd., Ste. 110 Dallas, TX 75244 972-233-4439 allaboutkidsdentist.com

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DFWChild.com Directory Helping parents successfully navigate the childhood years is kind of our thing.

Explore our not-sosecret weapon, the online directory, at dfwchild.com.

BUSINESS PROFILES //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dr. Mary Ann Block

Jessica Fagin

Owner of The Block Center

Owner of Gymboree Play & Music of Southlake

Overcoming ADHD & Autism Without Drugs • She’s the mother who became a doctor at age 45 to save her own daughter.

• She’s helped thousands of children, like yours, from all over the world, be successful in school & life without psychiatric labels or drugs.

• She’s the top-selling author of No More Ritalin and No More ADHD. • She believes everyone should have a thorough medical and educational evaluation instead of being labeled with a psychiatric disorder.

Looking for non-drug answers for ADHD & Autism?

Call

Gymboree Play & Music was founded in 1976 by a mother looking for enrichment activities with her children. I brought my own children as infants, and we continued the fun until they aged out. The Southlake location opened in 2006, and I became the owner in 2020.

We offer classes in Play & Learn, Music, Art, and school readiness, as well as Open Gyms, where children can play at their leisure.

We offer themed and private parties, plus Exclusive Times for those who want the site to themselves. We’ll hold Camp Gymbo this summer. Reserve your free preview class today!

Children: Deanna, 13; Melody, 8

Gateway Plaza 2960 E. Southlake Blvd., Ste. 170 Southlake, TX 76092 817-398-5062 GymboreeClasses.com

Fort Worth 817-280-9933 BlockCenter.com

Looking for fun things to do with your family?

Check out the Community Calendar on dfwchild.com to see what cool things are happening­—festivals, events, family-friendly destinations. Get out and take advantage of all that Dallas–Fort Worth has to offer.

Visit our calendar: dfwchild.com/calendar

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Providing Lifelong Learning through Community Experiences Serves all people with different abilities from ages three through adulthood. We strive to support all families through connections to resources as well as facilitating lifelong learning and long term successes. We accomplish these goals by teaching the skills that are necessary for all individuals to become contributing members of society.

H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy

H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy is a community-based, year-round day program for adults who have aged out of the school system. H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy provides the much-needed opportunity for individuals to become active and contributing members of the community.

The focus for our young adults is to embed ourselves into the community working on job training opportunities, volunteering, shopping and recreational activities. During their time on campus they will be cooking, and learning life skills such as money management, social skills and more.

Other programs offered: • • • •

www.heroesdfw.org

Fun activities for siblings of brothers and sisters with disabilities

Weekend retreats and sleepovers Parent and family support Continuing Ed courses Seasonal day camps: Summer, Spring Break, Winter

For further information or to schedule a visit, email info@heroesdfw.org Like us on Facebook: HEROESCamp ©

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people + places / G R E E N

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RIGHT // Reach new heights at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. BELOW // Heard Museum trails are great for birding.

TRAIL MIX

great spots to hike or bike as a family

NATURE TOUR: SEAN FITZGERALD / DOGWOOD CANYON AUDUBON CENTER; BIRDWATCHING: HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

WORDS

EMILY YEARWOOD

W

E’RE IN THAT SWEET SPOT for Texas weather—the cold is behind us and the true heat is yet to come. It’s the perfect time to get outside as a family.

We rounded up some top trails in Dallas-Fort Worth, for pedaling, walking or even riding in a stroller. Trail usage is free unless otherwise noted.

Big Bear Creek Greenbelt // Keller Where 1 Sport Parkway; cityofkeller.com The Lowdown A paved trail along Big Bear Creek takes walkers, bike riders and stroller-pushers through parks and natural areas. Break your journey up with a stop at Bear Creek Park (about a mile from Keller Sports Park), with two play sets, then keep going to Keller Town Hall to view landmarks through a special telescope.

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center // Cedar Hill Where 1206 FM 1382; dogwood.audubon.org The Lowdown Head to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center for an easy and educational nature hike. (Bikes are not allowed.) With trails that reach some of the highest points in Dallas County, the center offers a nice view of Joe Pool Lake and even AT&T Stadium in Arlington, if the weather is right.

Try the Canyon Floor Trail for a half-mile, stroller-friendly walk. Admission is free—but go online to reserve tickets, as entry is currently limited.

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary // McKinney Where 1 Nature Place; heardmuseum.org The Lowdown The Heard offers unique hiking through its 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. While you make your way along self-guided or interpreted nature trails, encourage your kids to spot birds and other wildlife. We recommend the appropriately named Hoot Owl Trail for its bird’s-eye view.

The trails aren’t paved and, in terms of strollers, are accessible only to running models. Bikes are

not permitted. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for kids age 3 and up.

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve // Plano Where 5901 Los Rios Blvd.; plano.gov The Lowdown Plano’s largest park contains extensive hike-and-bike paths, including nearly 8 miles of concrete trails and 5 miles of soft-surface trails alongside Rowlett Creek. You’ll find lots of parking and on-site restrooms. Keep kiddos on the path in order to avoid potential run-ins with poison ivy, chiggers and other critters.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park // Pilot Point Where 100 PW 4137; lake-ray-roberts.com/trails The Lowdown Explore mile after mile of multiuse trails at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. We enjoy the Randy Bell Scenic Trail, a paved loop of just over 2 miles.

Leashed pets are permitted on the trails. Head toward the water to find play structures and picnic tables for a post-walk (or post-ride) treat.

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Dallas-Fort Worth’s #1 parenting resource for over 30 years THAT’S A LOT OF BIRTHDAYS!

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River Legacy Park // Arlington Where 701 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd.; riverlegacy.org/river-legacy-park The Lowdown There’s no shortage of routes at River Legacy Park, where the 8-mile, paved hike-and-bike trail follows the bends of the Trinity River. (The park has a 10-mile mountain bike trail as well.) Visitors can also enjoy free nature trails at the adjacent River Legacy Living Science Center—where your children will love the interactive exhibits and terrariums with native wildlife. Admission to the center’s Discovery Room is $5 for age 13 and up (seniors are $4) and $3 for ages 3–12.

Trinity Trails // Fort Worth Where Various locations; trinitytrailsfw.com The Lowdown The Trinity Trails are a Texassized network of paths for walking, running and biking, spanning more than 100 miles through 31 neighborhoods and 21 parks. For newbies, we recommend sticking close to Trinity Park off University Drive. The paths at Eagle Mountain Park are also ideal for a kidfriendly hike. (Bikes aren’t allowed at the Eagle Mountain Park section of the Trinity Trails, and neither is the family pet.)

White Rock Lake Trail // Dallas Where 4600 W. Lawther Drive; whiterocklake.org The Lowdown Hike or bike the paved, 9.33-mile trail around White Rock Lake in East Dallas. Stop to watch kayakers or to look

for birds at the Audubon Society bird-watching area; when you’ve completed your walk or ride, enjoy a picnic off the path. If you have little ones along, avoid the side of the lake near Garland Road and the spillway. The path in that area is narrower and tends to attract serious walkers, runners and cyclists. We recommend the more family-friendly section of the trail on the West Lawther Drive side of the water.

WHITE ROCK LAKE TRAIL: TK; TRINITY TRAILS: TARRANT REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT

Our newsletters are full of the latest parenting trends, mom favorites, and DFW’s best family-friendly events.

ABOVE // Cruise the wide trail at White Rock Lake for exercise and a beautiful view. BELOW // The Trinity Trails of Fort Worth are great for traveling by wheels or by feet.

dfwchild.com / may 2021

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BEST

Summer EVER

Has there ever been a summer where kids needed camp more than this year?

Childhood summer memories and camp go hand-in-hand. Explore these safe and fun camp options that will make this a summer to remember.

Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/camps

2 locations in Plano — ChallengerSchool.com Since 1963, Challenger School has helped children excel by employing proven, effective methods in a fun and structured environment that inspires them to achieve. The Challenger difference is evident from the moment you set foot on campus. Students bubble with enthusiasm as they make connections between their prior knowledge and new concepts. In order to facilitate setting crucial learning patterns, Challenger accepts students as young as 3 years.

Challenger School has two new campuses in Plano. The Legacy and Independence Campuses will be hosting an open house on May 22nd. Details at ChallengerSchool.com.

6700 Communications Pkwy., Plano, TX 75024 • 469-573-0077 10145 Independence Pkwy., Plano, TX 75025 • 469-642-2000 ChallengerSchool.com

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Weekly Camps June 7 thru August 6 9am–1pm, Monday thru Friday 9 week-long sessions Choose from the following camp sessions: Farm Life, History Detectives, Water on the Farm, Outdoor Explorers, Farm Power, Keeping Cool on the Farm, Curator Camp. $225/camper, t-shirt included. Sorry, no after-care available.

Ready to apply? Visit our Summer Camp page at heritagefarmstead.org/summer-camps and click on “Register” to begin the registration process.

1900 West 15th St., Plano, TX 75075 972-881-0140 heritagefarmstead.org/summer-camps

BEST SUMMER EVER / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Summer Destination: Camp Cooper SummerYou is a 10-week summer program facilitated by, and on the campus of, All Saints’ Episcopal School.

Our 147-acre campus in west Fort Worth is the perfect habitat for exploration, adventure, and curiosity.

With more than 200 camps to choose from, your child won’t be riding the boredom train. From building robots to throwing water balloons, starting a business to playing baseball, SummerYou has it all!

With full-day options and affordable weekly camps for Ages 3–Grade 12 all on one world-class campus, parents can rest easy knowing the logistics, and their kids, are well taken care of.

Bee active, Bee silly, Bee YOU! Registration for summer 2021 is open!

Explore featured camps and dive into details at summeryou.org/fwcmag.

Keep your kids and teens active this summer at Cooper Fitness Center. Our experienced staff and outdoor setting provide the ultimate camp experience. Ages: 5–16, days/times vary Connect in person: Socialize and play in a secure setting Play safely: Indoor and outdoor physical activity without screen time Have fun: Enjoy interactive activities led by trained professionals • Summer Fit & Fun Day Camps – Action-packed day camps introduce various sports, games and wellness through daily fitness and nutrition lessons. Week-long sessions begin June 7.

• Summer Tennis Camps – Tennis Pros Corey Noel and Daniel Sanders help young players gain confidence and build skills. Beginner and intermediate players focus on developing technique while learning how to serve and rally. Weekly sessions begin June 1.

• Swim Lessons – private and semi-private – Cooper Swim Pro Marni Kerner provides a positive, nurturing environment to build stamina and confidence, stroke mechanics and proper breathing technique.

Register today at cooperyouth.com/Dallas.

9700 Saints Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76108 817-560-5700, ext. 416 summeryou.org/fwcmag

Cooper Fitness Center 12100 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230 972.233.4382 • cooperyouth.com/Dallas

dfwchild.com / may 2021

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BEST SUMMER EVER / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ACTING & FILMMAKING CAMP For ages 7–17 A pillar of the entertainment community for 40 years, KD continues to provide a trusted environment for developing confidence and performance skills for children of all ages.

Call for dates and more info about what each camp entails!

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SPARK! offers a unique format of play time & creative instruction in our 11,000 square foot facility, filled with wild experiential exhibits, as well as massive art installations, all made for play and learning. Structured activities will be a collaborative experience, while others will be an individual make n’ take piece for the day, based on cool weekly themes.

• Register for one week or all 8 weeks for the maximum experience.

• Full class schedules can be found on our linked site.

• 9A–4P Monday–Friday, with before/after care available.

• Children must be entering 2nd grade Fall 2021.

214-638-0484 kdstudio.com

1409 S. Lamar St., Ste. 004, Dallas, TX 75215 214-421-7727 • info@sparkdallas.org SPARKDallas.org

Techie Factory has the best summer camps in town.

We offer Digital Creation, Coding, and Esports. With camp options such as YouTube/TikTok Creators, Coding in Mindcraft, LEGO Robotics, DJ, Intro to Python, Shoutcasting/ Esports, Roblox Game Makers, and more; we have something for every kiddo!

Full day, half day, and mini camps available.

Use code DFWCHILD and save 20% if you sign up before June 1st. With locations in Dallas and McKinney, we have one near you. Camp schedules available online.

Whether your child is new to the world of arts training or is a seasoned performer, we know they will grow and learn with us—while having fun! Open to ages 3–19, our FULL-DAY camps focus on foundations, technique, and creative exploration in one or more art forms. Each specific art area is taught by a highly qualified, degreed instructor.

Exposure to the arts can help shape children’s views of the world and their place in it. Through arts-based learning, we inspire children to be more confident, empathetic, and collaborative. Camps run June–August. Multi-week discounts available! Visit ArtsAcademics.org/Summer today!

Dallas: Lover Ln. & the Tollway • techiefactory.com McKinney: Custer & 121 • techiefactory.com/frisco 214-614-8166

3901 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-717-4544 ArtsAcademics.org/Summer

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BEST SUMMER EVER / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

A co-educational overnight residential camp in the heart of Texas! 4-H Camp features traditional camp experiences such as kayaking, shooting sports, challenge course, environmental education, arts and crafts, dancing, swimming and lots more!

Ready for a fun one-of-a-kind summer experience?

Your child is invited to join Ursuline Academy of Dallas Summer Camps designed to stimulate creativity and curiosity, spark innovation, and encourage collaboration.

Camps run weekly from June 7–July 30.

Camp season runs from June 16–July 22. Check out our website for more information and registration, texas4hcenter.tamu.edu.

Adventure Camps are offered in areas such as STEM, Musical Theater, and Leadership Skills. Some are exclusively for girls and others are open to all middle school students.

5600 FM 3021, Brownwood, TX 76801 325-784-5482 • Fax: 325-784-6486 • texas4-hcenter@ag.tamu.edu texas4hcenter.tamu.edu

Athletic Camps include Basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, and Volleyball for elementary and middle school girls.

The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

Our STEAMtastic Challenge Island Camps are the perfect destination for your child during summer vacation!

Each week our camps give kids the opportunity to create, experiment and explore different themes, making Challenge Island camps feel like actionpacked vacations in their own right.

Challenge Island-West Plano/North Dallas 17630 Davenport #103, Dallas, TX 75252 469-779-7844 challenge-island.com/westplano-northdallas Direct link to registration page: login.challenge-island.com/events. php?location=64

4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 469-232-1800 www.ursulinedallas.org/summerprograms

Kids need camp! Join Kidventure, where for 26 years, we have provided the most dynamic and rewarding camps in Texas. Several Day Camp locations in DFW for children ages 3–5th grade. Opportunities for athletics, art, archery, rock climbing, camp games, learning, and so much more. All-adult teams, low ratios, and designed to build character and confidence.

Kidventure’s Camps: Preston Hollow, Arlington, Frisco, St. Marks, St. Patrick, Kessler, Mansfield, Overnight Camp 214-303-9789 kidventure.com/dallas-summer-camp

Kids Garden Club creates an engaging & educational experience at our themebased camps. Purchase by the week to join in the action!

• Trampoline jumping, running & playing in the houthouse/gym.

• Jam while popping bubbles with a live musician in the conservatory/music room.

• Puzzles, trucks, magnatiles & more boost imagination in the nursery/classroom.

• Theme inspired crafts blossom from our greenhouse/art room.

Preston Forest Village, 11661 Preston Rd. #150 Dallas, TX 75230 (above Mi Cocina) 214-434-1126 • kgcdallas.com dfwchild.com / may 2021

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BEST SUMMER EVER / SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP

ANNOUNCING an amazing mountaintop interactive online experience we call: Summer WebCamp! This is for any kid who wants to get better at chess and who wants to hang out in a pack of very fun kids!

June 28–July 2 (9–11am) August 2–6 (9–11am) Did Someone Say Private Zoom Lessons? The Knight School has now launched a new division of TKS: “Private Zoom Chess Tutoring” and kids are signing up to get better at chess!

205-541-2729 • theknightschool.com

Explore literature in a fun and creative way! At NTPA, kids transform into their favorite storybook characters as they bring popular stories to life on stage. Popular themes like Descendants, Harry Potter, Little Women, Footloose and more!

Taught by professional directors, actors, and singers who have worked everywhere from Broadway to L.A. Ages 5–18.

New students get 50% off!

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

Our ABA therapy services will make you a happy camper!

Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange combines expert ABA therapy services with a fun curriculum of activities to bring about measurable improvements in children with autism and other developmental concerns.

All of our ABA therapy services are available during Summer Camp, including One-on-One Therapy where children learn foundational skills, B.E.E.S. for school readiness, and Social Skills Group for school-aged kids to learn skills for making friends and other important social connections.

For more than 20 years, we’ve helped children communicate better, successfully participate in group activities, get ready for school, and develop their social skills — all in our uniquely colorful, caring learning environment. You’ll love the sweet results. Plus, our services are covered by most insurance, so call to reserve a spot today.

Plano Hive: 6105 Windcom Ct. Suite 400 Plano, TX 75093 Frisco Hive: 8501 Wade Blvd. Building 12 Frisco, TX 75034 972-312-8733 • behaviorexchange.com

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Meet cold-blooded creatures to learn all about reptiles in Scales and Tails.

Practice lab and field techniques, including identifying species under a microscope and catching and releasing live specimens in Insect Investigators. Take a hands-on look at working with animals and learn what it takes to be a zookeeper, veterinarian or aquarist in Amazing Animal Careers. Experience these and many more class options this summer in River Legacy Summer Classes!

703 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006 817-860-6752 • riverlegacy.org/summer-classes

Ballet Basics introduces young dancers, ages 3 to 6, to the fundamentals of ballet. The camp experience also includes crafts, story time and choreography correlating with the theme of the week. The Junior Intensive Program broadens the perspective of 7–14 year old students with a variety of classes including ballet, modern, jazz and musical theater.

Dallas County: 214-377-8576 300 N. Coit Rd. Suite 231, Richardson, 75080 Fort Worth: 817-763-0207 1540 Mall Circle, Fort Worth 76116 texasballettheater.org/summer-programs

Want more camps?

Check out our

CAMP DIRECTORY dfwchild.com/camps

confessions

#MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

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

“After we watched a Sunday night movie (and stayed up a little past bedtime), my son said, ‘Mom, how about we watch a movie every Sunday—to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.’ I have a feeling he’ll add that to anything he wants to do now. How can I say no?”

—ALEXIS, GRAPEVINE

I WAS SICK LAST WEEK WITH A COLD, AND MY VOICE WAS RASPY. MY 3-YEAROLD SON SAID TO ME, ‘OH, MAMA, I’M SORRY YOU LOST YOUR NOISE.’ I DIDN’T HAVE THE HEART TO TELL HIM THAT I HAD LOST MY VOICE, NOT MY NOISE.” —HEATHER, FRISCO 62

may 2021 / dfwchild.com

“My daughter came into my room one morning while I was getting dressed.

She pointed to my bra and asked why I had to wear it. I explained to her that every little girl eventually has to wear a bra because her breasts get bigger.

Then she says, ‘I hope mine don’t hang like that.’”

“I walked by my 14-year-old daughter’s room as she was telling her friend that she was about to turn 15, so she’d be getting her driving permit in the mail. I said, ‘Honey, they don’t just send you a permit in the mail—you have to take a test and practice driving first.’ She was totally surprised! I just assumed she knew.”

—SHREE, RICHARDSON

—AMY, MANSFIELD

MY KID’S SHOES SEEMED TO BE ON WRONG, SO I SWITCHED THEM. LATER, THEY STILL LOOKED WRONG. SHE WAS WEARING TWO RIGHT SHOES FROM DUPLICATE PAIRS.” —NADIA, WYLIE

Have a funny or heartwarming moment to share? We’d love to hear from you.

Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.

My husband was working from home and I was cleaning when my daughter wanted to play hideand-seek. She played anyway and hid her dad’s computer mouse. We didn’t find it for an hour.” —LANNA, GRAPEVINE

LET ME NAVIGATE YOU

HOME

Buying or selling a home does not need to be stressful.

I can confidently lead you through the process, advocate for your best interests and lovingly guide you home. As a member of the Turner Fortune Real Estate team, I am backed by one of DFW's most successful boutique agencies, who place our Client's satisfaction above all else. Contact me today so I can guide you and your family to your next dream home.

ROB SUMNER REALTOR®

Turner Fortune Real Estate | 214-316-9500 | rsumner@turnerfortune.com

www.TurnerFortune.com

BABY QUESTION #60

WHEN CAN MY BABY BEGIN EATING SOLID FOODS?

Newborn questions? We’ve got answers.

When you’re a new parent the questions never end. At Cook Children’s our pediatricians are here to help answer all of them. Schedule a consultation with a pediatrician, explore articles from experts and sign-up for a free newborn class at newborncenter.org.

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