DFWChild November/December_2025 by DFWChild

HANDLING BIG EMOTIONS AT ANY AGE

WORTH’S LISA RENEE SMITH WHAT MUSIC TAUGHT ME SPECIAL NEEDS LOVE LOUDER THAN WORDS THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE

CELEBRATE THE

AT NORTHPARK

NORTHPARK CENTER INVITES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO SHARE THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS THIS SEASON.

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➽ ABOVE // From anxious to adventurous. Why giving kids more freedom (and a little discomfort) might be the best gift parents can offer.

30 Finding Elliott’s Voice

How one Fort Worth mom is helping nonverbal kids be

32 Calendar / Serving a Purpose

The top 9 events for fall & winter fun

Cover kid: Ariana, 5, of Irving Photography: Nick Prendergast

22 The Comfort Trap

Are your good intentions making your child more anxious?

9 Feel It Out

A parents’ guide to teaching emotional intelligence at every age

12 By the Numbers / State of Mind

A picture of kids’ mental health today

14 Ask an Expert / Sound Advice

What to do when you catch your child stealing

17 Mom Next Door / Lisa Renee Smith

The Fort Worth musician proves that motherhood can be a spark for reinvention

20 Briefs / The Afterbeat

Our Mom Next Door on the tunes & traditions that strike a chord

35 Things to Do / All Aglow

30 Holiday activities to connect with your kids

Family Fun / Craft Me If You Can

Catch these gingerbread house decorating classes tailor-made for kids

COLUMNS

6 Hello / Giving Space

This is a time to give space for every feeling the season brings

words Amanda Collins Bernier

46 Dad Amongst Dudes / The Pigskin Phase

The joy when father and son’s interests finally align

words Josh Farnsworth

ABOVE // Amanda Collins Bernier with her sons Max and Owen.

of Primrose Pre-K Students Demonstrated Kindergarten Readiness

Rigley Primrose Schools

Primrose School of Prestonwood 15237 Montfort Dr., Dallas, TX 75248

Primrose School of Frisco West 333 W. Lebanon Rd., Frisco, TX 75036

Primrose School of Klyde Warren Park

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Primrose School of Dallas at Kessler Park

330 S. R L Thornton Fwy. Service Rd., Dallas, TX

Primrose School of Park Cities 4011 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75209

Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow 5801 Coit Rd., Plano, TX 75093 primroseschools.com

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A GIVING SPACE

FEW MONTHS AGO, my son came home with an interesting homework assignment: do something new—maybe even uncomfortable—all on his own. It was exciting for my third-grader, and surprisingly hard for us, his parents. But together we came up with a plan—he (nervously) called and ordered our dinner, paid for it and picked it up himself while his dad and I waited in the car. It may seem like a small thing, but it took guts—from him and from us. And we all came out feeling pretty proud.

This assignment was part of a national program designed to give children more independence by encouraging them to do things on their own. You can read more about that on page 22, where we explore not only how our children lack independence, but how that—and parents’ best intentions—could contribute to their generation’s increasing anxiety.

And this issue digs even deeper into mental health, with a look at the latest stats around kids’ mental well-being and a guide to nurturing emotional intelligence at every age. With the holidays being right around the corner, it feels like the right time to talk about these things. Yes, this season brings joy, but it can also feel heavy. Our state has seen tragedy in recent months, and families right here in our community are marking their first holiday season without someone they love.

This is a time to give space for every feeling the season brings—a time to slow down, check in and offer ourselves and others a little extra kindness.

That’s not to say we can’t get into the festive spirit too. There’s plenty of that—from the longtime favorites featuring trains and ice and glittering lights, to exciting additions, like a new outdoor skating rink in the Design District. Turn to our Playbook on page 35, where you’ll find a full calendar of merriment, plus a delicious roundup of all things gingerbread in DFW.

Here’s to finding balance this season—in letting go, lifting each other up and savoring the small joys along the way.

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feel it out

A parent’s guide to teaching emotional intelligence at every age

WORDS KATELIN WALLING

PICTURE THIS: YOUR KIDDO asks for a sugary snack before dinner. When you say no, he’s upset—but instead of throwing a tantrum he takes a few deep breaths and calms down. Or perhaps your third-grader notices a sad classmate on the playground and stops to comfort her. These two moments may look different, but at their core, they both come down to one thing: emotional intelligence (EQ), a crucial life skill first coined in the 1990s.

But what really is emotional intelligence and how can you ensure your kiddo develops these skills so the above scenarios become reality? Three area experts share what you need to know.

EQ 101

Simply put, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage emotions—both our own and others, says Christina Kelso, Mental Matters Project Manager at Big Thought, a Dallas-based nonprofit that helps youth develop social-emotional skills—the building blocks to EQ. The organization works with Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), which breaks EQ into five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and decision making.

Developing these competencies is critically important because they lay the foundation for your child’s mental health, academics and overall well-being, according to Megan Rosewell, a licensed professional counselor and Director of Children’s Services at Beckloff Behavioral Health Center in Dallas. A strong EQ helps kiddos regulate emotions, build stronger friendships, improve communication, increase self-confidence and perform better in school. Long term, your kids will have stronger mental health, have healthier relationships and greater career success and be better equipped to handle loss, failure, change or conflict.

BUILDING EQ: AGE-BY-AGE

The most powerful way to help your children develop emotional intelligence skills? Model them—kids learn emotional skills primarily through observation. “Kids don’t just hear your lessons on emotional regulation. They

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absorb them through every calm breath, repair conversation and moment of patience parents and caregiver’s model,” says Rosewell. Beyond modeling, how can we ensure our kiddos build these ever-important skills? Roswell, Kelso and Dr. Priscilla Soliman, a clinical pediatric psychologist at Cook Children’s Healthcare System in Forth Worth, share their tips, broken down by age range.

TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

Build your little one’s emotional vocabulary. This may seem small, but learning how to recognize and name emotions are the building blocks of other emotional intelligence skills, according to Soliman. When she’s upset because you said no to screen time, say, “I can see by your frown that you’re upset.” A visual aid or feelings chart to help children identify emotions can be a helpful tool here.

Provide a safe space to express emotions. When your little one is feeling a big emotion, assure him it’s OK to feel mad, sad or scared. Just don’t validate bad behaviors that may come with those feelings, reminds Rosewell—it’s OK to be mad, but it’s not OK to hit others

Read books about feelings. It can be helpful for children to see images to identify and relate to different emotions. You can even do this with books already in your home library, Kelso says. Take what you’re seeing in the illustrations or reading in the text and create questions about it. How do you think that person’s feeling? Or she’s feeling angry—how can you tell by looking at the picture? Begin teaching simple relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises, visualizing calm scenes, or moving her body can help your little one regulate her emotions. Just remember: “Teaching always needs to happen when kids are already regulated,” Kelso says. So the teaching and practicing needs to happen before or after, not in the middle of your kiddo experiencing big emotions.

ELEMENTARY-AGED KIDS

Expand your child’s emotional vocabulary. Now’s the time to start moving beyond simple feeling words like mad and sad to more complex ones like frustrated, disappointed, or nervous, recommends Rosewell. Focus on empathy. If your little one has a conflict with a friend or gets in a squabble with a sibling, talk about how others might feel and guide her through it by asking questions like: How do you think your friend feels? Or why do you think your brother reacted the way he did?

You can also build empathy by discussing characters’ perspectives when watching movies or reading books.

Build problem-solving skills. After you talk through the questions to practice empathy, guide

your kiddo to think of solutions rather than jumping into problem-fixing mode. Ask questions like: What could you do if this happens again? How do you think you should react next time? Or what’s a good way to respond in the future?

Practice self-reflection. Ask your child how they felt when doing different activities or interactions throughout the day and why they think they felt that way, Soliman recommends. And when you’re sitting down to family dinner, go around the table and have everyone share an emotional high and low from the day.

OLDER KIDS & TWEENS

Validate big feelings. Older children’s emotions are more complex, and hormones might make these feelings even more intense. Listen to your tween without judgement and avoid offering quick advice. Talk about emotional triggers. Rosewell recommends helping your child notice patterns, like “I feel anxious when…” or “I get frustrated when…” This helps build selfawareness and gives your child time to find calming techniques that work for them. Build conflict-resolution skills. Show your child how to apologize, compromise and repair relationships. Then make sure she has time to spend with friends in person and (relatively) unsupervised so there are opportunities to manage disagreements without adults stepping in.

Focus on non-verbal cues. Soliman recommends teaching tweens to pay attention to body language, facial expressions and tone of voice to gain an understanding of how someone else is feeling. Try watching different movies or TV scenes and challenge each other to interpret a character’s emotions based on these cues.

Translate these skills to the digital world. Your kiddo is getting to an age where many, if not most, interactions with peers will be through their phone or screen. Start talking about real-life situations, peer pressure in the digital environment and social media, and how they can affect her emotions. It’s also a good idea to talk about tone in texts and comments on social posts, being kind and showing empathy online.

Keep the conversation going. Find age-by-age book recommendations on feelings and emotional growth at dfwchild.com

Helping your child grow emotionally takes time, patience and consistency. If you notice ongoing challenges—like big emotional reactions, withdrawal, or changes in mood or focus—reach out to your pediatrician or school counselor for guidance. With the right tools and support, kids can learn to recognize, express and manage their feelings in healthy, confident ways.

STATE OF MIND

Numbers that paint a clearer picture of kids’ mental health today

COMPILED

AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

In recent years, there’s been rising awareness and open conversations around youth mental health—and for good reason. Studies show that mental health challenges in children and adolescents have increased, or at least are being more frequently recognized, over the past decade.

Yet the picture is not all gloom. Among children ages 6 months to 5 years, nearly 78% show all four indicators of “flourishing”— things like positive relationships with caregivers, curiosity and resilience, in recent data. And the CDC reported that 79% of adolescents say they have at least one adult in their life who makes a positive difference—a vital factor in emotional well-being.

So how can parents support their child’s mental health? Experts recommend maintaining open communication, setting boundaries around screen time, encouraging offline and outdoor activities and seeking professional help early if warning signs emerge.

These statistics below take a closer look at the state of youth mental health today and offer resources for those in need.

7,300+

246

Of Texas’ 254 counties are wholly or partly designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas”

FROM 2018 TO 2022, THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN RECEIVING PUBLIC FUNDED SERVICES WITH A MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS ROSE 11% ACROSS COLLIN, DALLAS, DENTON AND TARRANT COUNTIES

Children given smartphones before this age, particularly girls, show significantly worse mental health outcomes in later adolescence, a study found

Children and adolescents in Texas have anxiety or depression OF ALL MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS MANIFEST BY AGE 14

736,665

2 MILLION

Texas youth ages 6–17 had a mental health need in 2022

The campuses where Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) is currently available, covering more than 4 million Texas students with telehealth programs to help identify and assess behavioral and mental health needs

16 MILLION CHILDREN IN THE U.S. HAVE ONE OR MORE MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, DEVELOPMENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL CONDITION

4 MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

If you or your child is faced with a mental health crisis, contact one of the following helplines: 988 Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8 24/7 211 Texas: Call or text 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org

Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 24/7 Texas Youth Helpline: Call or text 800/989-6884 or visit dfps.texas. gov/youth-helpline to chat

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SOUND ADVICE

Your parenting questions and dilemmas,

solved

EDITED BY AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

STICKY FINGERS

THE EXPERT

Katie Dunham, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S Co-founder at Connect to Thrive, Plano; thriveplano.com

DFWChild Mom Approved

Q: “I caught my child stealing. How should I react and correct the issue?”

A: When hearing your child has stolen something (or lied, or hit someone, or bit someone, etc.), it’s completely normal to have feelings about it. Before addressing it with your child, take a moment to pause, breathe and offer yourself some self-compassion. Pausing to reflect is one of the most underrated parenting strategies—it allows you to respond from a space where you see things more clearly and make more conscious choices. After all, the stealing has already happened, so we’re in no rush here.

Instead of focusing on the behavior, get curious about what might be the driving force behind it. If behavior is communication, what could your child be signaling with this action? Behavior is an excellent means of communication; it’s one of the primary ways that children (and teens and adults, too) inform us of their mood, needs, desires, mental states and overall functioning. In young children, stealing can indicate the need to build a skill or shift their environment. They may simply lack understanding of the separation of “mine” versus “yours,” or stealing could signal a need for more supervision. It’s developmentally normal for children around age 4 to 5 to oc-

casionally steal. When it happens, we want to model appropriate behavior and avoid any harsh punishments. Identify opportunities to teach the concepts of ownership or explore library books that introduce that missing skill.

For elementary aged kiddos, stealing could indicate lagging executive functioning skills, such as delayed gratification or impulse control. If a child over age 8 is stealing frequently, consider play therapy or counseling as a space where they can build those skills and identify any underlying needs. If your child is old enough to understand the concepts of ownership and boundaries, then stealing isn’t likely an insight problem. Without figuring out what fueled the behavior, it is likely to continue or show up as other unpreferred behaviors. Maybe it’s a signal that your child’s emotional bank account is running low and in need of a deposit. When people are feeling short on capital, they start to do weird things for money. This is also true when it comes to regulation. If you can identify where there may be a leak in “cashflow,” you can then start to focus your efforts on building up resources and reserves. Providing an emotional direct deposit to their bank account is essential—have recurring one-on-one time, and keep it consistent (30 minutes, once a week is ideal).

And remember: we can’t teach someone to swim while drowning. We must get them out of the water first and then set up swimming lessons. So if you catch your child stealing, allow them—and yourself—to calm down before having a conversation about their behavior or communicating boundaries that may need to be set.

Have a parenting question you’d like our experts to answer? Message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email editorial@dfwchild.com

real moms.

RÉSUMÉ

TITLE

Musician

LIVES IN Saginaw HAILS FROM Arkansas AGE

ALMA MATER

Bachelor of Music in jazz studies & master’s in library science from University of North Texas SPOUSE

Bassist Jacob Smith, married 13 years

CHILDREN

Son Haden, age 10

WHERE TO CONNECT Instagram @texasmockingbird & @lisarenee_smith

ABOVE

A mainstay of

mom next door

LISA RENEE SMITH

INTERVIEW AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

The rhythm of motherhood

FTER YEARS OF BALANCING CREATIVE ambitions with the demands of parenting, Fort Worth musician Lisa Renee Smith has found harmony between the two. Her journey—from jazz student to mom, to frontwoman and songwriter—proves that motherhood can be a spark for reinvention rather than a limitation.

In this conversation with DFWChild, Smith opens up about rediscovering her passion for music after becoming a mother, finding her creative community in Fort Worth, and what parenting has taught her about authenticity, resilience and joy.

DFWCHILD: YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A FULL-TIME MOM AND A PART-TIME MUSICIAN. TELL US HOW BECOMING A MOM LED YOU BACK TO YOUR PASSION?

LISA RENEE SMITH: Music has always been a release and an expression for me, but studying music in college kind of turned it into a stress. So I stepped away for a while and ended up getting my

Fort Worth’s music scene, Lisa Renee Smith performs solo, plays with the all-female string band Homebody, and is the bassist for Mighty Dark To Travel, a country fusion band.

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master’s in library science—a completely different field. Then after I had Haden I had this thought: someday I’m going to have to tell him that I quit. And that didn’t sit right with me. So I slowly got back into it when he was a baby. I started singing in wedding bands, getting back into playing guitar, and then that led to some opportunities to do solo gigs, which has really blown up. And most recently I’ve gotten back into songwriting.

DID PARENTHOOD ALSO HOLD YOU BACK AT ALL?

I had a long period where I was really focused on what I couldn’t do because I was a mom. I was really aching to be part of this music community, but I was like, I can’t do that, I have a kid, I have responsibilities, I can’t go hang out at a show. I had a time when I was really bitter; feeling isolated and self-pity about a choice that I had made. But I came to a point where I flipped and I said, I need to focus on what I can do. Like if your child says, ‘I can’t,’ you say, ‘have you tried?’ And if they try and they fail, you say, ‘OK, what went wrong?’ Finally, I had to do that for myself. I had to get creative about what was going to fit in my life and finding a way to be my authentic self, which is what my family needs anyway.

HOW DID MUSIC HELP YOU BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY?

I see a lot of moms reaching out to make friends with other moms, but I really wanted to find people who shared my hobbies. I wanted to feel connected to other people who were playing music. I met [Fort Worth musician] Simone Nicole who said she was starting a songwriting group (Songbirds of Fort Worth), and I’m like, I used to write songs, I’ll be there. It was just three ladies at first, which was a cool thing. No one cared that I brought my kid along. And so I started writing again for the sake of community and fell back in love with it. But you’re writing songs about stuff that’s going on in your life, so you get close and you get to know each other real quick. There were times that it started to feel a little like therapy (laughs).

“There’s

WHAT’S YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS LIKE?

There are a lot of songwriters who just write when they feel it, but that takes this commitment to be open to writing at all times. I’ve got stuff to do around the house, and I need to be fully present with my kid, I don’t want to be that person who is always distracted. So I try to have discipline, a time that I sit down to write.

But you also have to be open to creativity coming the way it comes. For instance, this morning when I sent my son off to school on his bicycle, I reminded him to turn on the little blinking light on the back of his bike, which I do every morning. But when I took a minute to reflect on that, that action is full of meaning and emotion—the care that goes into his safety, sending him off by himself to meet his friends, to go to school. Sometimes zooming into the little details of the moment like that will spark something.

YOU’RE RELEASING AN EP (EXTENDED PLAY) THIS MONTH. DOES IT FEEL VULNERABLE TO PUT YOUR MUSIC OUT INTO THE WORLD?

I just think it’s art and I think it’s worth putting out; I have no expectations. I have to let go of how things are received, because sometimes it’s crickets and sometimes it’s in a way that’s surprising and great. I have this song I wrote about feeling on the outside that I thought I wrote for other moms who were feeling isolated. But when I started playing it out, I started getting responses from men who were like, yeah, I feel like I’m on the outside too. I was really surprised by that reception. I would never have guessed it would resonate with them. If I had looked around at the crowd and said, oh there’s a bunch of guys here, they won’t get this song, then I would have never known.

IS YOUR SON MUSICAL?

He loves science and the first 8 or 9 years of his life he was obsessed with trains, and now it’s aviation. He’s one of those kids that just soaks up facts like a sponge. He’s got great ears, great rhythm, and great pitch, but right now it’s just not his thing. But all that matters to me is that he has the option to participate if he wants to—he’s never going

to be the guy who thinks he can’t sing along, or he can’t dance, or he can’t clap. He’s got all that so I’m happy.

AND THAT’S ALSO WHY YOU TAUGHT MUSIC TO KIDS FOR SOME TIME?

I felt like it was really important work because I think that everybody should be able to sing along to Happy Birthday or clap at a concert. I think there’s like a basic level of music literacy that we should all have just for the sake of participating. And so I was doing that work in preschools for a while, but I learned that just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you’re the right person for it (laughs).

HOW CAN A NON-MUSICAL MOM INTRODUCE MUSIC TO HER CHILD?

You have to create an environment in your house where you’re not self-conscious. Sing openly and freely to your child, with your child, around your child, dance with them, and don’t apologize—don’t say ‘I’m not a great singer.’ The best thing you can do is have an environment where your child feels free to make that kind of noise.

Don’t worry about buying them an instrument when they’re young because that instrument might turn into a toy car that they’re pushing around on the carpet—it’s a toy and they’ll play with it however they want to play with it. But the flip side of that is, if you give them pots and pans and spoon, that can become an instrument. They don’t care how things are supposed to be used when they’re young, they just want to have fun with it.

WHAT’S THE BEST PARENTING ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?

When I first was pregnant, my mom said to me: There are lots of people in this world who have kids who are not as smart as you and they do fine (laughs). There’s so much pressure on motherhood but it’s also a very universal thing; it’s been done a million times. It can never be done perfectly, but it can be done well, and you can do it well because so many people have done just fine at it.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND MOST SURPRISING ABOUT BEING A MOM?

When I want to be a better parent, all I have to do is work on being a better person. It’s profound how much I’ve changed, and how the values that I’ve always had have really come to the forefront to set a better example. I’ve learned how to relate to everyone better, even myself, by learning how to relate to my son better.

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the afterbeat

Lisa Renee Smith talks tunes, traditions and parenting moments that strike a chord

INTERVIEW AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

SOUND CHECK

Looking for a cool spot to catch live music? At the top of Smith’s list is Southside Preservation Hall. “Especially the Rose Chapel,” she says. “A historic building with a great warm feel.”

Bringing the kids along? She recommends Sundance Square, Levitt Pavilion or Truck Yard, where you’ll find live music every day and rotating food trucks. “They’ve got a little Ferris wheel and outdoor area that’s fun for kids because they use pieces of trucks for their seating.”

Southside Preservation Hall // 1519 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth; 817/926-2800; southsidepreservation.com

Sundance Square Plaza // 420 Main St., Fort Worth; sundancesquare.com

Levitt Pavilion // 100 W. Abram St., Arlington; 817/543-4308; levittpavilionarlington.org

Truck Yard // 3101 Prairie Vista Dr., Fort Worth; 877/221-3936; truckyard.com

LIFE IN LYRICS

“Part of being a parent is you kind of see your own childhood a little more clearly,” Smith says. The release of her EP, This Side of the Mississippi, in mid-November, marks that journey. “It’s five songs that I felt really told that story.”

ON TRACK TRADITIONS

“My son used to be obsessed with trains, and Christmas is when the trains come out,” Smith says of their family tradition checking out model train displays around DFW this time of year—from the iconic Trains at NorthPark featuring 1,600 feet of track that rolls through a scene of Dallas to White’s Chapel’s custom display, which includes miniature replicas of Southlake’s most beloved local landmarks and portions of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

NorthPark Center // 8687 N. Central Expy., Dallas; 214/3637441; trainsatnorthpark.org

White’s Chapel Methodist Church // 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake, 817/481-4147; whiteschapel.org

PLANE & SIMPLE

“When I have my son and it’s just the two of us on the weekends, we do lunch together either out at Alliance Airport, where you can sit on a little hill by the runway, or Founders’ Plaza, where we watch the planes land and takeoff from DFW Airport.”

Founders’ Plaza // 1700 N. Airfield Dr., Grapevine; dfwairport.com

Note: Founders’ Plaza is temporarily closed for construction but anticipated to reopen in early 2026.

ly minded children, the best thing you can do is bring music into your home, Smith says. But if you’re looking outside the house, she suggests starting with your local recreation or community centers, or music lesson studios, which often also have programs for younger kids.

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Comfort

ARE YOUR GOOD INTENTIONS MAKING YOUR CHILD MORE ANXIOUS? HERE’S HOW STEPPING BACK HELPS THEM STEP UP

WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER

YOU’VE SEEN IT—maybe you’ve even been there. It’s the school drop-off line, and a child is in tears, refusing to go inside. She’s wrapped around her mom’s leg, or clinging to the car door. And instead of driving away, Mom lingers, whispers reassurances, tries again to coax her in.

It’s a scene every loving parent understands. After all, you can’t just walk away from your crying child, right? But it’s also a snapshot of something larger—the subtle ways our wellintentioned efforts can actually deepen our children’s anxiety.

At playgrounds across the country, you can spot them: the kids standing at the edge, watching instead of joining. The ones too nervous to climb, to say hello, to take the small risks that make childhood joyful. Teachers see it, too— third-graders afraid to raise their hands, teens who crumble under a single bad grade.

Childhood anxiety is on the rise, and not by a little. In the past decade, emergency room visits for pediatric mental health-related symptoms, including anxiety, have more than doubled. According to the CDC, more than one in 10 children ages 3–17 has a current anxiety diagnosis, and that number jumps to one in five among adolescents.

These aren’t normal childhood worries. “It’s like, ‘I’m not going to this thing that most kids are going to because I’m so anxious about it,’ or ‘I’m not trying things new thing anymore,’” says Melissa Griffing, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist at WellNest Counseling in Dallas. “What takes it above typical is when it starts to get in the way of daily living.”

Experts point to a perfect storm for the upward trend: pandemic isolation, academic pressure, screens and social media. But another, quieter force starts closer to home—in the backseat of the car, at the dinner table, in that moment at the school door. Could our protective instincts, born from love, be making things worse?

THE COMFORT TRAP: WHEN HELPING HURTS

Parenting has always been an act of protection. We baby-proof our homes, hold tiny hands to cross the street and soothe every scrape and nightmare. But so often, protection can morph into prevention; a reflex to remove every obstacle before it causes pain.

That’s where anxiety takes root. Psychologists call it the avoidance cycle: a child feels fear; the parent steps in to remove the trigger; the child feels instant relief. But that relief is temporary. “If a coping skill that you or your child uses takes you away from the hard, that’s not a coping skill—that’s avoidance,” says Griffing.

We often do it without realizing it. We hover by their side at the birthday party because they’re nervous about meeting new kids or we email the teacher to ask for a different seat so they won’t have to sit alone. Or maybe it’s something as simple as speaking for them when they hesitate to order their food. Each act is loving, but each also whispers the same quiet message: “It’s saying, ‘I don’t have enough faith in you to handle this on your own,’” says Griffing.

When we protect too much, we inadvertently rob them of the chance to discover what they’re capable of—and that confidence can’t be handed to them. It has to be practiced.

THE ANXIOUS MIRROR: HOW PARENTS PASS ANXIETY ON

But overprotection isn’t the only way anxiety can take hold. Sometimes, it’s not what we do for our kids, but what they learn from watching us.

Children of anxious parents are more likely to develop anxiety themselves. Part of that comes from genetics, but much of it comes from what psychologists call modeling—the behaviors and emotional patterns kids learn just by watching us.

Here’s where self-awareness is key. If you know you’re an anxious parent, also know how you cope and model that to your child as well. “This can be as simple as sharing it with them in a developmentally appropriate manner,” says Anita Pathak, a licensed professional counselor and clinical therapist at Children’s Health in Dallas. “For example, you might say, ‘I felt a little stressed today so I’m going to play some music. That usually helps me feel calm.’ Modeling your own emotional regulation strategies is mutually beneficial. Not only does your child observe a new skill, but you are able to regulate your own nervous system and remain attentive to your child’s emotional needs.”

Then there’s the quieter kind of pressure—the drive to be perfect. Many parents have traded “free play” for structured schedules and high expectations: test prep, elite sports, extracurricular stacking. “Dallas is a very high performing, high achieving environment and so there’s a lot expectation put on kids,” says Griffing. The message is often unspoken but clear: Your worth

When we protect too much, we inadvertently rob them of the chance to discover what they’re capable of—and that confidence can’t be handed to them. It has to be practiced.

Nature Rx: A Prescription for Parents and Kids

Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Nature Rx program offers a simple, evidence-based remedy for stress and anxiety—time outside. This free program, created in partnership with Cook Children’s Hospital, Texas Health Resources and UNT Health Fort Worth, invites participants to boost well-being through guided mindfulness and gentle movement in nature, like family and adult yoga or a forest therapy walk. For parents, it’s more than a mental reset—it’s a model for their children. When adults take time to unwind, kids notice. Research shows that children mirror their parents’ coping habits; a calm parent helps create a calmer child. The next sessions take place November 21 & 22; learn more at fwbg.org/nature-rx.

comes from your achievements. That pressure doesn’t just lead to burnout; it feeds fear of failure—one of anxiety’s closest companions.

And then there’s the modern form of overprotection—the constant monitoring and micromanagement. Safety has become synonymous with supervision. But when kids don’t get to test their limits—climb a little higher, walk to a friend’s house—they miss the little moments that build confidence. The result is children who seem capable but don’t actually feel it.

KIDS WANT FREEDOM, NOT FEAR

Modern childhood is missing something big: independence. A recent Harris Poll of kids ages 8 to 12 found that 62% have never walked or biked anywhere without an adult. Another 61% have never made plans with friends on their own, 56% have never talked to a neighbor without their parents and nearly half have never gone down a different aisle in a store alone.

Yet when asked what they want, 72% said they’d rather hang out with friends in person than online, and almost half said they’d choose unstructured play over organized activities. The message seems to be that kids crave independence, but we’re not giving them much of it. And when kids are missing out on these real-life experiences, they may also miss out on chances to practice courage and build confidence.

Some schools and families are trying to change that. One of the loudest efforts is Let Grow, a nonprofit co-founded by FreeRange Kids author Lenore Skenazy and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation. Their mission is simple but radical in today’s parenting climate: help children grow braver by letting them do more on their own.

At the heart of the movement is the Let Grow Project, a program schools can adopt to encourage age-appropriate independence. Teachers assign small challenges—something students can do without an adult—like running an errand, making their own breakfast or walking the dog. Parents commit to letting it happen, even if it feels uncomfortable.

This marks the second year Acton Academy Lakewood has participated in the program. Co-founder and Head of School Molly Franklin Lucia says independence has always been a core value at the school, but she appre-

Break the Worry Cycle

When a parent is a worrier, the child often is too. To break the cycle, try this:

Ask, "What’s the worst that could happen?"

When you’re tempted to jump in, pause and ask, “Is this really something to worry about?”

Check your calm first. Notice your own body. Take a breath; calm is contagious.

Don’t narrate your fears. Swap “Be careful!” for “You’ve got this.” Confidence spreads faster than worry.

Separate their fear from yours. Ask, “Are they anxious—or am I?” Your worry doesn’t have to become theirs.

Model calm. Let your child see you breathe, take breaks, or talk through stress. They learn coping by watching you.

Skip the constant check-ins. Reassuring too often (“Are you OK?”) keeps everyone on edge. A little uncertainty teaches resilience.

WHAT BUILDS CONFIDENCE (AND WHAT DOESN’T)

BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Letting kids try and fail

Modeling calm coping

Encouraging problem-solving

Praising persistence

ciates how accessible Let Grow make the concept, especially for parents. They host “Raising Independent Kids" nights, where parents share ideas and talk honestly about how to make independence work in today’s world.

Learners at Acton Academy Lakewood have taken on challenges like walking to school or negotiating with a homeowner along the Katy Trail to set up a lemonade stand on their property. “People think confidence comes from being praised or being comfortable, but it doesn’t, it comes from competence. That’s hard for us adults because we think maybe if they fail it will harm their confidence,” says Franklin Lucia. “The look of pride on their face—in my experience it’s just so powerful to give someone meaningful work, and the trust that you can do this.”

The research backs it up. Even the simple act of trying something new begins to rewire the brain toward competence instead of fear. It’s a concept psychologists call antifragility—the idea that kids don’t just withstand challenges, they grow stronger from them. Every small risk survived is proof that they can handle the next one.

But Pathak reminds that independence isn’t one-size-fits-all. “It’s an excellent idea to encourage children to complete developmentally appropriate tasks on their own or with limited guidance,” she says. “But what’s developmentally appropriate will differ for every family—and that’s OK. It will differ based on a child’s individual needs, developmental level, family dynamics, cultural norms, living environment and mental health history.”

PRACTICAL SHIFTS: HELPING KIDS BUILD COURAGE

The good news? A few simple shifts can have a big impact. It’s about small, consistent steps that teach kids, I can do hard things

Start small. Choose one task your child can safely take on solo—ordering their own food, talking to a teacher about a problem, or walking a short distance without you. “For littles,” says Griffing, “this can look like letting them pour the milk even though you know it’s going to spill.” Each attempt is evidence that they’re capable—and that you trust them to be.

Other ways to build their courage include: Validate feelings, but don’t rescue. When kids express fear or hesitation, acknowledge

UNDERMINES CONFIDENCE

Stepping in too quickly

Hiding your own stress

Fixing every problem

Praising perfection

their feeling without rushing to fix it. “You’re nervous about going to the party, that makes sense. Let’s figure out what would help you feel ready.” This builds emotional awareness and problem-solving at the same time.

Model calm and confidence. Kids watch how we handle stress far more than they listen to what we say about it. When parents take a breath, approach challenges with patience, or admit, “That was hard, but I handled it,” we show them what coping looks like in real time.

But be careful that you’re not modeling perfection. “When they see this perfect parent all the time it can be like, ‘I want to live up to that, Mom never makes a mistake,’ or ‘Dad always does everything right,’” says Griffing. “It’s OK to be human.”

Praise effort, not outcome. Instead of “You’re so brave,” try “I noticed you kept trying even though you were nervous.” This shifts the focus from perfection to persistence, helping children see courage as a process rather than a personality trait.

Encourage them to try something new. “This could be as small as trying a new activity or even talking to a new friend on the playground,” says Pathak. “In this instance, it is also very important to praise the child’s effort as opposed to the outcome of the new activity.”

RAISING BRAVER KIDS

As Griffing says, “When our children are struggling, our instinct is to make the hurt stop… but one of the best things our kids can learn is how to move through the struggle.” When parents step in too quickly, it can reinforce anxiety by teaching kids that discomfort is something to avoid. Allowing children to face challenges—whether it’s talking to a neighbor, handling disappointment, or solving a problem—helps them build coping skills and confidence over time.

The goal isn’t to eliminate their anxiety, but to give them the tools to manage it. Each time we resist the urge to smooth the path or step in too soon, we’re showing them that hard things don’t have to be scary.

Scan

Ask the Experts: Your Family’s Mental Health Questions Answered

Parenting comes with countless questions—especially when it comes to your child’s and family’s mental health. To help you navigate these challenges, we’ve partnered with six trusted local professionals to provide expert insights and practical advice. From understanding anxiety and behavior changes to finding healthy ways to manage family stress, our experts are here to guide you toward a calmer, healthier home.

How does screen time, social media or gaming affect my child’s mental health?

How do I handle tantrums, aggression or defiance without making things worse?

How do I know if medication is the right option for me?

What role does family stress (finances, etc.) play in my child's mental health?

What types of therapy are effective for moms dealing with stress, anxiety or depression?

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed all the time as a parent?

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special needs.

FINDING ELLIOTT’S VOICE

How one Fort Worth Mom is helping nonverbal kids be heard

WORDS JENNIFER CASSEDAY-BLAIR

EVERY MOTHER REMEMBERS her child’s first words. There’s an indescribable joy of hearing “Mama” or “I love you.” But what happens when those words never come?

For Kendra Frank, that was her reality. Instead of first words, there were meltdowns, frustrated gestures and a longing to understand the thoughts locked inside her son’s mind.

After watching her toddler Elliott struggling to communicate, Frank set out to establish a connection between her son and the world. And what started with determination and a few simple pictures has blossomed into a movement that today, thanks to Frank’s nonprofit, Elliott’s Voice, is helping children across North Texas be understood.

ONE MOM, ONE PRINTER, AND A BIG IDEA

Frank describes Elliott as bright, funny and full of personality. But when he was 18 months old, she noticed something different. He wasn’t talking, not like the other kids. While caring for her father in hospice and juggling sandwich-generation responsibilities, Frank finally listened to a nudge from her sister-in-law and called Tarrant County’s free Early Childhood Intervention program. That’s when life began to change.

Elliott was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech and autism at age 3. Simply put, he knew exactly what he wanted to say, but his mouth and tongue couldn’t make the words come out. Frank says, “When you get this diagnosis, they don’t give

you much. It was scary. I had never even heard of it. Once Elliott was evaluated, we were able to get him into therapy. This is how I found out about the world of AAC.”

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and can include everything from sign language to speech-generating devices to something as simple as a low-tech communication board that displays pictures and symbols on laminated paper.

Frank started with a free AAC app on Elliott’s tablet called Let Me Talk and added photos of things he liked: foods, colors, animals. “He just got it. He figured it out and started communicating,” she says. “It was beautiful watching him take control of his world.

“As a mom, it’s so hard to watch your child have a meltdown over something as simple as chips,” Frank says. “You just think: Can you just tell me what kind of chips you want? But when he finally tapped on a picture and told me and his face lit up, it was life-changing for both of us.”

A VOICE, EVERYWHERE

One day while at the zoo, Elliott’s iPad battery overheated. “Technology had limited us, and Elliott had lost his voice,” Franks says. That’s when the idea struck. Frank began creating durable low-tech communication boards, which look like colorful placemats that show icons and words representing needs, emotions, places, and actions: things like “I want,” “hungry,” “tired,” or “I need help.”

The first board created for the Fort Worth Zoo was mainly because Frank and her family are members and she and Elliott visit weekly. “When Elliott used the board I made, he pointed to ‘feed the giraffes.’ I didn’t even know he wanted to do that. But in that instant, I understood him. After all of those visits, that day he got to do exactly what he wanted.”

All the work for Elliott’s Voice is done from Frank’s home using a couple of laminators and a single printer. Frank says, “I want people to understand that these boards aren’t fancy, but they are powerful.” She also wants everyone to know that they are completely free. “I don’t think someone should have to pay for communication. I think it’s a basic human right.”

Since then, Elliott’s Voice has donated boards to libraries, museums, schools, parks, 18 local fire and police departments, and over 250 boards to the State Fair of Texas.

BUILDING BRIDGES IN THE CLASSROOM

Ashley Boucher, an early childhood special education teacher at Burton Hill Elementary in Fort Worth, says Frank’s boards are bridge between

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENDRA FRANK

HAVE A VOICE

To request a board for your school, business, or public space, reach out to reach out to Elliott’s Voice on social media (Instagram @elliotts_voice) or email elliottsvoice21@gmail.com. Donations and sponsorships are welcome.

verbal and nonverbal students in her classroom. “Kids who use them to communicate feel seen and heard, while their classmates use them to include and collaborate. It’s been incredible to watch how naturally children adapt to communication boards. The students are curious, empathetic, and eager to connect,” Boucher says. “It truly levels the playing field and fosters a sense of belonging for all.”

The communication boards are helpful for children who may be struggling with English as well. Many of them are printed in English and Spanish. As Frank says, “A picture is the same no matter the language.”

A TOOL FOR EMERGENCIES

Public safety has been a big focus for Frank. “In an emergency, Elliott won’t be able to verbalize what’s wrong. If his iPad isn’t available, how can he tell a paramedic where it hurts?” So, she created special emergency communication boards that include key words for pain, body parts and emotions.

Jason Loveland, a Fort Worth firefighter and the parent of an autistic son, says, “The boards from Elliott’s Voice are built with common phrases and conditions that would better serve in an emergency response environment. Kendra has worked very hard to customize these boards, tailoring them toward information gathering that might be unique and even critical to a fire/ EMS emergency situation.”

Loveland praises the versatility of a tool that reaches beyond patients with apraxia of speech. “There are situations where there might be a language barrier, or a stroke victim with speech deficits, or even situations where trauma to the mouth and face make it impossible for them to communicate at all.”

In addition to providing her communication boards to several first-responder departments across DFW, Frank is working to ensure all emergency rooms are equipped with these tools. For other parents just beginning their special needs journey, Frank offers this advice: “Don’t give up. Progress looks different for every child. Communication doesn’t have to be verbal to be beautiful. Your child’s voice is there; you just have to help the world hear it.”

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WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

SERVING A PURPOSE

The top 9 events for fall & winter fun

DEAF DAY AT SCARBOROUGH’S

HOLLOW FALL FANTASY FESTIVAL

November 8

SCARBOROUGH FAIRGROUNDS, WAXAHACHIE

Can’t wait until the spring for the annual Ren Fest? For the first time, it’s open for the fall season (weekends through November 15) with new attractions like hay bale bowling in the Kids’ Activity Center. And from 2–10pm on Deaf Day, a team of certified interpreters with Hurstbased nonprofit Hired Hands, Inc. will be out in full force, interpreting live performances, games and even hayrides—helping to keep families having fun and feeling included. $28 adults; $17 children; under 5 free. Some attractions require an additional fee. 972/938-3247; srfestival.com/hollow

DINOSAURS QUIET

November 8, December 13, January 10 & February 14

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY

What’s an animatronic dino without its signature roar? Still very much

around the aisles easily or even retreat to the quiet room during the show. Tickets from $19. casamanana.org/ sensory-friendly

ABILITIES EXPO

December 5–7

DALLAS MARKET HALL

MORE FAMILY FUN

Find more events at dfwchild.com/calendar and tap the option for “Special Needs Friendly.”

This annual market doubles as a family fun day out—and it’s free. Go online to check out the full schedule as it’s released, but you can look forward to Jasmine’s Beat, an adaptive dance group led by Mom-Approved practitioner Jasmine Mathew, and many more adaptive sports and recreational activities. Register online for free, and if you need, request more accommodations like real-time captioning for workshops or a sign language interpreter. FREE abilities.com/dallas

CARING SANTA

December 7

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

as formidable and even more enjoyable for kids with sensory sensitivities. That’s why on these second Saturdays, the Heard will nix the dinos’ sound and movements from 8–9am. And actually, the Heard opens early on second Saturdays (at 7:30am), so your early risers can enjoy even more time exploring the dinos trail. Included in general admission: $16 adults; $12 children; under 3 free. 972/562-5566; heardmuseum.org/dinosaurs-live

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

November 30

CASA MAÑANA THEATRE, FORT WORTH

For its sensory-friendly performance on this Sunday morning, this theater makes adjustments so that everyone is comfortable joining in these reindeer games. See this classic Christmas musical (on stage November 22–December 23) without the loud sounds, flashing or strobe lights, and with the house lights up too so your kids can move

For every child who celebrates Christmas, sitting in Santa’s lap and sharing their wish list is a rite of passage (and one they can do as many years as they’re into it!). To help keep that magic happening for all kids, Autism Speaks teams up with several DFW-area shopping centers—Grapevine Mills, Irving Mall, the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, North East Mall in Hurst and Firewheel Town Center in Garland—to offer Sunday morning greetings without the crowds and with reduced lighting and music. Register online for your preferred location and time slot. FREE admission; photo packages available. santacares.whereissanta.com

THE NUTCRACKER: SHORT & SUITE

December 7

MOODY PERFORMANCE HALL, DALLAS

If you’ve wanted to introduce your kids to this classic holiday ballet but know they have trouble sitting through an entire performance, take a second look at this one by Avant Chamber Ballet. This family series performance is shorter, only one hour, and made sensoryfriendly too. All seats are the same price: $25, or only $20 if you subscribe to Avant’s family shows, like Peter and the Wolf Stay after the show for a meet and greet with the dancers in the lobby. 214/8715000; ticketdfw.com

ZOO LIGHTS’ SENSORY NIGHT

January 5

DALLAS ZOO

After its winter run (November 14–January 4), this holiday exhibition stays open one day longer for kids on the autism spectrum. On this special Monday evening, the crowds will be gone and the noise greatly reduced, so your family can more comfortably take in the glowing silk lanterns. The zoo will have special activities and a sensory haven available too. Plus, Santa will be there for meet and greets. (Yes, he’s supposed to be back at the North Pole, but go with it!) $19 adults; $15 children; under 3 free. 469/554-7500; dallaszoo.com

CHISHOLM CHALLENGE HORSE SHOW January 12–14

WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER, FORT WORTH

Ahead of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January 16–February 7), it’s equestrians from nearly 20 therapeutic riding centers who will be the first to kick up some dust inside the John Justin Arena and Will Rogers Coliseum. (Both are indoors and climate-controlled, so don’t worry about freezing.) Come cheer on all the horse girls and cowboys who’ll be shining in their show apparel and putting their skills to the test to compete for those belt buckles and winners’ ribbons. FREE 817/877-2420; chisholmchallenge.com

THE UNICORN’S BIRTHDAY January 17

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH

If you think an inflatable unicorn costume doesn’t belong on a concert stage, you’d be wrong. It’s all in good fun for this sensoryfriendly concert by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. The Bass becomes a judgment-free zone where young patrons are free to move around or even leave during the show to take breaks in a quiet space. If you need, ask for a KultureCity sensory bag packed with fidget tools and noisecanceling headphones. $15. 817/665-6000; fwsymphony.org

ABOVE // See those smiles? They’re thanks to free adaptive activities at the Abilities Expo, returning to Dallas this December with 75 exhibitors.

playbook

The Coca-Cola Classic Christmas lights festival, returning November 21–December 28, is just the tip of the iceberg for holiday fun.

ALL AGLOW

➽ 30 HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES TO CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: THE IMMERSIVE QUEST

Through February 1

PLANO

Got a young D&D fan in the family? Explore this 15,000-square-foot space, where inside you’ll encounter theatrical performances from costumed actors and face creatures like Owlbear. There’s even a market with snacks and seating for you to rest on your journey.

Admission from $38.90 for adults; from $32.90 for children; under 4 free. dndimmersivequest.com/dallas

ASTRA LUMINA

November 6–December 31

TRINITY FOREST ADVENTURE PARK, DALLAS

This lighted trail is unlike the other Christmasfocused lights shows. This one-mile-long walk through this forest has an ethereal quality, with projections and music connecting visi-

tors to the stars—and it’s extra eerie on moon-lit nights. Tickets from $23 for adults; under 4 free. astralumina.com/dallas

TIANYU LIGHTS FESTIVAL

November 7–January 18

OUTSIDE TEXAS TRUST CU THEATRE, GRAND PRAIRIE

This outdoor exhibition of larger-than-life Chinese lanterns (scarecrows, sunflowers and sharks!) gets even more magical

thanks to its acrobatics performances and kids’ activities. Let your littles boogie the night away on a light-up dance floor and drive around in mini magic cars that glow. Tickets from $16. 888/484-2698; tianyuculture.us/dallas

PANDA FEST

November 7–9

CARPENTER PARK IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS

Alas, there’s no chance of real panda sightings (they’re

delicate creatures), but at this outdoor Asian food and culture festival, you will find a panda bounce for the kids to run around in, live performances, and more than 150 Asian street food vendors serving up all sorts of treats and eats decorated with adorable panda faces. Strollers are welcome. Admission from $14; free for children under 6 and they’ll get a panda headband too. pandafests.com

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

FESTIVAL AT THE SWITCHYARD

November 8

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

CARROLLTON

Be still, my heart: Sixpence

None the Richer (of “Kiss Me” fame) is among the bands performing at this live concert. (Rick Springfield’s the headliner.) Stay late for the free concerts in the square and come early for all the free kids’ games, rides and crafts starting at 11am. Plus, on this day, you can score a free ride to the festival by taking DART’s just-launched Silver Line. FREE 972/466-3000; carrolltonfestival.com

THE GREAT INDIAN DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

November 9

GRANDSCAPE, THE COLONY

Come witness a snapshot of India’s centuries-old traditions when more than 300 dancers take to Grandscape’s outdoor stage. Bring your lawn chairs and let your littles run around the lawn in between the 15-plus dance numbers, spanning from noon–9pm, including a finale by Adrija Datta, founder and artistic director of Adrija Dance Academy. FREE 972/668-2222; grandscape.com

HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM

November 12–January 4

DALLAS ARBORETUM

The mini village of Germaninspired houses and the gloriously glittering gazebos depicting all the characters from the “12 Days of

Christmas” song—they’re all back. You can best experience this garden transformation after dark. And this year, the winter wonderland looks even more wonderful with new light installations from Aurora, called Night Glow. Daytime admission from $17.95; under 2 free; nighttime admission from $35. 214/5156615; dallasarboretum.org

SNOWDAY & SANTALAND

November 14–January 4

GALLERIA DALLAS

Why is the kitchen table on the ceiling? Why not?

Explore the all-new, topsyturvy rooms inside the returning holiday attraction

SNOWDAY, located on level one right next to Santa’s Workshop (open through Christmas Eve). You’ll first travel through a snow-covered forest and ride aboard a magical railcar to arrive at his cozy chalet. The whole setup is beyond adorable and elaborate. Combo tickets from $22.95. 972/702-7171; snowdaydallas.com

ICE! FEATURING ELF

November 14–January 4

GAYLORD TEXAN, GRAPEVINE

There’s no resisting the urge to quote Buddy the

benefit with the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas: $12 adults; $7 children; under 2 free. 214/631-7354; thetrainsatnorthpark.com

PHENOMENOMALY

November 15–January 4

MEOW WOLF, GRAPEVINE

Elf’s funniest lines from the movie while walking through this seriously cool, seriously cold exhibit of movie scenes recreated from colorful blocks of ice. Don’t worry, you’ll get a complimentary parka for your walk-through and to wear while sliding down the two-story ice slides and snow tubing hill. Book combo tickets for these and many more kids’ activities; under 4 free. 817/778-1000; christmasatgaylordtexan.com

HOT WHEELS

MONSTER TRUCKS

LIVE GLOW-N-FIRE

November 14–16

DICKIES ARENA, FORT WORTH Crushing cars, glow lights and shooting balls of fire— these drivers are pulling out all the stops to wow fans. Catch one of four showtimes, each with a preshow pit party in the arena. Tickets from $43.50 for adults and from $21.50 for kids. Can’t make it to a show? Look online for details on where to see monster truck Tiger Shark for free on November 13. 817/402-9801; hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com

THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK

November 15–January 4

NORTHPARK CENTER, DALLAS

We now have a whole new reason to visit this holiday mini train exhibition: the inaugural Choo-Choo Tales. Be sure to visit before Christmas Eve to catch performances of an original, short play, about a sick bear who travels by train for medical care. Admission

Visiting this artist-made attraction is always a wild ride and will be even more now with these live performances inspired by a creature called the Flickerwerm. It’s a parade of sorts starring giant puppets, dancers and musicians in outrageous costumes. Come witness the Flickerwerm’s “migration” between 1pm and 6pm on weekends this season. Included with admission: From $40 for adults; from $20 for children; under 4 free. meowwolf.com

A CHRISTMAS STORY

November 21–23

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE, DALLAS

December 5–7

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH

“You’ll shoot your eye out!”

In the mom’s defense, she was right. Relive all the funny and cringy moments from the 1983 comedy movie in this Broadway touring musical starring the straight-shooting Ralphie Parker. Tickets from $45.30, depending on the day and location. achristmasstoryontour.com

COCA-COLA CLASSIC CHRISTMAS

November 21–December 28 DALLAS MIDTOWN Lights, cameras, polar bears. The iconic brand plays host to this outdoor lighting festival with all sorts of sparkly photo ops (and yep, a costumed polar bear). This returning exhibition is at a new locale this year and bringing back its outdoor lights maze, ice skating rink and snow tubing lanes. When you’re ready to rest, stop into the Home Depot Craft Corner, mini movie theater or story readings with Mrs. Claus. Tickets from $21; under 3 free. classicchristmas.com

WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

November 21–January 3 COSM, THE COLONY

If you’ve not yet experienced a movie screening from inside The Dome (Cosm is only one

of two such movie theaters in the U.S.), here’s your chance to see a show that will appeal to your kids too. For an immersive screening of this 1971 comedy, book your seats on level one, two or three (we suggest that level one or two is best for kids) and order some snacks and drinks from the dine-in menu. Tickets from $28; children 3 and younger can sit on a parent’s lap. cosm.com

CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN

November 21–January 4

FORT WORTH

BOTANIC GARDEN

Want some really magical photo ops? In the evenings, come take a stroll through illuminated tunnels and along the garden trails for a giant Texas flag display, cowboy nutcrackers, “dancing” LED bluebonnets—then warm up with hot food and drinks, like the hot cocoa frozen custard with toasted marshmallows. Santa Claus will be on hand every evening through Christmas Eve. Tickets from $20 for adults; $13 for children; under 3 free. 817/4634160; fwbg.org

THE ART & SCIENCE OF ARACHNIDS

Opens November 22

RIVER LEGACY NATURE CENTER, ARLINGTON

Did you think all the spiders split town after Halloween? Nope, they’re descending upon River Legacy to share the story of their “cultural ties to medicine, music and folklore.” In the flesh, this means some super-sized sculptures, artwork and, yes, live spiders, along with hands-on activities like web-weaving. $10 adults; $7 children; under 3 free. 817/860-6752; riverlegacy.org

BALLOON MUSEUM’S LET’S FLY

Opens November 22 SOUTH SIDE STUDIOS, DALLAS

This 65,000-square-foot, experiential exhibit from the Italy-based Balloon Museum explores the concept of “air” through works by 18 different artists. Most, if not all, are on a huge scale, and many of them, you can play around with the features, like stacking geometrical shapes and rolling around giant inflatable eyeballs. Tickets from $39 for adults; from $29 for children; under 4 free. balloonmuseum.world

➽ TIANYU LIGHTS FESTIVAL

Those

COME OUT & PLAY ON NEW YEARS DAY

playbook / THINGS TO DO

GM FINANCIAL

PARADE OF LIGHTS

November 23

DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

Many of the most recognizable Christmas characters are getting a jump on holiday fun in this annual parade on the Sunday night before Thanksgiving—a 43-year tradition. For a better look at the 100-plus illuminated floats and entries, book your seats in advance for the elevated street seats, starting at $19.50. And be sure to give a salute to the parade’s grand marshal, Chris Cassidy, retired Navy Seal and the foundation president for the National Medal of Honor Museum, which is now open in Arlington. 817/336-2787; fortworthparadeoflights.org

DISNEY ON ICE

November 26–30

CREDIT UNION OF TEXAS EVENT CENTER, ALLEN

HOLIDAYS AT THE HEARD

December 12–14

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MCKINNEY

Tickets always sell out well in advance, so be sure to plan ahead and bundle up for an evening outdoors. The Heard opens up for a few lovely, low-key evenings for visitors to take night hikes through its half-mile nature trail lit up with Christmas lights. (They’re not overpowering and fit right into the landscape—and among the animatronic dinos.) Plus, Santa will be there each night from 6:30–8pm. $17 adults; $14 children; under 3 free. 972/5625566; heardmuseum.org

DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST

December 16–January 4

MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK, DALLAS

The “Be Our Guest” sequence makes me remember why I love theater. (I saw this show about a decade ago and still think about it.)

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

The most adventurous characters from films Moana, Coco, Aladdin, Toy Story and Frozen are putting on their ice skates for this production of Mickey’s Search Party. (After all, what’s a story without a perilous journey to an unknown land?) Book your seats for the best views of the rink, and book a preshow meet and greet with Moana and Mickey. These preshow parties include a sing-along, crafts too. Tickets from $42.85. 972/9121057; cutxeventcenter.com

So here’s your chance to introduce your littles to this Broadway touring production with all the glittering costumes and elaborate sets. Kids 6 and up are welcome, and remember, you can request a booster seat for a better view of the stage. Tickets from $37 but vary by day. 800/982-2728; broadwaydallas.org

CHRISTMAS LEGO SHOW

December 20–21

MEADOWBROOK RECREATION CENTER, ARLINGTON

POLAR PAJAMA PARTIES

November 29–December 22

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Dress in your jammies for these kids’ parties inspired by The Polar Express movie. You’ll watch a special screening in the Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater, after a morning of making ornaments, reindeer food and Christmas cards. While you’re there, stop into the special exhibit area to explore the new Barbie & DC Super Heroes exhibits. $30 adults; $24 children; under 3 free. 817/255-9300; fwmuseum.org

CLIBURN FAMILY CONCERTS

November 29–30

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

Speaking of The Polar Express, this concert series is back to shine a spotlight on the popular children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Meet in the Stampede Room for a kidfocused symphonic concert, with narration and illustrations from the story. $20; children under 2 free 817/738-6536; cliburn.org

Whether you need to scoop up some last-minute gifts for your discerning LEGO fans, or looking for a fun family activity before Christmas, check out this weekend show hosted by the Brick Convention. Their creators will have oversized dioramas on display, LEGO building activities, and many more kits and minifigs for sale. Book your tickets online (they won’t be sold at the door) for only $6.04 each day. A portion of the proceeds benefits nonprofits Creations for Charity and Vet Tix. brickconvention.com

COUNTDOWN TO NOON December 31

SCI-TECH DISCOVERY CENTER, FRISCO Midnight? We don’t know her. These parties shift the celebration to the daytime hours when the kids are awake (and so are we).

Get your timed tickets for one of three time slots, each offering STEM-focused activities and crafts, like DIY sparklers and learning how to code a New Year’s countdown clock. All the fun leads up to the electric ball drop on the hour. $15 for nonmembers; $12 for Sci-Tech members. 469/896-2188; mindstretchingfun.org

PHOTOS

COURTESY OF MATTHEW MURPHY

ICE ICE GLIDING

These new and returning outdoor ice rinks are popping up around DFW, with accompanying lights shows, kids’ activities and Santa sightings.

STOCKYARDS RODEO RINK

November 18–January 4

FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

Set up on the lawn of the Livestock Exchange Building, this ice skating rink will be covered under a pavilion (which will come in handy on rainy days) and set aglow with hanging chandeliers—with fire pits and picnic tables nearby too. Book your timed tickets online for a 90-minute session and skate rental: $25 for adults, $20 for children, or $80 for a family four-pack. Come skate on November 28 when Cowboy Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in grand fashion. 817/625-9715; fortworthstockyards.com

SKATE THE SQUARE

November 21–January 5

FRISCO SQUARE

Back for its 15th year, this outdoor ice skating rink opens as early as 12:15pm on weekend days and around 4pm on weekdays, but the best time to go is after dark when the square flips on the twinkle lights. You’ll see the choreographed light shows, and Santa will be around for greetings too from 6–10pm. $25 for a one-hour skate time includes a skate rental. friscosquare.com

PEACE PLAZA ICE RINK

November 22–January 6

GRAPEVINE MAIN STATION

Here on Main Street, this 4,500-square-foot, open-air rink will be made with real ice and open until at least 9pm or 10pm each night (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). $20 for an hour-long session includes skate rental (sizes available as small as toddler 8). But that’s only a taste of all the Christmas Capital of Texas has in store. Pair your visit with classic Christmas cartoons at the theater, the Carol of Lights tree lighting on November 24 or the lighted parade on December 4. 817/410-3185; christmascapitaloftexas.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE ANATOLE

November 28–January 4

HILTON ANATOLE DALLAS

On top of all its Christmas activities, this landmark hotel debuts an outdoor ice rink, accessible to daytime and overnight visitors alike. A $20 all-access pass includes one hour of skating and unlimited access to bounce houses, a trackless train, Santa’s Workshop Craft Station, and story times inside Mrs. Claus’ Library. For even more time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, join them for breakfast at the Anatole’s steakhouse up on the 27th floor. 214/748-1200; hiltonanatole.com

FOR MORE KID-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, VISIT OUR ONLINE CALENDAR AT DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR

➽ PEACE PLAZA ICE RINK

FREE FOR EVERYONE

Pre-K for 4-year-olds in Arlington ISD is universal. That means it’s open to every child and it’s free! We want every child to have the opportunity to be a part of this full-day program that lays the foundation for a successful educational journey. High school may be years away for your little one, but the road to graduation and a successful future starts here.

STEM PERKS

There’s no denying that STEM careers are where the future is heading. In fact, Arlington ISD’s pre-K program introduces students to STEM-based learning from the very start, building curiosity and conﬁdence in science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM careers already make up 20% of all U.S. jobs - and that number is rising - and they pay more than jobs in other areas. Just imagine what that’s going to be like in 2040. That’s right. Your future Arlington ISD pre-K student will be in the Class of 2040. Arlington ISD is committed to your child’s future, and it begins now.

IT'S FUN!

Nothing says learning doesn't have to be fun, at least not in the Arlington ISD pre-K program. Fun is the name of the game here. Four-year-olds are innately curious, and they feed and foster that curiosity through playful sensory-rich experiences that encourage kids to explore, discover and ask questions. Arlington ISD’s pre-K program is designed to give kids all kinds of fun, hands-on learning activities and experiences that feels like playing to them. But these activities are purposeful and designed to help kids grow and develop their social and emotional skills, ﬁne motor skills and problem-solving skills. They also help students improve their vocabulary and gain the conﬁdence to try new things.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

You can visit aisd.net/prek for all the latest information on the Arlington ISD pre-K program. Registration begins April 1. We'll see you this fall.

STEM GUIDE

Parents know science and tech careers are booming—and you want your budding inventor, entrepreneur, or scientist to stay ahead. Discover these STEM programs, featuring critical-thinking games, hands-on labs, robotics and coding, designed to spark curiosity and prepare your child for the future.

Explore STEM the SmartLab Way at Prince of Peace Christian School!

At POPCS, students in grades 1–12 engage in hands-on, project-based learning through our innovative SmartLab program. With two state-of-the-art labs—one for Lower School and one for Middle and Upper School—students explore robotics, engineering, circuitry, coding, and digital media.

From weekly enrichment in elementary grades to elective courses in high school, SmartLab transforms learners into creators, preparing them for college, careers, and life.

At Prince of Peace, we’re not just teaching technology—we’re inspiring the next generation of innovators.

4004 Midway Road Carrollton, TX 75007

972-447-0532 popcs.org

BASIS Texas Charter Schools

Now’s the time to enroll at the nation’s top-performing public school network!

BASIS Texas Charter Schools are a network of tuition-free public charter schools serving grades K–12 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With advanced academics, we empower students to achieve at globally competitive levels. We are proud to have an “A” rating at the district level from the Texas Education Agency.

Our curriculum blends STEM with humanities and fine arts, sparking a love of learning and inspiring students to reach their full potential. Engineering is incorporated into our curriculum as early as kindergarten, and we offer a wide range of advanced STEM courses in high school. As a result of our world-class academic program, our graduates are prepared to succeed at top-rated colleges and universities.

Beyond the classroom, students can discover new interests and grow their skills with exciting extracurriculars and team sports. Our schools are vibrant and welcoming environments where all students can thrive.

Best of all, BASIS is tuition-free and open to all Texas students, regardless of district.

We are now enrolling at our Benbrook, Plano, and Richardson locations. Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year runs from November 4, 2025 to December 12, 2025 . Apply during Open Enrollment to enter our lottery. It’s your best chance of securing a seat for next school year!

BASIS Benbrook 8901 Vista Way Benbrook, TX 76126

BASIS Plano 4501 Hedgcoxe Rd Plano, TX 75024

BASIS Richardson 2200 N Greenville Ave Richardson, TX 75082 www.enrollBASIS.com

STEAM Through Project-Based Learning

Fort Worth Academy challenges students through an academically advanced program that rewards intellectual risk-taking and encourages the pursuit of excellence. Immersive and collaborative experiences engage students and prepare them for success in high school, college, and beyond. At FWA, authentic STEAM experiences empower young people to think critically in a diverse environment to become the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow.

7301 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-370-1191 fwacademy.org

STEM Education—Anytime. Anywhere.

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is dedicated to lifelong learning and is anchored by our rich collections. We offer a variety of year-round STEM learning opportunities designed to inspire wonder and curiosity in learners of all ages.

At the Museum, programs like Museum School and STEM Squad teach young minds through exploration and play. In the community, our Discovery Lab on Wheels brings interactive science demonstrations directly to schools and community organizations, making STEM learning accessible to everyone. And when the Mobile Noble Planetarium rolls into town, students and guests can journey through the cosmos and experience the wonders of space...no telescope required!

Whether at the Museum, at school, or throughout the community, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History shares the wonder of STEM with everyone, anytime, anywhere.

1600 Gendy St. Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-255-9300 fwmuseum.org

The Lamplighter School

The Lamplighter School embraces and celebrates the natural curiosity and exuberance with which young children explore their world. Our Pre-K (age 3) through fourth-grade program promotes academic excellence; engages children in the joy of learning; embraces diversity within an inclusive community; encourages creativity and discovery through hands-on learning including woodworking, drama, cooking, music, and art; and connects students with nature through our campus gardens, barn animals, and environmental science program.

LEARN MORE

The Lamplighter School 11611 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75229 thelamplighterschool.org

Each Girl Is Unique

At Ursuline Academy, every student learns to code, sparking innovation with courses in JavaScript, Java, and Python. A mandatory computer science curriculum and advanced options empower students to go beyond.

With all-female programming competitions, an annual Hackathon, and an Engineering Design Innovation class, Ursuline fuels creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving, preparing students for limitless futures.

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

Winters Park Academy

An Education Rooted in STEM

Founded by Brandi Johnson, a mother of four from the tech world, Winters Park Academy was created to fill a gap in today’s education system. Located in Frisco, the lower school offers immersive STEM programs for PK–5th grade that ignite curiosity and innovation. Students engage in hands-on robotics, coding, and science projects inspired by real-world challenges and industry partnerships. Collaborative labs, team projects, and competitive STEM events strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. As a growing leader in STEM education, Winters Park Academy plans to expand through 12th grade, offering a complete PK–12 private STEM school in North Texas.

4915 Coit Rd. Frisco, TX 75035 972-632-6493 wintersparkacademy.com

CRAFT ME IF YOU CAN

Catch these gingerbread house decorating classes tailor-made for kids

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

IF DECORATING GINGERBREAD HOUSES is one of your family’s most beloved Christmas traditions, send up a silent thanks to the Brothers Grimm. They chronicled Hansel and Gretel’s fairy tale journey into the forest, where they found an edible house made of gingerbread and candy—that not so coincidentally was inhabited by a witch. This holiday craft, one of many passed down from German immigrants, has stuck.

And speaking of sticky…handling all that icing can be one messy affair around the dining table. (Ever found one of those gumdrop buttons stuck to the floor months later? Yeah, me neither.) For families who’d rather avoid the mess in your house and are willing to splurge on a special outing, we’ve gathered some go-to spots around DFW where your kids can decorate their own miniature gingerbread houses—plus, where to see elaborate, professionally built displays and even meet with costumed characters.

GAYLORD TEXAN’S GINGERBREAD DECORATING CORNER

Daily November 14–January 4

OK, the defining reason to visit the Gaylord each holiday is without a doubt its ICE! exhibit—this year starring Buddy the Elf—but for even more of a taste of their Christmas activities under the atrium, head toward Mission Plaza on the lower level. There you’ll meet the Gaylord’s own costumed gingerbread man named Nutmeg and decorate either cookies ($19.99 for six Buddy cookies or $29.99 for eight gingerbread cookies) or a gingerbread house ($39.99 family kit). Perhaps time this to be your last activity at the resort, so you’ll keep your arms free for snow tubing and ice sliding. Bundle packages available. // Grapevine, 817/778-1000; christmasatgaylordtexan.com

CAMP GINGERBREAD AT NORTHPARK CENTER

December 6 & 13

No registration is required, just walk up to the shopping center’s level two near the cafés. It’s $15 to decorate one oversized gingerbread man cookie, or $12.50 each for two or more cookies. Don’t have time to stay? Take the kits home for the same price. These two build days benefit Dallas’ nonprofit Shared Housing Center, which provides affordable housing and services for those in need.

Visit dfwchild.com to find even more gingerbread housemaking craft times around Dallas-Fort Worth.

together to build an elaborate mini gingerbread village, one of the largest in North Texas, with around 45 individual structures. The frosted village will be on display on level one in Nordstrom Court through New Year’s Day, and all donations benefit the Dallas-based Children’s Craniofacial Association. // Dallas, 214/363-7441; northparkcenter.com/holiday

SCOTTISH RITE FOR CHILDREN’S COOKIES & CASTLES

December 13

To help raise funds for this hospital’s mission of providing pediatric orthopedic care, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Tri Delta hosts this 18th annual Family Day. They’ll have an enormous candy bar set up in the middle of the ground-floor atrium, where you’ll choose any number of candies and goodies from the display jars, then take them back to your table for decorating an already fully assembled gingerbread house. (They’ll have popcorn for snacking too but won’t be serving any other food for lunch, so be sure to eat a big breakfast beforehand.) It’s $85 to join the family day and each ticket includes admission for one guest, or $75 for a to-go kit. Self-parking and valet available. // Dallas; cookiesandcastles.com

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT AT FLOUR POWER

December 5 & 12

If you prefer a drop-off activity (to free up some time to do some Christmas shopping, let’s say?), take a look at these cooking schools, which regularly host classes for children as young as 3. On December 12, from 5:30–8:30pm, the Frisco and Allen locations host their annual Gingerbread House Decorating nights. These particular Lil’ Chef / Tween Chef classes are open for 5- to 12-year-olds. For $70, they’ll make their own house, plus more hearty foods: “Elf Hat Calzones” and “Grinch Kabobs,” with hot chocolate, too, of course.

And on December 5, the Denton cooking school is hosting its own Christmas Cookie Crew workshop. For $49, they’ll first cook a main course of “Rudolph Red Nose Bites” and then not only decorate gingerbread and sugar cookies but also learn how to roll them out and bake them, which makes these classes stand apart from others we found. Sign up online to secure your kids’ spot. // Frisco and Allen, 855/735-7797; Denton, 940/343-5515; flourpowerstudios.com

PLAY STREET MUSEUM FORT WORTH

December 19

This Town Square-themed playspace near Fort Worth’s River Hills neighborhood offers a Gingerbread House Decorating Party for your 1- to 8-year-olds. And, plot twist, these houses are specifically built for crafting, says owner Courtney Bennett. These papier-mâché houses stand up better while decorating and are less likely to break or crack under the weight of the kids’ enthusiastic application of all those Airheads candies (always a kid favorite there).

We suggest going during the second offering (on December 13) so you can also see the newly assembled Gingertown Dallas. Starting at 5pm on December 9, teams of local architects (some of which also participated in the annual Parade of Playhouses) will come

Each kid also gets a gingerbread sugar cookie to decorate during the party, and playtime with gingerbread toys and books in the play area. Book your spot online before they fill up. Admission is $30 per child and includes up to two adults for this Friday night party. We suggest heading that way early and grabbing dinner from one of the nearby kid-friendly restaurants like The Rim. With their kids’ menu and a patio, you’ll be set. If you’re a Play Street Museum devotee, come back for special pajama times and meet and greets with Santa this season. // Fort Worth, 817/930-2577; ftworth.playstreetmuseum.com

➽ ABOVE // Prebuilt kits, like this one from the Gaylord Texan, come with all the icing, peppermints and candies your kids need to create their own perfectly imperfect designs.

the pigskin phase

IT TOOK ABOUT TWO MINUTES. Maybe three.

When my youngest, Milo, 9, was finally able to slow down his tears, he took a deep breath. I wondered what had driven him to spontaneous sadness. Recent tough family news he learned? Exhaustion from a long day? Dealing with an existential crisis seemed like a longshot, but maybe he was questioning the universe and why we are here?

Finally, he got on top of his sadness and said, “Dad…”

Yes, son?

“Does firing the coach mean my team is going to miss the playoffs?”

Deep breath from my wife and me…and maybe a chuckle. (And yes, they probably will miss the playoffs, but I will tell him that part another day).

Milo has officially entered his honeymoon period with the glorious pageantry of football. What started as a fascination with big cats became a liking of teams with big cat mascots, which became a game of catch that has now morphed into a full-fledged excitement for a game I have loved seemingly forever.

While I am careful to meet each of my kids’ obsessions with a healthy dose of optimism and excitement (also currently on Minecraft), this one is different. This one is pure selfish joy. He asks just about every night about any game that may be on—NFL, college, high school, Canadian league? Whatever. He’ll take it. Me too.

How lucky am I? Go pound virtual sand, blocky video game!

I say selfish joy, because I was—and still am—a walking encyclopedia for football and basketball. When I was his age, my family members didn’t need Google, Alexa or AI technology to know who was leading the league in rushing or the name of the backup punter’s gardener. Ask Josh, he knows.

Milo is not quite to that level yet, but he’s well on his way. And although I love the sport, I never have to beg him to participate.

Most days that are sunny?

Dad, can we play catch with the football?

I announce I am about to start grilling something?

Dad, can we play catch with the football?

Very rainy, chilly day?

Dad, can we… watch a YouTube video of my favorite player?

“Yes son,” I say, wiping away a tear of pride from my face. “We absolutely can.”

How organically Milo came to football is refreshing. While I never forced the sport on him, I did share cool stories, stats, etc. with him to show how much I enjoyed it. Maybe there is a kernel of wisdom in there for parents. Don’t force your passions on them. Just share it. Maybe they pay enough attention and want to join the fun.

And boy has he paid attention and joined in. Just this calendar year he has checked every fandom box:

 Rode cloud 9 with his favorite team making a playoff run. Check.

 Crashed down hard when they lost in heartbreaking fashion. Sniffle. Check.

 Carved out way too much time to watch Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Check.

While I am careful to meet each of my kids’ obsessions with a healthy dose of optimism and excitement, this one is different. This one is pure selfish joy.

 Got super nostalgic on a road trip to touch the outside of his favorite team’s stadium. Check.

 Drafted his first fantasy team. Check (he is in the Top 3 as of writing this).

 Immersed himself in flag football. Check.

There are no victims here in this football phase. Well, maybe one. My wife likes sports, but football is not her favorite. And while I have been in pigskin heaven every time Milo asks to watch a game or shares a little-known football anecdote, I do enjoy shooting my wife a wry smile when it happens. Hang in there, baby. It’ll all be over by mid-February. Well, until next season.

And yes, I think it is natural to get excited to have someone share this level of football detail within my household. The minutia, the stats, the entertainment, the feline mascots…it’s all gold…wonderful, selfish gold.

But like most phases, I also understand that this newly stoked passion may have a shelf life. There is a good chance he’ll eventually be on to the next shiny phase. If so, I will certainly exude excitement about whatever it might be, while I quietly mourn the loss of this incredible wave we rode together.

Whatever you decide to do, bud, long-term or short-term passion, I’ll be ready with a ridiculous stat or story. And if all parts of this game fall by the wayside, I’ll be standing by waiting for the answer to the sweetest eightword question this phase could ever produce…

Dad, can we play catch with the football?

Yes. Always.

Josh Farnsworth is a nationalaward-winning parenting columnist who lives with his wife and two goofball sons. You can reach him for column ideas at josh.farnsworth@yahoo.com

Family Fun

15 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES KIDS WILL LOVE

The Cliburn: Family Concerts cliburn.org/concerts/cliburn-family-concerts 817/738-6536

Day 1 DFW benefiting Vogel vogelalcove.org/day-1-dfw 469/733-3894

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org 817/255-9300

Galleria Dallas galleriadallas.com/holiday 972/702-7100

Gaylord Texan Resort: ICE! featuring Elf™ christmasatgaylordtexan.com

Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau grapevinetexasusa.com 817/410-3185

Just Between Friends McKinney mckinney.jbfsale.com 571/235-3086

North Texas Performing Arts: Scrooge! ntpa.org 214/704-8789

NorthPark Center northparkcenter.com 214/363-7441

Perot Museum of Nature and Science perotmuseum.org 214/756-5798

City of Princeton: North Pole Christmas princetontx.gov/369/north-pole-christmas

Texas Ballet Theater: The Nutcracker texasballettheater.org/performance/nutcracker-2025 877/828-9200

Texas Zoofari Park texaszoofaripark.com 469/966-4608

Cliburn Family Concerts return, bringing you family-friendly musical programs that emphasize wonder, discovery and exploration. Celebrate the holidays at the Fort Worth Stockyards, and go on a bee-autiful adventure at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden! See ad on page 11.

Start the New Year with a day filled with exciting family-friendly activities, live entertainment and games designed to bring smiles to all ages. From interactive booths to thrilling performances, there’s something for everyone! See ad on page 38.

Curiosity comes to life at the Museum! Enjoy hands-on fun, immersive exhibits and unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else, like the newly renovated Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater! See ad on pages 37 and 43.

The iconic 95-foot-tall Christmas tree makes Galleria Dallas recognized as one of the biggest, brightest, happiest holiday celebrations. Santaland is a must-visit for everyone! Plus, the season’s most engaging immersive photo experience, SNOWDAY. See ad on page 15.

Don’t miss ICE! featuring Elf™, a winter wonderland of colorful, colossal ice sculptures. Unwrap timeless traditions, see millions of twinkling lights and discover Christmas magic around every corner at Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. See ad on back cover.

Get away to Grapevine with more than 1,400 events over 40 days. Create unforgettable memories in the Christmas Capital of Texas. See ad on page 34.

DFW's easiest kids consignment sale. Save 50–90% off retail prices on everything growing kids need. Free tickets available. We help families say Yes! November 13–16 and November 19–22. 2004 W. University Dr., McKinney.

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of North Texas Performing Arts’ beloved annual production of Scrooge! This heartwarming musical runs December 11–21 and brings Dickens’ classic to life for all ages. Tickets: ntpa.org/tickets. See ad on page 10.

NorthPark Center invites you and your family to share the magic of the holidays this season with visits with Santa, The Trains at NorthPark, Scrooge Puppet Theatre, Gingertown and so much more. See ad on pages 2 and 3.

Discover the Perot Museum of Nature and Science—a family-friendly adventure filled with handson exhibits, dinosaurs and interactive tech. See ad on pages 4 and 39.

Enjoy a day full of family fun with a visit from Santa, strolling characters, a 3D photo op, silent disco, carnival rides, face painting, balloon creations and caricature art for all ages to enjoy.

From lifelong memory to family tradition, The Nutcracker is the gift that keeps giving. Join Texas Ballet Theater for our classic holiday production, running November 28–December 28 in Dallas and Fort Worth. See ad on page 21.

Families love Texas Zoofari Park for its drive-thru safari, Village Walk-Thru and giraffe feeding. With wagon rides, engaging exhibits and safe, family-friendly fun, every visit creates lasting memories through adventure, learning and close-up wildlife encounters. See ad on page 13. 14

Tianyu Lights Festival Dallas tianyuculture.us/dallas 888/484-2698

The Tianyu Lights Festival is on sale! Explore Koda’s Adventure, dazzling lanterns, live shows, food, rides and more from November 7, 2025–January 18, 2026. Get tickets at tianyuculture.us/dallas 15

Visit Rockwall: Hometown Christmas visitrockwall.com 972/771-5733

Rockwall’s Hometown Christmas brings holiday magic to life with a festive parade, tree lighting and family fun downtown—where twinkling lights, seasonal music and cherished traditions create unforgettable memories for all ages. See ad on page 11.