DFWChild October 2020

O C T O B E R 2020

MEET MOM NEXT DOOR FLORAL DESIGNER JODY STEIN

12 GREAT FISHING SPOTS IN DFW

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pages / O C T O B E R

2020

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 11 Roll With It

Raising a child who adapts to life’s punches—and we’ve had plenty of them in 2020

REAL MOMS 15 Mom Next Door / Jody Stein

This Dallas floral designer keeps her warm smile through life’s highs and lows, from a thriving business to a recent miscarriage

18

Our Mom Next Door shares her favorites for everything from reading to getting her girls creative

Briefs / In Bloom

20 Routines / Alera Owens How this Arlington mom balances 4am baby giggles with Zoom tutoring

15 65 JODY STEIN: CARTER ROSE; FISHING: CITY OF ALLEN PARKS AND RECREATION; VOTING: ©ISTOCK VOTING

ON THE COVER

ABOVE // Dallas floral designer Jody Stein is an open book, sharing everything from finding her father on Facebook to finding out she is BRCA2 positive.

FEATURE

Meet the high school senior who’s recruiting other teens to work at the polls this November

KID CULTURE 53 Brush It Off

With a few brushstrokes, your kiddos can create masterpieces—and learn valuable skills

PEOPLE + PLACES 65 12 Fishing Spots in DFW A few fin-tastic spots to cast a line

22 Art + Soul

INFLUENCER 39 Students Step Up

The importance of living with art, and how to make your home creative in unexpected ways words Carrie Steingruber

39

SPECIAL PROMOTION 26 Mom Approved / Dentists

Get the facts on your little one’s

smile and find reader-recommended dentists, orthodontists and more

COLUMNS

6 Hello / Home for the Holidays The holiday season is around the corner—and we can make the best of it words Heather Vance Devers Cover Kid: Grayson, 6 Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers

8 dfwchild.com / Off the Pages

Pumpkin patches and patio weather … fall is here

70 Confessions / Mom Truths

Guard your ice cream! This month’s LOL parenting moments dfwchild.com / october 2020

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NOTE

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

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O

home for the holidays

CTOBER ALWAYS FEELS LIKE the beginning of a slippery slope to the end of the year. We have five family birthdays in October (four of them in a 10-day stretch)—and every year around this time, my husband says to me in a huff, “We have the October birthdays, then it’s Thanksgiving, then Christmas and then New Year’s, so we really need to start planning.” I roll my eyes and tell him to calm down, but it’s true (much to my chagrin). After birthdays, we spend so much time planning decorations, costumes and treats for Halloween, then we go straight into who’s bringing what for Thanksgiving and getting gifts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. At that point, it’s all the holiday parties, not to mention the marathon present wrapping for Christmas morning. Just typing these words makes my heart beat faster.

Now, it is 2020 (like you need a reminder), so we honestly have no idea what this year’s holidays are going to look like. Will people hand out candy at Halloween? Will we be traveling to see each other for Thanksgiving? Will our kids get their annual picture with Santa?

We may all have our own answers to those questions, but there is something universal about the holidays ahead. Think about it: If this year has taught us anything, it’s what is truly important in our lives. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s: Whatever days you mark, aren’t celebration, family and friends at the center of them?

So maybe we don’t get to trick or treat this year. Dress up your kiddos and set up a line of stuffed animals with candy, then watch a kid-friendly Halloween movie (any excuse to break out Hocus Pocus is a win in my opinion). For older kids, set up a spooky obstacle course or an at-home candy scavenger hunt.

The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to get creative. Your kids probably won’t remember all the scary details of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will remember that you painted your face green and hid candy in the shower. Break a few rules, have a family danceoff where you put your sweet running-man skills on display, and remember that this way of life won’t go on forever (even if it’s gone on longer than we anticipated). This may be the last Halloween with your kids before they decide they’re too cool and want to spend it with their friends—or maybe they’re already too cool, but the pandemic has forced them to stay home. Just try to make the best of this time. We all deserve to have a little fun.

Be well,

to toddlers

Heather Vance Devers 6

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KORENA BOLDING SINNETT

hello / E D I T O R ’ S

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes

CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Heather Vance Devers

EDITORIAL

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DIGITAL

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online / D F W C H I L D . C O M WORDS

SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

OFF THE PAGES

what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com

FALL IS OFFICIALLY HERE! Goodbye, soaring summer temperatures. Hello, pleasant nights on the patio, nice walks around the neighborhood and enjoyable family bike rides. If you’re looking for great spots to hike and bike, we have ideas for families across DFW. We also have a list of pumpkin patches the kids (and your camera) will love. All of this is available on our website—where you can also sign up for our daily newsletters, check out the DFWChild podcast, find community events and so much more. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and log on.

After School + Music Lessons =

Take a Hike: 13 Spots To Hike & Bike

Now that the weather will be dropping below 90, consider taking the family for a hike or bike outing. We have more than a dozen places to visit that are all close to home.

Gray School Of Music

Your First Lesson is

Free!

The Best Local Pumpkin Patches

Looking for a pumpkin patch? We compiled fall-friendly sites across the area.

Take photos of your pumpkins in a sea of pumpkins, make your way through hay bale mazes and much more.

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Having a baby is a joyful experience—but it can be really distressing when your little one needs intensive care. We spoke to a perinatal nurse navigator at Medical City Arlington about all things NICU.

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noted.

ROLL WITH IT raising kids who adapt to tough situations

WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

I

F YOU KNOW ANY CHILDREN (and I’m guessing you know at least one fairly well), you may not think of them as a particularly adaptable subset of our species. When it comes to wanting their own way, kids have a je ne sais quoi that can put even the most self-centered adults to shame. Whether it’s something minor (maybe your little wants to go to the park after it’s dark outside) or a real challenge they’re facing (perhaps Mom and Dad are splitting up), children might not be naturally equipped to adjust to a less-than-ideal situation. But you can encourage adaptability in your offspring. Maybe they won’t perfectly adapt all the time (and sometimes they shouldn’t have to), but you can have more days when they go with the flow of life.

LISTEN UP, MOM AND DAD Adaptability: the ability to be cool with a circumstance you may not have chosen, to find the dfwchild.com / october 2020

11

noted / R O L L

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WITH IT

good things in it and keep on keeping on.

(Definition courtesy of the dictionary in my head.) Obviously, we wish our kids didn’t have to adapt to things like social distancing and mask wearing. But such is the world right now. And there are a few things a child needs in order to develop or enhance adaptability to those kinds of changes.

For example, they need a caring, responsive adult in their life, according to Jacqueline Hood, Ph.D., a child psychologist whose office is in Plano. You probably have that covered, right? So what should that caring adult do?

“One of the most important things for parents to do is to listen to children—to not be dismissive when the child is concerned about a transition or challenge,” explains Hood. “You don’t just say, ‘Oh, it’s fine; everything is going to be OK.’ Acknowledge what the child is going through.”

Collin County dad Dave Beitchman identified “listening” as the No. 1 thing his children—Noah, 6, and Jordan, 10—want when a situation is less than ideal. “When our boys are struggling with something outside of our home, they almost always want Mom and Dad to be a sympathetic ear,” he says. “Often just listening to them helps them feel better.”

But Beitchman won’t hover when his sons need to work through something independently. “If the conflict is with one another or with one of us, the boys usually want time and space to themselves,” he says. “Legos and Harry Potter books usually help them process emotions on their own.”

“YOU DON’T JUST SAY, ‘OH, IT’S FINE; EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK.’”

NATURE & NURTURE Some kids are naturally better at overcoming negative feelings and carrying on with life than others. “In my experience as a pediatrician and as a mom, I definitely feel some kids are more flexible than others innately,” says Dr. Mansi Lalwani, a pediatrician with Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center – Mesquite. “I think we as parents need to empower and enrich kids through a variety of life experiences to be more adaptable.”

Darci, a Carrollton mom, says her 11-yearold twins have grown a sense of grit through a variety of activities. (Darci asked us to omit her last name for privacy.) There’s ranching in Montana, where the twins’ grandparents 12

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

live. “Ranching is all about having to get up every morning and not complaining about the weather but clenching your teeth and getting work done. I believe the ‘rancher’s life’ has given them confidence in working hard, even if the work is uncomfortable or uninteresting.”

But Darci’s kids don’t have to be on the open range to flex their ability to adapt. Even taekwondo lessons here at home help build that skill. “You will not pass every belt testing, and you will go back to practice where your peers may have passed to the next level. You have to be happy for their success and persevere to hit your long-term goal,” Darci notes.

Lalwani recommends that kids get involved with different peer groups (even if it’s virtually), so they can get used to dealing with all kinds of people, with all kinds of temperaments. And here’s something else that’s important: As you go through various experiences and interact with people, demonstrate the “roll with it” attitude you’d like to see in your kids.

“If you transition through life situations well by exhibiting flexibility, then it will help the kids do the same when faced with difficulties,” Lalwani shares.

A MEASURE OF CONTROL Life isn’t just about dealing with things you’d rather not endure. We humans are blessed with a keen ability to problem-solve. So if a situation is truly challenging to your child, and they are suffering, ask yourself: What can we do to make this better?

That’s exactly what Beitchman and his wife did when they saw that virtual school wasn’t working for their family. “Our boys adapted well to virtual learning in the spring when they had the flexibility to complete assignments on their own time and at their own pace,” Beitchman says. “This fall, however, students were asked to log in to virtual classes multiple times throughout the day.

Using a traditional school schedule while being schooled at home seemed very rigid for the boys, and the pace lagged quite a bit. It was difficult for our boys to remain engaged with this new approach, and we decided to homeschool this year instead.”

You also can encourage your children to be the problem-solvers. “Help them by giving them information about the new situation

Fighting Frustration

BOOK: VIKING BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

Here are a few books that can help: • B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings by Melissa Munro Boyd • Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney • Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang • A Feel Better Book for Little Tempers by Holly Brochmann and Leah Bowen

Smile Doctors of Texas - Scott V. Law, D.M.D.

and then allow them to be resourceful to come up with solutions to those difficulties,” suggests Lalwani.

But when there’s not a choice, when your kids truly have to soldier through disappointment and frustration, there are a number of ways to help them deal with it. “Mindfulness skills are really important in teaching self-regulation,” says Hood.

“That’s something that really takes everyday practice, teaching your child to listen to their inner monologue: What is my voice saying about this situation? Do I have a balanced perspective?” She adds that mindfulness can be cultivated by slowing down.

“For example, sitting outside and listening to the breeze rustling the trees, or visualizing a perfect place—just taking moments together as a family.”

In addition, you can give kids control in other areas to help them better handle life’s tougher situations. “Let them have control over their environment,” Hood suggests.

“Ask them, ‘Where do you want to put your bed? Where do you want to put your desk? What do you want to put on your wall?’ Small things that they can feel in control of go a long way.”

General wellness also better equips kids to regulate their feelings and manage undesirable situations. That means maintaining a good sleep schedule, eating nutritious meals and snacks, and staying active.

“When the pandemic started, the hardest part was getting the kids started on the right foot in the morning,” says Darci. “We found that getting up at the usual time and immediately going for a 10- or 15-minute run around the block helped kick-start the day for all of us.”

The key is doing all these things consistently, not just when a particularly tough circumstance—a life-upending pandemic, for instance—rears its head. “Coping skills aren’t built in a few months,” points out Hood. “They are built over a lifetime.”

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real moms.

Jody Stein has balanced her flourishing business and her home life by learning to delegate.

FLOWER: NOUN PROJECT

mom next door /

JODY STEIN flower girl

WORDS

HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

PHOTOGRAPHY

CARTER ROSE

W

HEN YOU MEET MOM OF TWO and Dallas floral designer Jody Stein, you immediately notice her quick wit and warm smile. Those qualities shine through even though she has faced tragedy and upsetting circumstances in her life, most recently a miscarriage in the midst of the pandemic. Through it all, flowers have been a bright spot in Stein’s world. “I’ve always been a flower lover,” she shares. “Growing up, we would travel a lot for my mom’s job and go to very cool places like Holland and all over Europe. I just fell in love with flowers at a very young age.”

Today, flowers aren’t just a passion—they’re Stein’s profession. She turned her talent for floral arrangements into a business that’s headquartered right in her garage. Stein’s daughters run in and out of the studio, bringing joy (and the occasional meltdown) to her workday. dfwchild.com / october 2020

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real moms

PRESENTED BY

Saturday, October 3 11am–4pm

/ MOM NEXT DOOR

You used to work in the fashion industry. How co-chair introduced us. I was like, “Hi, lovely to did you transition to flowers? When Kyle and I got meet you.” And I walked off. I was just the worst married, Todd Fiscus did our wedding, and there person ever. Then I saw him a few months later were flowers everywhere. When I say everywhere, at a happy hour and he wouldn’t talk to me, and I mean there were flowers coming from the I thought he was just a terrible person. Then we ceiling and out of the floor and from the side. were set up on like a blind date. And that was it.

That really reignited my love of flowers. I began It sounds like you have a lot of humor in your making arrangements for my mother-in-law and marriage. I always say it’s a bad episode of I Love her friends for the holidays, and people would ask Lucy every day. He’s like Ricky Ricardo. He comes me to do flowers for their luncheons. home from work or comes down from the third How did you turn it into a business? [Dallas floor, and there’s just always something that I’ve philanthropist] Carol Aaron and I chaired an event gotten us into. And he just shakes his head. He together. They wanted centerpieces for all the shakes his head a lot. tables, but we didn’t want to spend a ton of money What has been your favorite part of running on flowers. I had this idea that I had been toying your own business? It’s two parts really. I run my with for a while for preserving flowers. I got so business out of my home garage, and my children sick of running around and having these flowers are in and out and in and out all day long. I was die a few days later. All that fortunate enough to be able work, all that money, and to create a business where then they just die.

I could be with my girls Necessity is the mother all day, every day. I also of invention. Right? I started love that I get to employ Googling and researching incredible people, like my flowers that would preserve AGE 34 HAILS FROM South Africa lead florist Lindsey. She is and keep their color. I would “We immigrated here when I was 12. now literally part of our go into Central Market and family.

My mom was in politics and things ask the flower guy there, Do you ever find that it’s got a little spicy down there. We were hard to balance being a mom Andy, “What can I dry out that will keep this color?” held at gunpoint and we got out of with working? It’s a doubleSo after about six months there.” LIVES IN Dallas PREVIOUS edged sword, working from of doing research, this home, because sometimes [a CAREER Fashion wholesale NEW luncheon came along and I child] will come into the into CAREER Floral designer for Trove said, “Well, do you mind if I the workshop and be having Florals ALMA MATER Texas do dried arrangements and a meltdown, and we’ve got we can sell them?” And they A&M University, with a degree in deadlines. were like, “Sure, go for it.”

What has been your communications SIGNIFICANT I worked literally 18 biggest learning experience OTHER Kyle Stein, president of hours a day to get all these from running a business?

Brown Sugar Bourbon CHILDREN centerpieces done. They I can always fulfill orders, Daughters Sloane, 3, and Olivia, 1 were massive. My motherbut sometimes it’s to the in-law called me the night DREAM JOB AS A KID Doctor. “I detriment of me or spending before the luncheon and she time with my kids. So I’ve really believe I would have been a said, “Listen, I just want you really had to learn how to say doctor if I wasn’t severely dyslexic. to know how proud I am of no sometimes. This time with Inverting numbers isn’t good when you and your hard work— my kids—I will never get you’re trying to not kill patients.” but at luncheons, these these fun moments back. things don’t sell, so don’t WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER Every night when I put have your feelings hurt.” At them to bed, especially since troveflorals.com, @driedside that luncheon, every single the miscarriage, I just hold on Instagram piece sold. Then people them, and it’s gut-wrenching started calling me to ask if that they’re bigger today than they could order some. they were yesterday. I just Wow, what an awesome want them to stay this little start. Yeah, and I needed this. I grew up with a forever. And they can’t; that’s not reality. I love single mother, and since we immigrated here, being a mommy and I love being their mommy, she’s never not worked, and she instilled that in and I’ll never get this time back with them. I just me. If I’m not working I don’t know what to do have to remember I can delegate things and that with myself. I didn’t work for a short period of it’s going to be OK. time when Kyle and I got married, and this gave Do you mind sharing a bit about your miscarme a sense of purpose that I really needed. riage? You were 17 weeks pregnant. That’s devastatHow did you meet your husband? We’re Jewing. Yes. I think it just was par for the course for ish, and on Christmas Eve, Jews have nowhere this year. Expect the unexpected—because it was to go, right? All the young, single Jewish kids go really, really unexpected. I thought I had made it. to this thing called the MatzoBall. It’s as wild as We were in the in the green zone and good to go. it sounds. He was with a company that donated But 2020 said, “No, no, you just wait.” all the liquor, and I was chairing the event. My Has the hustle and bustle of your business

RÉSUMÉ

Register for the event and to win giveaways at

dfwchild.com/babyevent

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Give them an early start for a full life.

A full life for children with autism and development delays starts with the Behavior Exchange Early Start (B.E.E.S.) enrichment program. Through playful activities like circle time, sing-a-longs, music and movement, and arts and crafts, preschoolaged children learn the important skills to successfully complete school activities and listen and communicate with classmates.

Learning CAN be fun. And SAFE! Enroll today online or call 972.312.8733.

P.S. ABOVE // Jody Stein treasures time with her daughters Sloane and Olivia.

“I love being a mommy, and I love being their mommy.”

helped you cope in some ways? No question. Being creative and keeping my hands busy making arrangements—it helps me process things. I almost feel like I’m more creative in times of turmoil than not.

What was the moment that you felt like this went from a side hustle to a full-time business? We used to be called The Dried Side; we made like random tchotchkes and stuff. And then we switched over to Trove Florals and became a real business. We got a website and started shipping things with our own ribbon that said “Trove Florals” on it. I was so proud of myself.

Why did you decide to rebrand? I was never in love with the name The Dried Side. And I was in the car with Sloane, picking her up from school, and “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid came on.

She sings, “Look at this trove, treasures untold”—and I was like, Trove!

That’s it! It described us perfectly. That’s what I wanted to make: a trove with beautiful assortments of nature’s elements.

I also wanted to make flowers with a purpose. I’ve had so many different things happen in my life and have had so many people touch my life—and I just wanted to figure out a way to raise money for causes that mean something to me. My good friend Courtney’s mother Holly Clegg died of stomach cancer, so we have a Holly box [of flowers]; 20% of the proceeds go to the Holly Clegg Foundation. And I have a Kim box for my best friend who had breast cancer, so 20% of those sales go to Susan G. Komen. I actually found out that I’m BRCA2 positive, so the Susan G. Komen organization means a lot to me.

How did you find out? I got an email from 23andme.com asking if I wanted to see [additional information on] my genetic makeup, and it told me that I’m BRCA2 positive. So I called my OB, and she made me get an appointment with a genetic oncologist, and he confirmed it. I am probably going to have to have a radical double mastectomy and hysterectomy when I am done having kids.

Your family is obviously super important to you. Can you tell me a little about your childhood in South Africa? My dad left my mom when she got pregnant with me. He’s Italian. And I didn’t know him my whole life. Then I found him on Facebook. I found a brother and my father on Facebook, and connected with them, then flew to Italy and met my dad.

I have this huge Italian family now. My husband calls me a pizza bagel.

Since you were raised by a single mom, is it especially important to you to give your girls a strong female role model? I really wanted my girls to see that their mommy has a work ethic—because I do. I think if you don’t instill that stuff at a young age, when they’re older, kids can think that they’re automatically going to get a car and all that stuff. It’s a different value system. Personally, I had to bust my a** for everything. My kids are very fortunate that Mommy and Daddy can provide for them, but that’s not the way the world works.

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17

BRIEFS

IN BLOOM

jody stein shares what she’s reading, her beauty must-haves & her floral design muses INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

1

D E S I G N I N S P O, CLOS E TO H OM E

2

FO R S PA R KI N G KI D D O CR E ATI V IT Y g “The Trove workshop is out of my home, so the girls are always helping while we do orders.

There is a designated

box of ‘mishap flowers’ that they

get to use, and they think all our containers are fair game. I am always amazed with the colors and

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS FILLED WITH ARCHITECTURAL GEMS. THERE IS AN ACTUAL FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOUSE A FEW HOUSES DOWN. I TAKE THE DOG FOR A WALK, ENVISIONING WHAT WOULD FIT IN EACH HOUSE I PASS AND COMING UP WITH DESIGN IDEAS.

textures they put together.”

FAVO R ITE FLO R A L D E S I G N E R S

4

3

BO O K S O N H E R N I G HT S TA N D

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

BY DELIA OWENS; FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON BY DANIEL KEYES; THE WHOLE-BRAIN CHILD

BY DANIEL J. SIEGEL, M.D., AND TINA PAYNE BRYSON, PH.D. CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD BY RUCHI KOVAL; THE LAST MRS. PARRISH BY LIV CONSTANTINE

5

N O. 1 B E AUT Y PRO D U C T

“Jeff Leatham. He is a flower god and genius.

Also a huge fan of a floral institution in Spain called Bornay.” JEFF LEATHAM STUDIO // jeffleathamflowers.com

CAVIAR STICK EYE COLOR // lauramercier.com

FLOWERS BY BORNAY // facebook.com/flowersbybornay

6

“I have forever and will always be obsessed with the Caviar Stick in Smoke

by Laura Mercier. It does not budge.” LAURA MERCIER

B E S T VAC ATI O N S g “Growing up in South Africa and being of Italian and Jewish descent, my heart is split between many places that I constantly ache to visit. My favorite family vacation was to Italy. My oldest daughter got to meet my father before he passed and my entire Italian family.” g

“My favorite place to go with our entire family is to Sullivan’s Island,

South Carolina. My mother-in-law—who is originally from Charleston—is one of six

[siblings], and her entire family always gets together for the Fourth of July. It’s one of the most relaxing places on earth, where time just seems to melt away.”

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october 2020 / dfwchild.com

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BOOK: TASCHEN; TROVE FLOWERS: JODY STEIN; FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON: HARCOURT; FLOWERS: BORNAY; MAKEUP: LAURA MERCIER

real moms /

SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY!

JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF FUN! Monday, Nov. 23 TOTALLY TRENDING Tuesday, Nov. 24 AROUND THE WORLD Wednesday, Nov. 25 CHALLENGE ISLAND Thursday, Nov. 26 CLOSED (Thanksgiving) Friday, Nov. 27 PJ PARTY! Dallas: 214-295-5877 Flower Mound: 972-899-9332 Fort Worth: 817-741-2572 Frisco: 972-668-5990 Highland Village: 972-317-4158 McKinney: 214-491-4088 Plano: 972-612-5400 Southlake: 817-488-4600

TM

COULD IT BE HUNTER SYNDROME?

¿PODRÍA SER EL SÍNDROME DE HUNTER?

Talk to your doctor about this progressive, genetic disease,1,2 or learn more at:

Hable con su médico acerca de esta enfermedad genética, progresiva,1,2 o conozca más en:

hunterpatients.com

Recurrent Ear Infections1

hunterpatients.com/es

Infecciones recurrentes en los oídos1 Hernia abdominal1

Abdominal Hernia1 Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids1 Joint Stiffness1

Amígdalas/ adenoides agrandadas1 Rigidez en las articulaciones1

1. Wraith JE et al. Genet Med 2008; 10(7): 508-516 2. Keilmann A et al. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35(2): 343-353 Copyright ©2019 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Lexington, MA 02421. All rights reserved. 1-800-828-2088. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. S46480 04/19

Aiden, 3 dfwchild.com / october 2020

19

/ ROUTINES

a monday in the life of

ALERA OWENS

Alera Owens is a former teacher turned stayat-home mom who has retooled her career as an educational consultant, serving families who have chosen to homeschool during COVID-19.

Owens’ home base is Arlington, where she lives with her husband Jeremy, a petroleum engineer, and their 5-month-old son, Elliott.

When she’s not tutoring and sharing her expertise via Zoom, Owens’ time is all about baby feedings, baby babble and—of course—“Baby Shark.”

4

AM My eyes open after hearing 5-month-old Elliott chatting to himself in his crib. I glance at the monitor to see him giggling and grabbing for his toes. It is actually pretty cute until I remember it’s 4 in the morning…

4:45AM Elliott dozes back to sleep, and I try to do the same.

6AM Jeremy wakes up and gets ready for work.

6:30AM Jeremy heads off to work while I roll out of bed and grab some tea. I’ve never been a coffee drinker, so Tazo tea in the morning is my jam.

6:45AM Elliott senses Mom is up and starts to whimper.

7AM During feeding No. 1, I open my Bible app on my phone and begin reading—but Elliott has other plans and decides he is going to be a wiggle worm. I’ll try again later.

7:30AM We both get dressed: a onesie for Elliott and leggings for Mama. Oh, the perks of the quarantine life.

8AM Playtime while I try and finish my tea and morning reading. Neither gets accomplished.

9AM Elliott goes down for a nap. I head downstairs to get our bag ready for swim class and decide to go ahead and change myself. As I dig through my swimsuit drawer, I giggle thinking about how there always seems to be that one mom who wears a bikini to Mommy-and-me swim class. (Insert eye roll.)

9:03AM I panic, realizing my only one-piece is missing … so I swallow hard and realize I am that mom today. Sorry, swim mates!

10AM Elliott’s awake just in time for his midmorning feed.

10:30AM Change Elliott for swim class and head for the car, only to remember the pool’s allimportant two-diaper rule. I unbuckle E and head for the changing table to add a second swim diaper, but these spandex rash guards are no match for a wiggly 5-month-old. Finally, 10 minutes later, we are ready to go.

10:56AM Arrive to swim class with four minutes to spare. (I call that a mom-win for a Monday!)

11AM We sing, splash and paddle our way through class. Elliott’s a serious one, but today he finally decides to crack a smile!

11:30AM We dry off and head toward home—but first, Starbucks. “I’ll take a grande chai latte, and let’s add a butter croissant too, please!” I realize I have not eaten anything all day. Whoops!

12PM Elliott is down for a nap, and I prepare for a virtual tutoring session. Today I am working with a sweet second grader on reading comprehension.

12:30PM The Zoom call with my student is going great until I hear Elliott start to stir on the monitor.

12:45PM I say a silent prayer, hoping Elliott can last 15 more minutes before a full-fledged meltdown occurs!

1PM Log off Zoom and breathe a sigh of relief that Elliott made it through my tutoring session.

These are the times I am very thankful for his newfound skills, like bubble blowing, that help keep him occupied. Time to feed time again.

1:30PM I grab some lunch; this consists of last night’s leftovers.

2PM How can I make the next two hours zoom by? Today, we decide to try our hand at painting in a bag. All you need is a gallon-size bag, washable paint and a piece of cardstock. Put a few dabs of paint onto the cardstock and seal it inside the baggie. I tape the bag onto a hard surface and let baby go to town! Thank you, Pinterest—Elliott loved it. And I loved that it was mess-free.

3:30PM Elliott goes down for his last nap of the day, and I make a spinach-and-apple smoothie.

4PM I check my email and find I have a new client interested in tutoring for her kindergarten son. I know times are so tricky for parents right now, and I quickly reply with my consulting packages.

4:15PM Short naps are the death of me. I feed Elliott and search the freezer for something to make for dinner.

5PM Mad dash to clean the house before the hubby gets home … I mean, I promise I was productive today.

6PM Jeremy arrives home from work! I start dinner. On the menu tonight is stuffed salmon, zucchini and mashed potatoes.

6:30PM Dinner is served. Elliott tries out rice cereal again. Thankfully, Elliott is getting more in

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

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october 2020 / dfwchild.com

OWENS FAMILY: MELANIE TIMMONS/ DIMPLES AND DUMPLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

real moms

the fine

print

BOOK: ZONDERVAN; TACO: ©ISTOCK

WHAT SHE’S READING Hands Free Mama

by Rachel Macy Stafford DESTINATION OF CHOICE We had a big trip planned for Banff, Canada, but we have to reschedule due to COVID. WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY Madewell RESTAURANT SHE FREQUENTS WITH HER FAMILY Prince Lebanese (a local Arlington favorite) DATE NIGHT SPOT Since COVID, we’ve had to get creative. My favorite spots have been right in our home. We’ve had mini golf in our backyard and a cook-off to see who can create the best dessert with items in our kitchen.

GO-TO RECIPE Tacos.

(They aren’t just for Tuesdays!) NO. 1 ITEM ON HER BUCKET LIST To live in a foreign country for a few months TOP PLAYLIST Lukas Graham Radio HOBBIES Dance. I love teaching and choreographing for dance studios in my area. SHE WISHES SHE HAD MORE TIME TO Work out LOOKING FORWARD TO Fall and winter weather FAVORITE GIFT TO GIVE FRIENDS Mixy, a mix of herbs and spices to help create perfect drinks and cocktails CELEBRITY MOM SHE ADMIRES Angelina Jolie HOSTESS TIP Never skimp on the food!

his mouth today!

6:50PM Bathtime and bedtime stories.

Elliott’s favorite story right now is Bedtime

by Elizabeth Verdick. He listens attentively as we read.

7PM Jeremy takes Elliott upstairs and gives him a bottle for his last feeding. He also handles putting Elliott down to sleep, so I get a much-needed hour to unwind (and pump, of course).

7:45PM I decide to do a quick 30-minute workout since I haven’t had a chance to get moving today. My favorite online workouts are Heather Robertson’s free sessions on YouTube. Once Elliott’s play yard is cleared from the scene, I get to squatting!

8:30PM Shower.

8:50PM Quality time with the hubby. We are both exhausted, so we grab a glass of wine and catch up on the latest episode of Renovation Island.

11PM I pump one last time before heading to bed.

11:30PM My head hits the pillow and I quickly drift off to sleep.

11:59PM Eyes open. Wait, is that Elliott I hear?

Start Early. Start Right.

Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

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

Legacy (PS–K) (469) 573-0077 6700 Communications Parkway, Plano Independence (PS–K) (469) 642-2000 Coming Soon 10145 Independence Parkway, Plano

© 2020, Challenger Schools Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

dfwchild.com / october 2020

21

WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER

22

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

ALL PHOTOS: STEPHANY BOWMAN

Living in an artful environment helps children develop valuable skills. But filling your home with art doesn’t just mean hanging pieces on the walls.

dfwchild.com / september 2020

23

24

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

ABOVE // Alexander Bowman relaxes in the artistic space that is his Highland Park home—with everwatchful Superman perched above. BELOW // Annabelle Bowman strolls past art that brightens the walls.

“Having that grounding at home, I believe, makes a huge difference when a child encounters all these realities of life … in school and nowadays on social media,” Nangah says.

In other words, art is a tool for building resilience—and have our kids ever needed resilience more than right now, in this year from youknow-where?

But when Nangah extols the virtues of art, she’s not talking about a few pricey investment pieces and a Taschen-strewn coffee table. Art, Nangah argues, includes the music you play, the food you prepare, the conversations you have, and the spaces you leave for your children to make their mark—in finger-paint or otherwise.

In fact, making an artful space may mean intentionally not hanging artwork on your walls.

Here, a guide to cultivating a creative home environment for your family, starting with the most fundamental step: redefining the word “art.”

1.

CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT ART “When I think of art, I’m thinking of it beyond a painting, a drawing,” Nangah says. Rather, art includes “how a space is composed, how things are organized, the wall color, the smell of the space, is there music playing…”

You probably recognize color, music and interior design as artful elements, but Nangah goes on: “The energy that is put forth by the adults of that space … the family portraits you put up, the narratives that you bring up in that home, the stories that you tell—all of that is in fact an artistic experience. Because art is subjective, and it’s what we value.”

Everything you bring to a space—the words you say, the essential oils you diffuse, the time you spend playing with your child—can contribute to the space’s artfulness and foster creativity. That’s not to diminish the power of professional art, but to recognize that other things can have artistic value too.

Think about the word curate. Though it’s become wildly overused, the concept of making purposeful choices and thereby conferring value on things is central to creating an artful home.

Pursue objects and experiences that have meaning, or that encourage your family to express themselves.

For example, when Angela C. Pitts’ three kids are in the kitchen, she says they’re not only whipping up a small-scale disaster; they’re having an artistic experience.

“Letting them be involved in cooking or just

ALL PHOTOS: STEPHANY BOWMAN

SUPERMAN SITS ON THE EDGE OF A WHITE-AND-GOLD FRAME, jaw firm, tiny plastic fists outstretched, poised to defend truth, justice and freedom of expression.

Surrounding him are prints and original works the Bowmans have collected from around the world, yet somehow the cheap toy ties the whole wall together. Maybe that’s why Stephany Bowman’s mother picked him up off the floor one day and made him part of the ensemble. “My mom found that little action hero and just put it up on the painting, and we’ve kind of left it ever since,” Bowman says. “It’s just fun.”

The Highland Park mom of three (Annabelle is 10, Alexander is 7 and Angelina is 5) doesn’t believe in coloring inside the lines. Her window treatments? Total lawlessness—in Superman’s room, curtain panels flanking the same window have different prints.

“I think that just reminds the kids that things don’t have to match; things can be unique and special and stand alone, and also blend together,” Bowman says.

But Superman is still the improbable star of the room, and a metaphor for the entire home: a changeable, creative space that everybody contributes to, even a superhero and his synthetic six-pack.

“Of course, we have things that are valuable, but at the same time, my kids grow up here, and I want them to feel like they can interact with things, or see things that make them smile,” Bowman says. “This is their home too—it’s not just my home, an adult’s world that they’re growing up in. It’s all of our home, together.”

Together, they’ve turned their home into what Mary Nangah calls a “livable work of art.”

Nangah, who has a Ph.D. in art education and teaches at the Texas Christian University College of Fine Arts, believes that growing up in a creative, artful environment has a special effect on kids—more so than classes at school or the occasional trip to the museum. By filling a child’s living space with art, “you’re normalizing the idea of being creative, being expressive, giving the child voice, giving the child value, and constantly challenging the child as well,” she says.

There’s no shortage of studies to back up her beliefs—a 2015 literature review by the National Endowment for the Arts found strong evidence that art activities help kids regulate their emotions and hone their social skills. Last year, we published a piece exploring the cognitive benefits of art, because creativity is important for STEMwired brains too.

In the home, Nangah says, those benefits are both magnified and more crucial, because the home is where kids do a lot of their developing. It’s where they build a foundation of selfconfidence and social-emotional competence that gives them firmer footing in a world of uncertainty, bullying, pandemics and other stressors.

around the creativity of food and recipes, that is a huge thing that can definitely add to purpose and meaning within the home,” explains the McKinney photographer and visual artist. “[The mess] is totally worth them getting to participate, and seeing how ingredients come together is kind of the same as [how] supplies come together for artmaking.”

Nangah even connects the dots between art and nurturing your child: Art is an extension of the maker, so tending to your child’s whole wellbeing influences their creative output. “What we make is just the avenue in which we express, if it’s through artmaking, if it’s through dance, if it’s through music, if it’s through writing, if it’s through narratives—those things come from within,” she says.

2.

TALK ABOUT IT Your curating work is not done once you’ve installed some artistic pieces in your home.

“Curating is not just the hanging,” Nangah asserts, “[but] the memories they build, the interactions, the experience that they create.” She posits that just putting art on the walls—even thoughtfully—does not necessarily constitute an artistic experience. True richness comes from engaging with the work.

Tell your child why you’ve chosen a particular piece or recipe, which may be a chance to pass on a treasured family story. Talk about how the artwork and colors and sounds in your home make your child feel, what they like and dislike. You can even ask for their input before painting the family room (though you may want to present them with some pre-approved options).

Not only does this kind of dialogue encourage creative thinking, it normalizes the practice of listening to other perspectives—a skill we could certainly use more of these days.

There’s a bit of personal accountability involved too in explaining the things in your home to your child. It forces you to examine whether your choices have purpose, even if that purpose is simply to spark joy. Nangah points out that parents might not consider, for example, the impact of a child’s reading material on their ability to appreciate people from other ethnic and social backgrounds. “If one perspective is

all they’re seeing, they will have a harder time accepting, receiving, believing someone else’s perspective that looks totally different from them,” she says.

Life imitates art, right? So be conscious of what your home is communicating, and how you interpret it for your child.

Bowman hopes to relay a message of freedom and fearlessness. “I always tell them, ‘If it doesn’t work out, any pillow is replaceable; nothing is stagnant. I’m not stuck or married or committed to any of those items; I buy them for fun, to make us happy, to bring color,’” she says. “I hope that that inspires them to do the same, to just have fun with it and try different things, and if it doesn’t work to try something different next time.”

3.

GIVE YOUR CHILD SOME SPACE In the Bowman house, instead of one designated playroom, there are creative stations scattered throughout where her three kids have supplies to color or play. “I feel like kids want to be together, and they want to create art while you’re sitting there with them, and not just in an isolated space,” she explains.

And for all the artwork under Superman’s domain, Bowman is careful to leave empty space—some bits of blank canvas, if you will, for her kids to “bring the home to life” with their energy.

“We definitely are mindful not to overcrowd the home, because a lot of what the kids contribute is themselves—their movement, being able to do a cartwheel, being able to spread out and do a puzzle on the floor,” says Bowman. “Part of having an inspiring home isn’t always the material things you put in it; it’s also gifting the kids with open spaces, no matter how big or small the home is.”

For Pitts, making room is as much about mental space as physical space—she sees the two as intertwined.

“I don’t like to over-decorate a space; I like to leave some space open for creativity to fill in,” she says. “With the kids’ stuff, I rotate out toys so that they’re not overwhelmed with a bunch of things just piled everywhere.”

Pitts has noticed that when her kids’ playroom becomes cluttered, they’re less likely to initiate independent, imaginative play—instead, they pop into her studio, bored and restless, seeking direction. After a good cleanup, though, they’ll disappear to the playroom for long stretches.

Pitts also buys plain old paper instead of coloring books with characters in them, to liberate— and challenge—her children’s imaginations. “It’s teaching them to kind of think on their own and not just necessarily fill in the lines of a pre-existing picture, and that’s been really fun,” she explains.

When she asks what they’ve drawn, “they go into this whole story of what it is in their mind, and that’s a really cool conversation starter.”

4.

SHOW OFF YOUR CHILD’S WORK This is not a PR campaign for minimalism.

(Instagram has that handled.) In fact, the home of potter and art instructor Brandon Howell would probably have most minimalists sweating.

“In our house, we have art all over the walls, all over our shelves,” he says. “Even when I was growing up, both my parents were art teachers also, so our walls were covered just about from ceiling to floor in this kind of bohemian collage of different artwork.”

But the Collin County father of five hasn’t crowded out his kids’ creativity with “big ‘A’ Art,” as he puts it. Besides the customary fridge exhibit and a gallery wall in the laundry room, “we also have little pieces of pottery and paintings and different things that they did in different spots all over the house,” Howell explains. “It’s mixed in along with our more professional stuff. I want them to understand that art is very approachable from all levels.”

As a parent and a teacher, Howell has noticed that kids get easily discouraged, especially when certain skills don’t come naturally to them.

“Having their art on display really hopefully encourages them to keep doing it, and doing it not because they’re going to be a famous artist someday, necessarily, but to do it for their enjoyment,” he says.

Nangah agrees that displaying your child’s masterpieces bestows a critical sense of worth. “In the home, we have family portraits that are hung up, we hang up diplomas, we hang up different things that show meaning,” Nangah explains. If you treat their work like you treat other precious items in your home, your child will understand that you value their voice.

Even if you can’t hang every single piece (after all, you only have so many walls and refrigerators), be sure to praise your child’s creative expressions—the good, the bad and the messy.

This reassures your kiddo that, no matter their skill level, what they’ve drawn or sung or danced is meaningful and worthwhile.

“When they’ve created something, it is really, really important,” Howell says.

The confidence to express oneself is liberating, for a child or an adult.

Howell reveals that of all his students, the most creative are the kindergartners, who take a no-holds-barred approach to art.

“They create the most wonderful, creative creations,” he says. “And you might not always be able to tell exactly what it is, but if you ask the child, they will tell you the whole story, the backstory about the character and how they saved this magical universe.”

Then in older kids, Howell often sees a progression of skill and a regression in creativity—you can actually tell what they’ve drawn, but their work lacks the unrestrained vibrancy of a kindergartner’s marks.

“They are going to start thinking more about friends and video games and have all of this pressure on them, and creativity somehow gets squeezed out of it,” he notes. “I think a creative environment … has to be done in a very purposeful way to keep that creativity alive.” dfwchild.com / october 2020

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved 2020

DENTISTS WORDS

THE EDITORS

SAY CHEESE! FLASH A SMILE (OR A LOOK OF CONCERN) AT THESE FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT YOUR KIDDO’S GRIN, GLEANED FROM EXPERTS ON ORAL HEALTH.

YIKES! SOME FOODS & BEVERAGES THAT CAN DAMAGE TEETH:

HARD CANDIES

HOW MUCH TOOTHPASTE TO USE:

AGES 0–3: SIZE OF A RICE GRAIN

AGE 3+: SIZE OF A PEA

TEETH CAN EXERT AN AVERAGE OF 200 POUNDS

OF PRESSURE WHEN YOU BITE DOWN. 26

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

ICE THAT’S CHEWED

STICKY FOODS LIKE DRIED FRUITS

THIRD GRADERS WHO HAVE HAD DENTAL CARIES:

CITRUS FRUITS & JUICES

SPORTS DRINKS

UNLIKE BONES OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY,

FRUITS & VEGGIES

66.8% 51.7%

MILK, CHEESE & YOGURT LEAN PROTEINS

TEXAS U.S.

WATER (ESPECIALLY FLUORIDATED)

TEETH

NUTS

CAN’T REPAIR THEMSELVES.

CHILDREN TYPICALLY GET BRACES BETWEEN

AGES 8 & 14 WHEN TO SCHEDULE A BABY’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT:

AFTER THEIR FIRST TOOTH APPEARS BUT NO LATER

THAN THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY

ALL 20

BABY TEETH

SHOULD BE IN

BY ABOUT

2

YEARS OLD.

SOURCES: MOUTH HEALTHY/AMERICAN DENTAL; ASSOCIATION; MAYO CLINIC; TEXAS HEALTH INSTITUTE; AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

SODA & SUGARY DRINKS

YAY! HERE ARE SOME FOODS & BEVERAGES THAT ARE GOOD FOR DENTAL HEALTH:

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

I

s there anything sweeter than seeing a smile spread across your little one’s face? To keep those pearly whites healthy and strong, you need a dentist you trust—and one your child trusts, too. Now, you may be wondering: Since the Metroplex is fortunate to be home to so many dental practices, how do I begin the search for the ideal provider? We’re so glad you asked. DFWChild readers are giving you the inside track by sharing their favorite family and pediatric dentists as well as orthodontists and oral surgeons. Each year, we compile your recommendations into the Mom Approved Dentists guide.

What is a Mom Approved Dentist?

A Mom Approved Dentist is a dentist (or orthodontist, or oral surgeon) who has earned the trust, admiration and respect of parents. We asked our readers to recommend their favorite dental providers and tell us why. Parents praised these dentists for factors such as their professional skills, kid-friendly demeanor and warm office environment. All providers were in good standing with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners at press time.

make it into our guide by purchasing ad space. This is a parentto-parent referral list.

What makes Mom Approved Dentists different?

Each year, various publications come out with lists highlighting area health care providers. Often these providers are chosen not by patients or patients’ families but by colleagues in the industry. We think Mom Approved Dentists (and all of our Mom Approved providers) are special because they’ve been nominated by local moms and dads who have been in their offices and interacted with them. These oral health professionals didn’t

How do I recommend a provider?

DFWChild holds four surveys a year for readers to nominate their favorite health care professionals. (In addition to dentists, we provide reader recommendations for pediatricians, wellness professionals and women’s health specialists.) When surveys are active, you can find them at dfwchild.com, in the “Mom Approved” section (under the Directories tab). Please include comments telling us why your provider is the best of the best!

FAMILY DENTISTRY

Tillman, Gregg DDS Gregg H. Tillman DDS

Highland Oaks Family Dentistry

Unger, Jeremy DDS Texas Dental Arts

Glazer, Brittaney DDS Glazer Family Dentistry See ad on page 37

ALLEN Toney, David DDS David Toney DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

ARLINGTON Darweesh, Osama DDS Brighter Smile Family Dentistry Watts, Edmond DDS FunDentist Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

BARTONVILLE Artho, Matthew DDS Country Lakes Family Dental See ad on page 35

CARROLLTON Hattaway, Shad DDS, FAGD Indian Creek Dental See ad on page 30

DALLAS Nguyen, Cung (Jeff) DDS Henderson Family Dental Ombrello, Jill DDS, AIAOMT Central Dentist Tamkin, Parihan DDS Smile Bar Vanderbrook, Drew DDS Vanderbrook Family Dentistry

DENTON

BEDFORD

Edmondson, Chris DDS Denton Family Dentistry

Davis, Dakota DDS Davis Family Dental Care

FLOWER MOUND

Vartikar, Prachi DMD Nirvana Dental

BURLESON Denton, James T. DDS Dental Visions

Lo, Wilson DDS, FAGD Texas Dental

Where do I find comments from other parents about the providers they recommend?

Head to dfwchild.com and look for “Mom Approved” in the Directories tab. You’ll find this list plus the rave reviews of parents who have used these dental professionals’ services.

GARLAND

MURPHY

Musso, Mark DDS Musso Family Dentistry

Jain, Anshu DDS Smiles at Murphy

Musso, Mike DDS Musso Family Dentistry

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

GRAND PRAIRIE

Perry, Chad DDS Chad C. Perry, DDS

Parson, Kimberly DDS Revive Family Dentistry See ad on page 36

PLANO

Truong, Chris DDS Great Southwest Family Dental & Implants

Thompson, Steven DDS,MAGD Imagecare Dental

KELLER

Bunch, Marcie DDS West Shore Family Dental

Angwin, Kristen DDS Just for Grins Family Dentistry See ad on page 35

FORT WORTH

Huynh, Eric DDS Oasis Dental, PA

Laska, Justyna DDS, PC Justyna Laska DDS PC

Spencer, Anna DDS

Lo, Wilson DDS, FAGD Texas Dental

RICHARDSON

SOUTHLAKE Baker, Brett DMD Huckabee Dental Huckabee, Timothy DDS Huckabee Dental dfwchild.com / october 2020

27

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Morales, Tracy DDS Huckabee Dental

Pediatric Dentistry Colleyville

Thomas, Preetha DMD, FAGD, AIAOMT Enclave Dental

WYLIE Cantrell, Sarah DDS Cantrell Family Dentistry

COPPELL

Villaseñor, Alex DDS, MS myKIDSdds See ad on page 37

Lalani, Zarmin DDS, MS Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry See ad on page 37

Coe, Karen DDS Coppell Pediatric Dentistry

DUNCANVILLE

Rubin, Paul DDS Frisco Kids Dentistry

Louca, Sonia DDS Coppell Dentistry for Kids

Barefield, Donna DDS, MSD Barefield Pediatric Dentistry

FLOWER MOUND

Reddy, Anil DDS, MPH, MSND, RCSEd Children’s Dental Care

Duffy, Debra DDS, PA Debra C. Duffy DDS Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

Rozas, Melissa DDS Melissa Rozas DDS & Associates See ad on page 33

Waters, Melissa DDS Dental Care 4 Kids See ad on page 34

DALLAS

FORT WORTH

Braidfoot, Raymond DMD R. Braidfoot, DMD Pediatric Dentistry

Barnett, John L. DDS Kids Stop Dental See ad on page 31

Ferguson, Stephanie DDS Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics See ad on page 32

Bushey, Nicholas DMD Children’s Dental & Orthodontics See ad on page 31

Beville III, R. Nelson DDS Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry

Ketchel, Jennifer DDS, MS Arlington Pediatric Dentistry

Curtis, Ben DDS Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas

Eggart, Emily DDS Maxwell Creek Family Dentistry

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY ARLINGTON

AUBREY Lee, Karrie DMD Windhaven Pediatric Dentistry See ad on page 36

Damon, Carla DDS Dallas Pediatric Dentistry See ad on page 35

BURLESON

Harrington, Erik DDS, PhD The Dental Ranch Preston Hollow Specialists

Laborde, Elizabeth DDS Burleson Pediatric Dentistry Walton, Christopher DDS Burleson Pediatric Dentistry

CARROLLTON

Holly, Lara DMD Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas

Goodall, E. Blair DDS Children’s Dental Specialists See ad on page 34

Iwase, Rei DDS Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas

Holt, Jeffrey D. DDS, MS Kids Dental See ad on page 32

Lindley, Anne DDS The Dental Ranch Preston Hollow Specialists

Hutcheson, Candice DDS, MS Children’s Dental Specialists See ad on page 34

Marr, Karina DDS Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda

Simpson, Harold DDS Children’s Dental Specialists

Petrocchi, Sandra DDS Arango and Petrocchi PA

Train, Terri E. DDS, MS Children’s Dental Specialists See ad on page 34

CEDAR HILL Martin, Ashla DDS Kids@Heart Pediatric Dentistry

COLLEYVILLE Ta, Tuong (David) DDS 28

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Ryan, Patrick DDS Grin Pediatric Dentistry Shanadi, Arvind DMD Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry Tujios, Aleco DDS, MS Woodhill Dental Specialties See ad on page 36

Brazeal, Jerod DDS Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry Gold Rector, Elizabeth DDS Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

Sentelle, David DMD, PhD, MPH Frisco Kids Dentistry

GARLAND Hoang, Lily DMD Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Kwak, Kee DDS Children’s Dental Care of Garland Preece, Adam DDS The Pediatric Dental Specialists Preece, Anya DDS, PSM Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry See ad on page 37 Talaiver, Julie DDS Firewheel Dentistry for Kids

GRAND PRAIRIE Velasquez, Lina DDS The Kid’s Dentist

HIGHLAND VILLAGE Clapp, Jason DDS Pediatric Dental World

Jamison, Drew DDS Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry

HURST

McAnthony, Bridget DDS Bridget McAnthony, DDS Pediatric Dentistry

Ferguson, Stephanie DDS Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics See ad on page 32

Morrow, Jack W. DDS, MSD Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry

Lin, Jin DMD Hurst Pediatric Dentistry

Patel, Sheela DDS Cook Children’s Neighborhood Clinic Renaissance

IRVING Kuba, Reena DDS, MS Children’s Dental Centre of Irving See ad on page 34

Tummala, Leela DMD, MSD, BDS My Kid’s Dentist & Orthodontics

KAUFMAN

Warcup, Justin DDS North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics See ad on page 33

Lindley, Anne DDS Texas Dentistry for Kids

Williams, Arthur DDS Kids Stop Dental

FRISCO Bhaumik, Abhishek DDS Stonebrook Pediatric Dentistry Davis, Mila DDS Healthy Smiles Children’s Dentistry See ad on page 30

Harrington, Erik DDS, PhD Texas Dentistry for Kids

Tran, Thanh DDS Texas Dentistry for Kids

LAKE WORTH Martin, Dale DDS, MSD, PC Serengeti Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

LITTLE ELM Masoud, Ziad DDS, MDS Lucky Teeth Pediatric Dentistry

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

MCKINNEY

SOUTHLAKE

Chan, Justin DDS Sprout Dentistry for Kids See ad on page 35

Davis, Christopher DDS Davis Pediatric Dentistry

Gehani, Daniel DDS Showtime Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Yoo, Sage DMD Sprout Dentistry for Kids See ad on page 35

MESQUITE Harrington, Erik DDS, PhD Texas Dentistry for Kids Lindley, Anne DDS Texas Dentistry for Kids Tran, Thanh DDS Texas Dentistry for Kids

PLANO

Watts, Amy DDS, MS Giggles & Grins Pediatric Dentistry

SUNNYVALE Preece, Anya DDS, PSM Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry Reddy, Anil DDS, MPH, MSND, RCSEd Children’s Dental Care

Ryan, Patrick DDS Grin Pediatric Dentistry

ARLINGTON

Train, Terri E. DDS, MS Children’s Dental Specialists See ad on page 34

ALLEN

Henderson, Marlon DDS Henderson Orthodontics

Patel, Anthony DMD, MS Smile Doctors Braces See ad on page 13

Delgado, Michael DDS, MS Delgado Orthodontics

PLANO Crain, Gerald DDS Crain Orthodontics Jensen, James Dean DDS, MS, PA James Dean Jensen, DDS, MS, PA Jones, Tamara DDS, MSD Willow Bend Orthodontics

RICHARDSON Jones, Tamara DDS, MSD Richardson Orthodontics

SOUTHLAKE Patel, Anthony DMD, MS Smile Doctors Braces See ad on page 13 Tolleson, Shane DDS, MSD Tolleson Orthodontics

HIGHLAND VILLAGE Brown, Matthew DDS, MS MB Orthodontics, PLLC

Brimhall, Jae DMD, MS Smile Doctors Braces See ad on page 13

LEWISVILLE

DALLAS

BENBROOK

Krieger, Glenn DDS, MS, FAGD Krieger Orthodontics

Kuperman, Lester DDS, MS, PA Smile Doctors Braces See ad on page 13

BURLESON Kuperman, Lester DDS, MS, PA Smile Doctors Braces See ad on page 13

KELLER

MCKINNEY Lofgren, Trent DDS McKinney Orthodontics

MURPHY Fesler, Michael DDS, MS

Gannon, John DDS Dallas Oral Surgery Associates Schlieve, Thomas DDS, MD, FACS UT Southwestern Medical Center See ad on page 36

PLANO Gannon, John DDS Dallas Oral Surgery Associates

CARROLLTON Thames, Terry DDS, MSD Thames Orthodontics

COPPELL

Chou, Jennifer DDS The Smiley Tooth

DALLAS

Pollock, Tera DDS Rowlett Dental Kids

Greenberg, Greg DDS RxSmile

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Bailey, Luke DDS, MSD Bailey Orthodontics

ROWLETT

Patel, Anthony DMD, MS Smile Doctors Braces See ad on page 13

Fesler Orthodontics

Miller, Tamara DDS, PA Tamara Miller Orthodontics

ROCKWALL

Tujios, Aleco DDS, MS Woodhill Dental Specialties See ad on page 36

FORT WORTH

HASLET

Lofgren, Trent DDS Creekview Orthodontics

Simpson, Harold DDS Children’s Dental Specialists

Bailey, Luke DDS, MSD Bailey Orthodontics

GRAND PRAIRIE

Stroud, Robert Casey DDS Stroud Pediatric Dentistry

Lindley, Anne DDS The Dental Ranch

Hutcheson, Candice DDS, MS Children’s Dental Specialists See ad on page 34

FLOWER MOUND

WILLOW PARK

ORTHODONTICS

Goodall, E. Blair DDS Children’s Dental Specialists See ad on page 34

Henderson, Marlon DDS Henderson Orthodontics

FRISCO

Holt, Jeffrey D. DDS, MS Kids Dental See ad on page 32

RICHARDSON

DUNCANVILLE

Shields, Joel DDS, PC Joel B. Shields DDS Dentistry for Children and Teens

Harrington, Erik DDS, PhD The Dental Ranch

Smith, Nathifa DDS Teeth R Us Children’s Dentistry

Simon, Patricia DDS Lakewood Orthodontics, PA

Kanabar, Joshika DDS, MS Walnut Central Orthodontics Lepley, Casey DMD, MS Lepley Orthodontics

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

Rochester, Katie DDS, MS Orthodontic Specialists of Dallas dfwchild.com / october 2020

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Shad Hattaway, DDS, FAGD Family Dentistry

Dr. Hattaway’s philosophy is pretty simple. Education is the best form of prevention. He works to put every one of his patients into a maintainable state all by themselves at home. “If you can’t keep it clean, it’s not a matter of IF it’s a problem, but WHEN it’s a problem.” He loves working with parents and children early to help build healthy habits for a lifetime.

In addition to his private practice in Carrollton, Texas, he is the president of the board of directors for a community supported non-profit dental clinic in Arlington. This clinic has a school based educational program that goes around to second, third, and fourth graders in Tarrant county and teaches them good oral hygiene habits and techniques. They complete dental screenings, provide sealants, and give out toothbrushes. For some of these school children, the toothbrush their program gives them is the first one they have ever owned. Dr. Hattaway states, “This is where I get really passionate.” He follows the adage, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ While this saying was originally referencing fire prevention, many of the same concepts can be applied to our health. Working with parents and children closely is often the solution to avoiding dental health problems all together.

Dr. Hattaway was recognized by the Dallas County Dental Society as New Dentist of the Year in 2017 for his contributions to the organization, the profession of dentistry, and the community in which he serves during his first 10 years of practice.

If you know of a family or pediatric dentist in the Fort Worth/Arlington area who is looking for ways to support the community, please get in contact with Dr. Hattaway!

1016 E Hebron Pkwy., Carrollton, TX 75010 972-836-8653 • indiancreekdental.com

Mila Davis, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 6x Mom Approved

Dr. Mila Davis is a cum laude graduate of Princeton University. She received her D.D.S. from Columbia School of Dental Medicine in New York City, with specialty training at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University receiving Certification in Pediatric Dentistry. She was an Assistant Professor for Clinical Dentistry at Columbia University. In Dallas, Dr. Davis taught part time at Baylor College of Dentistry. After rigorous clinical and written examination, she was awarded Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Davis has hospital privileges at Children’s Medical Center. She was co-chair of the North Texas Give Kids a Smile Program where dental members volunteer to screen underserved children 5–12 years old for dental decay. Dr. Davis is certified in basic life support and pediatric advanced life support. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society.

Healthy Smiles Children’s Dentistry 12398 FM 423, Ste. 1900 Frisco, TX 75033 214-436-4774 healthychildrenssmiles.com

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John L. Barnett, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 2x Mom Approved Dr. John L. Barnett, Jr. began his practice of Pediatric Dentistry in 1978 in New Orleans, Louisiana. While in New Orleans, Dr. Barnett was very active in organized dentistry: A member of the American Dental Association, National Dental Association and the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Barnett has served as President of the Pelican State Dental Association, President of the Louisiana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Chairman of the Medicaid Task Force for the Louisiana Dental Association. Dr. Barnett also worked at the LSU School of Dentistry, for over ten years, as an Associate Professor.

After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Dr. Barnett moved back to his childhood home of Fort Worth, Texas and opened Kids Stop Dental Care in 2007. Dr. Barnett’s love of art and music can be seen and heard throughout the colorful new dental facility. He feels blessed to be able to bring beautiful smiles to kids every day and is passionate about giving back to his local community.

Kids Stop Dental 6222 Hulen Bend Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-546-3335 kidsstopdentistry.com

Nicholas Bushey, DMD Pediatric Dentistry 2x Mom Approved Your child deserves a smile they cherish for a lifetime, we are here to make that happen. We are a leading children’s dental practice serving patients throughout the greater Dallas areas. We believe that creating a beautiful, healthy smile should be easy, convenient, and downright fun! Dr. Nicholas Bushey and our experienced dental team are committed to creating a world-class treatment experience for your child.

After obtaining his undergraduate bachelor’s degree, Dr. Bushey was awarded the coveted 4-year Health Professional Scholarship for dental school.

Dr. Bushey went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pennsylvania and later served as a general dentist officer for 5 years in the Air Force.

Following his service in the Air Force, Dr. Bushey discovered a passion for pediatric dentistry and went on to complete his pediatric dentistry specialty training at the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio and Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. He spends his free time trying new restaurants, traveling, running, video games and playing with his dogs, Benny and Copper.

Dr. Bushey looks forward to helping each child that enters our doors.

Children’s Dental and Orthodontics 17194 Preston Rd. #160 Dallas, TX 75248 214-453-2567 childrensdentaldallas.com

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Stephanie Ferguson, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 3x Mom Approved

Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodotics 3602 Matlock Rd #208 Arlington, TX 76015 817-465-1888 parkplacekids.com

Your child deserves a smile they cherish for a lifetime and, at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to make that happen. We are a leading pediatric dental and orthodontic group serving patients throughout Arlington, TX and Hurst, TX offering comprehensive care in a warm, welcoming, and kid-friendly office environment.

Dr. Stephanie Ferguson loves being a mom and a pediatric dentist; she is great at both! Dr. Ferguson is the owner and principal dentist at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and has been for over five years. The office provides a welcoming and fun environment and kids really look forward to visiting the dentist. It is not unusual for a young patient to start with Dr. Stephanie when they get their first tooth and stay with her for many years. Park Place recently hired a wonderful orthodontist and is now able to offer full orthodontic treatments to our patients.

A 2008 graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Dr. Ferguson continued her education with a two-year residency at the UT Health Science Center in Houston receiving her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry. A proud Texas native, Dr. Ferguson is a happily married mother of three amazing kids. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys running, church, remodeling fixer uppers, serving her community and watching Aggie football.

Jeffrey D. Holt, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 9x Mom Approved A board certified specialist in Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, Jeffrey Holt is the founder of KidsDental, a favorite of both kids and parents alike in the Dallas area. Dr. Holt has strategically changed the way children experience dentistry by providing positive and exciting atmospheres custom designed with children’s needs in mind. Kid-friendly diversions like SuperSlide PlayScapes, video games, trendy music, cool light shows, and inviting colorful dental chairs equipped with movies help keep each visit fun! With an emphasis on early childhood intervention, cosmetic restorative Pediatric Dentistry, and Orthodontics, Dr. Holt and his expert team focus on specialized and preventive dentistry during the growth and development years.

A commitment to the highest level of quality care assures a healthy smile for life.

Education: DDS, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry; Post-Doctoral MS, Baylor University; Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry, Baylor College of Dentistry; Specialty Residency Programs, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Affiliations: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; American Dental Association; Texas Dental Association; Dallas County Dental Society; Greater Dallas Society of Pediatric Dentists; former Clinical Director and Professor, Baylor College of Dentistry and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Board Certified: Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

KidsDental Plano: North Dallas Tollway @ Parker • 972-378-5437 Carrollton: Hebron @ Josey • 972-394-2140 kidsdentalonline.com

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Melissa Rozas, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 8x Mom Approved Dr. Melissa Rozas, the mom of two teenagers, knows the importance of making children feel comfortable, safe and confident in the dental office. She is passionate about creating a positive experience that is not only educational but also informative and fun! “Clear communication, trust, and setting goals with the parents and children is our mission, and we mix in a ton of fun as well!”

Our pediatric dentists and team love seeing patients as infants or by age 1 year. “Seeing babies early in life allows us the ability to teach parents the best way to take care of their child’s mouth and teeth. In addition, we can evaluate for potential problems such as tongue posture, tongue and lip-ties, speech problems and feeding issues.” She says, “there is new research showing how an early diagnosis and treatment with many of these problems, is key to giving children the ability to grow to their full potential and thrive at home and school.”

Dr. Melissa Rozas is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and she is a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

She is the founder and owner of the North Texas Tongue Tie Center, which opens spring of 2021. She is an active member of the American Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, The Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society, the Academy Laser Study Club, and the International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals.

Melissa Rozas, DDS

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens, PA

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens, P.A.

632 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX, 75019 972-393-9779 • info@rozasdds.com rozasdds.com

Justin Warcup, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 5x Mom Approved Justin Warcup, DDS, is the owner of North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Dr. Warcup earned a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree at Ohio State University (OSU), where he also was on the dean’s list, served as president of the OSU Dental Entrepreneur Society, and co-founded OSU’s La Clinica Latina to provide dental care to an underserved community.

Dr. Warcup is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Fort Worth District Dental Society.

Dr. Warcup and his wife have four children. When he is not in the office helping patients or at home enjoying his family, Dr. Warcup serves in leadership capacities with youth groups in the community—where he coaches sports teams, leads scouting groups.

“At North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, every member of The Smile Team aims to help our patients enjoy their trips to the dentist so much that they look forward to the next visit! We recognize that each patient is special and invaluable, and we celebrate them. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to provide Fort Worth’s youth the highest quality dental care in the best possible environment,” says Dr. Warcup. “I love what I do, and I truly believe I have the greatest job on this earth.”

North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 3550-C Hulen St., Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-732-9341 • northtexassmiles.com

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Candice Hutcheson, DDS, MS; Terri E. Train, DDS, MS & E. Blair Goodall, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 7x Mom Approved

Children’s Dental Specialists 100 N Central Expy #1108 Richardson, TX 75080 4443 N Josey Ln Carrollton, TX 75010 972-235-8555 childrensdentalspec.com

Children’s Dental Specialists has provided the highest quality of care since 1980, when Dr. Harold Simpson started the practice. Now, Drs. Candice Hutcheson and Terri Train are delighted to welcome Dr. Blair Goodall to the team, providing the same wonderful care to children that families of the practice have come to expect!

Drs. Hutcheson, Train, and Goodall each completed a pediatric dentistry residency at Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and are Board Certified (or Board Eligible) pediatric dentists. In addition to the practice, they are dedicated to serving the community through dental education, charity services, and sponsorships.

At Children’s Dental Specialists, each patient is treated as if they are a part of our own family. The doctors and staff take pride in creating a positive and fun environment from the very first appointment. We treat children of all ages and medical conditions, with a strong emphasis on preventive dentistry.

Reena Kuba, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 6x Mom Approved

A proud Dallas native, Dr. Reena Kuba received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Texas at Dallas. She then earned her DDS degree from Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. While at Baylor, she completed her certification in pediatric dentistry in addition to a Master of Science in oral biology. Dr. Kuba is a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a guest lecturer in the department of pediatrics at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. In addition to her passion for preventive dental care, Dr. Kuba and her team specialize in laser dentistry, infant tongue and lip tie release, serving the pediatric special needs population, and creating a positive dental experience for all her patients.

Children’s Dental Centre of Irving 8870 N. MacArthur Blvd. #A101 Irving, TX 75063 214-484-3199 irvingchildrensdental.com

Melissa Waters, DDS Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Melissa Waters is so thrilled to return back to the DFW area after living in the Lowcountry of South Carolina for the last 4 years. Originally from small town Nebraska, after graduating from dental school from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, she then completed a pediatric residency at Baylor College of Dentistry/Texas A&M HSC. During her training program, she gained extensive experience working at Children’s Hospital Dallas and Scottish Rite Hospital treating children with complex medical conditions and special healthcare needs. As an experienced pediatric dentist, who was a former nurse, she brings a gentle, conservative approach to treating not just a child’s dental health, but focuses on whole body wellness and optimizing growth and development. Her recently renovated office is located in the heart of Flower Mound, and aims to create a family-centered environment where you and your child are welcome to experience the dental visit together.

Dental Care 4 Kids

2260 Cross Timbers Rd., Ste. 100 Flower Mound, TX 75028 972-874-2800 dentalcare4kidstexas.com

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Kristen Angwin, DDS Family Dentistry 2x Mom Approved Dr.’s Kristen and Jonathan Angwin are a husband and wife team your whole family will love!

They focus on providing excellence in dentistry and gentle care for patients of all ages. Their practice philosophy is to create beautiful, healthy smiles and build lasting relationships. Dr. Jonathan focuses his time with the adult patients while Dr. Kristen’s passion is taking care of the children in a warm, caring, kid friendly environment. “What I love most about working with children is having an excuse to be silly all day. I enjoy seeing their big smiles and hearing how excited they are to come see me!”

Just for Grins Family Dentistry 681 S. Main St., Ste. 300 Keller, TX 76248 817-741-4455 justforgrinskeller.com

Matthew Artho, DDS, FAGD Family Dentistry 2x Mom Approved Very few dentists tout the accomplishments and treatment availability like those of Dr. Matthew Artho of Country Lakes Family Dental. A father of nine children, and a veteran, Dr. Matt is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Dentistry, completing an Advanced Residency in General Dentistry and a recipient of a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. A dentist for the entire family, his office is all-digital and state-of-the-art including laser treatment for children that requires no anesthesia. Voted by his patients as Best of Denton County for 8 years, Dr. Matt is the dentist for your entire family.

Country Lakes Family Dental 74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 200 Bartonville, TX 76226 940-455-7645 • info@countrylakesdental.com countrylakesdental.com

Justin Chan, DDS & Sage Yoo, DMD Pediatric Dentistry

As fellow devoted parents and board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage founded Sprout Dentistry for Kids with the vision of providing families with exceptional care and service that even kids’ dental specialists would approve of for their own children. Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage view each visit as a milestone in your child’s life and an opportunity to build life-long positive attitudes towards oral health. From radiation-free decay detection to needle-free laser dentistry, we’re committed to providing the highest quality care at each visit while guiding you and your child through a lifetime of healthy milestones!

Sprout Dentistry for Kids 6675 S Custer Rd #200 McKinney, TX 75070 469-301-3212 • sproutdentistryforkids.com

Carla Damon, DDS Pediatric Dentistry

Your children are in for a treat with Dr. Damon. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist located in Dallas. Her experience is grounded in a passion for growth and development, prevention, and wellness beginning from birth to the age of 18! Correcting suboptimal growth and development can impact a child’s life by affecting their feeding, swallowing, breathing, and sleeping. Her goal is to help kids thrive!

Prevention is also a focus with our Hands-on Learning Lab™ where children learn the science and techniques for self-care of their teeth while working one-on-one with a health coach.

Dallas Pediatric Dentistry 8411 Preston Rd., Ste. 200 Dallas, TX 75225 972-808-6825 • dallaspediatricwellness.com

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Karrie Lee, DMD Pediatric Dentistry

After 10 years in practice as a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Karrie finally opened up her own dental office serving the communities of Prosper, Frisco, Aubrey, Crossroads, and their neighbors!

WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry is a brand-new, clean, state-of-the-art dental practice that is designed to be your kids’ Dental Home! We want to grow with them as they grow, and teach them the importance of maintaining a healthy, happy smile throughout their lifetime! Here at WPD, we value compassion and safety and we pride ourselves in providing quality and conservative dental care, all while having fun, so that your child will have the best experience!

WindHaven Pediatric Dentistry 27045 E. University Dr. Ste. 2A Aubrey, TX 76227 469-277-1787 • WindHavenPD.com

Kimberly Parson, DDS Family Dentistry

Dr. Kimberly Parson and the Revive Family Dentistry team are excited to serve your entire family with the very best in family and cosmetic dentistry. We are blessed to have the opportunity to provide a relaxing dental home for both our adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Parson believes that patient education is paramount in preventing and resolving dental issues. She takes the necessary time to explain recommendations regarding her patients’ dental health. Dr. Parson believes that comfort and trust is paramount to establish a healthy relationship between dentist and patient. At Revive Family Dentistry, your family can expect gentle dental care in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

Revive Family Dentistry 2360 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Ste. 170 Grand Prairie, TX 75052 • 469-340-4002 info@revivedentistry.com • revivedentistry.com

Thomas Schlieve, DDS, MD, FACS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 2x Mom Approved Dr. Thomas Schlieve is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing at UT Southwestern and Children’s Health. He is the only oral surgeon in DFW with fellowship training in the management of cysts, tumors, and cancers of the mouth and jaws privileged to operate at Children’s Health. He specializes in pathology such as the ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, or jaw cysts/tumors. He is an expert in the management of wisdom teeth and extra teeth. Dr. Schlieve aims to provide the highest level of patient safety and quality care. In his role at Children’s, he provides surgery to children with complex medical problems.

UT Southwestern Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 6333 Forest Park Blvd, Suite 130, Dallas, TX 75235 214-645-3999 Thomas Schlieve, D.D.S, M.D utswmed.org/doctors/thomas-schlieve drthomasschlieve.com

Aleco E. Tujios, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 6x Mom Approved Woodhill Dental Specialties is the dual-specialty dental office of Drs. Aleco E. Tujios (center), Jeffrey G. Johnson (right) and Dr. Kate Norbo (left). Recently expanded to Rockwall, TX, their practice has been serving the children and adults of the Dallas Metroplex for over 71 years. With board certified specialists in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, their office provides exceptional and personalized care to their patients from infancy throughout adulthood. With familiar faces, a compassionate and experienced staff, and a relaxed office environment, it is not uncommon for patients to express “They can’t wait to go back and see the dentist again!”

Woodhill Dental Specialties 8355 Walnut Hill Ln. #100, Dallas, TX 75231 • 214-691-1172 6519 Horizon Rd., Rockwall, TX 75032 • 469-769-5727 woodhilldentalspecialties.com

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Alex Villaseñor, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 7x Mom Approved Dr. Alex Villaseñor, her colleagues and the caring team at myKIDSdds are dedicated to serving you and your family with the very best in pediatric dental care and orthodontics. They feel blessed for the opportunity to be a positive influence on children’s lives through their work at myKIDSdds and in their community.

As a four doctor practice that includes both pediatric dentists and orthodontists, the team at myKIDSdds is passionate about collaborative care and building healthy habits which lead to a well-balanced lifestyle. When visiting myKIDdds you can expect an award-winning atmosphere and knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that will treat your family as their own. myKIDSdds 8325 Walnut Hill Ln., Ste. 111 Dallas, TX 75231 214-696-3082 • myKIDSdds.com

Brittaney L. Glazer, DDS Family Dentistry 3x Mom Approved “One doctor. One office. Your whole family.” is our motto and we mean it! Dr. Brittaney Glazer is the only dentist you’ll see at Glazer Family Dentistry and we believe that makes all the difference. Her team provides specialized personal care that you cannot always find at a larger dental practice. In 2018, 2019 and 2020 we were voted “Best Dentist” by the Murphy Monitor, and a 2019 and 2020 “Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor.com.

Read our reviews and come meet us!

Glazer Family Dentistry 119 N. Murphy Rd., Ste. 500, Murphy, TX 75094 214-774-9906 • GlazerFamilyDentistry.com Instagram and Facebook: @GlazerFamilyDentistry

Zarmin Lalani, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry

5x Mom Approved Dr. Zarmin Lalani and staff are passionate about providing highest quality dental care in a fun, friendly and compassionate environment. Creating a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with positive experiences! Dr. Lalani is board certified, a fellow of the AAPD, and a diplomate of the ABPD. She holds her DDS, Masters, and her Pediatric Specialty Residency certificate from Baylor College of Dentistry. She feels blessed to be able to bring beautiful smiles to kids every day!

Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry 10710 Eldorado Pkwy. Ste. 140, Frisco, TX 75035 469-365-5437 • discoverykidsdentistry.com

Anya Preece, DDS, PSM Pediatric Dentistry 3x Mom Approved Dr. Anya Preece has dedicated her profession to becoming a nurturing dental provider specializing in infants, children, teens and patients with special needs. Her professional expertise is complimented by her perspective as a mother including two with special healthcare needs. She has built a team who are devoted to working with children. We think of our patients as members of our dental family and want you to feel like our office is your dental home.

Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry 2820 N. Belt Line Rd. #200, Sunnyvale, TX 75182 972-674-TINY (8469) • tinyteethtx.com

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STUDENTS STEP UP

meet the teen recruiting her peers to the polls WORDS

SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

D

ID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN BECOME AN ELECTION WORKER even before you’re old enough to vote? North Dallas teenager Sydney Watson, president of the student council at Alcuin School and an artist, learned about the student election clerk program and went on a campaign of her own: to encourage other young people age 16 and up to get involved on election day. We talked to Sydney about her project, called Students Step Up—something you can get behind no matter where you stand politically.

How did you get involved with the student election worker program? I first heard about the [program] from my principal, and it sounded like a hands-on way to learn about community involvement. I worked the primary election in March of this year and walked away from it excited about participating again in the future. I even talked my mom into working as a poll dfwchild.com / october 2020

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people + places / S T U D E N T S

ARE YOU LISTENING TO THE DFWCHILD PODCAST? Check out the October lineup.

Relax and unwind as you get “permission” from mental experts to put self care and friendship back at the top of your list. Hear more about Ally’s Wish, a local non-profit organizations that helps terminally ill moms make memories for their kids.

And a treat, another episode of the Editor’s Note with our creative and content director, Heather Vance Devers.

DOWNLOAD + SUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts

40

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

worker in the next election.

Was this something you’ve always wanted to do? My school emphasizes connections between what we’re learning in the classroom and real-world issues. While this wasn’t something I ever expected to do, I [saw] that now is a serious time when people my age are uniquely situated to have an impact and are needed to step up to the plate—hence the name of my project, Students Step Up. I hope [it] helps others see that we really can bring change in our communities, which starts small but with a big idea. Texas is too big to think small!

What drove you to organize your peers to be student election workers? This spring, I started hearing a lot of concerns about the upcoming general election. My parents gave me an article about the November election and how, even if a lot of people voted by mail, there would still be a great need for in-person voting. For people to vote safely, we’ll need lots of polling ABOVE // Alcuin School’s Sydney Watson is locations staffed with lots of election workers, inspiring fellow young people to serve on Nov. 3. keeping lines short. After discussing [this] with my family, I realized that students can really play a significant role in this election, and public, private and charter schools who helped that our involvement now is more important me spread my campaign at their schools. than ever.

This was also an opportunity for me to use What do you do as a student election workart to conceptualize and design my social meer? Student election workers do everything dia graphics. I even reached out to Evan Lian, that adult poll workers do. From the start of a cartoonist for The New Yorker, who designed Election Day, we’re at the polls setting up mathree images for my social media pages. My chines and signage to prepare for voting, and parents and sister were super helpful to me we work throughout the day to check people in throughout the process too, as well as a teacher and guide them through from my school who the process. It’s always was always available for a long day, but it’s defime to bounce around nitely gratifying! ideas.

Poll workers are That’s great! How often senior citizens; many volunteers are does your project lift needed? Dallas County a burden off them? needs around 1,000 Many poll workers are student election workers in the age range of my on Election Day this To get your teen involved and keep grandparents, and I November, and I hope up with the progress of Students Step know from frequent to fill every one of those Up, check out @studentsstepup on FaceTime calls with positions. My campaign Instagram and Twitter. them that the risk of isn’t over yet; hopeWant your child to develop a similar contracting COVID-19 fully I’ll have a major civic mindset? Head to dfwchild.com is top of mind. If impact on the number and search for our “How To Raise a students turn out in of students who work Voter” article. It contains tips for making the polls! large numbers to staff your kids aware of the importance of the polls, we are taking Why do you think elections. some of the pressure off it’s important for people our older poll workers in your age to participate these current times. in this way? I think it’s How are you working important for students to get other students involved? I’m running my age to recognize that they can play a role in a social media campaign to raise awareness our democracy, even if they aren’t old enough about the program and to make the application to vote. Students who are educated about the more accessible to students. Before I started, I voting process and their rights as voters are did a lot of research on effective social media more likely to take action when they become campaign strategies, trying to learn everything voting age. When students witness our democI could about how to maximize my efforts and racy firsthand as poll workers, [I think] they reach as many students as possible. I contacted feel more empowered to be active members of many other student council presidents at the community.

Step Up!

WATSON: AUBREY JIMENEZ OF THE THREE PHOTOGRAPHY

PODCAST

STEP UP

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kid culture.

ART CLASS: AMANDA REITER; REITER BRUSH: NOUN PROJECT

Elliot McLean and his Oil & Cotton classmate Cecilia Charhon practice their brush technique.

BRUSH IT OFF painting & calligraphy for kids WORDS

ALEXIS PATTERSON

A

T THE AGE OF 6, Elliot McLean has several paintings on display—maybe not in a museum (yet), but his colorful artwork fills the Oak Cliff home he shares with mom Amanda Reiter and dad Bruce McLean. Elliot has been creating minimasterpieces for years as a student at Dallas’ Oil & Cotton, a “creative exchange” offering classes and art supplies.

“We love looking at his art and reflecting on how he created it,” says Reiter. “I think when he looks at his own artwork, he is very proud.”

Oil & Cotton lead teacher Emily Riggert says picking up a brush can bring satisfaction and a sense of catharsis to people of all ages. “Especially right now, with so many things going on,” she explains, “it’s important to distill our experiences in our daily life using art as a way to think about and move through those emotions.” dfwchild.com / october 2020

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kid culture / B R U S H

IT OFF

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Your little ones, perhaps frustrated with virtual learning or mask wearing, just might feel better after expressing themselves with a brush. And they’ll have a whole lot of fun in the process.

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PAINT THE TOWN When you think of brush arts, painting almost certainly comes to mind. But don’t little ones stick to finger painting?

Not necessarily, says Deborah Down, art teacher at Fort Worth ISD’s E.M. Daggett Elementary School.

“My background before joining Fort Worth ISD was teaching preschool,” Down explains. “From experience, I can tell you that even toddlers can paint with a brush.”

Painting develops children’s motor skills and decision-making abilities while, as noted, providing an outlet for dealing with emotions. The focus for littles is on the creative process and modeling. “We must show them how to use the tool, in this case a brush,” says Down.

“Show them the handle and model how to hold it—‘This is the handle. This is where we hold the paintbrush.’ And show them the bristles—‘This is what we dip into the paint.’”

Still, says Down, kids’ brushwork may look a little different as they learn. “Be prepared for a young child to explore it and use it in a way that may be different than what was modeled,” she shares. (Of course, there’s a limit to what your tiny artists are allowed to do.

“Young children have the tendency to put things in their mouth, so supervision is a must,” says Down.)

Worried about your child losing interest? Make it fun. To teach kids to clean the paintbrush, Down tells her students they are going to wash the brush’s “hair” and reminds them that the brush needs “dry hair before we put him away.”

Riggert incorporates a similar style of storytelling by personifying the art materials—kids meet Glue Lou, Scissor Sue and Bob Marker (“Come on down!”).

Riggert also tends to focus on one color at a time, making it all the more exciting when a new color comes out.

For Andrew and Jennifer Snow, whose children Harrison and Georgia are Oil & Cotton students, it’s been amazing to watch their kids’ painting skills grow over time. “We

PAINTING: WILDFLOWER ART STUDIO/WILL MILNE

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ABOVE // Wildflower Art Studio’s calligraphy kits can set you and your kiddos on the road to spectacular lettering.

started our oldest at a parent-kiddo class when he was 2, and it was hard not to intervene with his brush approach sometimes,” remembers Andrew. “Harrison is almost 10 now and has lately been really keen on learning brush skills. He has been practicing by painting mountains.”

Even if the act of painting is easy to do at home, don’t discount the value of school or studio art classes. They provide talented teachers, a full stock of supplies, a space that’s designed to get messy (with no cleanup for parents) and benefits beyond art skills.

“After Elliot started attending classes, I realized the topics covered were much more than just art,” recalls Reiter. “This time with trained teachers also gives him history lessons, helps him learn how to interact with other children and provides him useful tips, such as how to hold a pencil.”

Painting at home is, of course, a popular choice, and it’s a good way to gauge your child’s interest and get started without making a bigger investment. You could hit up your local craft store or go online to buy paint-by-number kits with vivid colors and elementary designs.

The kits come with a brush and tiny pots with all the paint your child will need for that project—so you don’t have to buy bigger containers or a full rainbow of colors.

• For little ones, be sure to choose nontoxic, washable paints.

Acrylics won’t wash out and will ruin surfaces. Be especially careful with reds: “Red dye is often staining, even if it claims to be washable,” warns Down.

• Be OK with spills and stray marks; they’re inevitable with paint play. “Either put down an old sheet or drop cloth, or go to a location where it won’t matter if they spill, like outside,” suggests Down. To protect your kids’ clothes, she says you could fashion a smock by cutting an old adult T-shirt straight down the back, then using a clothespin to hold it together.

• Your kid’s canvas can be most anything; think junk mail and cardboard. Most anything can be a “brush,” too (cotton balls, kitchen gadgets, etc.). When using a traditional brush, big handles work well for little hands.

While there are no promises that your child will be the next Michelangelo or Monet, you can rest assured painting is time well spent. There are the sensory benefits, and not just in seeing the final product. “For toddlers and kindergartners, there’s the tactile experience of paint,” says Oil & Cotton’s Kayli House. “It’s gushy and squishy.

It’s something you can touch and feel.”

There are also cognitive advantages. “There is language 56

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

CALLIGRAPHY: WILDFLOWER ART STUDIO/WILL MILNE

Here are some more tips for at-home painting:

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child going:

• Don’t push them to do calligraphy. “If a parent is interested, why not get some basic materials and sit down to use them while your child is working on something else?” recommends Down. “Children are naturally curious.”

• Start with the basics. For littles, Down suggests beginning with ily need to be a prolific shape identification. (hand)writer to enjoy the • Cloth & Glaze Painting Studio “Once they know those, art. Stewart says her chil- 1230 Red River Drive, Suite 400, Euless start looking at letters dren started doing block 8901 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Suite 125, of the alphabet. Which Fort Worth lettering before they one looks like a circle? clothandglaze.com were in kindergarten.

And compare the calligOur kit pick: PYOP (Paint Your Own Pencil lettering is best raphy letters to regular Pottery) Kit for young ones, but as letters. What are the they gain hand control, differences? All of these they can branch out into • Jump Into Art Studios things can be explored 404 N. Church St., McKinney ink-based calligraphy— with your child” as an jumpintoart.com growing their artistic introduction to calligraOur kit pick: Watercolor Artist Kit talents right along with phy, Down says. their writing skills.

• Once they’re Stewart, who started • Oil & Cotton intrigued, show them a hand-lettered greeting 817 W. Davis St., Suite 110, Dallas examples of intercard company at age 12, oilandcotton.com esting calligraphy.

Our kit pick: “Everything You Need to Be loves sharing the letter(Hello, Pinterest and an Artist” Kits ing arts with beginners.

Instagram.)

In addition to offer• In addition to • Play Street Museum Shops ing online workshops traditional brushes, you Multiple locations (in-person classes will can get brush pens for playstreetmuseum.com resume as soon as posyour child. Those tend Our kit pick: ABC Learn With Me Activity Kit to be easier to use than sible), Wildflower Art Studio posts tips and dip-pen sets, and they’re inspiration on Instagram • Wildflower Art Studio often less expensive.

715 N. Locust St., Denton (@wildflowerartstudio) • Try a kit with wildflowerartstudio.net and sells DIY calligratemplates your child Our kit pick: Brush Lettering Kit phy kits. One of those can brush over to see kits made it all the way the possibilities as their to North Dakota, where skills develop.

Lexie Huebner purAnd if you’re conchased one via Etsy for cerned that your child her 12-year-old daughter Kloey. It was the will think of calligraphy as glorified writperfect gift. ing homework, Stewart says don’t forget to “We run a wedding venue,” explains emphasize that it’s an art. “There is not a Huebner. “Kloey frequently sees that type right or a wrong way to do it,” she explains. of writing on wedding chalkboard signs “Creativity is about embracing the beauty of and has commented about wanting to learn imperfection.” how to do it. When I saw the kit, I thought So whatever your child creates with a it would give her a new challenge and help brush, enjoy.

Kit & Ca-Doodle

Michele Gaudette, RN, IBCLC-RLC 30 years experience

58

her achieve the goal of creating those kinds of signs.”

Kloey got started right away, spending hours in her room tracing and learning the different pen and brush techniques. “She’s now able to do different styles of handwriting, and her cursive writing has really improved,” shares Huebner.

Calligraphy may especially appeal to kids who, like Kloey, enjoy challenges and working alone. Here are some suggestions to get your

LETTER PERFECT Your kiddo may eventually want to use brushes in another way: for artistic lettering. You can actually use a variety of tools to introduce your child to calligraphy: “Calligraphy-style lettering can be done Oil & Cotton and Wildflower Art Studio with a calligraphy pen, are just two of the many creative a brush, a crayon, a establishments that can get kids going pencil,” shares Emile with brush-based classes and kits Stewart, founder and (available to order or pick up). Here’s how CEO of Wildflower Art to find them, as well as a few other local Studio in Denton. studios: You don’t necessar-

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CULTURED FAMILY G U I D E

COVID-19 has changed a lot about our lives--but it doesn't have to stop your family from enjoying cultural experiences. From virtual programming to destinations with social distancing, explore these options for broadening your children's horizons.

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Learn Like a Local in Denton County The Denton County Office of History and Culture operates the 1896 Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum and the Denton County Historical Park. While the museums are closed to the public, you can learn more about local history online. View the virtual exhibit tour of Century of Action: Women and the Vote commemorating the fight for women’s suffrage and equality.

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october 2020 / dfwchild.com

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Fall Family Fun at Irving Arts Center!

IN THE HEART OF DFW, IT’S WORTH THE TRIP! Named “Best in the Burbs” by D Magazine, and a Smithsonian Affiliate since 2009, Irving Arts Center offers many youth and family art experiences and classes throughout the year. Monthly, we offer free programs JumpstART Stories & Art and Second Sunday Funday. We also offer Saturday School and summer art camps. Your kids will love our online virtual artmaking and gallery tours! IAC has two fully equipped theatres, an outdoor sculpture garden, and five galleries that feature a diverse variety of work from regional, national and internationally renowned artists.

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CULTURED FAMILY GUIDE //

Spark Creativity at Home: Monthly Art Projects for Kids FREE FIRST SATURDAYS ARE NOW VIRTUAL Free First Saturdays are going virtual this fall. Each month, explore a variety of artist-designed projects and experiences that you can enjoy at home. / Los primeros sábados gratuitos se harán virtuales este otoño. Cada mes, explore una variedad de proyectos y experiencias diseñadas por artistas que pueden disfrutar en casa.

Foster a lifelong love of art through projects designed to engage young learners. Free First Saturdays @ Home is now available exclusively online, bringing fun and easy activities, lessons, and inspiration from the Nasher Sculpture Center.

Whether your family prefers kids’ crafts, drawing, pottery, textiles, printmaking, painting, or music, you’ll love discovering your creative side. Every month, new activities and videos are available in both English and Spanish.

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october 2020 / dfwchild.com

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Experience the Story of Flight!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Home School Natural Science Classes at LLELA

From early dreamers to modern space exploration, Frontiers of Flight Museum offers a unique and fun environment for all ages to explore aviation and space flight. Home to more than 40 air and space vehicles, 20 exhibit galleries and over 35,000 historical artifacts, a journey through the Museum becomes a journey through time as you let your imagination soar and experience the story of flight!

LLELA Nature Preserve has created a fun and exciting way for students to mix some field work into their home schooling this semester! Your little one will explore adaptations in the field and help scientsts collect data on the flora and fauna that call the preserve home. Registration is required. Only $15 per class. Get a $10 discount when you register for all four!

Frontiers of Flight Museum

LLELA.org

LLELA Nature Preserve

flightmuseum.com

dfwchild.com / october 2020

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people+places.

FISHING: CITY OF ALLEN PARKS AND RECREATION; FISH: NOUN PROJECT

Bethany Lakes Park in Allen has four ponds and a fishing pier for your little angler to enjoy.

12 FISHING SPOTS IN DFW where to cast a line WORDS EMILY YEARWOOD + SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE

L

OOKING FOR A NEW ACTIVITY to shake up your quarantine routine? Fishing is a great way to social distance and enjoy nature. So get the family together, grab your fishing rod and tackle box, and head out to one of these fishing spots around DFW. But don’t forget your freshwater fishing license—Texas requires a license for age 17 and up while fishing in public waters. Not sure where to get one? Try Walmart, sporting goods stores, some grocery stores, and online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov).

Bethany Lakes Park // Allen Location 745 S. Allen Heights Drive What to know You have some room to roam here—this park boasts four fishing ponds. dfwchild.com / october 2020

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FISHING SPOTS IN DFW

TCU Music Preparatory Division Early Childhood Music TCU offers a unique program where children and their parents can interact in a joyful musical environment.

Music Together ® Babies Class / 0–8 months Music Together ® Mixed Ages / 0–4 years Music Together® Generations 0–4 years Music Together ® Rhythm Kids™ / 4–8 years 817-257-6134 Private Lessons Piano, Voice and Instrumental / 5 years–adult 817-257-7604

ABOVE // White Rock Lake’s majestic view makes it a favorite for fishing enthusiasts (as well as for others enjoying the great outdoors).

Ed Landreth Hall

www.musicprep.tcu.edu

©

Messiah Lutheran Classical Academy

South Lakes Park // Denton Location 556 Hobson Lane What to know When the littles have had their fill of fishing, head over to nearby Eureka Playground to continue your day out.

The Hollows Pond // Irving Location 9600 Valley Ranch Parkway W. What to know Come here for a quiet fishing experience. It’s a smaller pond that we’re told is stocked with lots of fish.

Tarrant Regional Water District Fishing Pier // Fort Worth Location Rogers Road and Riverfront Drive, next to Woodshed Smokehouse off the Trinity Trail What to know Close to TCU and the Fort Worth Zoo, this is a great option for urban fishing. Capacity is limited, so keep that in mind when making your plans.

Christ-Centered Small Class Sizes Teacher Involved Family Friendly

Preschool: 2-4 years old Grammar School: K–8th grade 1308 Whitley Rd., Keller, TX 76248 817-431-5486 | mlcatexas.org

Tuition Assistance Available 66

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2020.

Choice of: • Traditional 5-day • 2/3 Day Collaborative Learning Program

as restrooms. There’s outdoor fishing only right now. (Indoor fishing is closed due to the pandemic.) Admission starts at $5.

Russell Creek Park // Plano Location 3500 McDermott Road What to know Set up on the banks of the stocked pond or on the pier; if the kids get restless, there’s a nice paved trail around the water.

Breckenridge Park // Richardson Location 3555 Brand Road What to know Rowlett Creek runs through this park, which has two ponds. This is a popular place to fish, so be aware that it gets pretty busy on the weekends.

Harbor Bay Marina // Rockwall Location 3701 Windjammer Lane on Lake Ray Hubbard What to know You can get pretty close to a full day of fishing in at this marina. It opens at 6:30am daily and closes at either 10pm (Sunday–Thursday) or midnight (Friday and Saturday).

Meadowmere Park // Grapevine Location: 3000 Meadowmere Lane What to know This park is known for lakefront camping—so pack your poles and a tent.

Sunshine Lake // Weatherford Location 204 Cartwright Park Road, inside Cartwright Park What to know Cartwright Park offers a full 30 acres of lake for your fishing pleasure. Cast a line from the bank, or take advantage of the ramp if you have a small fishing boat with a trolling motor.

Lake Lewisville Fishing Barge // Lewisville Location 691 Sandy Beach Road What to know An angler favorite since 1957, the fishing barge is open around the clock and has drink and snack machines as well

East Fork Harbor Marina // Wylie Location 1901 Skyview Drive on Lake Lavon What to know The marina is in a secure harbor, so it gives you some protection from high winds and storm fronts.

LAKE: DALLAS PARKS AND RECREATION

White Rock Lake Park // Dallas Location 800 E. Lawther Drive on White Rock Lake What to know This is a busy spot with picnickers, boaters, cyclists and hikers, but White Rock Lake Park is one of the most picturesque spots on this list.

S e r v i c e S m ay i n c l u d e :

Improving Healthcare for Children

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Diapers & Underpads Formula & Feeding Pumps Ventilators High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Suction Devices Concentrators Oxygen Pulse Oximeter Monitor CPAP/BiPAP Cough Assist Devices IPV Nebulizers & Medication Chambers 50 PSI Nebulizer for CF Therapy Portable Vest Baby Scale

Pediatric Respiratory Home Medical Equipment dfwchild.com / october 2020

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Fall FAMILY FUN FALL FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DIRECTORY

As the weather cools, treat your family to fall fun at these festivals, performances, exhibits and other kid-friendly destinations.

DESCRIPTION

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Adventure Kids Playcare adventurekidsplaycare.com

Join us for a week of fun...Thanksgiving camps! With a new theme each day, closed Thursday. Sign up online. See ad on page 19.

Arkansas State Parks arkansasstateparks.com 888/287-2757

Looking for the perfect setting to come together with family and friends? The possibilities are endless at Arkansas's 52 State Parks. See ad on page 9.

Artisan Center Theater artisanct.com 817/284-1200

Ella Enchanted—October 9 through November 7, 2020. Join Ella of Frell on a daring adventure to rid herself of a curse and ultimately find the power to be her true self!

City of Highland Village highlandvillage.org/929/special-events 972/317-7430

What makes Highland Village a special place to live and play is our community’s warm, friendly, community spirit. Nowhere is this more evident than the time when friends and neighbors gather at our events. See ad on page 59.

City of Irving irvingevents.org 972/721-2501

Eerie Irving Park, a Drive-Thru Experience, will be October 24 from 4 to 9pm at Trinity View Park, 2221 E. State Highway 356, Irving. Come see Halloween frights from the comfort of the car. See ad on page 59.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden dallasarboretum.org 214/515-6615

Autumn at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, highlights the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring four decorated pumpkin houses from more than 90,000 pumpkins, and the return of Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays. See ad on page 7.

Denton County Office of History and Culture dentoncounty.gov/chos 940/349-2850

Stay connected with Denton County Museums online! On our YouTube channel (DentonCountyCHOS), view the virtual exhibit tour of "Century of Action: Women and the Vote" to learn more about the women’s suffrage movement. See ad on page 7.

Fort Worth Zoo fortworthzoo.org 817/759-7555

Experience the Fort Worth Zoo from your car at the all-new Drive Thru Boo at the Zoo! Festive, safe and fun for everyone. Enjoy costumed characters, tasty treats, and some of your favorite zoo animals. See ad on page 3.

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

With family events such as Butterfly Flutterby, Nash Farm Fall Round-Up, Trick 'R Treat trains and more, to adults-night out aboard Grapevine Vintage Railroad's Witches Brew Train, Grapevine is the perfect place for fall fun! See ads on pages 56 and 67.

Irving Arts Center irvingartscenter.com 972/252-2787

Named “Best in the Burbs” by D Magazine, the Irving Arts Center offers youth and family art experiences and exhibitions year round. Your kids will love our online virtual artmaking and gallery tours! See ad on page 61.

october 2020 / dfwchild.com

FALL FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DESCRIPTION

The Lakefront at Little Elm lakefrontlittleelm.com 972/731-3296

In the heart of Little Elm, Texas sits Lakefront at Little Elm—a family-friendly entertainment district on the shores of Lake Lewisville with the best beach in North Texas and lots to do! See ad on page 56.

LLELA Nature Preserve llela.org 972/219-3550

Stop by to LLELA Nature Preserve to enjoy 2,600 acres of nature fun and exploration!

Little ones can learn in our outdoor classrooms or run, jump, and play on their own through forests and rivers! See ad on page 63.

The Marq Southlake experiencelegendshall.com 817/748-8900

The Marq Southlake is the perfect destination for families to safely enjoy birthday parties, swimming, basketball and soccer open play, parks plus a variety of events and programs! Experience world class opportunities in Southlake! See ad on page 4.

Reunion Tower reuniontower.com 214/712-7043

Plan a family visit to the iconic Reunion Tower! See Dallas from a whole new perspective with 360-degree views. Check our website for upcoming events.

The Shops at Highland Village theshopsathighlandvillage.com/events 972/317-7500

Join us for a free, socially distancing Halloween Celebration featuring goody bags, music, photo opportunities, and fun characters in Central Park. Dress in your Halloween best! See ad on page 57.

Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery vetroartglass.com 817/251-1668

Vetro is a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio and fine art gallery. Vetro offers opportunities for guests to assist in creating their own, unique art glass. Visit Vetro to shop handcrafted fine art glass. See ad on page 19.

Pick your favorites for all thingsMoms + Babies!

Plus you'll be entered in a drawing to win a $250 VISA gift card

dfwchild.com/bestformomsandbabies dfwchild.com / october 2020

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confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

WHILE WE WERE SWIMMING, A BEE LANDED ON MY DAUGHTER. SHE LOVES SWIMMING AND LOVES TO BE THROWN IN THE AIR AND DUNKED UNDERWATER. SO, I PICKED HER UP AND THREW HER IN THE WATER TO GET IT OFF.”

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

“My son says, ‘Mom, I was born in a “0” year, so I’m 10 years younger than the year it is now.’ I told him I was born in a 0 year too. His response: ‘Like 1920?’”

—REBECCA, ARGYLE

“I put together a scavenger hunt for my 6-year-old. One task was to find something squishy and take a photo. He looked at my upper arm, squeezed it and snapped a picture.

Maybe I need to lift weights.” —ALEXIS, NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

“I ordered a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cup for my son and a strawberry scoop in a cone for me. I gave him his cup—he looked at it and then looked at my cone.

Before I knew it, he grabbed my cone and started eating it, while looking at me and saying ‘Mmmm.’”

—COURTNEY, RICHARDSON

—SABRINA, LANTANA

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

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Pre-pandemic, my kids and I headed out to a playdate at a playground far from home. I assumed my 6-year-old daughter had shoes on when she jumped in the car. When we arrived, I saw she didn’t!

Thankfully, there was a Kroger nearby.” —MICHELLE, DALLAS

MY 2YEAR-OLD LOVES ICE CREAM. I THOUGHT I COULD GIVE HIM A POPSICLE AND SAY IT WAS ICE CREAM— BUT WHEN I HANDED HIM THE POPSICLE, HE EXAMINED IT A WHOLE MINUTE AND HANDED IT BACK, SAYING, ‘NO, MOMMA, ICE CREAM!’” —LETRICIA, ARLINGTON

Generosity of space. Millions of twinkling lights and our soaring 48-foot Christmas tree.

Hundreds of enhanced cleaning protocols. Boundless family-friendly holiday events, from snow tubing and ice skating to our brand-new I Love Christmas Movies™ immersive pop-up experience featuring ELF™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more!

November 13 – January 3 | ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. (s20) · THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)