T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N TA R R A N T C O U N T Y
M AY 2019
A MODERN WAY TO HOMESCHOOL FINE DINING WITH YOUR KIDS IN TOW MEET MOM NEXT DOOR
JESSICA COLVIN
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SPLIT HOMES
HOW TO MAKE BOTH HOUSES FEEL LIKE HOME FOR YOUR KIDS
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CAN’T-MISS EVENTS THIS MONTH HOW TO PLAN A COWGIRL PARTY
THE HOME ISSUE rtising section: dve a ial
spe c
FORTWORTH
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THE HOW-TO GUIDE
pages / M A Y
2019 FORTWORTH
DEPARTMENTS NOTED 7 School Their Way
Homeschooling is not just for religious families anymore
REAL MOMS 11 Mom Next Door / Jessica Colvin
What’s next for the single mom who competed on a Food Network baking show this spring
14 Recipes for Success
ABOVE // Southlake mom Jessica Colvin got a taste of baking for a TV audience, page 11.
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Where our Mom Next Door turns for food, self-care and more 16 Routines / Jamie Jackson The Mansfield mother works hard, and her kids play harder
KID CULTURE 31 Bon Appétit Yes, you can take the kids to a
FEATURE
nice restaurant
34 Celebrate / Yee-Haw
18 Home Sweet Homes Celebrate in true Texas style with a How to make a home for kids split cowgirl-themed party between two houses and families 37 The Agenda words Ashley Hays Our favorite family events this month
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ON THE COVER
COLUMNS
Cover Kid: Olivia, 5, of Southlake Photography: Cindy James Hair/Makeup Styling: Gary Parson/Kim Dawson Agency Art Direction/Styling: Lauren Niebes
4 dfwchild.com / Off the Pages
Biking, splashing, fishing and gifting, oh my! We have it all this month when it comes to outdoor fun words Elizabeth Quinn
46 Confessions / Mommy Fails
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA SUTTON; ©ISTOCK; ILLUSTRATION BY MARY DUNN
Tales of a faux tooth in the making and work presentations gone awry
CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Lauren Niebes
Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith Copy Editor Leslie Sherman Jackson Contributing Editors Sara Frederick Burgos, Stephanie Sarles
EDITORIAL Managing Editor Carrie Steingruber Assistant Editors Lisa Salinas, Elizabeth Quinn
ART Graphic Designer Susan Horn Contributing Designer Lesley Busby
PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes
ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Diana Whitworth Nelson Account Executives Alison Davis, Maggie Egly, Kristen Gramling, Nancy McDaniel, Sandi Tijerina Advertising Coordinator Alexa Wilder
Promotions Coordinator Corey Tate ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Leah Wagner
PR/MARKETING Audience Development Director Candace Emerson
FortWorthChild is published monthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. FortWorthChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only FortWorthChild authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of FortWorthChild are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. FortWorthChild is ©2019 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.
fortworthchild / may 2019
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online / D F W C H I L D . C O M WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN
OFF THE PAGES
what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com
MAY ENCOMPASSES ALL THINGS FLOWERS, sunshine and cleaning—spring cleaning, that is. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and follow our how-to when getting to the nitty-gritty of living a simplified lifestyle. After decluttering that kitchen drawer full of pens, pins, sauce packets and who knows what else, make sure to sanitize. If you find yourself getting sick, maybe it’s time to check if your own house is the culprit. And thank goodness there are some extra little hands to help out. We have the lowdown on eight kid-friendly cleaning hacks to get your kiddo into a neat-freak groove. Be sure to bookmark dfwchild.com/events to stay on top of all the events you don’t want to miss this month.
Best Gift Mom Ever Got
There’s nothing better than moms getting the recognition they deserve on May 12 (aka Mother’s Day). After all, the job didn't stop after those first nine months. We talked to DFW mamas about their favorite and best Mother’s Day gifts because let’s be honest, as much as moms love a good homemade gift, sometimes money can buy just the thing to bring a smile to her face.
The Best of the Outdoors
Did you know May is National Bike Month? Well, there are plenty of biking trails in DFW, and we found all the best family-friendly paths. If you have a little one who isn’t ready to bike, we rounded up free splash pads and play fountains to visit during those warm, sunny days.
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Did someone say pool party? It’s celebration time because the pools are opening back up this Memorial Day (one more place to take the littles), but let’s not forget about the reason—to honor and remember those who have served. We compiled all the best Memorial Day events happening in Dallas-Fort Worth.
©ISTOCK
Harwood
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Where To Go on Memorial Day
SUPER HERO FA M I LY F U N F E S T
Saturday, May 11 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the whole family to ACH’s third annual event celebrating National Foster Care Awareness Month! ACH is a centuryold nonprofit serving the community and is proud to host this family-friendly event on our campus. 3712 WICHITA ST., FT. WORTH 76119
WITH ATION REGISTR
REGISTER TO ATTEND AT: ACHSERVICES.ORG/SUPER-HERO Have your picture taken with SPIDERMAN, WONDER WOMAN, BATMAN and BLACK PANTHER Kids can wear their favorite SUPER HERO COSTUMES for a PARADE around campus
Questions? Call 682.432.1064
Delicious food from CENTRAL MARKET and KONA ICE
Games, crafts, music and activities Raffles and prizes
THE
EVENT
CASTING CALL PRESENTED BY
Saturday, May 18 10am–3pm
The Shops at Willow Bend 6121 W. Park Blvd. Plano, TX 75093
FREE EVENT
Baby Casting Call Ages newborn–12 months $35 online sign-up $45 day of event
Register at dfwchild.com
noted.
©ISTOCK
SCHOOL THEIR WAY why more parents are choosing to homeschool WORDS
VICTORIA TONG
S
ARAH BOGLE CALLS HERSELF THE “ACCIDENTAL HOMESCHOOL MOM.” When the Dallas mom noticed that her oldest child, Madeleine, was excelling beyond the educational material at school, she knew she had to do something to keep the 6-year-old interested. School was becoming unenjoyable to a child who was once intrigued by science. “They should love learning,” Bogle says. “They should love going to school. They should love doing projects.” She knew Madeleine needed a curriculum that matched her intellect. After a bout with public and charter schools and even trying to enroll at a private school, Bogle made the decision to start an at-home education program for both her daughters; however, the kids weren’t the only ones who were making a switch. The transition from working mom to homeschooling mom was easier than Bogle anticipated, thanks to people and programs that guided her through the process. Bogle breathes a sigh of relief as she reflects on her decision for Madeleine. “She never wanted to go back to a traditional school,” Bogle reveals. “There were too many wonderful activities.” → fortworthchild / may 2019
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noted / S C H O O L
T H E I R WAY
The mom laughs as she lists all the activities her daughter participates in: 4H, two foreign languages and archery, to name a few. After all, homeschooling offers a slew of typical school activities—football, art, choir, prom, graduation. And the practice has been on the rise since 2007, according to the National Center of Education Statistics.
a loving environment because they only have one childhood.” Dankworth observed an uptick in numbers of children turning to homeschooling when safety at school became a household concern. While parents may look into homeschooling after a school shooting, it’s longterm issues like bullying that spur a change. “Public schools have a lot of kids whose needs are not being met,” she says.
TAILOR-MADE Previously stereotyped as a religious choice or a surefire way to isolate your kids, homeTHE NEXT LEVEL schooling is becoming less taboo and more With the right support, homeschooled chilpopular for the modern family. Parents dren are just as prepared for college as their turn to homeschooling because they can traditionally educated peers—and perhaps select a curriculum to suit their kid’s needs, even more so. Sixteen-year-old Haley Taylor whether their child needs an accelerated Schlitz is finishing up her bachelor’s degree path, more flexibility due to health-related from Texas Woman’s University this month. concerns or just an environment that The Keller teen attributes her success to bematches their learning style. ing homeschooled (and, of Technology lays a foundacourse, supportive and opention that lets kids have a minded parents). She graduParents thinking about hybrid model of learning ated from a homeschooling making the switch to a at their convenience with program three years ago behomeschool curriculum online classes and datacause the at-home program might feel intimidated and bases that house a wealth of let her advance based on skill overwhelmed, but they don’t knowledge. This allows for instead of age. have to go it alone. students to have a unique While attending public educational experience school, Schlitz lost her focus Start at the TEXAS from the comforts of home, EDUCATION AGENCY website and motivation because or to join co-op groups in (tea.texas.gov) to learn about her gifted mind was not which teachers guide differ- your rights and the rights of flourishing with the provided ent educational programs. curriculum. “My mind was your homeschooled child. That is why Jube Dankon my peers, boys, and my worth, COO of Texas Home outfits,” she says. She needed Find a SUPPORT GROUP Educators, believes that to help guide you through the more, intellectually. When homeschooling is the best way process. she made the decision with to give kids a meaningful eduher family to homeschool at Seek out HOMESCHOOLcational experience. “These the end of fifth grade, Schlitz kids are out in the community ING GROUPS OR CO-OPS, or found the motivation she choose an accredited online taking classes at the Perot needed to refuel her passion program or textbook program. for learning. “Homeschooling Museum, learning a manual trade,” Dankworth explains. is more than a curriculum The goal is to find a program One reason parents at home. It’s a mindset,” that is tailored to your child. might choose homeschool- Texas Home Educators has Schlitz explains. This mindset ing is because their child included finding her passion an extensive collection of has a particular talent for justice—later this year, she resources on their site (texaslike music or sports. They will start law school at Southhomeeducators.org), includcan receive more tailored ern Methodist University. ing local support groups and instruction to accomStudies conducted by the co-ops. modate and nurture that National Home Education talent, Dankworth says. Research Institute sug“It is a pick-and-choose model, and it gest that homeschoolers outperform their makes it all the better for the children,” peers academically in college and are more she explains. likely to graduate in four years. Dankworth Sometimes it is not a child’s academic claims that more colleges are seeking needs that spur the switch to homeschooling, homeschooled children because they are but the child’s emotional health. also more apt to be involved in campus life, Dankworth started educating her own more independent and more involved in kids at home when she found that traditional school decisions. schooling just wasn’t a good fit for her child Schlitz chuckles as she remembers her dad who had trouble focusing in classes. “If your driving her to a college campus when she was child is not thriving in school, then definitely 13 and waiting for her until class was finished. look into an alternative education,” Dank“I was nervous; we all were,” Schlitz laughs. worth says. “Let them find themselves within “But I was ready to take this huge jump.”
Homeschool 101
Etiquette Workshop June 14–16
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas, Texas Learning proper posture, napkin placement and appropriate cutlery use are important skills to possess. During our confidencebuilding workshop, the girls will be schooled on proper manners. Whether you’re having dinner with family, friends or work associates, this skill will benefit you for the rest of your life. At Model Prep, we believe that etiquette will put you heads above the crowd.
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may 2019 / fortworthchild
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Dr. Joy Carter
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Dr. Jessica Brown
Dr. Kiran Nangrani
Dr. Dawnette Peppler
Women’s Health Services now provides patient care in two locations in Arlington. We also provide state-of-the-art maternity care in the newly renovated labor and delivery suites at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital (THAM). THAM is ranked among the best hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth, and was awarded American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet status, an award that recognizes hospitals that provide nursing excellence. Women’s Health Services has been providing quality health care for women of all ages for the past 32 years. Our OB/GYN group been recognized in the community for its reputable and thoughtful care. In 2017, Women’s Health Services won Suburban Parent Magazines’ award for Best of Family Healthcare in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as DFW Child Magazine’s Mom-Approved Doctors award for OB/GYN. Women’s Health Services’ doctors provide full OB/GYN services and are skilled in managing all aspects of women’s health care, such as normal and high-risk pregnancy care, gynecologic surgery, incontinence treatment, annual exams, and contraceptive and hormone therapy needs. Visit our new website and make your appointments online at www.womenshealthservices.com. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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real moms.
SWEET DEETS AGE: 28 HAILS FROM: California
(Bay Area) LIVES IN: The Carillon neighborhood, Southlake OFFSPRING: 8-year-old Ellie and 4-yearold Miles SIBLINGS: Two older twin brothers CAREER HIGHLIGHT:
Appearing on season five of the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship FUN FACT: She doesn’t watch cooking shows or use a recipe when baking WHERE TO FIND HER WORK:
thecakecamper.com
ABOVE //
Fresh off competing on the Food Network, Southlake’s Jessica Colvin is back to baking for her clients and her two kids.
PHOTO COURTESY JENNA SUTTON
mom next door /
JESSICA COLVIN home baker I N T E R V I E W K E L LY W O O L E Y
F
ROM FOND MEMORIES OF BAKING WITH HER MOM, GRANDMOTHER AND
great-grandmother as child to the pressure-filled experience of baking on a national television show, Jessica Colvin has always felt most at home in the kitchen. For the single mom of two, baking things for others is her and her family’s love language. She was completely taken out of her comfort zone when she had to put her baking skills to the test on season five of the Spring Baking Championship on the Food Network. Being selected was a total surprise—Colvin’s best friend secretly sent in an application for her to be on the show. To add to the pressure, she was the only amateur baker in the field. Luckily, she took it all in stride and accomplished her personal mission of surviving the show’s first round of cuts before exiting in the second episode. And, in the eyes of her kids, she is now world-famous. Although the show premiered this spring, it was taped last fall, so she had to keep quiet about the results until the season aired. Now that the pressure’s off, she is back home in Southlake, reflecting on what she learned and what the future holds for her baking career. → fortworthchild / may 2019
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real moms / J E S S I C A FortWorthChild: What was it like on the set? Jessica Colvin: It was exhausting. For
register with us for great benets
two weeks straight, we worked intense 12-hour days in the middle of nowhere in Louisiana. It didn’t feel competitive at all though—everyone was rooting for one another. The best part has been all the connections I made with these incredibly talented chefs.
FWC: Had you ever been in front of the camera before? JC: No! It was a totally new
experience. I had no idea how much goes into the production of a television series. FWC: Was it hard to keep quiet to your friends and family about the show since it filmed so many months ago? JC: Definitely!
C O LV I N chef. They served a different genre of food every day that really allowed me to experiment with a lot of different types of desserts. Since then, I’ve just been doing business on my own and growing it through word of mouth. I do some event catering, lots of cakes, and I’m starting to teach cake classes. FWC: What next? Have you thought about opening a bakery of your own? JC: Long-term,
I would love to have a storefront but that comes with a lot of overhead cost. I’m currently looking to buy and convert an Airstream where I can teach cake classes from. FWC: Let’s talk about mom life. Did you always know you wanted to have kids? JC: Absolutely. I was
one of those little girls who was always babysitting when I was around younger kids, even if I wasn’t asked to. I feel like I was just born to be a mom. I didn’t plan on having Ellie so young but now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Especially as it was getting ready to air, everyone kept telling me how much they were rooting for me. I was like, “Well, don’t root too hard.” Ha!
FWC: What did your kids think of you being on the show? JC: They
think it’s the coolest thing ever. They tell anyone who will listen. On the first episode, they did a little introduction on our entire family and showed pictures of my kids, so now they think they’re famous too.
Find a store near you or shop online at
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FWC: You were sent home after the second episode. How did that feel? JC: My goal was
to make it past the first round, so after that, I was like, “OK, mission accomplished.” FWC: You’ve been baking since you were a child. Do you have any professional training? JC: I don’t. I grew up
everything for
newborns ® to toddlers
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may 2019 / fortworthchild
FWC: How would you describe your parenting style? JC: Since
“I GREW UP IN THE KITCHEN AND BASICALLY JUST USE A LOT OF TRIAL AND ERROR.”
in the kitchen and basically just use a lot of trial and error when I’m trying out new things. I’m lucky that all three generations before me loved to bake so it’s a family tradition that I get to carry on.
FWC: Would you consider baking a hobby or a profession? JC: Luckily, for me, I would
say both. A couple years ago, I had an eightmonth stint at a Facebook data center in Fort Worth where I worked as their pastry
I’m a young mom, I’d like to think I’m the cool, laidback mom. I definitely go with the flow and I think that’s made both of my children more relaxed as well.
FWC: Do you think being a single mom has affected how you parent? JC: I think my
parenting style would be the same regardless. Plus, I don’t necessarily feel completely like a single mom. Miles’ dad and [dad’s] parents are super involved and so are my parents who also live in Southlake. FWC: What’s your favorite part about being a mom? JC: I
think just getting to see the world again through their eyes. I get to be a kid again and do silly things that you don’t get to do in your adult life. FWC: What’s the most challenging? JC:
They are these little people that depend on you for everything. That’s a daunting task.
Expand your child’s world! Register online! Visit our website to learn more at www.trinityvalleyschool.org/summer
TVSTRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL K-12, Coed, Independent School | tvs.org | 817.321.0100
ZR-7657_StingrayCove_PrintAd_Child_7.25x4.688V2.pdf
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Expires 5/31/19. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. $5 off one 8” or 10” Decorated Cake. Not valid for online orders. Valid only at the bakeries listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid with any other offer.
9:27 AM
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A world of underwater fun is now within reach at Stingray Cove. The all-new, interactive exhibit will transport you to the shallow sandbars of the ocean where five species of rays and sharks live and play. Daily feedings, hands-on experiences and so much more await you just below the surface. Plan your encounter today! ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIRED
FORTWORTHZOO.ORG fortworthchild / may 2019
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real moms / 4
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS How Jessica Colvin whips up a fun family outing,
FO R A FO O D FI E LD TR I P
‘‘
WE’RE ALWAYS FINDING NEW COOL PLACES TO EAT, NO MATTER HOW FAR WE HAVE TO DRIVE. SOMETIMES WE’LL JUST GET IN THE CAR AND SEE WHERE THE DAY TAKES US. I LOVE HEIM BARBECUE ON MAGNOLIA IN FORT WORTH. THEIR MAC AND CHEESE IS INCREDIBLE. MELT ICE CREAMS, ALSO ON MAGNOLIA, IS ALSO AMAZING. THEY MAKE FOR A GOOD COMBO OUTING.
an hour of me time and a good cake
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FO R BA KI N G A C A KE
g “I don’t use cookbooks or watch cooking shows. When I’m baking a cake, I always have a base flavor, usually based on the season, but then it’s a lot of trial and error when I’m playing around with new, fun ingredients. People will often ask me for my recipe and I have to really go back and think about it because I don’t ever actually follow one.”
FO R S E LF- C A R E
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‘‘
HEIM BARBECUE // 1109 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth; 817/882-6970; heimbbq.com
MELT ICE CREAMS // 1201 W. Magnolia Ave., Suite 115, Fort Worth; 817/886-8365 melticecreams.com
“Getting my eyelashes done at Fringe Studio in Southlake is a total game changer for me. It’s an hour of relaxation that I always look forward to.” FRINGE STUDIO // 100 W. Southlake Blvd., Suite 180, Southlake; 817/709-4574 fringehairandmakeupstudio.com
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may 2019 / fortworthchild
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FO R LE I SU R E
I’M CURRENTLY LISTENING TO SHOW UP WITH NATALIE NORTON AND CURRENTLY REREADING WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE YOU ARE BY JON KABAT-ZINN.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELT ICE CREAMS; FRINGE STUDIO; JENNA SUTTON; ©ISTOCK; SHOW UP WITH NATALIE NORTON; HACHETTE BOOK GROUP
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music and strings. Music Together®, for infants and children birth to age 8, is a unique program
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fortworthchild / may 2019
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a wednesday in the life of
JAMIE JACKSON Jamie Jackson is a single parent to her 12-year-old son, Devon, 3-year-old daughter, Morgan, and mischievous Pomeranian, Sassy. Jackson, 36, is an implementation project manager for a large pharmacy benefit manager, and she’s working toward a degree in public health administration. When she’s not studying, she loves reading, going to the gym, trying new recipes and spending time with her kids at their home in Mansfield.
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AM Alarm goes off. I lay in bed for about five minutes contemplating if I want to really get up. 6:05AM Start reading my daily devotional. I committed to a plan to read the Bible in one year, and this is the quiet time I have to get my daily reading completed. 6:15AM Wake my son up for school and head to take the dog out. 6:30AM Make sure my son actually got up to start getting ready. He is not a morning person. Feed Sassy and let her run around a bit while I fix me a protein shake for breakfast. Quick, easy and healthy is the way to go. 7AM Take the dog out again, and put her in her crate. Wake my toddler up to get her day started. This is usually accompanied by a lot of pushback. She is not a morning person, either. Check my phone for any important work emails. 8AM Toddler and I finish showers and getting dressed, and I pop the kids some breakfast meals in the microwave and grab some orange juice boxes. 8:15AM Load everyone in the car, and attempt to get my son to school with some time to spare. Make a quick check to ensure we aren’t missing anything, which happens often with kids who are zombies in the morning. 8:45AM Log my daughter into ABC Mouse or
Khan Academy Kids while I log into work to return emails and scan meetings for the day. I am a telecommuter, so she stays home with me. She does her “work” while Mommy does hers. 9AM Finish morning meeting, and head to the car so we can go to ballet. 10AM Ballet practice with my daughter. Chat with other moms about mom life with toddlers who are 3 going on 33, and look over project plans for new implementations. Ballet time is blocked off on my calendar, so this is a meeting-free time. Love watching my daughter and her friends dance but wonder how the teacher does it without losing her sanity. 11:15AM Out of ballet, and time to grab some lunch. Ask Morgan if she wants to eat out or at home. 11:30AM We decide on home so we can hang out comfortably. The dog can get let out to play, and I can get some work done. NOON Fix Morgan some ravioli and vegetables and myself some zucchini turkey spaghetti I made the night before. 12:20PM Get Morgan situated at her table with one of her favorite TV shows. Sit down and eat while I attend client meetings. 1PM Morgan finishes eating, and her show goes off, which warrants a Level 2 tantrum. This causes the dog to start whining for attention too. Thank goodness for the phone’s mute button. Working from home with a toddler and a dog, it is a lifesaver. 1:30PM Lay Morgan down for a nap—or at least attempt to. Throw clothes in the washer; wash a few dishes. 2PM More internal and external calls that could have been emails. Say a silent prayer that Morgan is napping. This hardly ever happens, so I’m in shock. 2:30PM Throw clothes in the dryer. Yay! I remembered. Take meat out of the freezer to defrost for this evening. I definitely should have done this last night. 3PM One last work call. Answer more emails. Submit project plans, and qualitycheck completed projects. 3:30PM Wake Morgan up, and head out to get her brother from school. 4:15PM Pick brother up from school, grab some Chick-fil-A and run home to change for extracurriculars. 5PM Head out to our Wednesday evening routine. Morgan has tumbling and Devon has basketball practice. 5:30PM Watch Morgan doing tumbling. It still scares me to see my baby girl doing flips, but once she found out Mommy used to be a cheerleader, there was no stopping her from being one too. Glad she thinks I’m the bee’s knees, and I’m praying it will last forever, but realistically, I know I probably have a year, two tops.
Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the Fort Worth area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by FortWorthChild. Send your diary to editorial@dfwchild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space. 16
may 2019 / fortworthchild
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE JACKSON
real moms / R O U T I N E S
the fine
WHAT SHE’S READING Becoming by Michelle Obama. I’m not big into politics like that, but I like reading and learning from other people’s journeys. It helps you understand them better. FAVORITE INDULGENCE Ice cream BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Flavored water or a Zevia soda WHAT’S IN HER NETFLIX QUEUE Workin’ Moms and Good Girls WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZEVIA; PRADA
Nordstrom—clothes, shoes and good bags all in one place. FAVORITE MOVIE Bad Moms and A Bad Moms Christmas—I think there’s a theme here. FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH Mark-Paul Gosselaar from Saved by the Bell FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT I need a date first, but I’d have to say TopGolf. FAVORITE SCENT Prada Candy BEST PURCHASE EVER My Coach satchel—it can go from day to night and still hold a Pull-Up. GREATEST FEAR Something happening to my kids or something happening to me before they’re old enough to care for themselves CELEBRITY MOMS SHE ADMIRES Ayesha Curry and Chrissy Teigen DREAM JOB AS A KID Pediatrician
6PM Tumbling is over, so now we have to run Devon to basketball practice and pray we aren’t too late. I’m an early bird, so having these two things so close together makes me nervous, but it works better for us to get most things done on one night. 7:15PM Leave basketball practice, and head home. Glad my kids had a good evening and got some good activity in with their extracurriculars. 7:30PM Devon hops in the shower. Meat is still kind of frozen, so I pop a Stouffer’s lasagna and some garlic breadsticks in the oven along with some steamer mixed vegetables in the microwave. While this is cooking, I give Morgan a quick bath. 8PM Everyone sits down to eat and talk about their day. Devon starts homework and studying. Thank goodness there’s not a lot of schoolwork tonight. 9:30PM Kids are in bed. Check emails one last time. Send off application to school. Time to relax, so I find the next episode of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime Video. Love that show— can’t wait for the new season. 10PM Lights out. I need some shut-eye so we can get up and do it all over again.
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HOW TO MAKE HOME FEEL LIKE HOME FOR KIDS WHO LIVE BETWEEN TWO HOUSES W O R D S A S H L E Y H AYS
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IGHT-YEAR-OLD DENTON ARB SITS AT HIS MOM’S kitchen table sandwiched between his mom, his dad and his stepmom. The four are laughing together about how hectic the holidays can be between all their families. “He has about five different places he has to be on Christmas Day,” jokes Denton’s stepmom, Dallas Arb, as she tickles him. “It can be a little chaotic.” “Well, I like how my life is,” Denton giggles, clinging to his stepmom’s arm. “I wouldn’t have two sisters if I didn’t have two houses.” As if on cue, in walks his stepdad with 3-year-old Kellyn and 8-year-old Peighton, energized from Peighton’s volleyball practice. Denton immediately jumps up from the table and rushes to embrace his sisters. Seven people, two houses and many dynamics come together to create what Denton knows as his home. The definition of “home” is ever evolving, especially as more kids split their time between two houses. Given what seems to be a growing number of blended families, it would be understandable to presume that the divorce rate in the United States is rising. In reality, the divorce rate is steadily declining—but so is the marriage rate. So while fewer people are filing for divorce, fewer people are tying the knot to begin with. Still, it’s not just married couples who break up: TIME Magazine published an article last November citing evidence that more people than ever before are choosing →
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"THE COMMON GOAL SHOULD BE THE CHILD'S HAPPINESS. THAT'S A MAJOR PART OF THE 'HOME.'" 20
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cohabitation over marriage. And more than half the children of those cohabiting couples will experience a parental breakup by their 9th birthday. So do these kids who experience divorce or separation view “home” differently than kids living with both parents under one roof? Rebekah dePeo-Christner, a counselor at CCD Counseling in Lewisville, says that the same principles that create feelings of “home” for kids apply to households where the parents are together and households where the parents live separately. But, she adds, “just because you are co-parenting, doesn’t mean that the homes have to be identical.” Promoting similar routines and stability is more important than attempting to replicate an environment that your child is already familiar with. This is why open communication between parents is so imperative for kids like Denton. dePeo-Christner says it’s necessary for parents to come together to facilitate that feeling of “home” in both houses—even when their situation is not as harmonious as that of Denton’s family. When co-parents are at odds with one another, dePeo-Christner encourages parents to focus on what they can control: their own home environment and personal decision-making. “You can’t control what the other parent does, but you can try to ensure that your homes are made up of the same three fundamental elements of structure, consistency and predictability,” she says. While these three elements are foundational in any home, they are especially vital in situations of separation or divorce where kids might be aware that their parents are not on the same page. STRUCTURE & CONSISTENCY
“Whether you have a 2-year-old or a 15-year-old, it’s important to establish the rules and expectations early on,” dePeo-Christner says. Implementing routines and daily schedules, along with delineating the rules of engagement, help create structure in a child’s
environment, which is essential for the space to feel like home. Plus, outlining the rules invites good behavior—according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a child is more likely to respond better when the consequences for breaking the rules are very clear. Simply knowing what to expect not only leads to improvements in your child’s behavior but simultaneously strengthens the parent-child relationship. Even in an amicable situation, children with multiple homes feel a loss of control while adjusting to new living environments. DePeo-Christner says that giving your child the opportunity to offer feedback on the structure of the home lightens the stress and anxiety they feel. For example, a child could contribute to rules involving safety—“No using the scissors without asking” or “Keep out of the kitchen when an adult isn’t present” is practical enough that a child can appreciate the logic behind the rule. You could then decide together what the consequence for breaking that rule will be, and your child will better understand why. “Asking them for their opinion will give them that control factor back, even if [their opinion is] not the deciding factor,” dePeo-Christner explains. “Just giving them that validation of opinion lets them feel that their contributions are important in the structure of the household.” The tricky part is maintaining consistency within that structure. Changing up the routine or varying the ways you discipline causes uncertainty, which puts unnecessary stress on a child, according to dePeo-Christner. But being consistent can be a difficult task to master as co-parents. DePeo-Christner explains that kids with more than one household are often in tune with this struggle and consequently more likely to test those boundaries when traveling from house to house. “Being consistent with your consequences … ensures that your child feels secure in both your expectations and their own,” she says.
Expectations that are clear and predictable across the board help your child adjust from one atmosphere to another. It’s great if both parents can agree on what those expectations should be, but consistency within each home is central, especially when the rules vary between homes. “Whatever rules you have put in place in your household need to be straightforward and firm,” dePeo-Christner says. She adds that children are very responsive and adaptive to their environments, so structure helps guide how they will behave in each home. “Think about how kids adapt to a school setting and rules there,” she says. “Then think about how they adapt to their grandparents’ house and those rules, where the discipline is more relaxed. Then they come home into their own household, and they know that those rules will be more firm than Grandma’s. Kids are very adaptable as long as they know what the expectations are.” This might be the case, but Kathleen Schofield, a counselor at Insights Collaborative Therapy Group in Dallas, believes that in order for there to be true consistency, the same rules and schedule must be present in both homes. “That way there’s the expectation of when they’re going to do schoolwork, when they can get on their phones, when they can play games or watch television,” she explains. “It’s important that it’s congruent in both households and not confusing.” This also prevents one parent from being deemed the “favorite” or “fun” parent while the other is labeled the “punisher.” “Something I do see a lot of is competition between parents,” Schofield says. “They want the child to be happier at their house, and the reality is kids pick up on that.” Schofield says that when there is healthy communication between parents and consistency regarding rules and consequences, children are more likely to feel safe no matter where they are—a key characteristic of what makes a home, well, home.
“That’s really the main thing you want to come out of the separation process,” Schofield says. “They need to worry about just being a kid.” One thing that threatens consistency—and the sense of security that comes with? Showing possession over your child and the things you’ve bought for them. Schofield says parents can become territorial, pitting “Mom’s stuff” against “Dad’s stuff.” The biggest problems she sees usually involve things like sports equipment and dance gear. “Some kids will have to change out of certain clothes before they go from one parent’s house to another,” she says. But for the child, their things (including their clothes) are part of their home, no matter which house they’re at. Putting possessions in the shuffle of switching from house to house detracts from that consistency. “When kids have to worry about what stuff goes where and to whose house, they’re being thrown into the middle of that adult conflict,” Schofield says. “The fluidity of that stuff that needs to go back and forth needs to match the fluidity of communication between parents. It should be healthy enough that moving stuff back and forth can happen. “I try and get parents to go from exes to co-parents,” she continues. “The common goal should be the child’s happiness. That’s a major part of ‘home.’” PREDICTABILITY
Denton’s parents share 50-50 custody of their son: His mom, Misty Wilt, has him Monday and Tuesday; his dad, Derrick Arb, has him Wednesday and Thursday; and they alternate weekends. “Denton always knows where he’s going to be,” Wilt says. “When he wakes up, he asks, ‘What day is it?’ Then he knows, ‘OK, this is my mom’s day.’ We try and stay on track and let him know in advance if anything is going to be changing.” This is the kind of predictability that kids need from their
homes, and it’s facilitated by Arb agrees, adding that it simple, open communication. has made all of their lives “a lot “Set out a very clear schedule better just being open and comon the fridge or on your child’s municating with each other as door telling them where they Denton’s family.” will be, with whom and SECURITY when,” sugThe three gests Lisa elements of Lawson, a structure, counselor consistency Lewisville counselor Rebekah dePeoat The Oak and predictChristner leads a co-parenting workshop Inside clinic ability work called DIVORCE SANITY that helps parents in Keller. together to identify and manage the problems that And rememcreate what might affect their kids, from environmental ber those kids from changes to parental conflict. The four-hour rules you any backworkshop costs $55; preregister to attend worked on ground seek the next session on Saturday, May 18. CCD together? out most COUNSELING CENTER OF LEWISVILLE // Having in a home: 326 Edmonds Lane, Suite 103, Lewisville; the house security. ccdcounseling.com guidelines Any type of The Parenting Center’s KIDS FIRST hashed out environmenworkshop provides insight to parents on in advance tal change, how kids perceive the separation process and ready to even those and the emotional issues they might refer back to undertaken be going through. The next Kids First is an imporout of love classes are May 11 and June 1 from 9am– tant part of or neces1pm. Cost is $45 if you register early maintaining sity, can but jumps up to $60 the day of. THE a sense of compromise PARENTING CENTER // 2928 W. Fifth predictability your child’s St., Fort Worth; theparentingcenter.org in the home. perception Bradley Craig, creator of Between “Keeping it of home Two Homes, LLC, is widely sought out simple makes as a secure throughout North Texas as a life and it easier for environparenting educator. Keller counselor Lisa everyone to ment. The Lawson recommends his two-part costick to it,” American parenting class called CHILDREN IN THE Lawson says. Academy of MIDDLE, which focuses on the needs of Wilt, Arb Child and kiddos who live in two homes and strateand their Adolescent gies to keep kids out of conflict. $40 for spouses have Psychiatry each part; visit the website for a calendar an ongosays that of upcoming classes and to buy tickets. ing group although ACH CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES // 3712 text called parents Wichita St., Fort Worth. 800/239-3971 “Denton’s might be childreninthemiddle.com Parents” devastated or where they can even relieved openly comafter a municate about anything Dentondivorce, the children involved or schedule-related. It wasn’t always are often scared and confused so simple though. All four parents because their sense of security is admit that it took a lot of trial and threatened. Remaining sensitive error to get to the point where they to that fear will better equip you could effectively correspond with to connect with your child and each other as co-parents. then appropriately respond to “It’s definitely been a roller their needs. coaster,” Wilt says, though she “Home should be your safe did not want their specific strugspot,” says dePeo-Christner. “You gles to be published. “When we should be able to be yourself and first split up, mine and Derrick’s be vulnerable with your emotions. relationship wasn’t anywhere Children need that anywhere they near what it is now.” call home.” She says that while all
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kids require this feeling of safety, kids dealing with the effects of a two-home scenario might be more emotionally charged due to the transition and will need both spaces to be feel equally, consistently safe—and that’s a goal both parents must agree to work toward. “A home provides security when both parents recognize the importance of the other and that good times are had in both places,” Schofield says. Wilt reveals that her own need for security is just as important to her as Denton’s. She admits to feeling very threatened after the divorce. “I realized that when I gave his dad 50-50 custody, that I gave up the right to be there 100% of the time,” she says. “If you want your child to feel at home even when they sleep under more than one roof, you have to accept that your kid can love more than one person, and that there are never too many people that can love them in return,” she continues. “That was one of the hardest things in the beginning. I didn’t want another mom for my kid, but I also didn’t want my son crying for a mom when he was with his dad. I had to adjust to him having a mom over there, and now I’m so glad he has her.” She adds that Denton deserves both parents no matter what home he resides in. “I never want him to be without a role model just because it’s not my weekend.” Denton says that when he’s at his mom’s, he likes being there because he has his two sisters. “My sisters are nice to me and not mean like most sisters are,” he explains. While at his dad’s, he is the only child in the household and gets direct one-on-one time with Dad. “I get to do boy stuff with my dad and ride four- wheelers when I’m with him,” he says. “I just think my life is perfect with two homes.” But as with everything in life, there is a negative side— Denton is quick to speak up on what he dislikes the most about having two homes: “Double the chores. Yuck.” fortworthchild / may 2019
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D I S C O V E R A C O M M U N I T Y T H AT
right in.
PO LA E RTEO DJI U SC W EAL C MCEES W YH OU MOPV E R Y
Welcome to Canyon Falls, an intimate community inspired by the spaces and people around us. Whether you’re connecting with neighbors over miles of trails, unwinding poolside or exploring one of our parks, life unfolds a little more naturally here.
HOMES FROM THE HIGH $200Ks–$800Ks
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C A N Y O N FA L L S T X . C O M / E X P LO R E
Newland is the largest private developer of mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. newlandco.com | nashcommunities.com NASH Canyon Falls (“Owner”) is the owner and developer of Canyon Falls (the “Community”) and has retained Newland Real Estate Group, LLC (“Newland”) as property manager. North America Sekisui House, LLC (“NASH”) has an interest in Owner. Owner, NASH and Newland are not responsible for obligations or representations made by Builders building homes in the Community. Prices subject to change. Not an offering of real estate to residents of any jurisdictions where prior-qualification is required unless the Community has been qualified or an exemption is available. ©2019 Canyon Falls is a trademark of Owner and may not be copied or used without permission. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Finding Your Family Home WORDS
KAMBRY RUBY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEWLAND/THE GROVE FRISCO; NEWLAND/CANYON FALLS
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIRST HOME AND A PLACE TO NURTURE YOUR GROWING FAMILY CAN BE VAST Once upon a time, your biggest considerations for a real estate purchase didn’t sway too far from, “How close is it to my office?” and “What is the distance to our favorite weekend nightlife spots?” However, since you become a parent, your checklist has shifted to school districts, family-friendly activities, floor plans, safety, security, and participating in a community with shared interests and values. As you outgrow your once-charming nest for two, thoughtfully consider a variety of factors and reflect on the dreams you have for your family. To remove some of the daunting guesswork, weigh all your options and
compare your priorities as you navigate this milestone decision. The house hunt for a family home is one of the most exciting and important steps you’ll ever take. A PLACE TO CALL HOME It’s an old adage, but it still rings true today: location, location, location. Begin by asking yourself two questions: what kind of location do you want for your growing family, and, what you want out of the location of your new home sweet home? Are you still hoping to keep that same 10-minute commute into downtown you’ve grown accustomed to in recent years, or, is your ideal place to raise children a sprawling property in a master-planned community with space to spare?
Next, decide on a neighborhood or general area, and then focus on the location of your home in terms of site and/or lot, whether you are ready to participate in the process of building your dream home or purchasing one on the market. A tenured architectural expert in Dallas, Ron Wommack encourages his clients to consider everything from eastwest orientation on the lot to the natural elements found on the site. “Select a lot that offers an amenity,” he recommends. “For example, choose a site with a great tree or an optimal view.” Next, consider the walkability of the area— all aspects which affect the environmental personality of the location for you and your growing family. Finally, when you’ve considered the proximity of the home to the rest of your life, including work and schools, decide if it’s the kind of place that is safe and fortworthchild / may 2019
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FINDING YOUR FAMILY HOME // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Orchard House, which conveniently houses meeting rooms, cozy spaces to catch up with neighbors, a fireplace, and a fitness center. Orchard House is also home to Swirl Bakery & Café, beloved for its made-from-scratch baked good and treats. “Children and parents alike can take advantage of family-friendly community activities and enjoy a lush environment, rich with outdoor activities, that’s like no other place in North Texas,” says Rushing.
LIFESTYLE AND RECREATION While no perfect home exists, keep in mind that you want to find a home that’s perfect for your unique lifestyle and growing family. As you make a needs versus wants list and rank your priorities, start by considering your preferred environment—do you want to see sweeping vistas of open land when you walk outside, or do you like being right next door to your neighbors? Are you looking for a total escape with family-friendly amenities and intentional distance between work and home, or does your family thrive in an urban lifestyle? Next, think about the kinds of hobbies or recreational activities you enjoy or want to pursue as a family. Many communities around the region offer residents access to a wide range of family-friendly activities, golf, trails, hiking, and biking, to name just a few. Lastly, ask yourself how you most enjoy socializing and spending time with friends and family on the weekends. From community pools and activity calendars to nearby proximity to restaurants perfect for intimate gatherings, communities around North Texas today offer something for everyone. COMMUNITY LIVING The phrase, “It takes a village,” might never resonate with you so much as when you become a parent. Finding a community that offers an atmosphere well-suited to your family dynamic and personality where you can engage with 24
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other families as a way of life is often equally important as loving the architecture or floor plan of your new home. If you’re like many people today, the idea of leaving the hustle and bustle of big-city living and enjoying the quieter, fun-filled atmosphere of a community specifically designed for time spent with family and friends is more attractive than ever when you’re raising a family. For families who enjoy spending time outdoors exploring the world around them, The Grove, Frisco, features stunning views and natural elements, including treelined streets, trails, parks, orchards, award-winnings schools, and amenities designed to engage the whole family. “The Grove is reminiscent of a familiar, village lifestyle,” says Julenne Rushing, marketing director for The Grove, Frisco, a development of Newland Communities. Residents can take advantage of the community’s activity center,
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEWLAND/THE GROVE FRISCO; NEWLAND/CANYON FALLS
fun to play and live. “The greatest gift you can give your children is a home where they feel both security and freedom,” says Wommack.
EDUCATION MATTERS Whether you already have school-aged children or you just brought home your first baby and kindergarten seems like a lifetime away, education is undoubtedly a major factor in the search for an ideal family home. Regardless of whether you’re leaning toward private or public education, you’ll never regret choosing a home located in a strong public school system—a factor that can heavily affect your property value and offers your family a viable option for education, no matter what the future holds for your children. Canyon Falls, a development of Newland Communities, offers families the academic advantages and distinguished programming found at both Argyle Independent School District and Northwest Independent School District. Residents of Canyon Falls are known to often organize school-age and pre-kindergarten playgroups, in a concerted effort to support one another and meet new families.
FINDING YOUR FAMILY HOME // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Finding Your Family Home:
RESOURCE DIRECTORY As you look for the perfect place for your family to call home, learn to ask the right questions and prioritize your needs—and remember, finding the appropriate people to advise and help you is equally important. The following industry experts are highly sought-after for their in-depth knowledge and the experience they bring to every project. Working alongside a trusted expert can provide invaluable insight as you navigate this exciting journey for your family.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND FLOOR PLANS The need for modern amenities or a change in floor plan is frequently a chief reason families look for a new nest. Open concept floor plans beloved for today’s lifestyle create a natural, comfortable way for families and friends to congregate and affords parents of young children the ability to keep a watchful eye on little ones throughout the day. Consider features such as good closet space, a versatile layout, adequate storage, outdoor areas, a wellfunctioning garage, and an optional play space as you look for a new home—amenities that can make significant differences not only in the livability and life of your home but also in its marketability if you relocate in the future. Many master-planned developments today offer unique building styles that lend a signature look to the atmosphere of the community. Located near Flower Mound, Northlake, and Argyle, Canyon Falls features Prairie-style architecture throughout much of the community, including the activity clubhouse, a design that beautifully compliments the 1,200 acres of natural landscape, creeks, mature trees and rolling hills.
Canyon Falls
Master-planned Community Located in the Denton County corridor within the municipalities of Northlake, Flower Mound, and Argyle, family fun and adventure awaits at Canyon Falls. This thoughtfully designed master-planned community by Newland Communities features a rolling, natural terrain of stunning views, high bluffs, and a creek-side canyon that aren’t merely a backdrop for this multigenerational, unique lifestyle—rather, at Canyon Falls, nature is part of the main story. Canyon Falls is situated within 1,200 expansive acres and the development’s layout includes more than 250 acres of open space designed to connect residents to a shared community through appealing, approachable neighborhoods designed with authentic, regional architectural styles and open floor plans for today’s lifestyle. Residents have access to miles of paved trails beloved by walkers, bikers, runners, and fitness groups, as well as the Prairie-style community clubhouse that features a fitness center, pool and splash pad, spacious lawn, playground, and trail head. Families enjoy academic advantages at some of the area’s highly ranked school districts, Argyle Independent School District and Northwest Independent School District. An exceptional oasis of beautiful scenery and family fun, Canyon Falls offers something for everyone. CANYON FALLS, 6950 Canyon Falls Drive, Northlake, TX 76226 972/795-8850; canyonfallstx.com
The Grove, Frisco
A new home community crafted for the modern life, The Grove, Frisco is located at the Four Corners of McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen, and is located within Frisco Independent School District. Tree-lined streets, parks, an orchard, award-winning schools, and amenities designed by Newland Communities to engage the whole family create an environment reminiscent of a familiar village lifestyle. This 735-acre community offers residents an atmosphere where curiosity and a sense of wonder are encouraged throughout outdoor activities and annual events and gatherings at Orchard House, The Grove, Frisco’s modern farmhouse-style amenity center and heart of the neighborhood that also boasts a bakery and cafe. Architectural elements seen throughout these charming village-style neighborhoods include cottage, eclectic, clean-lined, and sophisticated styles. Residents can enjoy a backdrop that features mature landscapes, a lush natural environment, and harvesting trees. THE GROVE, FRISCO, 15480 Crape Myrtle Road, Frisco, TX 75035; 972/370-3478; thegrovefrisco.com 26
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEWLAND/CANYON FALLS
Master-planned Community
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The How-To Guide When it comes to your childs education, we know that finding the right school with the best resources is a top priority. Luckily, Dallas-Fort Worth is home to some of the most forward thinking and innovative school districts. In the following pages, local experts share their tips and insider information on what to look for and why it’s important, making your job, Mom, a whole lot easier.
THE HOW-TO GUIDE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
How To Make Open Enrollment
Work for Your Family Can my child ride the bus to school? Transportation is not provided for out-of-district transfer students. Families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from school. Can I still apply for an out-ofdistrict transfer, even if the school year has started? Yes, families are encouraged to complete an application. Acceptance or denial is based on campus capacity and a review of the required student information needed to complete the application. What does Irving ISD offer? • Dual-language immersion programs • Middle schools that provide devices and free data plans for students
Searching for the best school can be a task and sometimes parents end up settling with the best option that is closest to them, even if it still doesn’t meet their child’s every need. It might be time for you to consider a district that accepts out-of-district transfer students—if you haven’t already. The rules and regulations for a transfer might seem confusing at first, but Irving ISD, the public PreK–12 school district of choice for 33,000+ students in Irving, is giving families from surrounding areas the opportunity to understand the process and benefits of transferring.
• Regional Day School for the Deaf • Nearly 50 career-focused pathways available through Signature Studies • High-quality musical instruments at no cost to students • Advanced Placement classes and dual-credit courses • A safe and secure learning environment
What grade levels are eligible? All students entering kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to apply. However, only 8th- and 9thgrade students may apply to Singley Academy or one of the district’s nationally recognized Signature Studies programs which are open to all students based on availability. In each program, students have the option to pursue a pathway, and acquire industry licenses, certifications and internships. 28
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All Irving ISD teachers are highly qualified, certified teachers and industry experts who provide engaging, relevant instruction for all students. The staff cares about the health and happiness of students and families, and they strive to help them reach their full potential. Every Irving ISD school has at least one full-time registered nurse on-site and several of the district’s school clinics utilize Telehealth, a virtual medical service where students can be seen by a doctor during school hours without leaving the school. With more than 13,000 students enrolled in industryfocused classes, 80 dual-credit courses, an Early College Start program, a nationally recognized music education program and notable recognition as Top Digital District and District of Distinction, there has never been a better time to transfer and excel with Irving ISD. To learn more about why Irving ISD is the best choice for your family, visit irvingisd.net/ excelwithus. To learn more about Irving ISD’s new out-of-district transfer process, interested families may visit irvingisd.net/transfers for additional information, guidelines and the application.
Can I enroll my child into a specific school at Irving ISD? Parents may list up to two preferred campuses on the application. Each student approved for an out-of-district transfer is assigned to a campus by the Irving ISD superintendent or designee. Though Irving ISD does its best to accommodate every transfer, the superintendent and/or designee must consider the availability of space and instructional staff when making a decision.
Find Irving ISD online:
irvingisd.net facebook.com/irvingschools twitter.com/irvingisd
THE HOW-TO GUIDE // SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
How To
STEM Anything curriculum for elementary schools, to incorporate in their 4th- and 5th-grade lesson plans for the 2018–2019 school year.
Step 5: Improve The last step of the process is to ask: What could work better? Then modify your design, and test it again.
Step 3: Plan Next, you draw a diagram; lay out the plan.
As District leaders analyze how the roll out of STEMcurriculum to elementary campuses went this school year, they recognize there is always room for improvement and innovation. Each year, leaders will evaluate grade-level implementation as the STEM-based curriculum progresses in the school system.
Little Elm ISD knew what they wanted this program to accomplish: Keep the curiosity of engineering in every student as they progress through school. This is hard to accomplish through a traditional lesson plan that limits imagination, which is where EiE takes the lead by providing training to each teacher and helping integrate real-world engineering problems through lessons in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics—not just Science. Each unit starts with a storybook and encourages teamwork, collaboration and imagination.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) based learning is quickly gaining momentum among school districts. Every child enjoys taking things apart, seeing how they work and building things—they are natural-born engineers. Little Elm ISD recognized the need for students to explore and expand their learning and decided it was time to incorporate real-world, STEM-based lessons starting in elementary school. Building a program of this magnitude doesn’t happen overnight, but Little Elm ISD used the same step-by-step engineering design process taught in the classroom to ensure success across the District. Step 1: Ask What is the problem? In 2014, Little Elm ISD built a K–8 campus, Prestwick, where all elementary-aged students are given 30 minutes a day to learn about the engineering design process. This STEM-based curriculum was not offered to every student in the District. Little Elm ISD already provides STEMcareer pathways to students in middle school and high school. But the District felt it necessary to take it a step further and introduce STEM to the other elementary schools. By doing this, students can begin exploring
a career in STEM before they reach middle school. Step 2: Imagine What are some solutions? With hundreds of program options available to schools, Little Elm ISD has experienced success with a program that engages and encourages every student to explore the world of STEM without feeling discouraged and has helped them break the stigma that “STEM isn’t for everyone.” Recently, Little Elm ISD decided to continue using EiE (Engineering in Elementary), the nation’s leading engineering
Step 4: Create Now follow your plan, and create something. By following the EiE curriculum, Little Elm ISD has been able to see significant success in their elementary school STEM program. Students are involved, interested, understand the importance of engineering in the world and are able to foster their own ideas about how science and technology can be incorporated into their everyday life. By working with groups on realworld scenarios and creating a solution together using everyday materials, they are able to see that the subjects can be creative, fun, engaging, and rewarding.
Why choose Little Elm ISD? While some schools incorporate STEM in certain grade levels, Little Elm ISD has implemented a plan to roll STEM curriculum and resources into every elementary grade level over the next five years. In addition to STEM curriculum, students have had access to a well-rounded education for years. Tatum Mowrey, a senior at Little Elm High School, elaborated on her experience and how it has shaped her future: “I can confidently say that I feel nothing short of engaged, equipped, and empowered after my time in Little Elm ISD. I truly believe they have fostered an environment in which students are encouraged to follow their passions and curiosities wherever they may lead. As STEM careers become more prevalent, Little Elm ISD has adapted, giving their students a head start in the field as young as elementary. There is no doubt in my mind that this school district has nurtured a few future world-changers!”
Find Little Elm ISD online:
littleelmisd.net facebook.com/littleelmisd twitter.com/leisd instagram.com/littleelmisd
fortworthchild / may 2019
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kid culture.
BON APPÉTIT how to introduce your kids to fine dining
©ISTOCK
WORDS
K R I S T Y
RAMIREZ
M
Y HUSBAND’S BIRTHDAY CALLED FOR A SPECIAL OUTING, and being food lovers, we chose a new restaurant that ranked a step above the usual places we eat. There would be no slides or play areas, no crayons or placemats for our kids to color. The food was said to be spectacular but pricey, and the setting offered an ambiance that was a bit more formal. The challenge? Taking our four kids with us. They ranged from ages 5–9, with one child who would eat anything on the table and another who was known for requesting specific food only to refuse it once it arrived. Throw in some food allergies and we couldn’t decide whether this was going to be a celebration or the worst family adventure we’d ever undertaken. Still, we decided to try. Despite receiving some side-eye when we showed up during brunch with children in tow, the meal actually went well. Waiting for the meal, as always, was the biggest challenge for the young crew. Though one child took her jacket on and off at least five times and another wanted to sit in my lap for part of the meal, we all still managed to enjoy our food without driving other diners crazy. Eating out as a family was fun, if a bit more stressful than eating at home. fortworthchild / may 2019
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kid culture / B O N
APPÉTIT
The benefits of eating together as a family are well-documented. Researchers at the University of Montreal found that children whose families eat together see long-term mental and physical health benefits—for example, the children in the study were not as aggressive and were in better physical shape. There’s also the added benefit of social interactions and language acquisition. Implementing family dinners at home may feel easy compared to taking the dinner experience out on the town, especially if fine dining is what you have in mind. We wanted our kids to be part of my husband’s birthday celebration, but we didn’t want to frequent our usual places. Plus, we want to raise kids who know how to go to a nice restaurant, use their manners and enjoy a meal. These skills will serve them throughout life, and the best way to learn them is through practice. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Since choosing an entrée can be a long process for a little one, access the restaurant’s menu online before arriving. This allows for the order to be put in quickly, which means less time for whining, napkin tossing and inappropriate table conversations (read: potty talk). Perusing the menu beforehand also allows kids to set their expectations for what food is available. Families with food allergies, like ours, can make sure their needs can be accommodated. WADE IN SLOWLY
thrive DALL AS-F OR T WOR T H
VOL. 11 ISSUE NO. 2
SUMMER 2019
A RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES AND SPECIAL NEEDS
MEET PODCAST HOST
MIA FRANCISPOULIN
BAD DAYS IS IT CAREGIVING FATIGUE OR SOMETHING MORE?
FIVE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER
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TIPS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL PUBLISHED BY
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There’s no need to choose a five-star restaurant that requires a child to know the difference between a salad fork and a fish fork. Parents should shy away from starting with a place that is so nice they fear bringing kids in the door—so much tension is stressful for everyone. Instead, start by going to a sit-down restaurant where kids learn to place their orders, use their manners and engage with family around the table. Then work up to nicer places as kids learn the expectations for fine dining behavior. PRACTICE AT HOME
Practice makes perfect, even for dining out with kids. A fellow local mom, Cheryl Hicks, tells me she used to make dinners at home a big deal to prepare kids for going out to restaurants. Her children dressed up for the meals, and she added candles and music to create ambiance. Her kids learned skills they then wanted to show off when eating at a restaurant, and this kept them from being bored or disengaged. “When it was time to spring the family on the real world, you could tell they were so proud of the things they had learned,” she says. Frisco therapist Robi Heath agrees with the idea of rehearsing at home, and recommends your training go beyond simple etiquette. “Another practice is bringing in the idea of mindful eating,” she says. “We live in a fast-paced culture … we often miss the opportunity to enjoy our food. Have a con-
versation about the texture of the food, taste, and smell. This allows our bodies to use all of our senses and creates a more robust eating experience.” Practice at home also means setting rules for interactions at the table. “Limit electronics so you can maximize your connection time with your family,” Heath says. “Model for them how to utilize dinnertime as a time to connect and enjoy your family.”
Mind Their Manners
Fine-tune your kiddos’ fine dining skills at these local etiquette classes: FO R T WO R TH COTI L L I O N Part of the 70-year-old JDW Cotillions network, the program at Ridglea Country Club has been teaching Fort Worth kids and teens how to act with decorum for more than four decades. The standout is the program’s dining etiquette segment, which covers proper table setting, dinner party hosting and plenty of other skills that go way beyond keeping elbows off the table. The six-week cotillion courses are $235 per student. To learn more, email fortworth@cotillion.com. 3700 Bernie Anderson Ave., Fort Worth; 303/789-1447; cotillion.com MISS PERSIS STUDIO Since 1954, Miss Persis Studio has offered a seasonal cotillion program for Arlington sixth-graders. During six Saturday lessons, students learn about formal dining presentation and etiquette, plus other social skills, before practicing their party manners at a Spring Fling event at the end of the program. (Fifties night and Country Western night are also on the schedule.) $170 per person. 222 W. Main St., Arlington; 817/261-7921 misspersisstudio.com NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS Under the National League of Junior Cotillions umbrella, the Southlake, Flower Mound and Lantana chapters offer traditional cotillion classes for middle schoolers and elementary grades. But it’s the series of three-day pre-cotillion classes for first- through fourth-graders that sets director Jayne G. Smith’s program apart from the rest. Little ones receive a formal introduction to setting the table, using utensils and fast food etiquette. The 1 ½-hour class will be offered from June 11–13 at the Lantana Country Club. Contact jayne.smith@nljc.com for more information and availability. 800 Golf Club Drive, Lantana; 817/490-1224; nljc.com TE X A S E TI Q U E T TE AC A D E MY & FINISHING SCHOOL Book a tea party—complete with etiquette lesson—for your prince or princess and all their friends from Texas Etiquette Academy & Finishing School. Social skills need polishing first? Director and mom of five Misty Harris and her team offer etiquette classes for kids 5 and up on the second Saturday of April, June, August, October and December for $75. For a more customized education, Harris offers private lessons—priced between $75 and $500 per student—to focus on specific etiquette skills. Sign up for classes online, or email texasetiquette@gmail.com to inquire about private lessons. Fort Worth, 817/476-0138 ingoodcompanyetiquette.com/texas
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1
YEEHAW
3 1 / “Ranch dressing,” according to Finley Conneely and mom Ashley. 2 / Finley’s name spelled in rope was a simple DIY of water, glue and corn starch. 3 / Country kiddos crowd around the dessert table, which was propped up on hay bales. 4 / Guests rode off with their own pony party favors. 5 / Sweet Dreams Custom Cookies provided on-theme sugar cookies.
how to host a rootin’ tootin’ bash for your little cowgirl or boy WORDS ALEXIS MANRODT
W
HEN IT CAME TO planning her most recent birthday party, it wasn’t Finley Conneely’s first rodeo—it was her fourth. So it was only fitting that she have a Texas-size party to celebrate her big day. With help from event planner Claire Fowler, mom Ashley spent eight months planning the cowgirl-themed party to take place in the backyard of the Conneelys’ Preston Hollow home in Dallas. About 80 friends and family attended the homespun hoedown, which featured plenty of pink, brown, paisley and burlap touches. After greeting the birthday girl with a hearty “Howdy, partner,” guests could accessorize their Western looks with bandannas and 10-gallon hats. Partygoers chowed down on burgers and chicken sandwiches before digging into the 5
sweet eats: “tumbleweeds” (cotton candy), “hay bales” (crisped-rice treats), custom sugar cookies, chocolate cake pops and a red velvet and chocolate cake. The three-tier cowgirl confection was decorated in pink paisley with fondant lasso rope details and topped with a cowgirl hat and a gilded (edible!) belt buckle emblazoned with the birthday girl’s name. Finley and her friends galloped around the party and had their faces painted, tried to rope steer (by tossing a hula hoop onto a pink steer attached to a hay bale) and took turns riding a pony from Cathy’s Critters. Ashley says Finley couldn’t get enough of her hands-on experience behind the reins as a real cowgirl. Before heading home, the 40 kids giddied up to the “Hitching Post” to grab their stick-pony party favors.
HORSEPOWER BURGERS The Hamburger Man, 3930 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas; 214/522-1223 thehamburgerman.com CAKE + CAKE POPS Sweets by Selina sweetsbyselina.com COOKIES Sweet Dreams Custom Cookies; Instagram: @sweetdreamscustomcookies
PONY RIDES Cathy’s Critters cathyscritters.com EVENT PLANNING + DECORATIONS You’ve Been Clarified Events, Claire Fowler youvebeenclarified.com PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Christine Sutton kellychristinephoto.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLY CHRISTINE SUTTON
501 Academy Blvd., Fort Worth 76108
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FO
R DAILY
EN T
HILD.C
EV
O
the agenda M
DF
WC
S
VI SI
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WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
1 9 F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY E V E N T S Y O U C A N ’ T M I S S I N
M AY
that challenge the skills and knowledge you’ve learned from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Adults: $14 nonmembers; $13 Discover member; $12 Wonder+ member. Youth ages 2–18: $11 nonmembers; $10 Discover member; $9 Wonder+ member. 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth; 817/255-9300 fwmuseum.org/exhibit/reeladventures
MOTHER’S DAY TEA
MAY 4 //TAP YOUR FOOT TO TEXAS ZYDECO MUSIC AND STUFF YOUR FACES WITH SAVORY EATS AT KELLER’S ANNUAL CRAWFISH KRAWL, THIS YEAR ALSO FEATURING CONNOR’S CAR SHOW.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLER MASONIC LODGE; FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY; LF CREATIVE GROUP; GRAPEVINE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
E U L E S S FA M I LY L I F E C E N T E R P R AC T I C E FIELD May 4 Mark Star Wars Day by coming over to the Dark Side (or at least out after dark) for an outdoor screening of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, the 2017 installment starring Daisy Ridley as Rey and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, beginning around 8pm. Prizes awarded for best costumes. FREE 300 W. Midway Drive, Euless; 817/685-1814 eulesstx.gov/pacs
FESTIVAL OF THE KID
S TAG E W E S T May 6–8 Earlier this year, more than 200 local students entered the Neighborhood Play Contest for a shot at staging their very own plays at Stage West. Now this one-of-a-kind play festival features the winning entries, each professionally produced using seasoned designers and directors and
cast with 20–30 theater kids. Watch two performances each evening Monday through Wednesday. $10 per performance for kids 12 years and older; $5 for 3–11; free for 2 and younger and season ticket holders. 821-823 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth; 817/784-9378 stagewest.org/festival-kid
1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller; 817/431-1063 kellercrawfishkrawl.com
KELLER CRAWFISH KRAWL
K E L L E R T O W N HA L L May 4 Crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs—whatever you call them, you’ll want to fill up on them and more Cajun food (étouffée, gumbo and boudin) at this 12th annual festival with live music, vendors and a dunking booth. $25 for a 3-pound platter of crawfish plus corn and potatoes. This year also features Connor’s Car Show benefiting Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas and Cook Children’s Medical Center. $20 entry fee to register your car in the event.
F O RT WO RT H B O TA N I C GARDEN May 11 Treat yourself and all the ladies in your family to a prim and proper afternoon tea under the Japanese Garden pavilion. The menu for this Mother’s Day luncheon includes a selection of teas, finger sandwiches and a variety of treats and pastries. Call to reserve your seats. $45 per adult; $35 per child ages 4–12. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth; 817/392-5535 fwbg.org
THE WIZARD OF OZ
C A S A M A ÑA NA
Through May 12 Retrace Dorothy’s journey arm-in-arm with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion down the Yellow Brick Road in this live, fully staged musical version of the classic L. Frank Baum story. No judgment if you sing along in your seat to favorites like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” Tickets from $21. 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth; 817/3322272 casamanana.org
LANTERNS IN THE G A R D E N
F O RT WO RT H B O TA N I C GARDEN May 9–12 The all-new exhibit of Chinese lanterns crafted from silk, porcelain, wire and steel continues at the botanic garden. Come by after nightfall to see the 20 sets of lanterns—flower bouquets and stampeding horses—on display. Ticket sales begin at 6pm. $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 3–15, free for 2 and younger; $14 for members. 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth; 817/392-5510
REEL ADVENTURES WITH HARRY POTTER
F O RT WO RT H MUSEUM OF SCIENCE A N D H I S T O RY May 10–31 Robes, wizard costumes and rounded spectacles are encouraged for these family fun nights and screenings of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the museum’s Omni Theater on May 10, 17, 18 and 31. Come before the show at 5:45pm for activities
MAY 17–19 // CARNIVAL RIDES, A KID ZONE AND ‘80S ARCADE GAMES—OH YES. PLAY YOUR HEART OUT AT GRAPEVINE’S MAIN STREET FEST FEATURING PLENTY OF KIDS’ ENTERTAINMENT AND TEXAS WINES AND BREWS FOR ADULTS. fortworthchild / may 2019
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AGENDA infants up to 11 months and on art and sign language for toddlers 12–24 months. Look online for full descriptions and dates for each program and sign up early. Registration opens on the first day of the month. FREE 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth; 817/989-5013 cartermuseum.org
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
MAY 28–JUNE 2 // DISCOVER THE MYSTERIOUS STORY OF THE LONGLOST ROMANOV PRINCESS WHEN BROADWAY MUSICAL ANASTASIA DANCES THROUGH 1920S PARIS AND ONTO THE BASS HALL STAGE.
fwbg.org/events/lanterns-inthe-garden
817/255-9300 fwmuseum.org
MAIN STREET FEST
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
HISTORIC D OWNTOWN GRAPEVINE May 17–19 The creatures of Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium take a mini road trip to downtown Grapevine for the 35th annual Main Street Fest. Find the touch tank plus recreation offered by Cinnamon Creek Archery and more fun in the Kid Zone, not to mention the carnival food and rides, midway games and live music throughout the weekend festival. Daily admission: $7 adults; $5 children 6–12; free for 5 and younger. Free for everyone on Friday until 5pm. 636 S. Main St., Grapevine; 817/410-3185 grapevinetexasusa.com/ mainstreetfest
APOLLO 11 – FIRST STEPS
F O RT WO RT H MUSEUM OF SCIENCE A N D H I S T O RY Premieres May 17 The release of this short film marks the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. From the perspective of the astronauts, see 70mm footage of the real-life moments of the historic mission—from preparation and the first lunar landing to their return— when the film opens in the museum’s Omni Theater. $8 adults; $7 youth ages 2–18. 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth;
L E V I T T PAV I L I O N AT FOUNDERS PLAZA Begins May 17 This month kicks off a year of more than 50 free concerts at this downtown Arlington music venue. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets (picnics and coolers welcome too) and spread out on the lawn for musical acts including eight-piece brass band The Soul Rebels on May 19. All concerts are family-friendly and free, except for John Oates & The Good Road Band on Memorial Day weekend. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $75 for reserved VIP seats. Look online or check the free mobile app for the full concert lineup. 100 W. Abram St., Arlington; 817/543-4301 levittpavilionarlington.org
ITTY-BITTY ART
A M O N C A RT E R MUSEUM OF A M E R I C A N A RT May 18 and 21 Bring your youngest children to the Amon Carter on the third Tuesday and Saturday monthly for art-inspired experiences led by early childhood specialists. This May, programs focus on music and play for
F O R M O R E F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY F U N T H I S M O N T H , C H E C K O U R O N L I N E C A L E N DA R AT D F W C H I L D.CO M/C A L E N DA R.
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A RT I S A N C E N T E R T H E AT E R May 24–June 29 Told entirely through song, this Bible story gets the Broadway musical treatment, thanks to legends Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. After his brothers sell him into slavery, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, becomes the right-hand man to Pharaoh himself and finally reunites with his family. Tickets from $26 for adults and $14 for children 12 and younger. 444 E. Pipeline Road, Hurst; 817/284-1200 artisanct.com
PINOCCHIO BALLET
BA S S P E R F O R M A N C E HA L L May 24–26 Texas Ballet Theater dancers embody the characters from Carlo Collodi’s original story in performances of Pinocchio with live accompaniment by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Even more whimsical—bring your family’s youngest ballet dancers to Geppetto’s Workshop beginning one hour before the Saturday 2pm matinee for free crafts, coloring and photo ops. Tickets from $25. 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth; 877/828-9200 texasballettheater.org
LAPS FOR CHARITY
TEX AS MOTOR S P E E D WAY May 25 The best way to raise funds for the Speedway Children’s Charities: taking your own kids for a spin around the 1.5-mile oval racetrack. Strap them into your personal vehicle (passengers must be at least age 6) for three laps around the track and pose for a picture afterward in Victory Lane. $40 per vehicle in advance for three laps and T-shirt; $50 on event day. $30 per additional set of laps. $10 for photos in Victory Lane and $15 per
additional T-shirt. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth; 817/215-8500 scctexas.org
SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
SCARBOROUGH FA I R G R O U N D S Through May 27 Dress up in medieval-inspired costume (or any other costume, for that matter), and drive south to the Waxahachie woods for this immersive festival set in a replica 16thcentury English village. Gates open every Saturday and Sunday through Memorial Day Monday, offering more jousting competitions, stage shows, rides and knighting ceremonies than any commoner could experience in one day—but you sure can try! One-day tickets at the gate: $28 for adults; $13 for
children ages 5–12; free for age 4 and younger. 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie; 972/938-3247 srfestival.com
ANASTASIA
BA S S P E R F O R M A N C E HA L L May 28–June 2 Remember the 1997 animated movie? This Broadway musical reimagines the century-old story of the young woman who believes she may be the lost Romanov princess. Follow Anya from the Russian Empire to 1920s Paris as she searches for the truth and for her family. Anastasia runs about 2.5 hours including one intermission. Recommended for children age 8 and older. Tickets from $44. 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth; 817/212-4280 basshall.com
SPRING AWAKENED
We’re crossing into summertime soon, but it feels like spring with these sweet animal events and exhibits. MAYFEST
T R I N I T Y PA R K May 2–5 You’ll find seemingly every family fun activity under the sun at the annual Mayfest, held at the spacious park overlooking the Trinity River. Get out on the water in paddle boats for even better views of downtown, set the kids loose inside the Tom Thumb Children’s Area with a petting zoo and 20-plus free activities, and check out the brand-new, all-accessible Dream Park playground. Festival admission is $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 3–12; $25 family pass for up to five people. Free for everyone on Thursday. 2401 University Drive, Fort Worth; 817/332-1055 mayfest.org
MONARCH FESTIVAL
O L I V E R NAT U R E PA R K May 4 As the monarch butterflies migrate north this spring, meet them halfway by driving south to Mansfield’s Oliver Nature Park for this family festival with games, nature walks and a butterfly release. To further ease their journey, begin or improve your own butterfly garden at home by shopping for native plants on sale by the Mansfield Garden Club. FREE 1650 Matlock Road, Mansfield; 817/728-3680 olivernaturepark.com
TOYOTA CHILDREN’S RANCH AND PETTING CORRAL
F O RT WO RT H Z O O Opening May 30 Fresh after opening the all-new Stingray Cove, the Fort Worth Zoo expects to debut yet another exhibit this month. You’ll get up close to goats, pet pigs and brush mini donkeys while learning about responsible animal care and conservation. Find these and more small animals inside in the Texas Wild! exhibit. Free with regular admission: $16 adults; $12 children 3–12 years; free for age 2 and younger. 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth; 817/759-7555 fortworthzoo.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVAN ZIMMERMAN, MURPHYMADE; LEVITT PAVILION ARLINGTON; STEVEN VISNEAU; ©ISTOCK; MAYFEST
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Zoo Preschool pairs animals with education for a one-of-a-kind experience you can only get at the Fort Worth Zoo. Your 3- to 5-year -old will enjoy learning all about the Patterns and Colors in the Wild through interactive learning activities that feature animals. From Zoo hikes to Zoo crafts, tons of fun (and oodles of animals) await your little one! Learn more! FORTWORTHZOO.ORG/PRESCHOOL
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TREAT EVERYDAY
LIKE A VACATION
1.
Brookhaven Country Club – Farmers Branch
2.
Canyon Creek Country Club – Richardson
3.
Prestonwood at The Creek – Dallas
4.
Prestonwood at The Hills - Plano
5.
Gleneagles Country Club – Plano
6.
Hackberry Creek Country Club – Irving
7.
Las Colinas Country Club – Irving
8.
Oakmont Country Club – Corinth
9.
Shady Valley Country Club – Arlington
10. Stonebriar Country Club – Frisco 11.
Stonebridge Ranch Country Club – McKinney
12. Timarron Country Club – Southlake 13. TPC Craig Ranch – McKinney 14. Trophy Club Country Club – Trophy Club 15. Walnut Creek Country Club – Mansfield
EXPAND YOUR PLAYGROUND WITH A NEW MEMBERSHIP AT A CLUB TODAY!
clubcorp.com/dfwchild
*Membership is contingent on successful completion of Club’s enrollment process. Kids’ Club is not a licensed childcare facility and parents must remain on Club premises at all times. Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Call for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 44360 0419 LK
2019-44360_Central-DFW-Child-AD.indd 1 BROOKHAVEN COUNTRY CLUB, FARMERS BRANCH • CANYON CREEK COUNTRY CLUB, RICHARDSON • GLENEAGLES COUNTRY CLUB, PLANO HACKBERRY CREEK COUNTRY CLUB, IRVING • LAS COLINAS COUNTRY CLUB, LAS COLINAS • OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB, CORINTH
4/16/19 9:45 AM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BESTSummer EVER EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/camps
SUMMER PLANS? CHECK. Summer University at All Saints’ provides a full summer of more than 150 classes for three-year-olds through high school seniors designed to foster academic growth, stimulate your child’s imagination, pique curiosity, encourage creativity and keep students active.
All Saints’ Episcopal School 9700 Saints Circle Fort Worth, TX 76108 aseschool.org/SummerUniversity
Some of our class offerings include Robot Transformer Creation, Equestrian, Art, Field Hockey, ACT/SAT Test Prep, LEGO® Engineering, Choir, Soccer, College Application Essay Writing, Cooking, Water Play and many more. Summer University is open to students of all faiths and all schools. Come join the summer fun! All Saints’ Episcopal School is a leading college preparatory day school in Fort Worth, Texas. Grounded in the Episcopal school tradition, All Saints’ offers programming of national distinction in the academic, fine art, athletic and spiritual disciplines, which brings to life our philosophy of promoting each student’s individual genius within.
TCAA summer camps have something for everyone. Whether your child is a novice or a seasoned art student, we know your camper will grow and learn and have fun doing it! Our highly qualified instructors will guide children toward their full potential as they develop their skills in one or more areas of the arts. Exposure to the arts can help shape children’s views of the world and their place in it, contributing to an arts culture that is self-sustaining, empathetic, and powerful, making time spent pursuing the arts not only fun, but developmentally and socially impactful. Summer never promised so much!
3901 S. Hulen St. Fort Worth, TX 76109 817-766-2390 summer@ArtsAcademics.org ArtsAcademics.org/summer
Creative Arts Camp June 17–28 | July 8–19 | Ages 3–12 Junior Visual Arts Camp June 3–14 | Ages 8–11 Senior Visual Arts Camp July 8–19 | Ages 12–19 Dance Intensive Camp August 5–9 | Ages 7–19
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BEST Summer EVER
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
CAMPS/TRAVEL/SPORTS/ARTS/EDUCATION
The #1 summer STEM camp Build in-demand skills and discover a passion for technology! At iD Tech Camps, students ages 7–17 kickstart their futures with courses in coding, Fortnite, Roblox, robotics engineering, AI, VR, 3D printing, photography and more. In each weeklong session, students explore a top campus with new friends, learn from world-class instructors, and create impressive projects for their portfolios. Small class sizes are guaranteed (no more than 10 students per instructor) to ensure proper pacing for all skill levels.
1-888-709-8324 info@idtech.com iDTechCamps.com
iD Tech summer programs are held at 150 prestigious campuses worldwide, including the University of Texas at Dallas, SMU, TCU, Rice, Westlake Academy, Stanford and Imperial College London. While most programs are weeklong (with optional overnight stays at many locations), teens can enroll in twoweek, pre-collegiate Academies for an extra immersive experience. Join us and see firsthand why over 400,000 camp alumni are raving about our programs. Visit iDTechCamps.com for more information, or call our Camp Specialists at 1-888-709-8324 for a personalized course recommendation.
6200 Holiday Ln. North Richland Hills 817-520-6200 fwc.org/camps
During our Summer Program, FWC students and their friends from around Tarrant County participate in a variety of camps. Programs are operated by our FWC staff who love Jesus! These God-honoring men and women seek to provide the most engaging camp experience in the context of a loving, safe environment where your child will be known, loved and valued. Our camp offerings challenge students in the areas of athletics, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), fine arts and creative academic programs to continue sharpening the minds of students while enjoying a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
CHRISTIAN SPORTS CAMP
MARCHING BAND CAMP
ELEMENTARY EXPLORERS!
Summer just got more awesome!
3000 Meadowmere Ln. Grapevine, TX 76051 For questions: 817-228-9104 GoGrapevine.com/DoveCreek
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The shores of Grapevine Lake can be your child’s next summer adventure—full of archery, fishing, Altitude H2O, wilderness skills and so much more! Dove Creek Day Camp offers your child the experience of overnight camp without the hassle of packing for a full week. Multi-child and multi-week discounts are available for families. We can’t wait to see you this summer for all the fun we have planned! Visit GoGrapevine.com/DoveCreek for dates, times and complete details. Dove Creek—DFW’s all day adventure Day Camp!
BEST Summer EVER
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
CAMPS/TRAVEL/SPORTS/ARTS/EDUCATION
ARTISTRY ELITE SUMMER DANCE CAMPS
6500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 170 Fort Worth, TX 76116 817-726-5312 • amber@artistryelitedance.com artistryelitedance.com/summer-camps
2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4650 • 830-238-4670 jane@hohcamp.com • valarie@campstewart.com hohcamp.com • campstewart.com
June 10–14
July 8–12
• Fairy Princess (3–4 yrs) • Pop Star-HipHop (5–8 yrs) • Dance Intensive (13+ yrs)
• Glitter & Sparkles (3–4 yrs) • Broadway Baby (5–12 yrs)
June 17–21
July 15–19
• Magical Mermaids (5–8 yrs) • Lil’ Diva HipHop (5–8 yrs) • Dance Intensive (9–12 yrs) • Diva HipHop (9–12 yrs)
Separate boy/girl camps owned and operated by Ragsdale family, Camp Stewart for boys 6-16, and Heart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls 6-16, located on Guadalupe River’s beautiful North and South Forks. Worldwide, limited enrollment, personable and fun! Instruction-oriented, offering more than 50 activities—traditional, plus unusual, including English and western riding, Red Cross swimming instruction, team and individual sports, canoeing, archery, riflery, tennis, climbing and rappelling, survival skills, crafts. Stewart has a unique Trail of Advancement for all boys; older boys specialize in ranchman, outdoorsman, sportsman, or campmaster. “The Heart” has tradition of teamwork and etiquette. Also intangibles—self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity, dealing with challenges. New one-week term (Stewart only), two- and four-week terms.
Camp Clayton 5/28–8/9 Day camp locations in Keller ISD: Bluebonnet Elem., Shady Grove Elem., Woodland Springs Elem., *Lone Star Elem. (Specialty Camp) Downtown Fort Worth: Tanglewood Elem. Crowley Area: Woodway Elem. Keller & Fort Worth — $145/wk Crowley Area — $130/wk
817/923-9888 claytonyouth.org
Ask about our Specialty Camps! Science, Art, Cooking, Travel and much more. $199/wk for select weeks and campuses. Registration fee: $50 one child / $90 family Register by May 3rd and receive 50% off registration fee.
DESTINATION SCIENCE
Multiple Locations in Dallas Fort Worth Area Colleyville, Coppell, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Keller, Plano 888-909-2922 • destinationscience.org/dfw
For more information and to sign up, please visit:
collegebaseballcamps.com/tcu
The fun science day camp where curious kids can build their own robot, mix up some magic molecules, take home a magnetic roller coaster, launch into space and become science makers and innovators this summer! Three science stations, 15 science activities plus games, silly songs and all the fun of camp! Enroll in May and Save $10/week, enroll in all 4 weeks and save $80 total.
All Star Day Camp #1: June 11–June 14, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #2: June 17–June 20, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #3: July 8–July 11, Ages 6–14 All Star Day Camp #4: July 15–July 18, Ages 6–14 TCU Experience Showcase Camp: August 17–18, high school students only Camps are open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender).
The Splash Kingdom family consists of waterparks in Canton, Weatherford, Greenville, Nacogdoches, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Each park houses a kids’ area as well as its own set of unique aquatic thrills. 1001 Cinema Dr. Weatherford, TX 76087 817-598-0777 splashkingdomwaterpark.com
Splash Kingdom Waterparks is a Christian-run organization with a straightforward mission statement: “To glorify God while providing a safe and fun recreation experience for families. fortworthchild / may 2019
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
CAMPS/TRAVEL/SPORTS/ARTS/EDUCATION
Ballet Basics introduces boys and girls, ages 3 to 6, to the fundamentals of ballet. The camp experience also includes crafts, story time and choreography to correlate with the theme of the week. 1540 Mall Cir. Fort Worth, TX 76116 817-763-0207 Option 3 texasballettheater.org/summer-program
Young Dancer Intensive and Junior Intensive broaden the perspective of 7–13 year old ballet students with a variety of classes including ballet, modern and jazz.
8375 Randol Mill Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76120 817-683-5610 trinityriverfarmtx.com
Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center offers horseback riding camp for kids ages 7–16. Week-long camp sessions run from June 10th– August 9th, 2019. We teach English riding with an emphasis on safety and horsemanship in a fun-filled farm setting. Located off I-30 between Fort Worth and Arlington, just minutes from the Mid-Cities. Call 817-683-5610, or visit our website at trinityriverfarmtx.com for more information.
Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA 817-299-9629 amaymca.org
Our summer camp experience is as unique as your child. You can create a customized experience for your child to give them a summer they won’t forget! Choose from over 40 camp offerings weekly based on their age and interests. Our goal is to introduce children to as many new experiences as possible and help each child feel confident and secure in a fun and safe camp environment.
BEST EVER 2019
Interested in seeing more camps? Visit our online camp directory
dfwchild.com/camps
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T R AV E L
confessions
“When my daughter was younger, she threw her shoes out the window one day while I was driving.” —CELINDA, IRVING
MY SON AND I WERE LOOKING FOR SYRUP AT OUR CHURCH’S PANCAKE DINNER. THINKING I FOUND IT, I SAID, ‘HERE, PUT THIS ON YOUR PANCAKES,’ AND A HOT LIQUID CAME OUT. I SAID, ‘WOW, THAT’S HOT SYRUP!’ MY SON SMELLED IT AND SAID ‘NO, IT’S COFFEE!’” —KRISTEN, MCKINNEY
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MOMMY FAILS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN + COMPILED BY LISA SALINAS
“Tired Mommy asks, ‘Would you like me to bake a pizza or make soup?’ Apparently I speak fast because my 4-year-old says, ‘What’s metamakasoup?’ I say, ‘Me … to … make … a … soup with meat and veggies.’ She responds, ‘I want that metamakasoup, no pizza!’” —LAKIN, FORNEY
Got a parenting fail you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com.
“My son woke up screaming in the middle of the night because he swallowed his loose tooth and was worried about the tooth fairy not coming. So there I was at 1am making a fake tooth out of cotton and tape.” —BONDIE, LEWISVILLE
ONE MONDAY MORNING MY SON AND I WALKED OUT WITH OUR BINDERS IN HAND. I TOLD HIM WE NEEDED TO SWITCH BECAUSE WE HAD THE WRONG ONES. HE SAID, ‘NO, MOMMY, I HAVE MINE.’ OF COURSE, I DIDN’T LISTEN AND SWITCHED ANYWAY. I ENDED UP PRESENTING A COLORFUL REPORT ON AN ARTIC FOX AND HE A NEW CURRICULUM FOR A YOUTH BIBLE STUDY.” —CLAUDIA, FORT WORTH
While I cook dinner, my daughter usually plays with the pots and pans. All of a sudden I hear quiet. I turn around to see her with a mouthful of our dog’s food!” —AMBER, GRAPEVINE
t s o M ttable e g r o f Un ummer S ver. E
Escape with Peter and Wendy for an itinerary full of Peter Pan themed events and activities. And splash into summer at Paradise Springs, our 10-acre outdoor waterpark.
Overnight packages on sale at GaylordTexan.com/SummerFest PRESENTED BY
AQUAFINA is a registered trademark of PepsiCo, Inc.