FORTWORTH
D E C E M B E R 2019
MANAGING HOLIDAY
FAMILY DRAMA
18 EVENTS TO LOVE THIS MONTH
HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD
MEET THE RAMBLING REDHEAD JENNIFER TODRYK
+
WHERE TO BE MERRY IN FREDERICKSBURG
MOMMY BURNOUT HERE’S HOW TO FIX IT
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pages / D E C E M B E R
2019 FORTWORTH
DEPARTMENTS NOTED 7 Peace on Earth?
How to manage your family during the holidays without being a Grinch
REAL MOMS 11 Mom Next Door / Jennifer Todryk 14 16
11 ABOVE // Jennifer Todryk's adventures as a mother of three are documented in her popular blog, Life as a Rambling Redhead. Next up? A show for HGTV.
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KID CULTURE 30 Travel / Merry Weihnachten! The German-inspired holiday festivities in Fredericksburg are an annual destination for many families
FEATURE
33 Calendar / The Agenda
18 Burn Out In part one of our series, we found out why so many moms are burned out. Now we talk solutions—how do we beat burnout, for good? words Jessica Elliott
Our favorite family events this month
MOM APPROVED 22 This Month: Dentists
Local dentists and orthodontists nominated by readers
COLUMNS
ON THE COVER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARTER ROSE; CINDY JAMES; ©ISTOCK
Cover Family: Riley, 5, Bedford Photography: Cindy James Hair/Makeup Artist: Kay Reeder / Independent Artist Art Direction/Styling: Heather Vance Devers
PUBLISHER/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joylyn Niebes CREATIVE + CONTENT DIRECTOR Heather Vance Devers EDITORIAL Executive Editor Carrie Steingruber Managing Editor Alexis Patterson
Freelance Assistant Editor Maya Butler Calendar Editor Elizabeth Smith Digital Editor Sydney Blalock Ritchie Editorial Intern Emily Yearwood ART Contributing Editorial Designer Lesley Busby
The Rambling Redhead talks going viral, homeschooling her son and filming a new show for HGTV 6 Things... / Holiday Guide Everything Christmas from our Mom Next Door Routines / Tannetje’ Crocker Whether she’s caring for a toddler or a bearded dragon, this Keller mom stays busy with her kids, pets and animal patients
4 dfwchild.com / Off the Pages
From cold and flu season tips to planning your holiday outfits
38 Confessions / Mom Truths
A forgotten Elf on the Shelf and more LOL moments for the holiday season
Graphic Designers Susan Horn, Ariana Leyva
Advertising Coordinator Alli Renner
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT LARGE Lauren Niebes
PR/MARKETING Audience Development Director Candace Emerson Promotions Coordinator Tram-Anh Le
ADVERTISING Account Executives Alison Davis, Becca Hobby, Nancy McDaniel, Diana Whitworth Nelson, Sandi Tijerina
ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Leah Wagner Accounting Jeanie Vance
NorthTexasChild is published monthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. NorthTexasChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only NorthTexasChild authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of NorthTexasChild 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. NorthTexasChild is ©2019 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.
fortworthchild / december 2019
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online / D F W C H I L D . C O M WORDS SYDNEY BLALOCK RITCHIE
OFF THE PAGES
what’s in store this month on dfwchild.com
SOMEHOW, WE ARE ALREADY AT THE END OF THE YEAR. In just a few short weeks, we will say goodbye to 2019 and usher in 2020. But before we pop the champagne, let’s focus on what’s coming up this month—including the holidays! If you’re like us and want to get in on as much of the season’s fun as possible, be sure to check out our website for weekend guide inspiration. You’ll find all the events and details you’ll need. While you’re there, sign up to receive our magazine in your mailbox every month and our e-newsletter every week.
Holiday Card Help
Still need family photos for your holiday cards? A local photographer shares her tips on where to take the pictures, whether you should use props, the importance of location and more.
Keeping the Bugs Away: Cold and Flu Season Advice
601 S. Main St. #101, Grapevine, TX 76051 817-416-7774 littleorangefishkids.com ©
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
How To: Holiday Outfits
Rummaging through your closet looking for the perfect outfit for your next holiday party? No need to worry; we have some fashion finds for you. From what’s on trend to how to coordinate different colors and prints—you’ll look like a million bucks.
©ISTOCK
Winter and holiday fashion for boys and girls in sizes newborn through 10
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We spoke with the experts at Cook Children’s and Children’s Health about all things cold and flu. Check out the article for clarity on the vaccine, treatment, myths and how to build your immune system to avoid complications.
fortworthchild / december 2019
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merry
members SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019, 1–5 P.M. Celebrate the holiday season with the Amon Carter Museum of American Art! Join Carter Family Members for milk and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus, explore the collection with a wintery Art Discovery Guide, let your creativity sparkle as you create masterpieces of your own, and more! Become a Carter Family Member at cartermusem.org/membership.
Sing Choirs of Angels...
Open Enrollment for Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and Texas School of the Arts begins January 8. Young performers are invited to audition for our schools which house the Grammy-Award Winning Texas Boys Choir and many other performance-based groups. Visit our website for more information. ArtsAcademics.org
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
noted.
PEACE ON EARTH? keeping family conflict at bay during the holidays WORDS ASHLEY HAYS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN
T
—
HE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE PRETTY OVERWHELMING
there’s the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the entertaining and the wrapping, all on top of attempting to run a (somewhat) functional household. Add the tension that can come from being around certain family members, and the “most wonderful time of the year” can quickly become The Nightmare Before Christmas. “I started planning for Christmas in September,” laughs Tarrant County mom Callie Miller as her three kids squeal happily in the background. “I have four different notebooks and calendars to keep everyone on track.” While planning ahead is a good way to start, sometimes holiday family dynamics test the limits of our preparation. Here’s how to juggle a multitude of responsibilities—and personalities—without turning into a total Grinch. → fortworthchild / december 2019
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noted / P E A C E
ON EARTH
tolerate, but I can’t get her to do the same.” MANAGE EXPECTATIONS Her advice to mothers is to try not to take Licensed professional counselor Brittany anything personally. Stilwell of Prism Therapy Associates in Dallas “You may want to address it, but somebelieves that a big culprit of stress is this times that only adds to the conflict instead commercialized idea of what our family is of diffusing it,” explains J. When she senses supposed to look like. a disagreement arising, she steps outside for “We have these huge ideas of what the a breather. “Try to think of something about holidays should be and how we want our the holidays that makes you happy while family to be,” she says. “But, at the end of you’re outside alone,” she suggests. “That the day, you’ve still got goofy cousin Eddie way when you come back inside, you’re betwho doesn’t understand social cues. You ter mentally equipped to handle can’t expect your family memsnide remarks or what you bers to behave any differperceive as sugar-coated ently than they normally insults.” do. It’s exhausting trying to change and COMMUNICATE control that.” It’s not a recent revelaKeeping realistic tion that good comexpectations—rather munication can help than comparing your with relational conflict. family to a Hallmark Stilwell stresses this to her movie—can help you clients, adding that avoid unnecessary poor communication emotional distress from the receiving end and conflict. Taking care of yourself mentally is linked to reduced stress and can be helpful when of your message isn’t your burden to bear. SET BOUNDARIES handling conflict with family members, J has experienced Family gatherings but it can be difficult to wind down and this with her ex-husbring a lot to the refocus on your own. There are several band, the father of her table. Our favorites (free!) apps available that are quick and firstborn. “Keeping are the love, the accessible when you need to take a few the peace with her dad laughs and the memminutes to regroup. The CALM app (calm. during the holiday ories, but sometimes com) offers segments as short as three season was somewhat long-term grudges minutes to guide you through self-meddifficult because it and differing politiitation and relaxation. STOP, BREATHE all depended on his cal views can pull & THINK (stopbreathethink.com) asks mood,” she says. To up a seat as well. keep conflict at bay, Stilwell stresses that how you’re feeling and delivers a short it’s important to meditation exercise tailored to your emo- communicating well know how to handle tions. Both apps are available for iOS and with each other was a must. “I tried to only these situations and Android and offer additional features for plan events with her when to just excuse a fee. when it was my weekyourself. end so I wouldn’t be impeding on his time, “There are different kinds of boundarand if it was just unavoidable, he knew way ies,” she says. “Some people you only need in advance,” she says. a picket fence, but others you need a prison wall.” If a subject comes up that you’re GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK uncomfortable with, let your family know Sometimes the right environment needs to that disrespecting boundaries comes with be fostered to keep the peace. consequences. “I always try to have an activity for the “Saying ‘I’m not going to have this conkids to do to keep them distracted for a versation with you, and if you continue I will while and give the parents a little bit of leave the room’ tells them that you have set a break,” Millersays. “Last year I set up a your boundary, and leaving the room is the cookie station for Christmas and let them consequence of crossing that,” Stilwell says. decorate their own.” Giving the littles “Just because you’re capable of putting up something to keep them occupied while you with something doesn’t mean that it’s healthy connect with relatives alleviates some of the to do so.” chaos that might otherwise put you on edge. A Fort Worth mom of four, who asked Stilwell says that managing family durto go by “J” for anonymity, says she’s learned ing the holidays ultimately comes down that you can set boundaries for yourself, but to respecting your limits. “I have so many you can’t expect everyone to respect them. parents come to me asking, ‘How do I do “My mother-in-law and I don’t exactly it all?’” she says. “My answer is, ‘You don’t see eye to eye,” J reveals. “I’ve put up my have to.’” own boundaries on what I will and will not
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
ILLUSTRATION BY MARY DUNN
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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. INSTA(NT) STAR AGE 31 HAILS FROM Burleson LIVES IN Collin County SIGNIFICANT OTHER Husband
Mike, regional sales director and army veteran Kiddos Von, 6, Berkley, 4, and Vivienne, 1 RECENT ACTIVITY Interviewing the cast of Frozen II at the Los Angeles red carpet premiere and filming a pilot for HGTV set to premiere in 2020 ALMA MATER Tarleton State University for fashion merchandising DREAM JOB AS A KID “Probably an actress. I look at it now, and it’s not the same. Something in the arts was my dream.” WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER
ABOVE //
lifeasaramblingredhead.com and at Village Coffee in Allen (soon to be Armor Coffee), which she and Mike own
mom next door /
JENNIFER TODRYK
the rambling redhead INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS PHOTOGRAPHY CARTER ROSE
Jennifer Todryk is a connoisseur of Christmas decor—her home is decorated with multiple trees.
I
F YOU’VE EVER CAUGHT ONE OF JENNIFER TODRYK’S STORIES ON INSTAGRAM , under the moniker of the Rambling Redhead, you know that her quirky, honest take on raising three young kids, marriage, fashion, home decorating and even Instagram itself strikes a major chord with her many followers. Her trademark beautiful red hair is not the only thing that sets her apart from the countless other moms on Instagram. She’s gone from 50,000 followers to 424,000 followers (and counting) in less than a year, and with an HGTV show filmed and ready to premiere in 2020, it seems like this is just the beginning for Todryk. “She’s the perfect combination of Lucille Ball and Joanna Gaines in one person,” her husband Mike says. “She’s funny. She’s witty. She’s got physical comedy. She’s great with timing. She’s intuitively good at business, and like Joanna, she’s just got an impeccable eye.” → fortworthchild / december 2019
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real moms / M O M
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
that I’m supposed to be here, like God wants me to do this, and I keep that in my mind, as far as my message I send out, the light that I shed, as far as being positive. I believe if you are you and you do you, you’ll find your people, and those are the best people to have because they’ll show up for you.
“I NEEDED TO CREATE SOMETHING, EVEN IF ONLY MY MOM AND MY DAD WERE GOING TO READ IT.”
Why do you feel like you resonate with people so much? I’m
weird. I do little skits and stuff. Most people, when they make a profile in their home decor or fashion, or whatever, you stay in your lane. That’s what you do. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and that’s why my blog was called Life as a Rambling Redhead. It’s funny—I originally wanted to do a home decorating blog. That’s what I was going to do, but I didn’t have any home decorating to talk about, so I did a post called “I, Mother of Baby Terrorists,” and that one did really good, and so I wrote a second funny one, and that one did really good. So I’m so glad I did Life as a Rambling Redhead because even though it’s obnox-
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARTER ROSE
Find a store near you or shop online at
Why did you start your blog? The blog started because I was just kind of in a funk. I was in a low point. I had just had Berkley, and the transition to two kids was so tough for me—way tougher than three. I had no identity. I was a workaholic and I would bring my work home, and I really found joy in presenting and making stuff, trying to hustle and be the best at whatever job title I had. [As a mom of two] I just needed something fun to do. I needed an outlet. I needed to create something, even if only my mom and my dad were going to read it. It didn’t matter. It was just spending the hours and the time using my mind for something that was fun. And then you went viral. Yeah, I had a post go viral my fifth week of blogging. I just got really lucky. I remember when I went viral— I restarted my computer because I thought there was a glitch in my AdSense counter. I was so naïve. I will say I’ve been very fortunate in how fast that I have grown on my platforms. It definitely has given me a sense
iously long, and now, I’m just pretty much the Rambling Redhead on everything, it’s just all my life. Tell me about your upcoming HGTV Show. How did that happen?
Last spring, [in] 2018, I had a production company reach out to me on Instagram and I was really excited, but they wanted me to shoot some video for them, and basically, it was going to be me and a friend doing home decorating. But the problem was they wanted us to film us working with clients. So me and my friend were going to decorate homes. We even went out and got an estimate of someone’s house and did a whole consultation. Then I get pregnant, and I’m like, This just isn’t meant to be. I’m creating a business that I’m not even doing, technically, which didn’t seem authentic to me. I told my friend, “I’m so sorry, but I can’t do it.” One month later, I get an email from another production company. I’m like, What is happening?! So, I’m like, OK, fine. I’ll jump on a phone call, even though I knew I wasn’t going to do it. I just got pregnant. So, I talked to them and they were so easy. They were like, “No, we’ll do everything. We just need you. You like to renovate homes. We’ve seen your Instagram. We’ve seen you in your stories. We would love to make a show around you. We’ll find the homes. We find the clients. You literally show up. You’re just doing the renovation and we’re going to help you along the way.” They came out to my house and shot right after that. It was from the very beginning quick, easy, painless. I just felt like God made it too easy. He was like, “Here, dummy. I’m trying to get your attention.” It was a sign, and I did it, and it’s been great. What was the craziest part about filming the TV show? The kids. Having to worry about the kids, managing the kids. The way you film it, you have to remember, OK, this scene, we had already done this, but we hadn’t done this yet. You film out of order. That’s how they’re all filmed. In the back of my head, I’m like, I hope Mike remembered that he’s supposed to leave at this time. Is he running late? Is he talking too much? You still are a mom and you’re still worried about everybody else, even though you don’t need to be. But that doesn’t shut off because your husband’s got it. It doesn’t shut off. You’re still always concerned about everybody’s well-being, and that drives you up a wall, and I had to think many times, Shut it off. It’s going to be alright. What has been your biggest challenge as a parent or a mom? The mom guilt’s always there, but I can’t say just one thing because it just depends on what I’m doing that day. When we’re filming, it’s the guilt that I’m not there. Whenever I’m here, it’s the guilt that I’m working, not crafting. When I’m crafting, it’s the guilt that I’m crafting and not cleaning. I feel like mom guilt’s always there. It just shows its face differently. I definitely hold anxiety with that kind of stuff. What is your best advice for parenting? Have fun with it. I really do feel like happiness is a lot of choice and that you can choose to be happy. Find the joy. What was behind your decision to homeschool your son? We homeschool half time. Von’s really smart, so because of that, it just felt weird for him to go to kindergarten. He’s been reading since he was 2 1/2. He read before he could talk. I taught him to talk by taping up sight words on the wall and being like, “Which one says ‘can’?” And he’d point to “can.” I’d be like, “Say ‘can.’” He’d be like, “Ca.” I’m like, This makes absolutely no sense. I didn’t register as him being super intelligent back then. He was my first. I didn’t know. I was just in my own little bubble. He’d walk down the stairs in the morning and be like, “Mom, what’s the climate in Africa right now?” I’d be like, “What are you talking about?” He’s like, “Is it humid? Is it like 96 degrees?” I’m like, “I don’t know.” He has [school] three days a week, and then he is [homeschooled] here two days a week, and I’m able to incorporate stuff that’s on his level. He does multiplication, division since he was in kindergarten, but we’ve stopped. I’m like, “I’m not doing algebra with you. You just turned 6.”
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real moms / 6
THINGS …
INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS
HOLIDAY GUIDE jennifer todryk’s favorite things to put you in the spirit of the season
FO R S PR E A D I N G CH E E R
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FO R S I N G I N G I N TH E S E A SO N
“WE ALWAYS MAKE STUFF FOR THE NEIGHBORS, AND THEN THAT JUST TURNS OUT HORRIBLY, SO THEN WE BUY COOKIES, AND THEN WE DON’T EVER HAND THEM OUT AND WE FIND THEM IN OUR PANTRY IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH. THAT’S MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION. THREE YEARS RUNNING.”
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“Vanilla latte with oat milk.” VILLAGE COFFEE // 190 E Stacy Rd., Allen; 972/678-1466
FO R H O LI DAY MOV I E N I G HT
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g “Probably Christmas Vacation or The Holiday. Can I have two?”NATION
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FOFOR R TH EFA CH R I S TM A S S PR E A D MILY TIME
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“I love broccoli, cheese and rice casserole. It’s a side dish that we’ve always had, and I love it.” BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE RECIPE // For recipe favorites follow the on @ lifeasaramblingredhead on Pinterest
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAZON; CARTER ROSE; ©ISTOCK;
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a monday in the life of
TANNETJE’ CROCKER Veterinarian and mom of two Tannetje’ Crocker lives with her “serial entrepreneur” husband Shane in Keller, where Crocker grew up. Their seven-member family includes Isabella, 7, Corbin, 3, Betty the dog, Bobby the cat and Lucy the bearded dragon. Find her on Instagram @dr.tannetje.crocker.
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:30AM I hit the alarm and lie in bed for five more minutes before I get up. I slept great with my new weighted blanket on the bed, but it is still always so hard to get moving after the weekend. The house sleeps while I dress and prepare our bags and backpacks for the day. 6:40AM My husband Shane starts to stir, and I head to the kids’ rooms to get them up. Our 3-year-old son, Corbin, and I have a routine. I warm his milk prior to waking him and then dress him as he sucks it down from a sippy cup. As the baby of the family, he still gets spoiled. 7AM Getting my daughter Isabella up is a quiet affair. None of us are morning people, so we spend little time talking, and instead she gets dressed while I finish with her brother. She makes a waffle sandwich (a creation of my own design that is two microwaved cinnamon waffles with grape jelly holding them together) while I finish gathering our things and put final touches on my outfit. 7:22AM After a quick kiss goodbye, my husband heads to the office, and I start the kid drop-off. At this age the kids are excited to go to school and see their friends, so
they exit the car with barely a glance back to me. I make sure to roll the window down and yell a loud “I love you, Isabella!” to my daughter as she enters the school. Today I receive an eye roll in response. 7:35AM The drive to work allows me to develop a plan for the day. Patients are usually admitted early, and I need to be mentally ready for surgery when I get there. Listening to the familiar morning radio show on 106.1 KISS FM keeps me laughing in the car. 8AM Arriving at Northwest Animal Hospital in Grapevine, I find my technicians already hard at work. I do surgery in the mornings two days a week and start at 10am the other two days of the week. Today is a morning surgery day, so I am revved up and ready to start. 8:27AM Surgery starts. One dog spay and a cat neuter are done while I also manage two dentals being scaled and polished by the technicians. 9:52AM Time flies. We are efficient, and all the patients do well. I dive right into the wellness visits and sick pets that will keep rolling in over the next four hours. 12:13PM Lunch is always rushed and eaten between exams and vaccine visits. Today I take advantage of Grubhub and get to enjoy some soul-satisfying pho from my favorite place—Pho in the Box. 2:02PM After a jam-packed appointment schedule, I am almost done for the day. I answer a few emails and make a quick Facebook and Instagram post for the clinic. 3:15PM School lets out, and I am there at the front of the line to pick up my daughter and nephew. My sister and I trade off pickup duty, and today is my day. I drop my nephew off at home, and then we head to our house to rest, refuel and change clothes for horse lessons. 4:20PM Pick up Corbin from day care, and we all head to Roanoke for horse lessons. 4:55PM We make it on time. Isabella and I start saddling her lesson horse, and Corbin entertains himself with the barn cat and new goat that are wandering around. 6:02PM Lessons are over, and the horses are put up after getting a cooling rinse. We pile back in the Tahoe hot and sweaty. Tonight, dinner will be courtesy of Chick-filA on the way home. 6:38PM Back home, the kids finish eating at the dinner table while I catch up with Shane in the kitchen. 6:55PM Corbin announces he needs to poop. We are potty training, so the training toilet is brought to him. 7:04PM We make a quick trip to Frios Pops around the corner to continue the potty training celebration with a delicious pop for each of us.
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
december 2019 / fortworthchild
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNNY MAYS PHOTOGRAPHY
real moms / R O U T I N E S
the fine
BEST VACATION San Pedro, Belize, with four of our best couple friends FAVORITE INDULGENCE Dark chocolate sea salt caramels with red wine BOOK ON HER NIGHTSTAND Educated by Tara Westover WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY
Nordstrom Rack or HomeGoods FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Moviehouse & Eatery FAVORITE BOARD GAME Settlers of Catan. They even have a kids version. FAVORITE MEAL SERVICE Dream Dinners in North Richland Hills INSTAGRAM SHE ALWAYS LIKES @theramblingredhead keeps me laughing daily WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Go on a date with my sexy husband! FAVORITE MOVIE The Princess Bride DREAM JOB AS A KID Veterinarian. I did it! HOW SHE AND SHANE MET We were both wedding crashers in San Antonio. SOMETHING
PHOTOS WITH COWBOY SANTA - 12PM – 5PM OLD WEST GUNFIGHT SHOWS - 11:45AM & 4:15PM MRS. CLAUS STORYTIME - 12:15PM, 1:15PM, 2:15PM & 3:15PM COWBOY POETRY - 11AM, 1PM & 3PM
SHE LEARNED THIS WEEK
You can do everything right and still not please everyone, and that is OK. SHE’S REALLY GOOD AT
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON; ILLUSTRATION BY ARIANA LEYVA
Sharing my love of my job SHE’S REALLY BAD AT Being on time HABIT SHE CAN’T QUIT Coffee dependence
7:27PM Back home, Isabella feeds her bearded dragon, Lucy, and then takes a shower while I bathe Corbin. Once they are both clean, she spends some time with Shane while I put Corbin to bed. 7:50PM I find Isabella and Shane on the couch solving a Rubik’s cube. This has become a new obsession, and it is cute how serious they are about it. 8:10PM After some negotiation, I convince Isabella to go to bed. She is growing up so fast. I am treasuring these moments that she will still let me cuddle her in bed at night. 8:30PM Coming out of Isabella’s room, I am greeted by Betty, the dog, and Bobby, the cat, who are begging to be fed. 8:55PM Finally I sit down on the couch. My computer in hand, I start to research and work on a future article for an online veterinary publication. 11PM Bathtime! Every night I soak in my freestanding tub. It was my dream bathtub we acquired when we renovated two years ago. 12:05AM I turn off the light and snuggle under my weighted blanket. I drift off tired and satisfied from the busy day.
VISIT FORTWORTHSTOCKYARDS.COM FOR DETAILS
JOB #: FWS-13438 COLOR INFO: 4C BLEED: 0.125 in
TITLE: FW CHILD MAG NOV TRIM: 4.7502” x 4.688”
November 29 to December 23
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fortworthchild / december 2019
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
PART NO. 2
BURN OUT Beating burnout takes commitment, and maybe some painful decisions. But reclaiming your sanity is worth it—for you and your kids. WORDS JESSICA ELLIOTT
AT THIS VERY MOMENT, I HAVE EXACTLY 23 PRECIOUS SPARE MINUTES—a rarity with three children under 2. But by the time I’ve determined what to do with my unexpected time (Write my overdue story? Eat something? Respond to long-unanswered texts? Research the best sippy cup? Plan a date night? Shower?), the moment has passed. And I’m still as frazzled as my postpartum hair. That’s the eternal struggle of motherhood, isn’t it? Trying to manage it all, with dwindling time. Compared to mothers of the past, we’re working more and we’re investing more into hands-on parenting. We’re expected to be unceasingly “on,” and to gracefully deal with chronic stress. So we go and go and go until we collapse into a tired heap. We covered the causes and symptoms of mommy burnout in part one of this story, published in the November issue of FortWorthChild. (You can find it at dfwchild.com.) The main takeaway: Unrealistic expectations, whether self-imposed or societal, along with a host of other problems including lack of face-to-face connections, absence of familial support and hyper-involved parenting, are leading to mommy burnout. The syndrome is recognized by experts as a real and pervasive problem. At risk: reaching a state of utter exhaustion that can lead to emotional detachment from our children and a feeling of incompetence as a parent. The good news is that mommy burnout is preventable—and curable. The bad news? The solution requires ongoing dedication and commitment when reserves are empty, and, ironically, the one thing we all need more of: time. But your family life—and your health—may depend on it. →
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GET YOURSELF BACK
WHEN MAMA AIN’T HAPPY
I’ve never been known to have an excess of patience. But at my most burned out, practically everything made me snap, whether mildly or wildly: my 22-month-old son throwing a spoonful of yogurt across the kitchen, my 3-monthold twin daughters refusing to eat on schedule, my husband simply coughing and waking the babies—really. My blood pressure was a constant roller coaster. Problems can escalate when a mom remains in a burnout state, says Denver-based author and psychologist Sheryl Ziegler. As she explains in her book Mommy Burnout, headaches can become migraines, irritability can shift to rage, verbal aggression can intensify to physical aggression, sleeplessness can transform into insomnia, worry can lead to constant anxiety, and forgetfulness can become memory impairment. These issues—and a desire to unwind and de-stress—can even lead to substance abuse, Ziegler says. Mothers who have high burnout also tend to snap more, like I did. “If you’re exhausted, haven’t eaten yet, and your kid has a tantrum, in that scenario you won’t respond the best,” says Katie Sardone, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and owner of Behavioral Health Dallas. “If you had a nice morning, got to exercise and got breakfast, it gives you a mental recharge to handle those emotions. But if your emotions aren’t restored and you can’t handle yours, how can you handle a child’s?” Focusing on yourself can help you shore up reserves of patience and control your temper. Stefanie Prentiss, a Highland Park mom and owner of luxury travel concierge Posh Voyage, regularly has to keep her emotions in check. “When I don’t give myself the oxygen mask first, I’m running on empty, and my husband gets home and I’m a witch,” she says. Ensuring your own well-being is “a gift you are giving to yourself and to everyone in your family.” Because when Mom is struggling, the entire family unit suffers. “Mommy burnout affects our entire lives, our work, our relationships, 20
december 2019 / fortworthchild
When the thought of changing just one more diaper, driving to one more soccer game or negotiating one more bedtime stall tactic is enough to melt you into a puddle of irritation, the solution is to step away and re-center.
Your Stress Style
Determining your stress style and how you should respond can also help prevent a barrage of acute or smaller stressors (such as dealing with a toddler tantrum while running late) from morphing into chronic stress. In her book Mommy Burnout, psychologist Sheryl Ziegler identifies three stress styles: fighting, fleeing and freezing. • The fighter responds with anger, irritability and agitation, and might find solace in activities that calm the nervous system—yoga, deep breathing, soothing imagery or confiding in a friend. • The moms who flees reacts to stress with isolation and depression, tuning out the environment and mentally escaping via TV or phone, or sometimes by taking a drive, Ziegler writes. A massage, walking or jogging outside, or journaling can wake the nervous system and help eliminate stress. • The mom who tends to freeze, or feel paralyzed in a crisis, could benefit from activities that engage the nervous system, such as running, dancing, swimming and mindfulness, Ziegler explains.
“A lot of women think there’s no way out,” says psychologist Paula Miltenberger, Ph.D., of Dallas-based Women’s Mental Wellness. “But sometimes they just need permission.” This can mean arranging time off work for respite and taking a long, hard look at your daily routines. “You have to think, ‘Am I set up for success in my schedule, my life, my home, my reinforcements?’” says Sardone. “Stabilize and manage issues first. Prioritize more sleep by
utilizing your husband, a mother-in-law, a night nanny—it’s really about thinking flexibly. Then you can figure out how to get more child-free time to recuperate.” When it comes to scheduling, determining your core values and prioritizing them is key, Miltenberger says. “We have to remember there’s certain things we can control and different choices we can make to alleviate stress,” she says. “If your value is family, it can’t always be about family togetherness, but if you are overscheduled and at six different sporting events on the weekend, there is a disconnect between what you value and how your life is living out.” We may be spending more time in cars and at activities but missing out on true togetherness. Quality one-on-one time beats just about any activity, says Beth Ann Contreras, a licensed therapist and counselor and the Bedford site director for Logos Counseling. “If you ask a kid what kind of ‘care’ they want, it’s playing a game together,” she says. “You need quality with the quantity.” A solution might be to go against societal norms and limit extracurricular activities to one per child. As parents, we are the ones who control our children’s schedules, enroll them in classes, drive them to sports, take them to parties—and we have the power to cut back. That means saying no to social invitations and school commitments unless they are guaranteed to bring joy to your family. In other words, Marie Kondo your schedule. We also can limit or ignore pressure to undertake sensory activities, flash cards and educational crafts. Simply going on a walk or preparing lunch together is enough—or allowing the kids to entertain themselves. And, if we need more time to ourselves in the evening, whether for a break or to rest, an early bedtime never hurt anyone. Sleep or personal time should prevail, every time. Easier said than done, right? The pressure to stay busy can create anxiety over simply being still, and paring down schedules can be stressful by comparison—are we doing as much as other parents to prepare our kids for college and for life? Are our children missing out? “You have to be willing to not chase after all of the things on social media or the things the friends in your mommy group are doing,” Sardone says. “It’s learning strategies to tune out some of that. You have to focus on your own values.” (See our social media detox tips on the next page for ways to limit unhealthy influences.) “Comparison is the killer,” Miltenberger agrees. “Nobody’s circumstance is just like ours.”
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE
Self-care is not selfish. It is crucial to maintaining your patience, your mood, your approach to every day—it is a human need, Sardone says. She touts the benefits of behavioral activation, or regularly getting dressed and out of the house, spending time with friends and walking the dog.
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our marriage, our children,” Ziegler says. “That should give us pause.” She reveals that when a mother is burned out, her kids are more likely to experience anxiety, trouble sleeping and even physical pain such as bellyaches and headaches. Mommy burnout can also damage a child’s feeling of attachment to their mom, which affects how they relate to others now and in adulthood, explains Sardone. “It’s important to prioritize yourself so you can prioritize that relationship with your child,” she says. “Instead of cutting star-shaped sandwiches, what’s more important is to get good sleep so you can give them good attention.”
When Elysa Ellis brought home her son, the Addison mom started penciling in stroller walks around her neighborhood. To eliminate excuses, she kept her jogging stroller “packed with backup diapers and teethers, so we could leave in five minutes.” The short walks were “good for both of us,” she says. Short breaks are always good for burnout prevention, but longer time away can be more restorative. The overwritten-about “momcation” isn’t always the answer for burnout, but it can help. Prentiss, the travel concierge owner, knows her telltale sign of entering the red zone is minimal patience. (My own red flags are a perennially raised voice, entering a dazed state when it’s playtime and simply feeling too tired to do anything.) When Prentiss starts snapping, she takes a solo vacation—in fact, she recently trekked to the Arctic alone while six months pregnant.“I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I was there in the middle of nowhere looking at polar bears,” she says. Time alone “starts to give you separation, and you start to look at different things the right way.” Kelly Krug, a physician assistant at Olympus Family Medicine in Frisco, splits her weekdays between working and staying at home, and like most moms, regularly struggles with maintaining balance. “I know I’m reaching burnout when I lose my patience over stupid stuff, or when I’m dreading going to work, or when I’m not enjoying things I should be enjoying,” she says. That’s when she makes time for herself to read, take a bath or try a new recipe. “What got me mostly out of mommy burnout was re-recognizing I’m not just a mom, a physician assistant, a wife,” she says. “I lost 'Kelly' somewhere along the way. It’s about identifying what you need, identifying what looks best for you, and then finding small ways to fit that in—even if it’s 10 minutes of decompression on the way home by rolling down the windows and playing music.” Once you carve out space to re-center, commit to a genuine reprieve. “Focus on your genuine emotional well-being and not just distracting your mind,” Sardone says. “It’s a lifestyle of taking care of yourself. It’s a mental shift.” Essential to this mental shift: a goal to stop multitasking.“We are constantly running to-do lists in our minds,” writes Ziegler. “We are perpetually distracted by technology. We multitask without even realizing it. We research the best highchair or bicycle until well after midnight when we should be getting much-needed rest.” In other words, we should forgo those extensive efforts to find the cutest matching holiday pajamas or the best intelligence-building children’s toys. We go on “best quests” looking for the perfect everything, from schools to swim lessons, and then are unsatisfied because we know there is always a better option, Ziegler explains. When blocking time to make decisions, prioritize what is necessary and monotask. Ziegler suggests limiting your choices by choosing from among just two or three options and “shifting
your mindset from ‘the best’ to what works for your family.”
INVEST IN RELATIONSHIPS
One of the best things you can do with a spare 23 minutes? Call a friend. “If there is one takeaway from the book, it would be to spend time with other people,” Ziegler says. “That’s what the research is clear on. Our loneliness is driving an incredible level of stress in women, and in that sense, men too. Connect, connect, connect.” Contreras couldn’t agree more. She believes modern-day mothers are far more isolated than moms of the past, especially those who aren’t plugged in to mommy-and-me groups and classes. So lunch dates, early morning coffee chats or even a quick voice text can keep you sane. Ellis got to know a neighbor with a child close to the same age as her own son. The moms became good friends during regular walks. “Having a face-to-face chat with a person in the same life stage helped with burnout,” she reveals. Now, she regularly calls upon a moms group she met through church. “It was interesting meeting strangers whose babies were born within months of each other—and we can talk about everything,” she says. My own common solution for connection: the Marco Polo app. In-person connection may be ideal according to the experts, but I also have to be realistic. Even if I can’t make time to meet a friend, sending a personal message (and seeing a friend as unkempt as myself) is enough for a mental boost and adult connection.
DROP THE MOM GUILT
Commiserating with friends can also help us manage our own expectations. “We are setting ourselves up for this goal that we should be able to do it all, and the word ‘should’ is not healthy,” Krug says. To find better balance, moms have to rise to the challenge of surrendering control and delegating tasks to partners, other family members or friends. At my deepest postpartum low, my husband took time off of work to help me catch up on housework and get out of the house. We divide and conquer nighttime duties—or he handles wake-ups—to ensure I’m rested and have more patience for balancing working from home with toddler tantrums. The key is to be willing to allow someone else to step in, whether or not their process mirrors yours. Not everything will be done as we expect— but that’s the tradeoff. “If we’re going to be in the workforce, we’re definitely going to have to have lower standards for how the towels are folded,” Contreras says. And, Krug adds, we need to give ourselves grace. “It’s a daily practice of self-compassion,” she explains. “Say, ‘It’s OK that I’m not going to get all of this done’ instead of saying, ‘I can’t believe I didn’t get this done.’” It’s all about perspective. “We have to accept
Social Media Detox Minimize the risks of social-media-driven depression and anxiety with a few proactive measures:
• Set “on” hours. Wait to scroll Instagram until your morning routine is complete, and set a curfew at night. It can be as simple as not scrolling 15 minutes before bedtime. • Earmark vacation days. Set your phone aside for a full day or—gasp!—a weekend. That means leaving it at home while you’re out and about. • Be cognizant of whom you choose to follow. Does the unbounded traveler gallivanting across remote beaches get you down? Does the mom with her children in perfectly coordinated, stain-free clothes always doing something creative make you feel like a hermit? Ditch them. You’ll feel better for it. • Don’t put weight on your followers, numbers, likes, etc. You know your self-worth and value are not determined by someone else’s click. • Set your phone aside when spending time with loved ones. The most important goal is to connect—therefore, give your full attention.
the reality that everyone has limits,” Sardone says. “Focus on what you are proud of in your parenting instead of focusing on all the things you can’t do.” Miltenberger tells women frequently that they should only ask of themselves what their resources allow, and turns to the phrase “good enough mother,” coined by British pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott in 1953. Through observation and research, Winnicott found that children whose parents “failed” them in different ways actually benefited developmentally from the failures. “You don’t have to do everything to be a good mom,” Miltenberger reiterates. “Really, you just have to be a good enough mom.”
FORTWORTH
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
N O V E M B E R 2 01 9
HOW BURNOUT AFFECTS YOUR CHILD
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EVENTS TO LOVE THIS MONTH
IS BLUE LIGHT REALLY HARMFUL?
MEET MOTHER BEVERAGE’S ALLISON ELLSWORTH
+
A FAMILY GUIDE TO GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA
MOMMY BURNOUT IT’S REAL. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.
Visit dfwchild.com to read part one of this story. fortworthchild / december 2019
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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
DENTISTS WORDS DFWCHILD EDITORS
ILLUSTRATIONS ARIANA LEYVA
BRACE YOURSELF: We brushed up our knowledge of teeth and how to take care of them with these facts and tips from experts on children’s oral health.
RAISINS
ORANGES
CARROTS
HOW MUCH TOOTHPASTE TO USE:
MILK
FISH
2–3 MINS. CHILDREN SHOULD BEGIN FLOSSING AS SOON AS THEY HAVE
SIZE OF A RICE GRAIN
AGE 3+: TOOTH ENAMEL IS THE
TWO TEETH
• • • •
Silver: 1 surface: $63 2 surfaces: $72 3 surfaces: $85 4 or more: $90
Composite Resin: • 1 surface: $77–$78 • 2 surfaces: $108–$123 • 3 or more: $132–$182
THAT TOUCH
AMERICANS BUY MORE THAN
14 GALLONS OF TOOTHPASTE EVERY YEAR
HARDEST SUBSTANCE
IN DALLAS: KIDS ARE USUALLY ABLE TO FLOSS ON THEIR OWN BY AGE 6 OR 7
WHEN TO SCHEDULE A BABY’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT:
AFTER THEIR FIRST TOOTH APPEARS BUT NO LATER IN THE HUMAN BODY 22
IN FORT WORTH:
WATER
KIDS SHOULD BRUSH THEIR TEETH TWICE A DAY FOR
AGES 0–3:
SIZE OF A PEA
CRANBERRIES
AVERAGE PRICE OF BABY TOOTH FILLINGS:
december 2019 / fortworthchild
THAN THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY
• • • •
Silver: 1 surface: $68 2 surfaces: $77 3 surfaces: $91 4 or more: $97
Composite Resin: • 1 surface: $83–$84 • 2 surfaces: $116–$132 • 3 or more: $142–$195
SOURCES: BABY TOOTH CENTER; BRACES INFO; SCIENCE FOCUS; AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION; GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
BEST FOODS A CHILD CAN EAT FOR GOOD ORAL HYGIENE:
mom approved
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
F
inding the right person to take care of that toothy grin you love can be a hefty undertaking. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is (thankfully) home to many top-notch dentists and orthodontists who look after tiny teeth. So how do you begin the search? The staff at DFWChild has made it easier for you by compiling our annual list of pediatric dentists, orthodontists and other oral health care professionals. We asked our experts—local parents—to reach out to us and share their excellent experiences.
WHAT IS A MOM APPROVED DENTIST?
A Mom Approved Dentist is a dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon who has earned the trust, admiration and respect of parents. Local parents reached out to our magazine, recommended these providers and told us why. Whether it’s for their kid-friendly office or professional acumen, these providers have impressed moms and dads like you who love their kids and care about their oral health. All of these providers were in good standing with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners at press time. WHAT MAKES MOM APPROVED DENTISTS DIFFERENT?
Each year various publications come out with lists highlighting area health care professionals. Often these providers are chosen not by patients but by other providers. We think Mom Approved Dentists are special because they’ve been nominated by the consumers: local moms and dads. These providers didn’t make it on our list by purchasing space in the magazine, and their inclusion doesn’t imply an endorsement by DFWChild. This is truly a parentto-parent referral list. It has been a labor of love for us. IS THE LIST EXHAUSTIVE?
The list is by no means exhaustive—there are likely many outstanding professionals who aren’t on the list because our readers didn’t pass on a recommendation. If you have a local dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon you love, tell us. HOW DO I RECOMMEND A PROVIDER?
DFWChild holds four surveys a year for readers to nominate their
favorite health care providers. Visit our website at dfwchild.com/ doctors to complete the current Mom Approved Doctors survey. We ask that you leave comments telling us why you love this particular provider. Is it his childfriendly demeanor? Her listening and communication skills? Other parents want to know why you think this professional is special. Comments we publish will be edited for grammar and clarity. WHERE CAN I VIEW COMMENTS ABOUT THESE MOM APPROVED DENTISTS?
The full list of Mom Approved Dentists with comments from the parents who recommended them can be viewed online at dfwchild. com/doctors. WHAT OTHER PROVIDERS ARE MOM APPROVED?
In addition to Mom Approved Dentists, our readers have nominated health care professionals in several areas through other surveys. Those categories include pediatrics (primary care doctors and those in more than a dozen specialty fields); wellness professionals offering everything from art therapy and acupuncture to psychology and speech therapy; and women’s heath care providers (OB/GYNS, doulas, fertility specialists and more). They’re all listed online at dfwchild.com/doctors.
FAMILY DENTISTRY
ARLINGTON Cabansag, Nancy DDS Encore Dentistry Hamam, Fadi DMD All Dental
Wardlaw, Stephen DDS I-20 Family Dental
Ketchel, Jennifer DDS, MS Arlington Pediatric Dentistry
BEDFORD He, Howard DDS Brown Trail Dental
BEDFORD Krone, Manivara DDS Pediatric Smiles See ad on page 26.
Vartikar, Prachi DMD Nirvana Dental
BURLESON Leavitt, Aaron DDS iKids Pediatric Dentistry
CROWLEY Greer, Erin DDS Crowley Family Dentistry
Walton, Chris DDS Burleson Pediatric Dentistry See ad on page 26.
FORT WORTH Laska, Justyna DDS, PC Justyna S. Laska, DDS
COLLEYVILLE Ta, Tuong (David) DDS Pediatric Dentistry of Colleyville
McConnell, Brad DDS Harris Parkway Dental Sachdev, Kanika DDS Mint Dentistry
FORT WORTH Beville III, R. Nelson DDS Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry
HASLET Baugh, Amelia DDS Avondale Haslet Dental Center KELLER Patel, Darshan DDS, DPH Esthetique Dental NORTH RICHLAND HILLS Dillard, Douglas DDS Woodland Hills Dental Perry, Chad DDS Chad Perry, DDS Robb, Mary M. DDS Mary M. Robb Cosmetic & General Dentistry See ad on page 26.
Brazeal, Jarod DDS Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry See ad on page 24. Church, Austin DDS Preece, Church & Associates Pediatric Dentistry Gold, Elizabeth DDS, MS Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry See ad on page 24. Jamison, Drew DDS Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry Morrow, Jack W. DDS, MSD Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry
Vasantha, Vijitha DDS Absolute Smile SAGINAW Libling, Jennifer DDS Brush Dentistry
Preece, Stan DDS Preece, Church & Associates Pediatric Dentistry
SOUTHLAKE Sohn, Paige DDS, MAGD Sohn Dental
Roberts, Susan DDS, MS Dr. Susan Roberts Pediatric Dentistry
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Warcup, Justin DDS North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics See ad on page 25.
ARLINGTON Ferguson, Stephanie DDS Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics See ad on page 24. Gharraph, Hussam DDS Kidzania Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
HASLET Ashcroft, Jason DMD, MSD Pediatric Dentistry of Haslet MANSFIELD Hamilton, Blane DMD iKids Pediatric Dentistry
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mom approved Hamilton, Randy DMD iKids Pediatric Dentistry Hyde, James DDS Drs. Hyde, Miller & Associates
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Thomas, Preetha DMD Enclave Dental
FORT WORTH Bekish, Daniel J. DMD, MS Bekish Orthodontics
ORTHODONTICS
Miller, Charles DDS Drs. Hyde, Miller & Associates
ARLINGTON Barbre, Raymond DDS, MS Smile Doctors Braces
SOUTHLAKE Davis, Christopher DDS Davis Pediatric Dentistry
BURLESON Mills, Macie DDS, MS iKids Orthodontics
Kuperman, Lester DDS Smile Doctors by Kuperman Orthodontics See ad on page 25. NORTH RICHLAND HILLS Delgado, Michael DDS, MS Delgado Orthodontics See ad on page 26.
Check out our Mom Approved directory at dfwchild.com/ doctors. Each health care professional is nominated by local moms, just like you.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Stephanie Ferguson, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 2x Mom Approved
Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodotics 3602 Matlock Rd #208 Arlington, TX 76015 817-465-1888 parkplacekids.com
Your child deserves a smile they cherish for a lifetime and, at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to make that happen. We are a leading pediatric dental and orthodontic group serving patients throughout Arlington, TX and Hurst, TX offering comprehensive care in a warm, welcoming, and kid-friendly office environment. Dr. Stephanie Ferguson loves being a mom and a pediatric dentist; she is great at both! Dr. Ferguson is the owner and principal dentist at Park Place Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and has been for over nine years. The office provides a welcoming and fun environment and kids really look forward to visiting the dentist. It is not unusual for a young patient to start with Dr. Stephanie when they get their first tooth and stay with her for many years. Park Place recently hired a wonderful orthodontist and is now able to offer full orthodontic treatments to our patients. A 2008 graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Dr. Ferguson continued her education with a two-year residency at the UT Health Science Center in Houston receiving her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry. A proud Texas native, Dr. Ferguson is a happily married mother of two amazing kids. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys running, church, remodeling fixer uppers, serving her community and watching Aggie football.
Jerod Brazeal DDS & Elizabeth Gold DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 4x Mom Approved Dr. Jerod Brazeal and Dr. Elizabeth Gold are Board Certified Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They specialize in providing exceptional dental care in a friendly and fun environment for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special needs. Dr. Brazeal and Dr. Gold are committed to creating a positive experience for each patient in order to build a foundation for a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Legacy Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry
4200 Bryant Irvin Rd. #129, Fort Worth, TX 76109 871-731-6964 • legacykidsfw.com
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
mom approved
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Lester Kuperman, DDS, MS Orthodontics 2x Mom Approved Dr. Lester Kuperman is a Texan native and knew he wanted to transform smiles at the age of 12. He loves making his patients feel special and transforming their lives through orthodontics. Dr. Kuperman attended the New Mexico Military Institute and the University of Texas at Austin. He then completed his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas and earned his Master of Science degree and Orthodontic Specialist Certification from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Dr. Kuperman is a member of the Fort Worth District Dental Society, Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, and a number of other professional organizations. In his spare time, Dr. Kuperman enjoys spending time with his family and being a grandpa. Dr. Kuperman says that he still loves to come to work each and every day. He absolutely loves his job.
Smile Doctors Braces by Kuperman Orthodontics 4200 Bryant Irvin Rd., Suite 117, Benbrook, TX 76109 817-731-8401 smiledoctors.com
Justin Warcup, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 4x Mom Approved Justin Warcup, DDS, is the owner of North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Dr. Warcup earned a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree at Ohio State University (OSU), where he also was on the dean’s list, served as president of the OSU Dental Entrepreneur Society, and co-founded OSU’s La Clinica Latina to provide dental care to an underserved community. Dr. Warcup is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Fort Worth District Dental Society. Dr. Warcup and his wife have four children. When he is not in the office helping patients or at home enjoying his family, Dr. Warcup serves in leadership capacities with youth groups in the community—where he coaches sports teams, leads scouting groups. “At North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, every member of The Smile Team aims to help our patients enjoy their trips to the dentist so much that they look forward to the next visit! We recognize that each patient is special and invaluable, and we celebrate them. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to provide Fort Worth’s youth the highest quality dental care in the best possible environment,” says Dr. Warcup. “I love what I do, and I truly believe I have the greatest job on this earth.”
North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 3550-C Hulen St., Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-732-9341 • northtexassmiles.com
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mom approved
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Christopher Walton, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 5x Mom Approved
For Dr. Walton, there is no greater joy than being able to work with kids every day. He loves having a profession that builds a foundation for children to have positive dental experiences. Dr. Christopher Walton graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University with his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He attended dental school at The University of Tennessee, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and graduated with honors. Dr. Walton completed a residency at Baylor College of Dentistry, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Walton holds memberships in American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. When away from the office, you can find him spending time with his wife, Krystal, and two loving children, Caden and Analia. He also enjoys running, watching movies, and traveling. Burleson Pediatric Dentistry
101 NW Renfro St. #106, Burleson, TX 76028 817-873-3638 burlesonkids.com
Mary M. Robb, DDS Family Dentistry 2x Mom Approved At the age of nine, a family friend and dentist inspired me to enter the dental profession. The care and attention he showed me has been my motivation as I have practiced in the Mid-Cities for over thirty years. I am a general and cosmetic dentist treating patients from two to ninety-two and I would love to serve you and your family’s oral health needs. I offer a free “fun visit” for three year-olds and very much enjoy children of all ages. Come and see why my patients “love their teeth and love their dentist!” Mary M. Robb DDS Cosmetic & General Dentistry 4108 City Point Dr. North Richland Hills, TX 76180 817-284-7687 •maryrobbdds.com
Michael J. Delgado, DDS, MS Orthodontics 7x Mom Approved Michael Delgado, DDS, MS believes that healthy, improved smiles can improve lives and inspire confidence. Dr. Delgado is an Orthodontic Specialist, using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure optimal treatment for children, teens, and adults in his Mid-Cities location. Delgado Orthodontics
9293 Huntington Square, North Richland Hills, TX 76182 817-282-1821 • delgadoorthodontics.com
Manivara Krone, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 3x Mom Approved Dr. Manivara P. Krone opened her practice, Pediatric Smiles P.A. in 2006 which specializes in providing dental care for infants, children, teens, and special need children. Her passion in pediatric dentistry and positive attitude always helps every child feel at ease. Her goal is to provide the highest quality dental care along with a fun and positive dental visit for each patient. Dr. Krone is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric Smiles P.A.
3004 Highway 121, Suite B, Bedford, TX 76021 817-283-8600 • info@pediatricsmiles.net • pediatricsmiles.net
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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
AUGUST 2019
20 EVENTS TO KICK OFF AUGUST
WHY RISKY PLAY IS HEALTHY
KID CULTURE: MAKING NEW FRIENDS
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EVENTS TO LOVE THIS MONTH
O C T O B E R 2 019
KID CULTURE: HOW TO CHOOSE AN INSTRUMENT
UNDER THE RADAR HOW DOES DYSLEXIA GO UNDIAGNOSED
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HOW TO THROW A PEPPA PIG PARTY
A FAMILY GUIDE TO
BENTONVILLE
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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
J U N E 2 0 19
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT HATE SPEECH
GRACE MITCHELL
LAUREN BLOCK
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MEET JEWELRY DESIGNER
MADISON MCKINLEY ISNER BRAIN BREAKS THE LATEST SCHOOL TREND
ART SMART
TOUGH LOVE HOW TO NURTURE A SPIRITED KID
HOW THE ARTS SHAPE YOUR KID’S BRAIN
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CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES introducing your kids to other holiday traditions WORDS MAYA BUTLER
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HILE SANTA CLAUS’ IMPENDING ARRIVAL might be high on kids’ minds this time of year, the season might look a bit different depending on your faith or heritage—even if you celebrate Christmas. “No two celebrations are alike,” says Minister Christian Watkins, of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas, who also celebrate Kwanzaa. “While we live in a global society, it’s important to understand that other folks celebrate differently, but it’s not any better or worse.” So how can you and your children celebrate diverse cultural holidays respectfully? We talked to local experts about how you can pay tribute to other traditions while honoring your own. → fortworthchild / december 2019
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A progressive curriculum • Small classroom ratios
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kid culture / C E L E B R A T E FOOD FOR THE SOUL Food is a key to any kid’s heart, and it can be a way for your child to actively participate in another cultural celebration. Whether you’re cooking, dining with friends or visiting a restaurant that cooks food specific to a certain culture, it’s good to prepare kids’ taste buds in advance. That’s what Mansfield mom Erica Bekerman does with her four kids. While this time of year means honoring their Jewish faith through Hanukkah (or Chanukah), they’re no strangers to celebrating other cultural holidays, including Christmas, with friends. “I might say, ‘OK, we’re gonna go somewhere and try some food. We probably have never tried any flavors like this before, so it might taste different than anything you’re used to,’” shares Bekerman, who volunteers at Beth-El Congregation in Fort Worth, a reform synagogue. “‘You don’t have to eat it all if you don’t like it, but let’s try it.’” Food also has a prominent place in the Christian holiday St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated Dec. 13 by Scandinavians. Traditionally, one girl chosen to represent St. Lucia in a procession wears a white robe and a wreath with candles on top. Celebrants enjoy saffron buns and other sweets. “Exposing children to food is a window in which you know you can enter into somebody else’s culture,” says Almas Muscatwalla, a founding member of Faith Forward Dallas, a group that unites people of different faiths. Muscatwalla recommends trying out a new recipe from a cookbook and having your kids participate in the cooking process to introduce them to the meals of other celebrations. NOT JUST A GAME
december 2019 / fortworthchild
bookstore and support them as well because most of them are, quite honestly, struggling because of lack of exposure,” he reveals. When it comes to wanting your kids to celebrate holidays that aren’t connected to your own culture or religion, Watkins recommends using your best judgment in order to avoid cultural appropriation. He says that playing games of other cultures is fine, as long as kids understand the context. In honor of the African-American holiday Kwanzaa—a time when celebrants pay tribute to their African roots—kids can play mancala. For Hanukkah, kids may play dreidel, a game that features a spinning top with four sides, each with a letter significant to the religion. To ensure you’re celebrating respectfully, Watkins suggests seeking guidance from a member of the community whose traditions you’re participating in. “Ask questions and bring gifts to them in order to participate in the holiday that they hold sacred,” he says. Muscatwalla recommends that kids who don’t celebrate Christmas craft homemade birthday cards for Jesus as way to relate. “Children at this time—for them, one of the most important things that they like to celebrate in their life is birthdays,” the Ismaili Muslim says. She adds that birthday cards can also be made for the current Imam, whose birthday Ismaili Muslims celebrate on Dec. 13. Watkins agrees that homemade gifts are preferable. “Give something that was handmade or that came from the heart,” he says.
“EXPOSING CHILDREN TO FOOD IS A WINDOW IN WHICH YOU KNOW YOU CAN ENTER INTO SOMEBODY ELSE’S CULTURE.”
Reading books from the library can be a great resource for kids to learn about cultural holidays, but Watkins says you can take it a step further. “Go to the community and see the Afro-centric 30
GOOD TIMES
FOUNDATION OF FAITH
Muscatwalla, whose family celebrates American holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, notes the similarities in the way various cultures celebrate holidays through food, music, games and gift giving. “It’s interesting how similar you can be once you start kind of celebrating each other’s faith and culture,” she says. “You find more commonality than differences.” Still, if you’re worried about confusing your kids about your beliefs, explain the distinction between other cultural holidays and your own, advises Bekerman. “We can celebrate with them, we can learn about everything that they [do]—that
doesn’t mean that’s your faith and what you believe, but you can still enjoy the holiday and celebrate with them,” she says. Muscatwalla adds that celebrating the music, food and other traditions of your own cultural holidays can serve as reminders of your heritage, even as you learn about global traditions. “There’s no one formula for that,” she shares. “It needs to be part and parcel of your daily conversations and your daily interactions in which you keep that [holiday] alive.”
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD Even if your family celebrates Christmas, you might be unaware of some fun traditions that you and your kids can learn about—and try out— this season: To celebrate St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6, kids can leave out their shoes for St. Nick to fill with presents like coins or chocolates—a tradition practiced by some Europeans and European Americans. From Dec. 16–24, Latin Americans celebrate Las Posadas, which includes a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to find lodging in preparation for the birth of Jesus. After finding a hospitable “inn” (typically a designated house or church), children break open a star-shaped piñata that contains candy, toys and money. There’s a tradition, often attributed to Germany, of hiding a pickle ornament in the tree. The child who finds the ornament on Christmas morning receives another gift from Santa or a year of good fortune. Some say the idea is for kids to not rush right to the presents and instead just enjoy some family fun. The British love Christmas crackers, which are cardboard tubes in festive wrapping that, when pulled apart, making a popping sound and reveal a gift. (You can find crackers at the British Emporium in Grapevine; british-emporium.com.)
The Modern trees will be illuminated with an array of festive lights in celebration of the holiday season. Passers by will be treated to a stunning display, and visitors are invited to enjoy evening viewing opportunities. The museum galleries will be open until 7 pm on Tuesdays and 8 pm on FREE Fridays. Cafe Modern will be open for beverages and snacks on Tuesdays and dinner on Fridays.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.738.9215 www.themodern.org
In Iceland, family members celebrate Jolabokaflod (“Christmas book flood” for all you non-Icelanders), in which they exchange books as gifts on Christmas Eve and read them during the night. The concept goes back to World War II amd continues today. Now there’s a tradition we can get behind!
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Holiday GIFT GUIDE
Playing Santa isn’t easy, but with a little help from our holiday gift guide you can check off your gift list for children, teachers, neighbors or anyone nice. Let the shopping begin and snatch up these unique holiday gifts.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
1 Photo Mugs
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Photo mugs and more personalized photo gifts from the Print Refinery can be created with your own images by downloading the Fort Worth Print Refinery App. fortworthcamera.theprintrefinery.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes, $40
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little orange fish, $69
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Fort Worth Camera
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Deliver fun this holiday season by gifting Bruder’s interactive and builtto-scale UPS truck! It includes a driver, forklift, packages, and shipping pallets! 4+ years. littleorangefishkids.com
3 woom 3 16” Kids Bike woom bikes USA, $389
Woom designs high-quality, lightweight bikes for children of all ages. Built with meticulous attention to detail, our bikes are tailor-made for kids 1.5–14 years old. us.woombikes.com
4 Y’Art Masterpiece ®
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Kimbell Art Museum, $55 Yarn clings to the poster-sized Grip-NStick Y’Artboard® canvas as you swirl, twirl and zig-zag with the Y’Art® pen, coloring a masterpiece. Only available at the museum. kimbellart.org
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5 2020 4-Visit Season Pass iT’Z Family Food & Fun, $59.99
Give the gift of fun! Unlimited buffet, unlimited non-prize video games, unlimited attractions, one $5 Fun Card and one game of bowling at each visit. itzusa.com
Cake
Our beautifully handcrafted cake with a festive Baking Spirits Bright decoration will have everyone in smiles. It’s Santa approved and better than mistletoe! nothingbundtcakes.com
Membership
Make the cheer last all year this holiday when you gift a membership to the Fort Worth Zoo. fortworthzoo.org/holiday
9 Texas and Variety Baskets Vending Nut Company, $33.95–$ 58.95
’Tis the season to go nuts! Gifts for all occasions and great stocking stuffers. We carry assorted nuts, chocolates, dried fruits, and candies. vendingnutco.com
10 Vetro Help Create Ornament Events
Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery Create your own glass ornaments in our studio on select dates through December 28. $30 Traditional Ornament events and $50 Extreme Ornament events. vetroartglass.com
11 Kid’s Clothing and Accessories
The Local Label, $10–$56 A perfect outfit for baby is at The Local Label! This organic cotton outfit pairs best with vegan leather Mary Janes and a cuddle+kind doll. thelocallabelftw.com
6 Daron NASA Space
Adventure Series: Space Shuttle with Lights & Sounds & Figure Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Shop Too!, $26.99
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This fully functioning space shuttle with lights, sounds and astronaut figurine is part of the NASA Space Adventure Series. Great for ages 3 and up. fwmuseum.org/about-us/shop-too fortworthchild / december 2019
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HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Holiday
Family Fun DIRECTORY
Here’s a list of family-friendly events and winter activities to get you in the holiday spirit; find more to explore at dfwchild.com/events. DESCRIPTION
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Adventure Kids Playcare adventurekidsplaycare.com 972/899-9332
Spend the holidays with Adventure Kids! We offer flexible options for every parent's need. Drop in holiday camps, exciting theme nights, daily activities and so much more. See ad on page 13.
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Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org 817/738-1933
Get ready for some holiday cheer! Celebrate the season with some winterthemed fun including milk and cookies with Santa, art making, and more during Merry Members (exclusive for Carter Family members). See ad on page 6.
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Artisan Center Theater artisanct.com 817/284-1200
Come enjoy some high-quality, family-friendly entertainment this holiday season. Join us for Annie Jr. - Nov. 15–Dec. 21, and Elf the Musical - Nov. 22–Dec. 21. See you at the theater!
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Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark epicwatersgp.com 972/337-3131
Add magic to your holiday season with Breakfast with Santa at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, happening Dec. 7, 14, and 21. Enjoy breakfast, a souvenir photo with Santa, holiday crafts and swim the entire day. See ad on page 37.
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First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth fpcfw.org 817/335-1231
Follow the Star, A Walk to the Nativity will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 5:30–7pm at First Presbyterian Church. A walk to the Nativity includes a manger scene and live animals! For more event information, visit fpcfw.org/advent.
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Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org 817/255-9300
All aboard! Polar Pajama Parties are your chance to enjoy wintry hands-on activities coupled with the classic holiday film The Polar Express at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. See ad on page 15.
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Fort Worth Stockyards fortworthstockyards.com 817/625-9715
Cowboy Santa's arrival kicks off the holiday season at the Stockyards on Nov. 29 following the 11:30am cattle drive. Activities through the season include photos with Santa, reindeer games, storytime with Mrs. Claus and more! See ad on page 17.
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Fort Worth Zoo fortworthzoo.org/holiday 817/759-7555
Joy is always in season when you gift a membership to the Fort Worth Zoo. Besides year-long access, enjoy added perks like free parking, discounted events and more. Make the cheer last all year! See ad on page 5.
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Gift Of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway giftoflightstexas.com 800/788-9627
Enjoy the magic of the holidays at Texas Motor Speedway Gift of Lights. Over 1 mile of gigantic light displays. Drive through the raceway, get a picture with Santa, ride the Santa Tram, ice skate, with refreshments in Santa's Village! See ad on page 45.
Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas 817/410-3185
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas! With 1,400 Christmas events in 40 days, enjoy millions of lights, enormous decorations, classic Christmas movies and more. It's more merry in Grapevine! See ad on page 42.
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HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN DIRECTORY //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DESCRIPTION
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Hilton Anatole - Peppermint Park christmasattheanatole.com 214/761-7536
Christmas at the Anatole is a holiday festival for the entire family. The hotel transforms into a winter wonderland, known as Peppermint Park, including train rides, light displays, photos with Santa, holiday games and more. See ad on page 17.
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Marina Almayeva School of Clasical Ballet ma-balletschool.com/index.html 817/788-0818
Marina Almayeva School of Clasical Ballet presents The Nutcracker. This year our show will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Irving Arts Center. See you there! See ad on page 30.
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Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth themodern.org 817/738-9215
The Modern trees will be illuminated with an array of festive lights in celebration of the holiday season.The galleries will be open for free until 7pm on Tuesdays and 8pm on Fridays. See ad on page 31.
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North East Mall shopnortheastmall.com 817/589-9603
Visit Santa Nov. 8–Dec. 24! Enjoy our holiday events: Caring Santa on Dec. 1, Disney Jr. Holiday Celebration on Dec. 7, Pet Photos with Santa on Dec. 8, and Cook Children's Radiothon on Dec. 14.
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Panther Island Ice pantherislandice.com 682/704-7711
Panther Island Ice returns this holiday season! Located at Coyote Drive-In, Fort Worth's outdoor ice skating rink offers public skating Nov. 22–Jan. 20, everyday, including holidays. There's free parking, covered seating, gas heaters, restrooms, playground, and the coyote canteen.
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Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show stockyardsrodeo.com 817/625-1025
A historical reenactment of the original Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show. The show features trick roping, trick shooting, trick riding, cowboy songs, live buffalo and an entertaining look at history.
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Pic-OlOgy pic-ology.com 817/554-2109
Make holiday memories with this interactive art exhibit, featuring a variety of unique displays in 10 different rooms. Combining the technology of today with traditional art forms, visitors can share their multi-sensory experience through social media or through IRL interactions.
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Rainforest Cafe rainforestcafe.com 972/539-5001
Join us for Breakfast with Santa Dec. 7, 8, 14,15, 21 and 22. Start the holiday with a wild adventure! Bring the family to meet Santa and Cha! Cha! in the rainforest. Purchase tickets today at rainforestcafe.com. See ad on page 37.
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Ripley's Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie ripleys.com/grandprairie 972/263-2391
Bring the family to Christmas at the Palace! Enjoy a glee-filled breakfast and picture with Santa Claus, fun holiday crafts, and unlimited time in all five of our Ripley attractions! Come have a Ripley's Christmas!
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SeaQuest Fort Worth fortworth.visitseaquest.com 817/731-5357
Gift unforgettable memories this holiday season with a gift card to SeaQuest Fort Worth! For a limited time, purchase a $50 gift card for just $40! See, touch and feed 1,200 animals at SeaQuest Fort Worth.
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Texas Ballet Theater texasballettheater.org 877/828-9200
TBT presents The Nutcracker in Dallas Nov. 29–Dec. 8 and Fort Worth Dec. 13–29. Select Saturday matinees include Kingdom of Sweets craft and activity center one hour before the performance begins.
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Texas Boys Choir texasboyschoir.org 817/766-2390
Join the Grammy award winning Texas Boys Choir on their holiday tour, "Christmas with Texas Boys Choir." Tour dates are between Dec. 5–17 at various locations. Sing, choirs of angels! See ad on page 6.
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The Shops at Clearfork shopsatclearfork.com 817/985-3773
Visit Fort Worth's premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination for family fun this holiday season. Enjoy visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, A Clearfork Christmas on Dec. 14 and more! Visit shopsatclearfork.com for more details.
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Vetro Fine Art Gallery & Glassblowing Studio vetroartglass.com 817/251-1668
Create your own hand-blown glass ornaments at Vetro Glassblowing Studio this holiday season! Or visit our onsite Fine Art Gallery to purchase beautiful artist-made ornaments, along with fine art glass jewelry, lighting, sculptures and more. See ad on page 15.
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Visit Southlake southlakehomefortheholidays.com
Southlake is the perfect place for a holiday visit! You'll find fun things happening throughout the season. See beautiful lights, spend time with Santa, taste warm, delicious holiday fare and complete your shopping list.
fortworthchild / december 2019
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celebrating the holidays in Fredericksburg WORDS ELIZABETH QUINN
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he smell of evergreen is in the air; tinsel is hung with care; and German Weihnachten (aka Christmas) cuisine is here, along with other fare. The Texas German Christmas destination, Fredericksburg, brings the best of cultures together for the season, and the town takes it quite seriously. Park Cities mom Lasca Weiss grew up in Fredericksburg and goes back with her family (husband and two daughters) multiple times a year—includ-
ing Christmas. We got the inside scoop on where to go and what to eat during your visit.
FOR MUNCHING
Weiss explains that Fredericksburg has sprouted in the past 20 years with more restaurants, shops and wineries, so she enjoys trying new areas and acting like a tourist. Begin your German experience at ALTDORF BIERGARTEN, which closed for a rebuild but is now open. “The food is still German influenced, and they have a biergarten with live music, which is really fun and relaxing,” Weiss says. There are countless German eatery options, but in addition to Altdorf, Weiss recommends THE AUSLANDER and FRIEDHELM’S BAVARIAN INN. “[They] are older Fredericksburg staples to get German food and atmosphere,” she says. And if you find yourself with a sweet tooth after indulging in pretzels and beer, head to CLEAR RIVER because, as Weiss puts it enthusiastically, it is the place for ice cream.
FOR SIGHTSEEING
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If this is your first time in Fredericksburg, you should know there is more than just the
december 2019 / fortworthchild
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Christmas atmosphere to experience. A short half-hour drive away in Johnson City is the SCIENCE MILL, a science museum filled with hands-on STEAM activities. There are over 50 exhibits, including the Cell Phone Disco, Biolab with microscopes, Incredible Ball Machine and Fossil Dig. While in Johnson City, be sure to check out the LYNDON B.
JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK that includes two distinct vis-
itor centers separated by 14 miles. Between the visitor centers is a selfguided driving tour that includes the boyhood home of LBJ, the LBJ ranch and Johnson’s burial site. One more Fredericksburg-area recommendation: Since it is Texas and sometimes winter doesn’t actually mean winter, Weiss suggests climbing ENCHANTED ROCK. “It is a moderately challenging walk up, but once you are on the top of the rock, you can see for miles and miles, and the view is gorgeous,” she says.
FOR CELEBRATING
And the reason for the season, right? The Christmas festivities in Fredericksburg center in the MARKTPLATZ, strung with lights and a hand-carved, 26-foot-tall wooden Christmas pyramid that rotates. There is also music throughout the area and plenty of photo opportunities in the square, Weiss notes. Oh, and make sure you have socks because there’s a temporary ice skating rink. “The
1 / Bask in the twinkle lights in the Marktplatz, the hub of Christmas celebrations in Fredericksburg. 2 / Visit LBJ National Park to roam around our 36th President’s boyhood home and see his resting place. 3 / Get your STEAM on at the Science Mill. 4 / Grab some schnitzel at The Auslander, which specializes in Bavarian dishes.
kids love it when we visit, and they get into the Christmas spirit with all the decor,” Weiss says. As much as we want to list everything Fredericksburg offers during the holiday, there simply isn’t enough room, so we recommend going to visitfredericksburgtx.com to find their 2019 holiday guide, complete with all the events and information you’ll need to make a memorable Christmas. ALTDORF BIERGARTEN
altdorfs.com
THE AUSLANDER
theauslanderfredericksburg.com FRIEDHELM’S BAVARIAN INN
Search on Facebook CLEAR RIVER
icecreamandfun.com SCIENCE MILL
sciencemill.org
LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
nps.gov/lyjo
ENCHANTED ROCK
tpwd.texas.gov
MARKTPLATZ
fbgtx.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCIENCE MILL; THE AUSLANDER; NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; TRISH RAWLS
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STEM GUIDE //
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STEM G U I D E
Parents know careers in science are growing at a rapid rate. From critical thinking games and hands-on labs to robotics and coding—you are anxious to give your budding inventor, entrepreneur or scientist an integrated education. Explore these STEM programs to help prepare your child for a future in technology.
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STEM GUIDE //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
STEAM-Based Learning at Children’s Learning Adventure A core objective at Children’s Learning Adventure is to prepare our students to excel in their lifelong academic journeys. We achieve this by implementing STEAM based curriculum activities to immerse students in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. These activities allow students discover areas they are interested in. Engaging curriculum encourages students to adopt a lasting love and pursuit of learning. When teachers invite students to actively participate in learning activities, every subject, topic of discussion, and experience becomes an opportunity to learn something new! Our students grow, explore, and apply new skills and concepts every day. By using this comprehensive method, our students develop the necessary critical thinking and problemsolving skills they need to be successful inside and outside the classroom.
Two DFW locations: WILLOW BEND 6095 Chapel Hill Blvd. Plano, TX 75093
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STEM GUIDE //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
STEM at Every Level All Saints’ provides hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering. Early Childhood students partner with BRIT for monthly outdoor learning units and build bridges after reading Going on a Bear Hunt; Lower and Middle School students take advantage of project-based learning in the new Exploratorium and Robotics Lab, and Upper School students can venture into a Forensics class or take the lead with our nationally-ranked Solar Car. Opportunities for experimentation at every level today build the solution-oriented, entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.
All Saints’ Episcopal School 9700 Saints Circle Fort Worth, TX 76108 817-560-5700 aseschool.org/Curious
Inspiring STEM Learning in the Classroom The Martin Science Exploration Center at Southwest Christian School allows students to experience hands-on learning in conjunction with the science curriculum taught in the classroom. This unique lab opportunity gives our students a STEM learning environment where they can use their natural curiosity to be problem solvers, critical thinkers and innovators. Additionally, our Living Science Center (the Farm), provides an outdoor classroom that focuses on both life and earth sciences. Students work on projects including organic gardening, composting, sustainable agriculture, water conservation and greenhouse vegetable farming to name a few. Visit us to learn more, www.southwestchristian.org. Southwest Christian School 6801 Dan Danciger Road Fort Worth, TX 76133 southwestchristian.org
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STEM GUIDE //
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Introduce Your Child to the World Around Them! River Legacy Nature School provides an environment that encourages a child’s inborn sense of wonder and curiosity to flourish. Indoor and outdoor explorations at River Legacy Living Science Center introduce children to the natural world. To learn more about enrolling your little explorer in Nature School, visit our website or call the Living Science Center! River Legacy Living Science Center 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006 817-860-6752 riverlegacy.org
Forging Full STEAM Ahead at TVS! Our Lower School STEAM Lab provides myriad opportunities for our students to excel and believe in themselves. Working with our makey-makeys, green recording studio, interactive screen, Lego wall, 3D printers, Little Bits, and more is giving our students the tools they will need in the future to explore, investigate, problem-solve, and collaborate. Full STEAM ahead! Trinity Valley School 7500 Dutch Branch Road Fort Worth, TX 76132 817-321-0100 TVS.org
STEM isn’t scary At Fellowship Academy, we start early and continue K–12 with hands-on activities that make science and math engaging and fun. Our students unlock the wonders of science with creation in mind. Fellowship Academy 1021 N. Bowman Springs Rd., Kennedale, TX 76060 fellowship-academy.org
They bring the curiosity. We bring the confidence. A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day. Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery. Primrose School of Fort Worth West 3777 Westridge Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76116 817-223-3451 PrimroseFortWorthWest.com
JOIN OUR TRIBE. GET REWARDED.
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FO
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WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH
18 F A M I L Y - F R I E N D L Y E V E N T S Y O U C A N ’ T M I S S I N
DECEMBER JACK FROST
CASA MA ÑA NA Through December 23 Santa Claus narrates this children’s holiday show about a young Jack Frost who’s loving life and busy making ice sculptures with his misfit friends—until his evil uncle banishes him from the Frozen Kingdom. Watch as Jack and his friends try to save the world from a new ice age. Tickets from $19. 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth; 817/332-2272 casamanana.org
PRAIRIE LIGHTS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRAND PRAIRIE PARKS, ARTS &RECREATION DEPARTMENT; AL SMITH; SEA LIFE GRAPEVINE AQUARIUM
DEC. 1-31 // DRIVE THROUGH TWO MILES OF LIGHTS AND EXPLORE THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE AT PRAIRIE LIGHTS.
HOORAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
T H EAT RE ARL I NG TON Through December 15 Remember the good old days of gathering around the television set together to watch one program as a family? No? Then you’ll get a kick out of Hooray for the Holidays: Theatre Arlington’s Musical TV Special, a live show complete with singing, dancing and special guest stars for every performance. Best for age 3 and older. Tickets are $28. 305 W. Main St., Arlington; 817/275-7661 theatrearlington.org
CINDERELLA & THE CRYSTAL SLIPPER
RU N WAY T H EAT RE Through December 15 You’ll laugh in unison with your kids at the Ugly Sisters, jeer at the
evil stepmother and cheer on Cinderella and Prince Charming when they realize their true love in this classic fairy tale reimagined as a British-style panto. The show is G-rated and written with plenty of fast wordplay and modern references to elicit all the giggles. $22 adults; $12 children 12 and younger. 215 N. Dooley St., Grapevine; 817/488-4842 runwaytheatre.com
ELF THE MUSICAL
ARTISAN CENTER TH EATER Through December 21 “Hello, this is Buddy the Elf. What’s your favorite color?” Get ready to giggle your bottoms off at this comedy musical straight from the 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell as the human orphan who was raised at the North
Pole as an elf. Follow him on his journey to New York City as he finds his birth father— and discovers other food groups besides candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. Tickets from $14. 444 E. Pipeline Road, Hurst; 817/284-1200 artisanct.com
TEXAS CHRISTKINDL MARKET
T E X AS LIVE ! Through December 22 This year, the outdoor marketplace honoring German Christmas traditions has a brand-new attraction: an ice skating rink—open through Jan. 12—to accompany the food vendors, live musical entertainment, Christkindlstyle warming hut and, of course, authentic German gifts and festive goods. Free market admission; entry fee for ice rink. 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington txchristkindlmarket.com
LYNN CRE E K PA RK Through December 31 On the prowl for Christmas lights? Step up your game at this drive-thru holiday light park with 2 miles of all-new displays—then step out of your car to explore the Holiday Village where you’ll find a walkthrough forest, carnival rides (free with admission), an indoor holiday performance and photos with Santa (through Dec. 23). $45 per car. 5610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie; 972/237-4569 prairielights.org
PANTHER ISLAND ICE
C OYOT E DRI VE- I N Through January 20 Winter comes early to Fort Worth by way of this frozen outdoor ice skating rink, open daily, including holidays. $13 admission includes skate rental and concession stand access. Free for spectators outside the rink. Come on Tuesday for half-price admission, and stay for a double feature at the drive-in, open daily at 5:30pm. Admission is $8; $4 kids 5–11. 223 NE Fourth St., Fort Worth; 682/704-7711 pantherislandice.com
SCUBA DIVING SANTA
SE A LIFE G R A PEVI NE AQUA RIUM December 7–21 Little-known fact: Santa not only hops continents and slides down chimneys but also scuba dives with sharks. See it for yourself when a red-suited diver and his elf take the plunge inside Sea Life’s 160,000-gallon ocean tank. Scheduled dives occur at 11:30am each Tuesday and Saturday between Dec. 7 and 21. You’ll see them through a large glass
DEC. 7-21 // WATCH SANTA SCUBA DIVE WITH THE SHARKS AT SEA LIFE AQUARIUM IN GRAPEVINE.
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kid culture /
CALENDAR
SNOW MUCH FUN Thank the snow angels who delivered loads and loads of fresh powder and ice to these local festivals and attractions for snow hill tubing and sledding (for free!). ICE! FEATURING A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
window, and Santa will give you a sign whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year. Discounted admission available online from $17.99 for adults and $14.99 for children ages 3–12; free for kids 2 and under. Combo tickets available for Legoland Discovery Center and Peppa Pig World of Play. 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine; 469/444-3050 visitsealife.com/grapevine
TWINKLE LIGHT BOAT PARADE
L A KE GR APEV I N E December 7 The Christmas Capital of Texas puts a unique spin on the traditional Christmas parade by hosting this annual boat parade. See all of the lighted vessels float on the water from Twin Coves Marina. The parade is visible from Silver Lake Park and Rockledge Park; parking fees apply. FREE Multiple viewing locations; 817/410-3185 grapevinetexasusa.com/ christmas
CHRISTMAS IN THE STOCKYARDS
F ORT WORT H STO C KYARDS December 7 Cowboy Santa arrives in Fort Worth to greet good boys and girls (and take final gift requests) and then take the reins in the Christmas parade with the Texas longhorn herd. Look online for a complete schedule including storytime with Mrs. Claus and more kids’ activities on the lawn in front of the Livestock Exchange Building. FREE 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort 44
Worth; 817/625-9715 stockyardsstation.com
DISNEY JUNIOR HOLIDAY PARTY! ON TOUR
TH E TH EATR E AT GR AND PR AIR IE December 8 Dance in your seats to holiday classics “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” during this one-day-only live performance by Bingo and Rolly from Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and characters from the new animated series T.O.T.S. Santa makes an appearance at the end of the show. Tickets from $19. VIP packages available for pre- and after-party meet and greets with the characters and Santa. 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie; 800/745-3000 disneyjuniortour.com
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE
TH E PAV ILION AT TOYOTA MU SIC FACTORY December 11 Uncover the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of inclusion with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang (performed by actors, not costumed characters) when this classic television short comes to life in a stage adaptation. After the final bow, the show transitions into a Christmas carol sing-along. Runs a total of 90 minutes
december 2019 / fortworthchild
including an intermission. Tickets from $29.95. VIP includes a meet and greet with the characters. 300 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving; 800/653-8000 acharliebrownchristmaslive.com
TEXAS BALLET THEATER’S THE NUTCRACKER
BASS PE RFORMA NCE HA LL December 13–29 Experience a time-honored Christmas favorite when Clara and her Nutcracker Prince return to the stage in this classical, full-length ballet set to the music of Tchaikovsky. Before settling into your seats for the 2pm Saturday performances (Dec. 14, 21 and 28), enjoy the Kingdom of Sweets party in the lobby— with crafts, storytime, a photo with a ballerina and a chance to try on costumes. Free with regular tickets, starting at $25. 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth; 877/828-9200 texasballettheater.org
DALLAS COWBOYS RALLY DAYS
AT &T STA DIUM December 14 Before the next-to-last home game of the season, make a pilgrimage out to the Boys’ home stadium and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the locker rooms, meet Cowboys alumni and cheerleaders and, best of all, play on the same field as the pro team. Rally Day activities include a Kid‘s Zone with games, face painting and inflatables. $25 adults and $22 children ages 5–12 for the self-guided tour. $35 adults and $32 children for the VIP guided tour. 1 AT&T Way, Arlington;
HOLLY DAYS
KE LLE R TOWN CE NT E R December 6 Sail down the two-lane tubing snow hill (must be 42 inches or taller), and for the cost of only one nonperishable food donation (for the Community Storehouse) you’ll get access to all the rest of the family activities inside the Jingle Bell Zone. The Very Merry Light Parade begins at 7pm and leads up to a Christmas tree lighting at 7:45pm. FREE 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller; 817/743-4050 cityofkeller.com
HOLIDAY AT THE PARK
A LLIA NCE TOWN CE NT E R December 7 Zip down a two-lane snow hill, watch a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and say hello to North Pole rein-steer (get it?) at Prairie Vista Park outside the shopping center. Take the free shuttle from Bette Perot Elementary to the park, where you’ll meet lots of costumed characters including Frosty and the Grinch and enjoy loads more holiday activities from 4-8pm. FREE Heritage Trace Parkway and Interstate 35W, Fort Worth; 817/224-6000 alliancetowncenter.com
817/892-5000 attstadium.com/rallydays
CIRQUE MUSICA’S HOLIDAY WISHES
T HE T HE AT RE AT G R A ND PR A IRIE December 21 You won’t see Santa pulling any of these moves. Put a spin on your holiday
entertainment with this high-flying show from Cirque Musica, a wildly talented cast of acrobats, aerialists, strongmen and contortionists performing live to a full orchestra. Tickets from $29.75. 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie; 888/929-7849 cirquemusica.com
F O R M O R E F A M I LY- F R I E N D LY F U N T H I S M O N T H , C H E C K O U R O N L I N E C A L E N D A R A T DFWCHILD.COM/CALENDAR. A N D W H I L E Y O U ’ R E T H E R E , S I G N U P F O R O U R W E E K LY E - N E W S L E T T E R : THE WEEKEND GUIDE.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIAN HUSTON; NORTH PARK CENTER; DAN NORMAN; TEXAS BALLET THEATER; ©ISTOCK; TCG ENTERTAINMENT
DEC. 11 // CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH THE PEANUTS CREW AT CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE.
G AYLORD T E X A N Through January 5 The Gaylord’s Lone Star Christmas offers 12 lanes of snow tubing, ice skating, Santa’s Snow Throw and even more frigid fun inside the ICE! exhibit, kept at a frigid 9 degrees. You’ll zip down two-story ice slides and stroll through an exhibit of colorful ice sculptures, hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice and modeled after scenes from the Charlie Brown holiday film. Prices vary by activity. Snow tubing starts at $19.99 for all-day, unlimited rides; $10 more for the Fast Pass. 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine; 817/778-1000 christmasatgaylordtexan.com
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CampSummitTX.org 972-484-8900
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confessions
MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN
COMPILED BY LISA SALINAS
I GAVE MY 5-YEAR-OLD A CATALOG AND ASKED HER TO CIRCLE THINGS SHE WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS. A FEW DAYS LATER, WE PASS A TOY AISLE AND SHE SAYS, ‘I’M GETTING THIS AND THAT…’ I SAY, ‘SWEETIE, YOU DO KNOW THAT SANTA IS NOT BRINGING YOU ALL OF THOSE THINGS.’ SHE SAYS, ‘YES, HE IS. I CIRCLED IT IN THAT BOOK.’”
WHEN were traveling to see Grandma, and YOU FORGET theWe driver asked my daughter where she TO MOVE came from. She replied, ‘Jesus.’” THE ELF ON “Every year my 8-year-old son THE SHELF “My son asked where wants to change so many things we could buy a baby. AND YOUR in his letter to Santa before I explained that sending it. I tell him that Santa DAUGHTER can tell if you erase stuff from mommies have them the list and will not give gifts to THINKS IT’S in their tummies. He kids who get greedy. My sistersaid I need to eat a HER FAULT in-law took him to a holiday celebration, and when a helper lot of candy to grow THAT IT’S tried to have him write a letter a big belly because Santa, he replied, ‘Oh, no ‘STUFFED,’ tothank he really wants a you! If I make another baby brother this letter, Santa is not gonna bring AND STARTS Christmas.” CONFESS- me anything.’” ING TO ALL My sisters and I forgot to buy champagne for the New Year’s THE NAUGHTY midnight toasting. We decided to run to the liquor store and told my 7-year-old daughter she could not come with us. She THINGS SHE’S Got a funny parenting moment looked grossed out when we mentioned where we were going and you’d like to share? We’d love to BEEN UP TO!” said, ‘Who are y’all going to lick at the lick-her store?’” hear from you. Send it to —AMETRIA, HEARTLAND
—MARÍA, ALLEN
—GABRIELA, DALLAS
—KAVITA, FLOWER MOUND
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december 2019 / fortworthchild
editorial@dfwchild.com.
—STEPHANIE, PLANO
—LAKIN, FORNEY
There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to a newborn baby. When you’re a new or expecting parent, the questions never end. At Cook Children’s, our pediatricians are here to help you answer all of them.
newborncenter.org