NorthTexasChild February 2020

NORTHTEXAS

THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DENTON COUNT Y

F E B R U A R Y 2020

20 EVENTS TO LOVE IN FEBRUARY

MEET FASHION DESIGNER

SHERIDAN FRENCH

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TONGUETIE

+

TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

THE RESULTS ARE IN! BEST: MOMS & BABIES WINNERS

DATE RIGHT HOW TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE STRONG

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

pages / F E B R U A R Y

2020 NORTHTEXAS

DEPARTMENTS NOTED 5 Loosen Their Tongues

Tongue-tie can lead to lifelong problems, so why does it often go untreated?

REAL MOMS 9 Mom Next Door / Sheridan French

9 ABOVE // Designer Sheridan French reflects on the past and looks toward the future with her four children.

16

On raising four kids, life as an entrepreneur and picking herself back up after divorce 12 4 Things... / Lookbook

Our Mom Next Door’s fashionable faves for going out and staying in

FEATURES

14 Routines / Erin Lewis The verdict is in for this lawyer turned stay-at-home mom: Life is good

16 Connect More

KID CULTURE 27 Seeing Past Differences

How to strengthen the relationship with your spouse after kids words Sundey McClendon

20 Best: Moms & Babies

Drumroll, please … Here are the winners of our annual survey words Lisa Salinas

How to talk to your child about kids with disabilities and foster inclusivity

31 Calendar / The Agenda

Our favorite February events, from the Stock Show to fun in the snow

22 Mom Approved / Moms & Babies

Readers share their favorite midwives and OB/GYNs

ON THE COVER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; ©ISTOCK; PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY JAMES; ILLUSTRATION BY MARY DUNN

Cover Kid: Mayank, 2, Irving Photography: Cindy James / Alyssa Pizer Management Hair & Makeup: Michael Thomas / Seaminx 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

COLUMNS

34 Confessions / Mom Truths

Dallas princesses and more reader stories that made us LOL

Graphic Designers Susan Horn, Ariana Leyva

Advertising Coordinator Alli Renner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT LARGE Lauren Niebes

PR/MARKETING Audience Development Director Candace Emerson Marketing and Advertising Strategist Tram-Anh Le

ADVERTISING Account Executives Alison Davis, Becca Hobby, Nancy McDaniel, Diana Whitworth Nelson, Sandi Tijerina

34

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 ©2020 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

northtexaschild / february 2020

3

ZOOM THROUGH THE ZOO

APRIL Join us for the 23rd annual Zoo Run, a race where you can run wild

4 5K 1K FUN RUN

in support of the wild! The family friendly route winds through the Fort Worth Zoo, past your favorite animals. All proceeds support our education and conservation efforts locally and around the world.

REGISTER TO RUN 4

february 2020 / northtexaschild

AT

FWZOORUN.COM

©ISTOCK; NOUN PROJECT

noted.

LOOSEN THEIR TONGUES taking tongue-tie seriously

WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER

K

AILAS WAS A TEETH-GRINDER for as long as his parents could remember. He also wet the bed more nights than not. “Last year … he was already 7 years old and we had to have him on Pull-Ups,” says his mom, Angela Brennan.

He had attention issues. Breathing issues. Growth issues—doctors said at age 8 he had the bones of a 5-year-old.

Thanks to his tongue, of all things.

“From the tip of the tongue to the tip of the toe is one fascial tissue,” explains Dr. Dunia Korous, Kailas’ dentist, who practices at Millennium Smiles in Frisco. “When the tongue is restricted, it pulls everything together. When the lower jaw gets narrow, the upper jaw follows, and when the upper jaw follows … the airway also gets a little narrower.”

In Kailas’ case, the restriction is ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie—meaning a pesky strip of tissue anchors the tip of his tongue to the floor of his mouth, limiting the tongue’s movement and kicking off a conga line of other symptoms. → northtexaschild / february 2020

5

noted / L O O S E N

THEIR TONGUES

You might associate tongue-tie with latching problems and nipple pain during breastfeeding. As more mamas get their infants’ troublesome tissue cut or lasered, some doctors have labeled the treatment a fad—at best, uninformed scaremongering, and at worst, a scheme by practitioners to profit from unnecessary procedures.

Then there are kids like Kailas and adults like our 36-year-old creative and content director whose tongue-ties have contributed to problems with sleep, breathing, posture and focus, among other woes.

Tongue-tie appears to have compounding effects over time—literally from head to toe—yet dentists and pediatricians may not look for it.

“I didn’t even know that it was an issue as you got older,” says Brennan. “I thought the only time kids had issues with tongue-ties was with breastfeeding.”

Patients are prescribed tongue exercises in order to learn to swallow correctly, increase their range of motion and prevent the clipped tissue from regrowing. These glossal workouts might include touching the upper lip and licking a Popsicle.

Korous believes in starting therapy before the tongue-tie release so that the tongue knows what to do once it’s free to move about the mouth.

Though Kailas hasn’t had his release procedure yet, for months he stood in front of the bathroom mirror alone, three times a day, to move his tongue.

“He gets a little embarrassed doing the facial exercises with people watching him,” Brennan reveals, adding that toys and other rewards motivated her son to keep it up.

Cole recommends facial exercises too but says the release is most important—even without therapy, kids can ALL TIED UP adapt. “It’s better to do it Symptoms to watch for—or THE MORE YOU KNOW poorly than to not do it,” How is it that many parents ask your child about—that he says. might indicate a tongue-tie: and professionals are in the Here’s the thing about dark about the effects of tongue-tie: Even dentists • Trouble latching or pain who agree on its significance untreated tongue-tie? Dr. during breastfeeding Stacy Cole of Clear Fork don’t agree on exactly how • Picky eating Healthy Dental Care in Fort it ought to be fixed or the • Speech delays or articulation Worth says dental programs extent of its impact. For problems have a lot to cover in order example, Korous believes that • Snoring to satisfy certification tongue-tie can lead to sleep • Mouth breathing requirements, and there’s breathing disorders like sleep • Attention and behavior simply no more room in apnea; Cole says that tongueproblems the syllabus. tie may exacerbate airway • Teeth grinding “A lot of our education issues but isn’t the cause.

• Bedwetting is after school—it just kind Both absolutely agree • Headaches of gets us to where we don’t • Poor dental health that correcting tongue-tie kill people,” he jokes. “And can change people’s quality • Forward head posture then we get out and start of life, even in small ways. realizing more and more After doing thousands what we don’t know.” of tongue releases, Cole went under the laser Korous says the symptoms also evade himself. “I thought, You know, when I get detection because parents don’t know to ask, that released, I’ll be leaping tall buildings,” and kids don’t think to tell. “They don’t he remembers. “Nothing. I could not tell even talk about it because it’s the norm—it’s a thing, except it was sore for a few days. what they’ve been dealing with all their life,” About three weeks later, I thought, You she explains. know, I can turn [my neck] to my left and my Ideally, tongue-tie is caught on day one; right and it doesn’t catch anymore.” in fact, Brazil requires every infant to be For more than a year, Kailas has been examined for tongue-tie before leaving the doing facial exercises and wearing mouth maternity ward. When it’s not caught, kids appliances to expand his jaw. Though and adults may show a range of symptoms, his tongue is still tied, he’s already out of like Kailas, or just one or two. Thankfully, Pull-Ups. more professionals are beginning to recog“I think he’s more confident,” Brennan nize the signs and recommend treatment. says. “He would have a lot more temper tantrums; now it’s very minimal. His teeth look SNIP IT IN THE BUD significantly better.”

The fix for tongue-tie sounds simple (snip, She’s helping spread the word about snip!) but experts say the brief procedure is tongue-tie to friends and neighbors. “If you best with a side of myofunctional therapy— don’t start it and correct it early,” she says, “then that is, a retraining of the mouth muscles. it’s gonna get even worse as they get older.”

6

february 2020 / northtexaschild

Help-Create Valentine Flowers Saturday, February 1, 10am–1pm

$35 + tax, per Flower

“Help-Create” Valentine Hearts Saturday, February 8, 10am–1pm

$50 + tax, per Heart

Hot Date Night!

Book online NOW to reserve your time slot for the most romantic and unique date of your life!

Reservations required. See website for details.

Thursday, February 13, 5–9pm Friday, February 14, 1–9pm Saturday, February 15, 1–9pm $165 + tax, per couple/reservation Online Registration Required — www.VetroArtGlass.com 701 S Main St, Ste 103 Grapevine, TX 76051 817.251.1668

& F IN E AR T G AL L E RY

vetroartglass.com

northtexaschild / february 2020

7

Have your baby at the “Best Place” to have one.

Texas Health Denton was voted “Best Place to Have a Baby”

by NorthTexasChild readers.

From compassionate and quality nursing care, family-focused rooms and a Level III NICU to breastfeeding support and a variety of classes including prepared childbirth, car seat safety and those for new big brothers and sisters, Texas Health Denton is honored to be recognized for our maternity services. It’s another reason why more families choose Texas Health to welcome their babies each year than any other health system in North Texas. So when you’re ready to be a mom, rest assured you’ll be in good hands.

1-877-THR-WELL TexasHealth.org/Denton-Baby

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2020

real moms.

FRENCH STUDIES AGE 35 HAILS FROM & LIVES IN

Fort Worth OFFSPRING Two boys and two girls ALMA MATER University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in management and business DREAM JOB AS A KID Being a mom WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER sheridanfrench.com

Sheridan French is conscious of the example she is setting for her four children.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST

mom next door /

SHERIDAN FRENCH family, faith, fashion & finding her path

INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

N

EARLY 10 YEARS AGO, Sheridan French started production on her first clothing line.

The same day, she found out she was pregnant with her second child. It was a memorable start to her career as a fashion designer. But a few years later, French walked away from her successful business to focus on her marriage and family.

“I was struggling,” she admits. “It was a really dark time. I was at the point with the business where it was kind of ‘go big or go home.’ I was not ready to be away from [my] little babies.

I wanted to work on my marriage … and know that I did everything I possibly could.”

Today French is a thriving single mom, re-launching her brand and expanding to home textiles this summer. “My family is incredible, my friends are incredible, I’m so excited about the business, and my kids are doing amazing,” she smiles. “It’s been awesome. It’s really been an incredible journey. I’m so thankful. I feel like I’ve lived a lot in 35 years, and I love it.” → northtexaschild / february 2020

9

EXPLORE! LEARN! ENGAGE!

COURTHOUSE-ON-THE-SQUARE

MUSEUM

MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-4:30PM SATURDAY 11AM-3PM 940-349-2850 dentoncounty.com/CHOS 110 W. HICKORY ST. DENTON, TX 76201

real moms / M O M

NEXT DOOR

Did you always want to be a designer?

All the women in my family are creative.

My grandmother is an artist, and my greatgrandmother is a seamstress. I made my first dress with her and my mom. I knew I’d do something in the creative space jobwise, but I wasn’t certain [what] at first.

How did you get started? I had samples in hand four months [after launching production through a contact from the University of St. Andrews]. I did not know what I was doing.

All I knew is that I loved clothing, loved design and felt like I had a good eye. I was cold calling boutiques. … I broke even that first year with a teeny, minimal investment, but it was enough to get me to the second year.

What a leap of faith. I think many moms are afraid to take that first step because they are concerned about the impact of change on their family. That

was really hard for me. I was running everything from my house all by myself.

My kids were 3, 2 and 1, and I was pregnant. And my marriage was falling apart. I was losing my mind. I was kicking and screaming, making the decision of “hitting pause” [professionally]. I didn’t know when I would start again, but I knew it was “pause,” not “stop.”

You no doubt felt overwhelmed.

Staying home or returning to work is a hard decision for a lot of women, but it’s important to remember you can change your mind. It’s

hard for me when I see someone that’s paralyzed in that position. I just want to be like, “You can do it! I will be your cheerleader.

Just do it, just try. If you try and it’s a bust, at least you won’t wonder.” Too many people are afraid of failure, so they never have that chance for success. february 2020 / northtexaschild

the example I want to set for them. That’s one thing I thought of, especially with my daughters. How do I want them to see me navigate this part of my life, not only with career but with marriage ending and picking myself back up on my own two feet? It’s a huge responsibility but also such a privilege.

Tell us about re-launching your clothing line. I’ll do about 15 or 20 boutiques for this

year, but then I will go to markets, Atlanta and Dallas, for the 2021 season. Then also by summer I’ll be doing wallpaper and fabric by the yard, which I’m so excited about.

That’s always been like my underlying goal, to do more than fashion.

What inspires your collections? I’ll take a picture of a sunset, and [think,] That’s a good color palette, right there. Or when my daughters are painting, they put things together that I love. Looking at old patterns, from the ’50s and ’60s, or the embellishments that used to be on clothes. Those are just beautiful. A lot of it comes from interior design.

I want women to feel so confident when they put on a piece of my clothing, like they can take on the world.

So anything that gives me that feeling internally, that kind of lights that fire, I’ll make a note, I’ll take a picture.

“BALANCE IS A FOURLETTER WORD, AND I WISH PEOPLE WOULD JUST PUT IT IN THE TRASH CAN AND STOP STRIVING FOR IT.”

Like I was about to jump out of a plane without a parachute.

I also had a fear of, Everything I worked so hard to build—would I be able to get it back? [But] as soon as I made the decision, it was a weight lifted. I stopped for five years.

I never really expected to come back this soon—but as the marriage continued to deteriorate, I needed to start having that foundation for financial reasons to support four babies. And I’m so thankful. It’s been amazing. God has been so present through all of it.

10

Sometimes we have to ask ourselves who we want to be when our kids grow up. Yes, and

Your Instagram is a mix of parenting and fashion. Was that a conscious choice? Well, yes,

actually it was. I want people to see into my life. I have dinners to make and carpools to be done. I really do try to let people into the struggles, because we’re all there. I’ll get these amazing, sweet messages, like “I’ve been following you for 11 years, and I just want you to know that this helped me so much.” That’s so validating to me.

You’re a single mom of four and an entrepreneur. How do you find balance? Balance is

a four-letter word, and I wish people would just put it in the trash can and stop striving for it. No one’s balanced—just forget about that. It helps that all of my kids are in school. I don’t think I would have been able to start back yet, at least not at the level I wanted to be, if I had any kids still at home.

Exceptional dental care,

one smile at a time!

ABOVE // INSPIRED BY THE CREATIVE WOMEN IN HER FAMILY, SHERIDAN FRENCH HAS BEEN MAKING STUNNING DRESSES (LIKE THIS ONE) SINCE AGE 12.

One of the best things my kids’ dad ever told me was “Adjust as necessary.” I take that through pretty much every day. There’s always a curveball. You just do what needs to be done, keep pushing. And you learn a lot of lessons and come out stronger and better.

Dr. Melissa Rozas

rock bottom, 2014, when I was pregnant with my fourth, stopped the business and went to this amazing marriage ministry called Re-engage. I really heard the gospel … and felt so much love, so much peace. … I really just let go.

How has life changed since the divorce? It’s still pretty fresh. I feel like I’m walking through that now. There are a lot of people, especially being such a strong Christian, that divorce is like a four-letter word, and that was very, very hard. I hold no ill will toward anyone because I know everything that has been said to me has been said with a heart of love. That doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but it gives me understanding, and it’s helped me grow tremendously in compassion.

Logistically things were difficult, like moving out of our house. I was in the middle of redoing our 10,000-square-foot dream home in a beautiful neighborhood. You’re faced with a lot of questions, like Why am I valuing this home over my sanity? People call [divorce] the living death, [but] I think that we walked through it as well as we could have. It was very short, and the kids were our priority, and they always will be. There’s the co-parenting challenge, which we’re learning still. I mean, it’s all a process, but I’m encouraged every day, and I know we’re headed in the right direction.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would really love to be a fully developed lifestyle brand. I want to continue running my online business. I’d love to be in several hundred stores. I’d like to be working with some majors like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.

I don’t know as far as personally. I was with one of my mentors yesterday, and she said something; it brought tears to my eyes instantly. She said, “Sheridan, at the end of this decade your children are going to be 16, 17, 19 and 20. … This is when you pour into them. You will have taught them everything they need to know, the basics, within these next 10 years.” That floored me. I was like, “Oh my gosh. What a wakeup call.” So, that would be my hope, that in the next 10 years I have really instilled so much wisdom and so much love and understanding in each of my children, and could really give them a rock solid foundation in the Lord, in their academics, in their emotions, to be able to go on into the world and be a blessing to others and then do whatever they want to do.

Dr. Terra Compton

Dr. Loria Nahatis

Board Certified Diplomates, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTI COSPER / CANDID CHIC PHOTOGRAPHY

It seems like you have a really good mindset about giving yourself grace. How did you get there? It was really when our marriage got to

• Oral Wellness & Prevention

• Hands on Learning Lab

• Restorative Treatment

• CO2 Laser

• Hospital Dentistry

• Laser Frenectomy

972-393-9779 632 E. Sandy Lake Rd. Coppell, TX 75019 www.RozasDDS.com ©

northtexaschild / february 2020

11

real moms / 4

THINGS …

INTERVIEW HEATHER VANCE DEVERS

LOOKBOOK from luxe favorites to oh-so-relatable treats, here are sheridan french’s chic recommendations

FO R R ECH A RG I N G

2

g Theme parks (including Disney World and Six Flags) “I could theme park

all day long, like theme park hard.

Take me on all the roller coasters.”

SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS // 2201 Road to Six Flags St., Arlington; sixflags.com/overtexas

g Jumby Bay, off the coast of Antigua “It’s like a dream. I met Penelope Cruz there. She was amazing.

Her two beautiful children were there, and we all got to play together. Oh my gosh, she was so beautiful. I just wanted to, like, touch her face and her lips.”

REBEL ICE CREAM // rebelcreamery.com

12

february 2020 / northtexaschild

‘‘

FO R S E LF- C A R E

IF I’M TRYING TO FO RFOR A RMYSELF E BO OT CARE AS FAR AS PHYSICAL HEALTH, I REALLY ENJOY BARRE CLASS. I’M TRYING TO DO MORE STRENGTH TRAINING. AND I LOVE RUNNING. I DO ULTRA-MARATHONS— THE LONGEST I’VE DONE IS 41. I’D LOVE TO DO 100 SOMEDAY, BUT THE TRAINING THAT WOULD GO INTO THAT IS REALLY TIME CONSUMING. I DON’T HAVE THAT BANDWIDTH TO DO THAT.

‘‘

REBEL ICE CREAM IS KETO ICE CREAM. I’LL SIT AND EAT A PINT OF THAT AND WATCH SOME CHICKFLICK WITH JENNIFER LOPEZ. I EAT THE WHOLE PINT OF ICE CREAM, AND I JUST ADORE IT. I AM SO RECHARGED FROM THAT.

3

FO R A D U LT R E FR E S HM E NT

4

Ranch Water (tequila, soda water, lime juice) “With a ton of lime. All the lime juice.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK PRENDERGAST; PHOTO COURTESY OF REBEL ICE CREAM; OETKER COLLECTION’S JUMBY BAY ISLAND; ©ISTOCK

1

FO R FA M I LY TIM E

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL GUIDE //

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL G U I D E

Want more information?

Find these child care centers and preschools on our website. dfwchild.com

Enjoy an Activityfilled Staycation!

Spring Break Camps!

Baking!

Fizzing Lemonade Experiment!

Confetti Coasters!

DIY Scrunchies!

Unicorn Engineering Race!

Sugar Scru Gum! le b! b b u B DIY Crafts!

Games!

Fluffy Slime!

FLEXIBLE CAMP OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE!

SIGN UP ONLINEof

for a week n!

Amazing Fu

Visit our parent portal today to register online!

Camp runs daily from 9am to 4pm. Lunch is served from Noon to 1pm.

Dallas: 214-295-5877 Flower Mound: 972-899-9332 Fort Worth: 817-741-2572

Frisco: 972-668-5990 Highland Village: 972-317-4158 McKinney: 214-491-4088

Plano: 972-612-5400 Southlake: 817-488-4600

northtexaschild / february 2020

13

a monday in the life of

ERIN LEWIS

Erin Lewis used to spend her days working as a family law attorney. Today she’s a stay-athome mom, caring for her 1-year-old boy and girl twins Jackson and Palmer, helping 14-year-old stepdaughter Hilleary with homework and making time for regular date nights with husband Justin. They’re recent transplants to North Texas—living in Lantana after moving from Amarillo.

12

AM Diaper change time.

Jackson is a pee monster, so he starts out in a normal diaper at bedtime, and then at midnight, we switch to an overnight diaper. He wakes up briefly during the change but goes right back to sleep. Palmer sleeps through the whole thing. I pat her back and head back to bed.

7AM Justin wakes up to go work out. I try to use the time to shower or drink coffee before the twins wake up. Hilleary gets up to her alarm around 7am and starts getting ready and grabbing breakfast.

8AM Hilleary’s off to the bus stop after making her lunch and feeding the dog.

Palmer and Jackson are awake now! On to the nursery to check on Jackson’s pajamas.

Phew. Pajamas saved. I change his diaper and put him back in his bed while I change Palmer. Once we’re changed, we head to the living room for bottles. I set them in their Table for Two (an amazing inclined chair where I can feed both at the same

time). Once bottles are done, it’s time for diaper changes again and getting dressed.

8:30AM Time to play till naptime. The twins love their bouncer seats but only in the morning. I pop them in and let them bounce while I make myself breakfast and more coffee. They’ve started babbling, and it’s so much fun to step back and listen to them talk to each other.

9AM They start to get tired of the bouncer, so we move upstairs to the play yard. Jackson loves to play with balls and blocks, while Palmer likes to play with toys that make lots of noise and light up.

Justin’s home from his workout and starts getting ready for his day.

10AM It’s naptime! Now’s my chance to get ready. Afterward I go through the pantry to see what we already have and what we still need in order to make my grocery list.

NOON Babies wake up and are ready for their lunch. Jackson is my big baby and Palmer is a petite little thing, but they eat close to the same amount. I make myself a sandwich and some chips and eat with them.

1PM Time to load up for the grocery store.

The twins can sit in the cart pretty well. I grab a double-seat cart from the corral and load them up. Jackson and Palmer love being out.

2:30PM Back in the car and headed home.

It’s almost naptime, so they’re getting sleepy—but I really don’t want them to fall asleep in the car. I play music and sing to try to make them laugh. When we get home, I put the babies down and unload the groceries. I start some laundry, sit down on the couch and catch up on my Real Housewives for an hour.

4PM Babies are awake and ready to eat again. I fix two more bottles and get them fed. Change diaper … again … and then again. Babies are in their bouncers (begrudgingly) as I start to figure out dinner.

4:30PM Hilleary gets home, so we chat about her day and whether she has homework. She has algebra and Spanish. I call my friend who teaches algebra and get that homework help.

I used to teach Spanish, so I can help with that.

My husband is home from his day and tells me we’re having an impromptu date night. Time to run and freshen up!

5:30PM Justin and I head out while Hilleary watches the babies. She loves spending time with them—Jackson smiles and follows her everywhere, and Palmer wants to be right beside her. Justin and I grab some pizza, talk to each other about what’s happened throughout the day and what we have coming up. We try to do a date night at least once every two weeks.

7PM We’re back home, and it’s bathtime for

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

14

february 2020 / northtexaschild

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY

real moms / R O U T I N E S

the fine

print

BEAUTY PRODUCT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid Pro WHAT SHE’S READING Ken Follett’s Pillars of

the Earth and JAY-Z: Made in America

by Michael Eric Dyson WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY NorthPark Center or Southlake Town Square FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH Devon Sawa, the human Casper in the Casper movie FAVORITE CHEAP MEAL WITH THE FAMILY

Rosa’s WHAT MAKES HER LAUGH Be There in Five podcast WHAT MAKES HER CRY The movie Stepmom GO-TO RECIPE Sheet pan chicken BEST PURCHASE EVER Baby Brezza Formula Pro. It makes bottles in l5 seconds at the perfect temperature and consistency. No shaking, warming or powdered mess. WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Pray CELEBRITY MOM SHE ADMIRES Jennifer Garner SHE’S REALLY GOOD AT Making a mess SHE’S REALLY BAD AT Cleaning HOSTESS TIP Always have wine ON HER BUCKET LIST Sitting courtside at a Mavs game during a championship Game 7 FAVORITE SCENT Bonfires FAVORITE MOVIE Steel Magnolias RESTAURANT SHE FREQUENTS WITH THE FAMILY Marty B’s HOBBIES Reading, cooking, baking BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Cinnamon Coke or sweetened mint iced tea from HTeaO MOM BAG Tory Burch Gemini link crossbody FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Bistecca in Highland Village FAVORITE INDULGENCE Coffee.

All the coffee. WHAT SHE’S WATCHING Rewatching the Real Housewives of New Jersey

Come Build Kids Kastle

With Us Phase I March 23 - 26 Phase II March 31 - April 5

For more information, and to find out how you can get involved, visit SpeakUpHV.com today!

Kids Kastle HIGHLAND VILLAGE

THE KENNEDY CENTER THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES ON TOUR PRESENTS

Smithsonian Affiliate

MARCH 12

MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Best job

9:30 and 11:30 AM Carpenter Hall

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEAUTYBLENDER AND TORY BURCH

on the planet

the babies. Sometimes we do baths at the same time, but tonight, we do one at a time. Once they’re out of the bath, it’s time for their last bottle and bed.

7:30PM Diaper changes and into pajamas. We sing some songs, I read a few stories and we say our prayers.

Daddy comes in to help with stories and prayers. We give lots of kisses goodnight and then close the door.

8:30PM Adult time! It’s our Below Deck night. Yes, our 14-year-old watches it with us. We like to make fun of the cast.

We love trashy reality TV—don’t judge!

9:30PM I start to wind down and then head to bed with my midnight diaper alarm set. I make sure I can hear the monitor, and then I’m out. Midnight will be here before I know it!

Best for grades pre-K through 3rd grade

The script is written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling,Caldecott-honor award winning Pigeon picture books.

IrvingArtsCenter.com or call 972.252.ARTS 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, TX, 75062 Open 7 days a week • Free parking

northtexaschild / february 2020

15

BEST: MOMS & BABIES 2020 WINNERS WORDS LISA SALINAS

Best: Moms & Babies Winners

north texas’ top resources for all things childbirth

BEST CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR & BEST DOULA Maria Pokluda, CLD – Great Expectations Birth

With about 13 years of experience serving families, Maria Pokluda’s main goal is to help moms determine their best childbirth plan. Great Expectations Birth (the doula agency she founded) offers services ranging from lactation support to childbirth classes and full doula care. The mother of four teaches natural birth classes and a breastfeeding course (even private lessons). Courses focus on communication between expecting moms and their partners, and interactive lessons home in on mindfulness and physical exercises. This year, Pokluda will expand her offerings and offer more class locations in North Texas. And for moms who can’t make it in person, her full birth and breastfeeding classes are online too.

20

february 2020 / northtexaschild

Although Pokluda assists families with a variety of care needs, because of her own experience with infertility, she has a special passion for helping families coping with infertility themselves, in addition to supporting families who deliver at hospitals and are planning VBACs. greatexpectationsbirth.com RUNNERS-UP: Childbirth instructors: Julia West – Birth Boot Camp, and Tracy Corrigan DuBois, CD, CLC, CBE, CSE – The Mother’s Knot Doula: Tonya Buffington, CD – Right Hand Doula

BEST HOSPITAL TO HAVE A BABY Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton Comfort is key when choosing the right hospital to deliver your bundle

of joy. Families trust Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton for its attentive physicians, state-of-the-art NICU and delivery rooms. The hospital renovated its neonatal unit to allow moms to stay with their babies. Plus, labor and delivery rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, a rocking chair and recliner, as well as a personal bathroom; other amenities include breastfeeding support. Schedule a tour online.

3000 N. Interstate 35, Denton; texashealth.org/denton-baby RUNNER-UP: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine

BEST BIRTHING CENTER Inanna Birth & Women’s Care The registered nurses and midwives at Inanna Birth & Women’s Care have seen over 5,000 births in the last two decades. The quaint and comfy birthing center features two spacious birthing suites, an exam room and kitchen. Childbirth classes are taught by Inanna’s midwives; the center hosts postnatal fitness classes and CPR lessons as well. Call to schedule a tour.

1823 N. Locust St., Denton; inannabirth.com RUNNER-UP: Grapevine Birthing Center

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIA POKLUDA; DONNELYNN DOMINGUEZ, HORN PHOTOGRAPHY

W

e know it takes a village to prepare for and welcome your new baby.

Of course, finding that village, from childbirth instructors to doulas to the best babysitting service, can seem overwhelming—there is so much information out there these days. But don’t worry! Your fellow readers have stepped up to help. Our annual Best: Moms & Babies survey features the best of the best in all these topics (and more), chosen by you and your fellow moms.

Consider this our baby gift to you.

Your baby is precious.

So is sleep. Keep your family well rested with Live Love Sleep, our readers' favorite sleep consultant.

aid- and CPR-trained.

Multiple locations; primroseschools.com

RUNNER-UP: The Children’s Courtyard

BEST BABYSITTING SERVICE Mom’s Best Friend

When our readers and their partners need to take the night off, they call Mom’s Best Friend—a household staffing agency (with decades of experience serving families) that is quite literally a mom’s best friend.

Much more than a babysitting service, MBF matches families throughout Dallas-Fort Worth with full- and part-time nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants—even chefs. Their sitters are all certified in CPR and first aid, in addition to completing a 10-step screening process. They can care for littles as young as newborns. Find your next babysitter (or chef) by calling or searching online. mbfagency.com RUNNER-UP: Kiddin’ Around

BEST PARENT & BABY CLASSES

W in Kid s

BEST MIDWIFE Donnellyn Dominguez, LM, CPM – All About Babies Donnellyn Dominguez is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother with a clear passion for delivering babies. A licensed and certified midwife, she owns the midwifery and birth center All About Babies with her husband. Dominguez provides prenatal, birth and postpartum care; the center also has a massage therapist, pelvic floor physical therapist and chiropractor on-site. Drawing on her 14 years of experience, Dominguez actually trains others who are passionate about birth to become midwives too. Call for a free tour of the center.

305 E. FM 1830, Argyle; allaboutbabies.net RUNNER-UP: Jean Sala-Smith, MSN, CNM – Inanna Birth & Women’s Care

BEST CHILDCARE CENTER Primrose Schools Our readers trust Primrose Schools, which was founded over 30 years ago, for their babies’ educational growth. The private preschools provide care and classes for littles as young as 6 weeks old, nurturing infants’ development through movement, music, sign language and more. Titled Balanced Learning, the curriculum places equal value on a variety of learning areas so kids leave fully equipped to enter preschool or big-kid school. All teachers have experience in child development and are first

Win Kids is a perennial favorite among our readers and their kids. During 45-minute parent and baby classes, littles as young as 6 months learn the basic of gymnastics.

Depending on the child’s age and skill level, activities range from gym basics such as rolls and trampoline to handstands and cartwheels (for 2- to 3-year-olds). Have a budding ninja on your hands? Win Kids is also offering a new Ninja Tots class for toddlers, which still focuses on basic gymnastic skills while incorporating obstacle course activities. Call for a free introductory class.

3000 Waketon Road, Flower Mound; winkids.net RUNNER-UP: KinderMusik

BEST INFANT SWIM CLASSES Aqua-Tots Swim Schools

Water safety is absolutely critical, and you can start preparing your little one early. For teaching their kiddos to safely navigate the water, our readers trust Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. Thanks to indoor heated pools, Aqua-Tots offers lessons (for littles as young as 4 months) all year long. Parent-and-baby group lessons have a maximum of four students per class, but the schools also offer private and semi-private lessons. And if you happen to miss a class (because let’s face

it—life gets busy), Aqua-Tots has make-up lessons too.

777 S. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 409, Coppell 6060 Long Prairie Road, Suite 100, Flower Mound; aqua-tots.com RUNNER-UP: Emler Swim School

BEST SLEEP CONSULTANT Live Love Sleep Families in North Texas turn to Live Love Sleep to help their littles start catching their ZZZs— something that is foundational to your wellbeing and that of your newborn. Founder Kaley Medina starts working with families as soon as baby comes home to set them up for success before sleep training can begin (around age 3 months). LLS creates a customized sleep plan depending on your family’s needs, taking into account your parenting style and your child’s personality. Local parents typically select the in-home consultation, during which LLS sleep experts pay a visit to review the new sleep plan and help you implement techniques to get your baby to sleep. Recently, LLS also began offering services for adults—because we’re all at our best when we’re rested. livelovesleep.com RUNNER-UP: Newborn Nightingales

BEST SLEEP DISORDER EXPERTS Sleep Center at Cook Children’s

When their littles are tossing and turning at night, our readers trust Cook Children’s Sleep Center to diagnose their troubles and help them get some much-needed rest. The center has pediatric sleep medicine physicians and a sleep psychologist on-site and boasts kidfriendly rooms so your child feels right at home during overnight testing.

This year, the center is welcoming a new nurse practitioner who specializes in sleep disorders.

Though the Fort Worth center has the overnight sleep lab, sleep specialists also see patients in Denton, Southlake, Alliance and Mansfield. Cook Children’s will welcome pediatric sleep patients at its Prosper location later this year too.

1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth; cookchildrens.org RUNNER-UP: Children’s Health Sleep Disorders Center northtexaschild / february 2020

21

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved 2020

MOMS & BABIES WORDS DFWCHILD EDITORS

WHOA, MAMA! EATING FOR TWO? CHECK OUT THESE FACTS ABOUT WOMEN AND BABIES IN TEXAS.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES?

LOW BLOOD SUGAR

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

MALE CHILDREN BORN IN 2019 ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO THE YEAR

BEST FOODS TO EAT WHILE BREASTFEEDING

2095 WHILE

EGGS

MEAT

HIGH BIRTH WEIGHT

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

2099

TWIN BIRTHS ACCOUNTED FOR 3% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS IN 2015, WHILE OTHER MULTIPLES OCCURRED IN 0.1% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS DURING PREGNANCY REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS IN A WOMAN’S BODY ARE

20–30 TIMES HIGHER THAN USUAL

22

february 2020 / northtexaschild

Dallas has the

12TH HIGHEST

average cost for routine vaginal deliveries in the United States

POTATOES

DARK CHOCOLATE

PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD LIMIT THEIR CAFFEINE INTAKE TO LESS THAN

200 MG PER DAY

SOURCES: HEALTHLINE; TEXAS CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS; STATISTA; PYSCHOTHERAPY.COM; AMERICAN PREGNANCY ASSOCIATION; CASTLIGHT HEALTH; TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES

FEMALE CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO

mom approved

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

B

ringing a new life into the world is nothing short of miraculous. And you want the best for your little miracle. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to many excellent OB/GYNs and midwives, so how do you begin the search for the provider who will care for you and baby through pregnancy and birth? Your fellow DFWChild readers have made the process easier by sharing their recommendations for our annual Mom Approved guide—a list we compile to help you find the perfect midwife or OB/GYN for your growing family.

how we do it WHAT IS A MOM APPROVED DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE?

Mom Approved Doctors and Midwives are women’s health care professionals who have earned the trust, admiration and respect of our readers. Local moms reached out to our magazine, recommended these providers and told us why. Whether it’s for their empathy and kindness or their professional acumen, these doctors and midwives have impressed parents like you. All of these providers were in good professional standing at press time.

WHAT MAKES MOM APPROVED DOCTORS DIFFERENT?

Each year various publications come out with lists ranking area health care professionals. Often these providers are chosen not by patients but by other providers.

We think Mom Approved Doctors are special because they’ve been nominated by the consumers: local parents. 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 momto-mom referral list.

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

Osborn, Rachel MD Seasons OB/GYN See ad on page 25

MIDWIVES ARGYLE Dominguez, Donnellyn LM, CPM All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center Grames, Kassidy LM, CPM All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center

recommendation. If you have a local OB/GYN or midwife you love, tell us.

May, Kathaleen LM, CPM All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center

HOW DO I RECOMMEND A PROVIDER?

FLOWER MOUND Dickens, Beth APRN, CNM Flower Mound Women’s Care See ad on page 24

DFWChild holds four surveys a year for readers to nominate their favorite health care providers (along with OB/GYNs and midwives, surveys include pediatricians, dentists and wellness professionals such as counselors). We post surveys at different points during the year on our website; visit dfwchild. com/directory and look for Mom Approved Docs to find active surveys. We ask that you leave comments telling us why you love a particular provider. Is it her friendly demeanor? His listening and communication skills? Other parents want to know why you think this health care professional is special. (Comments we publish may be edited for length, grammar and clarity.)

WHERE CAN I VIEW COMMENTS ABOUT THESE MOM APPROVED DOCTORS AND MIDWIVES?

The full list of Mom Approved providers, with comments from the mothers who recommended them, can be viewed in the Mom Approved Docs section at dfwchild.com/directory.

mom approved midwives & ob/gyns

Van Dell, Guy MD Flower Mound Women’s Care See ad on page 24 IRVING Awosemusi, Yetunde MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Las Colinas Carleo, James MD MacArthur Medical Center Enggano, Brian MD MacArthur Medical Center Fanous, Elia MD MacArthur Medical Center

IRVING Santangelo, Traci RN, MS, CNM BirthPointe

Livingston, Jeff MD MacArthur Medical Center

OB/GYNS

Sakovich, Stephen Peter MD MacArthur Medical Center

Ramos, Shelley MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Las Colinas

CROSS ROADS Robertson Bartos, Heather MD, FACOG be. Women’s Health & Wellness DENTON Dooley, Christina MD Denton Obstetrics & Gynecology McDonald, Daniel MD, FACOG OB/GYN Specialists

Thomas, Stacey MD MacArthur Medical Center Yu, Angela MD MacArthur Medical Center LEWISVILLE Goldman, Alexandra MD North Texas OB/GYN

Wilson, Marc MD, FACOG OB/GYN Specialists FLOWER MOUND Banks, Lauren MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates See ad on page 24 Davis-Herr, Jacqueline MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates See ad on page 24 Galusha, Andrea MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates See ad on page 24

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

Lungren, Amy MD Seasons OB/GYN See ad on page 25 northtexaschild / february 2020

23

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guy Van Dell, MD & Beth Dickens, APRN, CNM Obstetrics, Gynecology & Midwifery 4x Mom Approved

Flower Mound Women’s Care 2980 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. E Flower Mound, TX 75022 972-899-9787 fmwomenscare.com

Flower Mound Women’s Care is honored to have a “Mom Approved Physician and Certified Nurse Midwife”, Dr. Guy Van Dell, a board certified OB/GYN and Elizabeth “Beth” Dickens, APRN, CNM in their practice. They would like to thank the wonderful patients for this designation. Dr. Guy Van Dell completed his undergraduate education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He earned his medical degree at Tech Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas in 1998 and completed his residency at the Texas Tech University Program in El Paso, Texas in 2002, where he became fluent in Spanish.

Elizabeth “Beth” Dickens APRN, CNM graduated from Baylor College of Medicine Nurse Midwifery Program thirtytwo years ago and has pursued her passion with a fervor helping women and their families. Beth knows she chose a profession that is extremely rewarding and fulfilling. She has worked with Dr. Van Dell for over a decade.

Their mission is to provide care for women at every stage of their lives and they understand that every woman has unique needs and concerns. They strive to provide the highest quality of care in a comfortable, professional, timely manner, while at the same time making their patients feel as though they are family.

Andrea Galusha, MD, Jackie Davis-Herr, MD & Lauren Banks, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 5x Mom Approved

Since 1989, Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates has proudly served the women of our community. Our doctors provide compassionate care throughout all phases of a woman’s life. From a young woman’s first gynecology visit, through family planning, child birth, infertility, menopause, and everything in between, we have a diverse group of providers to meet all of our patient’s needs.

This year Andrea Galusha, MD, Jackie Davis-Herr, MD and Lauren Banks, MD have been nominated by our patients and readers of NorthTexasChild magazine as Mom Approved Providers. We are honored by this recognition and thankful for the opportunity to continue caring for the amazing women in our community.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates 4001 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 150 Flower Mound, TX 75028 972-420-1470 fmobgyn.com

24

february 2020 / northtexaschild

mom approved

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Amy Lungren, MD & Rachel Osborn, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology 3x Mom Approved

Seasons OB/GYN

3051 Churchill Dr., Suite 220 Flower Mound, TX 75022 214-513-1101 • 214-513-1098 fax seasonsflowermound.com

Dr. Lungren cares for women through all stages of life, from teens through childbearing into midlife and menopause. She has a passion for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and has spent many years completing advanced BHRT training, including hormone pellet therapy.

Dr. Osborn chose to exclusively work with females as an OB/GYN so that she could provide counseling and medical care to women at all stages of their lives. Driven by the bonds she builds with her patients throughout their lives, she enjoys keeping her patients healthy and well.

Seasons’ obstetrical practice includes routine and high-risk pregnancies.

Both physicians are trained in minimally invasive techniques including the daVinci Surgical System for hysterectomy, tubal ligation, and many major gynecological surgeries. Seasons provides in-office procedures for patient convenience, including hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation, dilation and curettage and LEEP procedures for cervical dysplasia.

Mom Approved 2020 When your child is sick or hurt, little else matters.

Check out our Mom Approved directory at dfwchild.com/directory (and select Mom Approved Docs) to find dentists and health care professionals to fit your family’s needs. Each Mom Approved professional is nominated by local moms, just like you.

northtexaschild / february 2020

25

kid culture.

©ISTOCK

SEEING PAST DIFFERENCES how to talk to your child about kids with special needs WORDS LISA SALINAS

A

S PARENTS, WE KNOW ALL TOO WELL THAT CHILDREN HAVE A

million questions. They are instinctively curious and ask things sans filter.

But what happens when those questions are about—and perhaps voiced in front of—someone who has special needs?

“Why do his eyes look like that?”

“Why does his voice sound funny?”

(Cue the cringing.)

Local mom Brittany Lopez is very familiar with the looks and remarks that come from inquisitive kiddos.

“My son—he just turned 4—has autism and is about a year behind,” Lopez says. “My northtexaschild / february 2020

27

kid culture / S E E I N G

Get Involved OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

TO PROMOTE YOUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, EMAIL ADVERTISING@DFWCHILD.COM

SEEKING SURROGATE MOTHERS Compensation: $40K-$50K+ Help make an infertile couple’s dream of having a family come true by becoming a surrogate mother!

• between the ages of 21-42 • healthy non-smokers • enjoy being pregnant

The baby will not be biologically related to you

214-390-4024 | www.deliveradream.com

Advertise with us! advertising@dfwchild.com 972/447-9188 28

february 2020 / northtexaschild

PAST DIFFERENCES

sister has intellectual disabilities. She’s 30, 31 “I don’t mind if a child comes up to me now and functions around a 5-year-old level. and asks me why Zach’s eyes are different,” Growing up with her, you definitely dealt says Bryan. “I would probably take offense if with stares.” they said that he looked ugly.”

As a special education teacher for 10 years, When your child does notice differences, Lopez worked with children who had mental your tone is important. “If you yell at [your health and emotional child]—because I’ve also issues, learning disabilities, seen that; ‘I told you not IN THE MOMENT autism spectrum disorders to be staring at them!’— and intellectual disabilities. If your kiddo does something that’s not going to help,” Putting neurotypical children uncomfortable when interactexplains Hernandez. ing with someone who has a disat ease around those If your child asks ability, here’s how to respond: kids starts with your own questions about a peer actions, according to Lopez. with special needs, give “It has to do with you straightforward, ageBe kind and calm.

Stay away • as the adult building an appropriate answers. from hastily reacting to your environment of inclusivity,” child’s actions, and instead kindly “I think we sometimes she says. “You have to as adults forget that kids redirect their attention. “Not model it.” can still understand in any abrupt way, or yelling at That might look like certain things,” says them, but just gently tell them, inviting a kiddo who has Bryan. If answering a ‘It’s not polite to point, it’s not special needs over to play OK to stare, so let’s just sit down question about a child with with your child. But first, Down syndrome, “you for a minute and talk,’” advises it’s emphasizing to your don’t have to go into the Cook Children’s family therapist child that we’re actually whole triplication of the Janette Hernandez. all different­—and that we chromosomes,” she says.

Talk it out.

Once you have • connect with each other your little’s attention, give them “You can just say, ‘He has not by pointing out those Down syndrome. It’s a some information. differences, but by finding medical condition that makes “Explain to them, in a nice commonalities. his eyes shaped different.’” tone, in a whisper tone, what “We all have the ability the child might be up against,” to love,” notes Janette OPEN DOORS Hernandez says. “This happened Hernandez, family therapist just here the other day in the Special needs don’t have to at Cook Children’s McCart clinic with a little boy [whose] be a barrier to meaningful Neighborhood Clinic in interactions. Lopez helps legs were truncated. A little boy Fort Worth. “We all have her son’s peers understand was staring at him, and his mama the ability to be kind.” how they can play together. was like, ‘OK, I don’t want you to “Other kids say, ‘Why stare, but let’s talk about how the DIFFERENT, BUT isn’t he talking to me?’” body is formed inside.’ She [did] a THE SAME Lopez notes. “I say, ‘Well, wonderful job of explaining you Alice Bryan is a Farmers it’s hard for him to talk, don’t know exactly what’s going Branch mother of five, talking is hard—but, you to happen when the baby is born, including 5-year-old twins know, he’s really good at but that the baby is just as special Luke and Zach. Luke is these puzzles right here.’” as the other children.” neurotypical, and Zach has Hernandez agrees • Make a connection. If you have Down syndrome. Although the time and opportunity, connect that kids connect when they are physically different with the parent and child. you create opportunities.

(Zach comes up to Luke’s “We see it out here in “Apologize and have a shoulders), Bryan reiterates conversation with your child and the waiting room a to her sons that there is lot—disabled children the disabled child,” Hernandez nothing wrong with that. with other children that says. “If you can open doors for “We come in all shapes, sit down and color. … communication, then kids will sizes and colors,” she says. see that [the differences are] not They forget that they’re so Even though we explain such a big thing. .... [They realize] different.” to our children that being You can also redirect that, ‘Hey, we both can sit down different is OK, they might and color.’” your child’s language and still have questions and thought processes to look slip-ups. Bryan recalls an at others’ differences as instance when Luke was staring at a child in evidence of their strength. a wheelchair.

“Luke sometimes will point out “I’ll just say, ‘They need a little extra help differences,” Bryan says of her twins. “I sometimes,’” she says. “I teach them it’s OK to started to explain that you don’t point out ask questions, but it’s not OK to make fun.” what [Zach] can’t do. I said, ‘What you don’t Bryan welcomes questions about Zach as understand is that Zach works twice as hard long as they are offered respectfully. to do what you do.’”

At the end of the day, remind your littles that they’re looking at another kid just like them.

“You look at the person; you acknowledge the person, not the medical device, right?” Bryan says. “And say hi. Then … you can kind of judge the scenario or have the [other] parent help judge the scenario—see if it’s appropriate to ask questions.”

It all comes down to the golden rule.

“Treat others as you want to be treated,” Hernandez says. “Everyone is gifted, everyone is creative in our own way, and [we should] teach that to our children more and more.”

EDUCATION IS KEY

Here are some resources to help your child better understand and interact with kids who have special needs: BOOKS & OTHER MEDIA Kelly and the Great Pinewood Derby

Dallasite Jordan Burk—a caregiver to his uncle Kelly, who had Down syndrome— authored this book that touches on our differences and similarities. The story stars a character named Kelly (who has Down syndrome) and his trusty koala friend. kellyandkelso.com

Sesame Street

The beloved children’s TV show debuted Julia, a muppet who has autism, in 2017. Go to Sesame Street’s website to find interactive games, videos and stories that enable discussions about what it means to be on the autism spectrum and how we can celebrate those with differences. autism.sesamestreet.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TO BE LIKE ME; PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE; SESAME STREET; KELLY AND KELSO

Just Ask

Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this picture book introduces characters with an array of differences, such as dyslexia, Tourette syndrome and autism.

The book uses the metaphor of a garden to explain that we’re all different—and special too. Available in Spanish and English. penguinrandomhouse.com

COMMUNITY PROGRAM To Be Like Me

This two-hour program, created by local professionals-slashmoms, focuses on awareness of different abilities. Participants go through simulated situations (a classroom, a flight, a restaurant) to learn how to better interact with people who have disabilities and learning differences. The program is offered at Tolleson Family Activity Center in Dallas. tobelikeme.org

northtexaschild / february 2020

29

BEST EVER 2020

T R AV E L

ST EM Supporting sponsors

Scan with phone to RSVP

the agenda HILD.COM

R DAILY E

VISIT

FO

DF

WC

V

EN

TS

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

20 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

F E B R UA RY Center. Join in the Saturday afternoon celebration, with dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances and art making (that includes everything from traditional Chinese calligraphy and red envelope decorating to rat-inspired crafts). Plus, all announcers speak in both Mandarin and English. FREE 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas crowmuseum.org

DOKTOR KABOOM & THE WHEEL OF SCIENCE

FEB. 20-23 // YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE THE CHARACTERS AND YOU’LL LOVE THE MUSIC IN NICKELODEON’S THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL—WITH TUNES BY PANIC! AT THE DISCO, THE FLAMING LIPS AND MORE.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF IRVING; TURK STUDIOS; NICKELODEON

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

W ILL RO G E RS M EMORIAL C E N T E R Through February 8 The annual festival continues with livestock shows, petting zoos, carnival rides and—for the first time inside the new Dickies Arena—rodeo competitions by daredevil, bull-riding cowboys.

Rodeo tickets sold separately. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–16 and free for age 5 and younger. On Feb. 3, rodeo tickets and grounds admission are free for active and retired service members and their families.

3400 Burnett Tandy Drive, Fort Worth fwssr.com

PRIDE & PREJUDICE

IRV ING ART S C E N TE R Through February 8 Billed as not “your grandmother’s Austen,” this new adaptation by Kate

Hamill spins the tale of Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy for a new era. Main Stage IrvingLas Colinas presents this post-modern version in the Arts Center’s Dupree Theatre.

Tickets from $21.

3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving mainstageirving.com

FROST FEST

CIMAR RON PAR K February 1 Now that we have one snowfall under our belts this season, the next one is guaranteed at this free winter festival—featuring a play area with fresh snow every 30 minutes, a snow tubing hill (riders must be at least 42 inches tall) and even ice carving. There will also be live animals, including a penguin from Dallas Zoo’s Animal Adventures. If you get cold, warm up inside the recreation center with winter crafts and more family fun.

Free shuttle service from Ranchview High School. FREE

201 Red River Trail, Irving cityofirving.org

DINO BO

EXPLORIUM DE NTON C HILDRE N’ S MUSE UM February 1 Explorium’s resident paleontologist, “Dino Bo” Beau McDaniel, returns on Saturday afternoon for this all-ages program. Come get a close look at remnants from the prehistoric world during this intimate and interactive show-and-tell of real dinosaur fossils. Free with regular admission ($5 for adults and for children).

5800 Interstate 35, Suite 214, Denton exploriumdenton.org

WYLY T HE AT RE February 3–4 The explosively funny actorslash-comedian David Epley wows young audiences as German physicist Doktor Kaboom in four educational shows. Thanks to his giant spinning Wheel of Science, no two shows will be alike.

Come watch him spin the wheel and select which science experiment he’ll perform next—electrocuting a pickle, catapulting bananas across the stage or testing out a homemade hovercraft—all in the name of teaching scientific

principles. Tickets are $10.

2400 Flora St., Dallas attpac.org

TROLLS LIVE!

T HE T HE ATRE AT G R A ND PR AI RI E February 7–9 Poppy, Branch and more curiously coiffed characters from the 2016 animated movie come to Dallas-Fort Worth on the first-ever Trolls Live! musical tour. Bring your little fans to experience the new storyline: the Trolls’ Hug Time is at risk, and the only way to save it is by—what else?—throwing a glitter dance party. Tickets from $19. VIP tickets include a character meet and greet.

1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie trollslive.com

EARTH’S CARETAKERS

BIODIVE RSI T Y E DUCAT ION C ENT ER February 8 What do these decomposers, pest controllers, recyclers and rodent controllers have in common? They’re all animals! Learn more about these creatures and how their

CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

NORT HPA RK CE NT E R February 1 2020 is the Year of the Rat on the Chinese astrological calendar, and in honor of the animal sign, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is hosting its annual bash at NorthPark

FEB. 1 // CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE RAT WITH THE CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART’S CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL AT NORTHPARK CENTER.

northtexaschild / february 2020

31

HILD.COM

V

EN

TS

DFWCHILD’S BEST SUMMER EVER

FEB. 14-16 // SESAME STREET IS COMING TO A STAGE NEAR YOU. YOUR LITTLES WILL ENJOY COOKIE MONSTER AND MORE FAVORITES IN THIS LIVE SHOW.

jobs impact the environment by joining this live animal program at Coppell Nature Park’s Biodiversity Education Center. Best for kids 5 and older but open to all ages.

Registration is required, so go online and select one of the hour-long programs on Saturday morning. FREE 367 Freeport Parkway, Coppell coppellactivities.com

SECOND SUNDAY FUNDAY

IRV ING ART S C E N TE R February 9 In celebration of Black History Month, discover the legacy of African-American artist Romare Bearden (1911–1988) by participating in one of his favorite mediums: collage.

You and your kids will first take in his colorful and expressive compositions and then use them for inspiration in creating your own pieces. FREE 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 200, Irving irvingartscenter.com

SESAME STREET LIVE! MAKE YOUR MAGIC

F OR D C E N TE R AT T H E STA R February 14–16 A magician named Justin inspires Elmo to perform magic tricks. There’s just one problem: He doesn’t know how. Elmo discovers the power of practice, practice, practice in this live show with Big Bird (who learns how to do shadow puppetry) and Cookie Monster and Gonger (who uncover the science of baking). Tickets from $35. VIP tickets include a pre-show meet and greet, onstage tour and up-close magic trick from a roaming magician.

1 Cowboys Way, Frisco sesamestreetlive.com 32

SATURDAY AT THE CABIN

LEW ISV ILLE L AK E ENV IRONMENTAL LEAR NING AR EA February 15 Docents open up the 1869 Minor-Porter log house, smokehouse, dugout and homestead grounds to give tours during LLELA’s third Saturday history program. Come and go between 10am and noon to look inside the historic structures, learn about pioneer life and join a craft for kids to take home. Free with the gate entrance fee ($5 per vehicle, cash or check only).

201 E. Jones St., Lewisville llela.org

NICKELODEON’S THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

BASS PER F OR MANCE HALL February 20–23 Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? You will, for the duration of this live stage show starring the zany sponge and his Bikini Bottom buddies.

Watch them save their world and share a message of friendship, all while singing and dancing to the sounds of Panic!

At the Disco, The Flaming Lips, Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper and Lady Antebellum. Tickets from $44.

525 Commerce St., Fort Worth basshall.com

JUNIE B. JONES: THE MUSICAL

MEDICAL CIT Y LEW ISV ILLE GR AND TH EATER February 21–23 The first-grade student

february 2020 / northtexaschild

G RE E NVILLE SCHO OL February 22 A LL SA INT S’ E PISC OPA L SCHO OL February 23 To help you get a head start on making summer plans for your family, we’re bringing back our original camp fair and planning expo with back-to-back events in Addison and Fort Worth.

We’ll keep the kids busy throughout the day while parents and caregivers meet with reps from more than 80 local and national camps, day and overnight camps, schools and other education programs. Sign up for extracurriculars and even plan your family vacation in one afternoon. FREE 4141 Spring Valley Road, Addison 9700 Saints Circle, Fort Worth dfwchild.com

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO

IRVING A RT S CE NT E R February 25 They’re graceful, talented and the tallest ballerinas you’ll ever see dance on pointe. Laugh out loud with this all-male troupe as they perform twists on classic ballets Swan Lake, Don Quixote and Giselle on the Carpenter Hall stage as part of their worldwide tour.

Tickets from $16.50.

3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving irvingartscenter.com

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN: CELEBRATE THE CHANGE

F ORT WORTH B OTA NIC G A RDE N C ONSERVATORY Opens February 29 During this six-week

IT’S NOT A COMPETITION

Lego master builders, professional cosplayers and the high-flying Harlem Globetrotters put you to the test this month—but it’s all fun and games.

LEGO MINI MASTERS COMPETITION

LE G OL A ND DISC OVE RY CE NT E R February 8 Want to score free annual passes to Legoland and even more awesome perks? Enter online to compete in a 30-minute build challenge for a chance to win a spot on Legoland’s 2020 Creative Crew. Throughout the year, a special team of 12 kids will work side by side with the Master Model Builder at special events.

Open to ages 6–11. Free entry; includes center admission for the contestant and one adult.

3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine dallasfw.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

NORTH TEXAS COMIC BOOK SHOW

IRVING C ONVE NT ION CE NT E R February 15–16 For kids who love comics and superheroes, Valentine’s Day weekend brings an opportunity to show off their cosplay skills, build their comic and toy collections and meet legendary artists and writers.

The cosplay contest begins at 2pm on Saturday and is open to adults and kids. Event admission is $25 for Saturday and $20 on Sunday.

Free for kids age 12 and younger.

500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving comicbooksdallas.com

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

A ME RICA N A IRLINE S CE NT E R February 22 DICKIE S A RE NA February 23 Want to make your weekend a slam dunk? Bring your young sports fans to see and play with the high-flying basketball wizards of the Harlem Globetrotters, returning to North Texas on their Pushing the Limits World Tour. Stay after the game to meet your favorite player courtside for a photo. Game tickets from $23; the Magic Pass (additional $22) gets you pre-game court access with the stars to snap photos and learn the tricks behind their trick shots.

2500 Victory Ave., Dallas 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth harlemglobetrotters.com exhibit, the recently restored tropical rainforest conservatory becomes home to a multitude of exotic butterflies from the Americas, Africa and Asia. Come see the much-loved blue morpho, the glasswing butterfly (with wings as transparent as glass) and the starry night butterfly with wings straight out of a Van Gogh painting. Timed admission is $12 for adults, $8 for ages 6–15 and free for children 5 and younger. You can get garden/exhibit combo tickets.

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth fwbg.org

MONSTER JAM

AT &T STA DI UM February 29 At 10 feet tall and 12,000 pounds, these dieselburning monster trucks are monstrously large. Don’t miss your chance to see the world-class drivers of Grave Digger, Time Flys and all 14 trucks returning to Arlington to race, flip and fly over a dirt arena à la Evel Knievel. Come before the evening show to meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pit party beginning at 2:30pm.

Get your pit party passes from $15 and show tickets from $35.

Don’t forget your earplugs!

1 AT&T Way, Arlington monsterjam.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 FELD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.; WJN PHOTOGRAPHY; HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS; ©ISTOCK

becomes a first-rate diva as she rotates through best friends, discovers she needs glasses to see the blackboard and writes in her Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal.

Follow along with her antics during this comedy musical based on four books by Junie B. Jones creator Barbara Park, presented on stage for one weekend by the kids of Christian Youth Theater.

Tickets are $14 in advance and $16 at the door.

100 N. Charles St., Lewisville cytdallas.org

R DAILY E

VISIT

FO

DF

WC

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BEST Summer EVER EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/directory

359 Lake Park Rd., Suite 118 Lewisville, TX 75057 getintotheact.org/camps

16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 573-458-2125 • office@bearriverranch.com CubCreekScienceCamp.com

ACT Spring Break Musical Theatre Camp is an experience full of fun, creativity, and hard work. While immersed in an action-packed, fast-paced environment, all campers receive intentional direction, choreography instruction, and music, all taught by our one-of-a-kind camp staff. Instructors inspire and ignite the imaginations of young performers, who are challenged to stretch themselves and explore their own creativity and gifts.

While campers enjoy an exhilarating experience working toward a fabulous show, the hidden gifts they receive are the lessons and friendships that last a lifetime!

Imagine a summer camp where campers eat breakfast with a colony of lemurs, zoom down a zip-line and pet a camel before lunch, and play a camp-wide game of Capture the Flag after dinner! Cub Creek is that camp! With 300 incredible animals and over 100+ classes, we are not your average science camp! Welcoming boys and girls ages 7 to 17 for over 25 years.

7710 Fall Creek Highway Granbury, TX 76049 817-831-2111 • CampFireFW.org

Camp El Tesoro overnight camp inspires boys and girls ages six–16 to achieve whatever they set their minds to. Archery, canoeing, horseback riding, nature studies, dance and more! Kids go to camp because it’s fun, but what they find are new friendships and magic in themselves. El Tesoro creates connections like nowhere else. See for yourself what makes El Tesoro a special place! Come to a FREE Camp Preview. Details online.

2430 Hwy. 39, Hunt TX 78024 830-238-4650 RagsdaleFamilyCamps.com

Two- and four-week options for traditional camps (boys and girls separate) on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Ages 6–16. Family style dining, home cooked food, worldwide, limited enrollment, personable staff, role model counselors and fun programs!

Instruction-oriented, offering more than 50 activities, including sports, horseback riding and swimming.

Also intangibles—self-confidence, teamwork, leadership, individual identity and dealing with challenges. Ragsdale family owned and operated.

Stewart est. 1924, Heart in 1953. northtexaschild / february 2020

33

confessions

MOM TRUTHS ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

WE TOOK

MY DAUGHTER TO SEE DISNEY ON ICE AT AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, SO NOW SHE THINKS THAT DALLAS IS WHERE ALL THE PRINCESSES LIVE. I DON’T HAVE THE HEART TO CORRECT HER.”

My aging parents moved in with us recently. One day, my son was yelling, ‘Mommy, Mommy, I have a new toy!’ He was using his grandmother’s bedpan and basin for her bedside commode as a shield and hat! Fortunately, they were clean.”

—NICOLE, LITTLE ELM

“My 3-year-old daughter recently heard me tell someone that I thought her 5-month-old sister was a boy during my pregnancy because of the way I felt. A week later, I’m sorting boy clothes for my cousins and my daughter asks, ‘Mommy, is this from when the baby was a boy?’”

—ESTELA, IRVING

—HEATHER, FRISCO

34

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

february 2020 / northtexaschild

“My daughter got ahold of my Vaseline right before we were about to leave for preschool. I walked into her room and she just turned to me with the biggest smile. I asked her, ‘Uh, baby, what did you do?’ She replied, ‘I’m getting pretty!’”

—TASHAE, ARLINGTON

I MISSED MY CHILD’S PARENTTEACHER CONFERENCE. THE TEACHER SENT ME A SWEET EMAIL THAT SAID, ‘I HOPE I DIDN’T KEEP YOU WAITING TOO LONG THAT YOU HAD TO HEAD OUT!’ IT COMPLETELY SLIPPED MY MIND!” —CHRISTIN, FORT WORTH

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

I took the kids to a ballet. My 5-year-old son said, ‘When are they going to stop dancing and hopping around and tell us what’s going on?’ I explained that they dance the entire time and that there aren’t really words. He replied, ‘Dance the whole time? What’s the point of that?!?’”

—TINA, COLLEYVILLE

OUR KIDS What matters to you, your family, your children?

Our journalists cover the biggest stories impacting your child’s education, health and community.

Where there’s a story, we’ll be there.

Let us know what matters to you at dallasnews.com/matters

Real.

Journalism.