Suburban Parent: Coppell

JUNE 2015 | FREE suburbanparent.com

COPPELL | FLOWER MOUND | LEWISVILLE | HIGHLAND VILLAGE | CARROLLTON | FARMERS BRANCH

MOM’S TOOLBOX

FOR SUMMER SANITY!

BY DAY OR AWAY...

WE’VE GOT CAMPS

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE...

CAMPING WITH BABY

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Mary Ellen Caldwell, RD, LD, CLT editor@suburbanparent.com

MARY SHARES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SUMMER DAYS ARE LONG...

Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patrick Hempfing Ken Swarner

CALENDAR EDITOR Danya Fields

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Jennifer Mazy Photography www.mazyphotography.com

AD DESIGNERS Victor Perry Luis Robles So Hee Lee Won

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Natalie Brink Nubia de la Garza Doddie Guerra Julissa Ranjel

AD COORDINATOR/ DISTRIBUTION Francie Morin francie@suburbanparent.com

ACCOUNTING Carrie Vincent carrie@suburbanparent.com

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PHONE/MAIL 972.887.7779 8344 Sterling Street Irving, Texas 75063

B

ut it seems my days are so short! Time seems to be speeding its HE WHO FEARS way through my life. One day my children are in need of direction THE LORD HAS A from my husband and me, and then in the blink of an eye, my SECURE FORTRESS, oldest is a young man making most of his own decisions (and really well AND FOR HIS too); and my youngest is doing ALL her homework without me watching CHILDREN IT WILL over her. I’m really missing Religion, Science and Vocab!

BE A REFUGE. This half-year flew by too. It’s already June. Did you know that — PROVERBS 14:26 there are more marriages between a man and a woman in June than in any other month? Why June? Well some classical scholars believe that the month of June is actually named after Juno, the Roman goddess and patron of marriages; and way back they believed she protected women. The name “June” also comes from the Latin word “juvenis” which means “young people.” Hmmm, young marriages; personally, I hope the average age for getting married does not continue to climb. Right now in Texas the average ages are 25.7 for females and 27.5 for males.

June is a special month for so many reasons. Let’s start with all the happy kids living in the Northern Hemisphere; schools out for summer! And of course we celebrate with our “June Brides” and our “June Babies.” Speaking of babies; we hope you enjoy our covers this month! June is our “All Things Baby” issue. It wasn’t easy choosing from all the submitted images of local kids & babies to capture just the look we wanted for each of our publications. Are you going to have a baby soon; or maybe a friend?

We have some “Win this” items in our “We Love This” feature page. You can win something each month through our publications.

Father’s Day is celebrated in June; always the third Sunday. This complements Mother’s Day and it’s so important for fathers to know the great significance their fathering makes on children. Father’s Day includes fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and father figures; all whom have contributed to and influenced a person’s life. Read our You Should Know feature to learn how kids feel about fathers. We also have a Gift Guide for Kids, with fun father’s day gift ideas.

A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR FATHERS God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children.

Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.

Amen

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Keep in touch with us! You can always email us at editor@suburbanparent.com or reach us through social media. We will be posting the WINNERS of the 2-nights stay at the beautiful Gaylord Texan Resort this month. Be sure to like us on our Facebook pages and visit our website; you can enter to win stuff there too! Life is short – win something! SP

COVER MODEL Juliet, 11 mos Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks.

Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

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Juliet is full of personality and loves playing with her sister Madelyn. She also adores her two fur siblings, Ollie and Austin. In her spare time you can find Juliet watching Minnie Mouse or playing guitar with daddy while munching on her favorite snack, Cheerios! (pictured at 8 mos, now 11 mos)

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YOU SHOULD KNOW KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS Symptoms of preeclampsia can be mistaken as being “normal” during pregnancy. It is critical for all pregnant women to understand the warning signs and seek medical attention if they experience them. This includes stomach pain, headaches, throwing up (especially later in pregnancy), seeing spots and other vision changes, swelling in the hands and face and gaining more than five pounds in a week.

WHEN THE MERCURY RISES During summer months, the best bet for babies is to put them in clothes made from natural fibers like cotton. These absorb perspiration better than synthetic fabrics. When indoors, dress them in loose-fitting, lightweight garments, much like you would wear.

When outdoors, put them in light-weight, colored long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. It’s okay to use minimal sunscreen on babies under 6 months, but it’s better to keep them in the shade. Staying indoors at peak sun hours (10am-2pm) is recommended. TIP: Hold your kids clothing in front of a light, if you can see through it, know that there is no SPF protection and you will need to apply sunscreen under the garment.

KIDS + DAD TIME When asked, kids consistently say they would like to have more time with their dads. Regardless of whether a dad shares a home with the children and their mother, kids need dad time. Working together on a chore or simply hanging out can be as meaningful as attending events or having adventures. Kids want to know their fathers. Just as important, they want their fathers to know them. See more at: http://www.fathersforgood.org/ ffg/en/fathers_essential/whats_dad.html#sthash.4tYFH4fm.dpuf

FITTING IN FITNESS If you can’t seem to fit in a full 30 minutes of exercise per day, don’t fret. Studies show that exercising for 10 minutes three times a day is just as effective. Just make sure that you exercise at moderate to high intensity and that you get a total of 150 minutes in per week. The exercises don’t have to be complicated. We’re talking brisk walking, dancing with the kids, jump rope, climbing the stairs, that sort of thing. Keep in mind, this is the minimal amount of exercise recommended, but hey, a little exercise is better than no exercise.

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PHANTOM POWER COSTING YOU $$!

Before leaving the house in the morning or going to bed at night, don’t just turn off items not in use, unplug them and save yourself some money.

According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the average home contains 40 idle products (i.e. TVs, computers, toasters) constantly drawing power that together account for as much as 10 percent of household energy use – that’s more than $100 spent each year to power devices that are turned off. To make it easier, plug appliances into a power strip, and then turn it off when the devices are not in use. $100 is $100.

QUESTIONS { + PROFESSIONAL ANSWERS }

KAITLIN, MOM OF 1 ASKS Q. I have a 2 year old and would like to know what is the best toothpaste for him to be using? Fluoride or no fluoride?

A. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste should be used is based on the age of the child and the risk of caries (cavities). For a typical 2 year old, a “smear” or “rice- sized” amount of ADA approved fluoride toothpaste should be used twice a day and under the guidance and supervision of a parent or caregiver. Professional applied fluoride treatments done in the dental office are also recommended for children at high risk for decay. When in doubt about what to use and how to use toothpaste in your child, please consult with your pediatric dentist.

MELISSA ROZAS, DDS Dentistry for Infants, Children and Teens

ASK THE SPECIALIST

AMELIA, NEW MOM, ASKS Q. I’m a new mom and a physical therapist; I would like to start an online newsletter to share advice that I have learned through my pregnancy, along with tips from your publication that I have saved!

A. Wow, it’s great! You may have some sources to pull content from for your e-newsletter! First task; build a content plan that will clearly define the purpose of your e-newsletter. I would recommend creating a template. This is to create consistency with your brand look and an organized layout. Consider fee-based services like MailChimp and Constant Contact, both maintain your subscribers list; create a template and give you data. Keep your tone consistent, content compelling and timely; you want your readers to anticipate your next newsletter. Tip: A general rule is 80% educational, 20% promotional. Make sure to add us to receive your e-newsletter!

JAMIE, CONCERNED MOM, ASKS Q. My daughter, age 13, has frequent nose bleeds. She claims that she can feel thickness in her nasal passage and needs to blow her nose until the “clot” comes out. I have been told (by her Pediatric Doctor) that this happens to fair skinned people. Should I have her see an ENT specialist?

A. Certainly, if the nose bleeds are frequent (weekly) and take more than 20 minutes to stop, seeing an ENT would be suggested. I would always try this when having a nose bleed: sit upright leaning slightly forward. Pinch the nose firmly, below the nasal bones (on the soft part) for 5 minutes. Daily application of nasal saline (get OTC in the pharmacy section) for a month or 2 will typically prevent most nose bleeds.

NATALIE A. ROBERGE, MD, ENT Specialist Cook Children’s

MARY ELLEN, Publishing Editor

Q. My sister developed preeclampsia during her first pregnancy.

What signs should I look for and is it hereditary?

A. Preeclampsia (PEC) is a hypertensive disease of pregnancy involving a combination of elevat-

JOSHUA L. WEISS, MD Specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine Medical City Hospital, Dallas

ed blood pressure and protein in the urine. Gestational hypertension (GHTN) is elevation of blood pressure in pregnancy without protein. The overwhelming majority of the time, PEC and GHTN are mild occurring after 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, severe hypertensive disorders can be devastating leading to fetal growth abnormalities, fetal death, maternal strokes and maternal death. PEC is most common in first pregnancies. Studies have demonstrated sisters of women with PEC in their first pregnancy are four times more likely to develop PEC than in sisters of women who did not have PEC. Important risk factors for PEC include a history of preeclampsia, multifetal gestation, chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, renal disease and autoimmune diseases. Signs of PEC include frontal headaches, seeing “floaters” and discomfort in the right upper abdomen. If a pregnant woman is experiencing any of these signs, they should have their blood pressure evaluated and notify their doctor.

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WE LOVE THIS { YOU WILL TOO }

TAKE A SEAT

1 This Shopping Cart Hammock by Binxy Baby gives your little one “the best seat in the store” on shopping trips. A quick clip on to your cart and your little one can hang out comfortably while you shop. It’s elevated so there is still plenty of room for groceries! When your shopping trip is over, it simply rolls up to fit in your purse or diaper bag. Available in a variety of designs. www.binxybaby.com $49.95

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NEW LEVEL OF COMFORT

2 So much to love about the GooseWaddle blanket!

For every luxurious GooseWaddle baby blanket purchased, the company will donate a super soft receiving blanket to a child in need. What sets GooseWaddle blankets apart is how unbelievably downy soft they are. Available in classic colors in full sized blanket or blankie. www.goosewaddle.com; Blanket: $65

KEEP THEM COVERED

3 This high quality, affordable and practical momdesigned sleepwear line has been tested and reviewed by parents, grandparents and caregivers!

The jammy for all seasons made with super soft cotton jersey. From birth to 36 mos. www.babydeedee.com $29

ART WORTH WEARING

4 Perfect replicas of your child’s works of art showcased on a fabulous silver jewelry keepsake.

Why let their first drawings crumple and fade when you can wear them with pride on a pendant, key ring or even a pair of fine silver cufflinks?

Mini Masters are innovative items of jewelry that showcase children’s original drawings you can show off to all of your friends; perfect for Father’s Day presents! Check out the small finger prints too! www.smallprint.com $85-$180

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HEAD TO TOE!

5 The Boppy Company created a pillow for Pregnant Moms too! As part of their Prenatal Collection, it provides comfortable positioning with a three-piece design that cradles your back and belly during all stages of pregnancy. Reduces back, hip and joint pain so you can get the needed rest you need! www.boppy.com $55

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MOMENTS { BY PATRICK HEMPFING }

THE RIGHT NUMBER

I

t’s hard to believe I’ll be celebrating my 11th Father’s Day as a dad this

Mattie lucked out with a tiara. Sadie looked cute in the feather boa Jessie

year. My baby girl, Jessie, now 10, stands 5 feet tall. It doesn’t seem

wrapped around her neck. The people menu consisted of peanut butter

possible, but the numbers don’t lie.

cookies and Kool-Aid. Sadie’s plate held a spoonful of peanut butter, Rice

We live in a world filled with numbers – dates, times, measurements,

bank accounts, thermostat settings, weights, ages, house numbers, bills,

Krispies, and a few pieces of leftover chicken.

Now, here is where the numbers problem began. Jessie not only

paychecks, ball scores, and many more. Of course, some numbers are

invited Mattie, Sadie, and me to the party, but also 14 stuffed animals. When

more important than others. I prefer Jessie’s grades to be in the 90s or 100.

Jessie throws a party, she throws a party!

Being a college football fan, I hope my teams score more points than their

I’ve heard about cramming people into things, such as a Volkswagen,

opponents each Saturday. I don’t count the number of hairs on my head,

phone booth, photo booth, even an outhouse. Mattie, Sadie, Jessie, 14

but I’d rather have a bigger number. It doesn’t take an auditor to know that

stuffed animals, and I were about to take the “tent stuffing” challenge. At

some of them have gone missing in recent years.

6’5”, I knew I would take up my fair share of the space. With the 14 animals

Sunday afternoon, Jessie provided my wife, Mattie, and me with an

already arranged, Queen Mattie and Showgirl Sadie went in next. Jessie

interesting numbers challenge. About two weeks earlier, Mattie had a

and I squeezed in last, with our cookie plates and Sadie’s snacks. We

business trip. Rather than leave her home office unused while she was

opted to leave the drinks outside the tent (smart thinking by Dad).

gone, I set up Jessie’s tent and tunnels. Long ago, my tall girl outgrew the tent, a gift for her second birthday, but she still loves to play in it. The square tent measures just four feet long by four feet wide. It is 42 inches tall at

“Dad, don’t sit on Eeyore!” Luckily, I didn’t sit on Sadie’s spoonful of peanut butter.

We all made it in, but after getting kicked, twice, within the first minute; I

the highest point, and connects to one of the four tunnels that came with

opted to enjoy my cookies and Kool-Aid from the outside looking in. I like it

the set. Jessie had a blast playing with her dog, Sadie, in the tent

when blood flows to all my extremities, while not being chided for smashing

and tunnels. She even slept in the tent during Mattie’s absence.

a donkey. Prior to the conclusion of the party, we all crammed into the

Well, part of her slept in the tent. About half of the sleeping bag

tent a second time for a “famie” photo (a selfie of our family).

containing Jessie’s legs stretched outside the opening. The

Each day, we’re surrounded by numbers, some within our

small tent held quite a bit – a girl, a dog, 14 stuffed animals,

control, others not. Sometimes we’re happy when the

one pet pillow, three small pillows, 3 regular pillows, and

number is big, like a sunny winter day in the 70s. Other times, such as when looking down at the bathroom scale,

several blankets for padding. Each night,

small numbers are better. Some numbers speed by too quickly, like

I’d place a battery-operated lantern in

Jessie’s age, a number that will end in teen before I know it.

one of the tunnels, which made a

Is there such a thing as “the perfect number?”

great night light.

For a few minutes on a Sunday afternoon,

When Mattie came home from her trip, Jessie asked

we sure found a good one. I have a

to have one final party in the

“famie” to prove it.

Until next month, remember to cherish

tent before we took it down.

She planned the entire event from food

the moments. I wish all dads a Happy

to attire, so all her mom and I had to do

Father’s Day. SP

was show up. Jessie handed me one of her headbands to wear, while

FOLLOW PATRICK @PatrickHempfing

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Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer. www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing

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W here t he Wi ld Thing s Are Camping with Babies and Toddlers

BY MALIA JACOBSON

I

n the summer, campgrounds are crawling (sometimes literally) with babies, toddlers, and young families. But many new parents may hesitate to head into the wild, as they wonder whether camping with a tot will be safe, enjoyable, or worth the hassle.

Don’t abandon your dreams of an al fresco vacation quite yet— camping with a baby may be easier than you think. “Camping is easiest when they’re small and portable. You just put them in a carrier and go!” says Sandra Kimmet, a mom of three. But whether you pack your new baby and related gear in the family car for an outdoor adventure this summer—or sit it out for a few seasons—depends on your level of experience with both camping and parenting.

“New parents may not be ready to take their newborn to the grocery store, much less to the outback,” says Michelle Terry, M.D. But veteran parents, particularly those with camping experience, may have no problems executing a quick campground or backpacking getaway.

Here’s how to plan a memorable camping trip with your new plus-one.

STAY WARM Depending on which State you may be in or even Country, keep in mind that nighttime temperatures at state and national parks can dip into the 40’s, even at the height of summer. Because babies lose heat

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more quickly than older children and adults, your little one will need some help staying cozy at night.

“Below 50 degrees, or 60 degrees in wet, windy weather, body temperature can drop if babies are wearing inadequate clothing,” says Terry. Keep babies and young toddlers warm at night with several layers of clothing (preferably fleece or wool), thick socks, and a hat for sleeping. In especially chilly climes, be watchful for cool, clammy skin, which indicates that a baby needs an extra layer or two.

Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering; cold, pale, or bluegray skin; and decreased alertness.

STAY SAFE Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, many campsites look idyllic—but they’re home to plenty of hazards for very young campers. Before pitching your tent, inspect the campground for sharp rocks, matches, sharp sticks, knives, or garbage left by previous campers. “Be on the look-out for potential choking hazards. Debris could easily make its way into curious hands or mouths,” advises Terry.

Watch out for plants that could irritate (hello, poison ivy) or sicken children, like St. John’s Wort, poppies, or philodendron. High altitude is another concern—don’t take babies under six months old above

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2500 feet too rapidly. “It will be cold and the baby may have trouble breathing,” says Terry.

Use a portable play yard to safely contain a little one while you start a campfire or cook dinner; keep active little ones safely inside the tent at night by safety-pinning the tent zippers together. “The bottom line is that babies and toddlers need constant supervision, says Terry. “Accidents happen when everyone is watching the baby and no one is watching the baby, all at the same time.”

STAY BUSY Don’t plan on sticking around the campsite; a bored toddler is bound to develop an unsafe fascination with the firepit or garbage bag. When camping with little ones, staying active keeps everyone cheerful (and—added bonus—helps tire kids out for bedtime). Dad Brian M. has camped with his kids Lola, 4 and Aksel, 2, since they were babies.

“Walk them around as much as possible,” he says. “Take kids to look for firewood, and let toddlers collect smooth rocks or bundles of sticks.”

The good news: kids under two don’t need much stimulation to stay happy. Most will be thrilled to simply wander the campground (with mom or dad close at hand), admiring the scenery and making friends with other campers. Comb local beaches, visit landmarks, and don’t be afraid to drive to the nearest town for a meal or a cup of hot cocoa or coffee—a camping trip with a baby is not the time to rough it, notes Terry. More adventurous families can check in with the ranger’s station for a map of local hiking trails.

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When camping with tots, don’t sweat the small stuff, advises Georgiann D., a mom of seven.

“When we camp, I dress kids in clothes destined for the Goodwill pile so I don’t need to worry about dirt, stains, or rips.”

The outcome of your trip may be determined before you leave the driveway; often, the difference between a great tip and a forgettable one is what you pack. Tricycles, baby carriers, simple toys, trash bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, extra diapers, flashlights, and batteries are must-haves. (Derieg keeps extra flashlights around the tent and one under her pillow at night to handle middle-of-thenight parenting duties.)

“Don’t forget to bring a portable play pen, a standing seat, or a back carrier so that babies can check things out safely,” says Terry. And, of course, pack your fully-charged camera, so decades from now you can pull out pictures that prove your child was camping before he could walk. SP

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Y A D S ’ R E H T A F E D I U G T F I G for kids

S

earching for the perfect Father’s Day gift can be tough… but it shouldn’t be! Nobody is easier to please than dear old dad. He would be one happy fella with a lopsided homemade cake, or breakfast in bed with plain cereal and toast!

This Father’s Day sit down and have a little brain storming session with the kids. Ask the following questions to get those creative juices flowing:

WHAT ARE HIS HOBBIES? If he likes to fish, perhaps some fishing tackle or even a hat to keep the sun off his face would be in order. If he enjoys working on cars, he might like tickets to Texas Motor Speedway, or the motocross. Golf courses offer gift certificates – would dad enjoy a round of golf? If you like to keep things simple, how about a letting the kids create a simple drawing of him enjoying one of his pastimes, matted and framed to display on his desk?

DOES HE LIKE MUSIC? How about an iTunes gift card! If it doesn’t bust your budget, opt for some symphony tickets, or an evening at a live concert. Check your community Calendar of Events, there’s always concerts on the lawn events somewhere!

DOES HE WORK A LOT OF HOURS AND LIKELY HAS STRESS? How about a quiet morning where dad gets to sleep in as late as he wants.

Or some tickets to see a movie with mom. A book that he can get wrapped up in, such as a thriller would be a great idea for the overworked dad too.

IS HE SERIOUS OR FUNNY? If he is the serious type, he would most likely enjoy a non-fiction book, perhaps one on history. Throw in a gift card to Starbucks. Perhaps he might enjoy some gardening tools or exercise equipment. If dad is the happygo-lucky humorous type, he might enjoy a funny t-shirt, a classic comedy movie or even tickets to a comedy club. Camping gear would be great, or an outdoor game such as horseshoes or washers.

MAYBE CONSIDER A TIME CAPSULE! You can create an “All about my Dad” worksheet to include as a reminder of when this was created. The time capsule is a way to preserve memories, so include treasures you saved that have great memories attached. Don’t forget a vacation memory, or the best breakfast dad ever made for you! If you include photos, be sure to protect them.

AND FINALLY ... THE CARD Most importantly, don’t forget a homemade card. Kids love to give them, and parents love to receive them. Include a hand drawn portrait of the family with the card. Regardless of your children’s age they can participate in this activity – artistic ability does not matter on this gift from the heart, it’s sure to please! SP

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17

BY LARA KRUPICKA

Mom’s Toolbox of Summer Sanity Savers “

I

’m bored.” “There’s nothing to do!” Moms dread to hear these refrains, especially in the weeks after the school year ends. Between keeping the house running smoothly, and ensuring a good balance of entertainment, education and relaxation, it can be overwhelming.

But with preparation and the right tools, you can save your sanity and make it a summer to remember.

Here are a few proven summer-ready tools any mom can use:

THE JOB JAR You know those tasks that always fall to the bottom of the list? Summer can be a great time to have the kids help you complete them. Breaking them into fifteen-minute jobs and setting up a lottery system for assigning them (where everyone has a chance of drawing a “day off”) can make chores less like work.

Create your own job jar by designating an empty container to fill with slips of paper containing the chores to be done, (along with some free day slips).

Include tasks such as: wiping down kitchen cabinet fronts, dusting slats on wood blinds, and cleaning out the silverware drawer. Make the jobs simpler for younger children or plan on assisting, should they draw a more difficult job. Also, keep duties brief enough to be easily completed in fifteen minutes.

You can put an entire summer’s worth of jobs in the jar and have children draw slips daily until the jar is empty. Fill it weekly with enough chores for children to draw one apiece each day. Then make note of small tasks around the house as you notice them, to be added to the job jar later.

THE READING RATCHET What will your kids be reading this summer or what will you read to them? Whether you live with kids who have an unending appetite for books, or

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have to bribe your child to crack one open, it helps to have a list to work from. Add this tool to your belt now and you’ll be able to reach for it all summer long - whether in response to the occasional “I’m bored” or to fill the stretches of time during a long car ride or plane trip.

Don’t feel like you have to create a list all on your own. There are plenty of reading lists available for kids of all ages. If your school hands out a summer reading list, start with that.

Occasionally schools offer rewards for those who complete a list. Book awards include the Caldecott Medal (for picture books), Geisel medal (beginning reader), Newbery (most distinguished children’s book), and Coretta Scott King (African American authors and illustrators). Many states also have their own young readers’ book awards, in which students can participate by reading a minimum number of books from the list of nominees before voting for their favorites.

As a parent, you can also create your own reading list to target specific goals you have for your children. Maybe read three different types of books each summer: one Christian biography, one historical fiction and one fiction. Then ask them to answer questions you have created.

THE FUN FRIDAY BLUEPRINT Every mom should have a master plan for fun.

Decide when you’ll make local excursions and where you’ll go. Some moms make the outings a weekly event and invite friends to join them. This makes planning ahead important.

Involve your children in brainstorming destinations. You could include nearby water parks, new-to-you playgrounds, ice cream shops, museums, zoos, and gardens. Don’t forget to have both indoor and outdoor options so you can flex with the weather.

Even a trip to the party store to buy zany

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masks for at-home fun can make a difference; because sometimes the simplest things are the coolest. Having a plan for fun ensures that you won’t be stuck at home wondering what to do. And you won’t finish the summer regretting not visiting places you’d hoped to.

It’s important to be deliberate about it too; it’s fun to look back and have all those memories.

THE LIFE SKILLS DRILL School is for learning the three R’s. Home is where our children should be mastering life skills that enable them to navigate the everyday world. Start with the basics such as cleaning a bathroom and then progress in the tween and teen years to such skills as balancing a checkbook and changing the oil on a car.

Moms should make skill development a priority over the summer. Every summer they could learn a new skill that will help them when they own their own home, like painting, placing sidewalk pavers, basic construction, and even sewing. Consider what they are old enough to do, or what you are tired of doing for them.

Choose one or two new skills you’d like to see your child master. Then create a plan. How often will they practice the new skill - once a week, once a month, or repetitively for a short time during the course of a single longer project? Who will teach them the skill and how will the child demonstrate he has mastered it?

Using these tools you’ll be keeping your children active mentally and socially. And they’ll be helping you out and developing abilities that will last long after the summer is over. SP

Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer and mom to three girls. She loves using a Job Jar and is always amazed at how her daughters can read their way through entire lists of award-winning books over the course of a summer.

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KNOW IT ALL { YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR }

JUNE 2015 MON 1 SOCCER REGISTRATION AT CFBSA Through July 13. Register online at www. cfbsoccer.net. Carrollton. 972-245-9307.

See ad in this issue.

LET’S GET CRAMMIN’ 4-6pm. Finals are almost here! Need a space to study with your friends? Study rooms all booked? Join us in the meeting room at Josey Ranch Lake for two hours of study time. You can split into groups or find a quiet spot in the room. Snacks will be served to keep up your studying strength. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton. Cost is FREE!

TUE 2 “BLACK AND WHITE LANDSCAPES” EXHIBIT 10am-5pm. Through June 20. The landscapes in the B&W exhibition are in multiple media forms and display the talents of VAL’s members. MCL Grand, 100 N. Charles, Lewisville.

COZBY GAMERS 3:30-5pm. Cozby Gamers wanted! Do you love Munchkin or Mario? Want to fight zombies with dice or play some virtual tennis? 5th graders and up gather at the Coppell Library for games after-school. William T. Cozby Library, 177 N Heartz Rd, Coppell. 972-304-3655

GIRLS NITE OUT BOOK CLUB 6:30-7:30pm. Meets the 1st Tuesday of the Month in the Crawford Meeting Room. Join us for a girls’ night at the library as we discuss women’s fiction,

= ADVERTISER

chic lit, and the occasional romance in our newest book club. Open to Adults 18+. June 2-After Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer. Lewisville Public Library, 1197 W Main St, Lewisville. 972-219-3570

WED 3 RINGLING BROTHERS AT THE LIBRARY! 4:30-5:30pm. Ringling Brothers clowns visit the Josey Ranch Lake Library. Laugh while learning about the importance of summer reading! Free and open to all Ages. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton.

THE FROG POND The Frog Pond is an exciting family oriented aquatics center with an extensive list of amenities! The Frog pond is open to the public between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, 14032 Heartside Place, Farmers Branch. 972-919-8720

THU 4 COOL THURSDAYS CONCERT SERIES-AT THE ARBORETUM 6-9pm. 2015 Cool Thursdays Concerts presented by Wells Fargo: All concerts are held on the Martin Rutchik Concert Lawn.

Garden closes at the conclusion of each concert. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside to Rosine Hall. A determination of weather-altered plans will be made by 3 p.m. on the day of the concert. Ticket prices: Adults: $27 (Members $17); Seniors, 65 & older: $25 (Members $15); Children, ages 3-12: $10; Under 3: Free. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. 214-515-6615

FRI 5 TO THE RESCUE! 10am-12pm. Children of all ages are invited to meet local heroes from the Carrollton Police and Fire Departments and explore life-saving vehicles. This is a FREE event! Josey Ranch Lake Library, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

MOVIES IN THE PLAZA 8-11pm. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs, and to pack a picnic or purchase mini-burgers from Easy Slider and a snow cone from Kona Ice. Free popcorn will be provided by Coppell Parks and Recreation. Dress up as your favorite Back to the Future character or in 1950s or 1980s era clothing and get a free snow cone!

Movie begins at dark (about 8pm) and is FREE! Coppell Plaza, 255 E. Parkway Blvd., Coppell.

ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION 7pm. All acoustic instruments and levels are welcome. All music genres are welcome. MCL Grand, 100 N. Charles, Lewisville.

RELAY FOR LIFE OF IRVING-LAS COLINAS 6pm start time. Relay for Life is an organized, overnight community fundraising walk. Teams of people camp out around a track and members of each team take turns walking around the track. Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie, plus it’s a family-friendly environment for the entire community. Because it’s a team event, individual participants are not required to be there the entire time. But it’s so much fun, you’ll find it hard to leave!

North Lake College, 5001 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving. 214-819-1225

FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS AT THE ARBORETUM 10am-2pm. Plan your family’s summertime adventures at the Arboretum on Fridays in June and July. Join us for kid-friendly activities that will include face painting, a petting zoo and music for the little ones in the shady Pecan Grove – topped off with a refresher in Toad Fountains! Bring the whole family out to experience the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden featuring the wonders of life and earth science combined with hands-on fun for all ages. Festival event -Free with your Garden Admission. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. 214-515-6615

TARGET FIRST SATURDAYS 10am-5pm. Bring out your children’s artistic talents and broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world. Target First Saturdays are designed especially for children in preschool to elementary school and feature a line-up of activities that encourage creative thought through a monthly “Big Idea. Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora Street, Dallas. 214-242-5100

CARROLLTON WIND SYMPHONY TO PERFORM SEASON FINALE 7:30pm. The Carrollton Wind Symphony will perform the last concert before its summer break. This concert promises to be a wonderful finale to a very successful concert season. Admission is free. St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W Plano Pkwy, Plano.

SAT 6 NATURE WALK 10am. Explore LLELA’s trails with a Texas Master Naturalist in this guided search for animal tracks and signs, and learn

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21

Summer Program 2015

KNOW IT ALL more about the natural history of LLELA. All ages are welcome. Cost is $5 per person. Registration is not required. Contact lisacole@unt.edu or 972.219.3930 for details. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E. Jones Street, Lewisville.

SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY 2-4pm. Mark your calendars because Summer Reading is almost here! This year’s theme is Every Hero Has a Story!

We invite children, teens and adults to come and enjoy the kickoff celebration of Summer Reading. There will be a super hero obstacle course, face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon art, live music with Dano and more. Remember to register while you’re here! Lewisville Library-Cynthia Bennett Children’s Wing, 1197 West Main Street, Lewisville. 972-219-3570

COPPELL FARMERS MARKETVENDORS APPRECIATION DAY 8am-12pm. Come out and show your support to all of the hard working vendors. Also, there will be live music from the Lone Star String Band. Old Town, Coppell.

NIGHT HIKE 8:30-10:30pm. Join our trail guides as they lead a moonlit stroll through the woods and across the prairie. We may hear some bumps in the night, but have no fear...it’s probably just an armadillo.

Howling coyotes, hooting owls, and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience.

Registration is required. There is a $5 program fee for the night hike, in addition to the regular gate fee of $5/ person. To register contact Lisa Cole at lisacole@unt.edu or 972-219-3930.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E. Jones Street, Lewisville.

MESQUITE CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO 7:30-10:30pm. Guests are not permitted to bring in any outside food and drink.

Food & Beverages are available at the BBQ Pavilion or arena concession stands. Doors open one hour prior to the scheduled event Admission: Kids Tickets start at $10. Adults from $20-$68 Mesquite Arena/Rodeo Center, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite. 972-285-8777

SUN 7 DISNEY IN CONCERT 2-4pm and 7-9pm show times. Come be enchanted by Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies! Watch

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JUNE 2015 Don't forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Suburban Parent!

projected video clips from iconic Disney films as the soundtrack comes to life right before your eyes. Concert will be performed by four leading vocalists and backed by a symphony orchestra. Every new generation has a favorite Disney musical, whether it’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King or Frozen. And then there are the classics, from a Mary Poppins medley to the “yo ho” of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Prices start at $25.50 and up. Allen Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Rd., Allen.

972-912-1057

MON 8 TAEKWONDO SUMMER CAMP AT NTA TAEKWONDO 9am-1pm. Camp introduces campers to martial arts in a fun, exciting and relaxed atmosphere. Beginners will learn basic kicking, blocking and punching, while those with experience will focus on improving techniques.

9am-1pm. Other camps June 15-19, July 20-24, Aug 3-7 & Aug 10-14. 680 Parker Square, Flower Mound. 214-295-8719.

See ad in this issue.

SUMMER CHESS CAMP AT UT DALLAS 9am-12pm. Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7-14. 9am-noon or 1-4pm and extended playing classes available. Other sessions June 15-19, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Register at www.utdallas.edu/ chess. For more info, call 972-8834899 or email james.stallings@utdallas. edu. Richardson. See ad in this issue.

IRVING ARTS CENTER’S STEAM POWERED WEEKLY ART ADVENTURE CAMPS Through Aug 14. Explore the exciting ways that Science, Technology, Engineering, ART and Math collide in 14 camps for ages 4-18. To register, call 972-252-2787 or visit www.IrvingArtsCenter.com., 333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. See ad in this issue.

SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM Lunch: 12-1pm ~ Snack: 3-3:30pm.

This program is offered by the City of Carrollton and the Gloria Hicks Movement, Inc., a non-profit, providing sites where children up to 18-year-old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities can also receive meals at no charge. For the most up-to-date

Small Class Size with Caring, Friendly Teachers Welcoming Students of all Races and Religions Confidence Building Through 100% Mastery Effective, High Quality Curriculum Challenging Individualized Program Before- & After-School Care Available with Supervised Study Hall & Daycare on School Holidays Summer Camp: Academics and Fun

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KNOW IT ALL information visit www.summerfood. org. Rosemeade Recreation Center, 1330 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton.

972-466-3080

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT JRL 7-8pm. Come to the Library for a night of fun games and crafts. FREE and open to all Ages! Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton.

SUMMER DRAMA CAMP 10am-2pm. Register now for this FREE exciting summer camp. Hosted by Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) the drama camp will be taught by instructors from the Dallas Summer Musical Academy. Singing, dancing and acting will be a part of this exciting week that will end with a performance on Sunday afternoon, June 14, for parents and friends. Lunch will be provided each day. Central Christian Church- Dallas, 4711 Westside, Dallas. 214-526-7291

TUE 9 TEENS TAKE OVER 6:30-8:30pm. Hang out with friends, play video games, watch movies, and goof around at the Josey Ranch Lake Library at this TEENS ONLY after-hours program. This won’t be the Library you’re used to seeing. Pick up a permission slip at either Library location.

Ages 13-18 and free. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton.

COZBY GAMERS 3:30-5pm. Cozby Gamers wanted! Do you love Munchkin or Mario? Want to fight zombies with dice or play some virtual tennis? 5th graders and up gather at the Coppell Library for games after-school. William T. Cozby Library, 177 N Heartz Rd, Coppell. 972-304-3655

BEAT THE HEAT - COOL TUESDAY MOVIES-THE INCREDIBLES

WHEN YOU CALL BEFORE 6/30/2015

1pm start time. Popular and fun family films will be shown Tuesday mornings and afternoons. Bring your pillow or comfy sleeping bag. Ages 6+. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

WED 10 817 S. MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100 Coppell, TX 75019 • 972-745-4343

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MARVEL MOVIE MADNESSIRON MAN 6pm start time. We are celebrating the release of The Avengers: Age of

JUNE 2015 Don't forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Suburban Parent!

Ultron all summer. Come with us back to the beginning as we watch every Marvel movie leading up to the newest Avengers. After being held captive in an Afghan cave, an industrialist creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight against evil. This leads him to conflict within his own company.

Come and enjoy this FREE family event! Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

THE LION OF TEXAS: THE STORY OF SAM HOUSTON 9am-2pm. We are offering a day full of educational experiences, complete with a theater performance, museum visit and much more. Guests will have an opportunity to experience Sam Houston’s engaging performance, and to ask questions about Sam Houston’s life and about Texas. Homeschool groups, summer care classes and other groups are welcome at the event, but the event is also open to families, educators and others as well. Those interested should register for only one day. (The program is the same each day.) The camp program is $15 per student. For groups, every 10 students registered receive one free chaperone ticket. The program is targeted for children ages 8-13. Interurban Railway Museum, 901 E. 15th Street, Plano.

940-301-4019

THU 11 SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM Lunch: 12-1pm ~ Snack: 3-3:30pm.

This program is offered by the City of Carrollton and the Gloria Hicks Movement, Inc., a non-profit, providing sites where children up to 18-year-old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities can also receive meals at no charge. For the most up-to-date information visit www.summerfood.org.

Rosemeade Recreation Center, 1330 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton, Texas.

972-466-3080.

FRI 12 TASTE OF DALLAS Through June 14. Taste of Dallas is Dallas’ most sought-after culinary event, featuring over 70 restaurants, cooking competitions for top prizes, a culinary & exhibitor marketplace, Taste the

SOCCER REGISTRATION NOW – JULY 13TH, 2015 WWW.CFBSOCCER.NET

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25

KNOW IT ALL Difference VIP tasting experience, the sweet factory, plus much, much more Fair Park Dallas, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas. 972-590-8898

FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS AT THE ARBORETUM 10am-2pm. Plan your family’s summertime adventures at the Arboretum on Fridays in June and July. Join us for kid-friendly activities that will include face painting, a petting zoo and music for the little ones in the shady Pecan Grove – topped off with a refresher in Toad Fountains! Bring the whole family out to experience the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden featuring the wonders of life and earth science combined with hands-on fun for all ages. Festival event -Free with your Garden Admission.

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 GARLAND RD, Dallas. 214-515-6615

CINDERELLA 7:30-9:30pm. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists!

Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes. Fair Park, 909 First Avenue, Dallas. 214-565-1116

breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Plano Campus of HP, 5400 Legacy Drive, Plano. 972-378-4808

COPPELL FARMERS MARKET EVENT 8am-12pm. Bring the family out and enjoy a great day at the Farmers Market while listening to great music from The Lost High Rollers! Old Town, Coppell.

GATEWAY GHOST TOURS 7:15pm. The tour will discuss not just the ghosts we may encounter on the ghost walk, but the true history of the Lewisville area beginning in the 1800’s to the present day. By doing this it is easier for us to understand the ghost sightings that we have had in the past and are currently still experiencing. The tour is family friendly for all ages from 5 to 105. Tierney’s Café, 208 E. Main St., Lewisville. 972- 922-4675

NORTH DIESELPUNKS 2-5pm. Meets 2nd Saturday of the month. Dieselpunk blends knowledge of the 1920s through the early 1950s with today. The goal of dieselpunk is to create something unexpected and new by merging the elements of the past with today’s technology and attitude.

Adults 18 and over. Farmers Branch Manske Library, 13613 Webb Chapel Rd, Farmers Branch.

SUN 14 TASTE OF DALLAS

SAT 13 TEXAS COMIC FEST 11am-6pm. We will have creators from the comic and animation industry, celebrities from popular TV shows such as FX Sons of Anarchy and AMC’s The Walking Dead and of course, awesome vendors. General Admission $15, kids under 10 are free *with paid adult admission*. Premier Event Center, 1165 I-35E Frontage Rd, Lewisville.

SUSAN G. KOMEN NORTH TEXAS PLANO RACE FOR THE CURE® 8-11am. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer ever created. The Plano Race for the Cure, now in its 25th year, raises significant funds and awareness for the

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JUNE 2015 Don't forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Suburban Parent!

11am-8pm. Taste of Dallas is Dallas’ most sought-after culinary event, featuring over 70 restaurants, cooking competitions for top prizes, a culinary & exhibitor marketplace, Taste the Difference VIP tasting experience, the sweet factory, plus much, much more Fair Park Dallas, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas. 972-590-8898

MON 15 COPPELL LIBRARY, BABY & ME STORY TIME 11am-12pm. Baby & Me Story Time.

Babies from birth to 12 months and their favorite adult will enjoy songs, action rhymes, and share books together in this one-on-one lapsit program.

This storytime is designed to be a springboard for literacy, by exploring the senses with music, action rhymes

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KNOW IT ALL

Septiembre 2014 | G R AT I S

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and age appropriate reading. Come prepared to have fun with baby. This program will be limited to 20 participants. Please pick up a storytime admission ticket at the Information Desk on your way into storytime. Please call 972-304-3658 for more information.

Coppell Public Library, 177 N. Heartz Rd, Coppell.

TUE 16 BEAT THE HEAT - COOL TUESDAY MOVIES- PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE 1pm start time. Popular and fun family films will be shown Tuesday mornings and afternoons. When Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he joins a forest fire and rescue unit to be trained as a firefighter, or else his air strip will be shut down. Bring your pillow or comfy sleeping bag. Ages 6+ and a free event. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

RANGERS VS. DODGERS 7:05pm start time. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www. texas.rangers.mlb.com

WED 17 SUPERHEROES FOR PLANET EARTH 2pm. Join Lorrie Reeves, City of Carrollton Water Resource Management Specialist, for a time of crafting and imagination as we create our own superhero characters that conserve and protect our planet. We’ll make our own

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JUNE 2015 Don't forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Suburban Parent!

customized superhero mask, choose a cool wristband, and make a badge that shows our superhero’s strength. This is a free event for ages 6+. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Rd, Carrollton.

MARVEL MOVIE MADNESS THE INCREDIBLE HULK 6pm start time. We are celebrating the release of The Avengers: Age of Ultron all summer. Come with us back to the beginning as we watch every Marvel movie leading up to the newest Avengers. This is the story of Dr. Bruce Banner, who seeks a cure to his unique condition, which causes him to turn into a giant green monster under emotional stress. Whilst on the run from military which seeks his capture, Banner comes close to a cure. But all is lost when a new creature emerges; The Abomination. Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

UNITY PARK 6am-11pm. Unity Park is the City’s 38 acre Community Park. Unity Park provides many active recreational amenities for residents. The park is adjacent to Briarhill Middle School, and shares a parking lot with the school.

Unity Park contains five (5) softball/ baseball fields, four (4) batting cages, four (4) tennis courts with lights, two (2) tennis backboards, a restroom/concession building, eight (8) U5 soccer fields, hike & bike trails, a small pond with fishing pier, four (4) practice soccer fields, a picnic pavilion and Kid’s Kastle playground structure. The park is centrally located, and it serves the needs of both youth and adult park patrons.

2200 Briarhill Boulevard, Highland Village. 972-317-7430

$

15

off

First Month of Lessons (new clients only)

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KNOW IT ALL THU 18 SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM Lunch: 12-1pm. Snack: 3-3:30pm. This program is offered by the City of Carrollton and the Gloria Hicks Movement, Inc., a non-profit, providing sites where children up to 18-year-old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities can also receive meals at no charge. For the most up-to-date information visit www.summerfood. org. Rosemeade Recreation Center, 1330 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton.

972-466-3080

FRI 19 FLOWER MOUND OUTDOOR WATER PARK The park features include: 2 large water slides, 3 25-yard lanes, 60-gallon dumping bucket, Interactive water features, Lazy river, Shade structures, Vortex, Water play structure, Zero-depth activity pool with three tot slides. The Flower Mound Community Activity Center has a concession stand open during the operating hours of the outdoor water park with a full menu to choose from. 1200 Gerault Road, Flower Mound. Call for hours of operation and ticket pricing!

972-874-6283

STOCKYARDS CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO

with a visit of 4 hours or more!

One per family. Not to be combined with other coupons or offers. This coupon is the current coupon and is the only one which we are currently accepting. Expires 6/30/15

6:30-8:30pm. This Fort Worth rodeo is held at Cowtown Coliseum and hosted

by Stockyards Championship Rodeo of Texas. Stockyards Championship Rodeo is the world’s only year-round rodeo every Friday and Saturday night at the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum!

That’s two hours of western rodeo events with a strong commitment to showing visitors an authentic Western Cowboy Experience! Admission: General: $21; Children 12 & under: $13.50; Seniors (60+): $16; Reserved Box Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth. 817-625-1025

SAT 20 STARS ON THE PRAIRIE 8:45-10:45pm. Join us for a fascinating evening as we visit a dark spot in LLELA’s prairie restoration area to explore

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the wonders of the night sky. Ages 5 and up. There is a $5 program fee, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/ person). If the sky is cloudy, we will still meet and take a night hike. Reservations are required at 972-219-3930 or erin.taylor@unt.edu. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E. Jones Street, Lewisville.

ORGANIC HEART 2-5pm. Target Audience/Age Group: Organic Lovers- all ages. This event is geared towards all organic lovers and those desiring to live a healthier lifestyle. There will be seminars, classes and vendors available for product display and testing. Event Contact Information: Hannah Quijada, hannahq@myco.life. Rescue Yoga, 1933 E Frankford Road, Carrollton.

SUN 21 FATHER’S DAY AT SANDY LAKE AMUSEMENT PARK Bring your Grillll Daddy to Sandy Lake for a picnic! Enjoy many attractions such as paddle boats, mini-golf, rides, swimming, arcade and the picnic pavilion. There is something here for everyone! Call for pricing and any special accommodations. 1800 Sandy Lake Road, Carrollton. 972-242-7449

“LES MISÉRABLES” - OHLOOK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 2:30pm. In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.

Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. Cost- $15-$20. Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles Street, Lewisville.

HIGHLAND VILLAGE CITY TRAILS Get out and get in touch with nature on one of Highland Villages 7 city trails.

With trails from a half a mile up to 3 miles, there is a trail to suit every need.

Call 972-317-7430 for brochures and map requests.

story times COPPELL PUBLIC LIBRARY

177 N. Heartz Rd., 972-304-3655 All story times are free with registration at front desk.

Mon Baby & Me 11am (birth to walking) Tue Family Story Time 7pm (all ages) Wed Ones Upon a Time 10:30am (12-24 mos.), Toddler Time 11am (ages 2-3) Thu All By Myself 10:30am (ages 3-5) 2nd Sat Only - Second Sat, Story Time 11am (all ages)

CARROLLTON - HEBRON & JOSEY BRANCH

4220 N. Josey Ln. at Hebron Pkwy., 972-466-4800 Mon Tue Wed Thu

Toddler Time 10:15 (ages 1-3); Mother Goose 11am (ages 0-1) Toddler Time 10:15am.

Toddler Time 10:15; Story Time 11am (ages 3-6) Family Story Time 7pm (ages 3-6)

CARROLLTON - JOSEY RANCH LAKE BRANCH 1700 Keller Springs Rd., 972-466-4800

Mon Toddler Time 10:15 (ages 1-3); Story Time 11am (ages 3-6) Tue Toddler Time 10:15am; Story Time 11am Wed Toddler Time 10:15am

FLOWER MOUND PUBLIC LIBRARY 3030 Broadmoor Lane, 972-985-6167 Mon

Tue Wed Thu Fri

Preschool Storytime 10am (ages 3-6); Mother Goose Time 11:15am (babies under 18 mos.)

Preschool Storytime 10am & 2pm; Mother Goose Time 11:15am Toddler Time 10am & 11am (ages 18-36 mos.)

Toddler Time 10am & 11am Babypalooza! 11:15am (ages 6-24 mos) – 2nd Friday of each month

FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE LIBRARY 13613 Webb Chapel Road, 972-247-3131 Mon Tue Wed Thu Sat

Toddler Story Time 10:15am (ages 18-36 mos.)

Baby Bounce 11:15am (ages 0-18 mos.)

Preschool Story Time 10:15am Preschool Story Time 10:15am Family Story Time 2pm (all ages)

LEWISVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

1197 West Main St., 972-219-3570 Mon

Tue Wed Thu Sat

Preschool Time 10:30am (ages 3-6 yrs.); Mother Goose Time 1:30pm (ages 0-15 mos.)

Toddler Time 10:30am (ages 15-36 mos.); Preschool Time 11:15am & 4pm Toddler Time 10:30am & 11:15am; Mother Goose Time 1:30pm Toddler Time 10:30am; Mother Goose Time 1:30pm Preschool Time 11:15am All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes.

Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.

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31

KNOW IT ALL

LCA

PRESCHOOL LAKELAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PERSCHOOL

MON 22

SAT 27

CRISTINA’S FINE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BABY SHOWER AT TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL FLOWER MOUND

All day kids Eat Free with purchase of adult entree. 3432 East Hebron parkway #120, Carrollton. 972-380-8844. www.cristinasmex.com

TUE 23 NOW ENROLLING FOR 2015-2016 ACCEPTING NEW FAMILIES FOR FALL 2015 12 MOS.-PRE-KINDERGARTEN - TOURS DAILY -

Celebrating God’s Greatest Creation ... a Child.

• ABeka Reading Curriculum • Academically Accredited Preschool • Hands-on Exploring and Learning • On-site Library & Gymnasium

• Art and Music • Computer Lab • Hands-on Math Lab • Hands-on Science Lab • Call for a Tour

397 S. STEMMONS FWY. • LEWISVILLE, TX 75067 972-219-3939 • LCAPRESCHOOL.ORG www.facebook.com/LakelandChristianAcademyPreschool

SOUNDS OF LEWISVILLE 7pm. A free community favorite, bring the family out to enjoy live music in the plaza. Downtown Fever will be performing at The Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church Street, Lewisville.

972-219-3401

WED 24 MARVEL MOVIE MADNESSIRON MAN 2 6pm start time. We are celebrating the release of The Avengers: Age of Ultron all summer. Come with us back to the beginning as we watch every Marvel movie leading up to the newest Avengers. With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father’s legacy. Free family event!

Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

RANGERS VS. ATHLETICS 7:05pm start time. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. www. texas.rangers.mlb.com

THU 25 ANDREW BROWN COMMUNITY PARK An amazing playground for children that has a pretend village, musical instruments, climbers, a hippo sculpture for playing on, and much more. The rest of the park has trails, sports fields, a pool, and a pond. 223 W Parkway Blvd, Coppell.

FRI 26 FC DALLAS VS. HOUSTON 8pm start time. 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco. 214-705-6700

32

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9-11am. Come celebrate with us as you prepare for your new addition. Hear physician speakers, tour our maternity floor, visit vendor booths, enjoy free breakfast, and win giveaways. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, 4400 Long Prairie Rd, Flower Mound. 469322-7000 www.TexasHealthFlowerMound.com See ad in this issue.

BROOKHAVEN BELL CHOIR 10:30am. The Carrollton Public Library welcomes back the Advanced Handbell Choir of Brookhaven College. The performers will present an eclectic concert of pop classics, patriotic music, spirituals, and original pieces. Bring the whole family as this performance is a crowd favorite, great fun for all ages and free! Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake, 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton.

REUNION LAWN PARTY 5-10pm. On the last Saturday of every month, May through September 2015, Reunion Tower will host the Reunion Lawn Party at Reunion Park, located near the base of the tower. The party will be a free hangout featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, lawn games and more. Reunion Park, 302 Reunion Blvd. E., Dallas. 214-205-1086

SUN 28 THE MARGARET YOUNG NATATORIUM The Margaret Young Natatorium is an affordable, year round aquatics facility for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

The natatorium features aquatic fitness classes, water therapy, swim lessons for all ages and abilities, and American Red Cross certification courses. The natatorium also features open swim times for the general public, party room rentals, and after hours facility rentals. Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, 14032 Heartside Place, Farmers Branch. 972-919-8720

MON 29 BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED 3:30-4:30pm. Come and discover our world using nonfiction books as well as science, technology, arts, and math!

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UPLOAD YOUR BIRTHDAY KIDS PICTURE @ suburbanparent.com Please submit by the 10th of the month PRIOR to the month of their birthday to be included in our print edition. No copyrighted photos.

STEAM is a free event for ages 4-11.

Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane, Flower Mound. 972874-6200

TUE 30 SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM Lunch: 12-1pm. Snack: 3-3:30pm. This program is offered by the City of Carrollton and the Gloria Hicks Movement, Inc., a non-profit, providing sites where children up to 18-year-old can get meals at no charge. The service is open to all children, regardless of income. People who are over age 18 and enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities can also receive meals at no charge. For the most up-to-date information visit www.summerfood. org. Rosemeade Recreation Center, 1330 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton.

972-466-3080

SOUNDS OF LEWISVILLE 7pm. Bring the family out to enjoy live music at the plaza. Texas Flood will be performing. Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church Street, Lewisville. 972219-3401

SAVE THE DATE JULY 4 RED, WHITE & LEWISVILLE FIREWORKS Bring the whole family out for the city’s annual fireworks show, Red White & Lewisville. The same launch site will be used as in the past several years, and the best viewing areas are between State Highway 121 and the south side of Vista Ridge Mall. The show is scheduled to start after sunset, about 9:30 p.m. For more information call 972-219-3401

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.

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33

Our Classic 10 Ways to Be an ALL PRO DAD

1

LOVE YOUR WIFE. True love is not a feeling. It is a deci-

sion. It’s an act of the will to be patient, kind, humble, hopeful, giving, faithful and trusting. When you commit to loving your wife this way, your feelings for her, and hers for you, will follow. The number one source of security for kids is to know that their dad loves their mother and is steadfastly committed to her well-being.

2

SPEND TIME WITH YOUR KIDS. How you spend your time is a reflection of what’s important to you. If you value your kids, you’ll want to be with them. You don’t need to wait for the perfect time. Grab those small pockets of time as they present themselves throughout the day. Call your kids on your cell phone between appointments just to say “hi.” Send them an e-mail from work.

Read to them at bedtime. Carve out a few minutes to help them with their homework. Go to breakfast and drop them off at school.

3

BE A ROLE MODEL. It’s impossible to underestimate the

importance of a father modeling the type of behavior he desires to see in his children. Role models don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk of an honorable man. A great place to start is consistency. Do you keep your word? Do you stand up for what is right even when it costs you? Are you trustworthy? Be what you want your children to be!

4

UNDERSTAND AND ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN.

In order to be the best father you can be, you’ll need to understand your children as individuals. How do your kids think?

What do they like or dislike? You’ll also want to know what each of your children need from you the most. One may need encouragement. Another responds better with affection. This crucial understanding can only come if you’re committed to really getting to know them. Don’t get tempted to wish for the next stage of their development. Have fun with them now, and make memories that last a lifetime.

5

SHOW AFFECTION. Children long for a secure place in this fast-paced world. They find it most often in the warm embrace of a parent. As children grow, so does their need for acceptance and a sense of belonging. Such a need is met when a father offers a hug, or a kind word, and expresses his appreciation and love for his children. But showing affection doesn’t stop there. Make sure to say, “I love you” everyday.

6

SECURE YOUR FAMILY’S FINANCIAL FUTURE.

Financial stress is one of the leading factors that tears families apart. In order to put your family in a position of strength, you have to shore up your finances. First, hate debt. Do everything you can to get out of it as quickly as possible. Then, make sure you establish a budget that not only trims expenses, but also allows you to save and share with those in need. Have proper insurance. Finally, make sure you live and teach these frugal principles to your children as well.

7

EAT TOGETHER AS A FAMILY. Most children today don’t know the meaning of a family dinnertime. Yet the communication and unity built during this time is integral to a healthy family life. Sharing a meal together—breakfast, lunch or dinner— provides structure to an often hectic schedule. It also gives kids the opportunity to talk about their lives. This is a time for fathers to listen as well as give advice and encouragement. Most importantly, however, it is a time to be together on a daily basis.

8

DISCIPLINE WITH A GENTLE SPIRIT. True discipline

is a function of a father’s love for his children, which is why it should never be hard-nosed or harsh. Discipline’s role is not to intimidate or tear down, but to mold and to correct. Correcting your kids should be done in private, and you and your wife should be unified in how you discipline. Strive to be consistent.

9

PRAY AND WORSHIP TOGETHER. Families that have a healthy prayer life and take worshipping God seriously help their children to understand that there is an ultimate authority in their lives—an authority who provides moral absolutes for them to live by. Every child needs to know that there is right and wrong, good and evil. Living under the authority of God will give them that knowledge.

10

REALIZE YOU’RE A FATHER FOREVER. Someday every father must let go of the youthful activities that bond him with his children. As he allows his children their freedom to direct their own lives, a good father realizes that he doesn’t abandon them at a dorm room, a wedding altar, or the door of their first job. He continues to encourage, coach and convey his wisdom to his children forever.

— Reprinted with permission

This is where dads in any stage of fatherhood can find helpful resources to aid in their parenting. Fathers can also sign up to start or attend one of our All Pro Dads chapters.

WWW.ALLPRODAD.COM 34

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JUNE 2015 Don't forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Suburban Parent!

summer camp

Haircuts

COPPELL MONTESSORI ACADEMY

MOHAWKS

972-462-8311 • www.coppellmontessori.com See ad on p. 22

Designs

FADES

IRVING ARTS CENTER 972-252-2787 • www.irvingartscenter.com See ad on p. 17

BEARDS

BLACK MUSTANG RANCH 817-915-8455 • www.blackmustangranch.com See ad on p. 29

MON/THUR/FRI: 9am - 7pm TUE/WED: 9am - 6pm SAT: 8am - 6pm

NTA TAEKWONDO 214-295-8719 • www.ntafm.com See ad on p. 30

469.586.5051

106 N. MacArthur Blvd. • Irving

OAK CREST PRIVATE SCHOOL 214-483-5400 • www.oakcrestschool.org See ad on p. 23

T E X A S

FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC

PRINCE OF PEACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 972-447-0532 • www.popcs.org See ad on p. 26

Comprehensive Treatment of Adult and Pediatric Foot and Ankle Disorders

RIVERCHASE MONTESSORI 972-745-1500 • www.riverchasemontessori.com See ad on p. 15

• Arthritis • Bone Spurs • Bunions • Fractures • Hammertoes • Heel Pain

SAFESPLASH SWIM SCHOOL 214-422-4287 • www.safesplash.com See ad on p. 29

TEXAS PREMIER YOUTH SPORTS 469-834-8450 • www.texaspremieryouthsports.com See ad on p. 27

• Ingrown Nails • Neuromas • Orthotics • Sprains • Warts • Wound Care

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE 972-462-7775 • www.thelearningexperience.com See ad on p. 24

UTD CHESS CAMP

Jeffrey M. Radack DPM, FACFAS

972-833-4899 • www.utdallas.edu/chess See ad on p. 28

BEFORE

AFTER

Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Coppell Foot & Ankle Center 580 S. Denton Tap Rd., Suite 290 Coppell, TX 75019

WILLOW BEND ACADEMY 972-436-3839 • www.willowbendacademy.com See ad on p. 32

Medical Center of Craig Ranch 8080 Hwy. 121, Suite 200 McKinney, TX 75070

469-742-0406

SEE FULL CAMP LISTING ONLINE: www.suburbanparent.com

Same Day Appointments Available • Most Insurance Accepted

www.TexasFootClinic.com

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JUNE 2015 suburban parent

35

FUN STUFF { LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING }

WHAT KIND OF BATH CAN YOU TAKE WITHOUT WATER?

WHY IS A BABY LIKE A DIAMOND?

A SUN BATH

BECAUSE IT’S PRECIOUS!

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A FATHER CAN DO FOR HIS CHILDREN IS TO LOVE THEIR MOTHER. — THEODORE HESBURGH

Fatherhood

...

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass!” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply, “We’re raising boys.”

—­HARMON KILLEBREW

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.

But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years!

— MARK TWAIN

A father carries pictures where his cash used to be.

— AUTHOR UNKNOWN

WHY DOES A MOTHER CARRY HER BABY? BECAUSE A BABY CAN’T CARRY THE MOTHER

He didn’t tell me how to live, he lived, and let me watch him do it.

— CLARENCE BUDINGTON KELLAND

It’s easier for a father to have children, than for children to have a real father.

— POPE SAINT JOHN XXIII

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.

— JIM VALVANO

“A good father will make French Toast for their daughter, even on a busy school day morning!”

— CAROLINE

I can’t think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.

— SIGMUND FREUD

LOL WITH JAMES ESTES!

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM My husband is a bird enthusiast, so my son wanted to make a bird house as a Father’s Day gift. He worked hard using a wooden DIY kit. He presented it to his dad and said, “Look what I made!” His dad said, “Wow, is it for me?” he answered, “No, it’s for the birds; you could never fit in there!”

— DANNY, 8YRS

SUBMIT YOUR FUNNY STORY: editor@suburbanparent.com, subject “Funny”

36

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Mayo 2015 | GRATUITA

A magazine to inform, direct and inspire Latino families dfw

Una publicación para ayudar, informar e inspirar a las familias latinas

Mientras dormías

Vacaciones

al estilo Tejano Una guía de viaje

GRATUITA Llévala contigo

Hispanics are the cornerstone of future growth.

SÁBELO TODO

Calendario de eventos

Call Carrie to advertise!

972.887.7779

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37

BACKTALK { BY KEN SWARNER }

IT’S TIME TO GO CAMPING!

I

t’s officially summer and you know what that means...my wife and I need to make appointments with our chiropractor. Or, in other words,

holed up in the Port-A–potties crying.

I’ll camp this year with a new lease on life. If the tent falls down in

like millions of other people, we’re headed to one of the many local

the middle of the night, I say it’s no big deal. The kids and I will just

parks in our area for a weekend of camping.

pretend that our house was knocked over by a tornado and we can

Roughing it with the other crazy people, we’ll take a hike, build a

assess the damage in the morning.

campfire, and throw our backs out. Fun! My kids love camping, so I wouldn’t deny them that experience, but between you and me, I’ve never found camping to be a vacation.

If the tent flaps are constantly left open during the day, I won’t freak out and spend my weekend zipping them back up. I’ll shrug it off. After all, I don’t think anyone’s actually died from 40 mosquito bites.

It’s more like being home with a mountain of chores to do but you

If my daughter loses her shoe during our afternoon hike, I won’t

can’t do them in your boxers because there aren’t any walls to separate

yell and scream that I told her so. I’ll calmly remind her that I said “flip-

yourself from the neighbors.

flops weren’t a good idea on the trail,” and then I’ll fireman carry her

I know that camping is supposed to be fun, but by the time I have jimmied the tent up with two missing poles, lit a smoldering fire, cooked

back to the campsite.

And if we spend the entire weekend trapped as it pours cats and

dinner, stood in line for 30 minutes to wash the dishes under a spigot,

dogs outside, I won’t bore everyone with my list of “the twenty places”

and chased the kids out of the tent (again), I’m left wondering why I

we could be instead of huddled inside our car starring at the collapsed

didn’t stay home and clean out the garage.

tent. Instead, I’ll break out the S’more fixings and we’ll soften our

My wife says camping is worse than jabbing yourself with a marshmallow stick. Of course, the manner in which my son suddenly jerks a flaming marshmallow out of the fire and into your face, I’m not so sure.

Still I am trying to have a good attitude about camping, you know, for the kids’ sake. I remember

I’m going to make this camping adventure the best trip of my life. Regardless of what might go wrong, I will focus solely on turning every sour situation into lemonade.

Yep, I can feel the tension melting off me already...or maybe

how much fun I

that’s the Dramamine.

had as a child

SP

camping...when my mom wasn’t

38

marshmallows over the cigarette lighter.

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