1/31/2016.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Mary Ellen Caldwell, RD, LD, CLT editor@suburbanparent.com
MARY SHARES
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com
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I
t seems surreal that we are celebrating yet another new year; 2015 flew by with high tech speed, and I can only imagine that this coming year will do so as well. So let’s get ready to embrace all that is important to us and reflect on the past with memories of accomplishments, new friends, new businesses or positions, new parenthood, and more. This 2016 we should make every effort to continue with merriment and joy of a New Year given. It has great promise. You know, the first days of January are still the Christmas Season, so keep celebrating! The coming of Jesus changed history forever, because He changed forever the way people relate to God and the way God relates to “IF YOU STAND 3 OR 4 people. How does God relate to us? Well, he delights in us. He not only loves MORE HOURS 5 DAYS you, He really likes you! My kids laugh when I say “I like you” to them. They A WEEK, OVER THE learned to understand that my love is forever, but hearing that I truly like them COURSE OF A YEAR, IT’S THE EQUIVALENT strikes a special chord. There is a feeling of genuine interest and enjoyment OF RUNNING that accompanies saying it too. I delight in them, as God delights in us. 10 MARATHONS.” Zephaniah 3:17 says, “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a — DR. JOHN BUCKLEY, mighty Savior; he will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will UNIV OF CHESTER calm all of our fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” A new year traditionally brings new resolutions. Something God wants us to remember when we come into a brand new year is to take note of what we have already received – of the gifts He has already given to us. And we have to make sure not to let the “evil one” take from us the very things that were given to us from heaven above. Maybe resolve to dismiss worldly choices that can take away the romance with your husband; make time to reflect now and then about all the love you have for each other. If you were blessed with kids, resolve not to be too busy to regularly play and be there for each other. Those lazy days, nighttime snuggles and prayers are precious, at all ages! Lastly, I want you to know that “I like you!” And I’m glad you picked up this publication. I promise to boldly and proudly take on the challenge of bringing you relevant editorials, interesting products (with “win this” opportunities), local resources, so you can easily have choices; and most of all, inspiration, each and every month. Hey, I have a resolution! SP
EDITORIAL editor@suburbanparent.com
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COVER MODEL Ela, 8 years 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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Our cover girl Ela has a heart for those that are hurt. So, she plans to be a doctor or nurse someday. Until then, she keeps busy playing volleyball and taking dance and tumble classes. She also loves to read, especially fiction. She has 2 siblings, Mia (15) and Nico (6) and recently received 2 guinea pigs.
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YOU SHOULD KNOW LEAP YEAR - 101 2016 is a Leap Year! That means there are 366 days instead of 365. The extra day is February 29th. Why do we do this to the calendar every four years? Well, to keep it working properly; the 365 days of the annual calendar are meant to match up with the solar year, the time it takes the Earth to orbit around the Sun. The thing is, it actually takes the Earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds to do it. That difference over time would really mess things up. So, adding a day every four years mostly fixes the problem. To take care of the remaining 11 minutes and 14 seconds, we have to omit leap years three times every 400 years. So, century years are not leap years unless they’re evenly divisible by 400. What? It’s basic math, people.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE Don’t accidentally send an unfinished email again. Write your emails in reverse. Start with the body; then write the subject line so it matches what you wrote. Finally, add the recipients when you’re done. If you’re sending an attachment, you should attach it before you even write the body. Brilliant.
THE COLOR OF MEAT Raw red meat often changes color in the storing process, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the product has spoiled. Color changes are caused by exposure to air and light and can vary from bright red to brownish red. Real signs of spoilage in meat (or poultry) include an off odor, a sticky or tacky feel, or a slimy appearance. Remember, ground meat can be stored in the fridge for up to two days; other cuts can last up to five.
OIL CHANGE PLEASE! If you or your teen suffers from acne, try changing your pillowcases more often. While pillowcases don’t affect everyone’s skin, they can aggravate acne prone skin. So if you carefully wash your face each night, as you should, you want to be sure your pillowcase doesn’t reverse all your hard work. In other words, make sure your pillowcase is clean, or put 7 pillow cases on your pillow and take one off each morning. When laundering, skip the fabric softeners. See if that helps.
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SMART PHONES =
ABSENT PRESENCE
Yes, the telephone is a phenomenal communication tool. The cell phone, even more so. However, in-person interactions are negatively impacted by the mere presence of a mobile device (whether in your hand or on a table). How so? It creates a state of “absent presence” – a condition where you’re physically there, but your attention is not. One study found that conversations had in the absence of mobile communication technologies were significantly superior to those had in the presence of a mobile device. Participants without phones had higher levels of empathetic concern for each other regardless of their relationship. The take away here? To be a good listener, don’t just put your phone down. Put it away.
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QUESTIONS { + PROFESSIONAL ANSWERS }
DANIELLE, MONTHLY READER Q. Not sure about Omega-3 fats that I keep hearing about.
A. Well, I’m glad you asked, because the term “fat” is usually discussed within a negative context. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that should be “intentionally” included in your diet, essentially, Omega-3s help feed the brain and keep it healthy! Research has demonstrated key support roles in the body for three omega-3-fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). You can get EPA and DHA in salmon, tuna and sardines (marine-based sources). ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in certain plant and plant oil sources, like flaxseeds, walnuts and olive oil. Eating foods rich in EPA, DHA and ALA or taking supplements of fish or flaxseed oil will help fill dietary gaps. Note: Food before supplements is recommended. MARY ELLEN, Your Favorite Dietitian See more at www.suburbanparent.com/ better_homes_and_bodies
WE ASKED THE SPECIALIST BEVERLY DAVIS Executive Director of SPARK!
CHLOE, MOM OF 1 Q. I keep seeing so many programming facilities for afterschool learning. Is this an important extra-curricular learning activity for a 5 year old?
PETER, DAD OF MANY Q. Another new year = another new diet; recently I have heard about genetic testing; what is this and why is it important?
A. Yes and here are few reasons why. It’s inter-
you a lot of characteristics, like the color of your eyes, your hair and all the things that make you unique. All those characteristics are based on genes that they passed on to you; your genetic makeup! Based on that, science can find the genes that determine if you have a predisposition to be overweight. With genetic testing, you are able to gain insights into how your body may process sugars, fats, nutrients, and vitamins; as well as screen for muscle potential and how your body responds to exercise. That means you can have a completely personalized, genetically appropriate diet based on your DNA.
esting that now when a child says they speak 3 or more languages, they are actually talking about programming languages! Learning how to program is like learning any other language in that it must be practiced and tested out. And just as languages open up the ability to communicate with worlds of people, programming gives children the ability to create technologies that impact those around them. There has been so much research done that shows that computational thinking and logical reasoning (i.e. computer programming) is a very critical skill set for the current and future generations of children - regardless of what career path or their passions lead them towards.
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DR. IOHANN GONZALEZ AK Chiropractic
SANDHYA PADALA Rex Programming for Kids
Q. My children have very little access to art, music and other creative outlets at the school they attend. What’s the best way to compensate for their overall development of creativity? A. Having access to a fully immersive creative environment is a great way to bridge the gap between the education your child receives at school, and the supplemental learning they need to identify as a creative individual. When children come to SPARK! and explore our 11,000-square-foot learning playground, they’ll be exposed to a variety of mediums that cater to their creativity. We’re pushing boundaries in creative youth development because research shows that kids who believe they are creative have higher self-esteem, better problem solving skills and are more likely to graduate college. Parental involvement also plays an essential role in building the foundation for a child’s creative development. That’s why SPARK! offers opportunities for families to explore their creativity together and spend quality time in a place that challenges them to take risks and use their imagination.
EMAIL QUESTIONS: editor@suburbanparent.com 8
A. You probably know your mom and dad gave
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214-361-KIDS (5437)
8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 225, Dallas, Texas 75231
www.starKIDSdentist.com
Barrie Barber Choate DDS, MSD, PA
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ABA Center for Autism
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{ YOU WILL TOO }
>
WE LOVE THIS
Get Educate
d!
LEGO EXHIBIT AT THE DALLAS ZOO!
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The excitement is building! Nature Connects, 16 remarkable sculptures using LEGO bricks. Nature Connects® is free with Zoo admission. www.dallaszoo.com/exhibits-experiences/lego-brick-art-exhibit
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2 Kids learn their math facts as they work with number tiles to pop bubbles and release fish into the water. Kids learn to think quickly, memorizing their facts. The Osmo system is for ages 6 and up. It’s really cool. We found it at: www. playosmo.com, Starting at $29.00
PLAY ON SCULPTURE
3 This Climb, Crawl, Slide Sculpture gets children physically engaged and allows creative juices to flow. Made out of recycled and repurposed materials, the sculpture spans over 6,000 feet and climbs 26 feet toward the ceiling. Children can scale up a capsized ship, walk over bridges of car hoods, crawl through tubes in the earth’s bedrock, glide down spiral slides, and climb across a 200-square-foot spider web suspended 18 feet off the ground. Exploring the environment gets children’s adrenaline pumping and jump-starts the creative learning process. Part of the interactive and unique environment at SPARK! Check it out at: www.sparkdallas.org
SQUIRREL KING
4 The fun, unique and ingenious Squirrel King kits are a swirl of intellect, engineering and creativity delivered with a hands-on approach that inspires a thirst for knowledge. Each colorful kit includes novel stickering techniques — no glue involved — and all the materials for children to build, create and explore, making awesome toys in the process! With Build with Stickers kits, STEM (science, technology, education and math) principles are explored in an age-appropriate manner. We found it at squirrelking.org. The original Squirrel King Craft kit $9.99-$69.00
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Serving the needs of learning different students for 28 years.
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T
Is it Right for Yo ur Child?
here are many reasons to consider Private School placement for your child. You may choose a Private School based on their classroom management, or looking for better student discipline, better learning environment (smaller class sizes), improved student safety, or you may feel a private school could give your child more individual attention. Perhaps you attended private school as a child. Or maybe you are not satisfied with the achievement results with the public school in your district. No matter what the reasons are, the matter of choosing a private school is not so simple. This simple guide will hopefully give you greater insight as to what to expect. You can successfully work through selecting the best school for your child if you do your homework early. Prioritizing your needs and selecting a few schools that meet those needs; followed by learning as much as you can about these schools is a good place to start. Information Gathering: List and consider what your requirements would be for a school.
List the practical and desired requirements. • The practical must haves are requirements that are necessary and must be met. If a school will not be able to fulfill the must have list, then rule them out. • The “likes” and “desires” from a private school. These are requirements you will be focusing on when visiting a school. Try to keep these in mind so you don’t lose focus. • The extracurricular aspects of a private school are important as well, especially for your child. These will help your child decide between the schools that met your criteria.
What would be a practical requirement? A must have! • You may want to have your child’s school close to home or work, so consider the distance to the school. • Do you want to make sure your child is being taught about their faith? Do you want boys and girls kept separate? • Is there a need for transportation or is transportation provided by the school? • Consider costs. What is your budget for
the school facts
Private Schools
Magnet Schools
Statistics reflect 82% of private school institutions have a religious affiliation. While the basic subjects taught are likely to be similar to public schools, religious themes and lessons may be introduced and additional material regarding religion can play a large part of the curriculum.
These are free public schools with no boundary restrictions. They can be highly competitive and highly selective. Many Magnet schools specialize in a particular area, such as science or the arts. They’re renowned for their special programs and high academic standards.
Charter Schools
Private Preschools & Parents Day Out programs
Although a public school, charter schools are an institutional hybrid. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are free. Parents must usually submit a separate application to enroll a child in a charter school. These schools offer specialized programs and smaller classes and are governed by a board of directors, usually consisting of parents and community members.
Don’t discount these early years as a primer for setting good scholastic habits and foundations for learning. Studies have found that high quality preschool programs can provide academic advantages into the high school years and even college. Advantages include more positive interactions with peers, greater expressiveness, and some programs have been found to foster language development.
private school? Does the school offer scholarships? • Does your child have special learning needs? Any physical, emotional, linguistic needs that require special attention? After considering the practical requirements, you may be able to narrow down by ruling out schools very quickly.
What would be a desired requirement? The would likes! • Curriculum. Science based or maybe top music program • Small versus large school • A school that has K-12 or just through middle school • College preparation • Traditional or Alternative approach to teaching and learning • Parent involvement
Extracurricular Requirements These are what you will use to decide from two or more schools that meet the Must Haves and Would Likes. • Consider music and art programs if this is important to you. • What types of sports programs are offered? • What clubs would your child like to be involved in?
Traditions Keep in mind that traditions are important in most private schools, however implementing new teaching approaches is critical for the best possible education. In a strong educational environment, both are possible and usually highly desired. SP
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BY CHRISTINA KATZ
10 Practices for More Mindful Kids and Parents
the inspired child L
ike every growing girl in America, my daughter Samantha is prone to emotional upset caused by the slings and arrows of life. From a young age, I have encouraged her to practice self-care as a method of responding to external disappointments with self-love and compassion. My goal has been for her to learn how to comfort herself as she grows older. Of course, I am always here for her now, but the day will come when I am no longer by her side. Of all of my jobs as a parent, I consider my role as an encourager of self-care to be one of the most important. The world will always provide children with challenges. No one can progress through life and grow in character without experiencing setbacks and disappointments. Teaching our kids to practice self-care no matter what else happens is crucial to teaching them how to be peaceful and non-reactive, not only within themselves but also in interactions with others. We often voice our concerns about bullying or entitled behavior but rarely do we discuss practices that might help nip behaviors in the bud that we don’t want to see in our kids. Children accustomed to turning within and self-soothing can detach from unmanageable people, places and situations more easily than kids who habitually react or automatically compete. This doesn’t mean they won’t have any challenges in life, but it does mean
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that they can navigate them more calmly and with more clarity. Modeling self-caring behavior for our children is important when kids are younger, so these habits will be in place once kids reach the sometimes-challenging tween and teen years. No matter what ages your children, practicing calming techniques and passing them along to your kids helps you raise more mindful citizens in an occasionally chaotic world.
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STOP. Children who are calm can walk away or withdraw from situations that make them feel hurt or uncomfortable. Teach kids to understand signals from their bodies that indicate it’s time to step back, walk away, or simply stop moving forward on a path that does not feel constructive. Help kids understand that stopping is always an empowering option.
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TUNE IN. Designate no-screen times in your home. At our house, devices stay off until after noon every morning. Make sure kids understand the connection between turning off devices and tuning in to themselves and others. Why not establish one electronics-free family night at home each week to illustrate the point?
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REFLECT. Make sure kids have adequate alone time without screens involved to make time for self-reflection. Reading is permissible, as is any type of self-expression as long as all electronic devices remain off. Boredom may come first, and that’s okay. Teach kids how to move through it and find their way back to feeling self-content.
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NAP. Have your kids ever caught you napping? If so, that’s great! You should nap if you get a poor night’s sleep or feel run-down. And when you do, you model the habit of listening to your body for your kids. Naps are for crabby kids of all ages. Just make sure your children know this, too.
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FLOAT. The bathtub is my daughter’s go-to self-care space. She might shower or bathe or just soak, and she knows she’ll always feel great afterwards. Whatever your child’s self-soothing habit, support it as much as possible and give them space to enjoy it for themselves.
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GO OUTSIDE. Being in nature is grounding and energizing. If you don’t believe me, lay on the ground for ten minutes when you feel exhausted and see how you feel afterwards. Of course, this trick won’t work for every time of year, so be sure to keep the appropriate outdoor gear on hand for spontaneous adventures.
www.letstalkdallas.com
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PLAY. Anything old-fashioned is a good choice. Look to everything you did when you were a child for ideas. Build a fort, play a board game, deal some cards, have a pillow fight, challenge a child to a game of checkers or chess. Do your kids know how to play solitaire with real cards? Teach them now.
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CREATE. We keep our craft supplies in plastic drawers and bins in the corner of the laundry room so we can break them out any time. Or you might designate one kitchen cabinet for craft supplies. Rotate the supplies by season for variety if this inspires more use. Have family meetings with goal-setting games using your supplies. Color with your kids. You can find grown-up images to color on the Internet.
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IMAGINE. You were a kid once. What helped you tap into your imagination? Writing? Doodling? Playing music? Watching snowflakes or rain falling outside your window? Make sure everyone in the family has an imagination practice and lead the way by making sure they see you practicing yours.
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LET GO. At the foundation of health is the habit of turning over our will, not to other people, but to a positive universal force we trust, (editor’s note: most people would call this Our Almighty God.) If you teach your kids anything, let it be how to do their best and then surrender to the results. They won’t always win. They won’t always get picked. They won’t always be the most popular. But they can always go home afterwards, take a nice long bath or shower, and reflect on the next best choice to make. SP Author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz is a self-care expert, who wrote the book, The Art Of Making Time For Yourself. Even so, she still needs a regular refresher on all of these reminders.
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KNOW IT ALL { YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR }
JANUARY 2016 FRI 1 GEPPETTO’S THEATER WINTER WONDERLAND Runs through January. 3. Take a whirlwind journey to the North Pole in this charming holiday show that features a cast of over 60 hand-carved marionettes. Children will delight as they meet the Winter Wizard, the North Pole dancing elves, the magic toys of Santa’s workshop, and a whole host of other holiday favorites including Rudolph and Frosty. This musical variety show is colorful and fast-paced and engages the audience with special effects, audience interaction and musical sing-a-longs. It even snows over the audience! We hope you’ll make Geppetto’s Theater your new family holiday tradition. Please visit website for show times and ticket information. Geppetto’s Marionette Theater at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, 469-442-1925, geppettostheater.com.
HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM Runs through January. 3. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Holiday at the Arboretum, featuring the return of the magnificent The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit and The Artistry of the Nativity at the DeGolyer House. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, www.dallasarboretum.org.
ICE! FEATURING “CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD” Runs through January 3. As guests experience the magic of Christmas Around the World in ICE!, they will celebrate cultural traditions from around the world featuring holiday scenes and children from Mexico, Germany, Sweden and more; take a thrilling ride down two-story-tall ice slides, travel through the North Pole and sit in Santa’s sleigh; watch the Chinese artisans carve in the interactive “Frostbite Factory”; and conclude with the awe-inspiring Nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice. OPEN: (NonPeak) Mon-Thur, 11/12-12/17: 11am – 8pm (Peak) Fri/Sat/Sun, and 12/18-1/3: 10am – 10pm. Adult tickets are $21.99 (non-peak) and $29.99 (peak) Children ages 4 – 12 are $12.99 (non-peak) and $16.99 (peak) Seniors 55+ are $19.99 (non-peak) and
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$26.99 (peak) Children 3 and under are FREE Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine.
THE TRAINS AT NORTHPARK, BENEFITING THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE Runs through January 3. The Trains at NorthPark™, is a NorthPark Center holiday tradition that includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America. Cityscapes include downtown Dallas, with the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the State Fair of Texas, the Cotton Bowl and the Perot Museum; New York City’s Times Square and Grand Central Station; Washington, D.C. with The White House; New England’s fall foliage; the Grand Canyon, Route 66, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and hot air balloons in Albuquerque. The exhibit encompasses train-themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience—steam engines and coach cars, a ticket booth and a train station. Northpark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, 214-369-1234.
DMA INTERNATIONAL POP Runs through January 17. International Pop, organized by the Walker Art Center, chronicles the global emergence of Pop in the 1960s and early 1970s. While previous exhibitions and prevailing scholarship have primarily focused on the dominance of Pop activity in New York and London during this time, this exhibition examines work from artists across the globe who were confronting many of the same radical developments, laying the foundation of the emergence of an art form that embraced figuration, media strategies, and mechanical processes with a new spirit of urgency and/or exuberance. This groundbreaking exhibition follows the trajectories of Pop and its critical points of contact with global developments in art such as Nouveau Réalisme (France), Concretism and NeoConcretism (Brazil), The Art of Things (Argentina), Anti-Art (Japan), Capitalist Realism (Germany), Happenings, and Neo-Dada. Call or visit website for museum hours. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, 214-922-1200 dma.org.
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SEASON’S GREETINGS: PHOTOGRAPHERS’ HOLIDAY CARDS Runs through January 25. Season’s Greetings: Photographers’ Holiday Cards features contemporary greeting cards created by both professional and amateur photographers selected from a competition sponsored by Blair-Murrah Exhibitions. Entries were received from all over the United States and Canada, and the best images were selected for the exhibition. Themes include the holiday seasons of Christmas, New Year’s, and Hanukkah. The wide variety of subjects include traditional religious and sacred themes, as well as contemporary and humorous cards. Media range from traditional straight color or black and white photographic prints, to digitally enhanced images, and photo silk-screen prints. Free. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972-252-7558 www.irvingartscenter.com.
TREASURES FROM THE HOUSE OF ALBA Runs through January 3. For its 50th anniversary, the Meadows Museum will be the first in the world to bring together masterpieces collected since the 16th century by the Dukes of Alba. Truly the second family of Spanish aristocracy — and collecting — after the royal family, the House of Alba owned major masterpieces by Spanish, Flemish, Italian, and French artists, fully embodying the transnational power and influence of Spain. See website for museum hours. Closed on Mondays and holidays. Meadows Museum of Art, 5900 Bishop, Dallas, 214-768-2516 www. meadowsmuseumdallas.org.
LONE STAR CIRCUS’ ZINGARI Through January 3. For its brand new production, Dallas’s very own Lone Star Circus presents ZINGARI, a loving tribute to the old Gypsy roots of many circus families, replete with a cornucopia of talented acrobats, aerialists, equilibrists, jugglers, clowns and four-legged stars from all over the world. An amazing, awe-inspiring and fun-filled spectacular guaranteed to charm, amuse and entertain everyone-from 5 to 105! Performances Jan. 1, 2 & 3. Check
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website for exact show times and ticket information. Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, Dallas, 214-740-0051 dct.org.
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Runs through February 14. Now celebrating its sixteenth year as a Theatre Three tradition, the mega-hit production returns for a limited engagement in Theatre Too, Theatre Three’s intimate downstairs venue. This celebration and exploration of the mating game will feature two married couples, Kim and Max Swarner and Amy Mills and Doug Jackson. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost and lived to try again. Smartly conceived with catchy tunes and witty lyrics, this affectionate look at love and marriage is as amusingly appropriate today as when it first opened in New York in 1996. Audiences fill the theatre with laughter as the cast explores the joys of dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives, and in-laws. Special New Year’s Eve Opening night features champagne toast $50 per ticket • Valentine’s Weekend (Feb. 12, 13 & 14) includes flowers, chocolate and champagne $50 per ticket. Visit website for show times and ticket information. Theatre Three, 2800 Routh Street, Dallas, 214-8713300, theatre3dallas.com.
DAY 1 DALLAS 10am-10pm. A Family Fair specifically designed for children and families to celebrate New Year’s Day hosted at historic Fair Park. This celebration will be entirely focused on kid-friendly, interactive activities and performances by nationally known entertainers that will create long-lasting memories for all in attendance. Adults $10, Kids 4yrs+ $5. Check website for other performance ticket information. Children are free from 10am– Noon with an accompanying adult ticket. Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, day1dallas.com.
SAT 2 A SEASON OF STORIES: CHRISTMAS AT THE WHITE HOUSE 2003 Runs through January 3 (museum closed New Year’s Day). In 2003, Mrs. Bush
selected “A Season of Stories” as the White House holiday theme, combining the wonder of the season with the delight of classic children’s stories that have shaped American culture. This year, the Bush Center invites you to step into the story, experiencing the holiday magic at our special exhibit and winter programs. Check website for museum hours and to purchase tickets. George W. Bush Presidential Center, 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, bushcenter.org.
REPTICON DALLAS REPTILE & EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW Repticon Dallas is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone! Hours: Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm (VIP Entry at 9:00am); Sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm (No VIP Early Entry). Admission: Adults-$10, Children (5-12)-$5, Under 5-Free Visit our website for special offers on 2-day and VIP tickets Knights of Columbus Center, 2280 Springlake Rd., Farmers Branch, www. repticon.com./dallas.html.
BUILDING TOYS AND TOY BUILDINGS: ARCHITECTURE THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES Lincoln Logs. TinkerToys. Erector Sets. LEGO. And, of course, the humble wooden block. The timeline of the toys that we’ve used to build our fantasy buildings, towns and towers is long and varied. The Dallas Center for Architecture explores this experience in Building Toys and Toy Buildings: Architecture Through A Child’s Eyes. The show will run through January 23, 2016. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday. Special Family Days with refreshments and additional activities will be held on January 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Center will be closed on January 1. Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Ste. 100, Dallas, DallasCFA.com.
EXHIBIT: CREATURES OF LIGHT: NATURE’S BIOLUMINESCENCE Runs through February 21 (museum is OPEN New Year’s Day). From the flickering fireflies you once captured in jar in our own backyard, to the iridescent deep-sea creatures in our oceans’ darkest depths, the magical world of bioluminescence com.es to life in Creatures of Light. Come immerse yourself in the natural phenomenon of living light. Visit website for museum hours and ticket information. Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, 214-428-5555 perotmuseum.org.
JACKSON POLLOCK: BLIND SPOTS Runs through March 20. This once-ina-lifetime exhibition offers a new perspective on the work of one of the most
famous artists of the 20th century. See it only at the DMA. For tickets, visit dma.org. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, dma.org.
TARGET FIRST SATURDAYS AT THE NASHER Bring out your children’s artistic talents and broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world around them. 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/Theme. For more information please visit the website. Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas, www.nashersculpturecenter.org.
GALLERIA DALLAS’ SHOWTIME SATURDAYS PRESENTS: MIKE SQUIRES 11:30am-12pm. Every Saturday DFW children and families are invited to enjoy the amazing FREE entertainment provided by Galleria Dallas and our friends from Slappy’s Playhouse. Magician Mike Squires combines comedy and magic for a show that will both entertain and amuse. Shows are located near the Children’s Play Place and Nordstrom on Level 3. Admission is FREE! Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 972-702-7100.
DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. PELICANS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
SUN 3 DALLAS COWBOYS VS. WASHINGTON REDSKINS 12pm. AT&T Stadium, One AT&T Way, Arlington, www.dallascowboys.com.
TUE 5 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. KINGS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
THU 7 THE WESTWOOD SCHOOL ADMISSION PREVIEW 6-7:30pm. At The Westwood School, students engage in the Montessori Method from Toddler through Upper Elementary (2 years old through 6th Grade) under fully-trained lead guides. These Montessori foundations carry through High School, and beginning in 7th Grade students enter the International Baccalaureate Programmes as they progress towards their internationally acclaimed diploma. The Westwood School, 14340 Proton Rd., Dallas, 972-2398598 www.westwoodschools.org.
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STORY TIMES
KNOW IT ALL DALLAS STARS VS. JETS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.
FRI 8 ELVIS IS BACK, ENTERTAINMENT SERIES OF IRVING
HIGHLAND PARK LIBRARY 4700 Drexel Dr. • 214-559-9400 Wed Baby Lapsit Story Time 10am, birth-24 mos Thur Toddler Story Time 10am, 2 yrs Fri Preschool Story Time 10am, 3-4yrs
UNIVERSITY PARK LIBRARY 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200 • 214-363-9095 Wed Story Time 3:45pm (ages 4 &-5) Thur Toddlers Story Time 10:45am (ages 18-24mos.) Fri Babysit Story Time 10:30am, 0-24 mos with caregiver
RENNER FRANKFORD BRANCH 6400 Frankford Road • 214-670-6100 Tue Tadpole Tales Toddler Storytime 11:15am, 2-4yrs
BOOKMARKS (at North Park Mall) 8687 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1514 • 214-671-1381 Mon Mon Wed Thur Thur Fri Fri
NorthCourt - Baby Bounce Basics 10:30am (up to 24 mos.) Inside Bookmarks - Baby Bounce Basics 12:30pm (up to 24 mos.) Inside Bookmarks - Wiggly, Waggly Words 3:30pm (preschoolers) NorthCourt - Tickles for Toddlers 10:30am & 3:30pm (2 & 3 year olds) Inside Bookmarks – Baby Bounce Basics , 12:30pm (up to 24 mos.) Inside Bookmarks - Baby Bounce Basics 12:30pm (up to 24 mos.) Inside Bookmarks – Preschool Palooza - 3:30pm (ages 2-4)
SAT 9 GALLERIA DALLAS’ SHOWTIME SATURDAYS PRESENTS: SLAPPY & MONDAY 11:30am-12pm. Every Saturday DFW children and families are invited to enjoy the amazing FREE entertainment provided by Galleria Dallas and our friends from Slappy’s Playhouse. Families will enjoy the talents of professional circus clowns Slappy and Monday. Shows are located near the Children’s Play Place and Nordstrom on Level 3. Admission is FREE! Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 972-702-7100.
FAMILY DAY AT SPARK
6121 Worth Street • 214-670-1376
1-4pm. Join us for at Family Day at SPARK! Creative fun for the whole family! Open to families with children in 2nd grade through high school. No drop-offs. Admission is $10 at the door – cash, check, or credit card payments accepted. Spark Dallas, 1409 S. Lamar St. #004, Dallas, 214-4217727, www.sparkdallas.org.
Wed Boogie Woogie Books 10:30am (ages 6 & under) Fri Books and Crafts 10:30am (elementary age)
DALLAS STARS VS. WILD
LAKEWOOD BRANCH LIBRARY
AUDELIA ROAD BRANCH LIBRARY 10045 Audelia Road • 214-670-1350 Tue Wed Wed Thur Thur
Awesome After School Activities 3:15pm (grades 1-6) Bouncing Babies Lapsit Storytime 10:15am (0-12mos) Tales for Tots 1,2,3 11:00am (ages 1-3) Boogie Woogie Books 10:30am (ages 2-6) Awesome After School Activities 3:15pm (grades 1-6)
MESQUITE MAIN BRANCH 300 W. Grubb Dr. • 972-216-6220 Tues Tues Wed Thur
Preschool Story Time 10:30am (ages 3-5) Evening Story Time 7pm (all ages) Young & Restless Story Time 10:30am (1-2yrs) Toddler Story Time 10:30am (ages 2-3yrs))
MESQUITE NORTH BRANCH 2600 Oates Dr., 972-681-0465 Tue Preschool Story Time 10:30am (ages 3-5) Thur Toddler Time 10:30am (ages 2-3yrs) All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes. Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.
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7:30-9pm. Kraig Parker, as Elvis Presley, has been called the ultimate image of this music icon. For over 16 years he has been performing rockin’ tributes to the king of rock and roll. There is screaming, swooning and of course the trademark scarf giveaway. Audiences will be stunned, thrilled and hungry for more. This is world class tribute you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $21.50. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972-2522787, entertainmentseries.com.
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7pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.
TUE 12 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. CAVALIERS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
WED 13 MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Runs January 13-17. Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Please visit the website for specific show times/dates and to purchase tickets. Bass Hall, 4th and Calhoun Streets, Fort Worth, 817-212-4280 www.basshall.com.
JANAURY 2016 Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Dallas Parent!
FRI 15 LATE NIGHTS AT THE DMA 6pm-12am. Join us on the third Friday of each month, when the Museum is open until midnight. Each Late Night offers hundreds of experiences for visitors of all ages with performances, concerts, readings, film screenings, tours, talks, family programs, and more! Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood Street, Dallas, dma.org.
SAT 16 GALLERIA DALLAS’ SHOWTIME SATURDAYS PRESENTS: MISTER WILLY WELCH 11:30am-12pm. Every Saturday children and families are invited to enjoy the FREE entertainment provided by Galleria Dallas and Slappy’s Playhouse. Mister Willy’s songs and stories spark the imagination and inspire a love of reading for kids and families. Shows are located near the Children’s Play Place and Nordstrom on Level 3. Admission is FREE! Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 972-702-7100.
SUN 17 MOCHITSUKI NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION 2-5pm. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth invites you to experience the New Year’s traditions of Japan at this 16th annual family-friendly festival. Highlights include taiko drumming, Japanese folk dance, tea ceremony demonstration and ikebana (flower arranging). Watch rice being pounded for mochi (rice cakes), a treat you can sample with various toppings. Try your hand at calligraphy, origami, and traditional games for children. Fun for all ages! Admission: Cash & Check only at the door. Event Admission: JASDFW & DJA Members: Adult $5; Child (6 -12 yrs): $3; General Public: Adult $10; Child (6 -12 yrs): $5; Child (5 yrs and under): FREE Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc, 2801 Telecom. Parkway, Richardson, 214-342-2022.
MON 18 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY – FEDERAL HOLIDAY Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. CELTICS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
TUE 19 PROSPECTIVE PARENTOPEN HOUSE AT GRACE ACADEMY OF DALLAS 7pm. Grace Academy, 11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas. Please call for reservations. 214696-5648. Join us for a preview lunch & tour on Feb 17. GraceAcademy.com. See ad in this issue.
WED 20 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. TIMBERWOLVES 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
THU 21 DALLAS STARS VS. OILERS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.
FRI 22 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. THUNDER 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
SAT 23 GALLERIA DALLAS’ SHOWTIME SATURDAYS PRESENTS: CRITTERMAN 11:30am-12pm. Every Saturday families are invited to enjoy the FREE entertainment provided by Galleria Dallas and our friends from Slappy’s Playhouse. Take a walk on the wild side with Critterman’s entertaining performance involving live animals! Shows are located near the Children’s Play Place and Nordstrom on Level 3. Admission is FREE. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 972-732-7100.
DALLAS STARS VS. AVALANCHE 7pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.
MON 25 DALLAS STARS VS. FLAMES 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.
FRI 29 A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD Runs Jan. 29-Feb. 28. The three-time TONY-nominated Broadway hit hops to DCT. This whimsical musical follows two unlikely best friends and their quirky egos
from hibernation to planting, to swimming, to sledding with plenty of fun and lots to learn along the way. This adorably charming story captivates audiences of all ages-even those who think they’re too old for make-believe. Join Frog and Toad as they weather the seasons and celebrate the differences that make them special. See website for show times and ticket information. Recommended for ages 4 and up Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, Dallas, 214-740-0051 dct.org.
ZESTFEST 2016 Jan. 29-31. ZestFest brings together the spiciest exhibitors and products from around the country for one sizzling weekend. ZestFest is the ultimate party for bold and flavorful food enthusiasts. Produced by Spicy Food Productions and taking place in Irving, ZestFest will be action-packed, check the website for festival hours! Cooking demos by celebrity chefs, live music, interactive contests and thousands of bold food samples will make January 29-31 2016 the zestiest weekend of the year! Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, zestfest.net.
DIRECTORY GRACE ACADEMY OF DALLAS 214-696-5648 • www.graceacademy.com See ad on p. 9
HOLY TRINITY ACADEMY 972-490-7060 • www.holytrinityacademy.com See ad on p. 19
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER 800-226-5327 • www.huntingtonhelps.com See ad on p. 7
OAK HILL ACADEMY 214-353-8804 • www.oakhillacademy.org See ad on p. 11
DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. NETS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
See complete 2016 Private School Guide online at suburbanparent.com
SAT 30 GALLERIA DALLAS’ SHOWTIME SATURDAYS PRESENTS: SLAPPY & MONDAY 11:30am-12pm. Every Saturday families are invited to enjoy the amazing FREE entertainment. Families will enjoy the talents of professional circus clowns Slappy and Monday. Shows are located near the Children’s Play Place and Nordstrom on Level 3. Admission is FREE! Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 972-702-7100.
SUN 31 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. SUNS 6pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.
SAVE THE DATE... FEB 29
2016 DART STUDENT ART CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE Enter your art to win a spot on DART buses and trains, plus $1000 or other prizes. This year’s theme is DART to discovery. For complete rules, visit DART. org/artcontest. See ad in this issue.
Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates and times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.
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JANUARY 2016 dallas parent
21
FUN STUFF { LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING }
HOW CAN YOU SPELL COLD WITH TWO LETTERS?
WHICH WEIGHS MORE, A TON OF FEATHERS OR A TON OF BRICKS? NEITHER, THEY BOTH WEIGH A TON!
DAVID’S FATHER HAD THREE SONS: SNAP, CRACKLE, AND ? DAVID!
IC (ICY)
START BY DOING WHAT’S NECESSARY; THEN DO WHAT’S POSSIBLE; AND SUDDENLY YOU ARE DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE. – FRANCIS OF ASSISI
New Year. New Health Plan!
Start with simple changes and understand that a diet and health plan is not always about losing weight. It’s about getting the nutrition and exercise your body needs. Realizing there are nutrients that are vital to our health; must have: Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats, Vitamins, and Minerals, and of course water and fiber. Make this easier by taking the attitude of “What’s in it for me?” That’s right, you deserve something from everything you eat. It could be a good source of calcium, or it may give you those oh so important Omega-3 fatty acids! Ask the question before eating anything; you’ll be amazed how you can alter your wants to get your needs.
– YOUR FAVORITE DIETITIAN
LOL WITH JAMES ESTES!
GOTTA LOVE ‘EM My son (age 4) as was starting to read street signs, and his little sister (age 3) was trying to help. She guessed the word “STOP” at every sign she saw, but my son kept correcting her. Finally she shook her head and said, “I just can’t read sign language!” — CANDY, MOM OF 2
SUBMIT YOUR FUNNY STORY: editor@suburbanparent.com, subject “Funny”
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dallas parent
JANAURY 2016 Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Dallas Parent!
Here is to New Beginnings in a New Home in 2016.
5912 Chestnut Bend, Colleyville $778,800
738 Armstrong Blvd, Coppell $738,850
1216 Strathmore Drive, Southlake $900,000
20 Oxford Place, Trophy Club $1,195,000
2000 Tam O Shanter Drive, Fort Worth $1,225,000
1410 Laurel Lane, Southlake $1,598,500
Call us and let’s chat about a new home in the New Year for your family. Engel & Völkers Dallas Flower Mound +1 972 388-5008 Located in The Shops at Lakeside 2451 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 180
Engel & Völkers Dallas Southlake +1 817 416-2700 Across from Town Square and the Police Dept. 640 North Carroll Avenue, Suite 100
roxann.taylor@evusa.com | +1 817 312-7100
dallas.evusa.com
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