Growing Up Chico Fall 2020

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A quarterly resource celebrating family life in Butte County since 2004 Fall Issue 2020 August - September - October

Fall Fun Puzzles, Games, Recipes, and More!

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WAYS FOR KIDS TO STAY SOCIAL FROM A DISTANCE

Help

SAVE THE BEES!

Cover Photo By: Left to right: Jack (10), Elizabeth (2), Nora (8), Louie (6) Location: TJ Farms

On The Cover: Cover by Tami Oberg Photography.

Tami Oberg is a Chico based photographer specializing in newborn, maternity, and family photography.

To contact Tami, visit www.tamiobergphotography.com. or call (530) 680-8334

Celeste Cramer Celeste is the Development Director for the Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Foundation and mother to an Inspire senior and an 8th grader who is counting the days until he can attend Inspire School of Arts & Sciences.

Morgan Dickerson, MSW, LCSW Morgan is a psychotherapist who has recently relocated from Malibu, California, where she supported celebrities, families, children, and individuals in their healing process. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and substance abuse in Roseville and surrounding cities. She also offers therapy online.

Marne Larsen Publisher marne@growingupchico.com (530) 518-6154

DeAnna Holman Layout Design/Editor

Sandi Schwartz Sandi is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. You can find her at www.happysciencemom.com.

Dr. Juni Banerjee-Stevens Juni is a mom, a psychologist, and a concerned citizen. She is the owner of Deer Park Consulting in Chico. Through her work as therapist and consultant, she hopes to make the world a better place for all of us, especially our kids.

For Advertising Information, Contact Rachele Thompson: (530) 519-0320 rachele@growingupchico.com Advertising Deadline: To advertise in our upcoming Winter Issue, please contact us by September 30th. Our Winter Issue will be out for November, December, January.

Kerrie McLoughlin Kerrie is a writer, wife, and homeschooling mom to her five kids. She likes to travel with her family; walk while listening to audiobooks, music, and podcasts; swim in her backyard pool; go on dates with her husband, and go on impromptu field trips with the kids. You can find her at TheKerrieShow.com.

Article and Photo Submission Deadline: Please submit familyfriendly and seasonally appropriate photos and informative articles for the Winter Issue by September 20th.

Growing Up Chico Magazine is published quarterly and available, free, at over 200 family-friendly locations throughout Butte County. We are also available online at www.growingupchico.com.

Copyright Š 2020 by Growing Up Chico Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproductions without permission are prohibited. Articles and advertisements found in Growing Up Chico Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management. We reserve the right to edit. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings, and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake.

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School and Home

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10 A Different Kind Of High School Experience

12 Talking To Your Kids About Racism

14 7 Ways To Keep Kids Socialized At a Distance

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Family Time

16 Staying Mentally Healthy

18 How Your Family Can Help Save The Bees

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Parenting

20 Staying Balanced: 10 Easy Ways To Cut Screen Time

21 Local Parenting Resources

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Fall Fun

22 Autumn Scavenger Hunt 24 Pumpkin Patch Guide

25 10 Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

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26 Kids Can Cook Contest Winners 28 Exercises For Kids

29 Mealtime Conversation Starters

In Every Issue

04 Contributors 30 Preschool Directory 31 Advertiser Directory

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school and home

A Different Kind of High School Experience www.growingupchico.com

By Celeste Cramer

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ducation, as we know it, is being reinvented. Ten years ago, a group of educators from different local schools- Chico High School, Pleasant Valley High, and Chico State- converged to cultivate ideas for rethinking education at the high school level. The premise of their work centered on the idea that “regular” high schools were not designed for all students’ success, and that schools should consider student passions and interests to offer a broad range of educational experiences.

They wanted students to be flexible, fearless, and competent problem solvers, and they aimed to foster a culture of innovation, imagination, and creativity. They envisioned a safe, smaller learning environment that would provide a place for students to be risk-takers, change-makers, boundary-pushers, and challenge-seekers. In 2010, Inspire School of Arts & Sciences was born, and now, a decade later, they are rated the #1 high school in the area with a graduation rate of 98%, which far exceeds California’s average.

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What makes Inspire School of Arts & Sciences unique?

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he Inspire campus was designed to deliver an immersive educational experience unlike any other in the Northern California region. The high school has provided students with the unique opportunity to explore and intensively learn in theater, music, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, engineering, and science. With an extended, collegelike classroom block schedule, 80 to 90-minute classes allow the necessary time to dive deeper into the subject matter. Additionally, the school offers a family-like feel with an Advisory class where students stay for all four years of their high school career. Inspire is a home away from home where students can discuss sensitive topics like racial injustice, equity issues, and environmental solutions, and where they learn empathy for others. It is also where

they develop a desire for life-long learning and selfimprovement.

Striving for Excellence:

Inspire has the #1 ranking in English Language Acquisition (ELA) and Science scores for Chico, CA area schools, with the highest rate of high school graduates.

Transcending Traditional Learning:

Inspire offers over 80 electives and 12 majors to its students, creating an award-winning educational experience. Inspire prepares young leaders to expand and achieve their dreams in Visual Arts, Digital Media Arts, Dance, Theatre, Musical and Technical Theatre, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Science, Environmental Science, Engineering, Robotics, Humanities, and Recording Arts.

Producing World-Class Performances:

Patrons often walk away from Inspire productions in awe that this level of talent has come from high school students.

They don’t know that students are encouraged to play a role far beyond the expectations of other high schools. Students provide projected budgets, drawings of the sets, backstage management, costume research and design, lighting plans, and much more.

“I have been attending Broadway Shows in New York for 30 years, and after watching Oklahoma by Inspire, I now know where I can see performances of that caliber.” Connie, Butte County resident.

Creating Hands-On Experiences:

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences offers a diverse range of engineering courses designed to connect content-level skills and creative solutions. Students work in teams to design and test solutions empowering them to develop in-demand, transportable skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.

Facilitating Courageous Conversations About Race:

Inspire is committed to achieving racial equity in our systems of teaching and learning. In social science, students learn about the contributions of Black Americans and other Americans of Color to our culture as a whole. Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to travel to the South with “Sojourn to the Past” to learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement and meet those directly involved in the struggle for equal rights. This year, Inspire has partnered with the Book in Common event, and is planning to share and discuss readings from Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be an Anti-Racist as a school.

Pushing Boundaries:

Science students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, leading them to explore and innovate. Projects have included a recycling a system that converts plastics on campus into usable items and working with a scientist on the East coast to develop a powder to regenerate limbs.

Another exciting project was designing a suitcase-sized solar battery delivered to villagers in Tanzania to provide light to a community with no electricity.

What does the future hold for Inspire School of Arts & Sciences?

A new campus is in the works. From the beginning, Inspire has held the vision of moving to a new site. In late 2019, they learned that they became eligible for Prop 51 funds from the state of California through a charter facilities grant applied for in Spring 2017. Under this program, the state will fund up to $10 million, if they can match with their own $10 million. Parallel with this momentum, the Inspire Foundation was established with the purpose of supporting the school and launching a capital campaign to build the students and staff the school they deserve at a new site.

The Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Foundation is vigorously working on raising enough funds to build a genuinely inspiring campus, including state-of-the-art classrooms and dynamic maker spaces. This campus would allow Inspire to achieve its vision of a school with facilities and resources that would enable invention, creation, and collaboration for thousands of students for years to come.

This is learning, inspired.

For more information on Inspire School of Arts & Sciences, please visit www.InspireChico.org. To support Inspire education and the new facility through volunteer time or donations, please visit www.SupportInspire.org.

school and home www.growingupchico.com

So You Want to Talk to Your Kids About Racism?

By Devjani (Juni) Banerjee-Stevens, PhD Psychologist and Owner of Deer Park Counseling & Consulting

When I signed up for this parenting gig, I was excited to teach my kids about everything that sparked a sense of wonder in me. What makes the sky blue? How many stars are there in the universe? What is it about that song that makes me feel so emotional?

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I also know there was a part of me that hoped that I could outsource the harder questions. Why do people die? Why do people hurt people? What is racism? Am I safe?

In spite of all of my efforts to fix the world before my kids realized it wasn’t perfect, they figured it out. Now, in the wake of the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless other brothers and sisters, I know I need to step up my game and learn how to talk to my kids about those things we want to shield them from. In the summer of 2020, it’s racism.

Step One in this process? Face my fears. Here are a few of them: Talking about racism, especially anti-Black racism, will just make it worse. It makes sense, right? If we just pretend a problem doesn’t exist, it will go away. Yeah, no. As a counseling psychologist, I have spent many hours helping clients identify the people who hurt them so that they can learn to move through that pain and maybe even forgive those who betrayed them. It’s no different on a larger scale. By understanding the history of how Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) have

systematically been discriminated against, we can grieve the losses of our ancestors, break cycles of abuse and trauma, and become better ancestors for our great-great-grandkids.

My kids are too young to understand this racism stuff.

Talking about it will hurt them. It may be true that your kids may not understand discrimination based on race, but they do see differences. Studies show that babies as young as three months recognize racial differences. It’s not a problem until kids start receiving problematic messages from the media, their families, and role models in their lives that some races are superior to others. Once that happens, kids learn to judge those differences and not always fairly. This “learned judgment” creates bias.

When adults avoid talking about our country’s history of systemic violence, specifically against Black people, our kids grow up unaware of how their own biases might be hurting other people.

When kids unconsciously absorb the lie that all people are not equally deserving of dignity, they may become business owners, teachers, and community leaders who unintentionally repeat similar patterns of discrimination.

Racism doesn’t affect me or anyone in my family, so I think I’m good. My parents immigrated from India in the 1960s, and they provided a very safe and comfortable life for my sister and me. For most of my life, I wanted to believe that racism didn’t affect me, my parents, or any of my mostly White friends. My dad, especially, loved being an American, and I listened in awe

as he told stories about his childhood in India and why he made the difficult decision to leave his family for more opportunities in the USA. When I would tell my friends about the history of British Colonialism in India, they often would say, “Why didn’t we learn about any of this stuff in school?” I’ve been feeling the exact same way when I learn something new about Black history—a long history of tragedy and triumph in America. Why didn’t I learn this stuff, and why aren’t we teaching it to our kids?

This is how racism hurts all of us. When we don’t know our own history, as well as the history of the people around us, we deprive ourselves of knowledge that can make us better people.

I know that both of my parents had to leave huge pieces of themselves behind when they moved here, and that affected how they parented me. As a therapist, I encourage clients to explore all parts of their history—the good, the bad, and the ugly. When we know our history, we can integrate it into our hopes and dreams for the future, and we are all the better for it.

This is just too overwhelming. Where do I begin? I know. It is a lot. The great news is that there are many BIPOC who have been writing and speaking for years about how to do “the work” of anti-racism. If you search, “How to Raise an Anti-Racist Kid,” you’ll find numerous resources to read, watch, and listen to. I know that the best way for me to learn is to huddle up with my most trusted friends. You know—those friends who will tell you the truth even when you don’t want to hear it? Starting a book club, or even a discussion group around race can give you space to talk openly and honestly about your own fears and concerns.

You’ll probably learn that others have those same fears, and that they also want to make some meaningful changes.

Still not sure where to start? Here are a few steps you can take today: 1. If you have young kids, look at the books, toys, and media that you have in your house. Do they tell the stories of people from backgrounds that are different from your own? Look for stories that are told from the perspective of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and are written by BIPOC authors. The Center for Racial Justice has compiled a fabulous list of resources for kids and adults of all ages (https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talkingabout-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/).

2. For older kids, ask them to research the original inhabitants of the land where they’re living right now. What were the names of the Indigenous tribes in their area? How might your kids learn more about the current experiences of members of these tribes? Older kids also can take a virtual tour of the National Civil Rights Museum on YouTube.

3. For families, talk to your kids’ teachers, principal, and superintendent about your desire to see a more diverse curriculum. Get together with a few other parents and write a letter to the school administration about changes you would like to see.

As for you, be gentle with yourself. Whether you are raising Black, Brown, White, or multiracial children, talking about race can bring up distressing emotions. If you feel angry, sad, confused, or surprised, you’re doing it right. All of these feelings are signs that you’re growing and making a commitment to creating a more just world for all of us.

school and home www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com growing upchico chico magazine 1414 14 growing up growing up magazine chico magazine

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Ways to Keep Kids Socialized from a Distance

By Kerrie McLoughlin

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he “new normal” can be disorienting and frustrating at times. Your kids have friends who they have only seen physically from the end of their driveway.

Your parents have been staying inside since the COVID-19 crisis began, and your kids miss seeing Nana and Poppy in person. Meetings, camps, and schools are taking place in front of a screen – and it could continue through the end of the year or longer.

This is no time to despair! At first, my kids were super sad about not being able to do as many social things in person, but soon they got busy and crafty (oh, the lovely paintings hanging on my walls!) while also finding creative ways to keep in touch with friends and family. Check out some of these ideas!

1. The Drive-By Birthday Celebration.

Make sure your child’s birthday is recognized while you all stay safe and healthy. Secretly organize a group of friends to meet at a close-by location (like a mall parking lot), and then they can caravan by your house honking and waving balloons and streamers. Friends and family can drop a gift or card by, but remind them to make sure it is non-perishable, which can be set aside for up to 72 hours if you hard-core need to avoid germs (elderly family member living in your home, immuno-compromised, etc.).

2. The Social Distancing Playdate.

Unfold those comfy camping chairs on the driveway or in the yard for some six-feet-apart chat sessions. We do short visits when we are out and about to drop something off or pick something up at my girlfriend’s house, and the kids also get to give each other some shout-outs from afar. Consider coming together for a book club for kids or a sewing/knitting circle. Melissa R., mom of three, says they do “meet-ups at local creeks. With neighbors, they play outside, distanced with FaceTime going so they don’t have to yell across the spaces. In the fall, we will continue much the same. We try to get a group together of similar risk tolerance levels for outdoor activities.”

3. Video Chatting.

Cathie Maschler, mom of four, says, “My kids are staying in contact with friends through Zoom meetings, and FaceTime chats mostly.” Don’t forget about Skype, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and any other supervised way kids can connect “face to face.” This is easier for my teens, who have their own phones. The other three kids take turns using my phone for their social visits, and I appreciate the screen break for myself. My daughter does origami tutorials with her friend after another friend has taught her some new things to make. Katie D., mom of four, shares that they “visit with friends electronically while they craft, watch a show, or exercise.”

4. Snail Mail.

Now is the time to send those things made in the sewing circle and during the video socializing tutorial sessions to the grandparents and other friends and relatives!

Old-fashioned letters and surprises in the mail are such a treat! One of my daughters went nuts with 12x12 blank canvases and painted pictures for her grandparents, which I will be popping in the mail or dropping on their porches.

5. Words.

Texting, emailing, blogging, oh my! There are so many ways to stay in touch without touching. Bonus: it helps them practice reading, writing, grammar, graphics, editing, and typing skills.

6. The Marco Polo App! Check out the Marco Polo app for a FaceTime-meetsvoicemail experience, where you get to leave and receive video messages, and they don’t disappear. You can save them on Marco Polo indefinitely and save them to your phone, or forward them to other family members.

7. Online Activities.

Melissa R. shares, “We are doing online summer camps, which are going well. Sleepovers, chats, and playdates with friends are all done virtually.” I know families who are continuing activities like ballet, Irish dance, and karate online – and loving it!

Morgan Dickerson, MSW, LCSW

www.growingupchico.com

family time

Take Your Brain Health Temperature to Stay Mentally Healthy

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ike many of you, I have been sporting a mask around town for roughly 100 or so days. Our nation is alive with an energy similar to the 1960s when Civil Rights and equality were discussed over TV dinners and meatloaf (but now it’s over our meals brought to us by Uber Eats or Door Dash). I will speak for myself, but I am feeling some of our current challenges. Part of this is because I am a human being living in 2020, and the other part is being a mental health provider practicing at a time when depression and anxiety are at an all-time high.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million Americans are affected by depression.

One study reported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information

(NCBI) reported that more than 33.7% of Americans will experience anxiety at some point during their lives. These statistics indicate the necessity of regularly checking-in with our mental health and well-being.

Signs of Stress Knowing the signs of stress provides opportunities to create positive changes before our brain health negatively impacts our work, family life, sanity, and enjoyment. As you read the below list of challenges associated with anxiety and/or depression, make a note (or you can circle) which symptoms pertain to you. Once you finish reading the signs of stress, keep on reading to check your brain health temperature.

YOUR BEHAVIOR:

Have you noticed any of the following?

• • • • • • • • • • •

An increase or decrease in your energy and activity level An increase in your alcohol, tobacco use, or use of illegal drugs An increase in irritability, with outbursts of anger and frequent arguing Having trouble relaxing or sleeping Crying frequently Worrying excessively Wanting to be alone most of the time Blaming other people for everything Having difficulty communicating or listening Having difficulty giving or accepting help Inability to feel pleasure or have fun

YOUR EMOTIONS:

much-needed changes for the better. Keep reading to get some tips for keeping your brain health temperature healthy.

• • • • •

Practice Reducing Stress

Have you noticed any of the following?

• •

Being anxious or fearful Feeling depressed Feeling guilty Feeling angry Feeling heroic, euphoric, or invulnerable Not caring about anything Feeling overwhelmed by sadness

YOUR THINKING:

Have you noticed any of the following?

• • • •

Having trouble remembering things Feeling confused Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating Having difficulty making decisions

How to Read Your Brain Health Thermometer SCORING:

If you answered yes to one symptom in each section, your brain health temperature is mild. If you answered 2-3, then your brain health temperature is medium. Lastly, if you scored more than 3 in each section, your brain health temperature is high.

YOUR BODY:

Have you noticed any of the following?

• • • • • •

Having stomachaches or diarrhea Having headaches and other pains Losing your appetite or eating too much Sweating or having chills Getting tremors or muscle twitches Being easily startled

YOUR THINKING:

Have you noticed any of the following?

• • • •

Having trouble remembering things Feeling confused Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating Having difficulty making decisions

Okay, how did you do? When you read through the signs of depression, stress, and anxiety, what came up for you? The higher your brain health temperature, the more you need to find ways to reduce some of those challenges.

If you find yourself struggling right now, it’s okay. Many of the people on planet Earth right now are going through very similar emotions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health provider if you need more support. It can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

To stay grounded and less overwhelmed, pick one source of stress in each category to work on first.

Where to Go from Here?

First thing’s first, take a breath and check-in with yourself. Now that you know where your brain health stands, you can empower yourself by making some

Keep things in perspective: take time away from social media, the news, and high-intensity people. Taking time to “just be” and do things that bring you peace and happiness.

Be Proactive About Your Health: Stay healthy through exercise, eating healthy, educating yourself about health, and possibly hiring a nutritionist if you need additional direction or support with your eating habits.

Find Practical Ways to Relax:

Take breaks often, stretch, practice mindfulness activities to ground yourself, eat a delicious meal, spend time with loved ones, and, most importantly, unplug and recharge your battery.

Pay Attention to Your Body, Feelings, and Spirit:

Find ways to nurture and support your mind, body, and soul. Enroll in a new online class that you find exciting or try a new form of exercise. Spirituality can also be an essential component of our well-being-- if that is part of your practice. There are many ways to renew our spirit that range from connecting to nature to engaging in community practices.

As a partner, a busy mom of two preteens, and a full-time psychotherapist, it is my job to help people explore their brain health. I love helping my clients find quick and effective ways to cultivate lasting change, but I am human. I am affected by the same stuff we all are: the pull of work and family, Coronavirus concerns and inconveniences, life challenges, and stress. Here’s the thing: the more we learn how to keep our brain health temperature at a comfy level, the more empowered we become to make those much-needed changes for the better, so take up some of the ideas I mentioned to keep your “cool” as we go into fall. I don’t know about you, but the thought of taking my family up to Apple Hill for some cider, apples, and farm hopping is one way to ensure my brain health thermometer measures a perfect 98.7.

family time www.growingupchico.com

How Your Family Can

Help Save The Bees

By Sandi Schwartz

You may have heard that bees around the world are struggling for their survival due to threats from agricultural expansion, loss of habitat, disease, pollution, and climate change. In fact, more than 40 percent of native bees are facing extinction. That’s hundreds of different types of bee species! Over the last three years, more than one in three honeybee colonies has died in the United States. Without bees pollinating throughout our ecosystem, many wild plants and crops would be unable to thrive. Although bees are the world’s primary pollinators, and we all depend on them for survival, they continue to be largely ignored and underprotected.

Here are some amazing honey bee facts:

We can bring awareness about bees to our children and community by celebrating National Honey Bee Awareness Day held every August. Held this year on Saturday, August 15, the event began in 2009 by a group of beekeepers who petitioned for a formal proclamation by the United States Department of Agriculture to honor honey bees and beekeeping.

This special day brings together beekeepers, bee associations, and other interested groups to build community awareness of the bee industry through education and promotion. It is an opportunity to celebrate honey bees and recognize their importance to our everyday lives and the global environment.

National Honey Bee Awareness Day continues to be recognized each year on the third Saturday of August.

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IMPORTANCE OF BEES Bees may sometimes seem like a nuisance, but they are actually a cornerstone of our natural environment because of their ability to pollinate. They travel from one plant to another, carrying pollen on their bodies to transfer genetic material necessary for most flowering plants to reproduce.

Without flower pollination by bees, our agricultural system, food supply, and landscapes would disappear.

•

The honey bee is the only insect that produces food eaten by humans.

•

Honey is the only food that does not spoil.

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Bees are responsible for more than one-third of the food we eat.

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Bees pollinate 80 percent of the world’s plants, including 90 different food crops.

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They help produce $15 billion in U.S. agricultural crops each year and $217 billion globally.

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There are more than 20,000 bee species around the world.

•

Bees support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, protect from severe weather, and support other wildlife.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE THE BEES Now that you know that bees are in trouble, what can you do to help? Check out these actions to get your entire family involved: •

Support farmers and beekeepers by buying local honey and locally grown organic foods. Your children will love sampling all the delicious varieties of local honey.

•

Plant an organic garden that does not use pesticides.

Grow lots of pollinator-friendly native plants.

•

Provide a water source in your yard since honey bees need clean water to drink.

•

Rescue bees instead of exterminating them. If you see an active beehive, call a live-bee removal and re-homing service in your area. Honeybees can be safely removed and taken to beekeepers or community bee yards.

•

Teach your children about bees. Read books about bees and pollination such as The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner, The Beeman by Laurie Krebs, The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive by Joanna Cole, The Buzz on Bees: Why Are They Disappearing? by Shelley Rotner, and UnBEElieveables by Douglas Florian. Be sure to watch Bee Movie, which shows what happens when we no longer have bees pollinating vegetation.

•

Support organizations that are working hard to research and solve the bee crisis. Consider sending a donation to any of these organizations: HoneyLove, Pollinator Partnership, Honeybee Conservancy, Planet Bee Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Green Peace.

•

Spread the word about the importance of pollinators to your family and friends.

Let’s keep the buzz about bees going all year long!

Flowers that Attract Bees Late Summer, Fall: Aster Liatris Mint Sage Nasturtium Black-eyed Susans Borage Thyme Oregano Goldenrod Early Spring: Chamomile Pansies Catnip Phacelia Siberian Squill Snowdrops California Poppy Western Verbena Scented Geranium Orange & Lemon Trees California Desert Bluebells Spring, Summer: Echinacea Peony Milkweed Bee Balm Lavender Phlox Zinnias Marigolds Chives Cosmos Sunflower Wild Lilac Pumpkin, Squash, Zucchini

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Staying Balanced:

10 Easy Ways to Cut Kids’ Screen Time

By Sarah Lyons

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ablets, smartphones, television, and video games play a significant role in our daily lives. Technology can be a positive thing, but when it dominates our kids’ free time, it is time to limit it. Balance is key. With these easy tips, even reluctant kids may not notice they are cutting down their time spent with technology.

Step Outside The easiest way to cut down on screen time is by playing outside.

They can ride bikes, use sidewalk chalk, take a walk, play catch, or play in the sprinkler. You can also send them on a scavenger hunt. When kids are preoccupied outside, they are less likely to think about TV or video games.

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Set Limits Set clear boundaries for your kids when it comes to electronics. Mom of three, Amy Cameron, says, “Zero screen time is allowed in the morning before school.” Many other parents do not allow any phones or television during meals. It’s also a good idea to set limits on how much screen time is allowed and what time of day.

When everyone is on the same page, there is less arguing about putting it down when the daily limit has been reached.

Become an Artist Kids who are busy with art have less time to play on electronics because their time is spent focusing on the art.

Search for an art project beforehand or let kids explore with different items to make a sculpture or paint a picture.

Set a Good Example

have made themselves.

When attempting to limit screen time for your kids, take a look at how much time you spend on screens. Good or bad, our kids learn from our actions, and we can set a good example of when it’s appropriate to look at our phone and when it’s time to focus on other things.

Family Reading Time

Earn It

Do a Project

“Screen time checklists need to be completed before kids get their devices,” says Anna Schuster, mom of five. Many parents find it helpful to make a list that kids must complete before they can have screen time.

This may include schoolwork, chores, instrument practice, or reading time.

Come up with a family project for the day to keep the kids screen-free. This could be a big chore like cleaning up the backyard or something fun like an art project or science experiment.

Maker Space/Breaker Space One activity kids can do at home is create, design, and engineer a bridge out of materials from around the house or build a fort. Kids also love looking inside things to see how they work. Have kids take apart old remotes (with no batteries), phones, earbuds, or other non-working items.

Get Cooking Distract your kids from electronics by keeping them busy in the kitchen.

They can help cook and bake and have fun sampling the things they

Set aside time when the family reads.

It can be a read-aloud for younger kids, and older kids can read their own favorite books. Showing your kids that you enjoy reading might foster their love of reading.

Play a Game Declare it family game day and choose a few board games to play together. You could also try an outside game like hopscotch, foursquare, kickball, or break into teams and have a water balloon fight.

I

t’s easy to fill our time with screens because they are enjoyable and take little effort. However, a little bit of effort to plan a few other activities to distract us from our phones and tablets pays off in creating great memories your kids will remember far longer than the video games they played.

Your guide to free or low-cost family resources in Butte County!

Parenting Resources Adoptive Parent Support Group Join us in sharing, learning, and supporting each other with the joys & challenges of adoption.

895-6143 Butte Baby Steps The Butte Baby Steps program is a national program model designed to help expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start. The program serves Butte County families.

Butte Baby Steps is open to parents of all ages that are either expecting or have a child under the age of 3 months. 345-1600, nvcss.org/ programs/butte-baby-steps/ Butte College Foster/Kinship Education For more info and a current workshop schedule, call 897-6235.

Butte County Library 891-2762, www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary.

Butte County Mothers of Multiples 899-1538 or www.buttecountymoms.com.

Chico Area Park & Recreation District (CARD) Recreational activities and programs year round, includes programs for children, adults and seniors. Sports, camps, afterschool program, preschool program and leisure activities are offered. 895-4711, 545 Vallombrosa Ave., www. chicorec.com Chico Mothers Club Find them on Faceboook or go to www.chicomothersclub.org for more info.

Durham Recreation & Park District Offering many sports, classes/lessons, and programs for all ages. 345-1921, durhamrecreation.recdesk.com Enloe Mother & Baby Outreach Program 332-5520 or online at www.enloe.org/baby.

HelpCentral.org You can find services such as emergency food, parenting classes, recreational programs, support groups, drug treatment, tax assistance, in-home help, after school programs, hospice, counseling, and subsidized daycare. www.helpcentral.org

Help Me Grow Help Me Grow gives parents, caregivers, child care providers, early educators, and healthcare providers an easy way to get connected with services for children under the age of five living in Butte County. Connects young children and their families to developmental and behavioral services and promotes regular developmental screening for children living in Butte County. Call 211 or visit www.helpmegrowbutte.org

Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, Inc. Provides low-cost or free mental health, housing, vocational and support services to individuals and families in California’s Northern Sacramento Valley. (800) 846-1451, www.nvcss.org.

Paradise Recreation & Park District PRPD offers a wide range of recreation programming, including after school programming, summer camp, preschool activities, youth and adult sports, senior services, aquatics, teen programs, and numerous special events. 872-6393, www.paradiseprpd.com Valley Oak Children’s Services A Resource and Referral Program that provides free referrals to child care and other familyrelated services. Low-Income parents can call and get on the Centralized Eligibility List for preschool and subsidized child care in Butte County. Call 895-3572 or 1-800-345-8627 or visit valleyoakchildren.org for more information.

WIC A program that provides supplemental food vouchers and nutrition education to pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants and children up through age five who qualify in Butte County. Parent education about nutrition, breastfeeding, child safety, growth/development, and other child-appropriate topics is provided by the WIC staff. 891-2767, www.buttecounty.net/ publichealth/Programs/WIC

Special Needs ARC Support Group Families who experience the challenges that come along with raising a child with a special need are invited to this support group hosted by ARC of Butte County. Tuesdays. 891-8157.

Far Northern Regional Center A fixed point of referral for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

FNRC also provides services to infants and toddlers (from birth to three years old) who are showing a delay in their development or who are at substantially high risk for a developmental disability. FNRC coordinates community resources such as education, recreation, health, rehabilitation and welfare for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Hydrocephalus Association Support Group An opportunity to meet others connected to hydrocephalus. All ages are welcome! Last Saturday of every other month at 3:30pm, Chico, contact 591-9512, nethertonhydro@hotmail.com.

Little Red Hen LifeSpan Center Nonprofit organization offers year-round socialization training programs for children, teens & young adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

Unique & exciting programs teach children skills needed to successfully integrate into the community. Targets communication, play skills, group participation, & positive peer interactions.

Provides sensory exploration & behavioral support in a fun & engaging environment. www. littleredhen.org/lifespan-center.html. 897-0300.

Work Training Center Dedicated to meeting the training, vocational & recreational needs of people ages 18 & up with disabilities. 2255 Fair St. www.wtcinc.org. 3437994.

Parent Infant Programs A developmental program designed for children diagnosed at birth with a regional center qualifying condition or children at risk of developing those qualifying conditions. 343-8106, www.parentinfantprograms.com.

Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California We provide support, education, and advocacy services to families with children ages birth to 26 with special education needs living in Northern California. For information on trainings and support groups, please call the Chico office at (530)899-8801 and toll-free 888-263-1311 or www.rfenc.org. Hablamos Español.

The Enloe Health Learning Center A community library. We invite you to browse a broad array of health and medical information.

Learn more about a disease or disorder affecting a family member, research a medical diagnosis, or find wellness information. A free library card gives you access to health care information through books, periodicals, www.enloe.org/ library.

Wings of Eagles Provides emotional and financial assistance to all families in the four-county areas of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, and Colusa who have children with a pediatric cancer or a life-threatening illness diagnosis. The Joseph Alvarez Organization for Seriously Ill Children. 893-9231.

Have a resource for us?

Do you know of a resource you would like to see listed, or does a listin g need to be updated? Let us know!

Email us: marne@growingupchico.com

For More Resources Visit www.GrowingUpChico.com

growing up up chico chico magazine magazine 2222 growing

www.growingupchico.com www.growingupchico.com

fall fun

Thank you to our advertisers!

Without the support of our advertisers, this magazine would not be possible. If you do business with any of our advertisers, please be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico Magazine.

fall fun www.growingupchico.com

Growing Up Chico’s Annual Pumpkin Patch Guide

Book Family Farm:

Book Family Farm is an old-fashioned pumpkin patch & sustainable farm. The farm is located 10 miles south of Chico.

Chickens, pigs, cows, horses, & turkeys, as well as the Book family, look forward to your visit. Scheduled education fieldtrips are available.

153 Heavy Horse Ln, Durham 530-342-4375 www.Bookfamilyfarm.com

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growing up chico magazine

The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch:

We have a great selection of pumpkins and decorative gourds. Come out and pick the perfect one! Each weekend we will be hosting family-friendly games.

Bounce house, kids’ hay maze, and hayrides available. Visit our Facebook page for more details on activities.

Baked goods and beverages will be available for purchase.

3200 Bell Rd, Chico www.pspumpkinpatch.com

Country Pumpkins:

Patrick Ranch:

Julia’s Fruit Stand:

TJ Farms:

Celebrating 20 years of family fun for everyone! Located on HWY 32 about 10 miles west of Chico, and 4 miles east of Orland. A five-acre pumpkin patch, a ten-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, and a hay pyramid (with slide), country store, and a haunted maze at night.

7152 CA-32, Orland www.countrypumpkins.org

We are a family-owned fruit stand and pumpkin patch that prides itself on growing most of the produce we sell.

Our goal is to sell you produce that was picked that very morning, guaranteeing you the freshest, and ripest produce you can get. We specialize in heirloom tomatoes but are also very proud of our peaches, nectarines, and apricots.

530-354-4775 11475 Hwy 99, Los Molinos

Costs for admission is $5.00 per person, with children 12 years and under $3.00.

We will have hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and much more.

10381 Midway, Durham 530-342-4359 www.patrickranchmuseum.org

Each year, the Moss family opens their lovely home to the public for seasonal festivals - the most popular being the fall Pumpkin Patch. Come pick out a pumpkin on the farm’s lovely grounds!

Take the kids for a wagon ride, have them sit on an old tractor, pet the farm animals, climb on the hay bale obstacle course, and enjoy the pony rides (weekends only), or visit the country store where they have farm fresh and gourmet products for sale. It’s always fun for the whole family. School and other groups are welcome; please call ahead to schedule. Free admission & parking!

3600 Chico Avenue, Chico 530-343-2294 www.tjfarmsestates.com

10 Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

By Kerrie McLoughlin After the candy and the dressing up, one of the best parts of Halloween is turning a pumpkin into something cool, crazy, or scary. The traditional way to do that is to carve out a face or other neat design, but you can’t hand a kid a sharp knife. So how do you get little ones involved in the creation of their dream pumpkin?

1. Colored markers are the perfect way to draw on whatever you like. Younger kids can scribble (or color in pictures you draw), while older kids can write words, draw cats, witches, whatever!

2. Break out some stencils, glitter, sequins, and glue to bedazzle any pumpkin. The pumpkin itself embodies Halloween so that stencils can be any shape or size. Why not make some glittery green pine trees or pink hearts on that nice orange canvas?

3. For something completely different but in keeping with the holiday, first, have your child paint his pumpkin white. Then glue on some store-bought black cobwebs (or create them using yarn). The final step is to attach some plastic spiders for a creepy, crawly pumpkin!

4. Paint a pumpkin black and decorate using white paint to make a witch’s face, a family of ghosts, a skeleton, or just the word BOO! 5. Paint a pumpkin gold or silver and let your child have fun gluing on candy corn, jelly beans in assorted colors, and other colorful candies. See if he can make a pattern or his initial on the pumpkin using these sweet treats.

6. Now your child’s pumpkin can match her costume! Mr. Potato Head pumpkin decorating kits are all the rage these days and can be found at practically any store that sells Halloween decorations. If you can’t locate any, check Amazon.com.

Kits are sold in many different types, like witch, vampire, pirate, fireman, princess, and more! An added bonus is that these kits are reusable, so they are friendly to the environment.

7. Along the lines of Mr. Potato Head, you have the wooden pumpkin decorating kit for the 5 and up crowd. Mix and match the pieces for even more fun. This one looks like it would be a big hit at a Halloween party or an October birthday party.

8. Create your own pumpkin family! You can buy a mini pumpkin to represent a baby in your family, a large one for a dad or mom, and medium-size pumpkins for children. Raid the craft drawer and let the kids go to town gluing on cut-out felt and yarn for clothing and hair, buttons, and ribbon for additional decorations.

9. Have a ball! My youngest son is in love with any sport that involves a ball. I think he would be thrilled to help paint a pumpkin white like a baseball then draw on some red stitching. You can also make a basketball or soccer ball out of a pumpkin – just don’t throw it!

10. Cut out shapes from sponges, put some washable paint in small bowls and let your little one have some stamping fun on a pumpkin.

WINNERS fall fun

Banana Ice Cream Adleigh, age 9

Easy-Baked Salmon www.growingupchico.com

Wesley and Lukey

Ingredients: • 3 lbs of salmon • 1/2 tablespoon of salt • 1/2 tablespoon of lemon and pepper spice • 7 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce • 2 tablespoons of olive oil • 2 tablespoons of melted butter • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce • 1 tablespoon of hot chili oil • 2 cans of ringed pineapple

Ingredients: • 2 medium frozen bananas • 1/4 cup of milk • 1/4 cup of cottage cheese • 2 Tbsp chocolate protein powder • 1 Tbsp of peanut butter • 1 Tbsp of healthy sweetener • 1 tsp of vanilla • Handful of chocolate chips Instructions: Pour all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour in a bowl and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place salmon and pineapple on a baking sheet lined with foil.

3. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over the salmon and pineapple.

4. Bake for 15 minutes.

26 growing up chico magazine

Kids 14 and under are encouraged to send in their own healthy recipes.

Winning recipes will be featured in our next issue and winners will be awarded a $25 gift card!

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 15TH Send recipe & photo of prepared recipe to: marne@growingupchico.com.

Growing Up Chico is excited to announce our Win It Wednesday promotion! Every month, we will have a giveaway from one of the local businesses featured on this page. To enter to win, simply go to www.growingupchico. com/giveaways. The winners will be picked randomly on the 4th Wednesday of each month. You can enter to win the first giveaway anytime between August 1st - 26th by 12 pm, and we will email the winner later that day. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for reminders and information on upcoming giveaways.

Enter to Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Taming Tangles Kids Salon!

Taming Tangles specializes in Cuts & Styles for the whole family. We are an appointment based salon that offers a wide range of hair services for children of all ages and adults, as well as a wide range of exceptional kid products, services and gifts. Taming Tangles is a wholesome, clean, and fun-filled experience for the entire family. We are here to untangle the hair care challenges of parents, guaranteeing convenient solutions to all your child’s hair care needs.

1360 Longfellow Ave., Chico 530-897-0123, tamingtangles.com

Enter to win a one-month family membership to In Motion Fitness!

In Motion Fitness is a five-acre resort of pools and palm trees nestled in a luxurious Mediterranean resort setting. We offer Northern California’s largest selection of group exercise classes, fitness equipment, and aquatic facilities. We invite you to experience the world-class facilities, services, and programs that have made In Motion Fitness a nationally acclaimed fitness facility.

1293 East 1st Avenue, Chico 530-343-5678, www.inmotionfitness.com

fall fun

At Home Exercise Activity for Kids

28 growing up chico magazine

www.growingupchico.com

This activity is a fun way for your kids to get their wiggles out.

Spell out your first and last name and complete the activity listed for each letter.

You can also use your favorite character’s name. Have fun and get creative with it!

A

flap your arms like a bird 20 times

N

march in place lifting your knees high for a count of 20

B

walk like a bear for a count of 10

O

walk like a crab for a count of 10

C

touch your toes 10 times

P

do 20 jumping jacks

D

reach for the clouds for a count of 20

Q

bend your right knee and jump on one foot for a count of 10

E

do 20 jumping jacks

R

bend your left knee and jump on one foot for a count of 10

F

run in place for 20 seconds

S

reach for the clouds for a count of 15

G

arm circles for a count of 10

T

squat down and walk like a gorilla for a count of 10

H

jump like a frog 5 times

U

hop like a bunny for a count of 15

I

walk backwards 10 steps and hop back

V

do a somersault

J

do a cartwheel

W

walk sideways 10 steps and hop back

K

balance on your left foot for a count of 15

X

do 20 jumping jacks

L

balance on your right foot for a count of 15

Y

touch your toes 10 times

Z

have a dance party for a count of 20

M

walk sideways 10 steps and hop back

Mealtime Conversation Starters

Cut out the boxes below, then put them in a jar on your table and take turns picking out questions. As you think of other questions, write them down and add them to the jar!

Describe your dream vacation.

What makes you feel happy?

What was your worst vacation?

What is your favorite book?

How does a good friend act?

What scares you the most?

If you could make up your own movie, what would it be about?

If you were an animal, what animal would you like to be?

What do you think you are good at?

If you could keep just one toy, what would it be?

How did you help someone today?

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

What is the funniest joke you know?

What do you think bears dream about when they hibernate?

Would you want to be famous?

Why or why not?

What is your favorite breakfast to eat?

Who would you like to spend a whole day with?

Who did something nice for you today? What was it?

What is one of your favorite memories?

What movie character would you like to be? Why?

What is something you love doing with your parents?

Pick 3 words that describe you.

What is your favorite season?

Describe your perfect day.

What is one thing you want to learn to do?

What would you like to do when you are older?

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

What is your favorite snack?

If you were a teacher, what rules would you make?

Would you rather travel by plane or car? Where would you go?

directories www.growingupchico.com

Pr e sc h o o l & C hildc are D irecto ry

Center

Ages

Hours

Curriculum

Contact

Creative Outlets In-Home Preschool

2-6 years

8:30am-1:30pm Monday-Thursday

892-8069 funnyfaces@digitalpath.net www.facebook.com/creativeoutlets

D L T S

Kids Park

2-12 years

Drop in childcare, affordable hourly rates. The preschool curriculum is offered from 9:00am-11:30am. The 4 and 5 year old class is held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday and The 2 and 3 year old class is held on Tuesday/Thursday.

2477 Forest Ave. 894-6800 www.kidspark.com

Little Sprouts Preschool

2-5 years

M-Th: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am12midnight, Sat: 10am-12am, Sun:1pm-6pm

Creative Outlets offers a true preschool experience with the benefits of a loving, in-home setting. The owner has 20 years of experience and a degree in child development.

The program focuses on teaching kinder readiness and is tailored to the needs of each student. It incorporates Math, Science & Pre-Reading, utilizing Zoo Phonics, cooking & gardening. Children learn through play, music & art, while providing a safe & exciting place to learn & grow.

Exploration/personal growth on an individual basis is encouraged. Nutritional snack & lunch provided.

Nature ABCs

1-5 years, with parent

10am-11am Runs every Monday free of charge. Registration required to guarantee a spot as space will be limited.

Little Sprouts Preschool offers organic gardening and recycling. The Kindergarten readiness program has Zoo Phonics, daily circle time and enrichment activities.

Nutritious snacks and lunch included.

15 Overland Ct. 345-0123 littlesproutspreschool1@gmail.com

D L A S Y

3-5 years

9am - 1pm, runs in 6 week sessions on Tues, Weds, and Thursday, each day is a separate registration

License # 045405971

License # 045404701, 045404702

30 growing up chico magazine

License # 045405784

Nature School

Notre Dame Preschool 2.5 License #045407128

years & up

7am-5:30pm Monday-Friday

7:30am – 6pm Monday – Friday

Runs every Monday free of charge. Due to limited space registration is required to guarantee a spot with no more than one parent per child. Check our website for updates on dates.

An hour of fun free activities including an animal visit, story and song time, and a nature walk in Bidwell Park.

Chico Creek Nature Center 1968 E 8th Street 530-514-5730 www.chicorec.com/preschools

Check our website for updates on dates, days and price.

Chico Creek Nature Center 1968 E 8th Street 530-514-5730 www.chicorec.com/preschools

Half Days & Full Days Available Preschool & Daycare Available

500 Orient St. (530) 487-7330 preschool@ndschico.org www.ndschico.org/preschool

A first learning experience in nature with crafts, songs, games, animal visits and guided exploration of Bidwell Park.

D-Diapers L-Lunch P-Parent participation T-Traditional school year A-After-school program S-Summer program Y-Year round program

D L Y S

T S A

Growing Up Chico’s Business Directory Without the support of our advertisers, this magazine would not be possible. If you do business with any of our advertisers, please be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Growing Up Chico Magazine.

Apple Blossom Baby: pg 31 Book Family Farm: pg 23 Chico Area Recreation and Park District: pg 3 Chico Eye Center: pg 13 Chico Creek Dance Centre: pg 5 Chico Mother’s Club: pg 23 Chico Sports Club: pg 3 Chico Unified School District: pg 9 Children’s Choice Dental Care: pg 32 Chico Marketplace: pg 19 DeAnna Holman-ARBONNE: pg 2 Deer Park Counseling and Consulting: pg 6 Downtown Chico Business Association: pg 15 Erica Callfas, Realtor: pg 15 Forest Ranch Charter School: pg 5 HYPE Dance Studio: pg 9 In Motion Fitness: pg 2

Instant Nails: pg 15 Kinetics Academy of Dance: pg 27 Little Sprouts Preschool:

pg 9 My Chico Dentist: pg 7 North State Ballet: pg 23 Northern Valley Indian Health: pg 15 Notre Dame Preschool: pg 5 Notre Dame School: pg 5 Oak Bridge Academy: pg 7 Peterson Sister’s Pumpkin Patch: pg 6 Suk Young Ahn DDS: pg 5 Tami Oberg Photography: pg 15 Taming Tangles Hair Salon: pg 23 Thistle and Stitch:

pg 27 TJ Farms: pg 9 Youthful Smiles Dentistry: pg 13