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Aquarium of Boise

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March 2017

MAGAZINE

Teeming with knowledge

30-day

challenge De-stress your family

Kids’ choices The good and the bad

See inside for our…

Procrastination

& teens

Long-term effects

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide

Local brother and sister, Finn and Vivienne (photo by Jett Loe) Want your child’s photo on next month’s cover?

Check inside for details!

IDAHO

Contents February 2017

MAGAZINE

Features Columns 4 9

Aquarium of Boise:

Teeming with knowledge

moMENts:

Spilled grits and grandma

Personal boundaries:

6 10 KIDS

Rubber chicken in a church Procrastination and teens:

7 22 Manic Mothering: 8 Family photo

FIRST!

This Beautiful Fantastic

Learn to say ‘no’

Departments

Long-term effects

First-time mom

11

Kids’ choices:

12

Clutter culprits:

14 13 Crafts on

30-day challenge:

20

Pets:

21

Am I doing it right?

5

Meet Auston

Help them make good ones Higher and deepers’

a Dime:

In Each Edition Editor’s Intro Frogs are croaking

DIY sofa table

16-19

Clean away stress Why they’re important

Wednesday’s Child:

Family Events Calendar:

Family friendly activities & events for February & Early March!

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Volume 5, Number 3 Publisher Sterling Media Ltd. Cover Photo Jett Loe Editor Gaye Bunderson gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-639-8301 Sales & Marketing Kimberly McMullen kim@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-854-8347 Graphic Design Matthew Sanchez Contributors Daniel Bobinski, Rocky Detwiler, Patrick Hempfing, Beth Markley, Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel, Kathleen McGrath, Diane Louise Smith, Samantha Stillman and Mary Ann Wilcox Distribution Specialists Idaho Distribution Services

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly by Sterling Media Ltd., is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2017 by Sterling Media Ltd.

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EDITOR’S Intro

Frogs are croaking; help them out

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ometimes there’s nothing better for a kid than a critter of some sort — for instance, a frog. A good green frog that likes to jump and swim and hang around a beautiful, leaf-blanketed pool of water.

The kids in my family were blessed to have a really great frog pond on our grandparents’ ranch when we were growing up. It sat in the middle of a hayfield, and there was a solitary tree above it that covered it with light green leaves.

You could kneel down, dip your hands into the water and come up with palms full of tadpoles and baby frogs. The adult frogs were a bit more crafty and difficult to catch, but you could do it.

Scientists have been saying for years that frogs are disappearing, but a co-worker told me late last year that she saw hundreds of tadpoles and baby frogs while walking in the mountains near Cascade, so maybe there’s hope for frogs after all.

Still, Internet research uncovers concerns that frogs are in danger.

In an article by Andrea Thompson dated January 25, 2013 and titled, “Why are frogs disappearing?” the author states: “Amphibians are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, a study published in the journal BioScience finds. Amphibians’ physiology (permeable skin) and complex water-and-land life cycle expose them to more environmental changes than most animals, and though they have survived climate changes before, today’s changes are accelerating too rapidly for frogs to keep pace.” (From: http://www. livescience.com/32440-why-are-frogs-disappearing.html) Some people — including schoolchildren — are making the effort to aid frogs in their battle to beat the odds by building ponds for them. There are online tips for pond construction at https://savethefrogs.com/ponds/, where an introduction to such projects reads: “We invite schools and homeowners to build frog ponds on their property and document the project and its success through video, photos and stories, which will be posted online to educate and inspire others to do the same. With your help we can cover the globe with frog habitat and fill the night air with the soothing sounds of frog calls.”

Whether you are a teacher wanting to educate children about a unique creature or a homeowner looking for something different for the backyard, here are some fun frog facts

for you to consider (from http://www.kidzone.ws/lw/frogs/ facts1.htm): • Scientists have found frog fossils dating back to the Jurassic period more than 140 million years ago.

• Frogs can be found all over the world — except Antarctica.

• Momma frogs lay thousands of eggs at once.

• Frogs start out as legless tadpoles with tails. They change over a period of weeks, growing legs and losing their tails.

• Frogs are carnivores but prefer to eat their prey live; they’ll pass up eating anything that is no longer living.

• Some frogs are capable of jumping up to 20 times their own body length in a single leap.

• Different species of frogs make different sounds other than the “ribbit” we commonly associate with them. Frog sounds may include a chirp, whistle, croak, peep, cluck, bark and grunt. Only the male frog can croak, and his sound can be a mating call to female frogs.

I’m not so sure frogs “deserve” kids — or particularly want them — but I do believe kids deserve frogs. And frogs do deserve some environmental respect. Start now to make plans to start constructing a pond; some are elaborate while others are simple and basic.

The comment below is from https://savethefrogs.com/ ponds/: “I built a frog pond in my yard 3 weeks ago. Already have visitors and tadpoles galore. I can’t even tell you how much pleasure I have gotten from this project. Brought the 6 year old neighbor girl over this morning to teach her about the frogs. She is so excited, too.”

— Kimberly Powell, Michigan

Hooray for spring!

No doubt we’re all delighted about spring, which officially starts March 20. The past winter has been a challenging one, so whether or not you plan on building a backyard frog pond, enjoy the beauty of warmer days without snow on the ground. If frogs aren’t your thing, don’t forget there are bird feeders, flower pots, longer days that aren’t blisteringly hot yet, and opportunities to get back outdoors and absorb some sunrays without thick layers of clothing just to stay warm. n

— Gaye Bunderson, editor

Children’s Photos Wanted Idaho Family Magazine would love to put your child or children on our cover. All photos should be high quality, sharp and clear, and high resolution of around 300 dpi. Color photos are preferred, and all photos need to be vertical not horizontal. Please identify the children in the photos, the children’s ages, and what Treasure Valley community they reside in. (If chosen for the cover, their last names will not be used.) Send the photos to gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com.

On the Cover:

Local brother and sister, Finn and Vivienne (Photo by Jett Loe)

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017

Aquarium of Boise

Tanks teem with life, learning opportunities

By Gaye Bunderson

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wo of the most popular fish at the Aquaruim of Boise are the real-life equivalents of Nemo and Dory, the eponymous characters in the blockbuster animated Disney classics. Nemo is a percula clownfish, while Dory is a regal blue tang. Those species swim in a tank at the aquarium, and while they obviously don’t talk, they help children learn what kind of fish their favorite movie characters really are. It’s just a sampling of what children and adults can learn at the aquarium.

Nathan Hall, marine biologist and educator at the Aquarium of Boise, likes to teach patrons the facts about fish, but he also likes to dispell some of the misconceptions. Take sharks, for instance.

According to Hall, only 6-7 people worldwide are killed by sharks each year; globally, there are 70-80 shark bites that don’t result in death. Still, people generally consider sharks dangerous animals that are a big threat to humans. “Shark exposure comes from movies and TV: Shark Week, Sharknado, Jaws. Shark perceptions are based on fears,” Hall said.

According to the marine biologist, sharks have more to fear from people than the other way around. “By comparison, 80 million to 100 million sharks a year are killed by humans,” he said.

Their deaths primarily come as the result of ending up as bycatch in commercial fishing nets; but many sharks are killed for their fins, which are used to make the shark fin soup so popular in some Asian cultures.

Sharks are an important part of a healthy ocean ecology, and that’s another thing Hall wants people to know. “Sharks have a specific ecological role: they eat sick and injured fish. I’m making kids aware of these things,” he said.

Some 35,000 schoolchildren visit the aquarium each year on school field trips. The Aquarium of Boise is the only public aquarium in Idaho and meets state educational standards.

“These are the only opportunities where kids might be able to see these animals,” he said.

According to Hall, 65-70 different species of fish can be seen at the aquarium, and when the reptiles and birds also featured there are factored in, there are 320 different species in total, with 5,000 individual animals in all. A tour of the facility may include seeing a blacktip reef shark, a Stars and Stripes puffer fish, or a Queensland grouper, among others. Also, coral varieties are abundant there.

Behind the scenes at the aquarium there is an active operation. The display area encompasses 10,000 square feet, but a A fish just like the Nemo character in the Disney movie “Finding Nemo” can be seen at the Aquarium of Boise. (Photo provided by Aquarium of Boise)

March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

5,000-square-foot extension space allows the aquarium to pretreat water and quarantine new fish.

Some of the fish are captive-bred, some come from zoos and aquariums as surplus animals, and some are donated by individuals. While the aquarium has kept some of the communitydonated fish, it cannot keep them all.

“We’ve become an orphanage for unwanted fish,” Hall said.

The aquarium once even had a fish left in a bucket on its doorstep. But he said that because the aquarium is bound by regulations of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, and the Idaho Fish & Game Department, they cannot take in just any and all fish.

Sometimes people will buy tropical fish at the store and then discover that the cost of buying and maintaining a quality tank is not in their budget, so they seek to unload their purchase on the aquarium. “Before people buy fish — especially tropical fish — they need to ask themselves, ‘Do I have the space and resources to maintain a healthy environment for that fish?’” Hall said.

He likes to teach children and adults about the interconnectedness of everything on the planet. “The Boise River flows into the Snake River, which flows into the Columbia River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. Salmon migrate to the ocean and then come back,” he said. “I help people understand how these puzzle pieces come together.”

Other examples include how oceans form clouds that drop rain on inland communities in Idaho. At the aquarium, there is also a display of products created from the ocean, including toothpaste made from algae. The aquarium works with the Boise WaterShed, Zoo Boise and the Idaho Botanical Garden to illustrate many of the points about interconnectedness. “You’re more connected to the ocean than you think,” he said.

The aquarium welcomes 130,000 to 175,000 visitors a year.

Hall said that it’s an indoor refuge when it’s cold outside or when it’s too hot. The aquarium and Zoo Boise often see different influxes of visitors throughout the year depending on the weather, he said.

What about the animals being confined in small spaces? “We view these animals as ambassadors. They allow people to attach and connect with an animal,” Hall said, explaining that in turn creates more empathy for conservation efforts to protect the animals.

The Aquarium of Boise was closed for five days this past winter when it was determined by a structural engineer that heavy snowfall compromised the roof ’s integrity. The aquarium hopes to construct a new roof this spring or summer. It is otherwise open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and is located at 64 N. Cole Rd. For admission fees and other information, go to AquariumBoise.net. n

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Wednesday’s Child

Auston: a ‘very caring’ 16-year-old

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best for him. He also wants families to know that (like a lot of teens) he can be very tired in the morning, but he has no trouble sleeping at night.

Auston does best when he knows what to expect and has plenty of time to prepare for even small transitions. He has a very big imagination, so a family that can help him to develop that in healthy ways would be good.

Auston has important connections that he would like to stay in contact with. His permanency team will want to make sure a family is open to facilitating these contacts for Auston.

Auston’s chronological age is 16, but he requires much-needed structure and routine. Auston may regress when placed in a new environment so he needs a two-parent family that is invested in parenting him, helping him to work through the ups and the downs. The parents should be patient, nurturing, loving, affectionate, consistent, active and flexible. Ideally, the team is looking for a family that has an understanding of the effects of trauma and can incorporate trauma-informed parenting into their home and start each day fresh and remain calm when Auston is having a hard time.

Auston is sweet and fun to be with. If you can provide Auston with the structure, love, patience and flexibility he needs, he will treat your family with much affection and imagination. Contact the Idaho Care Line (211 or 1-800-926-2588) or inquire through the contact information below if you think you can provide the family setting Auston needs. n

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit idahowednesdayschild.org or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shannon Foust at sfoust@ewu.edu or 488-8989 if you have specific questions.

3-2017

uston, 16, is an artistic and creative young man who likes to build things with Legos and also enjoys building model cars.

He likes to draw — mostly dragons and everyday things like buildings. When Auston is an adult, he would like to be a mechanic and an artist so he can combine both of his talents by building cars and then painting them a certain way. School is going well for Auston, although he requires some extra accommodations. His favorite subject is PE and his favorite sport is basketball. The Golden State Warriors are his favorite team.

Auston reports that he’s been ready for a family for a long time and sees himself in a happy, loving family. He is okay with siblings but just wants a family who cares about each member and likes to do fun things and spend time together.

He is okay with animals or without. He likes the idea of living somewhere that has the conveniences of a city but feels like the country — the best of both worlds! In Idaho or out of state is okay with him as well. He doesn’t mind the outdoors and outdoor activities but wouldn’t consider himself an outdoors person necessarily.

Auston wants people to know that he is very caring. He has developed good strategies to help him when frustrations occur and is able to let families know what works

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017

Saying ’no’

Setting personal boundaries in a busy world

By Daniel Bobinski

technology.

That’s right. Thanks to Facebook, Instagram, and texting (plus the myriad other communication apps f you used to feel refreshed, reliable, and out there), our attention bandwidth can jam up pretty ready, but lately feel overloaded, overfast. Unfortunately, it’s easy to let this technology booked, and overwhelmed, then you’d proboverwhelm us. For example, just about anyone with ably agree with those who say that life has a smartphone would agree that sending a quick text gotten too busy. I’m not talking about the occasional message makes us more productive, right? After all, it’s extra project that pops up; I’m talking about feeling just one text message. swamped 24/7/365. You know, like hardly having I would agree, but I’ll also note that every avalanche time to come up for air. If this is you, then you might started out with just one snowflake. be suffering from communication overload. Or, you Granted, my analogy is extreme, but I’m guessing may need to improve your ability to say, “No.” Or you know people who’ve been negatively affected by both! the onslaught of ubiquitous 24/7 communication. For Let’s start with communication overload. For sevexample, I have a client whose former boss thought eral decades now, psychologists have been studying nothing of requesting information via text messages Daniel Bobinski what they call Cognitive Load Theory — the idea from employees after hours. We’re talking even at 10 that humans have only a limited amount of working p.m. It got so bad that my client would leave his cell phone at home memory. You’ve probably heard computer geeks humorously referwhenever he went out. He’d have a peaceful evening, but he’d pay for ring to this as RAM; the acronym for a computer’s Random Access it the next day when the boss would irately ask why the text messages Memory. In humans, just like in computers, processing too many inputs were ignored. simultaneously impairs our ability to function effectively.

Beyond texting, I also know people who were getting so sucked into Psychologists tell us that everyone carries two types of cognitive load: spending (i.e., wasting) time on Facebook, they finally set their cominternal, which is how we think about things internally, and external, puter to block Facebook altogether. which is dealing with whatever is going on around us. As you might Unfortunately, cognitive overload doesn’t just occur because of bosses imagine, it’s usually the external things vying for our attention that who violate boundaries or in those who spend excessive time on social overwhelm us the most. In today’s environment, one huge culprit is media. Sometimes the problem of overload exists simply because we have a hard time saying, “No.” Saying “no” can be a difficult thing. According to Psychology Today, people avoid saying “no” for various reasons. Some want to avoid conflict, so they reluctantly say “yes” to things they’d rather not do. Others worry about rejection — that is, not being liked by someone if they say “no.” Still others avoid saying “no” because they are overly concerned about others’ feelings. They fear people’s hopes will be dashed if they hear a “no” answer.

If an inability to say “no” is causing your calendar to overflow and your life to feel overwhelmed, allow me to share a few suggestions to

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March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

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consider.

First, be aware that it’s easier to say no when you’ve identified your primary personal mission. Entrepreneur Richie Norton says, “Say no to everything, so you can say yes to the one thing.”

To me, that “one thing” is your personal mission. For example, if your mission is to be the best mom in the world, then that goal helps you know where to say “yes” and where to say “no.”

Said another way, to restore ourselves to feeling more refreshed, reliable, and ready, we should say no whenever something will take us off our intended course. Mani Sivasubramanian, in his book, How to Focus, echoes this. He says, “Information overload is exactly why you need an ‘ignore’ list. It has never been more important to be able to say, ‘no.’”

In addition to the reasons previously stated, another reason people don’t like saying no is it can come across as abrupt. With that in mind, let’s consider alternative ways we can say no without saying the word “no.”

One of my favorites is “I’m sorry, that’s not going to work for my schedule.” It’s saying no without saying “no.” And, because it’s difficult to argue with a schedule, it’s harder for others to pressure you. However, if you do get pressured, you can always say, “I’ll look at it later, but right now I don’t think it’s going to work.”

If the person making the request is a superior, saying no can be more difficult. But if you are truly overloaded, a very bold technique is to open your Day-Timer or take out your proj-

ect list and genuinely ask which deadlines he or she thinks you should adjust to make time for the new task. This technique can be successful in helping your boss see just how busy you truly are, but it must be done very tactfully, and it’s not a technique you can use too often.

Other, less-confrontational phrases you can use include: “I’m sorry, I can’t commit to that right now.”

“That is really a bad time for me. I have another priority that requires my attention.”

“You know, I’m probably not the best person for that. Have you thought about asking ____?”

“Please understand that I’m honored, but I can’t right now. Thanks for asking.”

Bottom line, there are many reasons we can feel overloaded, overbooked, and overwhelmed. Ubiquitous technology and a difficult time saying “no” are just two of them.

But if we decide to set boundaries in how we use technology and identify clear priorities for what we are trying to achieve in life, we can restore a little sanity and keep our heads above the water long enough to relax more often and enjoy the fresh air. n

Daniel Bobinski is a certified behavioral analyst, director of Family Experience Ministries, and president of Leadership Development, Inc. He is a popular trainer and conference speaker, and is the author of numerous books, including Creating Passion-Driven Teams, and the award-winning Become a Student of Your Students, co-authored with his wife, Jeralynne. Contact him at 208-375-5048 or dan@workplace-excellence.com.

By Diane Louise Smith

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hen I attend church, I come away feeling better than when I arrived.

Usually, this feeling comes from singing the hymns, listening to the Bible readings and the homily. However, one Sunday I was feeling especially low. It was one of those days where one problem piled onto another one. I felt like an exhausted boxer in the ring. Just when I knocked out one of my opponents, another fighter was there to take its place.

I needed to take a breather and gain some perspective.

The Mass had not yet started; and as I sat in the pew, my emotions were starting to overwhelm me and I felt tears burning in my eyes. I didn’t want anyone to see me cry, so I knelt and ducked my head down.

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In front of me, there was a woman kneeling to pray and she had put her purse behind her on the pew. Her handbag happened to tip over on its side, and an item had spilled out. It was a rubber chicken keychain.

I stared at this novelty keychain to make sure I was seeing it correctly. Sure enough, it was a miniaturized rubber chicken just like the ones popularized by comedians.

I couldn’t believe the absurdity of it and despite my welling tears, I laughed quietly to myself.

I noticed as I looked at this comical keychain, my mood lightened. My tears evaporated, since I had found a bit of humor in this surprise sight.

Afterwards, it got me to thinking: Who am I to say that this wasn’t a sign that everything would work out and to appreciate the little things in life? n

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Unexpected humor Rubber chicken at church lightens mood

Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017

Procrastination and teens

Putting things off has long-term effects inconvienience associated with raising kids.

But recent studies have shed light on the vari“Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things ous costs of procrastination for teens as they harder.” — Mason Cooley, American aphorist enter adulthood.

A study published in Adaptive Learning (Hillary Green-Lerman, March 4, 2015) believe Mr. Cooley sums procrastinalooked at 5,000 college chemistry students and tion up well, but try convincing your found that those who began work on assignteenager of this. I have noticed when ments three days before the due date scored talking to parents about schoolwork measurably better than those who began work that one of their most common concerns is one day before. An interview published in Psythat their teens wait until the last minute to chology Today (Hara Estroff Marano, June 9, begin their studies. This often results in late 2016) with two of the world’s leading experts assignments, poor test results and bleary-eyed on procrastination reported that students who and sleep-deprived teens. While most of us consistently procrastinate had evidence of can remember our own period of procrastina- Robert Rhodes compromised immune systems such as more tion, recent new studies have shed light on the colds and flu and higher rates of gastroinemotional costs to teens as they enter adulthood. testinal problems and insomnia. Finally, the Procrastination Let’s first look at some of the reasons teens procrastinate.

Research Group at Carleton University in Canada conducted Here are seven common ones: a survey of students to determine the effect of procrastina1. Poor time management – Teens commonly overestion on happiness; 46 percent of 2,700 responding students timate the amount of time they have to complete an assignstated that procrastination negatively affected them “quite ment and underestimate the time it takes. Developmentally a bit” or “very much,” while 18 percent reported that it was speaking, teens struggle to conceptionalize what is required “extreme.” of them time-wise. Homework, chores, extracurricular activiSo what can you as parents do to help? Here are several ties and meals are only some of the tasks they must juggle strategies: into the span between arriving home from school and bed1. Initially, let your teen experience the natural consequenctime. es of procrastination. Resist the urge to rescue them from 2. Today’s teens are busy (perhaps too busy) penalties for handing an assignment in late, low grades due – Teens do better with consistency and set routines. But askto shoddy last-minute work or poor test grades due to fatigue ing teens and families to develop afterschool routines and from staying up too late. Consequences are designed to teach. patterns is nearly impossible due to the enormous number of 2. If they do appear to chronically procrastinate, identify afterschool activities today’s kids are involved in. the reasons and step in. Never assume the teen is lazy or does 3. They are adolescents – Executive brain functions do not care. not fully develop until around age 25. When I was in college I 3. Encourage your teen to have a discussion with you at regularly started my studies around midnight. Five years later, the beginning of each week about the demands ahead. Help in graduate school, my studies were complete most nights them develop a clear idea about what needs to be done and by 10 p.m. I was simply more mature in all areas, from time how best to accomplish it. management to managing distractions.

4. If they are over-scheduled, talk with them about their ac4. Difficulty regulating emotions – Boredom, anxitivities and commitments and help them reduce the demands ety (perfectionism), fatigue and frustration are only a few of on their time. the emotions which cause the teen to delay addressing the 5. Ask them to do their work in a clutter-free, social mediademands of the day. free and distraction-free environment.

5. Task is overwhelming – Often the sheer amount of 6. Provide clear expectations and guidelines. These may work that needs to be done can seem overwhelming to the be related to bedtimes, chores, extracurricular activities or teen. Other times teens are not sure what is being asked of schoolwork. them or cannot grasp how best to organize or approach the Setting limits on your teen is never fun or well-received. task (projects, for example).

Remember though that one of your primary responsibilities 6. Distractions – Social media is the prime culprit here. is to prepare your teen for adulthood. Entering their postShow me a teen who does not study without a phone, tablet high school years understanding the importance of planning, or gaming system within arm’s reach. organization, sleep, balance, time management and the perils 7. Passive aggressiveness toward parents – We of distraction will greatly reduce the stress and worry of early know that procrastination is partly rooted in the developadulthood. n mental task of separation and individuation. Teens strive and need to learn to manage their time and responsibilities. This Robert Rhodes has a master of social work from the University of often results, though, in power struggles between the teen and California, Berkeley. He obtained his license as a clinical social worker the parents. Pressure from the parent is often met with delay. in 1989. Since then he has worked in multiple settings with children and The potential negative impact on adolescents from proadolescents. He has been in private practice for the past 16 years. He may crastination does not seem to raise concerns among parents. be reached at rrhodes.lcsw@gmail.com, (208) 900-8500, or Either the behavior is normalized or it is simply seen as an boiseteencounseling.com.

By Robert Rhodes

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moMENts

Gandmother takes one for the team

By Patrick Hempfing

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piece of plastic on her mom’s behind with one hand and a needle in the other, cracked up laughing.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. Jessie and I couldn’t help but join in the laughter. It felt great to laugh.

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y 12-year-old daughter, Jessie, hates shots but somehow made it through all her vaccinations.

This leads me to several takeaways. I’m thankful Dad, on the other hand, is still I have the time and good health to walk my dog, recovering from her office visits. even if I have to clean my sneakers afterward. I’m I sat down to write this month’s column at the fortunate to have the resources to replace sunglasses, end of a grueling week. Little did I realize that get haircuts, and buy a new computer. I’m thankful a shot my mother-in-law received for bronchitis for health insurance and modern medicine that can would be one of the week’s highlights. diagnose problems quickly. I’m even lucky to have a Like any other week, there were a few incongood vacuum cleaner. veniences I could have done without. I returned Last, but important, laughter is one of our greatest from my morning walk to find dog poop smashed gifts. It serves as a “shot-blocker” when life is chalto the bottom of my sneaker. Then, I dropped lenging. Grandmommy, thank you for taking one Patrick Hempfing my favorite pair of sunglasses on the bathroom for the team! The laughter you provided was the floor, breaking the frames. I needed a haircut and shot in the arm we needed, though I’m sorry you stopped at the barbershop. When I got home and looked in the were the butt of the laugh.

Until next month, remember to cherish the moments and laugh mirror, I noticed the hair was about an inch longer over one ear at the funny ones. than the other. To get both sides even I had to return to the shop Note: My favorite mother-in-law, now fully recovered, approved the next day. Then there’s my aging computer that crashes daily, this message. n which is not a good thing for a writer. But, in the whole scheme of life, these were minor inconveniences.

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he A spilled 24-ounce carton of grits is a slightly bigger deal. For became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer. Follow readers who are unfamiliar, grits are ground corn and have the Patrick at www.facebook.com/patricklhempfing and on Twitter @PatrickHempfing. Patrick’s first consistency of coarse sand. While putting away groceries, I lifted book, “MoMENts: A Dad Holds On,” compiles favorite stories and new material and is available for sale on Amazon.com. the round cardboard container from the top shelf of the pantry and it slipped from my fingers. Grits sprayed over everything — the food on two pantry shelves, the clothes in the laundry basket, and under the washer and dryer. The miniscule particles even covered the vacuum cleaner I needed for cleanup. But even this paled in comparison to the next challenge.

A lump appeared near my wife’s left ear in December. On Christmas Eve, Mattie had a CT scan that showed a tumor. Life can be sailing along, maybe with minor inconveniences like broken sunglasses, a subpar haircut, and an avalanche of grits, but when a tumor enters the picture, life changes. Mattie’s doctor suggested that the tumor be biopsied, but it took two weeks and five days to get the procedure and wait for the results. Those who have gone through this know that waiting is tough. The radiologist performed the biopsy on Monday and told Mattie the results would be back within 24-48 hours. Mattie called on Tuesday. No report. She called again Wednesday. Still no results. By this time, I was comforting myself with four ice cream cones, two for lunch and two at bedtime. Mattie said if I didn’t cut back, the next doctor we might be seeing would be for diabetes.

Fortunately, late Thursday afternoon we received good news — no cancer. This put everything else in perspective. Though the tumor will need to be removed, Mattie will be okay.

A couple days after receiving the great news, Mattie’s mother, whose bronchitis hadn’t completely cleared after a course of antibiotics, texted early in the morning, “I just got out of the doctor’s office. Got a shot in my behind and some prescriptions. I certainly am awake.”

Mattie typed back, “So is whoever gave you the shot.”

Mattie informed Jessie, “Grandmommy got a shot in the rear end.”

Jessie, remembering her vaccinations at the pediatrician’s office where the nurse used a plastic device to ease the pain of the needle, asked, “Did the doctor use a shot-blocker?”

Mattie, apparently having a mental picture of a nurse holding a

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017

KIDS FIRST!

This Beautiful Fantastic has spellbinding script

discover how a garden influences them.

This film has stunning visuals, character development and a spellbinding script that turns it into a cinematic masterpiece.

Introduction The flowers in Alfred’s garden add to the visual appeal of the film because of its juxtaposition to Bella’s garden. The set dereclusive young woman who dreams of becoming sign also creates visual appeal, with sets such as Bella’s canopy a children’s author finds an unlikely mentor in the bed and the setup of the garden. The garden is what inspired rich curmudgeon who lives next door in the film, the film’s title because Bella describes it as “beautiful, fantasThis Beautiful Fantastic. tic.” The cinematography is gorgeous as well. An example of this is when the downpour starts and a rainbow reflects over Review by Ella, age 13 Bella’s face.

This Beautiful Fantastic is an incredible cinematic experience In this movie, the characters grow alongside each other. that I’ll never forget. It is a stunning movie that brings two Alfred starts off as a grumpy and mean old man, but grows lonely people together to enjoy the beauty of nature. I love to be kind and gentle and to treat Bella as though she is his seeing each character grow throughout the film. daughter. Bella is introduced as timid and scared of nature, This incredible film is about an aspiring author with OCD but she overcomes her fear when she befriends Alfred and (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) named Bella (Jessica Brown learns to care for the garden. Throughout the movie, you Findlay). She befriends her next door neighbor, Alfred (Tom also see Bella become less and less OCD. At the end, she Wilkinson), when she is told she will be evicted from her leaves her door open versus in the beginning when she checks house if she doesn’t tend to her garden. With the help from the door five times before leaving the house. There is also a Alfred and Vernon (Andrew Scott), Bella’s personal chef, change in Vernon. In the beginning, he is very nervous and they try to find a way to tend to the garden and, in doing so, acts as a “slave” towards Alfred. But by the end, he becomes less scared and more independent.

The music adds an ethereal effect to the movie, such as when Alfred watches Bella tend to the garden. Also, when Billy (Jeremy Irvine) shows Bella the mechanical bird, Luna, he is making. The music in this scene adds a very magical tone.

I love how eloquent the script is. An example of this is when Billy talks to Bella about a statue he is studying called The Ecstasy of Theresa. He describes it as “destroying logic with emotion.” His detail in explaining the statue shows how impactful art can be to a person.

This film demonstrates how much another person can help you thrive and adore the importance of nature. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for people ages 10 to 18, and adults will enjoy it as well. This movie Jessica Brown Findlay stars as Bella in the film, This Beautiful Fantastic. (GC Images comes out March 10 in theaters nationwide, so check photo) it out. n

By Ranny Levy

3-2017

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10 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

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By Kimberly McMullen

A

s a first-time mom, I was on a new parent high and determined to create the perfect childhood for my daughter. We had a two-parent home, I was a stay-at-home mom, my daughter’s clothes always matched, and I made sure she had ridiculously fancy, brain-squishing hairstyles.

I fed her nutritional meals; I read to her and threw her circus-sized birthday parties. For the most part, it was amazing. For the “most” part. But there is that un-most part, the part we don’t talk about.

I remember desperate days at the park. Days where I knew that if I could hear from one other parent that this parenting thing had them frazzled and feeling inadequate, maybe I would have spent less time feeling like a failure.

I could have exploded with the love I had for my daughter; but secretly, I often felt impatient and annoyed. I wanted someone to tell me this was normal, and that the terrible twos had been given the name “terrible” for a reason.

I wondered if some parents truly had it all together, or if in their quest to have it all together they could not admit to all the hard stuff.

Maybe keeping our cover with strangers is way too easy, and being transparent comes with too much fear and shame. With anguish in my eyes, I smiled and listened to mom after mom proclaim that they had mastered it all, and their floors were mopped, too.

I felt alone with my par-

Kimberly McMullen enting struggles. I wanted to talk about the hard stuff, I wanted to know I was not a horrible mother every time I had a meltdown.

I longed to hear that potty training was not going well, that postpartum was real, and depression or feelings of isolation were not uncommon.

I wanted to hear about how much we craved adult conversations and how having a child on top of you all day was wearing thin.

I wanted to hear that sometimes you fed your kid cereal for dinner because you were too tired, or how you couldn’t get a break because you didn’t have a village — or anyone around you trusted. I wanted to hear that just because my child was late to walk and did not talk much, she was not developmentally delayed. I wanted to hear that I was not going to ruin my kid.

I was tormented with guilt every time I raised my voice, and would sob with the realization that I was not good enough to meet my parenting expectations.

Looking back, I realize I had dreamed up a perfect childhood for my daughter, given to her by the perfect parents, which came from a sincere and perfect love.

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No wonder I felt like a failure — I had demanded the impossible from myself.

I wish I could go back and tell that young mother that while a little self-doubt can create some healthy self-examination, there would always be struggles and victories, and the parenting pathway is not a perfectly paved road that some find and some don’t.

I wish I could tell her that just because people are afraid to talk about the hard stuff, it still exists for every parent. When we compare ourselves to others, we set imaginary standards that we assume others are effortlessly living by.

I know moms who thought I had it all together, and we have already discussed how that wasn’t the case.

It’s sad how mothers have a reputation for one-upping each other. We miss opportunities where we can offer support and learn from one another.

It felt like parenting was a competition to see who had the fewest difficulties, and vulnerability was somehow a sign of weakness. At what point did we start keeping score?

I am now the mom of a young adult and I am happy to report she survived her childhood, unmopped floors and all. As I continue on this parenting journey, I now know that nobody has it all figured out. There is no parenting strategy that makes us miss out on the hard stuff, and if you feel like you have no clue from one minute to the next, you are not alone. It is my hope to be brutally honest about how challenging parenting is. I hope parents can learn to be honest about the messy parts of parenting, so one less mom leaves the park feeling like she’s inadequate and alone. n

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 11

Doing right

Teaching children to make good choices

I

down and quietly say, “You have chocolate on your face.

I don’t remember giving you a candy bar. Where is the rest of the candy?” When the child produces the stolen object, say, “I need to pay for this and we will talk about it in the car.”

Many children lie because it is not safe to do otherwise.

Would you say, “Sure, I stole a candy bar!” to Darth Vader, the villain in Star Wars?

In the car, skip the “I was so embarrassed / ashamed / mortified” speech that you probably heard from your parents. This is a teaching moment. To a small child say, “It is not acceptable to steal. Stealing hurts another person. You may not steal.”

Lying

Bullying

By Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel n Taekwondo, my granddaughter, Chelsea, pledges to “do what is right.” Who is teaching morals and values today? I hear, “I am ashamed of you!” and the word “bad” a lot, and what is missing to my eye is consistent training on why doing what is right matters, and help with how to do that. My March column is about “bad” choices kids make and how to parent your kids. My April column will be about how to teach children to make “good” choices. (Text taken from “Don’t Feed the Dragon,” available on Amazon.)

Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran Preschool

Nancy Keeton M.Ed., LCPC

3-2017

What causes children to be cruel and totally unconEvery child tells a lie at some time in his/her life; Sandy Spurgeon cerned that another person is being harmed? Some of some children lie because they are afraid of the McDaniel the reasons might be: the violence on television and in the parent. As for making it safe for your child to tell the media; the amount of anger held inside because they have not learned truth, remember a simple fact: If you scare the dickens out of your how to defuse it; holding to the idea that they are better than someone child, that child will probably not tell you the truth. The child is asking, else; and coming from a home where being unkind is allowed and/or “Is this how I use power?” and your answer is a quiet “yes” or “no.” A modeled. child cannot hear your lesson when he/she is afraid.

The amount of violence to which the average child is exposed When a child lies, ask the child to hold your hand for a minute and via the media is so extensive that many children in their elementary explain, “We have a bridge between us that is based on the truth. We trust each other. When you say something, I believe it; when I say some- school years are totally anesthetized to the violence or harm being done to another person. Many children (and adults) simply don’t care thing, you believe it. What you just told me is not the truth so (breaking hands apart) our trust is broken. It is not easy to get trust back once it is if someone is harmed. broken. Now when you tell me something, I won’t know if it is the truth Lots of children are misusing power in their homes. In the parent or a lie. That is not good. You need to tell me the truth.” coaching work I do, I see parents who are dealing with children who I feel very uncomfortable when I hear a parent demand, “Tell your have become a little emperor or empress in their own home. The brother you are sorry you hit him!” Basically, what you are teaching parents are controlled by the child’s ability to wield outrageous bursts your child to do is to lie. Under the heat of a disagreement, the child is of anger, and by a child who won’t behave. Rage becomes a way to not sorry. However, my experience is that a child who is taught to work get the parents to give in and bow to the child’s demands. out problems, is dealt with fairly, and who has a place to defuse anger These angry children, who have learned from birth to misuse power, will apologize without coaching. have not learned to respect adults. They go to preschool or school and Listen to a child who is forced to say, “I’m sorry.” The words are pour their anger out on both adults and children. Defiant, disobedient wooden and insincere. What is being taught is to tell a lie to please children are an escalating problem in our learning institutions. someone.

In order to be unkind to another person, it is necessary to have the One thing to constantly remember is that you teach most by what you idea that you are better than that person. Where is such a concept model. If you are modeling lying (or even “white” lies), you are teachtaught? Parents teach most by what they model. ing your children to lie.

Attitudes are developed from birth. If an older child is allowed to be unkind to a younger child, a pattern of behavior is set into motion.

Stealing One of my parenting rules is, “We are kind to each other.”

A young child and his mother were ahead of me in line at the marKindness needs to be taught in EVERY home. There needs to be ket. All of a sudden, the mother turned like a cobra and grabbed her son. “Did you steal a candy?” she screamed at the boy who adamantly a consequence for being unkind. Teasing, putting someone down, unkind words of any measure are NOT acceptable! n shook his head back and forth as candy dribbled out of his mouth.

What children fear most is ridicule and criticism. Pre-teens and For 54 years, Sandy McDaniel has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families teenagers spend 100 percent of their time trying not to be embarand children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Merassed. ridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. Semi-retired, she speaks to schools, The mother saw chocolate on the boy’s face. She needed to kneel churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone.

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12 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

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3-2017

Crafts on a Dime

Make a sofa table for under 20 dollars

By Samantha Stillman

B

eing at home so much, if I see something is just not working, I immediately head to the Internet to find a solution to help my home run more smoothly. With little ones crawling at my house the last few years, my lovely houseplants have not fared so well. To keep them out of reach but still get the sunlight they need, I decided on getting a sofa table.

I do not know about you, but I do not have a ton of money to spend on something like that. After doing some research, I found a couple ways of making a DIY sofa table. My target spending goal was under 20 dollars and wood came out to around 8 dollars each piece. The rest of the supplies I already had lying around from other projects.

I’m sure you could make this an even cheaper project by checking out your local secondhand building supply store. Be sure to NOT buy treated wood for indoor use because of the chemicals used on it.

My table’s dimensions ended up being 6 feet long and 30 inches tall. Remember to measure your space to fit your needs and purchase the wood accordingly.

Supplies needed:

Two 8-inch x 6-foot x 1-inch boards Wood stain Wood varnish 2-inch wood screws Paintbrushes Rags Drill Sandpaper Saw (optional)

Samantha Stillman Instructions:

1. Leave one board uncut and either cut the other board into two 29-inch pieces at home, or you can have someone do it for you before you leave your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. Using sandpaper, sand each piece down until it’s smooth to the touch. Wipe it with a damp rag to clean off any dust.

2. Stain each piece of wood by applying the stain evenly with a paintbrush and using the rags to wipe the excess away. After it has dried and is the desired shade, apply a coat or two of varnish to give it a nice sheen.

3. Line up the legs under the top of your table and, using the drill, screw 3-4 screws into the top of each leg. Make sure the screws go straight into the top of the legs. If the table needs to be able to support something heavy, you may need to add braces, a center leg, or a bar at the bottom. n

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Samantha Stillman is a Treasure Valley crafts instructor and freelance writer. She may be reached at craftsonadime10@gmail.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 13

‘Higher and deepers’

Eliminating five major clutter culprits Clutter Culprit No. 2 – Dishes

By Mary Ann Wilcox

W

ith the holidays now over, your home may be suffering from “where-to-put-it-itis.” New gifts and post party clutter may be taking over your home. With many New Year’s resolutions comes the goal to get organized. This can be easier said than done. With so many little clutter culprits working against you, you may get overwhelmed by the job at hand. So, how do you eliminate the clutter culprits?

Let me first identify what a clutter culprit is. Believe it or not, these pesky little troublemakers are NOT the people who live in your home. They are cleaning duties that, if left undone, encourage more clutter that gets piled higher and deeper.

Not every household chore needs to be done every day for a home to be clean. For example, dusting doesn’t have to be done every day because no matter how much dust there is, you only have to make one pass with your duster to get it all. Clutter culprits are not that way. These “higher and deepers” make your house look dirty in a hurry. Even if your floors are spotless, no one will notice them if there is clutter everywhere. These “higher and deepers” are the ONLY chores that must be done every day. Make them the priority, and you will find it easier and faster to get to the toilets, counters and carpets.

Clutter Culprit No. 1 – Unmade beds

I probably sound like your mother right now, but an unmade bed makes the room look messier than it really is and invites more clutter to join it.

If you think about it, when you walk into a room that is perfectly clean but the bed is unmade, the room looks messy because the bed is the biggest item in the room and it draws your eye whether it is made or not.

The first step in eliminating this problem is to start early. Train your family to make beds on a daily basis when they are young.

Making a bed is not difficult; even a 2-year-old can do it. The problem is developing the habit. If you have teenagers, don’t worry. Just tell them they can’t use their phones until it is done.

To develop the habit, train family members to make their beds at the same time every day, to stay in their room until it is made, and follow up to make sure it is done. Having a deadline is also helpful. To have rooms clean and beds made before breakfast is a good goal and utilizes a natural deadline for most families.

The second step is to simplify your bedding selections so that making the bed takes little time and effort. While some family members like beds from the Better Homes and Gardens magazine, most of our family won’t take the time to put 15 pillows on a bed, so just keep it simple. For instance, use a fitted sheet (no top sheet), and a matching pillow case. Then use a comforter that doubles as a blanket and maybe one decorative pillow.

When making the bed, just pull the comforter up and smooth it or fold it on the end of the bed. Place the pillows at the head of the bed. Even bunk beds can be made this way in less than one minute.

14 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

Stacking dishes on the counter or in the sink creates a major sanitation problem. It takes twice as long to do the dishes because food dries and is difficult to remove. It makes an unsightly mess, and dishes have to be removed from the sink in order to wash them, taking a lot more time.

This simple system will keep your counters and sink clear and your dishes always done: • When setting the table, use the dishes from the dishwasher so that you can unload it and essentially kill two birds with one stone. Once the table is set, put the rest of the dishes away. If the dishwasher is unloaded every morning before breakfast, then you have somewhere to put dishes all day long.

• When you cook, wash your pots and pans directly after use.

Transfer food into serving dishes that are smaller and will take up less space in the dishwasher before putting them on the table.

• Have family members scrape and rinse their dishes as they finish eating and stack them neatly on the counter or put them directly into the dishwasher if they are old enough to do so.

• As you put food away following a meal, rinse the serving dishes and put them directly in the dishwasher.

• Make sure you start the dishwasher before you leave the kitchen, even if it is not completely full to the brim. The goal is to always unload the dishwasher before breakfast and start a load of dishes after dinner.

• Most families have an overwhelming number of cups that get used in a day, so assign each family member a cup to use for the day. You can label it, have them decorate it, or just simply assign them a color. That way, they have one cup to use for each meal and anytime they want a drink, and you only have to wash one cup per person per day.

Clutter Culprit No. 3 – Paper

The amount of paper that comes into a home on a daily basis can create a major clutter problem. It seems that any horizontal surface in the home becomes a depository for paper that can accumulate into a large pile very quickly. Managing this avalanche can be both expensive and time-consuming. In fact, even a filing system can be an alphabetical way to lose important papers. Here are some tips for getting paper under control in your home: • Establish collection centers that automatically sort valuable papers. You can use horizontal or vertical file stackers or cubbies like those found in a mailroom. You will find they work well for sorting. They can be labeled with the category and papers placed in them until it’s time to process them. Collection centers are probably the most helpful way to handle paper.

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Clutter Culprit No. 4 – Laundry

Laundry is a never-ending job. The more people you have living

in your home, the larger the volume of laundry to be done on a weekly basis. I have found that limiting the number of clothes that children have available will definitely help the situation. Children, especially little princesses, will wear everything that is available to them just about every day.

They will play dress up over and over again, throwing each discarded outfit on the floor. And before you know it, you can’t tell what is dirty and what is still clean. So, limit the number of clothes you have for each member of your family to one load per person per week at the most. This includes socks and underwear.

The secret to handling laundry is having lots of places to hide it, whether it is clean or dirty. Dirty clothes hide in hampers and laundry baskets. Clean clothes hide in the washing machine, dryer, buckets, drawers and closets. Place hampers where dirty clothes collect — in bedrooms (for changing), in bathrooms (for before bathing) and in kitchens (for dirty rags and towels.) Use divided hampers for easy sorting.

Organize your laundry room for maximum efficiency. Regardless of the size of your room, there are certain components that are necessary.

• Bins for each family members’ folded clothes, and one for collecting socks.

• A bar or rack for hanging clothes. The bar can be sectioned off for each family member by cutting plastic lids like the ones that come with coffee cans. Just cut a slit into the middle and then a hole to fit around the rod and label it with each family members’ name.

• A shelf or bin for holding laundry supplies.

• A garbage can for dryer lint and garbage found in pockets.

• A hamper or baskets for sorted dirty clothes.

• A box or place to put clean clothes that are too small when you take them out of the dryer. These clothes can be boxed up by size for hand-me-downs or simply taken to a donation center once a month.

Have a system for processing laundry: • Having sorted laundry hampers will allow you to gather clothes one tub at a time, while other dirty clothes are gathering. This way you eliminate piles of dirty clothes on the floor of your laundry room.

• Do not put clothes in the washer until you have folded the clothes in the dryer. Keep the top of your washer and dryer clear so you can use the space as a folding station. Taking clothes from the dryer and immediately hanging them up or folding them and put-

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ting them in individual buckets will eliminate wrinkles and save stacking them on couches and beds that have to be cleared when that furniture is needed for its intended purpose.

Staying in your laundry room to fold clothes will cut the amount of time it takes you in half.

Sorry, no more binge watching your favorite shows while you fold clothes.

Clutter Culprit No. 5 – General clutter

Anything that doesn’t have a place or is not in its proper place is CLUTTER! If it has a place, put it there. If it doesn’t, make one. If you can’t make one, get rid of it. If you are a “compulsive picker-upper,” you probably don’t have a problem with general clutter. You can become a “compulsive picker-upper” if you will develop the habit of picking things up as you pass them and putting them away.

Just remember that spending a minute now will save hours of cleaning later. Schedule time for family members to help pick up the house. Before meals and before bedtime are great times to schedule a “clutter run” during the day. They provide built-in deadlines and automatic rewards and motivation. If everyone helps a little bit before every meal, it only takes about 10 minutes a day to keep your house clutter-free.

Having a well-organized, clutter-free home saves you lots of time cleaning, looking for lost items, and embarrassment. If you want to know how to organize everything in your home in an efficient manner, take a class, read a blog, or contact me for a personal consultation at www.MaryAnnsCupboards.com. (I also have a book on the topic!) n

3-2017

• Schedule a time each week to process needed items, paying bills, sending correspondence, calendaring, etc. This could be done at the same time each week to help you keep up without missing important deadlines.

• Only Handle It Once (aka: the OHIO method) if at all possible. Junk mail can be immediately thrown in the trash or shredded. Valuable documents that do not need processing can be immediately filed. School papers that need signatures can be signed and put back in the children’s backpacks.

• Set up a filing system for collecting important documents that are needed for taxes, and household receipts or papers that you would like to save.

Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 15

IDAHO

MAGAZINE

CALENDAR

Second Annual Aging-out Awareness Month

March is Aging-out Awareness Month in Idaho. Every week, youths in foster care are turning 18 and aging-out. JEMfriends, a local organization that helps aging-out youth, wants to make sure that every one of them gets the support they need. Help spread the knowledge. Contact JEMfriends at 863-0222 so they can meet with your business, church or social group, and find ways to support aging-out youth together. Learn more at www.jemfriends.org.

VoLEARNteer program

Boise Parks & Recreation has a VoLEARNteer program that provides opportunities for people to have a hand in helping enhance and care for the city’s parks. Interested people who want to learn something new or get their hands dirty working in the parks are welcome; there are lots of ways to go beyond passive enjoyment of the Boise park system. Individuals and families are invited. Go to parks.cityofboise.org to learn more about the many ways you can VoLEARNteer.

Eagle Parks & Rec programs

Eagle Parks & Recreation offers a variety of programs for people of all ages.

Preschool programs include dance, soccer and basketball; youth programs include martial arts, soccer, basketball, multi-sports and after-school art. For adults, there are programs on wine and food pairing, watercolor, an adult coloring club, card making, beginner tap dancing, and fit and safe circuit training. Go to cityofeagle.org/recreation.

Free Parent Education Seminar First & Third Thursday

Brain Balance Achievement Center at 3210 E. Chinden Blvd., #113, in Eagle holds a Free Parent Education Seminar from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Dr. Ray Booth, clinical psychologist, presents information on the topic, “Why Your Child Is Struggling” and answers questions. For more information, contact Executive Director Dawna Booth at 938-1312 or dbooth@brainbalancecenters.com.

Reading at the Refuge First & Third Monday

Preschoolers, kindergartners and their families are invited to Reading at the Refuge every first and third Monday, with the exception of federal holidays, at 10 a.m. and repeating at 2 p.m. at the Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center near Lake Lowell in Nampa. There will be a wildlife-related story, craftmaking, and exploring the Visitor Center and trails at the refuge. For more information, go to fws.gov/deerflat, email deerflat@fws.gov or call 467-9278.

Kindermusik classes Mondays

Kindermusik at Dunkley Music is enrolling students ages 0-7 for music classes.

Attend a free preview class and experience the delight of making music together while opening doors to creativity, exploration, friendship and joy in learning. Register for the preview class at dunkleymusic.kindermusik.com, or by calling the store at 342-5549 and asking for Jane. Classes are available at 10 a.m. Mondays. Dunkley Music is located at 3410 N. Eagle Rd., Ste. 150, in Meridian.

Family Art Saturday March 25

Children accompanied by their adult friends may drop into the Boise Art Museum between noon and 3 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month for a

16 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

hands-on art workshop. The program is recommended for children ages 12 and under, with an adult. Go to boiseartmuseum.org.

A T.Rex Named Sue Mondays – Saturdays

The current exhibit at the Discovery Center of Idaho features Sue, a tyrannosaurus rex that roamed North America roughly 67 million years ago.

Visit Sue at DCI from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. DCI is located at 131 W. Myrtle St. in Boise. Go to dcidaho.org for costs and other information.

Refuge Star Party March 4

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge invites families to the Refuge Visitor Center for an evening with the stars from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4. There will be activities for the whole family, including the College of Idaho’s StarLab, storytelling, crafts, and stargazing with the Boise Astronomical Society. The free event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 467-9278.

Adoption Information Meeting March 7 & April 4

A New Beginning Adoption Agency holds free Adoption Information Meetings each month, providing a no-pressure environment for families to learn about adopting infants and children in the U.S. foster care system. Meetings for March and April are set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4. All meetings are held at 8660 W. Emerald, Ste. 142, in Boise. Though the meetings are free, pre-registration is required; call 939-3865 or email admin@adoptanewbeginning.org.

Family Advocates Volunteer Orientation March 7 & April 4

Family Advocates works to strengthen families and keep kids safe by empowering everyday people to protect and enrich the lives of youth.

Volunteers are needed in both the Family Strengthening Programs and within the CASA Program as guardians ad litem. Orientations are set for 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7 and April 4, at the Family Advocates offices at 3010 W. State St. For more information, call 345-3344 or go to strongandsafe.org.

Sunset Series March 8

The Foothills Learning Center at 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise holds a free public lecture on nature-related topics each month. The topic for March is “Fire-Prone Landscape”; the program will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 8. The event is free, and everyone is welcome. Go to bee. cityofboise.org.

Boise Roadster Show March 10 – March 12

This family-friendly event showcases the best in hot rods, cool custom cars, trick trucks, and restored motorcycles. The show will be held at Expo Idaho on the following dates : noon to 10 p.m. Friday, March 10; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, March 11; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 12. Cost of admission is $10 for adults, $3 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under. Go to expoidaho.net.

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of Events

Month of March & Early April Please send family-related calendar items to gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com.

March 10

Support the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as the Idaho Steelheads take on the Cincinnati Cyclones beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, March 10, at CenturyLink Arena in downtown Boise. Cost is $15 for a ticket that includes a seat and dinner; $5 from every ticket will go directly to the National MS Society. For ticket information go to http://www.igrouptix.com/ idahosteelheads.

Matinees at the Library Fridays

Eagle Public Library hosts free matinees for people all ages from 4:15 to 6 p.m.

Fridays, March 10, 17, 24 and 31. The library offers many other family-friendly programs. Check them out at cityofeagle.org (click through to the library calendar).

Foothills Family Day March 11

Join the Foothills Learning Center for its monthly nature program on a variety of topics. There will be expert speakers, crafts, activities, interpretive stations, and backyard exploration for those interested. The entire family is invited to come play and learn. The March program, on Fire Frenzy, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11. The Foothills Learning Center is located at 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise. Go to bee.cityofboise.org.

Shamrock Shuffle March 11

An Irish-themed half marathon, 10k and 5k will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at Merrill Park on East Shore Drive in Eagle. Children are welcome, and costumes are encouraged by the organizers. For entry fees and other information, go to http://theshamrockshuffle.net.

Spring Sports Madness for Moms and Sons March 11

Mothers and their sons are welcome to attend Spring Sports Madness from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Nampa Rec Center. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team gear and come and enjoy pizza, basketball, dodgeball, and other games. There will be prizes, and a photo booth will be set up for moms and sons who want to have their pictures taken together.

Cost for Spring Sports Madness is $8 for members and $10 for non-members.

All are welcome. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Family Crafternoons March 11

Children, teens, adults and seniors are invited to the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian library for cutting, gluing, designing and creating from 2 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 11. The library provides the supplies, and participants supply the imagination. Similar programs are planned for other days of the month. Go to mld.org.

Ft. Boise Highland Games & Fell Race March 11

This event will be held Saturday, March 11, at Old Ft. Boise Park in Parma. The day will start with a 5k run at 8 a.m.; then, Scottish Highland Games will start at 10. There will be food and craft vendors, kids’ games, dancers, bagpipers and fun. For information about entry fees for the competitions, go to http://SAAANational.org.

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Cure for Cabin Fever: Boise Foothills Hike March 11

Join the Nampa Recreation Department in exploring the Military Reserve in the Boise Foothills from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, with departure and return at the Rec Center. This 3- to 4-mile hike is considered a beginner hike with small amounts of elevation gain. The hike is considered suitable for children. Cost is $10 per person. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Courageous Kids Climbing at Wings March 12

Courageous Kids Climbing, a climbing program for people with special needs, will be at Wings Center in Boise from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 12.

For more information, contact Jeff Riechmann, founder of Courageous Kids Climbing, at jeffriechmann@cs.com.

Family Story Time March 14

Family Story Time is set for 10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Silverstone branch of the Meridian library. Ms. Nicole will present stories, songs and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers that promote five best practices — talking, singing, reading, writing and playing — to develop language and pre-reading skills. Similar programs are planned for other days of the month. Go to mld.org.

Camel’s Back Reserve Hike March 16

Get to know your hometown backyard as the Foothills Learning Center teams with the Idaho Conservation League to offer a Camel’s Back Reserve short hiking tour beginning at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16. This event is part of a Hiking Series presented year-round on the third Thursday of the month.

All hikes are no more than 3 miles long, and are free and family-friendly.

Pre-registration is required by calling 345-6933, ext. 16. Go to bee.cityofboise. org/foothills.

Date Night at the library March 17

Parents, want a night out and let someone else worry about the kids? The Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian library will offer a Date Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 17. While children enjoy a movie and craft down the hall, parents may enjoy light refreshments and cupcakes in another room. Children’s spaces are limited; email Amanda at aberardinelli or call 888-4451.

How We Love Our Kids March 17-18

Do you have trouble connecting with your kids, wondering why they push your buttons? Want to nurture secure kids and better understand them? The program How We Love Our Kids may help. It’s set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 17, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Cole Community Church, 8775 Ustick Rd. in Boise. Cost is $49 for individuals or $99 per couple. Register at www.howwelove.com. For more information, call Kyna at 570-8515.

More Events on Page 18 Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 17

CALENDAR of Events “The Lion King Jr.” March 18, 31 & April 1

This family-friendly show will be presented by the Meridian Arts Commission and the Treasure Valley Youth Theater at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 18, at Mountain View High School, 2000 S. Millennium Way in Meridian, and again at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Nampa Civic Center. Local youngsters will be featured in the cast. To purchase tickets, visit treasurevalleychildrenstheater.com or nampacivicenter.com.

Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs March 18

Join the Nampa Dog Park Committee for good food, live music, and green beer during this annual benefit for Nampa’s Amity Dog Park. The event is set for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Lloyd Square Park in downtown Nampa. Admission is free, and dogs are welcome. Go to nampaparks.org.

Boise WaterShed Rookery Walk March 18

Join staff at the Boise WaterShed for a half-mile walk to the largest heron rookery in Boise. One walk will be at 10 a.m. and a second walk will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18. Learn about the nesting and mating habits of the beautiful birds that make the Boise River and surrounding areas their home. Crafts and activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the exhibit hall of the WaterShed. Go to bee.cityofboise.org/watershed.

Free crafts for kids March 18

Lakeshore Learning Store, 417 N. Milwaukee in Boise, holds a free craft program for children ages 3 and up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

On March 18, children are welcome to come enjoy music and fun inspired

by Pete the Cat. They will dance and play during music and movement activities; create guitar crafts and cat hats; and listen and sing along to Pete the Cat stories. Call 377-1855 for more information.

Idaho Cat Show March 18 & 19

and free for children under 5. Go to www.expoidaho.com/event-schedule/ event/112-idaho-cat-show.

BCT Children’s Reading Series March 19

Boise Contemporary Theater’s popular Children’s Reading Series will feature “Rajpurr: Tale of a Tiger” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Like all stories in the series, this tale is perfect for children ages 6 and up. More information about the story and how to purchase tickets may be found online at BCTheater.org or by calling 331-9224. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children. This will be the last story in the series for 2017.

Chair Hoops 2017 March 23-25

A Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Fundraiser will be March 23-25.

Games will be played on Thursday evening at Fort Boise Community Center; on Friday evening at Timberline High School; and during the day on Saturday, also at Timberline. For more information, call 608-7680. This event is part of Boise Parks and Rec’s Adaptive Recreation program. Go to parks.cityofboise.org.

Boise Flower & Garden Show March 24-26

The 21st Annual Boise Flower & Garden Show will take place during the following hours at Boise Centre: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 24; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 26. The show is a great way to kick off the much-anticipated spring and will feature the latest in landscape design, garden art and décor, yard furniture, plants, decks and much more. Tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for children 12-17, and free for kids 12 and under. Go to www.gardenshowboise.com.

Museum of Mining & Geology Volunteer Orientation March 25

The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise, is seeking enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to help with tasks. Learn what museum volunteers are up to and take a tour of the museum at 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 25. The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from April through October. There is some heat in the

3-2017

The annual Idaho Cat Show will be held in the Premium Building at Expo Idaho from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 18, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, March 19. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children and seniors,

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18 June 2016 | Idaho Family Magazine

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museum, but not everywhere, so anyone attending the volunteer orientation should dress accordingly.

For more information, go to www.idahomuseum.org or call Shirley Ewing at 283-3186.

2017 Chess and Other Spring Break Camps March 27-30

Spring break options for kids ages 4-12 to learn chess or work with Legos will take place March 27-30. Learn tricks, traps or sneak attacks at Chess Camp from 9 a.m. to noon. Build, create and collaborate at Brick Adventures Camp, featuring Lego bricks, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; or, choose Minecraft Madness Camp, also from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. An all-day camp option is also available.

All campers must be pre-registered through SuccessInChess.com. For more information, call 713-2486 or email info@successinchess.com.

Messy Munchkins March 28-30

Fire & Ice Mobile Pottery Studio and the Nampa Rec Center will host a 3-day toddler crafting class from 11 a.m. to noon March 28-30 at the Rec Center. The program is for children ages 2-4; the kids will be given an opportunity to make their own craft to take home. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver and be dressed for a mess.

Cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members.

Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

The Young Irelanders March 31

Caldwell Fine Arts will present a performance by The Young Irelanders, a group of musicians and dancers who will showcase the arts of Ireland in a fast, vibrant show for the whole family. The event will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus in Caldwell. Adult tickets are $20, $25 and $30; student tickets are $10, $15 and $20. To purchase tickets go to caldwellfinearts.org or call 459-5275.

Lenten lunches April 7

St. Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral, 518 N. 8th St. in Boise, will host Lenten lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday through April 7. All are welcome.

Go to stmichaelscathedral.org.

Unplug and Be Outside April 24-29

3-2017

The Meridian Parks and Recreation Department will offer a week of free activities during Unplug and Be Outside April 24-29. Be active and play! A full schedule of events and activity details will be online at www.meridiancity.org/unplug.

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 19

30-day challenge

Spring clean your family’s stress for school or work.

Controlling stress has become a lifestyle. I have worked on this in the past and continue to work on it all the time. I’ve learned not to get upset when tress affects everyone and it’s not always I’m cut off in traffic. I can’t control how other a negative thing. Stress can be good or people drive, but I can control how I react. It is bad depending on how we deal with it. easy to get upset, say inappropriate words, let the We all need a certain amount of stress anger rise, and allow the stress to build. You can in our lives because it creates a sense of urgency choose to control that emotion. Choosing self-talk that propels us into action. It keeps us in check that offers forgiveness is an easy way to alleviate the and, often, makes us more productive. tension and frustration of the situation. You get to In a family unit, everyone feels the effects of control the outcome. stress. It’s easy to assume that parents bear the Whenever you encounter frustration, feel your brunt of stress for the family. After all, they are anger building, or feel your stress rising, that is a the ones working, paying the bills, managing the fantastic opportunity for you to apply this techhousehold, etc. Surprisingly, as I have worked with nique. This often happens instantly, and it’s a youth, I have found that across the board, children Rocky Detwiler quick gut reaction. It can be in traffic, it can be a and teens are experiencing more stress and anxiety comment someone makes to you, or it can be something a family in school today than ever before. They are pressured with relationmember does. It could also be your car breaking down, an unexship issues and often filled with uncertainties or doubts about their pected bill arriving, your luggage getting lost, the dog barking, or abilities and their future. They get overwhelmed and feel the same losing your car keys. There are, most likely, many opportunities in stress that adults deal with regularly. your day for you to build a habit and a lifestyle of controlling your Through the years, I have become well versed in stress managestress. ment. Unwanted or unplanned stress is something most of us When you react instantly with negative emotions, you need to experience every day. Many people experience stress during their counteract those thoughts and emotions with a positive thought. morning commute within moments of leaving their homes. This is You control that reaction. Say things like, “It’s not worth it,” “I’m especially difficult to handle if you are already running a little late better than this situation,” “It’s okay; I will be all right,” “Don’t give this any Giraffe Laugh Values: energy,” or “I’m bigger than this.” Think things that will cancel out those negative thoughts and emotions with positive, uplifting thoughts and then speak them.

You can and will beat this reaction when you apply this simple process to your life.

While the damage caused by chronic stress can be both significant and, ultimately, fatal, thankfully there is a Accepting children of all solution. You cannot control all of the abilities and all incomes. circumstances in your daily situations, but you can completely control how you react to them. There are also three simple tasks you can complete daily to assist in controlling your thoughts, which will lead to de-stressing your life. If everyone in your family completes these three tasks every day, your family unit as a whole will be positively transformed.

Challenge your family to complete these three daily tasks for 30 days. Encourage each other and keep yourselves accountable. It may take getting up a few minutes earlier each day, but these tasks do not take long to complete. These are TTY: Dial711 small actions with a huge impact!

Hablamos Espanõl

By Rocky Detwiler

Education •

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

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THREE BOISE LOCATIONS 9th St. • 342-1239 12th St. • 424-3387 State St. • 954-5465

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1. Be still

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Responsibility

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20 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

a. Take time each day (5-15 minutes) b. Find a place with no distractions (no electronics) • Focus on your breathing

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• Think of someone in your life 2. Journal

a. Begin with today’s date b. Write 3 things you are grateful for (new ones each day) c. Write down the name of the person you thought of during your quiet time d. Write 2 sentences about your day 3. Uplift others

a. Choose a new person each day b. Reach out in person, via text, or with a note c. Sample messages include:

• I know it’s been a while but I’m thinking about you.

• I just want you to know I miss you and care about you.

• You are such an inspiration to me.

At least once per week, or even better once per day, share as a family how the challenge is going. Share your victories as well as the reactions from others you’ve reached out to. n

Rocky Detwiler is the author of “The Samson Effect.” You may contact Rocky at rockyd@samson.life. Visit his website at www.rockydetwiler. com to download his free ebook, “5 Steps to Fit & Healthy” to help you achieve your physical goals in 2017.

Animals and humans

The many ways pets benefit people

By Kathleen McGrath

or anything. They just love you for you.

Pets are great for any family. If you love outdoor activities, then you can get a dog; if you don’t like outdoor activities, then get a cat. If you don’t have much ets are so important. Not only for commoney, then get a fish. The possibilities are endless. panionship, pets can help humans deal If I didn’t have pets, then I feel like I wouldn’t be as with depression, stress, and anxiety. Studmature as I am. Now, I’m not “mature” just yet, but I ies have found that people with pets have don’t get lazy when it comes to my pets. I always feed lower blood pressure. my dog and my cat. I give them love and play with Pets are especially great for kids. I have had two them. I love walking my dogs in the Boise Foothills; dogs and one cat throughout my childhood and newly I do it all the time. If I didn’t have my dog, then I started teenage years. I can’t imagine life without pets. wouldn’t be as active as I am. I probably wouldn’t be They are there when you wake up and they are there in as good shape as I am. when you go to bed.

My cat loves to lay with me; at night he always My parents have always taught how important pets cuddles up on my pillow. Yes, he does take up most of are, not in words but with the use of body language. the pillow, but I don’t care.

My paren ts might now know it, but the way they act Daniel Bobinski Pets are great for families. If I had to choose and the way their body language is around my pets between technology or pets, I would choose pets. Pets has a huge influence on me. I have learned that pets help me when I’m sad, tired, angry, or stressed. Pets are amazing! n aren’t just for show or work. They’re for love and friendship. Pets don’t care what you look like or where you came from. The cool thing about Kathleen McGrath is an eighth grader at Lowell Scott Middle School. Her hobbies include soccer, walkpets is that they don’t care about your past or your clothes or your hair ing the dog, and cooking.

3-2017

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 21

Manic Mothering

The saga of the Markley family photo matchy-match thing. Jack has a Captain America tshirt that’s his favorite, so I thought we’d just go with a superhero theme. Target has a great selection of nce, when we were still a family of superhero tees, so I’d run in there and grab up a few three, Mike and I won a photo session and we’d be set. at a charity auction. The photographer Only Target doesn’t have actual women’s superwas newly in business and would prohero tees, the kind made for people with things like cess the photos for almost nothing for her portfolio. waistlines and boobs. I’d have to shop a little harder This was good, because we’d bid on the session withfor my shirt. out thinking there’d be money to pay for the actual Oh, and it turns out that Colin has a beef with photo printing. the fact that his brother laid claim to the Captain The photos were candid and cute and I loved them.

America persona when HE always wanted Captain But I was also a new mom, working full time, and America. This has apparently been a long-simmerchronically short of sleep. I put the pictures of suning resentment I wasn’t aware of. Colin didn’t want flowers and my sweet baby in a shoebox somewhere Green Lantern or Batman. I finally sweet-talked him and I don’t think I’ve seen them since. into the Flash, and promised I’d get him his own Beth Markley The next time we sat for a family photo, it was for a Captain America shirt when Jack was safely on his church directory. We had a preschooler and a toddler. exchange and we wouldn’t risk ripping a hole in the We stiffly posed in front of a blue screen. I smiled my big grin that space-time continuum, which everyone knows happens if two brothers makes me look a little crazy. I think you can see my bra strap in one have the exact same shirt in the same time and space. shot.

Thank God Mike’s not picky. He got Superman. I didn’t ask his Shortly after the awkward church photo, we decided we needed opinion. something higher end. The kids were growing. Jack no longer had the As for me, my go-to superhero logo was nowhere to be found locally. insanely chubby cheeks that dominated that first photo session. Who I ordered it online from some company in Southeast Asia and hoped I knew what other changes were in store? wasn’t inadvertently supporting a workforce of 7-year-olds. I also had There was a photographer who’d done portraits at preschool that to pay a premium for shipping because I’d waited so long. were startlingly different. Close up, soft light, landscape orientation.

Finally we all had our shirts. We were to meet our photographer, Not like regular school photos at all. She had a good eye. I scheduled Barb, for a 2 p.m. shoot, in an alley. Très urban. a session.

It was eleventy bajillion degrees that afternoon. I cranked the AC …And then abruptly had to reschedule after Colin discovered in the car. As per normal, we were all coming from different locations scissors and experimented on his own bangs and then the fur of his and each had to be somewhere completely different immediately after favorite stuffed bear. the shoot. I had one kid with me, Mike had the other. The kid with me We got to the rescheduled picture day without any subsequent adhad neglected to eat breakfast or lunch that day, a hazard of waking ventures with scissors or other mishaps. I bought us all shirts and jeans at the crack of noon and shuffling out to the couch to watch “Family that more or less matched. We were late getting in the car, but everyGuy” for an hour before getting ready to be anywhere. He was cranky one had a clean face, brushed teeth, combed hair and a stain-free shirt. and we didn’t have time to stop for a burger. I was sweating from every Twenty minutes later, someone had spilled something on someone, pore, trying to find parking, and fighting with my kid. and someone else was crying over something stupid, and we were all Visions of our last photo shoot ran through my head. This was all yelling at each other. We exited the car into some freak mini torgoing to be another farce. She’d have to Photoshop smiles on our nado-type windstorm that was decidedly not good for my hairdo and faces, because the reality was I felt like smacking a certain 17-year-old tumbled into the studio looking like we normally do, which is rumpled right in the gob instead of circling the block for the third time, hunting and halfway pissed and pretty much done with each other for the rest for a parking space. of the day.

We did manage to stop arguing, and it turns out our superhero shirts Our photographer was completely nonplussed. She handed me a looked cooler than we felt in that alley, where it was shady enough we beer and told the boys to take their shoes off. We ended up with beau- didn’t get heat stroke, and when Barb said “okay, look pissed,” it was tiful shots that actually made us look like we liked each other — which no problem. we do, despite my thinking that day that situations like those are probAnd there were some smiley-faced photos to go with the one where ably why some species eat their young. we look like badasses, so mission accomplished in the family photo There are people who do bona fide family photos every year, and realm. then there are the rest of us, who have collections of out-of-focus snapAt the rate we’re going, I wonder if there’ll be spouses and grandbashots on our phones that might eventually get into the holiday letter or bies and a whole lot more superhero shirts to pick up at Target for the printed off for framing. We resolved to schedule regular family photos next session? Maybe by then they’ll stock women’s superhero tees that after that, and yet somehow a decade has passed and that same pic still don’t look like pajamas. hangs in the living room. You can almost see where we had to trim up Maybe by then someone else will be making all these arrangements Colin’s bangs to make up for his own hack job. and I won’t feel like I need superpowers to pull off the family photo.

It was time for another family photo.

I’m going to assign that to Captain America next time. Whomever This time would be different. I have the benefit of no longer being that ends up being. n regularly sleep deprived, and the chances of someone doing a hack job on his own bangs or throwing a juice box at his brother in the car are Beth Markley is a humor writer and fundraising consultant who lives in Boise with her way lower. husband and two sons. She publishes weekly stories about her misadventures in parentAs far as the look for the photos, we’re not much for formal, or the ing in her blog, Manic Mumblings of a Mediocre Mom at www.manicmumbling.com.

By Beth Markley

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O L OL HO C S

EARLY

Learning

Preschool & Childcare Guide

The following preschools and childcare facilities are listed by zip code.

Advertisers in this guide are listed in bold.

BOISE 83702 A Bright Child Preschool & Daycare 1819 N. 18th St., Boise 83702 336-7228 abrightchild.com Another World Preschool 2200 W. Sunset Ave., Boise 83702 343-1633 Booth Memorial Day Care 1617 N. 24th St., Boise 83702 854-6830 Boise Bears Child Care Center 1803 N. 9th St., Boise 83702 343-3817 boisebearschildcare.weebly.com Boise River Montessori 2211 N. 26th St., Boise 83702 344-6303 boiserivermontessori.com Cathy’s Day Care 859 N. 29th St., Boise 83702

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336-1295 Children’s School of Boise 1015 N. 8th St., Boise 83702 343-6840 tcsboise.org Children’s Village 950 W. State St., Boise 83702 345-6408 Cooperative Preschool Two sites on North Latah Street in Boise 703-3823 or 342-7479 cooperativepreschool.org Foothills School of Arts and Science 618 S. 8th St., Boise 83702 331-9260 foothillsschool.org Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center

9th St., Boise – 342-1239 12th St., Boise – 424-3387 State St., Boise – 954-5465 giraffelaugh.org

Kids Are Special People 717 N. 11th St., Boise 83702 343-8441 kidsarespecialpeople.com Little Luke’s 381-4670 R House Child Care 2185 W. Hill Rd., Boise 83702 343-8188 Ready Set Go Preschool 950 W. State St., Boise 83702 672-8015 Treasure Valley Family YMCA 1050 W. State St., Boise 83702 344-5502 ymcatvidaho.org Twenty First Street Preschool & Childcare 1601 N. 21st St., Boise 83702 345-9167 Wesleyan Preschool 717 N. 11th St., Boise 83702

Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 23

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide 343-3778 wesleyanpreschoolboise.com

BOISE 83703 Building Blocks 284-2444 idahobrix.com

Challenger Schools 5551 W. Bloom St., Boise 83703 338-9500 challengerschool.com Faye’s Family Daycare 1904 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 345-4641 Gem State Gymnastics Academy

5420 W. State St., Boise 83703 853-3220 gemstategymnastics.com Hillside Academy 3900 Hill Rd., Boise 83703 343-8919 hillsideacademy.net Just For Kids 1507 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 854-5482

Learning Tree School & Daycare Center 2908 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 342-7821 Little Creations Preschool

3614 N. Market Lane, Boise 83703 853-9850 Shepherds Fold Day Care Center 2620 N. 36th St., Boise 83703 342-9141 Walgamott Child Care 3019 N. 28th St., Boise 83703 343-9658

BOISE 83704

Alpha Omega Day Care Center 7012 Folk Dr., Boise 83704 322-0087 Camelot Castle Learning Center 10415 Excalibur Ave., Boise 83704 375-5018 Children’s House 1218 N. Hartman St., Boise 83704 322-1124 Gale Day Care Center 2306 N. Liberty St., Boise 83704 375-2930 Hillview Preschool 8525 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 83704 377-9280 hillviewpreschoolboise.org Kids Zone Daycare & Preschool 7119 Ustick Rd., Boise 83704 377-3556

Little Lambs Learning Center 3000 N. Esquire Dr., Boise 83704 375-4841 Northview Montessori Preschool & Accelerated Kindergarten

7670 W. Northview St., Boise 83704 322-0152 northviewmontessori.com Salina’s Sunshine 6304 W. Butte St., Boise 83704 321-9401

SandCastles Children’s Learning Center 3214 Acre Lane, Boise 83704 376-7846 St. Alphonsus Child Care Center 6520 Norwood Dr., Boise 83704 367-5164 Today’s Child 9045 W. Irving St., Boise 83704 322-1077

BOISE 83705

All Saints Children’s Center 704 S. Latah, Boise 83705 387-0779 Bodies In Motion 729 W. Diamond St., Boise 83705 381-0587

� Located in SE Boise, convenient to downtown and I-84 � Programs for children 18 months through Kindergarten � Summer Camp for elementary aged children

� Traditional Montessori method including: math, reading, science, geography, art, music, and foreign language � Call to schedule a tour 208.331.3888

3-2017

Nurturing the Heart…

Challenging the Intellect

Explore our website to discover our commitment to excellence in www.lakewoodmontessori.net 133www.lakewoodmontessori.net East Linden Street Boise, Idaho 83706 education of both mind and heart 24 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

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EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide bodiesinmotionidaho.com

lplearningcenter.org

Creative Children’s Center 419 S. Orchard St., Boise 83705 344-8221 creativechildrensctr.com

Puentes Spanish Preschool 1605 S. Phillippi, Boise 83705 344-4270 puentes.biz

Friends of Children & Families, Inc. Head Start & Early Head Start 4709 W. Camas St., Boise 83705; 3449187 2273 S. Vista Ave. #160; 433-9078 focaf.org Great Beginnings Preschool 715 S. Latah St., Boise 83705 336-3838 greatbeginningschildcare.com Hugs Child Development Center 4812 W. Franklin, Boise 83705 367-9111 Kidz Connection Montessori Preschool-Childcare 2310 S. Columbus St., Boise 83705 384-1191 kidzconnection.org Kootenai Kids Preschool 4802 W. Kootenai St., Boise 83705 424-5055 k2preschool.com Lee Pesky Learning Center 3324 Elder St., Boise 83705 333-0008

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

3900 W. Overland Rd. Boise, Idaho

(208) 577-6353

3-2017

• Old Fashion Diner • Roller Skating Waitresses • Live DJ Nightly • Multiple TV screens for Game Nights!

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Boise 83706 871-3524 thebluebirdpreschool.com Boise Basque Language Immersion Preschool

1955 Broadway Ave., Boise 83706 343-4234 boisekoikastola.org

Rose Hill Montessori School 4603 Albion St., Boise 83705 385-7674 rosehillmontessori.com Sacred Heart School & Kindergarten 3901 Cassia St., Boise 83705 344-9738 sacredheartboise.com Speech Spot LLC Children’s Speech Therapy 514-9243 boisespeechspot.com Vista Montessori School 2096 Gourley St., Boise 83705 343-0201 vistamontessori.net

BOISE 83706

Beginning Years Childhood Learning Center 2981 E. Boise Ave., Boise 83706 338-0000 beginningyearscc.com Bluebird Preschool, The 709 E. Riverpark Lane, Suite 150,

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Boise Cooperative Preschool 300 N. Latah St., Boise 83706 703-3823 boisecooperativepreschool.org Boise State University Children’s Center 1830 W. Beacon St., Boise 83706 426-4404 childrenscenter.boisestate.edu Carden Preschool & Day Care 2211 S. Sumac St., Boise 83706 344-3336 Cozy Cottage Learning Center 507 W. Williams St., Boise 83706 649-4010 cozycottageboise.com Garabatos Spanish Preschool 1403 W. Boise Ave., Boise 83706 336-1552 boisegarabatos.com Granny’s Infant Care 4819 Corporal St., Boise 83706

COME CELEBRATE WITH US! Book your one of a kind party, bring your guests we’ll do the rest!

• Customize your menu • Live DJ • Elvis Impersonator available • Custom Cakes

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 25

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide 345-2850

Bohrn To Achieve Childcare & Preschool 2555 S. Five Mile Rd., Boise 83709 672-0101 bohrntoachieve.com

Kid’s Choice Child Care Center

2170 S. Broadway Ave., Boise 83706 343-7550 mykidschoice.com

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Preschool

3100 S. Five Mile Rd., Boise 83709 362-1112 preschool.sov-id.org

Calvary Christian School 111 S. Auto Dr., Boise 83709 376-0260 ccsboise.org

Spunky Monkey Preschool 12117 W. Keates Dr., Boise 83709 323-8066 spunkymonkeypreschool.com

Cloverdale Christian Day School 3755 S. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83709 362-1702 cloverdalechurch.org

Super Kids Day Care 3989 Black Hills Ave., Boise 83709 362-1246 super-kidsdaycare.com

New Horizon Academy

Club Kid at Wings Center 1875 Century Way, Boise 83709 376-3641 wingscenter.com/child-care

Tiny Treasures 7509 W. Camas St. Boise 83709 323-1174

Parkcenter Montessori

Five Mile Montessori 1439 S. Weideman Ave., Boise 83709 322-8981 fivemilemontessori.net

133 E. Linden St., Boise 83706 331-3888 lakewood-montessori.com Mama Jo’s 3491 S. Williamsburg Way, Boise 83706 336-1417 155 E. Boise Ave., Boise 83706 386-9108 newhorizonacademy.net 649 E. Parkcenter Blvd., Boise 83706 344-0004 boisemontessori.com

Maryann’s Place 10525 W. La Honton Dr., Boise 83709 323-9668

South Boise Child Care Center 805 1/2 Richmond St., Boise 83706 333-0550 southboisechildcare.com

Montessori Garden School / Caspari Montessori 9626 W. Victory, Boise 83709 562-1420 caspari-montessori.com/montessorigarden-school

BOISE 83709

All God’s Children Childcare 3838 S. Cole Rd., Boise 83709 362-0865 allgodschildrenchildcare.org

Mothers Choice Child Care 1604 Penninger Dr., Boise 83709 375-4640

Amity Community Preschool 11950 W. Amity Rd., Boise 83709 562-0931

Overland Montessori 1461 S. Weideman Ave., Boise 83709 322-9092 overlandmontessori.com

At Grandma’s Child Care 1408 S. Oak Lawn Dr., Boise 83709 713-3845

HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS

Students of all ages and levels welcome!

2140 E Commercial • Meridian , Idaho

Proud to help Idaho families make cherished memories.

3-2017

208-887-4908

backstagedancemeridian.com bdcmeridian@gmail.com

Over 27 years Flying!

208-941-2625 • www.BalloonBoise.com

26 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

Music Lingua Foreign Language for Kids

Boise 83712 571-1713 musiclingua.com

Parkside School 1017 E. Park Blvd., Boise 83712 283-2777 parksideschoolboise.com

BOISE 83713

Adventure Zone CDC 5630 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 938-1028 Boise Valley Adventist School 925 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 376-7141 bvas.adventistnw.org

Born To Succeed Preschool & Childcare

Eagle Adventist Christian School “…where education meets application” • Pre-School, Full-Time/Part Time Child Care • Elementary School (K - 8th Grade) • Before & After School Care with Busing to Local Schools Eagle’s only NAEYC accredited childcare!

3-2017

Our professional staff focuses on excellence in training in a supportive, affordable, student-oriented environment.

BOISE 83712

Phone & FAX 939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com eacc12345@gmail.com

3-2017

Lakewood Montessori

538 W. State St. Eagle, ID 83616

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide 4770 N. Shamrock Ave., Boise 83713 658-5561 myborntosucceed.com Cloverdale Montessori 12255 W. Goldenrod Ave., Boise 83713 322-1200 cloverdalemontessorischool.com Cross of Christ Preschool 11655 W. McMillan Rd., Boise 83713 375-3992 cocboise.org/preschool Deb’s Childcare and Preschool 12118 W. Mesquite Dr., Boise 83713 602-2842 debschildcare.webs.com Kidlink Learning Center 13013 W. Persimmon Lane, Boise 83713 331-4575 kidlinklc.com Kindermusik 12516 W. Fairview Ave., Boise 83713 861-6056 MusicCenterStudios.com Little Tigers Child Care Center 11911 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 83713 323-7885 llittletigerschildcarepreschool.com

New Horizon Academy 11978 W. Ustick Rd., Boise 83713 323-8900 newhorizonacademy.net Rainbow Learning Center 3525 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 323-7628 Terri Hill’s Day Care 4251 Oxbow Way, Boise 83713 377-4434 Tumble Time Gymnastics 1379 N. Cloverdale Rd., Boise 83713 375-0063 tumbletimegymnastics.com

Ol’ McDonald’s Montessori 5890 N. Gary Ln., Boise 83714 853-2163 olmcdonalds.com Pierce Park Academy 5008 N. Pierce Park Ln., Boise 83714 853-5412 Vineyard Christian Academy 4950 N. Bradley, Boise 83714 407-8197 vineyardchristianacademy.org

CALDWELL 83605

BOISE 83714

Early Learning Children’s Center 7064 W. State St., Boise 83714 853-2800 earlylearningcc.com Kids Kampus Learning Center 8707 W. State St., Boise 83714 853-4247 boisekidskampus.com Massie’s Day Care Center 10000 W. Prairie Rd., Boise, 83714 939-2240 New Horizon Academy

12692 W. LaSalle St., Garden City 376-2690 newhorizonacademy.net

Alice’s Day Care 10741 US-20, Caldwell 83605 459-4160

Caldwell Adventist Elementary School 2317 Wisconsin Ave., Caldwell 83605 459-4313 caldwelladventistelementary.netadvent. org Calvary Kids of Caldwell 911 Everett St., Caldwell 83605 454-5136 calvarycaldwell.com Centennial Baptist School 3610 E. Ustick Rd., Caldwell 83605

3-2017

Marantha Christian School 12000 W. Fairview Ave., Boise 83713

376-7272

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Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 27

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide 454-1997 centennialbaptistministries.org/school Grace Lutheran Preschool 2700 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell 83605 459-4191 gracelutherancaldwell.org Heritage Community Charter School 1803 E. Ustick Rd., Caldwell 83605 453-8070 heritagecommunitycharter.com Karla’s Day Care Center 522 N. 9th Ave., Caldwell 83605 459-0111

Turner Center-Family Development 406 S. 14th Ave., Caldwell 83605 454-1324

1323 E. Iron Eagle Dr., Eagle 83616 939-9830 polarislearning.net

EAGLE 83616

Seven Oaks Guided Discovery 1441 S. Seven Oaks Way, Eagle 83616 344-5502, ext. 436 ymcatvidaho.org

Cornerstone Children’s Center 1155 Ballantyne Lane, Eagle 83616 938-1368 Eagle Adventist Christian Preschool

EMMETT 83617

Emmett Head Start Center 114 Longview Dr., Emmett 83617 365-3743 wicap.org/emmetths.aspx

538 W. State St., Eagle 83616 939-5544 eagleadventistchristian.com Eagle Christian Preschool 1107 E. Iron Eagle Dr., Eagle 83616 939-2272 eaglechristianpreschool.com

Kemp’s Day Care Center 2501 Lincoln St., Caldwell 83605 454-2899 Lil’ Da Vinci Academy – Preschool with Imagination 19652 Commonwealth Ave., Caldwell 83605 709-1415 lildavinciacademy.weebly.com Little People Learning Center 1310 Arthur St., Caldwell 83605 454-5652

Honey Bear Day Care 983 W. 12th St., Emmett 83617 365-6074 Jack & Jill Preschool 833 Tyler Rd., Emmett 83617 365-6683

Eagle Early Learning Center 223 N. Eagle Rd. #100, Eagle 83616 938-3344 eagleelc.com

GREENLEAF 83626

Eagle Wings Preschool 651 N. Eagle Rd., Eagle 83616 939-1351 eagleumc.com/eagles-wings-school

Greenleaf Friends Academy 20565 Academy Rd., Greenleaf 83626 459-6346 gfaschools.org

Hope Lutheran Preschool 331 N. Linder Rd., Eagle 83616 939-9181 hopeeaglepreschool.org

Little Picasso Preschool 1123 Blaine St., Caldwell 83605 459-7735

KUNE 83634

Busy Bee Preschool & Daycare 378 Cleveland Ave., Kuna 83634; 9224169 601 Linder Rd., Kuna 83634; 9225040 busybeedaycarekuna.com

Mind & Motion Learning Center 875 E. Plaza Dr. #103, Eagle 83616 939-9937

Marble Front Head Start Center 20594 Ward Lane, Caldwell 83605 459-7010 wicap.org/marblefronths.aspx

Montessori Academy

Sacajawea Guided Discovery 1710 N. Illinois Ave., Caldwell 83605 344-5502, ext. 436

Children’s Unique Style 1055 W. Deerflat Rd., Kuna 83634 922-2999

1400 N. Park Ln., Eagle 83616 939-6333 boisemontessori.com

Independent Child Montessori School

Polaris Learning Center

Juno Counseling Michelle Scoville-Dorman

473-2420

3348 N. Meridian Rd.

3-2017

3-2017

Now registering for 2017/2018 Preschool classes. www.astepaheadpreschoolidaho.com

28 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

4696 Overland STE 118 Boise, Idaho (208) 713-1003 lts d Adu n a , s t n Ser ving Children, Adolesce

3-2017

Licensed Professional Counselor

CERTIFIED TEACHERS

michelle@abletherapy.net

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide 102 W. Hubbard Rd., Kuna 83634 288-1990 Smarty Pants Preschool & Kindergarten 429 Swan Falls Rd., Kuna 83634 573-6296 smartypantspreschool.me

MERIDIAN 83642

A Child’s Choice Montessori School 1797 S. Millennium Way, Meridian 83642 870-1144 achildschoicemontessori.com ABC Club Daycare & Learning Center 650 W. Broadway Ave., Meridian 83642 895-6789

Advantage Early Learning Centers

3677 E. Copper Point Way, Meridian 83642 391-2200 advantageelc.com

Candyland Day Care II 1717 Krestmone Rd., Meridian 83642 887-6041 Children’s Unique Style 1915 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian 83642 888-7228 Cole Valley Christian Schools 200 E. Carlton Ave., Meridian 83642 947-1212 colevalleychristian.org

Discovery Guided Discovery Inclusion Preschool 2100 E. Leighfield Drive, Meridian 83646 344-5502, ext. 436 Dreamland Education Center 875 W. Franklin Rd., Meridian 83642 288-2282 dreamlandchildcarecenters.com Healthy Beginnings Childcare 444 N. Linder Rd., Meridian 83642 887-0001 Idaho Learning Center 2150 W. Cherry Ln., Meridian 83642 893-5130 idaholearningcenter.org Kids Connect Preschool 68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 83642 898-0988

3-2017

Advanced Therapy Care

68 S. Baltic Place, Meridian 83642 898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | March 2017 29

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide advancedtherapycare.com Melissa’s All Star Preschool 4703 W. Big Creek St., Meridian 83642 240-0296 Meridian Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Meridian 83642 888-6810 meridian-montessori.com

Tiggeriffic Preschool & Daycare 1302 N. Main St., Meridian 83642 994-3305

MERIDIAN 83646

A Step Ahead Preschool and Childcare

3348 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 83646 473-2420 astepaheadpreschoolidaho.com

Nature’s Childcare 2135 S. Cobalt Point Way, Meridian 83642 884-3833 natureschildcare.com

Ambrose School, The

New Way Montessori School 1797 S. Millennium Way, Meridian 83642 288-1990

Anchored Beginnings Preschool 4549 W. Quaker Ridge St., Meridian 83646 898-0664 anchoredbeginningspreschool.com

Pine Creek Montessori 3774 W. Pine Creek Ct., Meridian 83642 893-5437 Ponderosa Guided Discovery Inclusion Preschool 2950 N. Naomi Ave., Meridian 3646 344-5502 ext. 244 Smaller Scholar Montessori School 828 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian 83642 888-6881 Sunshine Academy 737 N. Linder Rd., Meridian 83642 288-1007 Ten Mile Christian Preschool

3500 W. Franklin Rd., Meridian 83642 888-3101 tenmilecc.com

Ten Mile Community Church Day Care Center 4440 E. Columbia Rd., Meridian 83642 362-4602 tenmilechurch.org The Learning Launch Pad Preschool Ten Mile/Cherry Lane, Meridian 83642 351-2838 launchpadps.blogspot.com

Chinden & Locust Grove, Meridian 83646 323-3888 theambroseschool.org

Bearly Grown Child Care Center 3605 N. Locust Grove Rd., Meridian 83646 898-9700 bearlygrownchildcare.com Challenger Schools 2020 W. Everest Lane, Meridian 83646 846-8888 challengerschool.com Dreamland Education Center 2501 N. Stokesberry Place, Meridian 83646 288-2205 dreamlandchildcarecenters.com Friendship Celebration Preschool 765 E. Children Blvd., Meridian 83646 288-2404 friendshipcelebration.org Happy Home Day Care Center 1933 NW 12th St., Meridian 83646 888-5717 Kid’s Choice Meridian

2210 W. Everest Lane, Meridian 83646 888-7540 mykidschoice.com King’s Kids Preschool & Kindergarten 50 W. Spicewood Dr., Meridian 83646 887-0801

30 March 2017 | Idaho Family Magazine

New Horizon Academy

1830 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian 83646 887-3880 newhorizonacademy.net

MIDDLETON 83644

Grandma’s House Country Day Care Center 23725 Lansing Lane, Middleton 83644 585-2608

NAMPA 83651

ABC Country 432 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa 83651 461-3055 Apple Core Preschool 719 17th Ave. S., Nampa 83651 442-0035 Calvary Christian School A.C.E. 1210 N. Middleton Rd., Nampa 83651 467-9114 ccsnampa.org Creative Child Preschool 150 Delaware Ave., Nampa 83651 467-3652 Happy Days Child Care Center 215 N. Bonner Dr., Nampa 83651 466-0156 Kids Korner Child Care Center 412 18th Ave. S., Nampa 83651 467-3533 Nampa Christian Schools nampachristianschools.com Nampa Montessori Preschool 312 N. Canyon St., Nampa 83651 465-6179 nampamontessori.com Playful Child 420 17th Ave. S., Nampa 83651 466-1858 St. Paul’s Catholic School 1515 8th St. S., Nampa 83651 467-3601 nampacatholic.school Taffy’s House 212 21st Ave. S., Nampa 83651

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EARLY Learning Preschool & Childcare Guide Teaching World 222 3rd Ave. S., Nampa 83651 465-5437 idteachingworld.com Tiny Tot Hotel Day Care Center 131 Smith Ave., Nampa 83651 467-4769

NAMPA 83686

ABC’s & 123’s Child Development Center 919 S. Diamond St., Nampa 83686 468-4999 Cowpoke Country Daycare 1127 E. Greenhurst Rd., Nampa 83686 463-0033 Destiny Christian School PO Box 294, Nampa 83686 466-1264

Little Ones Preschool 3121 Custer Ave., Nampa 83686 463-1593

Polaris Learning Center

Messiah’s Children Preschool 534 W. Iowa Ave., Nampa 83686 465-4511 Love A Lot Day Care Center 415 Lake Lowell Ave., Nampa 83686 467-5563 Safe Haven Day Care 2024 S. Banner St., Nampa 83686 467-3508 Zion Lutheran Christian School 1012 12th Ave. Rd., Nampa 83686 466-9141 zcsnampa.org

NAMPA 83687

Here We Grow Preschool 7847 E. Red Oak Ct., Nampa 83687 350-9720

JUST OPENED UP A NEW LOCATION! TWO BIGGER AND BETTER FIELDS! Located off Fairview behind Sonic,

3-2017

467-5975

6224 Birch Ln., Nampa 83687 466-1322 polarislearning.net

STAR 83669

Little Miracles Preschool 439 N. Star Rd., Star 83669 286-0388 littlemiracleslearning.com Stepping Stones Children’s Center 12228 Bridger Bay Dr., Star 83669 286-9362 steppingstoneschildcenter.com

WILDER 83676

Cossa Preschool 305 A Ave., Wilder 83676 482-7874 Wilder Head Start 305 Ave. A., Wilder 83676 482-7223 wicap.org/wilderhs.aspx

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