Idaho Family Jan/Feb 2024

FREE

Jan/Feb 2024

SUCCESS IN SCHOOL How parents can help

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES Remember one of yours

THE NEW YEAR A 365-day gift

FINANCIAL SMOOTHIES Thoughts on 2024

Now more environmentally friendly!

Idaho Horsemen getting ready for a new season

Contents Features

Volume 12, Number 1 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne Goff adriannegoff@me.com

January/February 2024

The new year

A gift of opportunities

4

Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jj@idahofamilymagazine.com 208-697-2043 Contributors Roxanne Drury, Luke Erickson, Cara Johnson-Bader, Dennis Lopez, Sandy McDaniel, Jenna Shaver Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com

Don’t scream Children tune out yelling

Follow us on Facebook

Real Families

14 From This Side of the Desk

Success in school

7

Looking back

8

15 Children’s

Book Corner

A farm and the moon

Babies to preschoolers

Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly

by Gem Production Co., LLC, 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 2024 by Gem Production Co., LLC.

5

Good reading habits

Childhood memories

12 Real Money,

Financial smoothies

Cover Photo

Provided by the Idaho Horsemen

Columns

15 Wednesday’s Child

Meet Curtis

In Each Edition 10 Family Events Calendar

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 ppi.

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 without permission.) Send the photos to editorgaye@gmail.com.

2 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

FREE

Jan/Feb 2024

SUCCES S IN SCHOOL How pare

THE NEW

A 365-day

Now more

gift

environm

YEAR

entally frien

dly!

nts can help

CHILDH OO MEMORI D ES Rememb er one of your

s

FINANCI SMOOTH AL IES Thoughts on 2024

Cover descr

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www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 3

THE NEW YEAR

A gift of 365 brand new opportunities

By Dennis Lopez

B

A tick of the clock

y the time this edition of our magazine hits the street, the greatest of all holidays will be over. I write, of course, about New Year’s Day. It’s a bit awe-inspiring. Think about it…in one solitary tick of the clock, each of the majority of the world’s people get a brand new set of days to love, hate, work, play, learn, heal or hurt, succeed or fail. It’s a bit like getting a gift box of 365 shiny little new starts in life.

The days are ours to use as we make our coming annual swing around the sun. That thought long has been profound to me and remains so. Perhaps the idea of getting more opportunities to do things better has an appeal to our more noble selves, I would think. But in that, there is the nagging feeling that I may have wasted my previous stock of new days and nights in endeavors not so noble. But in the wreckage of those crashed good intentions perhaps lie the building materials for future success.

I used to lobby for New Year’s Day to be the gift giving, family gathering and overeating holiday. Instead, the day lies adrift, with few in my family, save for myself, having much passion about the day’s significance. In the 70-plusyears I have celebrated the passing of one year and the birth of another, I have done so in a host of different ways.

Sometimes alone, sometimes with family, often with friends, the event passed in many different ways. When I was in grade school, my best friend and I would wind ourselves up on sodas and candy and stay up long after midnight and then pride ourselves in our ability to sleep as late as possible on New Year’s Day. Sort of the Yin and Yang of the holiday.

The year of Y2K

No doubt the idea that I could possibly see not only a new year, but a turn of a new century concurrently entered my head during one of those sugar-induced New Year’s Eve rituals. I began to look forward to it. I romanticized plans for a lavish bash with excellent food and even some good champagne…you know, the good stuff with a cork rather than a plastic stopper. I thought about it. A lot. Friends from far and wide would join us in our modest little house and ring in not only a new year, but a new century. It was, in the words of Flounder, one of my favorite characters in the movie Animal House “…gonna be great!” Sadly, some “ones” and “zeroes” proved otherwise.

4 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

Y2K, the much hyped and feared collapse of the known computerized world, became my nemesis. I worked as the media relations liaison for Idaho Power and in that role, the boney finger of international chaos pointed towards me.

I became the project manager for the public side of Y2K for the power company, traveling far and wide throughout southern Idaho telling civic groups, media moguls and folks visiting senior centers about how well prepared their power company was for the coming non-event. The power would flow; civilization as we know it would continue, at least with the lights on.

Not good enough. We broke our team into specific units with communications people located in key facilities throughout the company on New Year’s Eve, that evening and on into the new year and century. The turn of the century, that once in a lifetime event I had so looked forward to spending with my family, was spent on the roof of the Idaho Power building watching what we could of hot air balloons lighting up as the last seconds of the 20th century gave way to a new century and a new year. As I recall, my coworker and I celebrated at midnight with cold tuna sandwiches and lukewarm Dr. Pepper. A quick handshake with the handful of fellow employees with us on the roof and back down to our office to answer the tsunami of questions from the national and international press.

We closed shop around 3 a.m. and went home through the well-lit streets of Boise. I answered a call from a pleasant British lady from Reuters News Agency from my bed about 5 a.m. I slept until mid-afternoon, sort of an adult work version of those New Year’s Eves spent during my grade school years.

Except no candy, no sodas or even junk food.

As we move into the new year I wish each of you a happy new year and enter 2024 with a notable quote from writer Edith Lovejoy Pierce: “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” May your 2024 book be a best seller.

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DON’T SCREAM!

Children can’t hear you when you yell

I

n my private Parent Coaching sessions of me?” The more the parent bulldozes the child to late, almost every parent has expressed answer the question that the child is now unable to their concern about screaming at their answer, the more likely the child is to make one of children too much. A parent screams at a two choices: (1) Tell a big fat lie, (2) Do something child out of frustration and fear. idiotic like push the lamp over or knock something The frustration idea is obvious; the fear off the table. The child will get in trouble for concept is less obvious. Afraid that the child whichever negative choice is made, and has been has more power in that moment than the redeemed from answering the unanswerable parent does, the parent instinctively moves to question. “powering over the child.” Ironically, the fact Want a more loving, peaceful home? Stop Sandy McDaniel that the parent yells at the child tells the child screaming and yelling at children. For assistance that the parent has less power than him or her. with that, see ParentingSos.com. Parenting is an incredibly Fear cuts off one’s ability to think and reason. Measuring difficult job. Get help where you can, and don’t give up. children’s knowledge off a test is therefore absurd. Have You can do it! you ever had the experience of being with someone at a gathering, waved enthusiastically at someone across the room For more than 60 years, Sandy McDaniel has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of who walks towards you, and found you cannot think of that five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of person’s name? The closer that person comes, the further Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks. She away that necessary piece of information becomes. Fear cuts may be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com. To read her parenting blog, off your ability to think and reason. go to parentingsos.com/blog.

You run into a room where your darling little energetic children are duking it out. Both children are crying and screaming, so you scream louder, “What are you two DOING?” Chances are very good that you (fed up with a wild day of their antics) will go on a verbal roll, dumping all Your choice of the frustrations you have gathered for several days. “You two BREAST PUMP delivered to have been fighting all day. I’m sick of it! I can’t get anything your front door in 1-5 days. done, you’re scaring the baby, BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!” The minute the parent ejected a sudden loud noise into the room, both children disappeared into “bogland.” I don’t JMM Infinite Solutions, Breastpumps123 working to bring Women’s remember where bogland is, and the fact that they are now Maternity DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and supplies directly to the patients front door. Covered by Insurance. Easy, convenient and vapor locked is evidenced by the silly grin on each of their shipping is free! faces and their glassy eyes. I first discovered that children do Top quality brands available and now covered by most this when I taught elementary school. Thirty-eight students insurance plans, including Medicaid. (a stupid number for a teacher to manage) were getting out of control, so I (not knowing what I know now) would yell, “Okay, I’ve had enough!” Thirty-eight little fourth graders would be sitting there in bogland.

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Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 5

LOCATIONS 1805 West State Street Boise, Idaho 83702 (208) 387-2727

1011 N Meridian Rd. Kuna, Idaho 83634 (208) 922-2255

415 East Parkcenter Blvd.

Boise, Idaho 83706 (208) 429-0011

2007 North Cassia Nampa, Idaho 83651 (208) 461-7333

127 East State Street Eagle, Idaho 83616 (208) 939-0212

1465 American Legion Blvd.

Mountain Home, Idaho 83647 (208) 587-2840

980 East Fairview Ave. Meridian, Idaho 83642 (208) 884-1067

200 Sun Valley Road Ketchum, Idaho 83340 (208) 622-5625

6 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

FROM BABIES TO PRESCHOOLERS

Developing good reading habits in children

By Cara Johnson-Bader

R

eading – and a love of reading – begins at home. It is important to incorporate daily reading into your child’s schedule. Whether you read together during breakfast, while waiting for an appointment, when you get home from a program or event, or at bedtime, designate a time every day to read together.

Reading Tips for Babies

help foster a love of reading.

• Point out the printed words in your home and other places you take your child, such as the grocery store. From stop signs to local store signs, you will be amazed at how quickly your child will be able to read environmental print around them. Do not be surprised if your little reader asks for an ice cream as you pass a Dairy Queen or requests a toy as you drive past Target. Your child will read the signs.

• Choose picture books with a variety of

Cara Johnson-Bader • Choose books with simple, bright, and colorful shapes.

• Snuggle up with a book. Hold your baby in your lap and vocabulary and beautiful illustrations. open to the beginning of the book.

• Create a special place in your home for your child to read, • Do not be concerned if you cannot get to the end of the write, and draw. Provide a wide variety of books for your book. child to enjoy and explore.

• Turn the pages slowly and describe what you see on each • Encourage your child to write. Provide pen and paper, so page. that they can practice writing. They can create cards for • Recite or sing nursery rhymes and songs. loved ones, help write a grocery list, and journal about their • By reading with your baby, you foster a love of books and adventures. reading.

• Let your child see you read, as your role modeling sends a powerful message about reading. If you are a reader, your child will be, too.

Reading Tips for Toddlers • Reading is at the heart of learning. By reading with and Set a regular and relied-upon reading time. Predictability is talking with your child, you are ensuring that he or she important with this age group. has a solid foundation for all future learning. So read often • Choose engaging books with simple sentence structures and and with enthusiasm, and you will help your child develop repetition. Books with flaps or different textures to touch critical reading skills. are a toddler favorite.

• Toddlers tend to have shorter attention spans, so look for Cara Johnson-Bader is the Vice President of Marketing and Parent text that is short and simple. Read a little bit several times Experiences at New Horizon Academy and mother of two young boys. a day.

Learn more about New Horizon Academy at newhorizonacademy.net.

• Point to the words as you read. This will help your child learn that reading goes from left to right and understand that the word they say is the word they see.

• Ask questions and take time to listen to your toddler’s answers. This back-and-forth conversation helps Be a legend. build important language skills.

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Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 7

LOOKING BACK

Sharing favorite memories from childhood

By Gaye Bunderson

To start off the new year, I’ve again tapped a number of contributors, interviewees, and friends about a family-friendly topic: What is your favorite childhood memory? I hope their comments light some fires in your own memories about days well-spent with family in your younger years.

DAD’S PHILOSOPHIES

My happiest childhood memory (which was 70 years ago) was sitting in my father’s office, drinking root beer, talking about ideas and philosophies. He would tell me what he learned from a story in his life. Such as: That you couldn’t spear a big fish and drag it in the water towards the shore because a big shark would come to get it. Correspondingly, if you carry a big ego around, some people will try to bring you down.

He would also tell funny stories, and we laughed heartily at them. The point isn’t so much the stories, or even the lessons I learned. The connection with my father was life-giving, and all our sharing was the bridge to that connection.

The media and electronic devices are robbing us of our connections to each other. Put them down! Spend talking, board game, feelings time with your children. Your time will teach empathy and give each child/adult the feeling of being valued and appreciated. Undernourished children will become self-centered, non-empathic, judgmental humans who will become our civilization. Create humans who care by caring about having time with your family members.

Sandy McDaniel Author and parenting expert www.parentingsos.com

FARM LIFE

At the age of 10 we moved to the little farming community of Koosharem, Utah, population 300. We only lived there for five months, but the most memorable five months of my childhood. I made instant friends and every day was filled with new adventures: stomping hay (to pack it down on the trailer); picking potatoes during the two weeks we got out of school for that purpose; swimming in the canal and having moss fights; Halloween, where we got homemade donuts and other homemade treats; roasting pine nuts every night after school and playing Run, Sheep, Run; making snow angels on the playground (I had never lived where there was snow); pulling taffy after school; riding our neighbors’ horses; picking raspberries; and milking cows. In such a small town we had freedom to go wherever we wanted and do whatever we desired with little supervision and without concern for safety.

Mary Ann Wilcox Professional organizer, family consultant and teacher www.maryannscupboards.com 8 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

NATURE

I was blessed with a happy childhood. I have loving parents and an amazing sister who is still my best friend. We were not (and are not) perfect, but I have so many happy memories that it is hard to pick one. One thing that stands out a bit is camping. I have very early memories of this and we would always take at least two (if not four or five) trips a year. From huge, week-long adventures in multiple places to one-night quick getaways, both of my parents instilled in us a love for nature; and to this day, it is where I am most at peace. That is actually one of the things I love most about Boise – how easy it is to find peaceful places!

Emmeli Mayo Baking entrepreneur www.emmeliscake.com

SINGING

My absolute favorite childhood memory is when I was about 8 years old and my grandma, Grandma Gray, who was only in her 40’s, came to live with me and my family.

Unfortunately, even though this is my favorite childhood memory, my grandma came to live with us because she was very ill.

My grandma could sing and had a voice like no other; to me, as a small child, she had the voice of a beautiful angel.

When my grandma was feeling well enough, she would muster up some strength to get out of the bed. She slept in my room and she would stand up, open the window in the room that faced the backyard and begin to sing a capella.

When she would do this, I would be outside in the backyard playing with my back to the window, kneeling in the grass. As soon as I heard the sound of her glorious voice begin to sing, I specifically remember that I would stop, be still and just listen as my grandma sang like she was an angel sent from heaven.

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This is my favorite memory because although she passed away not long after she lived with us, at the young age of 51, the memories and sound of her voice will never die! The spectacular singing, her yodeling and the music she made touched my heart and soul. She left me with memories and a heavenly sound that I can still hear to this day. I am extremely blessed with those memories of my sweet, sweet grandma who was truly a singing angel.

Victoria Villareal Coach Idaho Hustle Basketball Club

GRANDMOTHER

My favorite childhood memory is when my Grandma Mae babysat us. We’d have to take a nap right when we heard the theme song to her favorite soap opera. But when we woke up and walked out of our room, she would be there waiting for us. To this day, when I hear that theme song come on, I want to go lay down and take a nap!

Brooke Newlan Crafter Twin Falls

AROUND THE PIANO

My favorite childhood “Norman Rockwell” memory is Saturday mornings when our family was getting ready for church (we attended a 7th Day Church of God at the time).

My father would head downstairs while my mom was getting seven kids ready for church. He would sit down at the piano and start playing hymns and early choruses like “He Touched Me” in his flamboyant Floyd Kramer style. At some point, most of the family would end up downstairs singing around the piano and worshipping together until it was time to go to church. I’m now a worship pastor, and I’m sure this was my early training to flow from one song to the next, worshipping with a group of people I loved. Very cherished memory – especially as our parents ended up divorcing years later, Dad left our lives, and passed away last June. Those early moments of worship and family will be with me forever!

Dee Sienknecht Worship pastor Cloverdale Church of God

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Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 9

CALENDAR Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

JANUARY $3 Thursday at Zoo Boise All Zoo Boise admissions are only $3 per person each Thursday through February. The low-cost opportunity is a good way to have a fun day or a wild family adventure. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. Go to zooboise.org to find out more.

Field-to-Fork Festival

Idaho IceWorld has many public skate days scheduled throughout the coming months for everyone in the family. Go to idahoiceworld.com for more information on family-friendly programs.

FARE Idaho will hold is second Field-to-Fork Festival is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, January 18, at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 1000 W. Myrtle St. in Boise. The interactive trade fair brings together independent food and beverage industry professionals from throughout Idaho. Farmers, ranchers/livestock producers, food producers, restaurants, bars and retailers will enjoy this opportunity to make new face-to-face connections while showcasing their products and services. The event is free to attend with advanced registration, and is open to the public. Go to downtownboise.org for more information.

JUMP building tours

Family Night Out

The spaces at JUMP, 1000 Myrtle St. in Boise, are designed to bring the community together to promote creativity, innovation and collaboration.

On a tour of JUMP, guests visit all five floors of the facility to view its creative studios and event spaces; parks and terraces; and tractors, of course.

Building tours are available 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, but it’s important to sign up in advance (by 2 p.m. on Friday) by calling (208) 639-6610 or by emailing tours@jumpboise.org for reservations.

Boise Urban Garden School, 2995 N. Five Mile Rd. in Boise, holds Family Night Out cooking classes for all ages on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu for January includes Homemade Pretzels & Cheese Sauce on January 22 and 25. There is a fee to participate. For more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org.

Idaho IceWorld

Foster care informational meetings Foster parents make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and youth who are in foster care by providing a safe and loving temporary home. A foster care informational meeting is a great opportunity to gain a basic understanding of who the children in foster care are, the roles and responsibilities of foster parents, and the process you will need to go through to become licensed to foster. During the meeting, you will also hear from an experienced foster parent about the rewards and challenges of fostering.

Visit https://familyrtc.org/fosteringidaho/events for the calendar of events.

Questions? Call Monique Layton at (208) 249-0180 or email mlayton4@ ewu.edu.

Great Train Show Boise 2024 The Great Train Show Boise 2024 is a premier regional event for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike. The two-day show is set for January 6-7 at Expo Idaho in Garden City. Check the Expo Idaho website for more information. This is a family-friendly event.

BSU basketball The Boise State Broncos will take on Colorado State at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, at ExtraMile Arena. For a full Bronco schedule, go to broncosports.com.

‘Hot as Summer, Cold as Winter’ “A cantankerous prince, a melancholy jester, and an aspiring chef with no rhythm to speak of learn about the true power of friendship…with a sweet ending.” Over 100 local children will perform in the play, “Hot as Summer, Cold as Winter” on various days during matinees and evenings throughout January 15-27 at Caldwell High School. The entire family is welcome as Caldwell Fine Arts presents its Children’s Theatre Series. For tickets or more information, go to caldwellfinearts.org.

10 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

‘Bluey’s Big Play’ “Bluey’s Big Play” will be presented Tuesday and Wednesday, January 2324, at 6 p.m. both days at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise. Bluey will be joined by his friends Bingo, Bandit and Chilli for a stage show for the whole family. Go to morrisoncenter.com for more details.

Canyon County Kids Expo The Canyon County Kids Expo is a full day for the kids, and this year the event will be held on Saturday, January 27, at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. Paw Patrol and The Smurfs are expected to make an appearance.

Plus, there will be more than 100 interactive booths, jumpy toys and slides, clowns, magicians, and other features. For more information, go to canyoncountykidsexpo.com.

FEBRUARY ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” will be presented at 1 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise. Get ready to fight a dragon, swim with merpeople, and find out just who put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire.

Go to morrisoncenter.com for ticket information and other details.

Valentine’s Homemade Pop Tarts Boise Urban Garden School, 2995 N. Five Mile Rd. in Boise, holds Family Night Out cooking classes for all ages on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu for February includes Valentine’s Homemade Pop Tarts on February 5 and 8. There is a fee to participate. For more information, go to bee.cityofboise.org.

Animals and Art (A Family Event) Whether your family has natural artistic talent or just wants a fun experience, try painting at Zoo Boise during its Animals and Art program set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 8. The evening will include paint instruction and snacks. Registration is required.

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of Events Designed for ages 5 years and older, children must be accompanied by an adult.

All art supplies will be provided. For registration, tickets, and more information, go to https://zooboise.org/event/animals-art-family/.

There is a fee to participate.

Daddy Daughter Date Night Dads and their daughters age 3-13 are welcome to the Harward Recreation Center in Nampa from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, February 10, for a special night of fun together; 2024 marks the 29th year of the event. For costs and other information, go to nampaparksandrecreation. org.

Children’s Reading Series An ongoing program of Boise Contemporary Theater, the Children’s Reading Series draws on an old theater tradition – “hearing a play” – to bring theater to young people. Audience members are entertained by professional actors bringing stories to life. Free pizza and cookies are given at every reading. The next reading is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, February 11, at the theater, located at 854 W. Fulton St. in Boise. Go to bctheater.org for more details.

Beginning January, 2024

12 WEEK MEMBERSHIP AT THE HARWARD REC CENTER

INDIVIDUAL - $116 INDIVIDUAL YOUTH - $81 FAMILY - $209 SENIOR INDIVIDUAL - $92 SENIOR COUPLE - $169

All memberships must meet HRC membership eligibility requirements.

Membership must be purchased January 1-31, 2024 and is active for 12 weeks from purchase date.

SIGN UP AT THE HARWARD REC CENTER OR CALL 208-468-5777 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Love in Lights This Valentine’s Day, say “I love you” on the Nampa Civic Center’s readerboard from February 12-18. For a fee, anyone may put up to four lines of text and choose between a still or animated background to send a Valentine message to someone special. Go to https:// nampaciviccenter.com/events/love-in-lights/ for cost and more information.

Idaho Dream Wedding Expo The Idaho Dream Wedding Expo is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18, at Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood in Boise. For tickets and more information, go to www.eventbrite.com.

McCall Winter Carnival 2024 This year’s McCall Winter Carnival will take place February 23-25 and will feature its annual roster of winter festivities and excitement.

The 2024 theme is “Color Outside the Lines” and will be a tribute to creativity and community. For more information, go to visitmccall.org.

MARCH Spring Sports Madness for Moms & Sons This event for moms and their young sons ages 3-13 is set for 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Harward Recreation Center in Nampa.

There will be games, pizza, and a photo booth. For costs and other information, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Check out the next edition for all the details on Smoky’s

SEASON of SALMON, coming soon!

SmokyMountainPizza.com www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 11

REAL MONEY, REAL FAMILIES

The financial smoothies of life (and 2024)

By Luke Erickson

I

t’s 2024! We’re here. We made it. Whew! grail of healthy living. You signed up on the The year 2023 was quite a year for first day of the year with enthusiasm, convinced many of us. It was a year of growth, of that this time, you’ll be the fitness champ you introspection, of hard decisions, and what is were always destined to be. You have visions of with all this dang traffic, yo?!

Dwayne the Rock Johnson shaking your hand at Our own personal finances are something the end of 2024 because he’s honored to finally we all dealt with last year: The inflation of meet the person who has finally out-lifted him. everything except our paychecks, high interest But you missed the ‘gym sesh’ today, sped by, rates, and lack of affordable housing for starters.

I mean who has the time? Fast forward a month But that was the past; 2023 is behind us and and your gym visits are as rare as a unicorn fading in the rear-view mirror. This is 2024, sighting. And Dwayne the Rock is nowhere to Luke Erickson baby! It’s a blank slate, a fresh hill of powder, a brand-new be found either. Your financial dedication to a monthly start, so full of promise. This is the year that we finally get membership clashes hilariously with your newfound those finances under control. Never mind all those sayers of expertise in the art of avoiding eye contact with the gym nay who claim that 90% of all new year resolutions will fail every time you drive by. within the first month or two. That might apply to others, but But here’s the thing, work got unexpectedly busy, there not you. Definitely not you, because you are resolved. were opportunities for overtime and you felt like you had to You’ve got your spreadsheets, your budgeting app, your take them to help pay for your gym membership, your new completely outdated financial calculator, and the determined nutrition plan, and other goals of balanced healthy living look of someone who is about to walk a tightrope while that you set. juggling 8 flaming juggling pins. Nothing will stand in your See, it’s not really your fault. Balanced, healthy living is way. like walking a tightrope while juggling 8 flaming pins, one Except for me. of which is your finances. Take your eye off of it for one “Wait, what? Hey! Get second, even with good off my tightrope, buddy!” intentions to tend to the All in due time. But other flying pins, and first, what if I told you you just may lose control that your financial success of it, or even drop it this year is actually a little for a while. And once less to do with tackling you lose control of one numbers and a lot more to do with balancing your health? pin, it’s so easy to feel deflated and start letting some of the Okay, I see that skeptical look in your eye. Picture this: others go too.

You, your paycheck, and a few of your new 2024 goals, like Now pay attention, because I’m not giving you an out. better finances and better eating, all stroll into a trendy new You’re not a victim, and you’re not inferior to anyone else. grocery store together, one where you don’t usually shop. But All people struggle at times trying to balance the many areas this is your goal. Your cart slowly becomes a kaleidoscope of of healthy living. There’s always a give and take of your organic fruits, gluten-free grains, and a mysterious vegetable time, energy, and yes, even your money. Place your attention called “kohlrabi” that you’re not entirely sure how to on one thing and by definition that means there’s less of it to pronounce, let alone cook. go around for the other things. This is hard, so give yourself You waltz up to the checkout stand with confidence for a little credit. To truly be well, our lives will be a continuous your newfound dedication to balanced healthy living. Your balancing act of shifting priorities. shopping cart is a canvas of nutrition and superiority painted But fear not, for in the pursuit of holistic health and in the hues of acai bowls and chia seeds. Then the cashier financial alignment, there are victories to be celebrated. gives you your total. Stunned, you reach for an overpriced The glorious moment when you realize that homemade organic candy bar with 5% less sugar than the leading salads are not only cheaper but also taste better than the brands, for a little stress eating on the way home. overpriced premade kale salad from the trendy health You’re still in a little shock and munching your stress away food joint down the street. Or the sheer ecstasy of finding as you obliviously drive right by the gym where you signed up an effective, budget-friendly workout routine that doesn’t on January 1. Your resolutions are getting expensive. require expensive equipment or a personal trainer who But how could you not sign up for the gym? It’s the holy insists on calling you “champ.”

“So remember, in the spectacle of attempting balance and juggle all areas of holistic health, the misadventures are just as important as the successes.”

12 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

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You will fail at times. You will experience setbacks. You will drop a holistic health juggling pin once in a while. Things like your spirituality, your relational attunement, your work productivity, or your emotional stability will sometimes take a back seat while you tend to other areas of life. But each time you go back to pick up a pin and try again is a key opportunity to reflect on what made it drop in the first place, and how to make things a little easier to manage moving forward.

Growth from mistakes is the key.

So remember, in the spectacle of attempting balance and juggle all areas of holistic health, the misadventures are just as important as the successes. The desperate attempts to justify that $7 green juice as an essential part of your vitamin regimen or the elaborate dance you perform to avoid acknowledging the mountain of credit card debt you’ve amassed in the pursuit of that elusive six-pack are key opportunities to learn and grow.

So, my fellow financial acrobats, as you navigate the precarious tightrope of holistic health including your personal finances, remember to keep a sense of humor handy. After all, life’s a circus. Embrace the chaos, laugh in the face of setbacks, and savor the weird unexpected chunks in the smoothies of life – because in the end, persistence in striving for a well-balanced life is the true measure of wealth.

workshops are available for parents with children ages 0 through 5 in Idaho!

A new series is beginning soon.

Register now; it’s free!

These early learning workshops

support parents in their role as their child's first and most influential teacher.

Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children supports early

learning professionals, families and communities to ensure that all of Idaho's children have an opportunity to THRIVE!

To learn more about Idaho AEYC's resources for families, scan the QR code.

For questions or inquiries about READY! for Kindergarten contact: ready@idahoaeyc.org

Luke Erickson, Ph.D., AFC®, is an associate professor of personal finance for the University of Idaho. He works and lives in the Treasure Valley. @drlukeerickson (Instagram), erickson@uidaho.edu

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 13

FROM THIS SIDE OF THE DESK

Parents, help your child succeed in school

By Roxanne Drury

T

he beginning of the year is a great time to begin preparing your young child for preschool. As a teacher, I always loved it when a child came to their first day of preschool ready to sit, and ready to learn. There are things parents can do early on to help their child have a successful lifetime school career. I think you’ll be surprised at just how simple and commonplace these ideas are.

So let’s dive in.

There are many articles about the keys to success. Some say it is persistence, others say it is drive or discipline. Still others say it is all in who you know. Well, it kind of depends on what the goal is. In this case, the goal is for your child to be ready and eager to learn in a school setting. This comes with time and practice.

To my way of thinking a parent’s key to success in developing a ready eager learner is INTENTIONALITY. Being intentional about what you say, do, invite your child into, allow them to do, and show your child will develop an eagerness to learn new things. Having an eagerness to learn is the very beginning of what makes or breaks a child’s enthusiasm in the classroom.

But wait…I want my child to be successful in school, how in the world do I do that? Hang on to your hat, it’s coming.

Here are 5 easy things you can do every day in your home: 1. Read to your child daily.

Reading a book or two daily is key. If they ask for more, please make the time to read more. Reading introduces your child to the written word. Point to the pictures. Point to some or all of the words as you are reading them. This helps your child put what they are seeing on the paper and what you are saying together. Talk about the pictures. Make comments, ask questions: “Oh man, that must have been fun!” “WOW, what do you think is going to happen?” Let them turn the pages. This involves the child in the process of reading a book. Keep a few books in your car for drive time. Encourage your child to look at the pictures and if the book is very familiar, ask them to tell you the story.

2. Allow your child to watch you write something down daily.

Allow your child to watch you write something on a piece of paper every day. For example, as you make your grocery list, say the word milk, and write the word milk on a piece of paper, saying the letters M I L K. Again, this helps your child realize that the written word and what we say are connected. Ask your child, “What else do we need?” Invite them into the process of making a list. Bananas. Write the word bananas and say the letters. Saying the letters you are writing is one more intentional way to introduce your child to the alphabet. Will this take longer? Yes! But is it worth it? Yes! 3. Allow/encourage your child to write or draw something daily.

Taking crayons to paper daily feeds your child’s creativity as well as their cognitive mind. Using the example of the grocery 14 JAN/FEB 2024 | Idaho Family Magazine

list in #2: Give your child a piece of paper and have them pretend to write their own list. As you write milk, encourage them to scribble milk, and so on. An idea of how to make this item intentional is set aside time right after lunch for your child to draw, color, or write something. Use a coloring book to encourage your child to trace the lines of the picture and then color it. When praising their creation, be specific. For example, saying “You really worked hard on that picture” rather than “Good job” speaks directly to the child and what they have accomplished. All of this will be hard brain work for your child and they will most likely be ready for a nap following this kind of activity. Bonus!

4. Play, play, play, daily.

Kids learn through play. Puzzles and building blocks of any kind are two of the best toys you can provide for your child. They develop eye-hand coordination, logical skills, and math skills, not to mention the feeling of accomplishment for completing a task. Plus these kinds of playthings allow the opportunity to work with another person, which builds social skills. Which leads us to #5.

5. Work on social skills daily.

Intentionally make time to learn how to share, and take turns. Have a tea party and share the cookies. Play a board game to help your child learn to take turns. Just saying the words, “It’s your turn; now it is my turn” as you pass the food around the table, goes a long way to helping your child have an understanding of the rightness of taking turns. It becomes a natural part of their world.

Practicing problem-solving skills is another way to help your child learn to think for themselves. An example might be: “Oh no, it is raining outside. We don’t want our feet to get wet. What should we do?” Allow the child to come up with the answer – wear our boots. That’s problem-solving.

Another very valuable skill is the ability to follow directions.

Depending on the age of the child, practice giving directions in a fun, engaging way. When it’s time to pick up toys, make it a game. Allow your child to help you with folding the laundry by handing them their stack of pajamas and asking them to put them on their bed. As your child gets older and more proficient you can increase the number of directions you give, such as, “Put your pajamas on your bed and bring me your favorite book to read.”

These are intentional ways you can help your child to be successful in school. As in everything, it will take consistency to make a difference in your child’s readiness and success.

But it is so worth it. From this side of the desk, I have found in my years of teaching that those students who were at the top of the class in reading, science, and math had parents who consistently read to their child and encouraged them in these 5 areas. Make it fun and exciting and it is a win/win all around.

Please follow me on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/ roxannedrury1/gloryland-books/for All Things Kids and more information on Education & Readiness and Parenting Tips. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

Two engaging topics: a farm and the moon

By Jenna Shaver

A

topic of conversation with young children, particularly this time of year, is the changing of the seasons. The trees have shed their leaves, the days grow shorter, the sky has lost its summer haze and many of the animals we see every day become more difficult to spot. These are manifestations of the changing seasons and have heavily influenced my book recommendations this month.

My first recommendation is “Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm” by Alice and Martin Provensen. This is a must-have addition to any child’s book collection.

Rather than a story, this book details the lives and personalities of the animals that live on Maple Hill Farm. Transported to Upstate New York, we enter the world of ornery horses, quirky cats, and nearly-perfect geese through the use of elevated language and compelling illustrations.

One of my favorite qualities about this book is that the animals don’t talk. Humanistic traits are given to the animals without giving them the impossibly human trait of speaking.

The narrator, presumably the owner of Maple Hill Farm, captures the beauty, simplicity, and love that abounds on Maple Hill Farm through her gentle prose. With each read through, you fall more in love with the characters, the ease of nature, and the conversation that inevitably will arise with your child about the animals.

As we inch into the winter season, the sky tends to become clear and the moon shows her bright face to us. “Moon,” authored

by Britta Teckentrup, is a beautiful peekthrough book that simply shows snapshots of the world during the different phases of the moon; what animals might be doing during a waxing crescent; and how the environment may change as it wanes.

Books that explore the wondrous obscurity of something so foreign yet so tangible as the moon are incredible reads with young children. So many questions are asked, so many silent wonderings as they look up at the night sky, left unspoken.

Take advantage of the clear, crisp, wintry nights and use this book as a gateway into the magic of the moon.

May these books add wonder to your shelves, may their sentiments find their way into the hearts of your children this winter. Best wishes for a happy new year.

Jenna Shaver is an accredited teacher, developing and educating young minds as a Certified Lead Guide. She is a graduate of Montessori Northwest, an Association Internationale training center and one of a small cadre of AMI-certified teachers in Idaho. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees from Boise State University, one in Early Childhood Intervention/Early Childhood Education and the second in Elementary Education.

WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

Curtis loves football, baseball and math The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.

Twelve-year-old Curtis is an active boy who will do well with a Forever Family who loves adventures. He is a big Los Angeles Rams football fan and dreams of one day becoming skilled enough to make it into the NFL. He also loves baseball and is looking forward to joining a team once he gets settled into his new home. This well-rounded young man has many other interests that just might make him the perfect fit for your family. Those interests include: fishing; hiking; swimming; reading Manga; singing; listening to a wide range of musical genres; making cool figures and scenes out of modeling clay; playing games; and drawing. If you’re a musical family, he would really love to learn to play the trumpet.

Curtis enjoys watching anything that makes him laugh and considers math his favorite subject in school. He loves family dinners and is even up for helping you make his favorite dish: spaghetti.

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Curtis longs for a family of his own, where he will be valued and treasured. He dreams of having parents he can trust and count on, who will fill his life with safety and positive emotional connections.

Curtis and his team are open to a single parent or a family with both a mom and a dad, and to families who reside within or outside of the state of Idaho. He will do best in a home where he can be the only or youngest child. Parents who are patient, communicate well, and have a good understanding of trauma are sure to be a wonderful fit for him. Each day spent in foster care is one too many for this amazing young man.

If Curtis could make a great addition to your family, inquire today at idahowednesdayschild.org.

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www. idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Specialized Recruitment Services Administrator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell (208) 488-8989.

Idaho Family Magazine | JAN/FEB 2024 15

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