Idaho Family 09 2018

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September 2018

SIBLINGS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Challenges and benefits

BACKYARD HACKS

LET YOUR KIDS LIVE Even if it hurts

Where the grass is greener

See inside for...

Special Needs Guide 2018

The Buddy Walk participants above are, left to right, Kellen (on grass), Caleb (standing), and Norah (on grass), and seated in the middle is Owen.

Contents

September 2018

Features Special siblings

Challenges and benefits

4

Columns 8 The Horney Village

Bumps, bruises, stories

21 Irene’s

Insights

Downsizing

Sensory diet

6

Media mania

10

It’s not about eating

Bad messages

Backyard hacks 19 Pesky squirrels and all

Child

Meet Adrian

In Each Edition 3 Editor’s Intro

Clutter-free living Getting started

22

Cover Photo Unforgettable Memories Photography Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jjplew82@gmail.com 208-697-2043

Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com

23 Wednesday’s

16

Publisher J.J. Plew

Contributors Daniel Bobinski, Macaile Hutt, Sarah Lyons, Sandy McDaniel, Jessie Horney, Mary Ann Wilcox, Irene Archuleta Woodworth

Departments Special Needs Guide 2018

Volume 6, Number 9

Family mission statements

12 Family Events Calendar

2 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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 2018 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook www.idahofamilymagazine.com

EDITOR’S Intro

Writing a family mission statement

I

came across the idea of family mission statements while researching something completely different on the Internet. It seemed an odd idea at first, since mission statements are generally ‘official guiding principles’ for a company or organization that define what the company (or organization) is and what its concept of success will be.

But after reading one article on the topic, I was sold on what a great idea it is for a family to have a written mission statement. Not something labor-intensive, mind you, but rather something simple and fluid. Not a set-in-stone tome of obedience everyone must follow, but a positive definition of what the family values most that can be tweaked as needed.

A mission statement can answer the questions: • What’s important to our family?

• What kind of family do we want to be?

• What kind of parental examples do we want to set?

• What kind of children do we want to raise?

That may sound like a lot of words to put together, but it doesn’t have to be.

One writer, Tsh Oxenreider, called her family’s list of priorities a “purpose statement” as well as a mission statement. In an article titled, “Share your family purpose statement” at https://theartofsimple.net/back-to-the-basicsshare-your-family-mission-statement/, she detailed such family priorities as: • Put each other first.

• Cultivate deep relationships with one another.

• Extend love to those around us.

• Live simply.

• Be true to who God made us.

• Take care of our health.

• Be good stewards of creation.

• Be lifelong learners.

I would say that’s not a bad mission statement for each member of the family to get on board with. It clearly sets the idea of the family as a whole being the best it can be, of individual members being kind to one another and to others

outside the family, of taking care of the world they inhabit, and of continuing to be open to knowledge, collectively and individually, for as long as they live.

It says, in essence, “We are a family unit. As we set these positive goals for our family, it makes us better neighbors and better members of the community we inhabit.”

Oxenreider took the trouble to write sub-categories in each of the goals above. That’s optional, but hers were very encouraging. For instance, under “Be good stewards of creation,” she wrote: • Spend time outside as a family at least once a week.

• Take a vacation, and make sure that much of it involves the outdoors.

• Enjoy nature in everyday life, with things like gardening and neighborhood walks.

Under “Live simply,” she put: • Remain debt-free.

• Continue building our emergency fund.

• Provide enough time for each of us to pursue a hobby.

• Take care to plan ahead for things.

• Generally pursue excellence as we steward our time, talents, and treasures.

She was quick to say that there is no right or wrong way to create a family mission statement, but do put some thought into it. “You want it to be a useful tool, something that helps you make decisions,” she said.

Don’t forget, for those of you on your own, there are also personal mission statements. “They force you to think deeply about your life, clarify its purpose, and identify what is truly important to you.” (From https://www.inc.com/ rhett-power/4-reasons-why-you-need-a-personal-missionstatement.html.)

The power of one is as important as the power of many, and putting forth a statement that clarifies your priorities and helps you stick to them is worthwhile. So whether you’re part of a family or a single person, attempt a mission statement and see what you come up with.

— Gaye Bunderson, editor

Children’s Photos Wanted

FR

EE September 2018

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.

The Buddy Walk participants on the cover are, left to right, Kellen (on grass), Caleb (standing), and Norah (on grass), and seated in the middle is Owen.

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

SIBLINGS SPECIAL WITH NEEDS es and bene fits

Challeng

BACKYA RD HACKS

Where the grass is gree ner

LET YOUR KIDS LI VE Even if it hurts

See inside for...

Special Needs

Guide 2018

The Buddy Kellen (on Walk participants above are, grass), andgrass), Caleb (stand left to right, seated in the middleing), and Norah (on is Owen.

Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 3

CHALLENGES and benefits

Having a sibling with special needs

By Sarah Lyons

H

aving a sibling with special needs is a unique experience that provides both challenges and benefits. While there is no doubt that children love their siblings with special needs, the feelings that can arise during childhood are often complicated. The love, appreciation, and compassion they feel towards their siblings can be mixed up with jealousy, worry, resentment, fear, responsibility, and anger. Parents who are in tune to their children’s feelings can help them work through the negative emotions and turn these challenges into benefits.

CHALLENGE: Insensitivity of Others

Unfortunately, kids with special needs are often the target of teasing. Kids, or even adults, who don’t understand other people’s differences may make insensitive comments, ask inappropriate questions, or just make fun of someone who is different from them. Siblings of special needs kids may feel the need to constantly stand up for their sibling, explain their situation to others, or may be the target of teasing themselves.

“One of the biggest challenges in growing up with my sister was watching her get laughed at,” says Justin Lyons, brother of Kara, who has cerebral palsy. Parents can help their kids work through this challenge by equipping them with the right answers for those awkward questions and teach them how to handle bullying in an appropriate way.

BENEFITS: Dependability, Loyalty, Compassion

After years of watching someone they love get teased, siblings of special needs kids will naturally develop a strong sense of loyalty to those they care about, as well as a strong compassion toward others. Even though watching Kara get teased was hard for Justin, he also notes, “I think it made me less likely to laugh at or tease other people.” Kids who grow up in a home with a special needs sibling typically become dependable, compassionate, and loyal adults.

CHALLENGE: Jealousy

Parents do their best to treat their children fairly and spend equal amounts of time caring for each child. When you have a child with developmental delays or significant medical needs, that balance can become extremely difficult to achieve and jealousy can develop. Kids may feel they get less attention or that their parents spend more time caring for the sibling. When these feelings develop it is very common for kids to feel guilty that they have these thoughts, causing 4 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Brother and sister Owen and Norah enjoy each other’s company.

(Photo by Amy Reynolds) them to be more upset and resentful. As a parent, try to be understanding and patient about your child’s jealous feelings.

Talking it through and having someone listen and take them seriously will help your child feel loved and included. If possible and appropriate, welcome your child to join you in caring for the sibling, but don’t push the issue.

BENEFITS: Self-control, Thoughtfulness

First, it is important to remember that sibling rivalry and feelings of jealousy are normal in any sibling relationship. As children learn to wait for their parent to be free to help them, they will learn patience and self-control. They will also learn to put other’s needs before their own.

CHALLENGE: Worry and Fear

When children are around a sibling with serious medical challenges, lowered immunity, or special needs, kids may www.idahofamilymagazine.com

feel worried or afraid about the health of their sibling. They may not be able to express their feelings the same way that an adult would. Kids may act out, become overly emotional, or appear aloof to what is going on around them. Parents can help kids by being honest about health concerns in an age-appropriate way. By including your children in this discussion, you can reduce their fear of the unknown and reassure them as well.

Kids who are exposed to someone with medical and developmental challenges naturally become more compassionate and empathetic to those who may have their own struggles. “I attribute my sense of understanding and compassion to my sister,” says Michelle Hupp, sister to Felicia, an adult with Down syndrome.

None of these feelings are fun to talk about and often result in guilt, causing the children to feel even more resentment to the sibling because they have these negative feelings. Some of these feelings may be difficult to overcome, and a parent may not know exactly what their child is feeling or how to deal with him or her. If you feel that these feelings are becoming a problem, consider seeking professional help to support your child’s development in a healthy way and encourage an appropriate relationship between your children.

CHALLENGE: Complicated Mixed Feelings

BENEFIT: Positive Characteristics Develop

BENEFIT: Compassion and Empathy

As each person is different, kids have a variety of feelings related to their sibling with special needs. Some kids may feel pressure to “live up” to their parents’ expectations for themselves and for the sibling that may never reach certain milestones. Kids may also feel resentment, anger, frustration, or like they are “missing out” on activities or experiences because their sibling’s care puts restrictions on certain activities.

“Siblings often feel guilty about any negative feeling such as jealousy,” says Hupp. “The rewards more than outweigh the negatives, but sometimes the negatives are hard to talk about.”

While all of these challenges are realistic, kids also develop a wide variety of wonderful characteristics from their experience, such as kindness, patience, compassion, acceptance of differences, helpfulness, and empathy. All of these qualities are wonderful and valued in our society.

Being a sibling of a special needs person is a unique and sometimes challenging experience, but most people will tell you they have benefitted from the experience. As a parent, it helps to think of the long-term benefits and help your children shape their challenges into successes.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom of six children, including 3-year-old triplets.

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 5

SENSORY diet

It’s not about what children eat

By Micaile Hutt

S

urprise! Just as you finally fell into a groove with your summer routine, it’s time to get back into a school routine and change everything up again. Ah, the joys of parenting. If you’re noticing extra behaviors, meltdowns, and changes in your child’s demeanor, you’re not alone. We experience so many varying moods and behaviors at our clinic throughout the transition from summer routines to school schedules, and, over the years, we’ve learned a few tips and tricks to help you and your family transition with ease.

1. Get into a consistent sleep/wake schedule as soon as possible

Micaile Hutt

Children thrive on consistency and structure, particularly when they are transitioning into a new routine or experiencing changes in their everyday life. Getting into a consistent sleep/wake cycle is really important for biological processes, brain and body growth and development, adequate rest, mood stabilization, and a routine that is predictable and consistent. Quickly settling into a bedtime routine can help this process become even more seamless. An example of this might be: • No screen time at least an hour before bed • Creation and completion of a bedtime routine checklist each night (put on pajamas, brush teeth, read story, etc.)

• Use of timers or countdowns to ensure consistent bedtime is achieved • Sticker charts/calendars to mark successful sleep/wake days and successful bedtime routine completions • 5-10 minutes of nightly “winding down” together, which can include: light stretching in a dim room, listening to calming music, or lavender lotion to help promote relaxation. This is a great time for a warm bath or foot soak to further promote sleepiness. Additions of these small, quick, and simple routines can really help structure the evening and implement a consistent schedule in the midst of many other changes occurring. This also allows the parent(s) to have consistent quiet time to relax and unwind as well.

2. Implement a “sensory diet” into your daily routine

“You want me to add what into my diet?!” you might be asking. A sensory “diet” doesn’t actually involve anything you’re eating. Just as our bodies need food through a diet, our sensory systems need to be satisfied as well. We do this by adding or removing input in order to either calm or alert our 6 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

sensory systems to help our bodies feel ready to engage in the tasks that are expected of us.

Small bursts of movement can make a big difference in overall focus and attention.

Sensory diets must be tailored to each child, and every child’s needs are unique and different. In order to obtain a specialized plan, talk with your primary care provider or meet with an occupational therapist in order to implement a customized plan. I’ve included an example that could be tried until a more specialized plan is in place (see accompanying graphic).

3. Use visuals to create more concrete and consistent routines

Saying something out loud is one thing, but giving a child the chance to see and understand it through a visual adds an additional component in creating consistent habits and routines. There are many printable and customizable templates that can be found online to add visual schedules for morning routines, after-school routines, and bedtime routines. This also adds an element of predictability throughout the day, even when other components of the day are variable.

SENSORY DIET PUSH-UP

SIT-UP

1.

2.

JUMPING 3.

JACKS

4.

FROG HOP SNOW ANGELS LOG ROLLING

5.

6.

MASSAGE LOTION ON HANDS AND ARMS

LISTEN TO MUSIC COMMANDO CRAWL

HOP SCOTCH WALL PUSH-UPS

BLOW BUBBLES

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Graphic courtesy of Steven and Madison Hertz www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Once a visual checklist or chart is created, we’ve also found that the child ends up needing less verbal reminders to complete each task with repeated practice. This creates good routines, positive habits, and less of a headache in the long run for parents and caregivers. Creating a sticker chart initially can add a second visual “reward” component and foster confidence and responsibility in our kiddos through achievable and measurable daily goals.

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4. Keep screen time under control

It’s really important to keep screen time limited and consistent throughout the school year. As a baseline, we suggest limiting screen time to an hour or less per school day, and also suggest breaking this up into four 15-minute increments that can be earned throughout the day. This allows for a really good lesson in responsibility as well as choice and consequence.

A suggestion for earning the four components could be: 15 minutes for completion of morning routine, 15 minutes for a positive report at school, 15 minutes for completing all homework, and 15 minutes for no fighting or aggression with siblings. This is just a baseline example but could be tailored to each child and his or her individual needs. This also diminishes the idea that screen time is a right and, instead, allows for it to be a privilege that is awarded when daily expectations have been completed successfully. It also still maintains the boundary that there is a set amount awarded each day, limiting the overall time spent staring at a screen. For optimal results and increased compliance, make sure that these choices and consequences are consistent and not threatened without followthrough.

5. Talk about it

This last suggestion doesn’t necessarily fall under implementing a school schedule, but it’s one of my favorite memories that my mom created with me while I was growing up. One night as I climbed into bed, I found a notebook on my pillow. My mom had written me a letter saying that she knows some things are hard to talk about, but this notebook is a safe place where I can write anything down that I might be thinking or feeling and also ask her any questions that I may have. She told me to put it under her pillow after I wrote back, and we could be “pen pals.” We ended up writing back and forth for years. Sometimes it was light and fun, and other times we talked about more serious things like issues with friends, changes in my body, and different feelings or emotions I experienced as I grew up.

We went through phases where we wrote many times a week, and other times we would only write a few times a month.

With the unfortunate rise in anxiety and depression statistics among children and the increased societal pressure kids often feel to look or behave a certain way, this opens the door for communication and fosters a deeper emotional connection with your child without adding extra pressure or expectation.

Macaile Hutt is an occupational therapist at Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy.

Her therapy style takes a holistic and child-directed approach, with the goal of children succeeding across multiple environments. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from A.T. Still University and has obtained continuing education in Handwriting Without Tears, pediatric kinesiotaping, Interactive Metronome, and Beckman Oral Motor programs. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, backpacking, and traveling. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 7

THE HORNEY village

Let kids ‘have stories’ even if it hurts

By Jessie Horney

W

hen I take my kids to the playground, I have two options: 1. Follow them around and remind them to be careful.

2. Mostly ignore them and trust their intincts

to keep them safe.

We live in Meridian, the part of the valley lined with copycat subdivisions, each with elaborate water features and grand archways welcoming you into their particular branding of the American Dream, and where my particular method of playground parenting isn’t the norm. At one of our first outings to our neighborhood park, my mouth dropped open when I heard a mom sweetly remind her children at least a dozen times, “Remember! Safety is our number one priority!

Safety is our NUMBER ONE PRIORITY!” When my son was 2 years old, he fell from the top of a 7-foot-high playground ladder, a kind of enclosed U-shape with rungs spaced one foot apart from top to bottom. He tumbled like a Plinko ball, hitting his head on every rung on both sides of the ladder the entire way down. It was the kind of accident that renders the playground silent, a collective gasp of horror rising from moms and kids alike. After a prolonged moment of silence, he finally screamed and I ran to his side. I picked him up and stretched him across a park bench, wondering aloud if I should call the paramedics. He laid still and quiet while I examined his limbs and neck to see if anything appeared broken or injured.

These are the moments we picture at the park as we follow our kids around with “Be careful!” on our lips, the terrible what-ifs on a slow burn in the back of our mind.

We imagine them tumbling off the top of the equipment, or tripping while they run, hitting their head on the corner of a platform. (As if there are corners on playgrounds anymore — they resemble padded rooms more than play structures. Even the ground is made of rubber.)

I am not the “be careful” mom at the playground. I am the mom to whom you deliver my bleeding children with disdain on your pursed lips. Because honestly, I’m not at the park to monitor my kids’ activity level.

I’m there so I can talk to my friends without our kids interrupting (still has not happened, but it’s worth dreaming about). I don’t follow my kids as they run and play, warning them when things are too high or too difficult or to be careful, careful, always careful. Besides all of the common sense rules we always follow, we 8 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

have one rule at the playground: “If you can’t do it yourself, I won’t help you.”

That’s it. Don’t ask me to put you up on that rock. Don’t ask me to help you cross the monkey bars. If you’re not strong enough, tall enough, brave enough or smart enough (yet!), then practice until you’re ready. The best way to keep kids safe is teaching them to trust their own bodies. And the only way they’ll do that is to USE their bodies. By playing.

Without you telling them to be careful. And, I am sorry to tell you...by getting hurt.

Obviously part of my playground philosophy is selfish, because watching my kids go down a slide is boring and I’d rather do pretty much anything else. But it is also a purposeful attempt at giving them space to exist as themselves, outside my control. They’re young, barely entering school age, so their experiences as individuals are few and far apart. But at the park, or in our backyard or their cousins’ backyards, they get to create their own world, one in which I refuse to play referee or altruistic ruler (or servant, let’s get real). I want them to try. I want them to fail. And line up to lecture me, but honestly: I want them to get (at least a little bit) hurt.

I need them to understand that pain is not bad, and failure is not an ending. I want them to feel the sting of a misstep.

I want them to understand the risk and reward system of trying new things, and handle themselves with grace in difficult situations. Because they live in a two-parent home in a suburban waterfall-entrance neighborhood with very little opportunity for pain and difficulty, I understand that part of my job is to allow the opportunity for pain when it arrives.

Fall off your scooter. Don’t get picked for the play. Miss your shot on goal. Get your feelings hurt. And realize you survived. The world did not collapse. You are still here, you are still you, and how can you grow from this situation?

But we don’t want kids to get hurt simply for the sake of physical or emotional discomfort. The world is a big, amazing, complicated place, and we want their lives to be rich. We want them to have a story worth telling. The stories we keep are not from times we were just fine, or perfectly safe, or everything worked without any trouble. We tell the stories of our overcoming and our triumphs.

Our family histories are not of the ease or comfort we experienced, but of great obstacles and personal transformation.

Our lives and personhoods are forged in the fire of difficulty, under the pressure of www.idahofamilymagazine.com

“I need them to understand that pain is not bad, and failure is not an ending.

I want them to feel the sting of a misstep. I want them to understand the risk and reward system of trying new things, and handle themselves with grace in difficult situations.” suffering. I can’t stand the idea of my children suffering; and yet, I can’t bear the notion of raising kids who drift on a river of convenience, children who never sink nor swim but merely float. I want swimmers. I want fighters. I want children who grow and become, and if that means they must hurt or suffer, then so be it. I shiver as I write it, but I mean it.

We train our kids in the way they should go, and then we let them go. They learn to trust themselves to do bigger, better things and find their own solutions. They learn to trust themselves. Kids need a better story to tell, one with a plot and suffering and triumph, not safety and control. Like it or not, the function of suffering in the life of humans is vital; without suffering, we cannot grow. Would I keep my children toothless, gumming their food with infant mouths to avoid the pain of cutting new teeth? Would I force them to continue crawling in order to protect their heads from bruises while learning to walk? Of course not. They have to change to survive, and change hurts.

It turned out my son did not break any bones when he fell from that ladder. He took a drink of water and asked to get

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

back on the playground. This same son rode a 2-wheel bike at 3 years old, front flipped off the diving board at 4, and is too scared to go upstairs at night without one of his sisters by his side. He is, like every child, a combination of thrill and fear, and it is my job to provide space for each to work itself out — the thrills and the fears.

So I will not trail them at the playground and shout my warnings, or stand behind them as they climb a wall. I will watch and wonder at their imagination and strength, and keep my arms open for the inevitable failure. I am their home. I am not their life raft. Home does not follow you or pave a way forward. Home remains where it stands. Steadfast. Available. We press them towards their own surprising, beautiful plot twists, ones that look a lot like mistakes and feel a lot like problems, but will be the stories they tell with pride.

Jessie Horney is a freelance writer and poet.

Find her at www.horneymomtellsall.com.

Jessie Horney

Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 9

MEDIA mania

“Too many movies, too much TV!”

Beware the messages kids see and hear

By Sandy McDaniel

S

chool is starting earlier and earlier One of my favorite movies (one I think they these days, so your precious children need to show in every classroom) is “Wonder.” are probably immersed in surviving In that movie we see the power of kindness, and learning. School should only the incredible desire to be normal and liked, be about learning, and we have subjected and the choices we can make about these two our children to hours of brainwashing by things every day. the media, wherein violence becomes both One of my favorite lines from American accepted and natural. When children watch so poet Edward Markham in his poem much negativity, they become numb to people “Outwitted” is: hurting other people or to people being hurt.

I was driving down an uncrowded Idaho He drew a circle that shut me out – road when two police cars, lights flashing, Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. pulled up next to me. One officer waved at me Sandy McDaniel But love and I had wit to win: to stop. As those two police cars moved forward, We drew a circle that brought him in. two more police cars with flashing lights paused until I was stopped, then moved forward to assist in a very dramatic Ask your kids if they would like to be a target for bullying. arrest of four men. As the suspects got out of their car, Ask them how they would feel. Ask them if they have the hands on their heads, and walked backwards to a squad car, courage that Jack and Summer (from the book and movie, I calmly analyzed each of them. When a policeman waved “Wonder”) had to befriend someone and see the good in me to continue down the road, I did so. Noticing that I was him. not rattled or frightened in the least, I said aloud, “Too many In my children’s book, “Believe You Are Beautiful” movies, too much TV!” (Amazon), an ant tells a caterpillar it is ugly. The caterpillar So our otherwise precious children experience sleepless goes under the branch so he can’t hear what the ant is saying. nights, wondering if they will be safe at school the next day.

What we do is try to control what other people do or say. It And God forbid any of them are different in any way, as doesn’t work that way. Sometimes if you tell a friend that being different makes a child a target. My grandchicks were something she said rubbed you the wrong way, your friend laughing about some kid’s teeth. I asked, “How would you will try to change her behavior. Bullies say things to upset like to be her? How would it feel to have people laugh at you. They go after your weakness, what is different about something you can’t change?” One grandchick said, “She you, and there is no stopping them. It is therefore up to you doesn’t know we are laughing at her right now.” I paused to choose what you do. Caterpillar “walked” away. and then said, “She lives every day of her life wondering Another trick I teach children as a means of not being who is laughing at her right now. What is special about her? hurt by something someone says is to pretend they are What quality does she have that would invite you to want to Swiss cheese. What does Swiss cheese have a lot of ? Holes! be her friend? I just think it isn’t okay to laugh at someone’s Think of what someone says as a bullet headed for you, differences.”

“If parents will do some empathy training with their children and give them simple “what to do” tips for dealing with unkindness, some of the problems will decrease.“ 10 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

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For more than 55 years, Sandy has been an international speaker and recognized authority on families and children. Author of five books, columnist, founder of parentingsos.com, she is a resident of Meridian and loves spending time with her three Idaho grandchicks.

Semi-retired, she speaks to schools, churches, and MOPS groups and provides parent coaching sessions in person and on the phone. She is available for parenting talks/trainings in the Treasure Valley and may be reached at sandy@parentingsos.com. Also, go to YouTube: Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel to see videos on specific parenting issues.

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decide which hole it went through and think, “Missed!”

By engaging in thoughts about holes and bullets, you disengage emotionally. Then walk away.

If parents will do some empathy training with their children and give them simple “what to do” tips for dealing with unkindness, some of the problems will decrease. As long as there is the current obsession with the media and general lack of control as to what is being watched, kindnesss will be lacking in both children and adults. Regulate how much time (one hour a day is recommended) a child can do media-based activities.

Have rules, such as: 1. No media during dinner.

2. No media in the car.

3. No media when there are guests or grandparents in your home.

4. Cell phones, iPads, etc. go in a basket at bedtime.

Anyone who “forgets” loses that object the whole next day.

What kind of disconnectedness are we breeding?

What kind of world will it be when no one knows how to communicate with each other? What kind of world are we creating where love is our last resource for solving problems? You are the architect of your child’s being; you are part of whether or not there will be a world in which they can live.

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 11

CALENDAR Historic Pine Street School visits Friends of Pine Street School, located near Pine Street and Meridian Road on NW 1st St. in Meridian, will provide volunteers to teach a 30- to 40-minute lesson about a typical schoolday more than 100 years ago. The school is a historic, one-room schoolhouse that has been restored, and is maintained by, the West Ada School District.

The school can accommodate groups of about 30 people. A reservation must be made to visit the school. Contact Carol Standley at 208-888-5710 for more information or to make a reservation.

Nature Explorers The Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge will hold a Nature Explorers program for preschoolers on the fourth Thursday of each month beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Refuge Visitor Center, 13751 Upper Embankment Rd. in Nampa. Preschoolers ages 3-5 may use their natural curiosity to investigate the world around them on guided nature explorations. There will be hands-on activities on a different theme each month. Preschoolers

MAKE ART TOGETHER!

Drop-in artmaking programs for children accompanied by an adult. Free with the price of admission.

Toddler Wednesday September 5, 2018 10:00 a.m. - Noon Draw a self-portrait after exploring artwork made by Pierre Daura.

Family Art Saturday Sponsored by Richard and Sondra Hackborn

September 29, 2018 Noon - 3:00 p.m.

Visit the exhibition Pierre Daura: Fifty Fifty and create a still life composition.

670 Julia Davis Drive, 83702 208.345.8330 www.boiseartmuseum.org

should come with an adult and be ready to be outside. For more information, visit www.fws.gov/ deerflat, email deerflat@fws.gov, or call 208-4679278.

Food Trucks in the Park Presented by the Idaho Food Truck Coalition, this event is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, in Kleiner Park in Meridian. Go to meridiancity. org for more information. A Food Truck Roundup is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, at Settlers Park in Meridian, and another Food Trucks in the Park will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, in Kleiner Park.

Nampa Public Library programs Nampa Public Library will offer a number of family- and kid-friendly programs throughout September as follows: • Art Endeavor (for the whole family), 4 to 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of each month • Teen Movie Night, 4 to 6:30 p.m., first Thursday of each month • Baby/Toddler Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 4-27 • Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, September 5-28 • The Club, 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 5 and 19 • Bilingual Storytime, 10:15 a.m., September 10 and 24 • Sensory Storytime, 4:15 p.m., Monday, September 10 and 24 • Tween Robot Club, 4 p.m., Wednesday, September 12 • Tween Program, 4 p.m., Thursday, September 13 • Groovin’ & Movin’, 10:15 a.m., Monday, September 17 • Pre-Tween Program, 4 p.m., Monday, September 17 • Teen Program, 4 p.m., Thursday, September 20 • The Lego Club, 4 p.m., Tuesday, September 26 • Check out all the events at nampalibrary.org.

Ada Library Activities Ada County Library branches feature a number of family- and youth-friendly programs. Following is a brief list of events for September and October.

Hidden Springs Branch Library, www. adalib.org/hiddensprings, 208-229-2665 • September 6, 3:30 p.m., Inbetweeners: Books and Bites, talk about great books while eating a tasty snack, ages 10-18 • September 13, 3:30 p.m., Inbetweeners: Locked

12 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Box Mystery, unlock the box before time runs out, ages 10-18 Lake Hazel Branch Library, www.adalib. org/lakehazel, 208-297-6700 • September 14, 6:30 p.m., Family Movie Night, all ages • September 18, 4:30 p.m., puppet show, all ages • October 12, 6:30 p.m., Family Movie Night, all ages • October 23, 4:30 p.m., puppet show, all ages Star Branch Library, www.adalib.org/star, 208-286-9755 • September 14, 2 p.m., Meet the Masters Homeschool Art Program, registration required • September 25, 4:30 p.m., puppet show, all ages • October 12, 2 p.m., Meet the Masters Homeschool Art Program, registration required • October 30, 4:30 p.m., puppet show, all ages Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 • September 8, 1-3 p.m., self-defense class for women and girls with Krav Maga, registration required, ages 12 and up • September 10, 4:30 p.m., ice cream social, ages 13-18 • September 17, 4:30 p.m., bring your own tank top and make a tote bag for books and other items, ages 13-18 • September 28, 4:30 p.m., puppet show, all ages • October 26, 4:30 p.m., puppet show, all ages

Nocturne Auction This adults-only event helps benefit schoolchildren and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, September 6, at the World Center for Birds of Prey. Proceeds benefit the center’s STEM environmental education, which impacts more than 5,000 students each year. The Nocturne Auction will feature popular local artists’ new works, unique raptor-related travel experiences, and drawings from children at Ridgway’s Hawk project in the Dominican Republic. Reserve your tickets now as seating is limited; go to https:// nocturne.afrogs.org/. For more information, call 208-362-3617.

First Thursday Family Night Join Boise Public Library for First Thursday Family Nights at the library’s main branch. Each month, there will be a program for the whole family to enjoy, whether it’s a puppet show, movie, or speaker. The program takes place from 7 to 8 p.m., and everyone is welcome. Check out the fun on September 6.

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of Events

Month of September Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

Art in the Park

Last Splash Weekends

Boise Art Museum’s annual Art in the Park is set for September 7-9 in Julia Davis Park. One of the city’s premier cultural events, it highlights the works of artists and craftspeople and includes entertainment, food and kids’ activities. Go to boiseartmuseum.org for more information.

Last Splash Weekends at Roaring Springs will be from noon to 7 p.m. September 8-9 and September 15-16. Close out summer with special discounted admission fees on those days. For more information, go to www.roaringsprings.com.

How old is the Earth?

Join the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 8, to learn how scientists have struggled for centuries to answer the question, “How old is the Earth?” IMMG Life Member, Patrick Cavanaugh, will outline the search and how the answer came from an unexpected source. The program is suitable for kids ages 14 and up, as well as adults. The museum is located at 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise. Cost to attend the progam is $5 for non-members and free for members. For more information, call Eliza at 208-368-9876 or visit www.idahomuseum.org.

Courageous Kids Climbing Courageous Kids Climbing, which assists children and adults with various disabilities experience the thrill of conquering a climbing wall, will be at the Downtown YMCA from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 8. This is a return engagement, and an A-10 pilot MAY even show up to support the kids. For more information, contact CKC founder and event coordinator, Jeff Riechmann, at jeffriechmann@cs.com, or visit Courageous Kids Climbing on Facebook.

12, and Thursday, September 13, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, September 14, at Expo Idaho on Glenwood in Garden City. There are no prequalification requirements, but services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to amenboise. org for more information.

Women’s Upscale Resale Event

Grandparents’ Day Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day and, on August 3, 1978, then-President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. This year, Grandparents’ Day is on September 9. It is a good time to spend time with your grandparents.

Dare to Discover The Library! at Hillcrest will hold a Dare to Discover program for all ages from 1 to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, September 11. Come discover what makes life exciting and adventurous. Be creative and discover the artist in you. Get your game face on and discover which games you’re best at. Turn on your curiosity and discover the world of science and beyond. Become your own movie critic and discover new and old movies. (Children must be accompanied by a parent.) For more information, call 208-972-8340.

AMEN Boise Free Clinic The AMEN Boise Free Clinic is a 3-day event offering free dental, general medical, vision, preventative and educational services. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September

The 6th Annual 2 Mustard Seeds Women’s Upscale Resale Event is set for September 12-15 at Eagle Nazarene Church, 1001 W. State St. in Eagle. There will be clothing, accessories and home décor items available for purchase. Funds raised go toward scholarships for youth in Kenya. For more information, go to www.2MustardSeeds.org.

Hyde Park Street Fair This annual street fair includes vendors, kids’ activities, live music, exotic foods, community entertainers, and a wine garden, all in Boise’s North End. This year, it is set for September 14-16.

Go to northendboise.org for more information.

Harvest Classic Fun Run ‘18 The 34th Annual Harvest Classic Fun Run is set for Saturday, September 15, beginnning at the Nampa Rec Center. There will be prizes, food, vendor booths, entertainment, and kids’ activities. For more information or to register, go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

Community Block Party A free Meridian Community Block Party unites businesses and organizations whose programs

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 13

CALENDAR of Events

promote healthy lifestyles, develop creativity and inspire the concept of play. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 15, in Kleiner Park. The full-day event features a Mascot Danceoff, performances by local youth groups, and a variety of vendors. For more information, go to www.meridiancity.org/blockparty.

Used book sale Books, books, and more books will be on sale for bargain prices at the used book sale taking place Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Meridian Library District branch at 13326 W. Cherry Lane. Support the library’s many programs and services by shopping for hardcover, softcover, children’s books, large print, movie DVDs, music CDs and more. Prices start at just $1; admission is free. The sale is presented by The Friends of the Meridian Library District.

Rock Party Geology fun for families will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, September 16, at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology on Old Penitentiary Road in Boise. Attend the museum’s annual “Rock Party” and enjoy hands-on activity stations for kids, covering Idaho mining history, fossils and geology. Hillside geology hikes, gold panning, and geode-cracking will also take place.

Cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 4-17, and free for kids 3 and younger, as well as for IMMG members. The program is sponsored in part by the Idaho Humanities Council. For more information, call Shirley at 208-283-3186 or visit www.idahomuseum.org.

cont.

Foster/adoption meetings

FitOne Boise

The first step in finding out more about being a foster or adoptive parent in the State of Idaho is by attending an information or orientation meeting. This event will give you a basic understanding of who the children in need are; the roles and responsibilities of foster/adoptive parents; and the process you will need to go through to become licensed to foster or adopt. You will hear from experienced foster and adoptive families about the rewards and challenges of fostering/adopting. You will learn more about the background of some of the children and the length of time it will take to get a placement. An information / orientation meeting is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, in the Baker Room of the Nampa Police Department, 820 2nd St. S. For more information, contact Monique Layton, recruitment coordinator, at 208-249-0180 or mlayton4@ewu.edu, or visit www.fosteringidaho. org.

This year’s Healthy Living Expo will take place September 20-21 at Boise Center. Race Day is September 22. Go to FitOneBoise.org.

Dance through the Decades The new Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell will come alive with iconic music from decades past from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, September 21. Participants may try an upbeat Charleston, energetic Swing, or groovy Disco. Wallflowers welcome. With free instruction before the dance begins and ongoing instruction in the “Rookies Corner,” you’ll learn a lot about dance through the decades. This is an all-age, family-friendly event, complete with floorshow by Breakaway Ballroom, swing dance competition, retro costume contest, and concessions. The event is free, but donations are welcome. Go to caldwellfinearts.org for more information.

“Star Wars – A New Hope”

Horse show Take the family and join the fun at the 16th Annual Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. September 18-22 at the Ford Idaho Horse Park in Nampa. There will be horse show classes, from driving to jumping; a silent auction where you can bid on a range of items; behind-the-scene tours and more. It’s all free to attend. Go to https://www.arabianhorses. org/competition/national-events/sport-horsenationals/.

Experience the magic of “Star Wars: A New Hope” during the Boise Philharmonic’s Pop Series at 2 p.m. or at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 22, at the Morrison Center. The movie will be shown, but the score written by John Williams will be stripped from the movie and instead presented live by the Philharmonic. This is the first of a three-part Pop Series program, which also includes a holiday performance in December and a Hollywood Hits concert next March. For tickets or more information, go to boisephil.org or call 208-344-7849.

Nampa Parks & Recreation’s

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14 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Idaho Family 1-4.indd For more House information contact J.J. Plew, Publisher Phone

208.697.2043

Email JJplew82@gmail.com

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Month of September Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

Over the Edge Help raise funds for Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity by rappelling down 20 stories from the top of the U.S. Bank Building in downtown Boise.

The event is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 22. Participants must be at least 14 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and no more than 300 pounds, and raise a minimum of $1,000 for Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity prior to the event. Go to https://www.firstgiving. com/bvhfh/over-the-edge-2018. Complete the registration form, then establish a fundraising page on the site and get going. More information is available at www.hfhboise.org.

Gazebo Concert Series in Heritage Park A Gazebo Concert Series is held the last Thursday of each summer month through September at Heritage Park, 185 E. State St. in Eagle. The last program of the season will be on September 27 and will feature Jared Elmore & Tylor and the Train Robbers. The event is family-friendly. For more information, go to cityofeagle.org.

Oktoberfest at Nampa Civic Center Oktoberfest at the Nampa Civic Center is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, September 28. This 11th annual event in the garden of the Civic Center kicks off with authentic live German music. There will be a tent featuring distinct Oktoberfest beers, and Bavarian food such as brats, slaw, cheese soup, pretzels and strudel will be available. The event will also feature Oktoberfest game favorites

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like Brat Shot, Mug Holding Contest, Beer Stein Race and more. Kids may jump in the bounce house, join the Kids Kazoo Parade or enter the coloring contest. Come in your best Lederhosen, Dirndl or other traditional German attire and bring your best bier stein to enter the contests. Go to nampaciviccenter.com for more information or tickets.

Okaidja at Caldwell Fine Arts Caldwell Fine Arts’ 2018-2019 season will feature a performance by Okaidja beginning at 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 29, in Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus. Okaidja was born into a family of musicians and storytellers in a village on the west coast of Ghana. His musical journey unites the past of his native homeland with modern landscapes, and the result is a “spicy fusion” of spirited cross-cultural influences.

Okaidja and his musical ensemble play drums and guitar, as well as sing and dance. For tickets or more information, go to caldwellfinearts.org.

National Public Lands Day On September 29, celebrate National Public Lands Day with a 9 a.m. hike to Table Rock.

Interested people should meet at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise, at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and donuts prior to the hike. The event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, call Eliza at 208-368-9876 or visit www.idahomuseum.org.

NAMI Treasure Valley Walk More than 100,000 Treasure Valley residents live with a mental illness, which also affects their friends and families; and yet, Idaho ranks 49th among U.S. states in per capita spending on mental health. Significant help is limited. The Treasure Valley Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is holding a NAMI Treasure Valley Walk from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 29, in the Ann Morrison Park area to raise money to launch and promote family and peer support groups and classes. Visit tvnami.org or call 208801-1609 for details on participating in the walk and helping raise funds for this much-needed cause.

Children’s Museum of Idaho The Children’s Museum of Idaho is preparing to open on November 1. The museum will be located at 790 S. Progress Ave. in Meridian and will be a place where children ages 2-8 may learn through play and exploration through environments and experiences designed just for them. Exhibits will include a Dinosaur Pit, Sailing Ship, Veterninary Clinic, and more. Go to www.cmidaho.org for membership or other information.

Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 15

Special Needs Guide 2018 SPECIFIC CHALLENGES Autism Spectrum Disorders Autism Society Treasure Valley Chapter 336-5676 asatvc.org

Idaho Speech, Language, Hearing Association, Inc. idahosha.org

Diabetes

Idaho Aspergers Support Groups parentingaspergerscommunity.com

American Diabetes Association diabetes.org

Idaho Autism idahoautism.com

HODIA – Idaho Diabetes Youth Programs 891-1023, ext. 0 hodia.org

Idaho Autism Consultation (802) 233-6582 https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource/ idaho-autism-consultation National Autism Association (877) 622-2884 nationalautismassociation.org

Blindness/Visual Impairment Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) 334-3220 or (800) 542-8688 icbvi.state.id.us Idaho State Talking Book Library 334-2150 libraries.idaho.gov/landing/talkingbook-service National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (800) 562-6265 napvi.org

Deafness/Hearing Impairment American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) asha.org Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 473-2122 cdhh.idaho.gov Idaho Hands & Voices 869-9363 idhandsandvoices.org Idaho Sound Beginnings 334-0829 healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/ Children/.../IdahoSoundBeginnings/ tabid/.../Default.aspx

St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Center Boise, 331-1155 Meridian, 884-4220 Nampa, 463-7364 stlukesonline.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline, (800) 950-NAMI or Boise Chapter, 376-4304 nami.org or namiboise.org

Multiple Sclerosis Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society 388-4253 nationalmssociety.org

Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Association of Idaho 327-0107 mda.org/office/idaho

Down Syndrome

Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital idahoelksrehab.org

National Down Syndrome Society (800) 221-4602 ndss.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) (800) 572-1717 mda.org

Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association (TVDSA) 954-7448 idahodownsyndrome.org

Serious Illness

Dyslexia Coopalo Learning Center 484-3816 CoopaloLearningCenter.com

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Idaho 345-WISH (9474) idaho.wish.org

Spina Bifida

Epilepsy

Spina Bifida Association of America (SBA) (202) 944-3285 spinabifidaassociation.org

Epilepsy Foundation of America (800) 332-1000 epilepsyfoundation.org

St. Luke’s Children’s Specialty Center 381-7000 stlukesonline.org

Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho 344-4340 epilepsyidaho.org

SURVIVING MULTIPLE NEEDS

Mental Health

Community Transportation Association of Idaho 344-2354 ctai.org

Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health 433-8845 idahofederation.org Children’s Mental Health, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare 334-0808 healthandwelfare.idaho.gov

16 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Adaptive Services

Treasure Valley Transit 463-9111 treasurevalleytransit.com

Advocacy & Legal Services The Arc, Inc. 343-5583 thearcinc.org

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Special Needs Guide 2018 Brain Injury Alliance of Idaho (BIAID) 367-2747, Helpline: (800) 444-6443 biaid.org Disability Rights Idaho 336-5353 disabilityrightsidaho.org Idaho Parents Unlimited, Inc. (IPUL) 342-5884 or (800) 242-IPUL (4785) ipulidaho.org Idaho’s Infant Toddler Program 334-0900 or 2-1-1 (Idaho CareLine) infanttoddler.idaho.gov/

EDUCATION Advanced Therapy Care 898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com Chatter Box Speech & Language Center Boise and Nampa boisechatterbox.com 898-1368 or 466-1077

Children’s Therapy & Learning Center 957-6301 childrenstlc.com

Development (CDHD) 885-6000 (University of Idaho in Moscow) idahocdhd.org

Brain Balance Achievement Centers 377-3559 BrainBalanceCenters.com

Gem State Developmental Center 888-5566 gsdcdda.com

Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB) (208) 934-4457 (Gooding, ID) iesdb.org (Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind)

Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities 334-2178 icdd.idaho.gov

Idaho State Department of Education 332-6800 sde.idaho.gov LearningRX Center-Boise West 258-2077 learningrx.com/boise-west

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES Center on Disabilities and Human

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Boise: Children’s Disability Services, 334-6900 Developmental Disabilities/Infant Toddler, 334-0900 Mental Health Services, 334-0808 Caldwell/Nampa: Developmental Disabilities Program/ Infant Toddler, 465-8460 Mental Health Services/Adult & Children, 459-0092 healthandwelfare.idaho.gov

Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy is dedicated to providing a tailored approach to therapy for every child. We are a family focused, multi-disciplinary, evidence based practice specializing in comprehensive physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Pediatric Orthopedic Rehab Aquatic Therapy PHYSICAL

Social Groups Baby Bootcamp Two sensory-motor gyms

OCCUPATIONAL

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CURRENT OPENINGS Visit KPTidaho.com to learn more. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 17

Special Needs Guide 2018 Idaho Help www.idahocdhd.org/idhelp/privacy.aspx Idaho Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, Inc. 338-5466 idaholions.org Idaho Project for Children and Youth with Deaf-Blindness 364-4012 www.afb.org (American Foundation for the Blind)

Boise, ID 83701 208-391-3594 contact@recreationunlimited.org

Community Partnerships of Idaho, Inc. 376-4999 (Main Office) mycpid.com

Treasure Valley YMCA Caldwell Family YMCA, 454-9622 Downtown Family YMCA, 344-5501 Homecourt Y, 855-5711 West Family YMCA, 377-9622 ymcatvidaho.org

Kaleidoscope Pediatric Therapy 375-4200 kaleidoscopepediatrictherapy.com

SUPPORT

2-1-1 Idaho CareLine (800) 926-2588 idahocareline.org

Idaho Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (or Aim EarlyIdaho) aimearlyidaho.org

Pediatric Rehabilitation at St. Luke’s Children 489-5880 stlukesonline.org

Idaho Parents Unlimited 342-5884 ipulidaho.org

Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation Services (STARS) 367-STAR (7827) starspt.org

RECREATION & FITNESS Adventure Island Playground Meridian’s Settlers Park adventureislandplayground.org

ADAPTIVE RECREATION SERVICES AdVenture Program, Boise Parks & Recreation 608-7680 parks.cityofboise.org Idaho Cheer & Dance, Wings Center 376-3641, ext. 210 wingscenter.com Special Olympics Idaho 323-0482 idso.org Recreation Unlimited (RU) Bogus Basin’s Adaptive Snow Sport School P.O. Box 447

Easter Seals 322.9675 easterseals.com UnBefuddled LLC 466-3900 unbefuddled.com

THERAPY & TREATMENT SERVICES Brain Balance Achievement Centers 377-3559 BrainBalanceCenters.com/locations/ eagle Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center – Boise / Nampa 898-1368 or 466-1077 boisechatterbox.com Children’s Therapy Place Locations in Boise, Nampa, Emmett 323-8888 childrenstherapyplace.com Community Connections, Inc. Boise, 377-9814 Nampa, 475-4236

18 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

Mini Joys, Inc. 830-3227 minijoys.org Ride for Joy Therapeutic Riding Program 365-0671 (Emmett) rideforjoy.org VSA Arts of Idaho (Very Special Arts) 342-5884 ipulidaho.org Warm Springs Counseling Center (WSCC) East Copper Point Drive – 855-0407 South Millennium Way – 343-7797 childrenshomesociety.com

HEALTH CARE Advanced Therapy Care 898-0988 advancedtherapycare.com Living Independently Forever, Inc. 888-0076 lifeincidaho.com Safe Kids Treasure Valley & Safe Kids Worldwide https://www.safekids.org/coalition/safekids-treasure-valley Strickland Ear Clinic 375-4327 stricklandear.com Tomorrow’s Hope Boise, 319-0760 Meridian, 888-4923 tomorrowshopeinc.org St. Luke’s-Elks Rehab 336-0312 stlukesonline.org

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SIMPLE BACKYARD hacks

Pesky squirrels and other challenges

By Daniel Bobinski

I

f you’re like me, you’re busy. And Adding that much ammonia and nitrogen being busy, finding time to tend to the to small sections of grass makes for unhappy yard can be difficult. Over the years, grass. Supplements designed to eliminate I’ve spent a lot of time playing head this problem have provided mixed results. games with squirrels (keeping them out of As recommended, I was soaking the spots my bird feeders), fixing yellow spots in the thoroughly with water, and sometimes even yard (courtesy of furry family members), and reseeded. begging grass to grow (where it just doesn’t I’m guessing some experts might have want to). differing opinions, but I stumbled on a way In the spirit of being a good neighbor, I’m to counter-balance all that ammonia and sharing some solutions I’ve found for these nitrogen: Baking soda! Feeling more like a time-consuming problems. scientist than a backyard gardener, I mix Let’s start with the arboreal rodents. Frankly, Daniel Bobinski a couple tablespoons of good ol’ Arm n’ I like squirrels. They’re fun to watch, especially Hammer in a gallon of water and pour it when they chase each other around the yard, or when the over the yellow spots. The grass doesn’t return to being young’uns gingerly make their way from the nest to explore green instantly, but at least the ammonia and concentrated the world. However, for years these ubiquitous rodents nitrogen stops burning the roots of the grass, and it does wreaked havoc with my bird feeders and even chewed on my come back sooner. house. I tried just about everything to deter them, but if you Lastly, let’s talk about throwing in the towel and giving up know squirrels, they’re not easily deterred. on areas of the lawn that just don’t want to grow. Some say Then, through observation, I developed a philosophy that it’s a defeatist attitude (especially those lawn care experts I when it comes to food, squirrels are like water: They take the was talking about), but I look at it as rolling with what nature path of least resistance. Capitalizing on that realization, I deals me plus making life easier, all at the same time. mounted several easy-access squirrel feeders in my yard, and Specifically, what I’ve found is that as trees grow and that did the trick. So long as those easy-to-reach feeders have certain areas of the yard don’t get as much sun anymore food in them, the squirrels stay out of the bird feeders. And (sometimes none at all), the grass just struggles. Rather than they no longer chew on my house. coaxing and begging that grass to be thick again, I simply It’s kind of like, “If you can’t beat em, join em,” but it chose different landscaping alternatives. For example, after works. one tree got so big that no part of the grass under it got any That said, if you do this, learn a lesson from me and use sun, I took out the grass and laid down some decorative cracked corn. I used to feed them sunflower seeds, but not pavers. Sure, that involved some time and a couple of dollars only was it costly, it was also messy. Plus the squirrels got up front, but I testify most assuredly that I have not needed fat. After a bit of research, I discovered that for squirrels, to reseed, water, nor mow that area in years. sunflower seeds are the equivalent of Twinkies. A much I threw in the towel in another area, too (under a large pine cheaper — and healthier — option was to buy 40-pound tree), and decided to grow a raspberry patch. The berries like bags of cracked corn. The local feed shops and even some the acidic soil, and I save time because I don’t have to mow department stores carry these, and they’re under $10. there anymore. Bonus: I also get fresh, organic raspberries Using this method, the squirrels stay out of my bird feeders each spring! and I don’t have to clean up sunflower shells. Also, the Bottom line: You can win these battles. If you find any of squirrels aren’t getting fat, and that inexpensive 40-pound these tips helpful, pass them along to others. There are more bag of cracked corn lasts a long time. enjoyable things in life than fighting squirrels, By the way, I recommend the cracked corn, not the whole dealing with dog spots, and begging grass to corn. I tried the latter, but the finicky squirrels were grow. taking one bite of whole corn kernels and then Daniel Bobinski, M.Ed. teaches teams and throwing the rest on the ground. The nerve! individuals how to use Emotional Intelligence, and On to the yellow spots courtesy of my furry he blogs regularly on that topic at www.eqfactor.net. family members. Having three dogs (the legal He’s also a homeschooling dad, a best-selling author, and limit in the city of Boise) is three times the fun a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. Reach him of one dog, but also three times the yardwork. at daniel@eqfactor.net or (208) 375-7606.

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 19

IRENE’S insights

Is it time to downsize your home?

By Irene Archuleta Woodworth

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here are many cycles and seasons in our lives, and one of the most common is “empty nesters,” retirees or soon-to-be retirees who are looking at the idea of “downsizing” their homes and simplifying their futures. Since many of the millennials are becoming minimalists, they’re wanting less stuff than their parents accumulated.

The large home with the large yard and all of the maintenance that goes with it all is getting harder for people to maintain.

I have recently been getting calls from clients who need help in this downsizing process. Some need more help than others.

Here are some tips to help you.

Irene Archuleta Woodworth

Tips on downsizing your home 1. Assess your needs and your future.

Evaluate your overall health and what

you are able and desire to do with your home.

2. Give yourself some time to go through your home and either donate or sell the items you no longer need or like. This is also a great time to have your kids come and look to see if there are items you will no longer be using that they would like in their own places. A good place to start is in your hall closet and go room by room.

3. Contact a redesign downsizing specialist for an initial consultation. He or she will advise you on what will need to be done to get your home ready to sell.

4. Depending on your needs, you may need to hire someone to assist you. Some clients who are not in a hurry prefer to have an estate sale to get the process going. No matter what you decide, make sure that you have a good working

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“Inch by inch life’s a cinch, but by the yard it is very hard!” “chemistry” relationship if you hire someone for this process.

5. Check out your various options in a smaller home or condo in your desired location. Depending on your health and energy level, transitioning from a two-story to a onestory is a popular choice.

Consider some of these questions

1. How much space will you require for your daily living?

2. Will you be entertaining many or few? Perhaps your family is out of state and you now only entertain a small group of friends.

3. Will your furniture fit in your newer space?

4. How much time will you be needing to make this transition from start to finish? If you are working and can only do some of your purging in the evenings and weekends, that is a good start.

5. Keep your big picture in mind. It is easy to get overwhelmed with this task.

Remember that “Inch by inch life’s a cinch, but by the yard it is very hard!”

CASE STUDY

all the work that it required. They found a condo that matched their needs, and they needed to move sooner than later.

We had a downsizing consultation first to determine what would be needed to get their home ready and staged for their upcoming sale. The biggest challenge our client had was to determine the items needed to have available for our upcoming redesign staging process. The rest of the items were going to be either given away, sold or packed away for the move. After the painters painted the home in a neutral color, we were ready to do the redesign staging. I knew that we would not have to purchase too many items since the wife had a large collection of décor that was still usable. Once we staged the home it sold in three days!

After the couple moved, we received the call to come and make their new home look and feel right with their furniture and décor. It was somewhat of a shock after they moved to their new place, and it still did not feel like their home. Our redesign service is one of my favorite things we are gifted in providing to our clients. After a couple days, our clients told us we worked our magic. I knew that we would be able to redesign their home with all of their unique pieces of furniture, art and décor. We redesigned it to make it feel and look like their home.

I thought it would be good to share an experience we had with one of our repeat and favorite clients. We had an empty nester couple that will be retiring soon. All their children were living out of state. They decided to take the leap and downsize their home and simplify their future. They realized they no longer needed the large home with the large yard and

Irene Archuleta Woodworth is known as “Idaho’s Color Lady” and is founder and CEO of Redesign Boise (“Changing Rooms...Changing Lives”). She is a national redesign award winner, motivational speaker, certified redesigner and color consultant, and instructor on redesign and color. She has a degree in education and interior design and has taught various decorating and color classes throughout the country. For more information, visit RedesignBoise.com.

Before

After

Downsizing to a more minimalist, simpler style in your home allows you to live a simpler, more minimalist life.

These photos show a room that has been modified for simplicity. (Photos provided by Irene Archuleta Woodworth)

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 21

CLUTTER-FREE living

Getting organized step-by-step

By Mary Ann Wilcox

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ast month we discussed the Purpose – What do you want the room principles of organization and why to do or be? Is it a place to sleep, study, eat, it is important to have a home that ponder, read, play, gather, or entertain? is clutter-free. This month we will Every room should have one major purpose, discuss how to approach organizing your although it can have many functions entire home — one step at a time.

Function – How do you want the room to There are two levels of organization: work? A room should have only one function macro and micro. Macro is the first step at a time. If a room needs to fulfill a number in decluttering a room. It involves clearing of purposes, then set up activity centers that the room so that it is free of clutter. Micro are either hidden from site or attractively is the last step. It involves organizing and displayed. Then a particular activity center compartmentalizing drawers, closets and can be accessed as needed. cupboards (finding a place for everything).

Atmosphere – Why have you chosen a Mary Ann Wilcox If your whole house needs an overhaul, then room for a specific purpose and function? Rules start with the smallest (powder room) room or the room with and decorating will determine the feeling in a room (inviting, the least amount of clutter and work through each room, one comfy, formal, serene, exciting). at a time as time permits. If you have a specific room that The more decisions you make ahead of time regarding the needs attention and you need motivation to tackle it, consider room, the less time and effort it will take to get it organized. these scenarios to motivate you: • When you redecorate a room. This is a very Where to start? motivating time. It’s fun to achieve a new look and have When organizing a room, get four large boxes and label everything clean when you finish. You will find yourself them as follows: goes elsewhere, sort, donation, garbage. stopping each time you pass to admire your handywork.

Then follow these steps as you go: • When a room changes purposes. A child leaves home Put away: Clear the room of all clutter and put away and you make their bedroom into a craft, workout or everything that has a place IN its place. For instance, put sewing room, etc. things that go in the closet, in the closet; things that go in • When you deep clean a room. It’s not very rewarding drawers, in drawers, etc. If you know where they go, put to spend a lot of time cleaning and then have everything them there; if not, get them out of sight by using the large look as it did before you started. Organizing as you clean boxes. makes a real visual difference in the finished product.

Put elsewhere: Take everything that will not belong in the • When you remodel. Remodeling usually requires room when it is finished and put it in the room where it will emptying a room and storing it somewhere else until go, or in the “elsewhere” box to be distributed later. the job is completed. By boxing up the contents in an Sort: Anything that does not have a designated place or organized fashion — like things together — it will be easy that cannot be immediately identified should be put in the to find things in the meantime and even easier to restock “sorting” box in the closet and sorted later when there is the room. time.

• When you move. This is a great time to get rid of “stuff,” Donate: Anything that is no longer in use goes in the group items for easy packing and reconfigure rooms for a “donation” box. new environment.

Garbage: Anything that is no longer of use to anyone, goes • When you change functions. Move an activity from one in the “garbage” box to be discarded. room to another.

It is important at this stage of the game to concentrate on

Purpose, function, atmosphere

Before you launch into a room, you need to decide what purpose, function and atmosphere you want that room to have. Here’s some help:

22 SEPTEMBER 2018 | Idaho Family Magazine

giving things a home. Don’t get sidetracked with organizing cupboards, closets and drawers. This will be addressed in the “micro-organizing” part of this series.

For a personal consultation, call Mary Ann Wilcox at 208-376-9773.

For detailed systems, tools and ideas for organizing your home, purchase the Clutter Free Living book at www.MaryAnnsCupboards.com.

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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

The following information is provided by Wednesday's Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.

Adrian tackles life with sense of wonder

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ovable and endearing are the first impressions you will have about Adrian, age 8, after spending just a short amount of time with this sweet, funny boy. Watching Adrian’s joyful excitement over even the smallest things in life and simply being in the presence of his contagious smiles and laughter will brighten anyone’s day.

Adrian loves the outdoors and going on long walks around the neighborhood and is a curious boy who loves to figure out how everything around him works. Some of Adrian’s favorite things include watching Disney movies, playing in the water, and playing with Legos, trains and cars. Adrian is making great progress with his speech, as well as with learning to communicate through sign language. Even though he cannot always easily communicate his needs, Adrian continues to tackle life with a great disposition, wonder and enthusiasm.

Adrian thrives in settings that are calm, structured and predictable to him, and he needs help from his caregivers to stay safe within his environment. He puts trust in his caregivers and loves to reward them for their commitment

to him with unending smiles, hugs and soft face touches. Adrian’s permanency team is searching for either a single- or two-parent adoptive family that possesses the time and energy to be dedicated and devoted to caring for and loving Adrian unconditionally and to supporting opportunities for him to continue to grow, thrive and build new skills toward becoming all he is capable of being.

Adrian’s team would ideally love to find an adoptive family for him in the Ada or Canyon county areas of southern Idaho in order for him maintain connections with several important people in his life; however, they are open to inquiries outside of the area as well in an effort to find the perfect fit for Adrian.

If you believe that you have what Adrian needs and deserves in his Forever Family, inquire today to learn more about this one-of-a-kind boy.

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions.

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Idaho Family Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2018 23

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Family Space.

Home Loans.

Whether building, buying, or moving up, ICCU has the home loan to fit your needs: • Fast approvals • No-fee and low-cost loan options • IHFA, FHA, VA and Rural Housing Loans • Construction Loans available Apply online, or stop by your local branch.

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