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Cincinnati M AY 2 0 1 4 // F R E E

M AK ING MOMS M AT T ER A R E YOU L A S T ON THE LIST? A SE A SONA L BUCK E T L IST

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BUILDING

BLOCKS

O F E A R LY LEARNING W E IGHI NG PR E SCHOOL OP T IONS

2014

CAMP GUIDE

IN E VE RY I SS UE

contents

// MAY 2014

C I N C I N N AT I P A R E N T. C O M

C O M M E N TA R Y & PA R E N T I N G 15

FOOTNOTES: THOUGHTS FROM THE MARGINS OF A MOM’S LIFE The duck farm

28

NEARBY TO TRY Dance classes

30

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A STAY-AT-HOME DAD

Running errands with kids in tow

40

ASK THE TEACHER

High ability testing, extended school days and friendship triangles

C H I L D R E N ’ S H E A LT H 42

IN EVERY ISSUE

F E AT U R E S

13

SOAK UP THE SUMMER

16

BUILDING BLOCKS OF EARLY LEARNING

21

STRESSED OUT KIDS

24

MAKING MOMS MATTER

32

A seasonal bucket list of things to do!

06

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

08

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

10

ONLINE BUZZ

The educational philosophies of different preschool approaches

Helping your child deal with life’s demands

RESOURCES & CALENDARS 35

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Women who place their own health as a priority have family’s interest at heart

43

DAILY EVENTS

50

ONGOING EVENTS

WORKING THROUGH HOMESICKNESS AT CAMP

51

FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

Being away from home builds self-esteem and independence

04

ADHD To medicate or not to medicate?

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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PUB L I S H E R ' S NOT E

MEET THE STAFF PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox • mary@cincinnatiparent.com E D I TO R Susan Bryant • susan@cincinnatiparent.com M A R K ET I N G / / C R E AT I V E DIRECTOR Katie Clark • katie@cincinnatiparent.com A DV E RT I S I N G / / S A LE S DIRECTOR // EV E N T S CO O R D I NATOR Jennifer Baum • jennifer@cincinnatiparent.com ACCO UN T E X E C UTIVE Katy Mark • katy@cincinnatiparent.com

WELCOME TO

M

ay is the month for moms – to celebrate all the wonderful ways our mothers impact our lives. Whether you’re an old pro as a parent or just embarking on this whirlwind ride, we hope this Mother’s Day you’re appreciated for all this demanding job entails.

Speaking of motherhood, there’s a common fallacy that the best moms always put themselves last on their list of priorities. Somehow, taking care of oneself seems like a selfish wish rather than a necessary commitment to our health and well-being. If this sounds like a familiar pattern for you, check out our article Making Moms Matter.

Also in this issue, we take a look at preschool programs. For those of you with little ones at home, choosing the right setting can seem like a daunting task. Many programs are guided by specific philosophies that direct how your child will spend his day. Building Blocks of Early Learning can help you understand these various approaches to evaluate which schools are good matches for your family.

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CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

MAY! Is childhood today more stressful than in years past? With taxing academic loads, changing social pressures and busy extra-curricular schedules, kids today have a lot on their plate. If daily life seems to be getting the best of your child, try reading Stressed Out Kids for suggestions on ways to help them cope.

Finally the beginning of May marks the start of warm weather activities – and we have a bucket list of things you’ll want to try. Soak Up the Summer gives your family a good jumping off point to take advantage of all the local fun waiting for you just around the corner!

We hope you enjoy our May issue! We’re sending a special “shout out” to all our mom readers – thanks for picking up Cincinnati Parent and Happy Mother’s Day!

ACCO UN T E X E C UTIVE Melissa Wittenbaum • melissa@cincinnatiparent.com A DV E RT I S I N G CO O R DINATOR Karen Ring • karen@cincinnatiparent.com W E B E D I TO R Wendy Cox • wendy@cincinnatiparent.com GR A P H I C S A S S I S TANT Maria Tancredi • maria@cincinnatiparent.com E D I TO R I A L A S S I S TANT Wendy Schrepferman • s.wendy@cincinnatiparent.com B U S I N E S S M A N AGE R / / ACCOUNTING Roxanne Burns • roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com CO N T R I B U T I N G W RITERS Sarah McCosham, Michelle Shirk, Julie Costakis, Jennifer Garcia, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, David Katkin C A LE N DA R O F EVENTS calendar@cincinnatiparent.com CO N TAC T U S 9435 Waterstone Blvd., Ste. 140 Cincinnati, OH 45249 P: (513) 444-2015 • F: (513) 444-2099 CO P Y R I GH T Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2014 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein.

For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.cincinnatiparent.com.

CINCINNATI PARENT...

A GOLD STAR PUBLICATION! Every year the Parenting Media Association (PMA), an organization dedicated to supporting quality parenting publications, recognizes its members for outstanding editorial and design contributions. At this year’s PMA Editorial and Design Awards competition, Cincinnati Parent magazine was honored to receive the following awards: CATEGORY: Personal Essay // Gold Award “Just like you... only different” by Taryn Skees describes one mother’s hope that her son’s new kindergarten class will accept his differences and embrace him for the special person he is.

CATEGORY: Front Cover // Bronze Award Our July cover of a little boy playing aviator won in the “original photo” category.

We’re so proud of our talented writers and photographers who bring such engaging content and visually appealing images to our magazine each month!

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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COMMUNITY

IN E VE RY I SS UE

spotlight.

GE M S, M INER AL S, FOSSIL S & MORE

GeoFair, Cincinnati’s largest annual gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show, returns to the Cincinnati Gardens with over 50 vendors! Since 1965, GeoFair has introduced thousands of families to the earth sciences including collecting minerals and fossils, making jewelry and studying geology. Experts at GeoFair will identify any fossil or mineral specimens and jewelry, and children under 12 years of age will receive free mineral and fossil specimens. Scouts in uniform are free & parking is free.

Saturday, May 3rd, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 4th, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cincinnati Gardens | www.geofair.com Tickets: $9 adults, $3 children, $12 two day pass

CINCI TAL I A F E ST I VAL RET UR NS St. Catharine of Siena presents CincItalia, the fifth annual Cincinnati Italian Festival! This exuberant event showcases Italian culture never before experienced at a Cincinnati festival. Drawing attendees from the entire tri-state area, CincItalia offers entertainment from national music acts, cooking demonstrations, activities for all ages and authentic cuisine prepared by Italian restaurants and Cincinnati’s Italian cultural societies.

Friday, May 16th, 6:00 p.m. – midnight: Adults 19 and over for “Carnevale” special event Saturday, May 17th, 3:00 p.m. – midnight Sunday, May 18th, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Harvest Home Park Fairgrounds, Cheviot | www.cincitalia.org

STORY QUILT E X HIBI T ION The National Underground Freedom Center’s popular exhibition of African American quilts has been extended until September 1, 2014. And Still We Rise: Race, Culture and Visual Conversations narrates 400 years of history through 85 story quilts creating a breathtaking visual experience that evokes a myriad of African American experiences and triumphs.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | www.freedomcenter.org Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tickets: $14 adults, $10 for children (three and under - free) 08

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

NA M I WALK TO PROMOT E ME N TAL HE ALT H AWARE NE SS The Community Walk for Mental Health at Sawyer Point is a free 5K walk sponsored by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMIWalks is a family and dog-friendly event to end the stigma of mental illness and raise funds to help children and adults who are affected by mental disorders such as depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and schizophrenia.

Saturday, May 10th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sawyer Point | FREE Register online at www.namiwalks.org/hamiltoncounty.com.

M A SCOT S A ND M INI- GOLF The Dragonfly Foundation provides families enduring cancer and bone marrow transplant treatments with comfort and joy in the form of special events, gifts and emotional support.

Dragonfly invites golf enthusiasts of all ages to attend the Mascot Madness Mini-Golf Fundraiser!

Join the lovable mascots Who-Dey, Rosie and Mr. Red, Big Boy, The Blue Blob, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and more for some spirited rounds of mini-golf, a longest drive contest and other games. Register today!

Saturday, May 17th, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

World of Golf, Florence, KY $10 per person (3 and up) | www.dragonfly.org

ONLINE

IN E VE RY I SS UE

buzz. // CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S

Tickets to Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo Makes Music

facebook & weekly e-newsletter contests

// FACEBOOK TALK WE ASKED:

Who’s your favorite T V mom and why?

Lazer Kraze Mission Passes

YOU SAID:

Franky from The Middle because it’s by far the most realistic! – Kelsey J. Clair Huxtable! – Jillian J. I have always liked Roseanne! Most realistic show that was on TV and she always used humor, even when times were rough. – Kathy F. Franky Heck from The Middle on ABC, because I see myself and family in 5 years every time I watch it. – Bobbi A. Amy from Good Luck Charlie! She is so funny!!! – Alejandra S. Kitty from That 70’s Show. – Brittany T. Debra from Everyone Loves Raymond because she was the only sane person in that family. – Jill N.

Tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo

Roseanne, a good portrayal of a mom who isn’t perfect all the time. – Liz Y. Elise Keaton from Family Ties. Successful career, politically active, and a great mom. – Sherri A. Peg Bundy! Her high heels and hair were the best! – Emily V. “LIKE” US ON

F A C E B O O K T O J O I N T H E C O N V E R S AT I O N

Over 11,700 fans and counting..

F I ND U S ON L I NE

FACEBOOK // cincinnatiparent.com TWITTER // @cincyparent 10

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

Sign up for your FREE Cincinnati Parent Weekly E-newsletter, featuring upcoming news, weekend events & exciting contests!

Go to CincinnatiParent.com today!

Tickets to the 2014 Butterfly Show at Krohn Conservatory

PHOTO BY: LISA HEZLEP

WWW.HEZLEPPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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SOAK UP THE SUMMER

A seasonal bucket list of things to do!

Sarah McCosham

w

hat’s not to love about summer? Longer days, loads of sunshine and an abundance of fun things to do! As the season approaches, here are some “must do” activities to include on the family calendar.

M A KE A S PLA S H Mix up your pool time fun with a visit to one of Cincinnati’s outdoor splash parks.

For starters, there’s The Beach Waterpark, a 35-acre tropical paradise in Mason.

Little ones will love the fountain area at Lil’ Kahunas Waterworks, while older kids will enjoy the vast variety of water slides. Parents can kick their feet up on a tube ride in the Kokomo Lazy River, which meanders through the entire park.

Another popular Cincinnati attraction is Soak City at Kings Island. With 50+ water activities, including slides, tropical lagoons and surf-able waves, there’s plenty for kids to do. Soak City is included with Kings Island park admission, so families can make a day out of these two parks.

Younger families will love the water play areas at Winton Woods Park and Sharon Woods Park. Both places feature fountains and ample play space for kids, and even pedal boats and canoeing.

Finally, families should venture down to the interactive water park at historic Washington Park. Kids will love running through one of the 130 pop-up jets and splashing on the water steps. Afterwards, head over to the playground, which features a play castle, climbing wall, sandbox, slides and musical instruments.

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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F E ST I VA LS , F E ST I VA LS , F E ST I VA LS Memorial Day marks the official kick-off of summer – and this holiday is synonymous with the Taste of Cincinnati. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this year’s Taste of Cincinnati takes place May 24-26 and features food from over 40 restaurants, including local favorites such as LaRosa’s and Graeter’s.

For a classic “festival” experience, complete with funnel cake and Ferris wheels, check out the calendar at http://ohiofestivals.net/ schedule/. On any given summer weekend, there’s sure to be a festival happening somewhere. Local favorites include the St. Gertrude Parish Festival in Madeira June 6-8 and the St. William Festival in Price Hill August 15-17.

H AV E A N A DV E NTU R E While big summer vacations are certainly fun, sometimes they aren’t feasible for families.

Here’s where the day-trip comes in. “Daytrips are a great way for families to create shared memories together,” says Laura Hoevener, co-author of Adventures Around Cincinnati.

Hoevener loves the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington. “It’s an excellent place to take a wide range of ages. The museum covers the history of Northern Kentucky and is very kid-friendly. Our favorite feature is the replica steamboat on the third floor. The floor is painted to resemble the river and kids can fish off the boat.”

Hoevener also loves Findlay Market in Over-theRhine. “It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and has been in operation since 1855.

It’s fun to send the kids on a mission to find the largest fish, the most exotic spice or the most colorful vegetable – and there are lots of restaurant choices and interesting vendors there.”

As you’re planning activities this summer, be sure to include a few things off this bucket list.

Cincinnati has so much to offer, there is no shortage of fun close to home!

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COMMENTA RY & PA R E NT I NG

footnotes.

THOUGHTS FROM THE MARGINS OF A MOM'S LIFE // the Duck Farm Kelly Blewett

Some parents are worried what will happen when their child discovers there is no Santa.

Forget Santa. I’m worried what my son William will say when he finds out another truth: there is no duck farm that magically flies rubber ducks into his grandparent’s closet. Let me explain.

My mother thought it would be fun to hide a little treat for William when he comes to visit. Actually her mother used to do the same thing for me with silver dollar coins, which I would scramble around hunting for when I was a very small child. I understand where my mom’s coming from, and I remember how excited I used to be as a little girl. So I get it. But my mom doesn’t hide dollar coins; she hides little rubber ducks. The kind one can order for under a quarter at Oriental Trading Company.

We now have a lot of these rubber ducks – they seem to multiply.

William quickly got into this game, but (unlike me when I was a little girl hunting for coins) he soon wanted to know where the ducks were coming from. “From the duck farm!” we said, not really thinking about it.

Then, one day while driving home from my parents, William eyed a painted barn next to an elementary school. He exclaimed, “There’s the duck farm! That’s where they come from!” Once I finally figured out what he was talking about, I smothered my laughter and didn’t correct him. It’s been several months now.

I can only imagine how disappointed he’ll be when he realizes the barn is not the home of hundreds of rubber ducks waiting to wing their way to my mother’s closet. No, that “duck farm” is instead a storage space for sports equipment that belongs to the school. But for now, for at least a little while longer, I wave with my son as we pass “The Duck Farm.” And just smile as our duck collection keeps growing.

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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BUILDING B LOCKS OF E A R LY L E A R N I NG THE EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES OF DIFFERENT PRESCHOOL APPROACHES Jennifer Garcia

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i

it’s a big milestone – sending your little one off to preschool. Those first years of school are vital to forming a child’s life-long relationship with learning. Every parent wants to make the best school or daycare decision for their child, and it can be helpful to understand the many educational philosophies and methods schools use.

In recent years, many states have made a push toward regulating early childhood education programs to make certain children are prepared for kindergarten. The Ohio Department of Education and Job and Family Services created Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) to rate and recognize preschool and child care programs for demonstrating and maintaining high standards. This ensures children receive a quality learning and development environment, says Stephanie K. Siddens, Ph.D., director of the Office of Early Learning and School Readiness for the Ohio Department of Education.

SUTQ builds on Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards, and schools that receive public funding for early childhood education are required to participate. “This ensures they are addressing all of the elements that research shows make a difference in the quality of an early childhood setting,” says Siddens.

While state regulations require that programs meet health and safety requirements, and provide quality experiences for young children, preschool and daycare programs still have flexibility to choose curriculum and lesson plans they believe are best for their students.

Overwhelmingly, educators agree that children learn best through play and exploration of the world around them.

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“Kids are little sponges,” says Cheryl L. Broadnax, director of the Early Childhood Department for Cincinnati Public Schools. “These are experiences that can’t be replicated at home. They’re learning how to sit in a circle and listen to their teacher, how to raise their hand and wait to be called on, how to follow directions. They’re learning how to be students.”

“Children learn through child-initiated play and hands-on exploration of their environment,” says Tisha Luthy, director of the Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) Preschool. “Children are learning the cognitive and social skills necessary to develop academically through investigative learning.”

Siddens agrees, saying, “When children play, they demonstrate knowledge of the world as they see it.

It is up to the adults around them to create opportunities and experiences that encourage the healthy development children need to flourish.

Research has shown that high-quality preschool experiences support children’s growth and development.”

Many of the most well-known early childhood education philosophies acknowledge that children learn best by doing. This is called Experiential Learning, and lessons under this methodology are structured so students don’t passively receive information from a teacher, but actively participate in the work. This is often used in conjunction with a Reggio Emilia and Montessori curriculum.

These approaches are based on the “constructivist theory,” which allows children to learn through exploration of their environment, as opposed to direct instruction by a teacher.

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Says Siddens: “By making real-life connections to the learning activities that are taking place in preschool, we can foster an interest for learning and show children the importance of learning new things.”

WHEN CHILDREN PLAY, THEY DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORLD AS THEY SEE IT. IT’S UP TO THE ADULTS AROUND THEM TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES THAT ENCOURAGE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT.

Executive Function, another philosophy, deals with the concepts of self-discipline, self-control, perseverance and problem solving. At the CNC Preschool, this means that teachers allow children a level of autonomy in order to master skills and motivate themselves to focus on purposeful activities. “Teachers are observant, flexible and creative facilitators and mentors who model an ethic of respect and love for all life,” says Luthy.

CNC Preschool and Cincinnati Public Schools preschools, both of which follow the Ohio Early Learning Standards, assert that early education is a vital component in developing a child into a healthy, bright and vibrant adult.

The preschool experience can be a wonderful first learning environment for your child. By learning about the foundation and philosophy of the various schools available, you can choose the best option that aligns with your own priorities for your child and your family.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Parents can learn more online about how to find the best preschool or daycare program for their child, as well as determine whether their child is ready for kindergarten.

Step Up to Quality offers an optional star-rating system that both public and private preschools may apply for. One star indicates a basic level of quality while five stars is the highest level of quality and therefore the hardest to attain. Parents can search for star-rated programs online at http://www.odjfs. state.oh.us/cdc/query.asp.

Success by 6™ is a national United Way strategy in more than 350 cities across the country, including Greater Cincinnati, focused on improving school readiness through local community change. You can visit their website to learn more about how to help your child prepare for kindergarten and find a “Ready-For-School Checklist.”

Visit http://sb6uwgc.org.

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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STRESSED OUT KIDS

>> Helping your child deal with life’s demands

Michelle Shirk

Our ideal image of childhood is one filled with bicycle rides, baseball games and sleepovers – not worry, stress and overcommitment.

Unfortunately, today’s kids are often anxious about many aspects of their daily lives. As a parent, you can help your child live happier and healthier by understanding common childhood stressors and taking steps to address them.

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WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? “Kids have so many activities, I think they’re a bit overextended,” says Dr. Charles Collins of the Department of Psychiatry at UC Health. He believes the current cultural expectation of having kids involved in many different activities – from sports teams to academic bees to music lessons – sacrifices their time for play and personal development. School is another major childhood stressor, in terms of both the pace of academics and student interactions.

“I think a certain amount of stress is healthy for us all,” says Dr. Collins.

However, he notes that children facing excessive amounts of stress often become anxious, irritable, restless and have difficulties sleeping. In older kids, stress can lead to anxiety, depression and even thoughts of self-harm. Stress can also have physical manifestations, with previously healthy children suddenly resisting school due to headaches, stomachaches or other ailments.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? Dr. Collins recommends making time for family and fun. Parents should consider the number of activities their children are involved in, as well as their own stress levels, and determine what could be changed to make lives better for everyone in the family.

When it comes to self-care, Dr. Collins ranks sleep as the top priority. He believes today’s kids often get less sleep than they need due to late night cell phone and computer usage.

“When someone’s sleep pattern is off, it really changes their whole demeanor,” he says.

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The American Psychological Association (www.apa.org) advocates the use of physical activities such as yoga, hiking, walking or swimming to manage stress. In the group’s 2013 Stress in America survey, teens ages 13-17 who exercised at least once a week reported lower average stress levels over the past month than those who exercised less frequently.

Finally, keeping an open line of communication is key. “Kids actually will tell you what’s going on,” says Dr. Collins. “You just have to create an environment in which they feel they can talk.” He recommends setting aside regular “talk time” where a child can speak to a parent without consequences. A therapist may also be able to help with this process.

WHAT OTHER RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE? For parents wishing to learn more about helping kids manage stress, there are a number of excellent resources online. Dr. Collins highly recommends the resources from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, available at www.aacap.org.

Dr. Collins encourages parents to seek professional intervention if a child exhibits a radical change in behavior towards family, refuses to do school tasks, loses friendships or totally shuts down and declines participation in activities. Children mentioning they have thoughts of hurting themselves is obviously a major red flag as well. Dr. Collins suggests speaking first with your pediatrician or family doctor, who can rule out medical issues and also recommend a therapist or psychiatrist. Health care plans also have lists of favored professionals.

“The good thing is that kids are very resilient,” says Dr. Collins. “Kids can bounce back, but you do have to take the time to identify whatever stresses they’re under and remove them.”

Don’t stress about childhood stress, but do put these helpful strategies in place within your family dynamic and don’t hesitate to access professional help if necessary. Handling the many demands and pressures that daily life can deliver is a skill – one that kids can learn early and employ the rest of their lives.

Get Tested.

Get Help. www.KatkinTherapy.com www.KatkinCoaching.com 513.831.9408

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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Making Moms

M A T T E R Julie Costakis

Women who place their own health as a priority have family’s interest at heart

L

ynn considers spending quality time with her three children of utmost importance. Trips to museums, parks, libraries, play group and music lessons, as well as kid-centered activities at home fill each day she is not at the office. At nap time she attacks cleaning, laundry and dinner preparations. After tucking her children in bed at night, she handles emails, bills and volunteer commitments before addressing the workload she brought from the office.

Lynn leads a full life, but has no doubt that the pace she keeps is contributing to her health issues and a surprising sense of feeling unfulfilled.

Comedian Milton Berle once asked, “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” As busy women, it may seem there is never quite enough of us to meet the needs of family, career, volunteer commitments and household management.

Setting aside time for ourselves may seem hopeless or even selfish, yet it is essential for optimal physical and emotional health.

“Carefully choose how to spend your precious 24 hours each day,” advises Kenda Moss, Director of Eve Center, a women’s faith-based counseling organization in Cincinnati. “With every ‘yes’ you also are saying ‘no’ to something or someone else.

Learn to set boundaries, including how many activities you allow your children to do.” She recommends the book Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend as a valuable

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resource. “While productivity is great, don’t feel you always have to be doing something productive,” counsels Moss.

“Prioritize something fun just for you; something to fuel you. If you pour a little bit of time into yourself, you will actually be a better wife, mother and friend.”

Building friendships with others in your same stage of life is vital. “You aren’t alone in feeling exhausted and overwhelmed,” advises Moss. “It is normal to feel worn thin as a mother, and some days the best you can do is be okay with not being okay . . . and that’s okay!”

Women may find themselves struggling emotionally to the point that outside help is needed. This may be indicated by an inability to find joy or hope in life, difficulty making decisions or completing tasks, over/under eating and isolation. In this situation, talk with a doctor, pastor, counselor or contact an organization that exists to help women. “Learn how to deal with negative thoughts. When you fail or have a bad day, that doesn’t mean you are a failure,” says Moss. Author John Gottman, Ph.D. instructs countering every negative word or thought with five

positives. In the car, listen to positive radio stations and speakers. Read encouraging books and passages. “Flood your life with people that stir your affections for spiritual growth,” says Moss.

Taking time to address your physical health and fitness is also crucial. “Exercise at least three times a week in an activity that increases the heart rate, as women are at risk for heart disease as they get older,” says Sarah Flesch Sabin, M.D. with Seven Hills Women’s Health Centers in Cincinnati. “Nutrition is extremely important, especially limiting fats and cholesterol. Obesity is rampant in this country and leads to numerous health issues as time goes on.” Sabin stresses the importance of increasing water intake and limiting coffee, sodas and sports drinks. “Of course smoking is not good for your health,” reminds Sabin. “A minimal amount of alcoholic beverages is acceptable, such as red wine which offers positive health benefits if consumed in moderation.” As an OB/GYN, Dr. Sabin counsels patients to establish a relationship with a primary care physician for preventative annual screenings and

complete exam. “Your primary physician should be your source for trustworthy answers to your medical questions; don’t rely on Internet sites for anything more than basic information.”

Everyone agrees that family caregiving should be high on a mother’s list of priorities. Yet when her own needs are rarely addressed, physical and psychological wellbeing suffers. Optimal health begins by establishing regular times to nurture your physical, emotional and spiritual self.

And now is the perfect time to begin!

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congratulations to the CINCINNATI PARENT

mother’s day essay CONTEST WINNER! In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our readers to tell us about their amazing moms. Our question: “What’s the most important lesson you learned from your mother?” The responses we received showed just how much our moms teach us every day, but one answer in particular won us over.

Laura Perez wrote the following:

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The most important lesson I learned from my mother was to rise above. My mom lived a hard life, and left school at 14. She became a parent early in life, and didn’t always have the best skills or make the right choices in her mothering. But what she did have was perseverance, and she taught me that you are not your situation.

She taught me I had value and that I always would, no matter if we lived in a trailer with no heat or if we grocery shopped at the pantry one week. I had value, and my value was dependent on ME, not my possessions or appearance.

From her I took away that I may have tough times, I may make mistakes, but I am not my situation. That has carried me through my life’s ups and downs, and next month with my mom proudly watching I will smile at her as I accept my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati. I will try to make a difference in families by teaching them that they are not their situation, and we can all rise above.

Congratulations to Laura who will receive tickets to Holiday World & Splashin Safari. And thank you to all of our readers who sent in their wonderful stories!

COMME NTA RY & PA R E NT I NG // BRANDED CONTENT

NEARBY

TO TRY

// DANCE CLASSES

At the sound of music, even very young children are compelled to move to its rhythm. Ballet, hip-hop, tap, jazz – dance offers children a chance to express themselves in so many creative ways. Not only is it fun, dance provides cardiovascular exercise while developing coordination, flexibility and balance. And getting on stage in a recital or performance is a great way for kids to feel the thrill of showing off their skills in front of a live audience. Our area has a wealth of dance studios to suit any child’s interest – check out the following classes.

ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND DANCE, WEST CHESTER The Academy of Music and Dance in West Chester offers programs for all ages, from the youngest babies in the Music Pups program all the way up to the senior citizens, who recognize the benefits of participation in the arts. Dance classes include competitive and non-competitive ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Bollywood, and more. Music lessons are offered for most instruments and voice. Early childhood options include a variety of age specific dance and music classes. Week-long summer camps are offered throughout the summer. A risk-free introductory lesson is offered for all programs, so call today to check it out!

8374 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 829-2345 www.wcaomd.com

ALLEGRO DANCE ARTS AND APPAREL Dance Classes in Eastgate & Mt. Orab.

Allegro offers affordable, quality dance instruction for children and teens. Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical/Contemporary & Scottish Highland. Fitness classes for adults.

Allegro Apparel offers a wide variety of dance shoes and clothing.

502 Old State Route 74, Cincinnati, OH 45244 (513) 528-5578 www.allegrodancearts.webs.com

BALLET TECH OF OHIO Intensive/classes from ages 2 to adult, by a renowned faculty, including Cervilio Amador, Gema Diaz, Valery Lantratov and Sergei Pakharev (Russia), and Rebecca Rodriguez Hodor (Ballet Met). Focusing on individual attention and performance opportunities, such as Alice in Danceland & Le Corsaire pas de trois (Free admission on May 18th at 4:30 p.m.!)

7623 Old 3C Highway, Maineville, OH 45039 (513) 683-6860 ballettechohio.org

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B-FIT @ BI- OKOTO B-FIT @ Bi-Okoto promotes healthy lifestyles by motivating individuals ages 13-seniors to participate daily in fun culturally inspired dance fitness classes.

Try Zumba, Afro-Peruvian dance, Salsa, Yoga, Belly Dance, or African Drum and Dance. Ask about summer camp or our FREE Saturday African Drum & Dance classes for children 4-17.

5601 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45212 Email: center@bi-okoto.com (513) 221-2112 www.bi-okoto.com

BROADWAY BOUND DANCE ACADEMY Broadway Bound Dance Academy is the place for fun and learning all summer long! We’re excited to offer our themed dance camps again this year for your 3-5 year old. Complete dance or tumbling instruction is also available. Reserve your spot today!

10580 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland, OH 45140 (513) 774-9474 www.broadwaybounddance.com

CINCINNATI DANCE ACADEMY Great Summer Dance Camps for kids age 3 and up! Juniors Dance Competition Preparation Camps, Intermediate and Advanced Dance Intensive, Summer Evening Classes in Pre-Dance I & II, Beginning Ballet, Lyrical and Contemporary classes. For dates, times and prics please check our website: www. cincinnatidanceacademy.com or call (513) 985-0111.

4122 E. Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513) 985-0111 www.cincinnatidanceacademy.com

DE L A ARTS PL ACE de la Arts Place was founded by CoDirectors, Mario de la Nuez and his wife, Meridith Benson in the summer of 2005.

Our mission is to offer dance classes of the highest quality to the young and the seasoned, novice and expert.

(DE LA ARTS PLACE CONTINUED)

To encourage creativity, experimentation, and cooperation within the dance community. To be a part of the community, for the community, both local and at large.To strive to be inclusive and accepting of all.

The studios are located in the heart of the hip Columbia Tusculum neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon entering the studios, you will find yourself welcomed into a friendly, lively and creative atmosphere.

The large studios offer climate control, plenty of room for movement, and soft wood sprung dance floors.

Summer registration May 10, 12, & 13!

We’re offering great summer camps for children ages 4 to 9 in June, and a variety of other dance lessons throughout the entire summer.

3905 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513) 871-0914 www.delaartsplace.com

DIANA’S DANCE & FITNESS WEAR Named by Cincinnati Magazine as “Best Dancewear Shop in the City!” Featuring the largest selection of name brand dance, gymnastics, skate, and cheer body wear (including shoes, tights, and accessories) for adults and children.

8958 Blue Ash Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 Contact: Diana Queen, Owner, E-mail: dianasdance@fuse.net (513) 792-0970 www.dianasdancewear.com

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L A DANCEWEAR

PREMIER TUMBLING & DANCE

At LA Dancewear our customers passion for dance, theater and gymnastics fuels our commitment to provide quality products and friendly customer service. We carry Capezio, Bloch, Motionwear, BodyWrappers, Dance Paws and MANY more! Stop in to see us!

Monday through Thursday 12-8, Friday 12-5, and Saturday 9-3!

Premier is going into it’s 10th year! We offer tumbling classes for every level and all styles of dance for all ages. We have recreational classes as well as competitive teams, and Adult Fitness Classes! We are “your” dance and tumbling studio. Ages/Grades: Parent and Tot classes start at 18 months and go up to 18 years. We also offer Adult Fitness classes.

637 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45245

679 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Angie McNeil/Choreographer & Marketing Director, E-mail: premiertumbling@gmail.com

(513) 753-6611 L-A-Dancewear.com

600 Reading Rd, Ste B, Mason, OH 45040 (513) 398-0353 www.masondance.com

Dance, Etc.

SHELLYFIT: ZUMBINI & ZUMBA

Planet Dance

ZUMBINI™: For you and your little ones 0 to 3. Wiggle, sing and learn together. The Zumbini™ program is where the science of child development meets the magic of Zumba®! My Zumba Classes: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Cincinnati Sports Club Saturdays at 11:15 a.m. at the TriHealth Fitness Pavilion, Blue Ash

Spotlight Dance Center

9681 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, OH 45242 Email: coolfood67@yahoo.com (513) 445-9640 www.fitnessphysiques.net (or) http://coolfood67.wix.com/ZumbaShelly

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Cincy Dance Studio

(513) 677-1240 www.premiertumbling.com

MASON DANCE CENTER Motivation, Inspiration & just plain Fun! Mason Dance Center provides an opportunity for anyone, ages 3 and up, to discover the joys of dance. We strive to offer our students an excellent dance education by providing caring, qualified instructors, spacious classrooms and cushioned dance floors. Classes offered in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, Modern, and more.

OTHER DANCE PLACES TO CONSIDER //

Otto M. Budig Dance Academy

Tina Marie School of Dance Tippi Toes Dance

COMMENTA RY & PA R E NT I NG

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A

stay-at-home dad.

Pete Gilbert

// Running errands with kids in tow Errands. Ugh. I’m a stay at home dad, which means I have the advantage of getting errands done during the week, not on the weekends like all the Nine-to-Fivers out there. But, since I choose to do this during the week, not on the weekends when my wife could watch our kids, I also have to run these errands while my kids are with me.

Weekday errand running has its advantages. There are definitely smaller checkout lines at most stores. Sometimes errands with kids can be beneficial too. The other day I was out getting supplies for my daughter’s school project when I happened upon a craft store. Apparently craft store customers (old “crafty” ladies) are on the same schedule we are. The place was BUSY, on a weekday morning! I was afraid we were going to have to wait in line, but luckily my screaming toddler helped move us up to the front of the line quickly.

Traffic isn’t as bad driving around on weekday mornings either. Getting across town isn’t much trouble and the people that are out seem to be moving at a pretty relaxed pace, like me.

But there are also many disadvantages of hauling around your kids on these trips. First there are all the problems associated with watching a DVD in my minivan. “The sun is too bright, I can’t see the movie. Turn it up! The DVD is skipping.” All before we’ve even pulled out of the driveway. There’s also the unhappiness with the color of the lollipop from the bank. “But I wanted pink not purple.” To which I calmly reply, “You get what you get and ...” she finishes my sentence, “you don’t throw a fit.”

Happy Parenting!

www.facebook.com/petetheblogger

MAY 2014 // CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

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WORKING THR O UGH

HOME SICKNE SS AT CAMP

The American Camp Association

// Being away from home builds self-esteem and independence

o

ne of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters. And, while often these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety – or in the case of some firsttime campers, homesickness – it is these moments that develop the twenty-first century skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom – developing leadership, self-esteem, teamwork, independence and problem-solving.

It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow.

Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun!

Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home. “Homesickness is completely normal,” said Michael Thompson, consultant, author and psychologist in a recent PBS article. “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?”

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It is up to parents, then, to help ease the transition to camp, and help their children grow from the experience. The American Camp Association suggests the following advice to help alleviate anxiety and get a jump start on life’s lessons.

• Encourage independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, can simulate the camp environment.

• Involve children in the process of preparing for camp. The more they own

the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.

• Make sure to understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, such as homesickness, are addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his/her perspective on the adjustment to camp life • Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

• Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls.

• Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge missing the child, in a positive way. For example, saying "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp," lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp.

• Pack a personal item or two from home, such as a stuffed animal.

• Avoid bribing behaviors. Families send the wrong message when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real rewards – like new found confidence and independence.

• Don’t plan an exit strategy. If a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immediately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents as well as campers.

ABOUT ACA The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 280 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2014 American Camping Association, Inc.

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RES OUR C E S

SUMMER P ROGR A M DAY CA MP S DAY CA MP S ACADEMY KUNG FU TAI CHI

4927 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45238, Phone: 513-481-4406, Email: academyofkungfutaichi@ gmail.com www.whkungfu.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Sports Dates: Session 1: June 9th-June 13th, 10a-2p M-F; Session 2: June 16th-June 20th, 10a-2p M-F; Session 3: July 7th-July 11th, 10a-2p M-F Cost: $170/session Real Kung fu techniques. Tien Shan Pai & Northern Shaolin Kung fu taught by certified Kung Fu instructors. Building life skills, only school in Cincinnati that is member of United State Kuo Shu (Kung Fu) Federation. 2 World Certified Judges,11 members made the United States Kung Fu Team 2000-2009. It’s something you always wanted to do.

ADVENTURE DAYS ON THE FARM 11896 Old Lexington Pike, Walton, KY 41094, Contact: Mary Benton Marcum /Director, Phone: 859-485-7000, Email: bentonfamilyfarm@aol.com www.bentonfarm.com Hours: Monday-Friday 9:45am-2:45pm Dates: Farm Camp offered only these weeks due to this being a working farm. Session 1: June 23rd-27th, Session 2: July 7th-11th, Session 3: July 14th-18th Ages/Grades: Ages 5-13 Cost: $195 per week Adventure Days on the Farm is just a kids dream week of making new friends and learning so much in one week. Kids will learn to fish, by the end of week be baiting their own hook, hayrides to look for arrowheads, plant seeds, pick vegetables, nature crafts, music, scavenger hunts, hiking, we dig our own earthworms and on Friday we have our sheep/goat costume class and handling show where parents can attend and see how well all the kids have done with their animal of the week! And did I mention we learn to fish, learn to milk a cow, and lots of farm fun games.

Friday is a big day for the kids! Awards of best milker, best shearer, biggest/tiniest fish caught, and so much more. See our website. Join our Facebook pages and meet our incredible staff.

Requirements of Campers: Parents will be interviewed to be sure your child is ready for farm life!

Activities Included: Campers will be assigned a sheep/

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goat the first day. The camper will be responsible for its care for the week, bathing, grooming, shearing, and walking it for exercise. We will learn all the farm chores and be assigned daily.

AUTRY ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMPS 8078 E. Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45255, Contact: Dr. Davis, Executive Director, Phone: 513-474-7407, Email: director@autrylearning.com autrylearning.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Special Needs, Traditional, Winter/Spring Break Programs Dates: June and July 2014 Ages/Grades: Grades 1-12 Cost: $450-$750 Academic summer camps focusing on improving content knowledge. Camps are offered in the areas of Language Arts / Reading, Math (Algebra, Algebra II, Calculus, Trigonometry, etc), Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and many more! Individual ACT / SAT and HSPT prep sessions also offered.

CAMP-A-PALOOZA

7900 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Megan Smith, K-7th grade Camp; Joanie Weghorst, Preschool Camp, Phone: (513) 489-7575, Email: info@kidsfirstsports.com www.kidsfirstsports.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Adventure/Tripping, Sports Dates: June 9 - August 22, 2014 Ages/Grades: 3yrs-7th grade, (8th & 9th Graders are eligible for Leader in Training Program *requires application) Cost: $259 per week (K-7th) - includes lunch, field trips, t-shirt and backpack!

With 108,000 square feet of children’s sports activities under one roof, Kids First is the premier destination for summer camp! Camp-a-Palooza offers a full day summer camp for K-7th graders and our early learning center, The Campus at Kids First, offers a preschool camp for 3-5 year olds. There truly is NO summer camp like it!

CAMP AT THE J

8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Nikki Sandor, Camp at the J Operations Manager, Phone: 513-792-5657, Email: nsandor@ mayersonjcc.org MayersonJCC.org/summercamps

GUIDE

Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: Sessions offered from June 9 - August 15, 2014 Ages/Grades: For children entering grades K - 8.

Cost: Dependent upon number of weeks child attends.

Camp at the J provides great social, educational and cultural opportunities that foster friendships and features good old fashioned fun. In addition to traditional activities such as swimming and archery, Camp at the J also offers programs such as recycled art, silly science, social action projects and more!

CAMP CHABAD 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, Contact: Rabbi Yanky Majeski, Phone: 513-731-5111, Email: patti@jdiscovery.com www.CampChabad.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Religious - Vacation Bible School, Traditional Dates: June 23 - August 8, 2014 Ages/Grades: 2-14 years Cost: $150-$200/week ACA Accredited. Cincinnati’s premier Jewish Day Camp, held at the Chai Tots Early Childhood center for ages 2 - 4, and at the Campus Recreation Center for ages 5 - 14. Enjoy a wide variety of activities and field trips with outstanding, nurturing staff unique to Camp Chabad! Lunch & Transportation included. Camp runs from June 23-August 8; sign up for all 6 weeks or “mix and match” any week.

Morning & after care are available.

CAMP-I-CAN

5050 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Beth Wiseman or Laura Short, Phone: (513) 272-2800 Dates: June 3—August 7, 2014 7:00 a.m.—5:30 p.m.

New extended hours!

Ages/Grades: 5-12 Cost: $155.00 per week includes: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, field trips, and exciting off campus weekly activities!

Enroll your child today in an enriching summer day camp for children ages 5-12. Traditional camp activities such as sports, swimming, crafts and field trips This program is designed to enhance self-esteem, social skills and provide on-going learning opportunities through a variety of activities. Weekly off campus “Around our Town”.

CENTRAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY 1904 Springdale Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Cheri Hauer, Phone: 513-742-5800, Email: Kpatterson@ centralmontessoriacademy centralmontessoriacademy.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: June 9 - August 8, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Ages/Grades: Ages 3-6 years Cost: Weekly rates range from $120 Central Montessori Academy’s early childhood and elementary Montessori summer programs are designed to nurture children’s curiosity, creativity and intellect. These goals are met through many outdoor activities (like playing on our NEW Natural Playground), special theme weeks, project-based learning opportunities, inspiring learning environments and our energetic teachers.

Activities Included: Summers at CMA are based in our Montessori approach to learning and discovery. Each week offers unique opportunities that facilitate children’s growth and provide endless opportunities for fun and exploration!

CHILDREN, INC. SUMMERCARE 2 locations at Ft. Wright Elementary: 510 Farrell Dr., Ft. Wright, KY and Ockerman Elementary: 8250 Hwy 42 Florence, KY Dates: June 9th-August 1st, Mon-Fri 7 am-6 pm (closed July 4) Cost: $135/wk full time, or $29/day 2 day minimum. Sibling discounts available to full time enrollments. $15 registration fee per family, $40 activity fee per child. www.childreninc.org Join our Keeping It Cool Program! Weekly field trips, special guests, weekly themes and lots of summer time fun! Tuition assistance for qualifying families. Call 859 431-2075 for more information or visit www.childreninc.org.

CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM ARTVENTURES CLASSES 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Phone: 513-721-ARTS, Email: russell.ihrig@cincyart.org cincinnatiartmuseum.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 17-August 14, 2014 on Tuesdays & Thursdays Ages/Grades: Ages 5-8 and 9-12 Cost: $10/session- members $20/session- nonmembers, series pricing also available Delve into art with eight weeks of classes packed with exciting art projects, gallery games, and more! Each week, children will discover all aspects of visual art through various themes and activities.

CINCINNATI FAMILY ENRICHMENT CENTER 4244 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223, Contact: Sharon Said /Co-Owner, Phone: 513-591-2332, Email: mycfec@gmail.com www.theplaceforfamilies.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 9 through August 16, 2014 Ages/Grades: 3 to 5 Cost: $10/class

Dinosaurs, outer space, under the sea, bugs & bubbles - each week will be a new theme that preschoolers love to explore!

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CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER CAMPS 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203, Contact: Jamie Robertson, Manager, Youth Public Programs, Phone: (513)287-7021, Email: jrobertson@ cincymuseum.org

www.cincymuseum.org/programs/camps Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: Weekly, June 16th – Aug. 8th, 2014 Ages/Grades: 2nd-7th grade Cost: $200-$250 (Various themes available. Check website for details.)

CINCINNATI RECREATION COMMISSION SPORTS CAMPS AT LUNKEN PLAYFIELD Lunken Playfield: 4744 Playfield Lane, 45226, Phone Number: 513-352-4000 www.cincyrec.org/camps Basic Category: Sports Dates: various dates in June, July and August 2014 Ages/Grades: Pre-K through elementary school age Cost Range: $75 - $250 Just Added! Sports Camps at Lunken Playfield are offered for boys and girls of different ages and include camps for Lacrosse, Kayak, Outdoor Adventure, Youth Multi Sport, Preschool Multi Sport and Flag Rugby. Various camp dates in June, July and August. Camp fees range from $75 - $250 for the week.

CINCINNATI RECREATION COMMISSION SUMMER DAY CAMPS Located at various CRC recreation centers, Phone Number: 513-352-4000 www.cincyrec.org/camps Basic Category: Traditional Dates: June 2 - August 15, 2014 Ages/Grades: School age Cost Range: $110 per week - $95 per week CAMP CRC Summer Day Camps are offered at many Cincinnati Recreation Commission recreation centers.

Camps run 11 weeks – June 2 through August 15. Themed activities include trips and outings, swim lessons and pool time and outdoor play and sports. Camps fees range from $110 per week (Dunham, Mt. Washington, Oakley & Pleasant Ridge) to $95 per week (College Hill, Corryville, Hartwell, McKie, North Avondale, Sayler Park & Westwood Town Hall) All camps are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

CINCINNATI REDS BASEBALL/ SOFTBALL CAMPS Located at Beechwood HS in Ft. Mitchell, KY; Summit Country Day in Cincinnati, Mason HS in Mason; Harrison HS in Harrison; Reds MLB Urban Youth Academy in Cincinnati, Contact: Tim Rappe, Executive Director, Phone: 855-846-7337, Email: Trappe@reds.com www.reds.com/camps Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Sports Dates: Beechwood HS: 6/2-6/6, Harrison HS: 6/16-6/20, Mason HS: 6/30-7/4, , Reds Urban Youth Academy: 7/21-7/25, Centerville HS: 7/28-8/1, Summit Country Day: 8/4-8/8

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Ages/Grades: Ages 6-14 Cost: $395 Official Camps of the Reds. 30 hrs. of World Class baseball/softball training and unforgettable Reds experience. Meet a top player at GABP. 30 hrs. of instruction. Bring a buddy and save $25. Maybe the best baseball camp in America. Camps sold out last year so register early. Activities Included: VIP trip to Great American, full Reds uniform, 4 game tickets.

CMH SUMMER CAMP 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Michelle Meder, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: meder@ cmhschool.com www.cmhschool.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Adventure/Tripping Dates: Week of June 16, June 23, July 7, July 14, July 21, 2014 Ages/Grades: 3-12 year olds Cost: $120/half-day program All of our camps are open to EVERYONE, not just CMH students. Morning camps run from 9-12, Afternoon camps from 1-4. If the camper is staying all day, they are welcome to bring a packed lunch, no nuts allowed, and will be supervised to eat and play until the afternoon session begins. If you need Early Bird (8-9) or Aftercare(4-6), we offer those each week. For specific week activities, check out all of our camp listings at www.cmhschool.com.

COMPASSQUEST 2014 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Laura Carr, Executive Director, Phone: 513-683-8833, Email: CompassLC@yahoo.com www.TheCompassSchool.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: School Programs (Before/After), Traditional Dates: June, July, August Ages/Grades: Ages 6-12 Cost: $210/week Each weekly theme will offer a unique exploration, with arts & crafts, food, games, and more. What could be more fun than weekly visits to the swimming pool with your friends as well as entertaining field trips related to the theme-of-the-week? We’ll also enjoy guest speakers, shows, recreation, sports, and more.

CREATIVE TOTS MASON PRESCHOOL 6408 Thorberry Court, Mason, Ohio 45040, E-mail: creativetotsmason@gmail.com, Phone: 513-770-6776 www.creativetotsmason.com Basic Category: Academic/Pre-College, Animals, Arts, Traditional Dates: June 9 - August 1 Ages/Grades: 18 months to 7 years Cost Range: $66 - $165 per week We offer seven exciting summer camps. The program is divided into “weekly” camps featuring different themes and activities. Some highlights include Frozen in Arendalle, Mini Chefs, Paint Like Picasso, Lego Camp and Mad Scientists! Our Pre-K (5-7 year old) Word Wizards Camp focuses on honing reading and writing skills through individualized instruction, small group and large group instruction. Join us for adventure and learning all rolled in one!

CREATIVITIES SUMMER CAMPS 7010 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45243, Contact: Christine Parker, Phone: 513.272.1500, Email: christine@artsandcreativities.com artsandcreativities.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts Dates: June through mid-August Ages/Grades: 6 - 18 Cost: $150- $200

Voted “Best of City” in Cincinnati Magazine, Creativities studio is the only place in the city where kids will learn to build, sew, paint, bead, garden and cook as they create a world of their own. They may open their own restaurant, create a kitchen for their doll, open a spa, or design a zoo.

Kids will be inside and out, enjoying our beautiful house and yard in the heart of historic Madeira. Older children can sign up for camps built around one skill set: Building, Sewing and Fashion Design and the science of SpaMaking. Find out why one mom said “my kids told me ‘ONLY Creativities this summer!’”

FITTON CENTER CAMP CREATIVITY 101 S. Monument, Hamilton, OH 45011, Phone: 513-863-8873 www.fittoncenter.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts, Traditional Dates: June through July Type of Camp: Half-day Spend your summer with the arts! The Fitton Center for Creative Arts presents Summer Camp Creativity, the perfect destination for children who love to be creative and artistic. Watch their talents shine as they jump into camps that focus on visual art, music, photography or drama!

GORMAN HERITAGE FARM – FARM CAMP 10052 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241, Contact: Jamie Stoneham, Camp Director, Phone: (513)5636663, Email: camp@gormanfarm.org

www.GormanFarm.org/camp Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Animals Dates: June 2-August 15, 2014/ sessions vary by age and theme; parents should register early!

Ages/Grades: Camps for children ages 4-15 Cost: $60-$230/week Be a farm kid! Camp activities include: interacting with barnyard animals, exploring the woods, garden fun, games, hiking, crafts, music and more. Special themed camps for wilderness, art, cooking, vet & science. Camp sessions scheduled by age group; please see our website for full brochure. Thyme for Farming Fun!

GREAT PARKS OF HAMILTON COUNTY – SUMMER HORSE CAMP Winton Woods Riding Center: 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, Oh 45231, Phone: 513-931-3057 greatparks.org/parks/winton-woods/wintonwoods-riding-center Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Animals Dates: July 21–25, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Ages/Grades: 7-17

The Winton Woods Riding Center (WWRC) offers enjoyable Summer Horse Camp programs for children ages 7-17. Topics covered are all aspects of horse safety, breeds, colors and markings of horses, anatomy of the horse, grooming, tacking and riding.

GREENACRES SUMMER CAMPS 8255 Spooky Hollow Road, Cincinnati, OH 45424, Contact: Andy DeLay, Education Director, Phone: 513-891-4227, Email: camps@green-acres.org www.green-acres.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: Varies by camp Ages/Grades: Varies by camp Cost: Varies by camp Greenacres Summer Camps offer something for everyone! We have art, environment, equine, garden, culinary, and aquatic adventure camps various times throughout the summer season. Each of our camps are hands-on, small group camps led by a caring professional staff. Log onto www.green-acres.org today to view our 2014 Summer Camp Guide. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

HUBBARD FAMILY SWIM SCHOOL Kids First Sports Complex: 7900 E. Kemper Road, (East Kemper Rd. & Reed Hartman Hwy), Cincinnati, OH 45249, Phone: 513.530.0123 www.hubbardswim.com Basic Category: Sports Dates: Year round, indoor

Get ready now for summer camp - work on your swim skills! Our priority is to teach children to love and respect the water. We are committed to providing swim lessons that build confidence and teach water safety skills in a child centered environment. Our international reputation for excellence in teaching has grown as a result of our passion for teaching and our learn-to-swim techniques. As our students grow from babies to toddlers to pre-teens we focus our lessons on teaching skills to help your child excel.

INDIAN SPRINGS ACADEMY MUSIC CAMPS 9690 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241, Contact: Sheila Vail, Phone: (513) 779-7070, Email: sheilavail@indianspringsacademy.com www.indianspringsacademy.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Arts, Traditional Students will enrich their musical knowledge and have a wonderful experience in our age appropriate Summer Camps for Guitar, Violin, Music Theory, Music Harmony and History!

iSPACE SUMMER CAMPS 3254 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241, Contact: Sue Hare, Education Project Manager, Phone: 513.612.5786, Email: share@iSPACEscience.org www.iSPACEscience.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Arts

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iSPACE award winning programs transform campers into robotics engineers and rocket scientists as they take part in a thrilling summer adventure. Our engaging, hands-on programs make learning exciting and build the skills students need for success. iSPACE is a not-for-profit organization that provides science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.

MAD SCIENCE Located at The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori School: 4460 Berwick Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45227 AND Other assoted Tri-State locations, Contact: Eugene Wulsin, Phone: 513-793-6784, Email: MadSciCin@aol.com cincinnati.madscience.org/ Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Traditional Dates: Weeks of June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7, July 21 & August 4, 2014 Ages/Grades: Ages 5-12/ Grades K-6 Cost: $100.00-$250.00 Interactive, hands-on science programs for ages 5 - 12.

Half- and full-day programs at locations throughout the area, June through August. Content is correlated to State of Ohio Education standards. Children enjoy “make and/ or take home” projects and activities each day. Programs range from $10 - $15 per classroom hour. Sibling and early registration discounts available.

MCNICHOLAS HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS 6536 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Oh 45230, Contact: Angie Noble, Director of Communications, Phone: 513-231-3500 ext.5824, Email: anoble@mcnhs.org www.mcnhs.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Sports, Traditional Dates: June 9-June 27, 2014 Ages/Grades: Grades 1-9 Cost: Beginning at $60 Launch into Summer 2014 with the Rockets! McNicholas High School is excited to again offer summer day camps for students entering grades 1-9! Camps run the weeks of June 9, 16, and 23 and include over 25 options for our Rocket Athlete Champ Camps and our Blast Off for Fun Camps.

POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL Chiquita Center: 250 E. 5th Street, Floor 15, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Contact Name/Title: Nora Fink, E-mail: norafinkstylist@aol.com, Phone: 513.708.6796 norafink.com Basic Category: Arts Dates: STYLE CAMP Tween Week: June 16-20 Teen Week: June 23-27 FASHION CAMP Tween Week: August 4-8 Teen Week: August 11-15 Ages/Grades: 10-18 Cost Range: $215.00/week Positively Beautiful, a personal development camp just for teens and tweens, helps girls discover themselves and experiment with style in a no-pressure, non-judgmental small group. Nora leads style sessions, make-up lessons and hair tutorials, and gives confidence-building tips to help girls feel fabulous. Campers create style boards to showcase their ideal style, make crafts and build friendships. The week ends with a professional photo

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shoot to let the girls show off everything they’ve learned.

NEW THIS YEAR: We will host a Positively Beautiful Fashion Design Camp designed to give teen and tween girls another opportunity to explore their creative side in a supportive, collaborative environment. Each night, the girls will design a garment and work together to produce a fashion show that will showcase their designs to family and friends on the final night of camp.

Girls, ages 10-13 (tween) and 14-18 (teen), Night camp (6-9 p.m.) for one week., Camp is held at Chiquita Center in downtown Cincinnati.

PREMIER TUMBLING AND DANCE SUMMER CAMPS 679 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Angie McNeil/ Choreographer, Phone: 513-677-1240, Email: premiertumbling@gmail.com www.premiertumbling.com Basic Category: Sports Dates: Weeks vary June - August Ages/Grades: Ages 3 & Up Cost: $125-$225/week each child

We have 4 weeks of pure fun planned for your camper!

Our studio will be transformed to showcase each week’s theme! Take a trip to a Princess Castle, join a circus, or jump on board a cruise ship in one of our themed camps!

OR become a lost boy in our Musical Theatre Broadway camp production of Peter Pan!

SPRINGER SCHOOL AND CENTER 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: 871-6080 ext. 402

www.springer-ld.org Gender of Campers: Coed Dates: June 16 - July 11, 2014 “Adventures in Summer Learning” is designed for students of at least average potential who are not making expected progress. The morning program helps children become confident in the basic skills through small group instruction. The afternoon program consists of specialized courses in math, writing, social skills, and creative expression.

THE KINDER GARDEN SCHOOLS BLUE ASH:10969 Reed Hartman Highway, Blue Ash, OH 45242, Phone: 791-4300; WEST CHESTER: 5900 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069, Phone: 874-3100 www.kindergardenschool.com/ Grades: 6 weeks through kindergarten Together with interaction of child, staff and family, we develop the complete child. In our Kinder Garden, we provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child. Kinder Garden School is devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency in a full supportive, fertile, fun setting.

ENLIGHTENMENT IS OUR MISSION.

THE SEVEN HILLS SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM

5400 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Contact: Jill Romerill, Co Director, Phone: 513-728-2380, Email: jill.romerill@7hills.org www.7hills.org/SummerProgram

Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Academic/Pre-college, Adventure/Tripping, Animals, Arts, School Programs (Before/After), Sports, Traditional Dates: June 16, 2014 - August 8, 2014 Ages/Grades: Ages 3-18 For ages 3 to 18, sessions include arts, technology, field trips, sports, and academics — half-day or full-day — led

by Seven Hills’ faculty or by professionals from our community. Early Childhood programs feature weekly themes that spark imagination and natural curiosity through hands-on learning experiences. Early Bird and After Care.

SUMMER CAMPS AT THE WYOMING FINE ARTS CENTER 322 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming (Cinci Suburb), OH 45215, E-mail: Registrar@MusicArtDance.org, Phone: 513-948-1900 www.MusicArtDance.org Basic Category: Arts Dates: June 9 to August 15 Ages/Grades: Ages 5 to 17 Cost Range: $90 - $300 Summer Camps with focus in Music , Visual Arts and Music and Movement. Day camps in: Rock Music, Musical Theater, Art, Piano, Strings. Early drop-off and late pick-up available. Also available: year-long programs, private music instruction and Musik Kids. A non-profit 501(c)3 Community Arts Center, est. 1995.

Open to all!

TIPPI TOES PRINCESS CAMP

Located at West Chester Activity Center, Blue Ash Rec Center, and Evendale Cultural Arts Center, Phone: 513-578-1280, Email: andrea@tippitoesdance.com www.tippitoesdance.com/cincinnati Gender of Campers: All-Girl Dates: Various dates throughout June and July Ages/Grades: Ages 3-7 Cost: $100 Once upon a time, Tippi Toes planned an enchanting Princess Dance Camp. Young campers will dance, relax at the beauty parlor, make crafts, play games, and receive wonderful gifts. At the end of their time, they will invite their families to attend a dance performance, award ceremony, and tea party!

YMCA CAMP ARROWHEAD

6703 Yankee Rd, Liberty Twp, OH 45044, Contact: Joey Ayers, Phone: 513-779-3917, Email: Joe.Ayers@ LakotaYMCA.com www.lakotaymca.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: June 2 - August 15, 2014 Cost: Members: $135.00 day, $170.00 extended, $110.00 CIT; NonMembers: $175.00 day, $210.00 extended, $140.00 CIT Camp Arrowhead is designed to provide campers with a variety of experiences in a well supervised camp setting.

Each week will include a special theme. Don’t miss a great opportunity!

YMCA OF GREATER CINCINNATI SUMMER DAY CAMPS 2014

12 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Phone: 513-362-YMCA www.myY.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: Registration begins March 1, 2014. Camps run May through August; dates for each camp are available on the website.

Ages/Grades: Ages 3-15 Cost: Cost varies depending on each camp. Pricing and camp brochures are available on our website.

Overnight, day, and specialty camps at the Y are all about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too! (Themed Day Camps, Preschool Camps, Teen Camps, Counselor-inTraining programs, Specialty Camps, and Sports Camps)

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS FALCON CAMP

4251 Delta Rd SW, Carrollton, OH 44615, Contact: Dave Devey, Phone: 800/837-CAMP, Email: info@FalconCamp.com www.falconcamp.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: 2,4,6,8 week sessions available from June 15 – August 9, 2014 Ages/Grades: Ages 6 - 16 Cost: $2225 to varies Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Boys and girls enjoy wide variety of activities with outstanding staff. “Fun for Now, Skills for Life” is motto and environment created at Falcon. Located on beautiful 8 mile Leesville Lake in hundreds of acres of woods, great food, great fun, lifetime of memories. Activities Include sailing, horseback riding, riflery, archery, tennis, crafts, drama, woodslore, canoeing, swimming, basketball, softball, sports, overnight camping, dances, creative arts, video, mountain biking and much more!

jewishcincinnati.org/granted Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Study Abroad/International, Teen Tours/Travel, Traditional Ages/Grades: overnight camp age - age 26 Our kids are our future. This summer, give them a strong Jewish identity, pride in their heritage and a personal connection to Israel. The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, offers generous funding for overnight Jewish camping and Israel travel grants and associated programming.

YMCA CAMP ERNST OF CINCINNATI

7615 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington, KY 41005, Contact: Megan Gierhart, Program Director, Phone: 859-586-6181, Fax: 859-586-6214, Email: ce@myYcamp.org www.myYcamp.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: One week sessions June 8-Aug 9; Also offer ranch adventure camp, 24 hour overnights as well as a Half-Week sessions Ages/Grades: Ages 6-15 Cost: $505-690 A co-ed residential summer camp, YMCA Camp Ernst is your child’s ultimate summer destination!

Steeped in tradition and built on positive values, YMCA Camp Ernst hosts campers, ages 6-15, who enjoy top-notch counselors and make friends doing a

wide variety of activities including a 100-foot water slide, zipline, the BLOB, archery, horseback riding, giant swing, and a banana boat. While participating in our 24 daily activities, your child will also develop in spirit, mind, and body. Come see why people are calling us “The Best Camp On Earth”!

DAY & R E S I D E NT I A L C A M P S YMCA CAMP KERN

5291 State Route 350, Oregonia, OH 45054, Contact: Roy Harriman, Phone: 513-932-3756, Email: rharriman@daytonymca.org www.campkern.org Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: June 1st- August 9th, 2014 Ages/Grades: Ages 5-16 Cost: $265-$665

YMCA Camp Kern is a year round facility offering a various range of experiences in the outdoor world.

Our Summer Camp Program runs as individual one week sessions throughout the eight week summer. We have a variety of programming from Day Camp and Residential Camp, to Teen programs and fully themed Literary Camp such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Rangers Apprentice and Star Wars!

FALCON YOUNG ADVENTURE CAMP

4251 Delta Rd SW, Carrollton, OH 44615, Contact: Dave Devey Director/Owner, Phone: 800/837-CAMP, Email: info@ FalconCamp.com www.falconcamp.com Gender of Campers: Coed Basic Category: Traditional Dates: July 27 - August 2 and August 3–9, 2014 Ages/Grades: Ages 6 - 9 Cost: $1100/wk

A unique and exciting introduction to overnight camping for boys and girls ages 6 -9. These one-week programs are designed with care to guide the campers in being successful with their first great “Young Adventure” away from home. 1:2 staff/camper ratio provides individual attention, instruction and parental oversight.

(Program same as Falcon Traditional Camp) activities include horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, archery, air rifles, crafts, sports, fishing, nature study, sailing and much more.

ISRAEL TRAVEL AND OVERNIGHT JEWISH CAMPING GRANTS

8499 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Karyn Zimerman, Overnight Jewish Camping & Israel Travel Grant Administrator, Phone: 513-985-1534, Email: kzimerman@ jfedcin.org

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COMME NTA RY & PA R E NT I NG

ask the teacher

// High ability testing, extended school days, friendship triangles Deb Krupowicz

Should you agree to the testing and then find that the school offers to place your son in the high ability program, you will have to determine if you believe this to be the best placement for him. This decision is one that should be made by you and your son’s teachers, not by your son. Together the adults should determine if your son’s education would be enhanced by participation in a more academically challenging program.

Q:

We received a letter from my son’s school telling us that he qualified to be considered for the high ability program at his school, but that he would be required to take an additional test. We don’t know if we should agree to the testing or why we would want him to be in the program. How should we decide if we should allow the testing?

A:

In recent years, many school corporations have expanded their offerings for students whose academic abilities are 40

different enough from their peers that they are not easily met with the same curriculum offered for the majority of students. Sometimes additional testing data is required to be sure that students are being placed appropriately. The school personnel take great care to understand each student’s needs so that they can provide academic challenge without imposing stress. By agreeing to the testing, you will be allowing the school to collect the data needed to determine if your child might benefit from a different academic program.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

School corporations’ approaches to high ability education are varied, so knowing whether your corporation’s program focuses on faster pacing, enriching concepts in the regular classroom or compacting curriculum will be important in making a good decision for your son.

Q:

Our school corporation has opted to extend school days in order to make up all the lost time from the bad winter weather. For my elementary aged kids, this additional time each day seems to be a big challenge. How can I help them keep a good attitude through the long days?

A:

Ensuring that your children get plenty of rest and eat well is always important, but it is even more critical when additional demands are being made on their time.

When rest or nutrition is compromised, a child’s ability to cope with typical demands is strained. The problem is multiplied when even more is expected of them.

Extra effort to stay organized will likely also be necessary. If there are more things to juggle, your children may need your help keeping track of additional work and deadlines. Some students will be able to handle this additional responsibility easily, but others may be overwhelmed by it. Recognize that this is an unusual situation and your help may be needed.

Maintaining a positive attitude yourself will go a long way in helping your children to stay upbeat. If your kids detect that you are bothered by the school’s decision to extend days, they may see that as justification for not putting in the required effort.

Q:

My eight-year-old daughter and a girl in her class seem to be constantly at odds. The conflict between them centers on the attention of a third girl in the class. The triangle results in feelings being hurt on a regular basis. I don’t know how to advise my daughter on to make this friendship work.

A:

Forming friendships can be one of the most difficult parts of school, and it can certainly color how children feel about all aspects of the school day. When children struggle with friendships, they may struggle to focus on academics.

Typically, girls deal with this situation more than boys who seem more adept at letting comments and perceived slights roll off their backs. Girls tend to take every interaction to heart.

Coaching the girls into forming a circle of friends rather than maintaining an exclusive one-on-one friendship will be to everyone’s benefit. To nurture this circle, encourage your daughter to include both girls in lunchtime and recess activities. You can play a key role in developing these friendships by inviting both girls to your home or to after school activities.

For at least some of the time that the three are together, it is important that you are directly involved in their activity or are at least nearby. When you learn more about the personalities involved and the dynamics of the friendship, you will be able to influence their appreciation of one another. You will also be able to help the girls understand the value of multiple, genuine friendships. With a deeper understanding of the natures of the girls, you will be able to advise your daughter as to how to make the most of the opportunity to have two “BFFs” rather than just one.

// ASK THE TEACHER is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four and current teacher. Deb holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@ cincinnatiparent.com.

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CHIL DR E N ’ S H E A LT H // B RA NDED CONTENT

ADHD

// To medicate or not to medicate?

David Katkin

If you’re a parent of an ADHD child, this isn’t an easy question. There are concerns on both sides: If I don’t get my child on the right medications will he/she not be able to work up to his/her potential? Will there be self-esteem problems? If I do medicate my child, will there be side effects? What’s all this I hear about zombie like children? Does it affect their growth?

These are some of the questions I’d be asking if it was my kid. But here’s the question that’s not asked enough: Is there something else we could do, or more we can do besides medication? The answer to that question is: therapy and coaching for ADHD. If the child is a preadolescent the coaching and therapy work to be done is with the parents or as a family.

Why not work with the children? Well, if they’re pre-adolescent, the advice and methods discussed in therapy will (POOF) be out of their mind as soon as they walk out the door and get into their next thing. That last sentence is also true for some adolescents who stopped caring or have a really short attention span. With a parent who’s vested in their child’s success, there’s a higher likelihood of follow through or implementation. I know it’d be easier if a medication would just fix it all, but that mindset leads to bigger problems.

If a parent is not willing to look at themselves and see if they’ve been part of the problem, the idea of treating the child will be futile. Often with ADHD children, we have ADHD parents.

With ADHD parenting, you’ll see an unstructured, unregimented style of parenting.

This often leads to a parent screaming “THIS WAS DUE LAST WEEK AND YOU’RE TELLING ME NOW!!!” or “I TOLD YOU TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM AN HOUR AGO!!!!”

Like most children, and quite frankly most adults and several types of animals, structure

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and time regimentation is important. If this is not taking place, don’t expect a medication to magically fix things.

Where a medication that is dosed properly and working effectively can help, is the moment to moment focus for the child. It will help the child maintain his/her focus and prevent impulsive behavior or following a distraction. This is helpful in a classroom when the child is tempted to bug their neighbor, throw a spit wad or distract the teacher in some other creative way. However, the medication won’t organize a locker, a book bag or clean a room.

I know I didn’t give a clear cut answer and that’s because there isn’t one. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, a medication could be very helpful, but don’t expect it to fix everything.

David Katkin is the CEO of Katkin and Associates. For more information, visit www.KatkinTherapy.com.

DA I LY E VE NTS // MAY 2 01 4

calendar 24 ASPARAGUS & STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

// M A Y 2 0 1 4

0 1 T H U R S D AY CINCINNATI REDS VS MILWAUKEE BREWERS Price: Varies Phone: (513) 765-7000 Location: Great American Ballpark cincinnati.reds.mlb.com Come support the Reds as they take on the Brewers!

FLYING PIG Time: 7:00pm Price: $35 Location: Cheers to Art (Madeira) Phone: 513.271.2793 www.cheerstoart.com Come and get ready for the Flying Pig event... add your team name to the side of your pig and have fun making this one special to keep or give!

0 2 F R I D AY COLORS IN NATURE Price: $6/child, register by 4/30 Phone: (513)521-7275 Location: Miami Whitewater Forest www.greatparks.org Register your 2–4 year-old for this exciting program all about the colors we find in nature.

The program will be followed by a story time and craft.

0 3 S AT U R D AY FLYING PIG MARATHON Phone: (513) 721-7447 Location: Paul Brown Stadium www.flyingpigmarathon.com Opening ceremonies and starting line on Mehring way. Wheelchair start 6:25 a.m.

Flying Pig Marathon, half marathon and City Dash Four-Person Relay 6:30 a.m. Post-race party at Yeatman’s Cove lawn stage, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Part of Flying Pig Marathon Weekend.Registration available at P&G Health & Fitness Expo at Duke Energy Convention Center noon- 7 p.m., May 2 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., May 3.

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0 9 F R I D AY FREAKY FRIDAY FISH TOSS Phone: (513) 352-4066 Location: Fountain Square www.myfountainsquare.com Teams of four have 60 seconds to toss as many fish as possible from teammate to teammate down 50-foot course. Winning team receives four $20 gift cards and commemorative trophy.

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MOTHER-SON SUPERHERO DANCE

MOTHER-SON SUPERHERO DANCE

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT

GEOFAIR Through Sunday, May 4th Price: $9 for adults and $3 for children; A two-day adult pass is available for $12 Location: Cincinnati Gardens www.geofair.com Cincinnati’s largest annual gem, mineral, fossil and jewelry show, returns to the Cincinnati Gardens!

For 2014, the 49th annual GeoFair will feature fossils and minerals from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, including dozens of displays of rare “finds” by local collectors. Plentiful parking is free at Cincinnati Gardens.

0 4 S U N D AY CIN CITY REPTILE SHOW Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price: $5, free ages 10 and under Phone: (513) 754-5700 Location: Kings Island www.cincityreptileshow.com/ Thousands of non-venomous snakes, lizards, amphibians, spiders, small mammals, feeders and supplies; all at or below wholesale prices.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS PLAY Occurring Each Sunday in May Price: Free Phone: (513)621-4400 Location: Washington Park http://washingtonpark.org Child-friendly fun, activities and art.

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Price: $15 or $12 per resident Phone: (513)474-0003 Location: Beech Acres Park RecPlex www.andersonparks.com Pizza, punch and dancing. Dress as your favorite crime-battling duo. Digital photo provided.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

0 6 T U E S D AY NATURE STORIES: BUGS Price: Free Phone: (513)521-7275 Location: Sharon Woods www.greatparks.org Parents and children, join the naturalist for a story all about creepy, crawly bugs!

Phone: (513) 829-7867 Location: Pump It Up (West Chester) www.pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester Enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a night in at Pump It Up! The night will be full of Jumping, Climbing, Sliding with lots of Games, Crafts and Prizes! Pre-register below to save $5! This event is for children ages 5-12.

APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL 2014

0 7 W E D N E S D AY SPRING INTO LEARNING: VEGGIE CONTAINERS Price: $20/person, register by 5/1 Location: Glenwood Gardens www.greatparks.org Learn about the plants and techniques used by our trained Master Gardeners in the vegetable garden at Highfield Discovery Garden. Each participant will receive a sampling of seeds for compact veggie plants and a dwarf tomato plant. For ages 18 and up. Call 513-771-8733 to register.

0 8 T H U R S D AY KID SUPPORT: PARENT ORIENTATION Times: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Price: FREE Location: Cancer Support Community Phone: 513-791-4060 www.cancersupportcincinnati.orgKid Support™ is a free peer support group for children (age 4-12) who have a parent, grandparent, other family member or friend with cancer (either in treatment or post-treatment), or for children who have cancer themselves. The purpose of this group is to offer children an opportunity to make friends and learn new skills for living with the stresses of cancer.

Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP.

Through Sunday, May 11th Price: Adults (age 12 & up): $8.00, Senior Citizens (age 55+): $4.00, Children (age 4-11): $2.00, Children 3 & under: FREE, Parking: $6.00 Phone: 513-232-8230 Location: Coney Island www.coneyislandpark.com/ The 45th Annual Appalachian Festival is sponsored by the Appalachian Community Development Association.

Visitors can enjoy hundreds of down-home crafts, non-stop music on four stages, storytelling performances, traditional dance performances, and lots of food! Traditional craftsmen will be demonstrating their techniques and selling their wares.

The living history village features “live” campers dressed in 1840’s clothing who’ll be demonstrating Appalachian mountain life 150+ years ago.

1 0 S AT U R D AY BUTTERFLY WALK FOR CANCERFREE KIDS Phone: (513) 535-2948 Location: Cottell Park www.butterflywalk.com/ Since 2007, The Butterfly Walk for CancerFree KIDS has raised over $490,000 for pediatric cancer research. Please join us at the 8th annual event and help us achieve another record setting year. Race, survivor ceremony, inspirational walk, and fun festival to follow.

CINCINNATI LIBRARY COMIC CON

1 1 S U N D AY

Price: Free Phone: 513-369-6900 Location: Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Main Library www.cincinnatilibrary.org Comic book swap, booths, comic book exhibit, panel discussion with writers/illustrators, free comic books, costumed characters and more.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH IN THE PARK

CLERMONT COUNTY MARCH FOR BABIES Phone: 513-769-3588 Location: Miami Meadows Park (Milford) http://marchforbabies.org/ Get out there on March for Babies day and enjoy every step you take, together with thousands of other caring people helping babies. Your support today helps us continue cutting-edge research and lifesaving programs to help a new generation of babies and families.

NAMIWALKS 2014 Time: 10 a.m.

Phone: (513) 351-3500 Location: Sawyer Point www.namiwalks.org/hamiltoncounty. com As NAMIWalks celebrates our 12th Anniversary in 2014, we are proud to be the largest and most successful mental health awareness and fundraising event in America! Through NAMIWalks’ public, active display of support for people affected by mental illness, we are changing how Americans view persons with a mental illness.

SPRING FEST Through Sunday, May 11th Price: Free Phone: 859-689-2682 Location: Kinman Farms (Burlington) www.kinmanfarms.com Pony rides, hayrides, petting zoo, face painting and Kiddie Train Ride.

Price: $16.75/adult, $8/child ages 2–12, plus tax, Free/children under 2 Phone: (513)521-7275 Location: Winton Woods www.greatparks.org Bring mom out for the perfect brunch with an all-you-can- eat buffet featuring more than 25 items. Advanced ticket purchase is required.

SENSORY SUNDAY: STORIES, SONGS AND FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR LITTLE ONE Price: Free, RSVP online Phone: 513-722-7245 Location: Gymboree of Mason http://myshalomfamily.org/ These private interactive play groups take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, featuring the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. Play dates are open to families in the Jewish community with children two years and younger in which at least one parent is Jewish. Plus, two families will each win a $50 Target Gift Card at every event. Sensory Sunday is a program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation.

TEA ON THE LAWN Price: Cost is $15/person, register by 5/8 Phone: (513)521-7275 Location: Winton Woods www.greatparks.org Dress in your springtime finery and treat your mother or another loved one to tea and tasty treats. This beautiful natural setting on a grassy hillside overlooks the Winton Lake valley. Here is your chance to experience the European tradition of tea time, while soaking up some springtime sun.

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1 2 M O N D AY SCIENCE-SMART SNACKS Location: Gorman Heritage Farm Phone: (513) 563-6663 http://gormanfarm.org Put on your lab coats and chef hats and join nutritionist Karima Samadi in the kitchen as we explore the science behind food. We’ll learn what makes popcorn kernels POP, and how marshmallows get their FLUFF. After creating these tantalizing treats, we’ll eat em all up in true food scientist style. Open to children ages 5-10years old.

3RD ANNUAL NEWPORT, KY JAZZ, ARTS AND WINE FESTIVAL

1 7 S AT U R D AY

Through Saturday, May 18th Phone: (859) 291-0550 Location: Newport on the Levee www.newportonthelevee.com Music, Art and Wine lovers are invited down to Newport on the Levee for a weekend of jazz! Visitors may stroll or relax while enjoying great jazz music and great beverages! The Newport, KY Jazz, Art, & Wine Festival will feature local wineries, artist booths, and dynamic jazz performances. Entrance is free to the public!

Location: Wyandot Elementary (Liberty Township) http://paigesprincessrun.com/ Another chip-timed run that is perfect for runners and walkers of all ages followed by another awesome carnival with food, music, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, raffles, auctions and an amazing spirit of fun!!

TUMMY TIME™ Ongoing Each Monday Price: $50 for 4 classes or $15 for Drop In Where: Blue Cocoon (Morrow) Phone: 513-791-1089 www.bluecocoonbaby.com Pediatricians recommend that all babies be positioned in tummy time for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.

Tummy time lays the foundation for baby’s developmental motor skills. This fun and information class incorporates baby massage, reflexology and baby yoga with tummy time position to help your baby’s experience be fun and relaxing.

1 4 W E D N E S D AY CINCINNATI REDS VS SAN DIEGO PADRES Price: Varies Phone: (513) 765-7000 Location: Great American Ballpark cincinnati.reds.mlb.com Come support the Reds as they take on the Padres!

MAIFEST Through Sunday, May 18th Phone: 859-491-0458 Location: MainStrasse (Covington) www.mainstrasse.org/ Arts and crafts booths, German and international foods, music, children’s play area, amusement rides, street chalk art contest and more. Music on four stages.

SESAME STREET LIVE: ELMO MAKES MUSIC Through Sunday, May 18th Price: Varies Phone: (513) 421-4111 Location: US Bank Arena www.usbankarena.com Mark your calendar for a musical event like no other-monsters making music! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music.”

PAIGE’S PRINCESS RUN

THE BEACH WATERPARK GRAND OPENING 2014!

Phone: 513.398.SWIM(7946) Location: The Beach Waterpark www.thebeachwaterpark.com/ There are so many rides, attractions and events to enjoy this season at The Beach! Check out the new kids play areas like Big Creek Beach; relax at one of our Dive in Movies, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail and live music at our ever-popular Reggae Sundays.

And of course, there’s the heated wave pool, refurbished slides and attractions, swimming lessons, group rates, fabulous birthday party packages, an indoor arcade and so much more!.

TWISTER MANIA Phone: 513-621-4400 Location: Fountain Square www.myfountainsquare.com Get ready for an EPIC game of giant twister on Fountain Square. Fun for the whole family!

1 5 T H U R S D AY KIDS+ME: HOT CASTING Times: 6:00-6:45pm Location: Brazee Street Studios Phone: 513-321-0206 www.brazeestreetstudios.com Bring your child to experience the excitement of casting hot glass in Brazee’s Hot Shop! Students will press objects into sand to create a 3-dimensional relief mold, then expert caster JW May will pour molten glass into their void to create a one-of-a-kind glass object. Adult supervision required.

1 6 F R I D AY FRENCH STORY TIME Price: Free Phone: (513) 731-2665 Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com Bonjour! Learn simple French vocabulary through stories and song! Open to all ages.

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THE BEACH WATERPARK OPENS MAY 17TH

WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS Phone: 513-232-8230 Location: Coney Island www.walknowforautismspeaks.org Join Autism Speaks as we walk to change the future for all who struggle with autism! Come join us for a fun filled family event on Saturday, May 17th, 2014 at Coney Island.

We promise this Walk will be a blast for your child or adult with autism, as well as the entire family!

1 8 S U N D AY HEALTHY PARKS, HEALTHY PEOPLE WELLNESS AND SUSTAINABILITY FAIR Price: Event is Free, vehicles require MVP ($10 annual, $3 daily) Phone: 513-521-7275 Location: Great Parks of Hamilton County/ Winton Woods Harbor www.greatparks.org Visit with over 30 Health and Wellness booths. Enjoy live performances and music, cooking, kayaking, canoeing and climbing demonstrations, fun environmental action programs and more. Get information on walking, climbing and golfing programs and learn how to incorporate outdoor recreation into a healthy lifestyle. The first 1,500 guests will receive a free refillable water bottle.

FUNDRAISER FOR ROSIE Time: 7:00pm Price: $35 Location: Cheers to Art (Madeira) Phone: 513.271.2793 www.cheerstoart.com Please join us to paint for a special cause, Rosie’s Angels.

Rosie’s Angels is a group that is dedicated to helping elderly people who are diagnosed with MDS which can then progress to Leukemia. Advance registration required, ages 16+. Sorry, no coupons or vouchers accepted as payment.

2 1 W E D N E S D AY KIDS JUNIOR PASTRY CHEF Price: Free Location: Whole Foods Market Mason Phone: 513-398-9358 www.wholefoodsmarket.com/mason Kids can be a Junior Pastry Chef with our Bakery Team EVERY Wednesday!!! Decorate desserts and other treats that will sure put a smile on their faces.

2 2 T H U R S D AY PROJECT KID CRAFTING EVENT Price: $5 per child Phone: (513) 731-2665 Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore www.bluemanateebooks.com In celebration of the new book PROJECT KID: 100 Ingenious Crafts for Family Fun, we will craft an inventive, stylish project made from reusable and affordable materials.

Ages 4 and up. Pre registration is required by 5/20, as space is limited.

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2 3 F R I D AY

2 5 S U N D AY

3 1 S AT U R D AY

NATURE STORY TIME WITH IMAGO!

CINCINNATI REDS VS ST LOUIS CARDINALS

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S NEWPORT HEARTCHASE

Price: Free, Ages 2 & up Phone: 513-731-2665 Location: Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore www.imagoearth.org Join us for a monthly installment of nature stories, songs and other fun activities with our friends from Imago!

Price: Varies Phone: (513) 765-7000 Location: Great American Ballpark cincinnati.reds.mlb.com Come support the Reds as they take on the Cardinals! As part of family day at the ballpark, the first 8,000 kids 14 and younger receive a free Kids Team Baseball Card Set. Sundays are family days at the ballpark! One member of the family pays full price and may purchase up to three non-premium tickets at half-price in advance of game day only.

Phone: (859) 291-0550 Location: Newport on the Levee www.newportonthelevee.com HeartChase is an engaging new fundraising game that provides the chance to help our community and the AHA chase away heart disease for good. Teams of 2-5 people compete in mission-based challenges. Each challenge is FUN and also promotes healthy lifestyle choices!

2 4 S AT U R D AY TRI FOR JOE Phone: 513-232-8230 Location: Coney Island www.triforjoe.com Be a part of this amazing event to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. The Sprint Triathlon consists of a 700-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride and a 5-kilometer run inside the park. You also have the choice of participating in the Duathlon, or the 5-kilometer Run/Walk with a Kids Fun Run (for children 8 and under). All participants receive a performance technical shirt, race bag and post race food and drink!

ASPARAGUS AND STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Through Sunday, May 25th Price: Free Admission Phone: 937-203-8289 Location: Branstrator Farm (Clarksville) www.branstratorfarm.com Kick off you-pick season with day on the farm.

Local music, unique vendors, fresh food, activities for children and fresh strawberries and asparagus.

NATURE FESTIVAL Through Sunday, May 25th Phone: (513)521-7275 Location: Miami Whitewater Forest www.greatparks.org Join us at the harbor for some real family fun!

Learn all about the natural world through games and hands-on activity stations. Kids can make crafts and get their faces painted. Bring the whole family to participate in a scavenger hunt for prizes. Some activities will have a small fee.

TASTE OF CINCINNATI Through Monday, May 26th Phone: 513-579-3100 Location: Downtown Cincinnati www.tasteofcincinnati.com On Fifth Street, from Vine to Broadway. Enjoy food from more than 40 Greater Cincinnati restaurants and live music on multiple stages this Memorial Day weekend!

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2 6 M O N D AY MEMORIAL DAY KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT Price: Free Phone: (513)521-7275 Location: Lake Isabella www.greatparks.org Join us for a special kids-only fishing tournament! All participants will receive a certificate, and any child who catches a fish gets a trophy. Whoever catches the largest fish will be presented with a trophy and a prize. Registration begins at the boathouse at 9 a.m. Limited to 50 children in each category (ages 10–12, 6–9, under 6).

2 8 W E D N E S D AY WEE WEDNESDAY Price: Free Phone: (513) 721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org A great program keeps getting better! Our popular “open house” program for preschoolers and their parents offers storytelling and touchable objects for a memorable learning experience every month. We hope you’ll like our new ideas for the season!

3 0 F R I D AY SUMMERFAIR 2014 Through Sunday, June 1st Times: Fri: 2-8pm, Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 10am-5pm Price: Adults: $10:00 (cash only at the gate), Children under 12: FREE Location: Coney Island Phone: 513-232-8230 www.coneyislandpark.com/ Summerfair is Cincinnati’s premier festival of fine arts and crafts. The fair will feature more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople from around the country as well as regional performers, a variety of gourmet arts, and the Youth Arts Rocks! area for kids.

MUD STASH Price: $65; $35 children Phone: 812-537-3754 Location: Perfect North Slopes (Lawrenceburg) www.perfectnorth.com/ Run is approximately 5 miles and mini run is approximately 1.5 miles with variety of obstacles throughout ski area and surrounding property. Mud pits, hill climbs, monkey bars, giant slip-n-slide and more.

Includes music, food and beer sales.

At Cincinnati Parent, we work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate Occasionally, event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.

ONG OI NG E VE NTS // MAY 2014

// O N G O I N G E V E N T S ZOO BABIES Occurring Daily Through May 31st Times: 10am - 5pm Cost: Included with admission: $15, $11 ages 2-12, free under age 2 Where: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Phone: (513)281-4700 www.cincinnatizoo.org

Help us celebrate our newest arrivals at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during May. Six-foot-tall pink and blue storks statues displayed throughout the Zoo will lead visitors to all of the cutest little baby faces.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning April 30th Through May 11th

BUILD IT! ARCHITECTURE FOR KIDS Occurring Every Tue & Thu Through August 21st Times: 11am - 2pm Cost: $2 per person Where: The Betts House, Cincinnati www.TheBettsHouse.org

On loan from archKIDecture of Chicago, the exhibit consists of nine modules presenting architectural subjects including roofs, tools, and shapes. Build It! encourages children to interact with each module, either on their own or by collaborating with other children or adults.

Designed for children age three to twelve, the exhibit promotes visual literacy with activities on shapes, color, and symmetries. Also on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, 12:30 – 5 pm.

Cost: $33 and up Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts - Proctor & Gamble Hall, Cincinnati Phone: (513)621-ARTS http://cincinnati.broadway.com/

Hailed as ‘Stunning, intense and spectacular’ by the Sunday Express, this production features a brilliant new design by Paul Brown, costumes by the much missed Maria Björnson, a new staging by Laurence Connor –director of the recent acclaimed 25th anniversary celebration at the Royal Albert Hall -- and new choreography

by Scott Ambler. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh.

FRIDAY NIGHT GRILL OUTS

Occurring Each Friday Through the End of August Times: 5pm – 8pm Where: Lake Isabella, Cincinnati Phone: (513)521-7275 www.greatparks.org

Bring the family to Lake Isabella to enjoy a relaxing Friday evening with fresh grilled food and local live entertainment. Dine on the patio pier or in the air-conditioned Chart Room. Playground and boathouse are also open for pre- or post-meal fun. Meals available for $8.25–$10.

DIANA: A CELEBRATION

Occurring Daily Beginning May 11th Through May 15th

Price: Varies

Where: Forest Fair Village, Cincinnati

Location: Cincinnati Museum Center

http://northcincinnati.rhealana. com/

Rhea Lana’s is a semi-annual children’s consignment event with a boutique like feel. Once each spring and once each fall, our consignors fill our store with high quality, gently used items such as children’s clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, DVD’s, baby equipment, maternity items and much more! Our shoppers will find great deals on name brand items at a fraction of the retail cost.

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SALSA ON THE SQUARE Occurring Each Thursday Beginning May 1st Through September 18th

Daily through August 17th Phone: (513)287-7000

www.cincymuseum.com More than 15 years after her death, Princess Diana’s memory still stirs interest and emotion. The exhibition presents the life and humanitarian work of Princess Diana through nine galleries containing 150 objectsranging from her royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses to family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings and rare home movies and photos. Showcases the life and work of one of the most remarkable women of her time.

CINCINNATIPARENT.COM // MAY 2014

Story of hope and celebration highlights importance of protecting the ocean and its inhabitants above and below the sea.

Times: 7pm–10pm Where: Fountain Square, Cincinnati Phone: 513-621-4400 www.myfountainsquare.com Every Thursday, enjoy hot salsa bands, skilled dancers, and tips from expert instructors who will take to the dance floor teach the basic steps. When it gets too hot, dancers can cool down with a cold soft drink or adult beverage. Come down and show off your best “Cha-Cha”!

PURA VIDA: BUTTERFLIES OF COSTA RICA Occurring Daily (except Mon), April 12th Through June 22nd Price: $7, $4 children, free ages 4 and under. $12 unlimited admission pins

TRIVIA NIGHT Occurring Each Monday Beginning April 28th Through October 27th Times: 7-9 pm Where: Fountain Square, Cincinnati Phone: 513-621-4400 www.myfountainsquare.com

Every Monday, grab your friends and family and head to the Square for great beer specials, gift card prizes, and plenty of fast-paced trivia. Teams must consist of at least eight members in order to play.

FROG WEEK Occurring Daily Beginning May 23rd Through May 28th

Phone: (513) 421-4086

Times: Fri–Wed, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. & Wed, 6–8 p.m

Location: Krohn Conservatory

Cost: Free

www.cincinnatiparks.com/ krohn

Where: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Cincinnati

Join us as thousands of butterflies are free to fly throughout the show room in a specially-themed garden. Lush tropical hideaway celebrates animals, plants and ancient cultures found in this abundantly diverse country.

Phone: (513)521-7275 www.greatparks.org

Kick off our summer series of nature weeks with Frog Week! See and learn about some of Ohio’s favorite frogs and toads with live animals, activities and an optional craft.

PETER PAN Occurring Daily (except Mon & Tue) Beginning May 9th Through May 17th Cost: $20-$24

RHEA LANA’S CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SPRING SALE

Phone: (513)502-5533

FOR MORE FUN ONGOING EVENTS, VISIT WWW.CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts - Proctor & Gamble Hall, Cincinnati

THE SHORT TREE AND THE BIRD THAT COULD NOT SING

Phone: (513)621-ARTS

Occurring Every Fri, Sat & Sun Through May 18th

www.cincinnatiarts.org

Phone: (513) 421-3888

Tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Timeless, enchanting musical is filled with fantasy, adventure, Lost Boys, Indians and Pirates.

www.cincyplay.com

JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC Occurring Daily Through October 16th Price: $8.50, $7.50 seniors, $6.50 children, plus parking Phone: (513)287-7000 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center www.cincymuseum.com

A wacky and charming fable of an unlikely friendship between a tree that resents its roots and a spunky, unflappable bird with a horrible singing voice. As their relationship builds around the joys of music, storytelling, the weather and the stars, the friends must navigate the ups and downs of getting to know one another, growing closer and suddenly finding themselves apart.

For ages 5 and up. Part of the Off the Hill program by the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; check website for local times and your community arts center schedule.

FUN &WACKY C I N C I N N AT I PA R E N T // MAY 2 0 1 4

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SOURCES // familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com

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