Cincinnati Parent // December 2012

Cincinnati

PARENT DECEMBER 2012 | FREE

cincinnatiparent.com

CHOOSI NG A PRE SCHOOL

is child's play

KEEPING the season bright is homeschooling

RIGHT for you?

12 DAY S

1 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

OF

GI V E AWAY S

2 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 3

contents

12.12

features 14 | KEEPING THE SEASON BRIGHT Tips to help avoid holiday burnout

16 | HANUKKAH. NOT THE JEWISH CHRISTMAS! 18 | CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL IS CHILD’S PLAY Finding the right program for your child

22 | IS HOMESCHOOLING RIGHT FOR YOU?

commentary + parenting 10 | MOMMY MAGIC

14

Christmas Magic

16 | TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A STAY-AT-HOME DAD These toys are better left on the shelf

resources 24 | education/ childcare GUIDE

18

34 | MARKETPLACE 34 | BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

The pros and cons of being your child’s primary teacher

26 | 12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS

calendars 31 | DECEMBER EVENTS 33 | ONGOING EVENTS

29 | MAKING FAMILY A PRIORITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

35 | FUN + WACKY

22

How one local mother does it

in every issue 06 | PUBLISHER'S NOTE 08 | COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 12 | ONLINE BUZZ 4 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

29

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 5

in every issue

Cincinnati

[ publisher’s note ]

PARENT PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox | publisher@cincinnatiparent.com SALES MANAGER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Pfierman | katie@cincinnatiparent.com EDITOR Susan Bryant | susan@cincinnatiparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Holli Hinerman | holli@cincinnatiparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Melissa Wittenbaum | melissa@cincinnatiparent.com

Season’s Greetings!

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@cincinnatiparent.com

December has arrived and with it comes the flurry of activities of the holiday season. Perhaps no other time of year has the same “buzz” of anticipation and excitement for children and parents alike.

Holiday happenings can be found everywhere in Cincinnati this time of year, and our December Calendar can help you choose the activities and events your family will enjoy most. Find the details of your family’s timehonored traditions and pick up some ideas for creating new holiday memories as well. (With so much to do, your kids won’t have the chance to utter “I’m bored” over the long school break!)

Shopping for gifts tops everyone’s “to do” lists now. When re-gifting last year’s fruitcake is not an option, thinking of potential presents can be a challenge. Check out our Holiday Gift Guide for some fresh ideas for kids (and adults) on your shopping list.

With so much happening this time of year, the holidays can whiz by without us truly appreciating the joy of the season. Read Keeping the Season Bright for thoughts on managing family expectations, shopping with small children in tow and remembering what the season means to you. Our article Making Family a Priority this Season will help you do just that – and keep the focus on what matters most to you during the holidays.

Although the kids will enjoy a break from school this month, as parents we are always thinking of their education.

If you have a little one at home, choosing the right preschool is an important decision. Read Choosing a Preschool is Child’s Play for some interesting background on the philosophy of preschool. For those considering teaching a child at home, Is Homeschooling Right for You? offers insights from parents who have chosen this option.

The holiday season comes and goes in a hurry. We hope this issue helps you make the most of it. Take time out from the hustle and bustle to truly enjoy this special time of year with your family!

Mary Wynne Cox Publisher 6 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

EVENTS COORDINATOR & PUBLIC RELATIONS Wendy Cox | wendy@cincinnatiparent.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Wendy Schrepferman | s.wendy@cincinnatiparent.com AD CREATION Heather Lipe | heather@amplifydesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Wynne Cox, Wendy Schrepferman, Sarah McCosham, Katrina Holtmeier, Brooke Reynolds, Mary Susan Buhner, Pete Gilbert, The Mayerson Foundation CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@cincinnatiparent.com CONTACT US 9435 Waterstone Blvd., Suite 140 | Cincinnati, OH 45249 PHONE: 513.444.2015 | FAX: 513.444.2099 EMAIL: info@cincinnatiparent.com

COPYRIGHT Cincinnati Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2012 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.

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 7

in every issue

[ community spotlight ]

community S POT L IGH T

celebrate the winter solstice cincinnati style Share in the joy of the holiday season with your family and

cincinnati museum center annual holiday junction

celebrate winter at the Cincinnati Nature Center! Join the fun on Saturday, December 15th for an exciting day of music and winter cheer from 12-5 pm. Listen to Celtic

Q: What’s unforgettable and will travel more than 100,000 miles this holiday season?

music by Dark Moll and hear holiday tunes by the NKU

A: The Cincinnati Museum Center’s Holiday Junction trains!

Clermont County Youth Orchestra. Plant narcissus bulbs

Prepare to be amazed by the magic of the tri-state’s most historic train station! Beautiful holiday decor, seasonal music and Cincinnati’s beloved train display are just a sampling of the events at the Cincinnati Museum Center this holiday season. The Duke Energy Holiday Junction trains have delighted over 9 million visitors since 1946 when the local holiday tradition began. See them this year beginning on November 2, 2012 through January 6, 2013. Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. December 24: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) ($12.50 adult, $4.40-$8.50 child, members: free) Make time during your visit to view Rocky Mountain Express at the OMNIMAX Theater. The film propels viewers on a steam train journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies.

Incredible aerial cinematography, archival photographs, maps and the potent energy and rhythms of a live steam locomotive will immerse you in this remarkable story from the age of steam.

for winter blooms, take a horse-drawn wagon ride and go on a winter scavenger hunt outdoors! Warm up indoors as Education Director Connie O’Connor shares the history of the winter solstice and join in a casual drumming circle.

Regular admission fees apply. Members are free.

Visit www.cincynature.org/familywinter.html for more information on this and other winter events.

($7.50 adult, $5.50 child, museum and OMNIMAX combo ticket also available) Suitable for all audiences. Running time: 45 minutes.

Visit www.cincymuseum.org or call (513) 287-7000 for details.

2012 holiday balloon glow The Light Up Middletown Celebration, which takes place from 6 pm - 10 pm each evening in December, will feature a Holiday Balloon Glow on Thursday, December 6th from 7 - 8 pm. Hot air balloonists will inflate their craft among the animated light displays to add their glow to the thousands of lights in Smith Park. Donations are encouraged.

helping those in need Hurricane Sandy left her indelible mark last month. Events such as this are often distressing to children. One way to help them understand and process these situations is to empower them to make a difference in the lives of others. Consider making a family donation to your local Red Cross chapter. Visit www.redcross.org/findyour-local-chapter to donate online. You may also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or send a donation to American Red

Join in the excitement at 500 Tytus Avenue off of I-75 at exit 32 in downtown Middletown, OH. Visit www.lightupmiddletown.org for more information.

8 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 9

commentary and parenting

[ mommy magic ]

Christmas Magic It may not be what you think Mary Susan Buhner If I had one piece of advice for all moms this month it would be this: There is magic in imperfection, especially during the holiday season!

Like many moms, I am in charge of making a lot of the holiday magic this month. I have to admit, I do love all the family traditions - baking cookies with my kiddos, trimming our Christmas tree together, all the special school Christmas programs. I love the “countdown of magic” in December!

Knowing that my kids are growing up too fast, I try to embrace all the fun traditions like sprinkling “reindeer food” on our lawn and sending their Christmas letters to the “North Pole.” What I have learned, however, is that what I think is making an impression on my kids may not be what they define as “Christmas magic.” Case in point, every year that my husband and I have been married, we have gone to Lowe’s for our Christmas tree.

It’s not very Norman Rockwell, I know, but we’ve always had good luck finding a decent tree that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. And each year, my husband has secured the tree on the roof of our car with twine, stringing the excess inside the car so it doesn’t flap around outside.

One year, he handed the excess twine to my oldest daughter, who was three at the time, and jokingly instructed her to hold onto it to make sure the tree stayed on the roof.

When she expressed her concern that she wasn’t strong enough for the job, we told her that her Christmas magic would give her strength. So she held on tight, and when we got home without incident, she said, overjoyed, that she couldn’t wait to do it next year. And so, year after year, we have loaded up the car and headed to Lowe’s for our tree, and each year our daughter has assumed this sacred responsibility, ultimately sharing it with her baby sisters. “Don’t worry,” she’d say, all big-sister authority. “Your Christmas magic will make the tree stay on.” And year after year, my husband and I have chuckled to each other as their white knuckles intensely grasped the twine.

Okay, so fast forward to Christmas a few years ago. We have been going to Lowe’s a long time now. And nothing against Lowe’s, but I was ready to change it up a bit. So I spent weeks researching Christmas tree farms. I called, I Googled. I looked into every tree farm in the area to find the one that would yield the perfect Christmas experience for our family. After all, we had three kids by then; it was time to start the perfect family tradition! When I was satisfied that I’d done enough leg work, I announced with some excitement that we were going to start a new family tradition: picking out our Christmas tree at a tree farm. We would cut down our own tree, sip hot chocolate and have our picture taken with Santa’s reindeer. It would be the perfect Christmas tradition - the ultimate magical moment!

In one second flat, my two oldest daughters dissolved into tears. “No, Mommy!” they begged, barely able to spit out their plea between their sobs. “We don’t want to go!”

“What?” I said, shocked. I couldn’t make sense of the moment. Had they misheard me?

Did they miss the bit about the hot cocoa and the reindeer? Did they not know about all 10 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

my hard work, all my planning? “We want to go to Lowe’s and hold the twine!” wailed my seven year-old. My five year-old seconded that.“Yeah! We want to use our Christmas magic to keep the tree on the roof!”

I was floored. Lowe’s, with its bright, fluorescent lights, its metal shopping carts and its vast parking lot, was perfect tradition to me , but total perfection to my children. So needless to say, we went back to Lowe’s to get our tree. Unbeknownst to me, a perfect Christmas family tradition had been born.

So with that, I encourage you to take notice of how your kiddos view the holiday season through their eyes. Most of the time they could care less if the bow matches the wrapping paper or if the cookies are correctly placed on the “special” Christmas plate.

In fact, what they store in their memory bank and remember when they get older is the magic of being together and creating memories in the first place.

Join the Mommy Magic’s Fan Page on Facebook and visit www.Mommy-Magic.com to be a part of the mom community that supports and encourages moms in Cincinnati with helpful tips for motherhood!

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 11

online buzz check OUT

DECEMBER’S

facebook freebie fridays & weekly e-newsletter

+

CONTESTS

> LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Newport on the Levee – RellaAnn M. Fountain Square... watching ice skaters, and of course, the Duke Energy train display. – Stacey R. Downtown! – Kristen P.

We LOVE The Christmas Ranch in Morrow. It has a wonderful light display, a village with shops, food and Santa! The whole family can go!

– Rachel O. Matthew 25 Ministries: We like to kick off the holidays in the spirit of sharing and M25M is one of our favorite places to do so. – Malinda L.

> FOLLOW US ON TWITTER > SIGN UP for our weekly e-newsletter at cincinnatiparent.com

12 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights – Sarah C.

So many... the zoo, museum, krohns, but my new favorite tradition is taking my girls downtown to watch Macy's celebration where Santa repels down the building! – Jennifer v.

for a chance to win:

Tickets to the Children’s Theatre’s Santa’s Toy Factory

“Where is your favorite place in Cincy to catch the holiday spirit?”

‘All Museums’ Passes to the Cincinnati Museum Center

“Like” us on Facebook to Join in the Conversations!

Over 3,000 Fans and Counting...

Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo Tickets

Krohn Conservatory’s Trains, Trestles and Traditions Tickets

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 13

Keeping the Season Tips to Help Avoid Holiday Burnout It’s that time of year again - time for family, festivities and fun as we celebrate the holiday season. Unfortunately for many people, the holidays instead become defined by hectic shopping trips, stressful family events and to-do lists that never seem to end. Add kids into the mix, and things can become exponentially more stressful.

It’s easy to become burned out by the holidays. Read on for some simple tips on keeping the season merry and bright, staying a sane and happy parent and maintaining perspective on what the holidays are really about.

Managing Expectations Once you get married and start your own family, former family traditions become tricky. For example, both you and your spouse used to spend Christmas morning at your respective 14 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

B R I G HT Sarah McCosham

households, but now you want to start your own traditions. Heather, mom to a 2 year-old toddler and 4 month-old fraternal twins, says that it hasn’t been easy transitioning from old traditions to new ones.

“I really wanted Christmas morning to be our own little family (meaning me, my husband and our kids) but we have immediate family that is used to seeing us every year on Christmas.

Trying to do our own thing and not hurt anyone’s feelings has been tough; however, it’s really important to me that we establish our own traditions now that we have kids.”

When dealing with family, it’s best to be clear about what your expectations are for the holidays.

Pick a few family traditions you’d like to be part of, and be sure to let extended family know ahead of time what your plans are. By going into the holidays with just a few commitments and reasonable expectations, you’ll be able to really enjoy the time spent with your family.

In fact, Dawn Bierschwal, owner at Mason’s Becoming Mom Spa, says that the stress of managing family expectations and obligations can take quite a toll on parents both physically and emotionally. “When stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol,” she says.

“Higher levels of cortisol have been shown to have many negative mental and physical effects, such as impaired cognitive performance, higher blood pressure and lowered immunity.”

Bierschwal says that massage therapy can help to reduce cortisol levels and alleviate stress, keeping colds and fatigue at bay. She suggests that parents - especially moms -schedule a massage for themselves during the holiday season.

Shopping… with Kids Holiday shopping is stressful enough when it’s just you – add a carful of kids and shopping becomes next to impossible. John Hutton, owner of Cincinnati’s Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore and Decafé, quips, “If you’re shopping for someone else, it’s great to get kids involved. But if you’re trying to shop for them, it’s a path to madness!”

When it comes to buying for your own kids, set limits and don’t buy into the hype of the “must-have” toys of the season. My husband and I have a tradition where we focus on the “four gift rule: something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.” By paring down lists to a manageable number, we can focus on buying more meaningful gifts for our family.

Remembering What’s Important It’s easy to get swept up by the holiday season, but as a parent, it’s especially important to slow down and remember what’s really important. By coming up with a game plan ahead of time, the focus of the holidays can be on spending quality time with your family.

Bierschwal advises, “Think back on what it is that you remember about the holidays from your own childhood. What are the things that made the most impact? Was it the gifts and trappings? Or was it the family time, the caroling, the experiences? When trying to prioritize, those memories can provide the most guidance.”

Kids can easily get wrapped up in wanting everything they see, leading to frustration, tantrums and meltdowns in the middle of a crowded store. Instead, Hutton suggests taking the kids along when you shop for others, which helps teach them about the joy of giving.

Creating family memories is something Heather and her husband are actively trying to do with their three kids. For example, they’ve come up with traditions that don’t involve lots of preparation or money, such as “pajama night” where everyone dons a new pair of holiday pj’s and loads into the minivan to admire the holiday lights.

“Focus on giving to others, starting as young as possible,” he says. “Children love to feel that they are helping, especially helping others feel happy. Shifting the nature of the holidays to one of giving rather than getting is key.”

Above all, Heather says she wants to keep the holidays simple and family-oriented. “We want to focus more on being together rather than buying, buying, buying - we don’t need presents galore under the tree - that’s really not what Christmas is about.”

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 15

Hanukkah.

[ ADVERTORIAL: The Mayerson Foundation ]

Not the Jewish Christmas!

Hanukkah…it’s one of the most popular Jewish holidays of the year. And while almost everyone has heard of it, how many really know how or why it’s celebrated?

Also known as the Festival of Lights this eight-day holiday is a celebration of survival and religious freedom, and carries an uplifting theme of spirit over strength. The story of Hanukkah dates back more than 2,000 years to the land of Judea, known today as Israel, where the Jewish people were ruled by a brutal king named Antiochus who forced them to convert to paganism and worship Greek gods. The observance of the Sabbath and other traditions central to Judaism were outlawed, and the sacrifice of pigs and other atrocities were performed in the Holy Temple. While some Jews complied with the new laws, many refused… and still others rebelled.

One such man named Judah, became the leader of a group of resistance fighters known as The Maccabees, (Hebrew for hammers). Antiochus underestimated the will and strength of the Maccabees, who after many years of fighting ended up defeating the huge Syrian-Greek army. Like David overcoming Goliath, Judah Maccabee and his small army of resistance fighters were victorious in defeating one of the most powerful armies in the ancient world to reclaim the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after more than 500 years of oppression.

The “miracle” of Hanukkah is said to have occurred when the Maccabees went to rededicate the Holy Temple. In order to do so they needed to kindle the Eternal Light, that was supposed to burn continuously. Although they were only able to find enough oil for it to burn for one day, it ended up lasting eight days, enough time to locate more oil before the flame went out.

Jewish people the world over commemorate this event by lighting special nine-branched candelabra called a menorah. The ninth candle is used to light one additional candle each night for eight nights. One special Hanukkah tradition is eating potato pancakes, jelly donuts or other foods fried in “oil”. Another is exchanging gifts. After the Temple was reclaimed, the Jewish people began minting their own coins, which was extremely significant in those days because having this ability represented true independence. Hence giving gifts of coins became a Hanukkah tradition, which later turned into the giving of other kinds of gifts as well.

Children will have the chance to make-their-own Maccabee shield, take part in PJ Library’s Hanukkah storytime, visit the Mini Maccabee Kiddie Costume Corner, make some memories in the Time Capsule Photo Booth where they can snap some family photos to take home, and leave a few behind for future generations to find! Plus, they can uncover some of the mysteries of the past with kid-friendly activities designed to complement the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times exhibition, showcasing one of the world’s greatest archeological discoveries.

This year, Shalom Family will be hosting Mini Maccabees at the Children’s Museum a special Festival of Lights celebration featuring hands-on holiday fun for families in the Jewish community with children 12 and under in which at least one parent is Jewish on Sunday, December 2nd at 3pm.

Shalom Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation and hosts some of the largest events for Jewish families aimed at helping them connect to one another and to the Jewish community. For more information or to RSVP please contact Julie at Julie@myshalomfamily.org or visit www.myshalomfamily.org.

16 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 17

ch osing a preschool

is Child's P lay Finding the right program for your child Wendy Schrepferman, M. A. Elementary Education

In recent years, full-day kindergarten has become the norm for many of our country’s young children. As a result more parents are choosing to send their children to preschool in an effort to prepare them for entering a traditional school setting. Researching and deciding upon a program for your child can be a long process. Fortunately, understanding the traits of a quality preschool is not.

It might seem reversed, but appreciating the origins of kindergarten is the best place to begin.

The German word “kindergarten” translates to “garden of children.” Think of children as a garden of wild flowers - all growing at their own rate, all presenting their unique colors and shapes in their own way. This term was made popular by Friedrich Froebel in the 1800s. His educational philosophies 18 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

of promoting discovery, hands-on activities and peer relationships continue to guide quality kindergarten programs today.

These important learning philosophies must also be the driving force in preschool settings. Preschool is a child’s first and lasting memory of what school is all about, and it is our job as parents to find a nurturing environment where our children will grow and thrive.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a non-profit organization with a longstanding reputation of developing research-based practices for educating small children. NAEYC awards accreditation to quality preschool and kindergarten programs that apply and complete the multifaceted process. Parents may visit www.families.naeyc.org to locate accredited schools as well as a variety of valuable resources.

signs of a great preschool If your child is in the three to six year age group and attends a preschool, day care or kindergarten program, the NAEYC suggests looking for these signs in the classroom.

— Decorate the activity spaces with the children’s original artwork where writing with invented spelling is proudly displayed.

— Read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time.

children should have the opportunity every day to:

— Adapt the curriculum for those who are successful as well as those who need additional help.

— Spend the majority of their time playing, working with hands-on materials and interacting with peers. They should rarely be asked to sit still and participate in whole group learning.

— Recognize that children’s different backgrounds and experiences mean they do not learn the same things at the same time or in the same way.

— Access a wide variety of activities such as dramatic play, building blocks, a variety of art materials, picture books and puzzles.

— Play outdoors. Outdoor time should never be sacrificed to gain more instructional time.

— Learn numbers and letters in the context of everyday experiences which might include exploring patterns in nature, cooking or taking attendance.

Worksheets are used little if at all.

— Have extended, self-directed periods of time to play and explore.

— Look forward to school.

early childhood educators should strive to: — Work with individuals and small groups throughout the day instead of only leading whole group sessions.

After reading the inventory of standards above, perhaps you are thinking, “As a parent, I want what’s best for my child, and I want them to be successful in kindergarten and elementary school. Why would I send my child to a preschool to play all day?”

Barbara Willer, Deputy Executive Director of NAEYC, weighed in on the subject of play stating, “Play encourages children’s physical development, but also their intellectual, social and emotional development. When children play, they develop and practice new skills, learn to negotiate and cooperate, make friends, use vocabulary and regulate their emotions and behavior.”

Play is purposeful at The Mayerson JCC. “We are thrilled to offer a facility where children swim, play basketball and take advantage of a variety of activities promoting health and teamwork,” says the Center’s Early Childhood Director, Denise Schnur.

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 19

“Our program celebrates a sense of wonder and play which are just a few of the simple joys of childhood.” She explained that her skilled teachers have developmentally appropriate lesson plans but always take the children’s lead.

She strongly believes that children “create their own intelligence in their own way.”

We are fortunate in the Cincinnati area to have a variety of quality programs to suit all ages and needs. Early childhood education options include: — Multi-age Montessori programs — Family-oriented co-op programs — Pre-k programs serving families wishing to enter a private school setting for elementary school — Museum and nature center-based programs — Traditional programs that incorporate a variety of early childhood learning philosophies — Programs with a religious education component in addition to their early childhood learning philosophies

hands-on experiences her students encounter. “Soon, children will not only discover where syrup comes from, but also tap a sugar maple tree and taste the sap. They will then take the sap to the evaporator and observe the sap’s transformation into syrup.” This illustrates hands-on learning in its purest form and underscores that children learn best by doing. She goes on to say, “The CNC Nature Preschool students are building the foundation for a lifetime of intrinsic motivation and learning.” This deep understanding exhibited by small children cannot occur as easily in a formal academic setting.

Early winter is the perfect time of year to contact preschools in your area to schedule visits. It is best to visit schools when the students are present to see what a typical day might look like. Take the above listing of standards with you and ask specific questions about the school’s core philosophy. If appropriate, ask the students what they like about their school as they are the true ambassadors.

Although parents often feel pressure to have their children excel academically at an early age, it is important not to sacrifice a child’s natural instincts to discover and explore the world. Just as we wouldn’t remove the training wheels from a child’s bike before he or she was ready, we must be mindful when introducing them to formal academic settings before they are developmentally prepared.

So, let’s play! We might all be surprised by what we learn!

The Cincinnati area also boasts a new preschool program specializing in a natural approach to education. Tisha Luthy, Director of Cincinnati Nature Center’s Nature Preschool, found it difficult to choose just one of the many

20 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 21

Is HOMESCHOOLING

R IGHT FOR

YOU?

The pros and cons of being your child’s primary teacher

Brooke Reynolds

lthough a traditional school setting works for many children, the variety of educational choices currently available to homeschooled kids makes this form of education an attractive choice to many parents. Homeschooling now involves cooperative programs, tutors, library classes, online courses and even modified schedules with private schools - making this an increasingly popular option for families today.

in America” (sharefaith.com.) A method that was once considered a thing of the past has resurfaced and been re-established in the American culture.

Since the early 1980s, homeschool numbers have continued to rise at an estimated seven percent per year, according to “The History of Homeschooling

Although the choice to homeschool can be a tough one to make, many families who have committed to it have similar positive opinions about the experience. They find that

22 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Claudia Ganote started her 13, 12 and 9 year-old children in public charter schools and then moved to an e-school before finally going completely on their own with homeschooling for the last five years. “There's a strong group of homeschooling families in Ohio, and the numbers continue to grow,” she said.

homeschooling allows them to connect with their children and slow down to focus on what they think is most important. Parents who homeschool often feel that this method gives them the chance to give their children more individual attention; building personal motivation and independence. Kids appreciate that there’s less pressure to "make the grade" and more time for fun and field trips. Families also enjoy the flexibility of their schedules, particularly for vacation times.

“We homeschool because we wish for our children to develop what it means to learn,” Ganote said. “We want them to learn what interests them, at their own pace and in their own learning style - in ‘school’ and out.”

Still, in traditional schools educators are professionally trained. Parents who homeschool must be realistic about their limitations when teaching their children.

Other potential obstacles include time management as it is easy to overschedule activities or be too lax about routines. Homeschooling can also be expensive. Finally, parents who choose to homeschool frequently hear the concern that their children are not as socialized as kids who learn in a traditional school environment.

Jennifer Chen has been homeschooling for 15 years.

She said this choice has paved a tough road for her

family, both financially and emotionally. “We have done very much ‘without,’ and it's been difficult to work with the kids through bad phases,” Chen said. “But it has been very worthwhile as I see my children develop into polite, hardworking, honest, mature and well-educated people.”

Even though homeschooling has its challenges, this type of education has its rewards.

A teacher by trade, Diana Osborn homeschooled her three children for eight to twelve years. “I'd like to think the close bond that we enjoy today is due in part to our choice to homeschool. I learned more as a homeschooling parent than I did in all of my own years as a teacher in traditional schooling,” Obsorn said. “I also believe that the love of learning that my kids developed is the reason that all of them have continued to pursue graduate degrees.”

When considering her choice to homeschool, Ganote said, “Several times I had to step back and just stare at my children, because it was my children and their individual personalities that ultimately helped decide what direction we'd take with schooling.” Her children shared their own opinions about what it’s like to be homeschoolers. Caitlin, 13, said, "I like the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling, and the chance to really

focus on what I want to learn at my own pace. Learning at home with my family is comforting to me. But now that I'm a teen, I find I want to be a part of the school drama.

Not going to the classes, but being a part of the 'teen scene' of who likes who and who said what. Sometimes, also, being around my family so much isn't a good thing."

Hannah, 12, said, “I like learning what I want when I want to learn it. It's cool to be able to say, 'I want to learn Spanish' and then have my mom get me the stuff to do it and not have to wait until I reach a certain grade in school. But sometimes our schedule gets thrown off by family visiting or something, and I like more of a predictable routine."

Nine year old Grace added, “I like not having so many rules about when to eat, or when I can talk, or when I can ask a question or when I can go to the bathroom. Sometimes, the kids in the classroom can be mean. But I don't like having to wait for the other kids on the street to get home from school."

With the array of schooling options available to children today, it is easy to become overwhelmed with information and opinions. For these parents, not “following the crowd” and choosing to homeschool has worked for their particular children, family and lifestyle.

Virtual Community School of Ohio offers a unique learning experience for students who don’t fit the traditional school mold. Students in grades K-12 learn online from the comfort and safety of home (or any computer!) with instruction from certified and highly-qualified teachers. Students are not bound by the clock or a physical classroom, so they have the flexibility to learn whenever it fits their schedule, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Individual courses also available.

FREE tuition & computer! • www.vcslearn.org • (866) 501-9473 • Individual courses available

Virtual Community School of Ohio

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 23

resources

[ school listings ]

education + childcare GUIDE Child Care & Preschool Chai Tots Early Childhood Center

Academic excellence via unique blend of Montessori method and traditional Jewish education. Chai Tots teaches children the culture and traditions of Judaism, while developing their creativity skills and promoting independence. Flexible schedule. Before and Aftercare.

7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, OH 45040, (513)234-0600, www.chaitots.com, Grades: 6 weeks - 6 years, Enrollment: 40

The Compass School Ages 6 weeks-6 years plus after school & summer camp up to age 12. Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired full and part-time Infant, Toddler, Two’s, and Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, After School, and Summer Camp for school-age children. Degreed teachers, extensive parent communication, and welcoming family environment. Setting the standard in early care and education. Call today for your personal tour. 9370 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, Contact: Laura Carr, Phone: 513-683-8833, Email: CompassLC@yahoo.com, www.TheCompassSchool.com

Creative Tots Preschool Creative Tots has specialized in the private education of Toddler, Preschool and Pre-K children for 20 years. Our research-based curriculum provides age-appropriate, high-quality academics designed to exceed Ohio Academic Content Standards; which assures accountability for educational objectives in Ohio. Our modernized curriculum is rich in opportunities to use creativity, solve problems, use language, develop new vocabulary and reading skills, while engaging in intellectual activities. For more information please contact the director and owner, Emilie Parry. Phone: 513-770-6776. www.creativetotsmason.com. Programs: Toddler 18 months - 3 years; Early 3’s 2 1/2 -3 years; Preschool 3 - 4 years; Pre-K 4-5 years. Enrichment Programs: Spanish, Music, Art, Yoga and Science. M-F 9-11:30 or 12-2:30.

Kinder Garden School Together with interaction of child, staff & family, we develop the complete child. We provide formative encouragement and knowledge with hands-on staff taking a personal interest in family and holistic education decisions for the child.

Devoted to growing a child’s wish to flourish and learn by cultivating curiosity and problem-solving proficiency.

Enlightenment Is Our Mission. Blue Ash& West Chester locations. BA: 513-791-4300, WC: 513-874-3100, www.kindergardenschool.com, Grades: 6 weeks – K 24 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Pleasant Preparatory Preschool PPP offers a learning environment rich in educational activities that balance academic readiness with imagination, play and free exploration. We encourage our parents to be actively involved in their child’s early childhood education. We offer half day programs for ages 2.5 through PreK, and will work with you and your child through the potty training process if necessary. Classes have low student teacher ratios which allow our highly experienced and degreed teachers to work with each student both individually and as part of a group. Contact us today for your personal tour. 3401 Hamilton Mason Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011. Contact: Brenda Roberts, Administrator.

Phone: 513-893-3222. Email: pleasantpreppreschool@gmail. com. www.pleasantpreppreschool.org

Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Nursery School Professionally qualified teachers provide active, expressive, child-centered learning experiences at this 3-star award-winning program. Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 day AM or PM sessions. Excellent ratios, degreed teachers and spacious, sunny, classrooms await your preschooler.

Parent and child classes also available for babies and toddlers. 5950 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213, (513)631-0170, www.prpc.org, Grades: 2 1/2 - 5 years, Parent/ Child classes birth to 32 months, Enrollment: 65

The Willow Tree House Daycare & Preschool The Willow Tree House is centrally located just 5 minutes from downtown and Good Sam Hospital. We are also within walking distance of U.C, and University Hospital.

Our teachers goal is to have happy children and instill a life long love of learning. 2651 Highland Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219. Contact: Jean Walker. Phone: 513-281-8733. Email: willowtreehouse@aol.com. thewillowtreehouse.com. Grades: Serving ages 6 wks–5 years in our Preschool Program

Youthland Academy With over 15 locations in the Cincinnati area, we are sure to find a location best for you. Visit our website for details and new family savings. Phone: (513) 772-5888. www. youthlandacademy.com. Grades: 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

Enrollment: Now enrolling for all ages.

Montessori

Central Montessori Academy We invite you to call and schedule a tour to come see our new Natural Playground and Outdoor Learning Environment, as well as our redesigned Elementary

classrooms! For parents of Toddlers and Preschoolers, be sure to ask about our new “Montessori My Way” flexible early childhood programs designed for today’s familyfriendly work schedules. 1904 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231, Contact: Laura Saylor, Phone: 513-742-5800, Email: info@ centralmontessoriacademy.com, www.centralmontessoriacademy. com, Grades: Infancy-6th Grade, Enrollment: 110

Children’s Meeting House Montessori School An authentic Montessori school program resting on 6.5 acres. Extraordinary and rigorous hands-on learning inside and outside of the classrooms creating life long learners, critical thinkers and passionate leaders. 927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH 45140, Contact: Meg Thomas, Head of School, Phone: 513-683-4757, Email: thomas@ cmhschool, www.cmhschool.com, Grades: Preschool through Sixth grade, Enrollment: 150

Country Hills Montessori Providing half day programs for 3 to K. Small, individualized classes with low student-teacher ratios, under the guidance of Montessori certified teachers, in an inter-generational enviornment. Multiple Locations in Eastgate, Oakley, Harrison and West Chester Ohio and in Ft. Thomas and Erlanger KY. Visit our website for all location addresses & phones. 4400 Glen Este Withamsville, Cincinnati, OH 45236, Contact: Susan Schreiber, Owner, Phone: 513-752-1066, chmschools.com, Email: sschreiberchm@ yahoo.com, Grades: 3 - K

Montessori Academy of Cincinnati Celebrating 25 years of offering Montessori education in the Greater Cincinnati area. Providing a supportive learning environment, the school focuses on individualized education, through which students are offered opportunities for self-paced acceleration.

Experienced, degreed teachers are committed to the success of each student. Self-motivation and an excitement about learning are encouraged. 7.5 acre campus! State Chartered. AMS affiliated. Extended care available. 8293 Duke Boulevard, Mason, OH, 45040, Contact: Pat Elder, Head of School, Phone Number: 513-398-7773, Fax Number: 513-3981031, www.montacademy.org, Ages/Grades:: 18 months through grade 8, Enrollment: 250.

The New School Montessori Founded on Montessori principles in 1970, our wooded playgrounds, home-cooked meals and family-like setting in North Avondale’s Mitchell Mansion provide a stimulating and nurturing environment for learning. We value diversity

and create a caring and supportive community. Our graduates excel academically, but more importantly are empowered as citizens of our global community. 3 Burton Woods Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45229, (513)281-7999, www. thenewschool.cc, 3 years through 6th Grade, Enrollment: 150

Non-Public

Cincinnati Country Day School CCDS is an independent, co-educational school dedicated to educational excellence serving students 18 months through Grade 12. The School is nationally recognized for its innovative, integrated laptop computer program. Extended day and tuition assistance is

available. 6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243, Phone: (513)979-0220, www.countryday.net, Grades: 18 months– 12th grade, Enrollment: 800

St. Ursula Villa Academic excellence in the Ursuline tradition for boys and girls in preschool through 8th grade. Whole-child development, family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, Montessori or Traditional preschool options, small class size, individual attention, outstanding high school preparation. 3660 Vineyard Place, Cincinnati, OH 45226, (513)871-7218, www.stursulavilla.org, Preschool – 8th grade, Enrollment: 496

SPECIAL NEEDS Springer School and Center For 40 years, Springer School and Center has empowered students with learning disabilities to become strategic learners. Springer offers a day school for students ages 6 - 14 and outreach programs and learning disability resources for students, parents and teachers in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Springer Experience.

Success Changes Everything. 2121 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45208, Phone: (513)871-6080, www.springer-ld.org, Grades: 1st - 8th grade, Enrollment: 200

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 25

CINCINNATI PARENT

12 DAYS

of

' L I K E ' OU R FAC E BO O K PAG E F O R YOU R C H A NC E T O W I N !

giveaways

Each day we will post the daily giveaway and instructions on how to enter! Winners will be announced via Facebook & Email.

DAY 1:

DECE MBE R 6th — $500 Gift Certificate to Deerfield Towne Center

DAY 3:

DECE MBE R 10th — A. Heirloom: States shaped cutting board — Pink Roses Keyboard Cover: For MacBook — Smartlight: The lamp for learning

DAY 2:

DECE MBE R 7th — Build a Bear Workshop Bear: Where best friends are made — The Wotwots: Enchanting preschool series that follows the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot — Kimochis: Toys with feelings inside — Baby Alive: Sips ‘n tinkles princess doll — Sesame Street: Cone ‘n Play - Cookie Monster Kitchen Café — Lots to Cuddle Babies: The perfect doll for hugging and cuddling — Rocktivity by Playskool: Rockin’ the stages of physical development — 8 Museum Center Passes

26 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

— 8 Tickets to Krohn Conservatory’s ‘The Return of Trains, Trestles and Traditions’

— Sunbeam: Steam and Press 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer — Bionaire: Heat Circulator: Heats you and the whole room — Lazer Kraze Birthday Party Package

DAY 4:

DECE MBE R 11th — The Trash Pack: The gross gang in your garbage

DAY 5:

DECE M BE R 12th — Heely Skate Shoes Gift Certificate — The Wotwots: Enchanting preschool series that follows the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot — Little Passports: A global adventure — Dizzy Dancers: Poppy Pawz - Do you dare to dizzy — The Littlest Petshop: Trick or Talents Lizards Little pets, BIG personalities — The Sesame Street Knitwits: Abby Cadabby hat

— Dub Garage Custom Rides: Beat Makerz

— Mungi Bands: Magnetically connectable bracelets

— The Wotwots: Enchanting preschool series that follows the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot

— Gelart: Paint & decorate peel off stickers

— Koosh Galazy: Glow in the dark blasting with lights

— Rachel: The Girl with the Giving Heart Doll

— Bubble Bum: The car booster seat in a bag — My First Career Gear: Magician — Joseph the Carpenter’s Helper: Tools & work apron — Celebrate with Thomas the Train: 3 DVD set

— My Image Bracelet Maker: Use MyPhotoSizer software to create your own bracelets — Leap Frog Gift of Learning: Learning DVD set includes 2 DVDs + Bonus Scout Plush

DAY 6:

DECE MBE R 13th — MXL Tempo USB microphone: Perfect for music, vocals, and podcasts — Dragon Naturally Speaking: Premium edition speech recognition software — Flexible USB notebook Light: The brightest USB light for your notebook or computer — Container Store Gift Basket — The Daddy Diaper Pack: The ultimate backpack for dads with full straps and clips to lock it down and take it off easily

— Exer Saucer: Jump and Learn - 45 fun learning activities — Sesame Street: Jingle Bell Elmo — Vicks Behind the Ear Thermometer: Simple Solution: Gentle enough to use on a sleeping baby — The Wotwots: Enchanting preschool series that follows the adventures of two adorable siblings from outer space, SpottyWot and DottyWot

DAY 9:

DECE MBE R 18th

— DS3 games: Jewel Master - Cradle of Persia, To-Fu Collection — Shaun White Skate Board — Nerf: N-Strike - Glow in the dark semi-auto blasting

DAY 11:

DECE M BE R 20th — Farmville: Hungry, Hungry Herd - Based on the Hungry, Hungry Hippo game — Blunders: Play along with the blunders and learn manners the fun way — Trapdoor checkers: A new version of the well-known game of checkers

— Looftlighter: The revolutionary lighter, perfect for barbecues and fireplaces

— My Little Pony: Twilight Sparkle - Remote control action, car moves forward and spins

— Xbox 360 Midway Arcade Origins

— Blingles: Design bling to stick to anything

— Sound it, Found it: What’s that sound?

Where’s the Sound?

— Peppa Pig: Sip and Oink Tea Party - Have a tea party with Peppa

— Feed the Woozle: A cooperative game for kids

— Sonny the Seal: Electronic ring tossing game

— SpecTrix: A classic card game for color lovers of all ages

— Flingin’ Frogs: Fling the frogs onto lily pads to score

— $300 Gift Ceriticate for Swept Away Home Cleaning

DAY 7:

DECE MBE R 14th — Haba: Terra Kids - Build your own wooden bug — Kre-O Battleship: U.S.S. Missouri - Build your own battle on land, sea or air

— FurReal Friends: Bouncy - My happy-to-seeme Pup

— Nerf: Fire Vision: Lights out, game on!

— A Very Thomas Christmas DVD

— Nerf: Dart Tag: Blast your way to victory

— Fireman Sam: Holiday Heroes

— Bully Backpack: It’s like having a bodyguard with you all the time

— 6 Movie Tickets to Showcase Cinemas

— Secret Agent 007 Car: Motorized Aston Martin — $300 Gift Ceriticate for Swept Away Home Cleaning

DAY 8:

DECE MBE R 17th — IKEA “Soft Toys for Education”: IKEA continues its long-standing partnership with UNICEF by helping to provide children with access to a quality education through the “Soft Toys for Education” Holiday campaign

DAY 10:

DECE MBE R 19th

DAY 12:

DECE M BE R 21st — Johnny Jump up: Doorway jumper — Playskool: Learn ‘n pop lion - Where unpredictable surprises can lead to discovery & learning

— Beyblade Metal Fury: Gravity-Defying battles inside Destroyer Dome

— Rao’s Lil’ Chef: An adorable mini shopping cart holds one jar of Rao’s new Sensitive Sauce

— The Avengers Gamma Green Smash Fists: Be incredible like the Hulk

— Baby Gift Basket: Filled with toys and books just for baby

— Road Rippers: Blaze Graze: Full-function radio control

— My First Toy: Pink Ballerina

— Kre-O Battleship: Build your battle on land, sea or air

— iBaby Monitor: Where ever you are, keep your baby close with a touch of your iPod touch, iPhone and iPad

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 27

commentary and parenting

[ pete gilbert...stay-at-home dad ]

These toys are better off left on the shelf True confessions of stay-at-home dad Pete Gilbert I want to talk to all of you toy shoppers that are buying toys for someone else’s kids.

Sometimes a gift is more of a punishment than a blessing. Let me give you some examples.

Hopefully this list will make you think twice while decking the halls this year.

Multiple piece sets — That doll set may look cool inside the packaging, but once opened, there will be tiny pointy pieces everywhere. And when it comes time to pick them up, I will miss one and find it with the bottom of my foot later that night.

Glitter — Glitter glue. Glitter pens. Glitter on anything. Glitter is awful. As soon as the package is opened it’s on my kids, then MY hands, face, clothes, furniture, floor, walls, etc.

No thanks.

Large plastic items — We have a small house. Adding a 1/3 scale play kitchen to our existing kitchen does not help matters. Neither does adding yet another wheeled object to our garage.

Stamping sets — Kids will stamp anything. First they use it correctly, then after the novelty wears off they stamp their skin, their sibling’s skin, the table, the walls and so on.

So what’s left? Instead of toys, think about purchasing an experience - like a gymnastics class, a movie or a live show. You can even take the kids and give parents the gift of time.

Paint — See above.

But when all is said and done, I’m a sucker for the goofy grin of a child opening a gift and seeing just what they wanted. Even if it is a battery operated, glittery, full-size, plastic drum set.

Drums — There’s enough noise in our house already, we don’t need something designed to make even more noise!

Battery operated toys — Toys that sing. Hand-held video games. Remote control cars.

These toys are great until it’s time to buy six AAA batteries for the controller and six D batteries for the car - every three weeks.

28 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Happy Parenting!

Making Family a Priority THIS

HOLI DAY SEASON How One Local Mother Does It Katrina R. Holtmeier

watching movies together in their pajamas, and

but it’s important to reconnect with her family

Life is busy. Sometimes you may feel like there aren’t

decorating the family Christmas tree. They also like

because it makes her realize how much she has

enough hours in the day to complete your “to do”

to visit downtown Cincinnati before the new year.

to appreciate throughout the entire year. “When I slow down and re-center myself (and my family),

lists. The holidays can make packed schedules even more complicated. If you have trouble finding

Downtown and its surrounding areas offer several

it is a wonderful time of the year to reflect on

time for the most important people in your life,

attractions from which to choose. Some of the

the blessings I have been given,” she said.

your family and friends, you are not alone.

most popular include Trains, Trestles, and Traditions Holiday Show at the Kohn Conservatory, Scuba Santa

One local mom has found a way to prioritize her goals and nurture her most important relationships throughout the holiday season. Heidi Bohman, of Bellevue, KY lives within three miles of downtown Cincinnati. She is a self-proclaimed holiday junkie who loves to reminisce about memorable holiday moments and gifts she’s received or given.

During the holidays, she feels it is essential to spend as much time as possible with family.

appearances at Newport Aquarium, and Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Bohman said she likes to visit downtown during the holidays because it takes her back to her own childhood. Her parents and grandparents would take her and her siblings to both Fountain Square and the Duke Energy train display.

“These are cherished memories that will last a lifetime and I want to create such memories with my child(ren),” she said. “Having a child

According to a Penn State University web site article by Family and Consumer Science Educator Karen Thomas, research shows that families who spend time together are strong families who appreciate each other. Spending time as a family unit provides an opportunity to get to know each other better. These families communicate more and share a sense of belonging. A child who grows up in a family that spends quality time together learns that family is important and that they are loved. These things encourage personal growth and happiness as they grow older.

“Reconnecting with family during the holidays

has definitely added to my love of the holidays

helps build lasting memories,” she said.

and has made them more special. To see the

Bohman and her husband have a two-year old

awe and wonder in my daughter’s eyes and

One of the greatest gifts of the holiday season, the

daughter. During the holiday season they have

to hear her laughter fills my heart with joy.”

article states, is the gift of time with family. From

several annual traditions including visiting the

Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, spend some

PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and

According to Bohman, it is easy to get overwhelmed

time to think about what will make this holiday “the

Botanical Garden, making baked goods and

in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,

most wonderful time of the year” for your family.

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 29

30 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

calendar sat | 01

Christmas Cookie Theater

Times: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Phone: 513-471-2600 Location: Seton High School, Cincinnati www.setoncincinnati.org Visit anytime Holiday Fun Fair including crafts and cookie decorating. Pizza lunch available for $1.

Christmas Cookie Theater performance at 1 p.m.

Santa’s Green Workshop

Sat., December 1 Through Sun., December 2 Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Price: Free with Admission Phone: (513)421-5707 Location: Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn-conservatory Create one-of-a-kind handmade ornament from natural materials.

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival Price: $17-$55 Phone: 800-745-3000 Location: US Bank Arena, Cincinnati www.disney.go.com/disneylive Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy will perform hits from movies, “Aladdin,” “the Little Mermaid,” and Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story” remixed to rock, pop, reggae, hip-hop, jazz and country, among other jams. Ages 1 and up need a ticket. 4:00 and 7:00 pm.

sun | 02

PlayScape Outdoor Social at Cincinnati Nature Center

Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: Members free; nonmembers free with daily admission Phone: 513-831-1711 Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Milford www.cincynature.org Join us in the Nature PlayScape and bring your favorite mug for hot cocoa and winter nature fun.

Mini Maccabees

Times: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Price: FREE with advance RSVP by November 29th Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati www.myshalomfamily.org It’s a Festival of Lights celebration! Climb, crawl, experience and explore, you’re gonna love what Shalom Family has in store - a hands-on Hanukkah fun for everyone! Make-your-own Maccabee shield, take part in PJ Library’s Hanukkah storytime, visit the Mini Maccabee Kiddie Costume Corner, make some memories in our Time Capsule Photo Booth where you can snap some family shots to take home and leave a few behind for future generations to find! Shalom Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation. Open to families with

children 12 and under in which at least one parent is Jewish. Siblings and grandparents welcome!

mon | 03

Make a Mess at the Manatee

Occurring Each Monday Times: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Price: $5 per child, Pre-Registration Required Phone: 513-731-2665 Location: blue manatee children’s bookstore, Cincinnati www.bluemanateebooks.com Join Ms. Kelli every Monday to enjoy this wonderful outlet for your child’s creative side. Have fun listening to a good book and participating in an art-making activity! ages 2-4

tues | 04

Growing Up a Farm Kid: Holidays on the Farm Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Price: $10/child Phone: (513) 521-7275 Location: Winton Woods, Cincinnati www.greatparks.org Celebrate the upcoming holidays with the farm animals. Recommended for ages two to five with one adult. Dress for the weather.

weds | 05

Cincinnati Cyclones VS Evansville Icemen

Times: 7:30 PM Phone: (513) 421-4111 Location: US Bank Arena, Cincinnati www.cycloneshockey.com/ Come cheer on the Cyclones as they take on the Evansville Icemen!

“Musical” Abstract Circles

Times: 7:00 PM Price: $30.00 Phone: 513.271.2793 Location: Cheers to Art, Madeira www.cheerstoart.com Paint our Abstract Circles like “MUSICAL CHAIRS” Start your own painting with whatever colors you like and when the music stops...go to the next chair and paint that canvas with colors that person choose...continue painting all the way around the table & end the evening with your own painting!

thurs | 06

Thursday Art Play: Let it Snow

Times: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Phone: (513) 345-8400 Location: Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati www.contemporaryartscenter.org/ Welcome the cold with some ice and snow art.

Create a one of a kind snow monster sculptures,

paint with ice sticks and capture your winter wonderland with a tiny snow globe. Designed especially for children ages 3 to 5 years.

fri | 07

SANTA’S TOY FACTORY Fri., December 7 Through Sun., December 9 & Sat., December 15 Phone: 513.569.8080 x10 Location: Taft Theater, Cincinnati www.thechildrenstheatre.com Santa’s Toy Factory is a new holiday musical filled with fun for the whole family. As the elves prepare for Santa’s Christmas Eve toy deliveries, they are faced with a huge dilemma. The Holiday ‘Spirit Meter’ is precariously low! Through the wonder of song and dance Wendell discovers the real meaning of Christmas: the joy of a happy heart and the magic of a holiday wish fulfilled.

Holiday Pops Featuring Amy Grant

Fri., December 7 Through Sun., December 9 Times: 10:30 AM Price: Tickets from $25 Phone: 513.621.1919 Location: Music Hall, Cincinnati cincinnatisymphony.org Holiday Pops is Cincinnati’s can’t-miss Yuletide tradition, especially when you add a chart-topping legend to the line-up! Amy Grant, the multi-Platinum and Grammy-winning recording artist, joins JMR and your Cincinnati Pops to warm up Music Hall with an inspiring blend of traditional holiday favorites and music from her popular Christmas albums. Her fresh voice and inspirational message deliver on the true meaning of the season—family hope and joy.

sat | 08

Pancakes With Santa

Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Price: $30, $15 children Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati www.cincymuseum.org/ Kick off Grandparents Weekend with brunch featuring Decorate-Your-Own Pancake Buffet, family-friendly activities and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

sun | 09

Giving, Giggles, and Gelt Hanukkah Party

Times: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Price: FREE for ages 8 & younger and families; siblings welcome!

Phone: 513-761-7500 Location: Mayerson JCC, Cincinnati www.JointheJ.org Celebrate Hanukkah with a beautiful child-friendly classical music concert. Classically trained musicians will perform Hanukkah themed and other

12.12 Jewish music. After the concert, everyone is invited to the instrument “petting zoo” where children can touch and learn more about individual instruments.

Crafts, story time, snacks, and games, too!

Pipsqueak Theater Christmas with Santa

Price: Tickets $7.00 Phone: 513-731-8000 Location: Pipsqueak Theater, Oakley www.the20thcenturytheatre.com Come for a fun-time creative kids adventure starring popular children’s entertainer, The Madcap Puppets performing “Rumplestiltskin “.

Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: FREE, RSVP online!

Phone: 513-703-3343 Location: Gymboree, Mason www.myshalomfamily.org Now Shalom Family has a great new way for parents and babies to get connected to one another and the Jewish community. Presenting private interactive playgroups that feature the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. A program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation.

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!

mon | 10 Sweet Treats

Times: 4:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library, Hebron Create a candy necklace, candy buttons, and indulge in pop rock floats Register.

tues | 11 Let It Snow

Times: 4:30 PM Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library, Hebron Make a melted snowman ornament and decorate cookies Register.

weds | 12

Cincinnati Cyclones VS Florida Everblades

Times: 7:30 PM Phone: (513) 421-4111 Location: US Bank Arena, Cincinnati www.cycloneshockey.com/ Come cheer on the Cyclones as they take on the Florida Everblades! Plus, it’s ugly sweater DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 31

night - fans are encouraged to wear their best ugly holiday sweaters to the game!

fri | 14

thurs | 13

Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Phone: 513-721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati cincinnatiartmuseum.org Taste, smell, feel, listen, see, and learn all about our collection in this hands-on experience for children and their caregiver. Use your five senses to discover every aspect of our artwork in a docent led tour and make your own masterpieces. Especially for ages 2–5.

Communication: Building strong family relationships through powerful communication skills presented by Ricka Berry Times: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Price: $15/person Phone: (513) 231-6630 Location: Beech Acres Parenting Center, Cincinnati www.beechacres.org Does it seem that no one listens to you? Do you feel as if you and your child speak two different languages? Participants of this session will learn the importance of effective communication, the ways in which we communicate and communication techniques that really work.

Happy Holidays with The Mighty Wurlitzer Price: $25 Phone: (513) 621-2787 Location: Music Hall, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiarts.org/ There’s nothing quite like the unique sound of the Albee Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer -- an orchestra and more all in one organ! Acclaimed theaterorganist Ken Double will perform holiday favorites with all of the bells, whistles, and special effects that only an instrument as grand as the Mighty Wurlitzer can create! Relive your memories of yesterday as you create new memories of tomorrow with your friends and family!

32 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

Culture Kids: Sense This

sat | 15

A Pirate’s Christmas Tale

Times: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Price: Adults: $18.00, Seniors: $15.50, Children: $14.00 Phone: (859)261-8500 Location: BB Riverboats, Newport ww.bbriverboats.com Come join us for a Christmas twist of our “Pirates of the Ohio” cruise this fall. Round up the children and enjoy this 1½ hour cruise on the Ohio River.

There will be plenty of Reindeer games and Holiday treats and if you are good enough, Santa will even drop in to say Hello! If you enjoyed our “Pirates of the Ohio” or “Haunted Pirates of the Ohio” cruises, this cruise is definitely for you!

sun | 16 Holly Days

Times: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Price: $7 adults, $5 children 5-11, children under4 and members free Phone: 513-563-9484

Location: Heritage Village Museum, Cincinnati www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org Come see the Village in all its Holiday Splendor, while enjoying crafts, storytelling, holiday food, music and more.

mon | 17

Decorate Your Life

Times: 5:00 PM Price: Free Phone: 859-342-2665 Location: Boone County Public Library, Florence Learn how to use duct tape to make cool holiday gifts. Register.

tues | 18

Tot Tuesday: Trains

Times: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Price: Museum Admission + $1 craft fee Phone: 859-491-4003 Location: Behringer Crawford Museum, Covington www.bcmuseum.org A monthly story time focused on children from the ages of two to five. Each program features stories, rhymes, songs, and an art project centering on a unique theme.

weds | 19

Wee Wednesday: Jolly Days

Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Phone: 513-721-2787 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati cincinnatiartmuseum.org Come on inside and cozy up for a story or four. Join us for our special holiday edition of Wee Wednesday which will include four interactive story stops in the

galleries with our specially trained docents. Wander at your own pace and make a stop in Artworld for a holiday art project. Perfect for ages 2–5.

thurs | 20 Girls Night Out

Phone: 859-344-6463 Location: Color Me Mine, Crestview Hills www.crestviewhills.colormemine.com Half price paint time for all girls 5-9 PM.

fri | 21

North Pole Pajama Party

Times: 6:30 PM Price: $28 Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati www.cincymuseum.org/ Wear pajamas for hot cocoa, cookies, and Santa. Holiday Junction, activities, crafts and performance of “The Gift of the Magi” from The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati.

sat | 22

TUBACHRISTMAS Concert

Times: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: (859) 291-0550 Location: Newport on the Levee, Newport www.newportonthelevee.com Part of a national series of free holiday concerts performed entirely on instruments in the tuba family. All tuba, baritone, and euphonium players are invited to play in the tubachoir as

we present a free public concert of Christmas carols. It’s a celebration of music and the holiday season at TUBACHRISTMAS Cincinnati!

one parent is Jewish. Plus, two families will each win a $50 Target Gift Card at every event!

mon | 24

Breakfast with Santa

Times: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Price: $15.00 per child and $5.00 per adult Phone: Call 513.829.7867 Location: Pump It Up, West Chester www.pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester Why go to the mall...when Santa is making a stop at Pump It Up! Visit Santa this year and have your picture taken on our exclusive inflatable throne! Bring your kids to Pump It Up for an extra special Family Jumptime. Sliding, Climbing, Jumping, Breakfast and a picture with Santa...what could be better?

sun | 23

Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One Times: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Price: FREE, RSVP online!

Phone: 513-703-3343 Location: Gymboree, Mason www.myshalomfamily.org Now Shalom Family has a great new way for parents and babies to get connected to one another and the Jewish community. Presenting private interactive playgroups that feature the popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun. A program of Shalom Family, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation.

Open to families in the Jewish community with children two years and younger in which at least

Winter Break Camp: Around the World in 8 days!

Times: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Price: Member: $48; Public: $58 Phone: 513-761-7500 Location: Mayerson JCC, Cincinnati www.JointheJ.org/SchoolBreakCamps We’ve traveled the world to bring the best sports, foods, and crafts. Kids will enjoy our extensive facilities and splash in the waterpark, play games in the gym, have fun and exercise in the Game Room, and create masterpieces in the art room!

tues | 25

thurs | 27

For more events, visit www. cincinnatiparent.com!

fri | 28 Owl Prowl

Times: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Price: $5/person Phone: 513-761-4313 Location: Caldwell Nature Preserve, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiparks.com Find out who is out and about this time of year.

An indor presentation allows you to get close to some live species. Program includes hands-on activities and a night hike. Dress for the weather.

sat | 29

Harlem Globetrotters

Merry Christmas!

weds | 26

Jolly Jump Pop-In Playtime

Weds., December 26 Through Fri., December 28 Price: $10.00 per child Phone: Call 513.829.7867 Location: Pump It Up, West Chester www.pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester Join us for Jolly Jump our open play schedule for Winter break! . Jump on over to Pump It Up for some friendly family fun and remember at Pump It Up parents and grandparents are always FREE! Don’t forget, socks and a signed waiver are required to play.

Phone: 800-745-3000 Location: US Bank Arena, Cincinnati www.harlemglobetrotters.com Exhibition basketball team combines athleticism and comedy. With tallest professional player, shortest Globetrotter and Fatima Maddox, team’s first female player since 1993. “You Write the Rules” World Tour.

sun | 30

Jim Brickman - On A Winter’s Night Times: 2:00 PM Price: $38.50 & up Phone: (513) 621-2787 Location: Music Hall, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiarts.org/

ongoing events The Return of Trains, Trestles and Traditions

Occurring Daily Through January 6 Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children (5-12) $4, (Children 4 and under free) Phone: (513) 421-4086 Location: Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati www.cincinnatiparks.com This years’ show combines the splendor of the traditional holiday blooms with an over the top, train and holiday light experience. Decorated in full holiday attire including hundreds of poinsettias, cyclamen and evergreens, the conservatory is a wonder to behold.

Take a photo of near the poinsettia tree or in front of the train display adorned with miniature buildings that replicate the look of Cincinnati’s famous landmarks.

Alice in Wonderland

Select Days Through December 30 Price: $16-$42 Phone: 513-421-3555 Location: Ensemble Theatre, Cincinnati www.ensemblecincinnati.org Magical musical retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic story, this sassy version is the toe-tapping tale of a lost girl, a cool cat,

a wild hare and the original “dancing queen.” The Queen of Hearts is back to dish up her special recipe for justice and all of Wonderland awaits Alice’s trial.

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains

mon | 31

Jolly Jump Pop-In Playtime

Times: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Price: $10.00 per child Phone: Call 513.829.7867 Location: Pump It Up, West Chester www.pumpitupparty.com/oh/west-chester Come celebrate 2013 with your kids. Pump It Up is the place to Bounce-In the New Year with your kids! There will be plenty of jumping, climbing, sliding, racing and jousting but then as the clock reaches Noon we will be ready to ring in that New Year! Our New Year’s Eve event includes crafts, games, noise makers, prizes and more!

NOTE: 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.

12.12

than ever before with nearly two million LED lights! Celebrate the season as you stroll through our themed areas.

Christmas At EnterTRAINment Junction

Occurring Daily Through January 6 Price: Museum Admission Phone: (513) 287-7021 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati www.cincymuseum.org/ You’ll be in the holiday spirit as soon as you walk in the door as you’re surrounded by families of all types, beautiful holiday decor, a super-sized tree, seasonal music and the magic of the tristate’s most historic train station, with a full slate of activities sure to thrill railroad enthusiasts of all ages.

Occurring Daily Through January 1 Price: Best Value! Our Do-It-All! ticket Phone: 513-898-8000 Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, West Chester www.entertrainmentjunction.com Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a “Journey to the North Pole”, where you can can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself.

PNC Festival of Lights

Scuba Santa

Occurring Daily Through January 1 Times: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Phone: 513.281.4700 Location: Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati cincinnatizoo.org Join us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary of the PNC Festival of Lights! The Zoo will be more colorful

Jim Brickman is not only the best-selling solo pianist of our time, but he has become a staple during the holiday season for over a decade! The two-time Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling pianist and songwriter will wow audiences from coast to coast with his On A Winter’s Night tour as he weaves together holiday favorites of new and old, plus all his hits in one spectacular concert!

Occurring Daily Through January 1 Price: Included with Admission Phone: 800-406-3474 Location: Newport on the Levee, Newport www.newportaquarium.com Holiday decorations throughout Aquarium.

Underwater Santa show alongside sharks, shark rays and Denver the Sea Turtle.

Santaland

Occurring Daily Through December 23 Price: Photos with Santa for $5.00 Phone: (513) 769-0393 Location: Sharon Woods, Cincinnati www.holidayinlights. com/santaland.html Santa and his elves are taking over Sharon Woods this holiday season!

Visitors can venture out of their cars and warm up with a cup of their favorite holiday beverage inside.

Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker

Select Days December 14 Through December 23 Phone: 513.621.5282 Location: Aronoff Center, Cincinnati cballet.org When young girls dream they discover the most fantastic of places. Visually decadent and with surprises around every corner, Clara takes us on a journey through battling kitchen mice and a storm of snowflakes to arrive at a Land of Sweets that will surely defy even the highest of expectations. Revel in the joy and wonder that comes only once a year with a new tradition that is extravagant, comical and overflowing with holiday spirit.

A Christmas Carol

Occurring Daily (except Mon) December 30 Phone: (513) 421-3888 Location: Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati www.cincyplay.com Ebenezer Scrooge spends an unforgettable Christmas Eve among the spirits in this annual holiday favorite.

Holiday in Lights

Occurring Daily Through December 31 Price: $45 for buses and 15-passenger vans, $12 per car Phone: 513-769-0393 Location: Sharon Woods, Cincinnati www.holidayinlights. com/santaland.html Built over a mile of wooded roadway, the display of fantastic seasonal color adorns hundreds of trees as well as more than 120 moving and standing holiday themed figures depicting everything from Santa Claus and his elves to Godzilla. There’s no need to bundle up to enjoy Holiday in Lights; simply warm up the car, grab some festive music for your tape or CD player, round up your friends, family, or a special date, and head to Sharon Woods!

DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 33

marketplace PARTY PLANNING

ENRICHMENT

THEATER

ENTERTAINMENT

MusicTime Studio

(Mt. Washington/Anderson) FREE Introductory Session Break through Australian PIANO Method Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors Play Pop, Blues & Classical (From Your Very First Lessons)

(513) 652-6267 / www.musictimestudio.net

MUSIC

ENRICHMENT

birthday parties

birthday parties CONTACT US

34 CINCINNATIPARENT.COM

fun+wacky CINCINNATI PARENT

sun

mon

tues

weds

thurs

12.12

fri

sat

1

on this day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955

how to celebrate: try your hand at some chocolate covered strawberries!

17

wright brothers' day how to celebrate: have some fun making paper airplanes

23

bacon day

egg nog day

24

WAVE OVEN RO

7

18

answer the phone like buddy the elf day!

R

HR RY C I S T

25

Harbor in 1941

cocoa day

13

C

14

R E A M DA EC

M

NEW 31 YEARS EVE!

15

bill of rights day

how to celebrate: see if you can name all ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution

AL MUFFIN ME

First day of KWANZAA!

8

HANUKKAH on this day begins at Japan attacked Pearl sunset!

how to celebrate: get in the holiday spirit find some fun colored and get noodles to make some crafts

!

30

how to celebrate: head to the library to check out some of your favorite books

AS

return to your roots day

dewey decimal system day

16

12

gingerbread day noodle house how to ring day celebrate:

19

20

games day

DAY

chocolate covered anything day

11

6

Y

Ball-Bearing Roller Skates were patented in 1884

10

Walt Disney was born in 1901

OAT

9

make homemade apple pie for dessert

5

on this day

how to celebrate: get the family together to play a game after dinner

ME

on this day

dice day

Y DA

how to celebrate: volunteer at a dog shelter

4

I

3

mutt apple pie day to celebrate: day how help your mom or dad

MIC

2

26

first day of winter

how to celebrate: invite friends over for a whole night full of fun and games

visit the zoo day how to celebrate: bundle up and head down to the festival of lights!

21

27

22

on this day

how to celebrate: bundle up and head outside to make snow angels

28

on this day

the first Christmas lights went up for sale in 1882

on this day

29

the bowling ball was invented in 1862

chewing gum was patented in 1869

Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com DECEMBER 2012 [ cincinnati parent] 35