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DAYTON

PARENT daytonparentmagazine.com

DECEMBER 2014 FREE

preschool pick your

perfect

choosing a quality program

holiday THE

shuffle

Managing your family’s time this season

*

12 DAYS OF

holiday giveaways

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 1

Blue Turtle Toys

937.294.6900 In the Shops of Oakwood

Denee’ K.

dkochersperger@ matildajaneclothing.com

Lindsey S.

lsuess@ matildajaneclothing.com

2nd Street Market 600 E 2nd Street www.facebook.com/ daytongreenbaby

937-748-8707 paintbrushpottery.com 255 W. Central Ave. Springboro

Blue Turtle Toys

937.294.6900 937-294-6900 In the Shops of Oakwood

In the Shops of Oakwood

LLC

937-552-9143 123 S Market St., Troy, OH, 45373

LOCAL SHOPPING GUIDE

Germantown D.E.A.P. 937-855-0203 30 N. Main St. Germantown

937.293.1719 ashleyspastries.com

937-293-1719 ashleyspastries.com 21 Park Avenue, Dayton

Organizers

2 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

937-433-5100 healthfoodsunlimited.com

937-855-7100 Germantown

21 Park Avenue • Dayton, OH 45419

Silver Lining 937-526-3493 nellycuddles.com

jaffejewelry.com 3951 Far Hills Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45429

937-672-7567 silverliningorganizers.com

937-432-9481 pinotspalette.com/ miamisburg

Bella Rosa Bows 2357 Woodman Dr. Kettering, OH 45420 facebook.com/ bellarosabows

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 3

contents table of contents

// DECEMBER 2014

features

in every issue

10

6

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

7

ONLINE BUZZ

8

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

PICK YOUR PERFECT PRESCHOOL

13

Breast Test Breakdown

RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

15

NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

32

DECEMBER EVENTS

20

THE HOLIDAY SHUFFLE

34

ONGOING EVENTS

35

WACKY CALENDAR

15 20

pg. pg.

22

12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS

New Holiday Traditions

columns 24

25

pg.

20

The Holiday Shuffle

4 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A STAY-AT-HOME DAD

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

26

ASK THE TEACHER

pg.

Pick Your Perfect Preschool

22

29

pg.

30

12 Days of Holiday Giveaways

THE MODERN MILITARY PARENT GROWTH CHARTS

10

meet our cover kids

contest winners Congratulations to Mira, Ahna and Nina for being chosen for our December cover shot during our recent Dayton Parent Kid’s Fun Fest event!

Mira (4 years)

Ahna (3 years)

Nina (9 months)

favorite: School subject: Spanish Movie: Frozen Restaurant: BJs

favorite: Color: Yellow TV show: Peppa Pig Book: The Kissing Hand

favorite: Food: Sweet Potatoes Toy: Sophie Activity: Watch big sisters dance while she bounces to the music

Photos by Ivory Lamb Photography

HEALTH FOODS

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 5

publisher’s note

DAYTON

Warm Holiday Wishes!

C

an it really be December already? Although a few flurries have officially announced this month’s arrival, in our house it seems we’re still finding stashes of Halloween candy! If your kids are like mine though, December is the most anticipated month of all. No other time of the year seems to have as many special traditions, fun activities and family togetherness as the holiday season.

While the celebration can’t come soon enough for children, for grown-ups December can be a month of festive frenzy! This is where our Twelve Days of Holiday Giveaways can help out! Each day from December 1 – 16 we will be giving away bundles of toys, tickets and other goodies to readers! All you have to do to enter is “Like” Dayton Parent on Facebook and look for our daily post with what we will be giving away that day. (See the entire haul on page 22!)

For many, the holidays wouldn’t be nearly as merry without the special traditions that are unique to their family. Whether it’s reading The Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve or having everyone wear matching red pajamas each year, these experiences are what kids remember long after the glitz of a new present wears off. If you’re looking for some fun activities to try with your family, check out New Holiday Traditions for a list of ideas.

This time of year our city seems to burst with holiday cheer! Catch the spirt of the season by taking advantage of the many activities available locally. Our December Calendar is a great place to begin a search of “can’t miss” events for your family.

Does the prospect of running around from one relative’s house to next during the holidays bring out your inner Grinch? Trying to accommodate the wishes of extended family members to visit can be overwhelming and stressful – definitely not what the season is about! Try reading The Holiday Shuffle for tips on making this year more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

There’s so much more in this issue, we hope you can grab a hot cocoa in a cozy spot and read us from cover to cover! Most importantly, we wish your family a truly wonderful December filled with memorable visits to Santa, cookies baking in the oven and the joy of celebrating the magic of the season with the people you love the most.

Happy Holidays!

Katy Mark

Associate Publisher 6 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

PARENT PUBLISHER

Mary Wynne Cox | Mary@daytonparentmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & SALES DIRECTOR

Katy Mark | Katy@daytonparentmagazine.com

EDITOR

Susan Bryant | Susan@daytonparentmagazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Larry Ryan | Larry@daytonparentmagazine.com Jennifer Baum | Jennifer@daytonparentmagazine.com Katie Clark | Katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

WEB DEVELOPER

Wendy Cox | Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Jennifer Beahrs | Jbeahrs@daytonparentmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Maria Tancredi | Maria@daytonparentmagazine.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Roxanne Burns | Roxanne@daytonparentmagazine.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Wendy Schrepherman | S.Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Shirk, Emily Ungar, Sarah Bricker-Hunt, Lauren Lawson, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Molly Blake

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTACT US

daytonparent@daytonparentmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT

Dayton 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 daytonparentmagazine.com

online buzz -Kat R.

We try our best to make it to everyone’s Thanksgivings and Christmases. If we don’t make it to eat there we at least stop and visit each of our families.

-Amber C.

“

“

Very carefully....lol!

“

We do Christmas with one and Thanksgiving with the other.

That way our kids aren’t spending holidays on the road.

-Adrienne G.

We have 3 Thanksgivings...

-Lacey N.

“ “

“ “

WE ASKED: HOW DO YOU SPLIT UP TIME WITH DIFFERENT SIDES OF THE FAMILY DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

“

f

online buzz

«

@

Like Dayton

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter for contests and all things Dayton Parent.

Parent on Facebook for Freebie Fridays & surprise contests.

JAFFE JEWELRY

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 7

community spotlight community spotlight

Jingle Bell Run

Children’s Tea to Celebrate Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker Children will enjoy meeting both the Sugarplum Fairy and The Nutcracker and will even have the opportunity to learn a few dance steps from our favorite Fairy! Yummy snacks and hot beverages will be provided along with a few surprises. This is a wonderful way to expand on the holiday tradition of seeing Dayton Ballet’s beloved performance of The Nutcracker. Tickets for the tea are $10 for adults and children. Sunday, December 14 at 1:00 pm. Downtown Boston Stoker (across from Shuster Center) 34 W. 2nd St. Dayton. Go to www. ticketcenterstage.com for tickets.

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells Everyone’s favorite girl is back and this time it’s personal! The holidays should be that special time of year when everyone spreads peace and goodwill. But not when Junie B. draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school! Things get especially ugly when their music teacher announces that the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant!

Written by Allison Gregory, recommended for youth ages 4 & up, approximate running time is 70 minutes. December 5-21. Town Hall Theatre. 27 North Main St. Centerville. Call 937-433-8957 for tickets

Dayton Area Christmas Light Displays!

Woodland Lights Walk thru displays of beautiful lights with carriage rides, amusement rides, live deer and more. Cost is $7 ($3 on Nostalgia Nights) and children 2 and under free. December 5-30 6 pm-9 pm. Countryside Park 895 S. Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. Washington Township. www.washingtontwp.org.

Clifton Mill Nearly 4 million lights with a 100 foot “waterfall.” The lights illuminate the mill, gorge, river banks, trees and bridges. $10 per person and children 6 and under are free. Open every night in December 6 pm-9 pm (closes at 8 pm on holidays.) Clifton Mills 75 Water St. Clifton. www.cliftonmill.com.

8 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a 5K run/walk (with one-mile walk option) presented by Premier Health. This holiday-themed event includes plenty of holiday cheer! Bring the whole family for a fun, festive morning benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, Ohio River Valley.

Teams are forming now. Event proceeds will support local programs and services and fund critical arthritis research. Contact bprecht@ arthritis.org, 20-$30 for registration. Saturday, December 6 9:00 am11:00 am. Dayton Mall. 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. Washington Township. www.jinglebellrundayton.org.

Harlem Globetrotters- World Tour See the innovators of the alley-oop, 3 man weave, slam dunk and 4 point shot live as they make their pit stop in Dayton on Wednesday, December 31. Enjoy New Year’s Eve day with some interactive fun for the whole family! Ticket prices range from $26-$106. Wednesday, December 31. Ervin J. Nutter Center. 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton.

Go to www.nuttercenter.com for ticket purchase or more information.

Ice Skating at Riverscape Metropark Spend your Friday or Saturday night skating near the river, under a beautifully lit canopy!

Take in the sights and sounds of downtown while sipping hot chocolate. Bring your family, coworkers, sweetheart or friends to skate at MetroParks Ice Rink! Tickets are only $7 for a day of fun and memories. Daily in the month of December including holidays. Riverscape Metropark. 111 E. Monument Ave. Dayton.

Call 937-278-2607 or go to www.metroparks.org for hours

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 9

Montessori or HighScope? Public or private? Morning or afternoon? Dayton area parents have many tough decisions to make when sorting through preschool options. Here we help you consider which program is right for your child to get them off to a great educational start.

The importance of preschool

PICK YOUR PERFECT

PRESCHOOL

To adults, preschool may seem like child’s play. However, “The early years are the best time to teach and expose [children] to language, social interactions, and new concepts and experiences,” says Robyn Lightcap, Director of the Dayton region’s ReadySetSoar initiative. “Our children are born ready to learn.”

Preschool can also play a key role in preparing children for future educational endeavors.

Lightcap reports that local data indicate “children who attend preschool score on average 7-10% higher on the state’s kindergarten readiness test.” Kids who enter kindergarten fully prepared, in turn, are more likely to be proficient in reading in third grade, to become high school graduates, and to pursue higher education.

Your preschool short list

CHOOSING A HIGH QUALITY PROGRAM FOR YOUR CHILD Michelle Shirk

Ready to start narrowing down your options?

Kyle Snow, Director of Applied Research at the National Association for the Education of Young Children, believes six components are particularly important in identifying a high quality early education program.

• • • •

• •

Teachers and staff members are welltrained and prepared.

Children learn in a safe, healthy environment.

The school offers small group sizes as well as a low ratio of kids to adults.

The curriculum recognizes the diversity of children, as well as “the diversity within a child,” says Snow. Classroom activities facilitate students’ cognitive, social, emotional, physical and language development.

The program welcomes and engages families.

Teachers use multiple strategies to work with kids. They should show “flexibility, but also intentionality” when managing their classrooms, says Snow.

Of course, there are many other important 10 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

factors parents should consider when evaluating a preschool. Find more detailed information plus other standards at families. naeyc.org.

In addition, the state of Ohio awards licensed preschool programs “Star Ratings” ranging from one to five stars. In order to earn a particular Star Rating, programs must meet certain “benchmarks of quality” related to teacher qualifications, curriculum, assessments and more, explains Lightcap. Read about the rating system and search for area programs at www.stepuptoquality.org.

Preschool curriculum options

Diverse preschool philosophies from Waldorf to Reggio Emilia get a lot of buzz these days.

When it comes to choosing a preschool, however, “It’s really important to not just rely on the label,” says Snow. He encourages parents to research the curriculum option they are considering and also to observe the school’s execution of it. “You have to go and see the place,” he says.

Lightcap notes that parents must make sure the model they choose is a good fit for their particular child. “One size does not fit all,” she says.

Easing your child’s preschool path

Once you’ve settled on a school, take steps to make your child’s first day – and the ones that follow – a little easier. Parents should work to prepare their children before school starts, so they aren’t surprised by the first drop-off, says Snow. If a child is struggling, let the school’s director know. Preschool teachers have valuable experience working with students making the transition from home to school.

Lightcap recommends taking the Readiness Check-up available at 5tothrive.org to understand what skills your child should be developing and find tips for working with him at home. She also encourages parents to read regularly with their children and promote solid preschool attendance.

Whichever high quality program you ultimately choose, you can feel confident that you’ve taken an important step toward a bright future for your child. As Lightcap says, “We know preschool is one of the best ways to build a strong foundation for success now and later.”

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 11

12 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

As this educational trend grows, so do area offerings Sarah Bricker-Hunt

“Home”school is something of a misnomer – many homeschooling families are out of the house nearly every day. This academic choice is a movement on the rise, and local venues are responding in kind, offering dozens of homeschooler-specific programs and discounts.

Check out this homeschool resource guide to take advantage of all the activities and discounts available to you and your children.

MUSEUMS AND PARK PROGRAMS The National Museum of the US Air Force plays host to the wildly popular Homeschool School Day each fall, drawing homeschoolers from around the world for a series of classes and special demonstrations. The museum also offers other programs of interest to homeschoolers throughout the year. Check out nationalmuseum. af.mil for in-depth lesson plans and more information about educational programming.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery offers special homeschool programs for all ages and a discount on annual memberships. Visit boonshoftmuseum.org for details.

Five Rivers MetroParks provide a wide range of exciting, hands-on homeschool activities. Information about current offerings can be found at metroparks.org.

LIBRARIES Local libraries are an excellent source for homeschool enrichment classes, book groups, special lectures, and more. In addition, most libraries issue educator cards to homeschool families.

These cards allow for extra checkouts (up to 100 books can be checked out on some local homeDECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 13

school cards), extended due dates, and special library services including curriculum packages. Inquire at your local branch.

or national standards. You’ll also find lessons that are in line with educational approaches like Montessori, Charlotte Mason and Classical.

LOCAL DISCOUNTS

CurrClick.com and TeachersPayTeachers.com are sites that provide downloadable lesson plans, typically in PDF format. Prices range from free up to a few hundred dollars for a complete, full-year program that incorporates every subject. Many of these materials are teacher or parentcreated, and are voted on by visitors to the site.

Many local and national businesses extend their educator discounts to homeschool families. Don’t be afraid to ask! Be prepared to show your district approval letter or other documentation to receive these benefits.

Notable discounts include Barnes & Noble, Half Price Books, Office Max, Staples, Joann Fabric, Michael’s and The Container Store. Apple and Microsoft also provide special homeschool incentives.

ONLINE RESOURCES These days, Pinterest is a veritable gold mine for homeschool resources.

Search for “homeschool lessons” to get started. Some families manage to keep their curricula costs down to almost nothing thanks to the generosity of homeschoolers who have uploaded their materials to blogs and websites. You’ll find a huge range of completely free choices, including lessons that are aligned with state

14 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

Connections Academy is one of several online e-schools providing a free public education to students in some states, including Ohio. Students receive all necessary materials, including a computer, free of charge, and work through their studies with the assistance of a program-provided instructor. Parents can also choose courses à la carte for a charge – in this instance, the student is not considered a public school student.

Youtube and Khan Academy are both excellent sources for video e-learning

at all levels. Check out Youtube channels like CrashCourse for classes on World History, Psychology, Chemistry and more, all in a fun, cartoonenhanced format. Khan Academy is

best known for its immersive, expansive math offerings, but the content is actually much broader, covering just about any subject your homeschooler might dare to imagine.

TIPS FOR EVALUATING A HOMESCHOOL OFFERING It can be tricky to decide if a homeschool program is worth the effort. Asking yourself these questions can help: Does it enhance something you’re already doing?

Could it inspire or introduce a new homeschool focus?

Does it fulfill a supplemental need, like more time with other kids in the community?

For ongoing programs, is the commute too long?

What is required of parents for this program?

NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

FUN ACTIVITIES TO START WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS YEAR!

Ask a child what presents he received last December and he’s probably forgotten – what kids do remember are the special holiday traditions their family does every year. Here’s a few ideas for some memorable activities to start with your children.

LAUREN LAWSON DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 15

PRESERVING THE MEMORIES Reminiscing about holidays past is part of the fun of the season. Remember your family’s special moments with these ideas.

HOLI DAY J O U R N A L Journals are a great way to record your family’s thoughts and feelings throughout the holidays.

By providing daily or weekly writing prompts, kids can share their experiences in a very visible way. Keeping these journals as a memory book provides a cherished item that can be passed on year to year.

A N E W A N N UA L PICTURE Try a different vantage point for this year’s holiday photo. Before the kids open their gifts, prolong their anticipation just a bit and line them up in their pajamas (with that crazy bed head hair) for a family picture. Capturing their excitement in raw form and freezing that brief moment in time will be priceless.

LET US EAT, LET US EAT, LET US EAT! Indulging in delicious treats is practically required during the holidays. Break out of the traditional cookie mold and start some new rituals with your crew.

GIN G E RBR E A D FAMILY Create your own likenesses in gingerbread! Set up a workstation complete with wax paper, frosting, sprinkles, colored candies and gels. Once the cutouts are cooled, ask your children to design their cookies to look like the members of your family – including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Display your gingerbread family throughout the season or take a picture to document your creations before devouring everyone up!

16 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

GIVING GIFTS H OT C H O CO LATE BAR Hot chocolate is essential during the cold winter months. Why not set up a weekly hot chocolate bar in your own home complete with marshmallows, candy canes and whipped cream? Let kids become their own barista coming up with a variety of hot chocolate concoctions.

BECOME A CRAFTY ELF Making seasonal crafts can get everyone in the family in a festive spirit. Whether you are designing a special gift for the grandparents or decorating your own home with handmade love, here are a couple of projects to try this year.

SALT D O UGH H AND P RINTS Combine 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of flour and a halfcup of water for an easy-to-use dough perfect for making ornaments. Once the dough is formed, use a circular cutout to create a round shape.

Next, ask your children to press one of their hands into the center of the circle. Bake the ornament in the oven at 325 degrees for one hour.

After the handprint cools, kids can decorate their ornament with paint to create a memorable collection of adornments for your tree or mantle.

H O M EM AD E S NOW GLO BES Create your own winter wonderland scene right inside a mason jar. You’ll need a mason jar of any size, gorilla glue, small decorative items (spruce tree, snowman, etc.) glitter and water. Start by gluing the decorative items to the inside of the lid. Then, add water and glitter to the jar and reattach the lid. The result: winter captured!

The holiday season is synonymous with the act of giving – here’s a couple of ideas to make it more fun (and less expensive!)

CHR I STMAS EVE B OX There is nothing more exciting than awaiting Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve. To make the most of this special night, create a Christmas Eve Box with festive pajamas, a new holiday book and some granola or “reindeer food” to sprinkle outside. Kids will look forward to opening this special present every Christmas Eve.

PU LL A N A ME GA ME As families grow, gift giving can often become a financial challenge. Ask family members to put their names in a hat to draw one name to buy for. Set a price limit or choose a theme to keep things fun. After all, moms and dads will enjoy the holidays more if they can focus on the spirit of the season and not their post-holiday wallet blues!

Whether you are following long-standing traditions this year or establishing new ones, the holiday season reminds us that at the root of all our best traditions we always find family.

PAINT. POTT.

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 17

18 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 19

Many parents have learned (often the hard way) that despite their best efforts, trying to make everyone happy just isn’t likely to happen. Reader Carletta H. writes, “For Thanksgiving we pick one place and spend the entire day there. We no longer run from house to house. All of Christmas day is always spent at home so our young children that are now 7 and 4 can relax and play.”

As Gambill says, “How you spend your time is a very personal decision, so honor that in yourself.”

THE HOLIDAY SHUFFLE Managing multiple requests for your family’s time | Emily Ungar

December is a month that can only be tackled by a large peppermint latte with two extra shots of espresso. Multiple holidays, three families to visit, four meals to eat, two gifts to drop off – not to mention it all has to be worked around the baby’s feeding schedule or a toddler’s nap time. Sound familiar? If you’re like the majority of families running around like mad during this busy season, first take a deep breath. Then read on for some expert advice and tips from parents like you on how to experience less stress and more holiday cheer this year.

20 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

QUALITY VERSUS QUANTITY TIME

BIGGER FAMILIES = LESS TIME TO VISIT EVERYONE

“Many adults can have seriously high expectations on everything from entertaining to long-distance traveling,” says Mary Louise Gambill, MSW, Clinical Director at the Womanline-Insight Professional Counseling Center in Kettering, Ohio. “The push to travel in a hustle-like fashion is more about disconnecting than connecting.”

In Gambill’s view, meaningful visits should focus more on the quality of time spent together rather than the quantity. “The holidays are about being reflective and contemplative with time-honored rituals and routines... where time is suspended for just a moment or two. It’s about holding long conversations and really being present for each other. Being present is the truest gift we can give and receive.”

Large or blended families can mean extra invitations and extra obligations. Indeed, when we recently asked Dayton Parent Facebook readers how they handle multiple requests from family members to visit during the holidays, many parents remarked on how difficult it can be please everyone – and what they lose in the process. As one reader wrote, “Everyone is divorced! It makes it twice as crazy!

One year we drove to my father-inlaw’s for breakfast and spent three hours, then we drove to my motherin-law’s for lunch and spent three hours, and then drove to my mother’s where we spent three hours. His mom was upset and cried when we left 5 minutes early, and my mom was upset that we showed up 5 minutes late.

I got home and cried. … I haven’t had a stress/drama free Christmas since we had kids.”

Those families with young children often find it easier to request that everyone comes to them. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and family members with older children may be more likely to understand your restricted schedule.

“If they want to spend the holidays with us then they have to come to our house,” writes Amanda A. “Once we [had] our daughter we made it clear we wanted to start traditions at home and that all the family was welcome to come.”

TIME FOR YOURSELF, TIME FOR OTHERS During the holidays, you play many roles: chef, hostess, gift wrapper, chauffeur, etc. Don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process.

“Above all, take time for good selfcare,” advises Gambill, who suggests interjecting small moments like taking a walk or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa amidst all the holiday hustle and bustle.

Be flexible, give yourself a break and do what feels right for your family – which in some years may actually mean agreeing to embrace the holiday shuffle. As one reader writes, “We see both sides on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Is it a pain? Yes. But, parents and grandparents aren’t around forever. You can never get that time back. We live within thirty minutes of both sides. It involves a lot of traveling. But, it’s worth a bit of sacrifice for our daughter to have those forever memories with her grandparents at Christmas.”

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 21

DAY ONE

TWELVE DAYS OF

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS “LIKE” OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

December 3rd

December 1st •

•

Lamaze Pippin the Push Along PupAn adorable puppy that helps stimulate baby’s developing senses

•

Venettini shoes for kids (available at zappos.com or venettini.com)

•

My Little Pony--Pop Pony

Hippo Poppin Pal by B kids

•

My Little Pony--Equestria Girls

•

Fur Real Pets

• VTech GrowAlong Music Center •

Stack ‘n Spin Monkey

• Little Live Pets Bird Cage

•

PlayMobile, 1,2,3

•

The Beatrix Girls

•

No More Spill Cup

•

Little Pet Style

•

2 Tickets to Boonshoft Museum

•

Chikolat Children Swimwear

•

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

DAY TWO December 2

DAY FOUR

nd

December 4th

• Helicopter by Green Toys

•

Kid Presidents

•

Anki DRIVE- Open the Starter Kit

•

Aqueduck

•

N-Strike Mega Thunderbow

•

Manhattan Toy – MOTORWORKS NGX Next Gen

•

Sunset Skateboard

•

Fisher-Price Little People Photo Discovery game

•

Fisher-Price S’getti Scatter game

•

Ball Pet

•

Zoo Explore Kit

• Snack & Play Travel Tray-Travel tray with firm surface for toys, coloring, snacks and more

sponsored by

DAY THREE

•

Juice in the box

•

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

•

18kGP UNOAERRE Designer Earrings from Jaffe Jewelry

• Disney MOBO Bike •

DAY FIVE December 5th •

Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld--Thinking Putty

•

Original BedBug-- Record up to three personalized messages on the Original BedBug

•

‘lil Fairy Door--lil Fairy Door with tiny snowflakes! Attach your special little fairy door low on a wall, high on a shelf

• Play Doh Magical Designs Palace •

22 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

DAY SIX December 8th •

Rockin’ Green--Green and eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergent

•

Western Chief Kids Superman Set

•

John Deere Gear Force Tractor & Wagon

•

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

Nene Imagination Puzzles Sydney

•

Paige BackPack-for every backpack sold, Sydney Paige will donate a backpack to a child in need AND fill it with school supplies

•

Tomb Quest-The magic of Egypt has come alive.

Wordologies Coffee Mug / Journal Trio

•

Bheestie--The Bheestie Bag is specially designed for safe-keeping of expensive personal electronics

DAY EIGHT

• LED LENSER NEO Headlamps •

•

December 10th

•

Door Decor

•

Nene Imagination--Puzzles without borders so there is no one way or “right” way to put them together.

•

Beados Quick Dry Station

•

Teddy Tank

• Boots No7 Men Hydrating Shave Kit--A perfect stocking filler for the man in your life!

•

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

DAY ELEVEN

• Olaf Bear-- We’re melting with excitement, because Frozen is coming to BuildA-Bear Workshop!

• Bath Support by Angelcare

December 15th

•

VTech InnoTab 3S Plus Learning Tablet

•

Tutu Dress

•

Booster Seat Headrest by Cardiff

•

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch

•

Centerville MotoPhoto free portrait session plus Photo Puzzle Tin gift set

Pom Pom Panda

•

•

Booster Seat Headrest by Cardiff Products-

•

One youth sport or swim lesson from The YMCA of Greater Dayton ($60 value)

•

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

DAY SEVEN December 9th

• Bottle Battle--Fast-paced flying disc game offering nonstop offensive and defensive action.

•

Playmates Toys Half Shell Heroes Shellraiser with Leo--Young heroes can recreate Turtle adventures or invent their own

•

The Ugglys Series 2

•

Peek-A-Zoo shirts--Adorable “headless” animal shirts with educational facts on the back.

•

Trash Pack Sewer Truck

•

Playmates Toys Half Shell Heroes 2.5 Inch Figure Pack

• N-Strike Elite Demolisher

•

•

• Steri-bottle • Bon Bon Baby Set • Baby Safe Laundry Detergent

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

DAY NINE

•

Mamas and Papas Doll

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2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

December 11th •

TrendiY Art Chain Jewelry

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Kitchen Chemistry Kit

Sweater Booties

DAY TWELVE December 16th

• Hello Kitty Baking

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Top Secret Safe-- Top secret safe is hand built and stained.

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Hello Kitty Crochet

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Mega Bloks--Sponge Bob Set

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2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum

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The Prettie Girls!™

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Monkeys Up™ by RoosterFin -- Phantom Saucer

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Kippah Kantor

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Shopkins Small Mart Playset

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Rebelle Messenger Blaster

DAY TEN

December 12th •

Leatherman Waves –Stainless Steel

• TOMY Games Super Pop Up Pirate

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LED LENSER F1

•

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$25 Gift Card to www.treathouse.com

2 tickets to Boonshoft Museum DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 23

confessions of a stay-at-home dad

No Rescue Parenting

True confessions of a stay-at-home dad

By Pete Gilbert

T

hey sit there on the counter…the math assignment, the library book that’s due today, the worksheet she worked so hard on the night before…forgotten, left behind as she ran out the door to catch the bus.

What was the distraction that caused her to forget this time? Was it Spirit Day and she spent her time finding the correct matching headband to go with her school shirt? Was she doing her school work last minute and simply left it behind? Was she frantically rushing back up the stairs after almost forgetting her monogrammed illuminated hand sanitizer from Justice? No matter the excuse, the result is the same. First Born left something behind that needed to be at school that day. Since the school is less than a half-mile away, of course I would bail her out of trouble, be the hero and take whatever she needed to school for her.

I used to think there was nothing wrong with me doing this for my daughter, but what was she learning from this experience? She was learning that dad was available anytime during the day and if something was forgotten, he could easily retrieve it and gladly drop it off at school. There were no consequences; in fact, I was probably doing her a disservice by taking away her

24 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

ability to learn from “teachable moments.” My thinking changed the day I read an article about No Rescue Parenting.

The idea behind No Rescue Parenting is making kids responsible for their own actions by parents no longer bailing their kids out of certain situations.

This isn’t a sink or swim approach, it begins with first making sure that whatever you want your child to take charge of is age appropriate, and then explaining the general shift in responsibilities from you to them – with reminders and encouragement to help them succeed.

As a parent, my natural response is to protect my child from being punished at school for a missing assignment, but long-term self-sufficiency and personal responsibility is much more important than forgotten homework.

Stop by Facebook and “Like” my “True Confessions of a Stay at Home Dad” page for daily updates and links to all my blogs and columns.

footnotes

Footnotes: Thoughts from the margins of a mom’s life Double surprises

By Kelly Blewett

B

ecause we have family who live far away, we are often piling into the car like so many sardines, accompanied by snacks and pillows, band aids and toys. We like to think of ourselves as experienced roadtrippers. One of our tricks is to have a surprise to reveal partway through the trip. Like a spoonful of sugar to medicine, a treat can make an unpleasant car trip bearable. At least that’s the idea.

On a recent trip to Vermont, we decided to unveil a surprise we’d sat on for almost two years – our car is equipped with a DVD player. The little ones never knew what the gray box on the ceiling was for. Now they would find out. We couldn’t wait. Like parents preparing Christmas stockings, we snuck out to the car the night before the trip. The moon was high and bright above. Sitting in the backseat where our children would be the next day, we watched part of a movie. It was magical, transfixing. “They are going to love this,” we told each other. And, of course, we thought we’d love it, too. Less whining, more relaxing: win/win.

The next day, about four hours into the drive, we revealed the DVD player.

Our son was stunned. “What’s this?!” he cried. But then he gave us a surprise. “I don’t want to watch the big movie,” he said. “Let’s watch the little movie!” The “little movie” was the menu screen. And only the menu screen.

It featured jungle creatures singing a loud, grating song and repeated every half minute or so. After an hour, our four-year old could sing along. A bit longer and the baby was dancing, too. We sighed and donned noise-cancellation headphones. We listened to podcasts while our children sang and danced with the “little movie.”

What have I learned from this? Some surprises are double – you surprise your kids, and then they surprise you. And some surprises don’t work exactly like that spoonful of sugar! But now we are back from Vermont and the DVD player has been shut for a while. I find myself thinking it wasn’t so bad. After all, the kids had fun. And next time, maybe we’ll get beyond the menu screen.

ANNE HARVEY

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 25

ask the teacher

Ask the Teacher

Lexile reading scores, goal setting, impending graduation anxiety

By Deb Krupowicz

Q

My first grader brought home a slip of paper with his lexile number on it following a recent standardized test. He said that he should be reading books at that number. Can you explain what “lexile” means? Why shouldn’t he just read whatever he wants to read?

A

Lexile is a number developed by The Lexile Framework for Reading that attempts to show a student’s reading level as well as the level of a specific text. The scores range from 200 for beginning readers to more than 1600 for advanced readers. Theoretically, knowing a child’s lexile helps to determine the level of books he is able to read independently with 75% comprehension. This helps the teacher and the parent to focus the student’s attention on books he is capable of reading rather than material that is too easy to promote reading growth or so difficult that the student becomes frustrated. The lexile number can also be used to show a reader’s progress as he is tested periodically.

The lexile number is derived from specific data collected about a book’s vocabulary and its sentence length, then applied to a scientifically developed equation used to calculate the number.

Many books now show the reading lexile on the cover. The Lexile Framework for Reading has a website (https://lexile.com/) that provides the lexile number for countless titles of books. You simply type in the book title and the lexile is given.

Other titles of the same lexile are also provided.

26 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

As a word of caution, the lexile number does not take content, theme or age-level into consideration. It is based on the words and the complexity of the sentences, not the ideas presented in the book. Some books with complex themes have low lexile numbers.

Keep in mind that a lexile number may not always be an accurate measure of what your child can read. If he does not test well or was having a bad day the test was administered, his number may be much lower than his actual reading level. Have him read some excerpts from a few books at his level and tell you about them. For most children, their ability to read fluently is higher than their ability to comprehend what they

have read, so be sure to ask challenging questions about the content to help determine if the lexile number is accurate for your son.

Q

As the first semester is wrapping up, I would like to help my seven year old daughter learn about setting goals.

How can I teach her this skill?

A

Goal setting is certainly an important skill to develop. Instilling the idea of reflecting on past behaviors to

decide how to improve can begin at an early age. To be successful, it is essential that the focus of the goal be realistic, attainable and measureable in a short term period of time.

A realistic goal has to be something that your daughter has complete control over. For example, she could set a goal to make her bed every morning or to study math facts for ten minutes each day. In contrast, setting a goal to master her multiplication tables in a week is not a realistic goal and will only lead to frustration and a feeling of failure.

Turning an idea into a goal also requires a plan of how the goal will be reached. Help your daughter identify the steps required to meet her

The key is to select something that is of interest to him now so that he stays engaged and completes his course of study without several changes in majors that prolong his time in college. If he simply cannot decide, starting within a broad area will give him more options later.

goal and a timeline for attempting each step.

When your daughter reaches her goal, celebrate with her even if the outcome is not exactly what she had hoped. Her effort and her perseverance must be acknowledged so that she will want to set goals for herself again in the future.

Q

My son is a junior and is starting to feel very anxious about graduating next year because he doesn’t know what he wants to study in college. Is there something I can do to help him with this?

There are many professionals available who can help by giving him an interest survey and discussing the factors he should consider when

{

making a career choice, such as the kind of lifestyle he expects to live, what part of the country appeals to him, etc. High school guidance counselors are great sources to get the process started. If he still is not sure what to pursue, consider taking him to a career counselor. Career counselors have an even greater variety of methods to help your son identify potential future professions – some of which may have never occurred to him.

Also, consider setting up an appointment with admissions counselors at nearby colleges to see if they can offer some advice for your son.

Perhaps picking up a college class prior to graduating from high school will help him find a better sense of direction.

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@daytonparentmagazine.com.

{

A

Making a decision about a lifetime career choice is understandably overwhelming. Reassure your son that this is not easy! Be sure that he is aware of how many adults change occupations and companies frequently in our current culture.

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 27

28 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

the modern military parent

The Modern Military Parent Choosing to spend precious time off away from extended family

By Molly Blake

I

f your spouse is like mine, he or she never takes vacation. In fact, at one point my husband built up more than 100 days of leave.

That’s a ton of days where I could have been lying on a beach or hiking or skiing or even sleeping in for a staycation.

But around the holidays, steering clear of base for a few days is actually expected. The problem is that we’ve never been stationed anywhere near either of our families.

With deployments, TDY and extended trainings, the holidays were the only chance we had for a vacation – and that meant going to see family.

I’m not complaining. My brothers-

in-law, known by my daughters as “the uncs,” are thoughtful and attentive and my parents waste no time sneaking candy to my girls. But we only recently realized that, after more than a decade of marriage, we – meaning my husband and my two daughters and I – have taken exactly two family vacations.

•

Sound familiar? It’s yet another balancing act that military families face but one that can be amended, with a bit of delicacy and tact.

• •

Start by educating family members. Often times, in-laws, siblings, aunts and uncles truly don’t understand how military life operates. Take the time to talk about your spouses’ daily

schedule, how often you attend mandatory events and how little time you spend alone, as a family.

Explain how pending deployments or long-term trainings work. Long before the actual farewell, the stress of deployment seeps into your home like mist. And for a few weeks after your Marine or Airman returns, home life can be tricky. Be sure to communicate this situation to family members.

Suggest a time frame for family to visit you. Military bases are full of rich history, so why not share some of it with them. Have your service member tour folks around base and point out historical aircraft or sites. Be spe-

•

cific about dates to visit too, so no one overstays their welcome.

This will give you time to spend a portion of holiday leave on your own terms.

If it’s too late to change holiday plans this year, then why not plant the seed for next year?

Casually mention that you are looking forward to next year’s holiday at home or that you are saving up for a family vacation.

If it’s not too late for this year, then take advantage of the situation and start planning a family vacation now!

Happy Holidays!

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 29

growth charts

Growth Charts Everything you need to know

By Dayton Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Cares

L

ook at any class picture and you’ll see kids of the same age in all shapes and sizes.

Some kids look small next to their peers, while others literally stand head and shoulders above their classmates. Kids grow at their own pace. Big, small, tall, short — there is a wide range of healthy shapes and sizes among children.

A child’s height and weight can be influenced by genetics, gender, nutrition, physical activity, health problems, environment and hormones.

No two children’s growth is exactly the same.

So how do you and your doctor know whether a child’s height and weight measurements are “normal”?

If he or she is developing on track?

Or if any health issues are affecting the child’s growth?

A doctor uses growth charts to help answer these questions.

“Growth charts are a standard part of any checkup, and they show doctors and nurses how kids are growing compared with other kids of the same age and gender,” says James Ebert, MD, lead physician for the lipid clinic at Dayton Children’s.

“Growth charts also allow health care providers to see the pattern of kids’ height and weight gain over time, and whether they’re developing proportionately.”

What are percentiles?

Percentiles are measurements that show where a child is compared with others. On the growth charts, the percentiles are shown as lines drawn in curved patterns.

When doctors plot a child’s weight and height on the chart, they see which percentile line those measurements land on. The higher the per30 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

centile number, the bigger a child is compared with other kids of the same age and gender, whether it’s for height or weight; the lower the percentile number, the smaller the child is. For example, if a 4-year-old boy’s weight is in the 10th percentile that means that 10 percent of boys that age weigh less than he does and 90 percent of 4-year-old boys weigh more.

What’s the ideal percentile for my child?

There is no one ideal number but it’s important to determine with your doctor what is a healthy weight and height for your child.

“Ideally, each child will follow along the same growth pattern over time, growing in height and gaining weight at the same rate, with the height and weight in proportion to one another,” says Ebert. “This means that usually a child stays on a certain percentile line on the growth curve. So if our 4-year-old boy on the 10th percentile line has always been on that line, he is continuing to grow along his pattern, which is a good sign.”

What could signal a problem?

A couple different growth chart patterns might signal a health problem, such as: •

When a child’s weight or height percentile changes from a certain pattern it’s been following. For example: If height and weight consistently are on the 60th percentile line until a child is 4 years old, then the height drops to the 30th percentile at age 5, that might indicate that there’s a growth problem be-

cause the child is not following his or her previous growth pattern. While this can be a cause for concern, there are points in development, such as during infancy and puberty, when it’s normal for children’s growth rates to vary.

•

When kids don’t get taller at the same rate at which they’re gaining weight. For example: Let’s say a girl’s height is in the

40th percentile and her weight is in the 85th percentile. (So she’s taller than 40 percent of kids her age, but weighs more than 85 percent of kids her age.)

That is a problem the doctor may want to address.

It’s important to get regular checkups for your child and if you have any questions about your child’s growth – or growth charts – talk with your doctor.

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 31

calendar december calendar

// DECEMBER 2014

FRIDAY | 05 Christkindlmarkt

Price: free Phone: (513)785-7000 | Location: German Village. 2nd and Dayton Streets, Hamilton | www.hamilton-city.org/index. aspx?page=389

An Authentic Outdoor German Christmas Market in the tradition of those held throughout Germany. It is held the first weekend in December at Hamilton’s Historic German Village.

Hometown Holidays

Price: Tickets start at $23 with student/military discounts available | Phone: (937) 2287591 | Location: Schuster Center. 1 W 2nd St., Dayton | www.daytonperformingarts.org/content.jsp?articleId=3387

This December, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined on the Mead Theater stage by local duo Adelee & Gentry for a beautiful celebration of the holiday season. Then choirs and choruses from the region will gather together with the DPO for an uplifting holiday tribute that will have you thrilled that you are “Home for the Holidays” in Dayton.

SATURDAY | 06 11th Annual Holly Jolly 5K &10K Run

Price: $18 includes long sleeve shirt before November 21. $12 no shirt | Phone: 937 -773-935 | Location: City of Piqua Municipal Government Complex. 201 W. Water Street (Use rear parking lot entrance), Piqua | www.mainstreetpiqua.com/pdf/2014_Holly_Jolly_Run.pdf

Celebrate the holiday season with the 11th annual Holly Jolly 5K and 10K run in downtown Piqua.

Christmas Walk in Downtown Dayton

Price: free | Phone: (937) 890-0416 | Location: 2nd Street Market: Pavilion. 600 E. Second St., Dayton | www.metroparks.org/GetOutside/ SearchByInterest.aspx

This outdoor community recreation opportunity is sponsored by Ohio Wander Freunde. 5/10KM Christmas Walk in

32 DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM

Downtown Dayton starting and ending at the 2nd Street Market.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

Price: $30 registration fee includes tshirt; $25 without tshirt | Phone: 513-399-8091 Location: Dayton Mall. 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton | www.jinglebellrundayton.kintera.org/faf/help/helpEventInfo.asp?ievent=11 12218&lis=1&kntae1112218=DC58E0C10340446 D9C525511E8F6

Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun, festive event for the whole family! Put on your reindeer antlers and your running shoes and come join us for some holiday cheer.

Super Saturday Family Days at Dayton Art Institute

Price: $5 members; $10 non-members; $2 each additional child | Phone: 937-223-4278 | Location: Dayton Art Institute. 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton | www.daytonlocal.com/ things-to-do/super-saturday-family-daysdayton-art-institute.asp

December 6: Fun with Frosty Create an adorable Frosty the Snowman door stopper using bricks! Take it home to display or give it as a gift this holiday season.

Christkindlmarkt

Price: free | Phone: (513)785-7000 | Location: German Village. 2nd and Dayton Streets, Hamilton | www.hamilton-city.org/index. aspx?page=389 An Authentic

Outdoor German Christmas Market in the tradition of those held throughout Germany. It is held the first weekend in December at Hamilton’s Historic German Village.

Hometown Holidays

Price: Tickets start at $23 with student/military discounts available | Phone: (937) 2287591 | Location: Schuster Center. 1 W 2nd St., Dayton | www.daytonperformingarts.org/content.jsp?articleId=3387

This December, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined on the Mead Theater stage by local duo Adelee & Gentry for a beautiful celebration of the holiday season. Then choirs and

choruses from the region will gather together with the DPO for an uplifting holiday tribute that will have you thrilled that you are “Home for the Holidays” in Dayton.

DIY Holidays for Kids

Price: $12 per session or $30 for 3 weeks | Phone: 937-723-6747 | Location: Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center. 400 E. Fifth Street, Dayton | www.grassrootsenrichment. com

Christkindlmarkt

Price: free | Phone: (513)785-7000 | Location: German Village. 2nd and Dayton Streets, Hamilton | www.hamilton-city.org/index. aspx?page=389

An Authentic Outdoor German Christmas Market in the tradition of those held throughout Germany. It is held the first weekend in December at Hamilton’s Historic German Village.

Make beautiful, useful, hand crafted and thoughtful gifts for the holidays. Make something for everyone on your list wrapped in lovely natural package!

TUESDAY | 09

SUNDAY | 07

Price: free; registration required | Phone: (937) 276-7053 | Location: Possum Creek MetroPark: Possum Creek Education Building.

4790 Frytown Rd., Dayton | www.metroparks. org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

Christmas on the Farm

Price: free | Phone: (937) 278-2609 | Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark: Carriage Hill Historical Farm. 7821 E. Shull Rd., Dayton | www.metroparks.org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest. aspx

String cranberries and popcorn for the farm-grown cedar tree just like families did a century ago. Enjoy fresh baked gingerbread and sample chestnuts hot from the fireplace. Play some period parlor games. At our Visitor Center you can make a Victorian Christmas decoration to take home.

Penguin Preschool

Price: $10 | Phone: (937) 274-0126 | Location: RiverScape MetroPark: MetroParks Ice Rink. 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton | www. metroparks.org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

Join us select Sunday afternoons for Penguin Preschool! Your youngster will have fun as they learn how to march in place and across the ice, dip, glide and stop all while gaining confidence in their new abilities. Registration required.

Preschool: What Grows in Ohio

Did you know that Ohio is a farming state? Do you know what kinds of crops are grown in Ohio? Come join the fun and learn all about the wonderful food that is grown right here in our state of Ohio. There will be an activity and a tasty treat.

WEDNESDAY | 10 Holiday Sing-Along

Price: free | Phone: 937-433-8091 | Location: Washington-Centerville Public Library. 111 W. Spring Valley Rd., Centerville | www.daytonlocal.com/events/centerville-library-holidaysing-along.asp

Celebrate the season with a festive performance by the Watts Middle School Sixth Grade Chorus and then join in on an old-fashioned sing-along! Refreshments served. For all ages!

FRIDAY | 12 Furry Film Night

Location: Soin Medical Center. 3535 Pentagon Rd., Beavercreek | www.khnetwork.org/

Price: $15 Phone: 37-294-6505 | Location: SICSA Pet Adoption Center. 2600 Wilmington Pike, Kettering | www.sicsa.org/Furry-FilmNights

Come take a tour, meet physicians, and talk to local experts while trying to decide where to deliver your bundle of joy. Games, giveaways, fun and refreshments. Free and all are welcome.

If your child loves animals and movies, Furry Film Nights are a must! What better way to end the week than with cuddle time with kittens or puppies, enjoying a great G-rated movie, mak-

Soin Holiday Baby Fair

december calendar ing friends, and eating yummy pizza and snacks? This is a fun-filled night for children in grades 1-6 and an opportunity for parents to enjoy a night out by themselves.

SATURDAY | 13 A Holiday Evening at Carriage Hill

Price: free | Phone: (937) 278-2609 | Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark: Carriage Hill Historial Farm. 7821 E. Shull Rd., Dayton | www.metroparks.org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest. aspx

Come join us for a candlelit holiday evening. Stroll through the farm and experience what it was like at night. Listen to holiday music, play some parlor games or watch some historical crafts being made. An old-fashioned Victorian holiday will come to life.

Miamisburg Community Holiday Event and Parade

Price: free | Phone: (937) 866-4532 | Location: Downtown Miamisburg. 10 North First Street, Miamisburg | www.exploremiamisburg.com/ community-holiday-event-parade/

Join us this year for the annual Community Holiday Celebration! The parade kicks off the event at 11:30 am. Following the parade, visit an Elves workshop

with games, crafts and entertainment in the Baum Opera House, have pictures taken with Santa in the Market Square Building, take carriage rides around downtown Miamisburg and enjoy activities and shopping at local businesses.

Get into the holiday spirit. Come out and enjoy this enchanted day in Miamisburg.

ate beautiful, unique cards to send out this holiday season. Printmakers, collage artists and other art professionals will be on hand to help you make amazing cards using different kinds of materials!

Red Nosed Reindeer 5K & 10K

Price: free | Phone: 937-376-7286 | Location: Downtown Xenia. 101 N. Detroit Street, Xenia | www.xenianow.org/

Price: $30 for 5K ($35 after Nov. 1); $35 for 10K ($40 after Nov. 1) | Phone: 937-776-1977 | Location: Fraze Pavilion. 580 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering | www.rednosedreindeer5kand10k. itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=3544

Celebrate the season with friends and family at the areas newest fun 5K or 10K through the streets of Kettering. The event starts on Lincoln Park Blvd. beside Fraze Pavilion and then warm up at Tropics for the after party.

Super Saturday Family Days at Dayton Art Institute

Price: $5 members; $10 non-members; $2 each additional child | Phone: 937-223-4278 | Location: Dayton Art Institute. 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton | www.daytonlocal.com/ things-to-do/super-saturday-family-daysdayton-art-institute.asp

Xenia Hometown Christmas Festival

Please join Xenia for the annual Hometown Christmas Festival on 12/13/14 from 4 to 8pm! Stop by Xenia Station to see Santa and participate in crafts and activities. Then venture Downtown and grab a bite to eat from the food trucks and enjoy the music and all Downtown has to offer.

DIY Holidays for Kids

Price: $12 per session or $30 for 3 weeks | Phone: 937-723-6747 | Location: Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center. 400 E. Fifth Street, Dayton | www.grassrootsenrichment. com

Make beautiful, useful, hand crafted and thoughtful gifts for the holidays. Make something for everyone on your list wrapped in lovely natural package!.

December 13: Holiday Open Studio Cre

WEDNESDAY | 31 Harlem Globetrotters

Price: $26, $33, $41, $58, $66 (VIP) & $106 (Courtside) | Phone: (937) 775-3498 Location: Wright State University Nutter Center.

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton | www. daytonlocal.com/things-to-do/harlem-globetrotters-in-dayton.asp 2015 World Tour Dec 31, 2014 (Wed) 2:00 PM.

Known as innovators of the game of basketball for decades, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters come to Wright State University’s Nutter Center.

New Year’s Eve: Classical Destinations

Price: Tickets start at $19, with student/teacher/military/senior discounts available | Phone: (937) 228-7591 | Location: Schuster Center. 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton | www.daytonperformingarts.org/content.jsp?articleId=3393

The theme for this festive evening is the many places on the map. From Vienna to London, from New York to Rome, from St. Petersburg to Milan, from Salzburg to Prague, these are the fruitful origins of some of the most famous classical music, dance and opera in Western civilization. This is the second Signature Event of the New Horizons season, when all three members of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance combine their abundant talents for an artistic celebration second-to-none.

ongoing calendar Miracle on 34th Street

(Shows run daily from November 5 - December 31, 2014) Price: Tickets vary; check website | Phone: (937) 746-4554 | Location: La Comedia Dinner Theatre. 765 W. Central Ave., Dayton |c www. lacomedia.com/playbill/

The story of the real Santa Claus, Miracle on 34th Street is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time. This touching musical version of the holiday classic proves that miracles do happen and is sure to fill both the young and the young at heart with the Christmas spirit.

THE POLAR EXPRESS rolls into Connersville’s Grand Central Station this Holiday Season. The Polar Express will come to life when the train departs Connersville’s Grand Central Station for a journey through the quiet countryside for a special visit to the “North Pole” with Santa Claus.

Christmas At EnterTRAINment Junction

(November 15, 2014 - January 4, 2015)

The Polar Express

Price: Included with Do-It-All Admission | Phone: 513-898-8000 | Location: EnterTRAINment Junction. 7379 Squire Court, West Chester | www.entertrainmentjunction.com/cincinnati_entertainment_and_attractions_calendar

Price: $29 per ticket | Phone: (765) 825-2054 | Location: Whitewater Valley Railroad. P.O. Box 406, Connersville | www.whitewatervalleyrr. org/excursions/

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. See our “Main Street Holiday Trains” displays which offers some

(Occurring every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 14 - December 14)

beautiful winter train displays that are FREE to the public. Santa goes on vacation after Christmas.

Holiday in Lights

(Occurring daily beginning Friday, November 21 through Wednesday, December 31) Price: $13 per vehicle | Phone: (513) 769-0393 | Location: Sharon Woods. Sharon Woods, Sharonville. | www.holidayinlights.com/home

Holiday in Lights is an outdoor light display at Sharon Woods viewed by patrons from the comfort of their own vehicle.

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.

The Beach Mountain

(Open daily beginning Friday, November 21, 2014 through Sunday, March 1, 2015) Price: $17-$22 | Phone: 513-398-4356 | Location: The Beach Waterpark. 2690 Waterpark Dr., Mason | www.thebeachmountain.com/

Slide down the snowy 400 foot long run and then conveniently ride the magical moving carpet back to the top. The Beach Mountain will have 10 lanes for tubing with sessions starting at 2 hours each. Visit the park’s winter chalet to warm up and enjoy hot food and beverages. There’s even a play area for small children 3 and under to make snowmen or snow angels, and enjoy a tube ride on a mini slope.

DECEMBER 2014 [ dayton parent ] 33

december calendar

PNC Festival of Lights

(Runs nightly from November 22, 2014 – January 2, 2015) Price: General admission is $15 for adults 1361 and $11 for kids 2-12. Parking is $9 | Phone: (513) 281-4700 | Location: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati | www.cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-oflights/

The PNC Festival of Lights has been a family holiday tradition for over 30 years.

We are proud to be the largest holiday light display in Cincinnati.

Choose & Cut Christmas Trees (Open daily from November 28 to December 21)

Phone: 937-767-7288 | Location: Young’s Jersey Dairy. 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs. | www.youngsdairy.com/christmastrees/

Cut your own Christmas Trees is a great family tradition from Thanksgiving until Christmas. We have Scotch Pine, White Pine, Canaan Fir, Norway Spruce, Serbi-

an Spruce, Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce.

We shake and wrap every tree and offer complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn! Located just south of the big red barn — look for the little red tree barn next to Route 68.

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

(Occurring daily beginning Friday, November 28, 2014 through Thursday, January 1, 2015.)

Price: Admission is $10 per person for everyone age 7 and older. Children 6 and under get in FREE! Phone: 937-767-5501 | Location: Clifton Mill. 75 Water St., Clifton | www.cliftonmill. com/

For over 20 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Our light display features over 3.5 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, and bridges. There is a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show that features the old Covered Bridge. Every night until Christmas you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see a live Santa at work and then, every 15 minutes, watch him check his list and go up the chimney to load his sleigh!

The Christmas Ranch

(November 28 - December 31) Price: $15 per vehicle | Location: The Christmas Ranch. 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow | www.thechristmasranch.com/

The Christmas Ranch is in Morrow, Ohio approximately 10 minutes north of Kings Island amusement park. Located on 110 acres, it features a Christmas Village with approximately 1 million LED lights, which dance with the music. Our light display has received national attention and has brought smiles to young and old alike.

North Pole Express

(Select Weekends Beginning Saturday, November 29 through Monday, December 22) Price: Adults: $20.50; Seniors: $15.50; Children 5-16: $15.50; Kids 2-4: $8.50 | Phone: 513-9338022 | Location: LM&M Railroad. 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, OH 45036 | www.lebanonrr.com/northpole.html

Take a half hour train ride to the decorated LM&M Junction to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Take a moment to visit Santa and tell him your Christmas wishes. Each child will receive a small gift from Mr. Claus himself! Stop at the “Holiday Post Express” to color pictures or write letters to be delivered to Santa. Enjoy a holiday cookie and a cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm while you are entertained

by Santa’s talented Elves! Trains run: November 29-30; December 6-7, 12-14, and 19-22.

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells (Shows run daily December 5 through December 24)

Town Hall Theatre | Price: $15.00 for adults; $13.00 for seniors and students; $10.00 for children under 12 | Phone: (937) 433-8957 | Location: Town Hall Theatre. 27 N. Main Street, Centerville | www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/theatre/productions/landmark-theatre/ june-b-jones

Everyone’s favorite girl is back and this time it’s personal! The holidays should be that special time of year when everyone spreads peace and goodwill. But not when Junie B. draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school! Things get especially ugly when their music teacher announces that the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant! Recommended for Youth Ages 4 & Up. Approximate Running Time: 70 minutes.

Star-Line Skate

(Open Fridays and Saturdays December 5, 2014 - January 31, 2015) Price: $7 | Phone: (937) 278-2607 | Location: RiverScape MetroPark: MetroParks Ice Rink. 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton | www.metroparks. org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

Spend your Friday or Saturday night skating near the river, under a beautifully lit canopy! Take in the sights and sounds of downtown while sipping hot chocolate. Bring your family, coworkers, sweetheart or friends to skate at MetroParks Ice Rink!

Woodland Lights (December 5 – 30)

Price: $7 ($3 on Nostalgia Nights; Free for kids 2 and under | Phone: (937) 433-0130 | Location: Countryside Park. 895 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township | www.daytonlocal. com/things-to-do/woodland-lights.asp

Woodland Lights offers a fantasyland of holiday lights and displays along a halfmile wooded path. Reduced admission on NOSTALGIA NIGHTS (December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17), which include lights, refreshments, and visits with Santa. Closed December 24 and 25.

The Nutcracker

(Shows run December 12 - 22) Price: $11 - $72 | Phone: 1-888-228-3630 | Location: Schuster Performing Arts Center. One West Second St, Dayton.

Last season saw the premiere of a marvelous new production of Dayton’s biggest and best holiday performance arts tradition.. Dayton Ballet’s beloved The Nutcracker. With new choreography by Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke, new sets by designer Ray Zupp, and new costumes by Lowell Mathwich, the story of little Clara and her adventures reaches a new artistic zenith. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Neal Gittleman, again takes up residence in the orchestra pit, giving Tchaikovsky’s music the full, rich, gorgeous interpretation that it requires. Where better to enjoy this classic ballet and experience the full depth of this wonderful music than at the Schuster Center for the Performing Arts, one of the top performance halls in the nation.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 17-20)

Price: $8 | Phone: 1-800-315-3000 | Location: Blair Hall Theatre at Sinclair Community College. 444 W 3rd St., Dayton | www.daytonlocal.com/things-to-do/kids/sinclair-a-charliebrown-christmas.asp

The holiday TV special comes to life when Charlie Brown tries to convince his friends that there’s no magic left in a Christmas that’s too commercial.

FOR MORE FUN IDEAS, VISIT DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM At Dayton 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.

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