Dp summer issue 2 by Midwest Parenting Publications

SUMMER 2016

GREAT PARKS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

TO SPEND THE DAY TOGETHER

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GUIDES

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SUMME R RE ADING PROGRAMS B O O K S O ME TI ME FOR BOOKS OVER BR EAK! G E T O UT & PLAY ! G RE AT PARKS TO VI SI T THI S SUMMER

LOCAL F EATUR ES

contents

CHANGI NG THE COUR SE FOR DAY TON’S MOST VULNER ABLE CHI LDR EN

AGE S & STAGE S

T H I S IS MY B A BY ?

W HY YO U R NEWBORN’S APPEA RA N C E M I GH T SUR PR I SE YO U

M O N T E SS OR I, REG G I O E MILIA & WAL DO R F

WH AT T HESE A LT E R NAT I V E ED UCAT I O N A L P H I LOS O P H I E S OFFER ST UD E N TS

A LO O K AT STUTTE RI NG

THE BEST FI NDS ONLY THE LOCALS KNOW

I N EVERY I SSUE

UND E RAG E D RI NK I NG

H OW TO ADDRE SS T H I S P R O B LE M W IT H YO U R TEEN

M AT E RN IT Y LEAV E IS E N D IN G — NOW WH AT? W I L L YO U R E T U R N TO WO R K OR STAY H O ME ?

HIDDEN GEMS

S PE E CH DI F F IC U LT IE S ARE MO RE CO MMO N T H AN YO U MIG H T T H INK

A L L A B OU T DA D T E N FU N WAYS TO S P E ND T H E DAY TO G E T H E R

DO G G IE’S DAY OU T EV E RY DO G S H O U L D H AV E H I S DAY!

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A WACKY CALENDAR FOR SUMMER

A FEW DAYS WORTH CELEBR ATI NG THI S SUMMER !

FAMILY

18 20 22

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: B RIGID’S PATH

ON THE COVER CAS H (AGE 2) Cash loves to help his dad on their family farm where he has his own calf. He loves PAW Patrol, the color yellow and playing soccer. P H OTO K RYSTA L COV I NGTO N P H OTO GRAPHY

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GREETINGS

MEET THE STAFF PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox | Mary@daytonparentmagazine.com

A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R Katy Mark | Katy@daytonparentmagazine.com

E D I TO R Susan Bryant | Susan@daytonparentmagazine.com

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S Katie Clark | Katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

W E B D E V E LO P E R Wendy Cox | Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

A DV E R T I S I N G C O O R D I N ATO R Karen RIng | Karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

A S S O C I AT E A R T D I R E C TO R Kahlie Cannon | Kahlie@daytonparentmagazine.com

B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R Roxanne Burns | Roxanne@daytonparentmagazine.com

SWEET SUMMERTIME

f your child had to describe their perfect summer day, what would it include? Bike rides, ice cream and a run through the sprinkler? Pool parties, sleepovers and a trip to the amusement park? What would yours look like? Mine would involve a lot less activity – I’m thinking a good book, a warm breeze, and the soft sway of a porch swing would do it for me. That’s the great thing about a “perfect” summer day – there are so many ways to define it. If you need a few ideas for making your summer great, we have plenty of inspiration in this issue! Our friends at Five Rivers MetroParks have given us the lowdown on all the wonderful things to see and do at our area parks – check out Get Out and Play! for their timely tips. Of course, Dad has his special day coming up on June 19th, so take a look at All About Dad for some suggestions on fatherly fun. Even your dog can get in on the action with a list of pup-friendly spots all over town for a Doggie’s Day Out. And just in case we’ve left any bases uncovered, check out our new Wacky Calendar on the last page for a few silly (and easy) ways to celebrate a summer day.

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INTERN Meg Wynne | Meg@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lauren Lawson, Andrea Limke, Melissa Glidden, Carson Quinn, Erica Frazier Stum, Gregory Ramey, Kristen Wicker

C A L E N DA R O F E V E N T S calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

What else can you find in this issue? We’re glad you asked! Summer reading programs, info on newborns, alternative educational approaches, advice on stuttering, maternity leave issues…the list goes on. Our goal is to cover a range of interesting and helpful parenting topics, but let us know if you think we’ve missed something you would like to see. We would love to hear your suggestions! As always, thank you for picking up the latest issue of Dayton Parent. Here’s hoping you soak up all the fun this season brings and each summer day is more perfect than the last.

C O N TAC T U S 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.

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BABIES

THIS IS MY BABY? WHY YOUR NEWBORN’S APPEARANCE MIGHT SURPRISE YOU BY M EL I SSA G L I D D EN

or months, expectant parents dream of the instant their newborn baby enters the world and is placed in their arms – an adorable chubbycheeked cherub, just like in the magazines. Instead, many new moms and dads are shocked when they’re handed babies with swollen faces, unexplained bruises, body hair and even heads that appear oddly cone-shaped. So what gives?

WHAT TO REALLY EXPECT Neonatologist Dr. Marc Belacastro, Vice President for Women and Infant Services at Premier Health-Miami Valley Hospital, says there was a time when new parents’ first question at birth was not “Why is my baby’s head shaped like this?” but rather “Is it a girl or a boy?” “Most parents these days already know the sex of their baby,” says Belacastro, “so the first question is usually, ‘Is he or she okay?’” Once new parents feel confident that their baby is safe and sound, other questions can arise about a newborn’s appearance. Dr. Belacastro breaks down some of the most common (and surprising) physical features of brand new babies.

VERNIX Not every newborn emerges from the womb covered in the white, cheesetextured substance called vernix caseosa, but when they do, it can be a little surprising. “Vernix is made up of body cells, oils from skin glands and hair that has been shed by the

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baby,” says Dr. Belacastro. Babies born prior to their estimated due date typically have more vernix, since this substance coats the baby during the third trimester and begins dissolving as the due date approaches. “Most theories are that vernix makes passage through the birth canal easier, moisturizes the skin, protects from heat loss and serves as a shield from germs in the environment,” says Dr. Belacastro.

CONEHEADS Newborn babies’ skulls are malleable, and able to mold for the cramped journey out of the womb. “Molding allows the baby’s head to change shape inside the birth canal,” says Dr. Belacastro. With the exception of very rapid births, it’s not uncommon for babies to be born with a cone-shaped head. Dr. Belacastro assures parents that the shape of their newborn’s head should return to normal in about 1-2 days.

LANUGO Lanugo is a soft, fine hair that begins covering the fetus’s body mid-gestation

and typically falls off prior to birth. Still, some babies are born with it – most commonly premature babies. “Lanugo goes away in a few days, but occasionally can be around for a week,” says Dr. Belacastro.

breathing air, while their hands and feet can appear slightly blue for a few days. Jaundice, a slight yellowing of the skin, is also a common occurrence as a baby’s immature liver works to filter blood.

SWELLING AND UNEVEN SKIN TONE

Your baby may arrive with more unexpected surprises as well. Dr. Belacastro describes other normal, yet occasionally shocking features new parents may see:

Giving birth is hard work, but so is being born. When you meet your baby for the first time, don’t be surprised if they look a little roughed up. Some swelling and bruising is common in newborns. “Sometimes there is bruising on the face, which can be a little frightening because the face appears blue,” says Dr. Belacastro. “The eyelids can also be a little swollen, making it difficult to see the baby’s eyes for about 24 hours.” It’s also normal to see variations in your baby’s skin tone moments after birth. According to Stanford Children’s Health (www.stanfordchildrens.org), these variations occur due to a newborn’s immature blood circulation system. Newborns often appear red as they start

What surprised you?

AND THAT’S NOT ALL…

•

• •

Milia: Tiny, white bumps on a baby’s nose (and sometimes the forehead or chin) that disappear on their own Peeling skin: Often occurring when a baby is born past their due date Erythema: Sometimes called “newborn rash,” this benign, red rash can alarm new parents, but typically disappears in about 24 hours.

The bottom line: your newborn probably won’t emerge from the womb ready for their close-up, but being prepared ahead of time can help new parents stay calm, and enjoy the magic of falling in love at first sight.

These local parents weigh in on what surprised them most about their newborns’ appearance . “When my little one was making her way through the birth canal, the cord must have been pushing on her head because she had a long, cord-shaped indent on her head. I had never heard of this before, and the books, research and classes hadn't prepared me for it. I was so in love with her I barely noticed it though!” - Brenna H. “My son is 16 months old, and my husband and I still talk about how he was purple for the first few seconds after he was born. He was perfectly fine, just took a second to get his color after he started breathing.” - Amanda J. “I was surprised by the Mongolian spot on my first child's rear. I had never heard of them before, and was worried he’d been bruised from the delivery. Afterwards, I learned that biracial children tend to have a Mongolian spot or two.” - Angela L. “My son had a terribly coned-shaped head. It reminded me of the movie Coneheads! It went away in a few days though. My daughter was born with a tooth, which scared me until I learned that it happens pretty often and is nothing to worry about!” - Emiliee H.

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TODDLERS

MONTESSORI, REGGIO EMILIA AND WALDORF WHAT THESE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES OFFER STUDENTS

BY ME L I SSA G L I DD E N

hildbirth? Easy. The terrible-twos? Piece of cake. Choosing a school where your child can thrive? For many parents, that’s the real challenge.

Alternative approaches to education, including the Montessori, Reggio-Emilia and Waldorf philosophies, are becoming increasingly popular. Many parents whose children have attended schools specializing in these methods have sung their praises. So what can families expect from these types of educational environments?

MONTESSORI

Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori method in the early 1900’s with the idea of creating a child-centered educational model. This approach asserts that children are natural learners, each with their own unique set of needs and interests. Karen Graham, Director of the Alexandria Montessori School in Centerville, says Montessori is successful because “We don’t see each class as a group of students. We see the students as individuals.” Graham says that hands-on materials and child-directed activities should be the hallmark of any Montessori program. For example, on Earth Day this year, Graham’s students planted flowers in the school yard, almost entirely unassisted. “When we choose activities, we focus on things that are child-centered and child-generated.” Because of this self-directed learning, Graham says students who transition from Montessori schools to traditional high schools are overwhelmingly successful. “These students have spent many years learning how to become self-starters and independent learners.” She advises parents, however, that to get the most out of a Montessori education, they should be prepared to commit to at least four years of it.

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REGGIO EMILIA The Reggio Emilia approach was developed after World War II by a teacher and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy who felt that children needed a new way of learning and that good citizenship was an important goal of education. Reggio Emilia students are encouraged to express their unique identities and ideas using a wide variety of hands-on mediums. Julie Brecount Patel, M.Ed., Director of the Miami Valley School’s Early Childhood School in Dayton, says, “An example of the Reggio approach at the MVS Early Childhood School would be our exploration into maps and map making.” She describes how children at the school initiated their own studies in geography and maps after becoming curious about where each of their classmates lived and how they commuted to school. “We may be moving next into mapping the world, but we don’t know yet, as the children have not decided.” The Reggio-Emilia approach to learning is self-directed and inspired by a child’s individual curiosity. According to Jeni Beck, Communications Lead for the Overfield School in Troy, 3 and 4 year olds are currently learning about honeybees by working together to understand more about them. “Our teachers teach the children how to learn, rather than what to learn,” says Beck. Caitlin Schroff, Education Director at The Compass School (with locations in Cincinnati and Powell) says, “We believe children can express themselves in many ways, and we strive to provide opportunities for them to do so while exploring ideas together.” According to Schroff, the advantage to the Reggio Emilia approach is that it allows children of all backgrounds and abilities to thrive.

WALDORF In the Waldorf philosophy, school subjects are meant to be experienced, not just studied. Karen Crick, Enrollment Director of the Cincinnati Waldorf School, says, “We teach children skills like critical thinking, how to truly observe and listen, how to be socially flexible and how to finish a task – rather than having our students memorize an endless amount of facts.” Crick says every student at the Cincinnati Waldorf school learns to knit, read music and garden in addition to learning more traditional subjects like math and physics. “Children that learn outside the box can thrive at a Waldorf School,” says Crick. Waldorf parent Tiffany D., whose four children all attend a Waldorf school, agrees. "This education has taken the stress out of learning for my children.” Thinking about trying an alternative educational model for your child? The short descriptions provided here only give a glimpse of what each philosophy entails. For additional information, visit these websites for a more comprehensive understanding of each approach and how they differ. American Montessori Society www.amshq.org

Reggio Children www.reggiochildren.it

International Montessori Council www.montessori.org

Association of Waldorf Schools in North America www.waldorfeducation.org

North American Reggio Emilia Alliance www.reggioalliance.org

NOW ENROLLING 5086 BURKHARDT RD. | RIVERSIDE, OHIO WWW.STHELENSCHL.ORG

(937) 256-1761

Waldorf Answers www.waldorfanswers.org

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SCHOOL AGERS

Famous People Who Stutter

A LOOK AT STUTTERING

Nicole Kidman Elvis Presley Bruce Willis James Earl Jones Emily Blunt Shaquille O’Neal Tiger Woods Charles Darwin Joe Biden Marilyn Monroe Charlie Sheen Carly Simon Bill Walton John Updike Andrew Lloyd Webber Tim Gunn B.B. King Winston Churchill

SPEECH DIFFICULTIES ARE MORE COMMON THAN YOU MIGHT THINK BY CA RSON QUI N N

earing your child’s first words is something a parent never forgets. When you really think about it, it’s amazing what it takes to go from imitating simple sounds to becoming completely fluent in a language. Along the way however, it’s not uncommon to have a few bumps in the road. Disfluency, which includes any breaks or irregularities in speech like stuttering, happens to many children as they learn to speak. Experts say the onset of stuttering is typically between 2 and 5 years of age, with the median age around 30 to 38 months. About five percent of kids have a period during childhood when they stutter, many times lasting for six months or more. About 75 percent of those children will no longer having any difficulty by late childhood, with as few as one percent having a long term issue. That’s according to the Stuttering Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on the prevention and treatment of stuttering. Despite these statistics, it can be quite worrisome if your child is the one having an issue. Experts say there are several things that can be done at home to help a struggling child. “Above all, be calm and patient with your child while they are talking,” says

Source: The Stuttering Foundation, www.stutteringhelp.org

Books about Stuttering for Young Readers Emily Umily

Jodie Reed of ABC Pediatric Therapy in Dayton. “Give the child your undivided attention. When you speak to your child, provide a model of a slower rate of speech to encourage improved pacing. Do not tell them to stop and start over. When they are finished, rephrase what they said with the slower rate of speech.” Parents who don’t rush their child while speaking allow them to communicate without feeling anxious. By being patient with their speech, parents are sending the message that taking your time to express yourself is perfectly acceptable. Sometimes a professional evaluation is in order for a child who has problems with disfluency. Reed says that if there is a family history of stuttering, if it starts around age three and a half or older, if it persists

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more than six to twelve months or if there are any other language concerns, it is time to schedule an appointment. She adds, “It becomes more concerning when children begin to exhibit secondary characteristics such as added blinking, head nodding, straining or added tension around neck, or tapping or clapping to get through the stutter.” While a period of stuttering or other speech difficulties is not uncommon among children, it can be a source of embarrassment and feeling self-conscious about talking – which only adds to the problem. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech, consult with your pediatrician or a speech language pathologist for next steps. If intervention is warranted, the sooner it begins, the sooner progress can be made.

by Kathy Corrigan

Jeremy and the Hippo by Gail Wilson Lew

Ben Has Something to Say: A Story About Stuttering by Laurie Lears

The Legend of the Veery Bird by Kathleen Hague

Glue Fingers

by Matt Christopher

Mary Marony Series by Suzie Kline

The Adventures of Phil Carrot by Michael Sugarman and Kim C. Swain

Sometimes I Just Stutter by Eelco de Geus

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TEENS

UNDERAGE DRINKING BY G R EG ORY R A M EY, P H D

"My 16-year-old son recently went to a party at his best friend’s house where kids were drinking. The parents were home and seemed to take the philosophy of ‘kids will be kids’ – apparently being unconcerned about the potential risks involved. How should we address this issue with our son?” The decision to allow your teen to drink alcohol should be made by you, not by your friends. Have a frank discussion with these parents about your concerns. The issue isn’t whether “kids will be kids.” The question is who should make the decision about allowing an underage teen to drink, their parent or someone else’s parent. Educate yourself (and your son) about the risks of underage drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have an excellent fact sheet about teens and drinking at www.cdc.gov/alcohol. Underage drinking results in more than 4,300 deaths each year, and injuries requiring 189,000 emergency department

visits. Such drinking is correlated with school problems, social difficulties, and unwanted and unprotected sexual activity. One survey of high school students reported that in the last 30 days, 35% of kids drank alcohol, 21% binge drank, 10% drove after drinking alcohol and 22% reported being in a car with a driver who had been drinking. You need to figure out what works for you and your teen. Some families allow their child to drink at certain meals or family gatherings so they can get accustomed in a safe setting to the effects of alcohol. Other parents try to enforce a strict abstinence approach. Have a conversation with your son and make certain your expectations are clear. Never compromise on one issue – drinking and driving. I recommend a minimum one year penalty for any teen caught driving a car after drinking alcohol. Gregory Ramey, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Dayton Children’s Hospital Center for Pediatric Mental Health Resources

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MOMS

MATERNITY LEAVE IS ENDING – NOW WHAT? CONSIDERING A DECISION TO RETURN TO WORK OR STAY HOME

BY E R I C A F R A Z I E R STU M

hese weeks off from work with your new baby have been a whirlwind. Now that your leave is almost over, how do you feel about going back to your job? Some moms know that when leave is up, they will be ready to return to work (or that quitting their job is not financially possible.) Other moms may feel that now is the right time to stay home full time. Both paths impact the whole family in important ways. Here are few things to consider in your decision-making process.

STAYING HOME Is it financially feasible for one parent to stay home full time? First things first, sit down and consider a realistic weekly, monthly and annual budget. Getting the opinion of a financial advisor may be worthwhile as he or she can help you think of unexpected expenses and how this decision may affect your long term goals. Matthew Jessup of Wealth Management in Dayton, says, “Retirement planning needs to be a top priority in order to allow for the household to stay on track. Properly planning out your retirement early in your life leads to a better chance of financial success.”

The stay at home parent and the parent who will be working outside the home each need to understand and appreciate the importance of the role the other plays. Communication will be important to make sure no one feels undervalued and that each person feels supported.

What will you miss from your job? Staying home to be with your baby can be wonderful and incredibly fulfilling. It can also be repetitive and isolating. Think hard about what this change will mean to you. Will you miss the interaction of your coworkers? If you plan to return to work eventually, are you comfortable with how this decision will impact your career advancement? Are you interested in keeping some aspect of your job on a part-time basis? Talk with other moms who have made this transition for their input on what they did and didn’t expect.

RETURNING TO WORK If you plan to go back to work but would like your job to coordinate better with your new responsibilities as a parent, consider this:

Are both partners on board with one parent staying home?

Can your work schedule be adjusted?

In order for this situation to be successful, both parents have to be behind the decision.

Be brave and ask. Is there an opportunity to job share? Can you work from home part

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What childcare will you have in place? There are many possibilities when it comes to childcare – what options work for your situation? If you are counting on family to step in, will that always be a reliable source? If you are choosing a daycare, what extended hours do they offer and is it close to work? Feeling good about whatever decision you make will allow you to be mentally present at work instead of worrying about your child.

What type of support system do you have in place? Returning to work after having a baby is

emotional – even if you like your job and are looking forward to getting back into your professional groove. Is your partner sensitive to the situation? Do you have friends, family or coworkers you can talk to about any struggles you face? Think about who you can count on during this time and don’t hesitate to reach out to them when you need to. Local mom Haley Hoffman explains that she finds support in her mother who is available for advice, childcare and just to listen. A like-minded local parent’s group could provide a circle of women who are in the same stage of life who can lend a supportive ear. The end of maternity leave can be a time when many moms reevaluate their personal and professional life. Whether you decide to stay home or return to work, know that your child will benefit the most from having a parent who is genuinely happy with whatever choice they have made.

AT THE BOONSHOFT 2

J U N E & J U LY

time? Can hours be adjusted from a typical 8 to 5 schedule? If your goal is to have more flexibility in your position, think about what you need and how this can work for your employer. Then approach your boss – you never know what’s possible unless you ask.

R E G I ST R AT I O N

M A R C H 2 1 ST

Summer Camps at the Boonshoft Museum are licensed by The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services and are accredited by the American Camp Association.

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DADS

ALL ABOUT DAD

here is nothing quite like a day out with dad, and with all that Dayton has to offer, it is easy to find an outing to match any interest. Whether the dad in your life prefers high-speed action or a more leisurely pace, here are ten fun ways to spend the day together.

THE OUTDOORSY DAD Hike in Eastwood MetroPark

For the dad who loves all things nature, a hike in Dayton’s Eastwood MetroPark is the perfect way to explore the outdoor world. This 3-mile trail is situated on mainly level terrain, making for a leisurely afternoon hike. Stop at Eastwood Lake for a fishing expedition, or bring along binoculars to check out the resident bald eagles. Plan your visit at www. MetroParks.org.

Kayak Little Miami with RiversEdge Outfitters

Kayaking marries the outdoors with adventure – making for an afternoon of fun both dad and the kids will enjoy. When it comes to planning the perfect kayak trip, RiversEdge Outfitters has you covered. They provide everything you need, including high quality kayaks, paddles and life jackets, designated picnic areas and transportation to drop-in sites on the Little Miami. Reserve your trip at www. riversedgeoutfitters.com.

Hit the go-kart track at Scene 75 Entertainment Center

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THE ADVENTUROUS DAD

Race dad to the finish line with a

TEN FUN WAYS TO SPEND THE DAY TOGETHER BY L AU R E N L AWS O N

round of go-karting at Scene 75’s “The Racing Place.” Here, go-kart drivers will zoom around the largest indoor track in Ohio at speeds close to 20 miles per hour. Learn more at www.Scene75. com.

Play laser tag at Laser Web

Release dad’s inner child with an action-packed game of laser tag at Laser Web. With 4 upper-level platforms, an interactive arena and LCD vests, Laser Web truly creates a unique experience. Interested in an additional challenge? Be sure to check out the Laser Maze! Plan a family mission today at www. funattheweb.com. (Recommended for children ages 6 and older.)

Go rock climbing at Urban Krag Climbing Center

Rock climbing is the ultimate adventure for the dad who loves heights, and with 8,000 square feet of vertical terrain and an inclined bouldering wall, Urban Krag is the ideal place to belay, rappel and climb. Race Dad to the top or take an introductory class to learn more about rock climbing. For hours and pricing, visit www.urbankrag.com.

THE SPORTS-INCLINED DAD Spend an afternoon at the ballpark

Take dad out to the ballgame – and don’t forget those peanuts and crackerjacks! Stay local and root for the hometown Dayton Dragons, or make it a full day of fun with a road trip to Cincinnati to cheer on the Reds. Purchase tickets for the Dragons at www.milb.com or the Reds at www.cincinnati.reds.mlb.com.

THE DIY DAD Head to a Home Depot Kids Workshop

The dad who loves a good project will enjoy building alongside his kids at the Home Depot Kids Workshop. Once a month, Home Depot invites families to build a craft specified for that session. Both the Trotwood Home Depot and the Miamisburg Home Depot offer Kids Workshops. Register at www.homedepot.com/Workshops.‎

Play a round of mini-golf at Adventure Golf

Fore! Grab some clubs and hit the greens for a rousing game of mini-golf at Adventure Golf. With two 18-hole mini-golf courses, varying slopes, water traps and rough sections, this game offers a true challenge for players of all levels. In addition, most holes have multiple cup options, making for a new and exciting game each time. For more information, visit www.adventuregolf-dayton.com.

Get gardening at Westwood Library

Help dad find his green thumb at the “Summertime and Garden is Poppin’” event at Westwood Library. Here, families work in the garden together, planting, weeding and watering a variety of vegetables and fruits. All supplies and tools will be provided. Then replicate a

super-cool, dad-approved garden at home. Learn more at www.daytonmetrolibrary.org.

THE CAPE-WEARING DAD Browse the racks at Bell, Book and Comic

Attach dad’s cape and mask for a day of superhero, comic-reading fun at Bell, Book and Comic. This is a great place to join forces as a family to read, reminisce and collect new comic books together. For store hours, visit www.bellbookandcomic.com. So grab Dad and make a day of it! With so much to do close to home, there’s no shortage of “dad friendly” fun for everyone.

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CONTENTS

DOGGIE’S DAY OUT BECAUSE EVERY DOG SHOULD HAVE HIS DAY!

BY LAUREN LAWSO N

t’s time to date your dog. Yes, you heard that right. With so many canine-friendly activities and businesses popping up around Dayton, your pooch wants to do more than just walk around the block! Here’s a few ideas to make a day with your pup fun from dawn to dusk.

DOG PARKS Any good date starts with an activity, so head outside and make your way to the park!

Deeds Dog Park A place with a view: Deeds Dog Park faces the southwest corner of downtown Dayton, just across from the Mad River. This large fenced-in space allows for great exploration and exercise. Don’t forget the ball! Learn more at www.Metroparks.org.

Montgomery County Bark Park Built on an old landfill, Montgomery Bark Park offers over six acres of running space in this reduce, reuse and recycle themed dog park. All items in the park are made from recycled products too. With canine agility equipment and onsite water access, your pup will give this place four paws up! Plan a visit at www.Mcohio.org.

Oakwood Dog Park at Creager Field Offering a more quaint experience, Oakwood Dog Park at Creager Field is situated between the intersection of Shafor Boulevard and Irving Avenue. This grassy square (totaling 50 yards) has separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs with a water source as well. For more information, check out www.Welcome2oakwood.com.

DOG BAKERIES After a big day at the park, a few snacks are in order. Try these bakeries for a bone-a-fied treat your pup will love.

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Lindy & Company Gourmet Pet Treats A bakery with a purpose: Lindy & Company was created by Daybreak, a nonprofit that helps homeless youth in Dayton. Local kids are invited to work at the bakery, creating delicious and healthy treats for pets. The gourmet on the go biscuits and yogurt peanutty puppers are sure to please. Learn more at www. Lindyandcompany.org.

Bone-a-Fido Bakery Located in Springfield, Bone-a-Fido Bakery specializes in healthy and all-natural products for dogs (and cats). All of the gourmet cookies are hand-pressed and oven-baked in their on-site bakery. (Try the apple cinnamon bones.) Remember this place when your dog’s birthday rolls around too! For hours and location, visit www. Bone-a-fido.com.

MOBILE PET GROOMING Press paws and make time for a little pup pampering. These speedy spas will have your canine companion looking in top form in no time.

Ruff Kutz Mobile Pet Grooming Ruff Kutz Mobile Pet Grooming perfectly pairs relaxation with convenience. This traveling pet-grooming van offers full service on all breeds with an average groom time of an hour or less (and new clients get a 10% discount.) Call 937-510-1827 to schedule!

Just “Fur” Potty Pooch Parlor Tame the tail with the mobile groomers at Just “Fur” Potty Pooch Parlor, serving South Dayton and surrounding areas. Grooming services include a warm hydro bath, a fluff or hand blow dry, full brush, nail trims and more. For pricing and appointments, visit www.Justfurpotty. com.

DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS Now that he’s all spiffed up, have your dog strut his stuff! A doggie dinner date is next on the agenda.

Tables for Two (dog and you!) Dayton is for the dogs – when it comes to restaurants! Pet-friendly places include Milano’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, Flavors Eatery and Lily’s Bistro. All delicious and dog-approved.

DOG DAYCARE AND BOARDING Maybe your pooch wants to keep the fun going with a few other furry friends? (And you need to get back to your humans!) Try these facilities to keep him busy, happy and safe.

Lucky Dog Daycare Emphasizing exercise and individualized attention, Lucky Dog Daycare focuses on each dog’s unique personality and experience. Parents are given a daily record of activities too. And rest assured, Lucky Dog Daycare is attached to Animal M.D., where vets can assess potential concerns with no additional charges. For pricing and information, visit www.Luckydogkett. com.

The Doggie Retreat A home away from home, the Doggie Retreat offers both pet sitting and boarding in Kettering. At a good price point, the Doggie Retreat is a great option for families hoping to socialize their dog during the day. Grooming options are also available. Call (937) 256-9663 to learn more. Paws down, a dog can make a great date! With so many pet-friendly spots in the Dayton area, it’s easy to create fur-ever memories with your canine pal.

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GUIDES

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

BY A N D R EA L I M KE

ummer is a time for families to take a break from the structure of school and the academic rigor that comes along with it. But it’s not a time for kids to take a break from learning! Participating in a summer reading program is a great way for kids to continue to challenge their brains in a fun, laid back way. When it comes to choosing a program, there are many options. Here are a few to consider – find the best match for your student and get reading!

Dayton Metro Library – Summer Challenge May 18 – July 30 All Dayton Metro Library Branches www.daytonmetrolibrary.org Registration for the Summer Challenge begins May 18 at all Dayton Metro Library locations. Participants can earn prizes as they keep track of the time they spend reading and the library activities they attend. For parents who read to their children, time can be counted for both the adult and the child. Prizes and activities are split into age groups. Little Champs (Birth-3 years) The library has dozens of suggested activities for parents

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and small children to share. Each one encourages early literacy skills and the more you finish, the greater your chances to win the Grand Prize drawing at each Library: a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe or a $250 Meijer Gift Card. On Your Mark, Get Set… (Pre-K-Grade 6) School-age children will develop strong minds and bodies with hands-on projects, games and creative programs presented by the library’s Children’s Services, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, SICSA and more. The Grand Prize awarded at each library is a bicycle or a bookmobile party.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore – Summer Reading Triathlon May 17 – September 6 Beavercreek & Dayton Mall Locations www.barnesandnoble.com From May 17 to September 6, children in grades 1 through 6 can earn a free book at their local Barnes & Noble! Join them for the Summer Reading Triathlon Opening Ceremony on June 4 at 11:00 a.m.

ONLINE RESOURCES Storyline Online www.storylineonline.net

On this site, popular children’s books are read out loud by celebrities and kids can follow along with the graphics and/or their own book in front of them. This free resource can add a little variety to your child’s summer reading program.

Starfall www.starfall.com This is another free resource and is especially great for beginning readers. Preschoolers can learn letter recognition and sounds and have stories read to them. The stories and activities are fun, unique and interactive and will motivate your little reader to keep at it this summer.

Bookflix www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/ earlyliteracy, click on Bookflix A free program offered online through the Dayton Metro Library, Bookflix pairs classic storybooks with nonfiction to create a comprehensive reading experience. Children can log in using their library card

number and pin and choose from a variety of topics. Bookflix is especially suited for early readers, reluctant readers and English Language Learners.

READING AT HOME Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been easier to implement a summer reading program at home. Thanks to Pinterest and many other online resources, you can customize a plan to fit the needs and interests of your little learners. Here are a few tips for setting up your own program: Track progress. Use a free printable or create your own chart for each child to track how much they are reading. Kids benefit from this visual reminder and it also encourages them to be responsible for their own reading. Set an obtainable goal. Work with your children to set a goal that is age appropriate and challenging, yet

obtainable. Depending on the age of your child, you may even want to set short-term goals to keep him or her on track. Get creative. A summer reading program does not have to mean reading a book at a desk. Have your child think of different locations to read, different times of day to read or have him read to the family pet. Have your child participate as much as possible in how he would like to set up his summer reading program. Include incentives. We all know children love to work toward a reward. These prizes could include a new book or toy, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be monetary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a sleepover with friends or a family movie night are great incentives too. Whether you decide to get involved with the library, a bookstore, go online or create your own summer program, any method that gets your children excited about reading is the plan that works for you!

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GUIDES

GET OUT & PLAY GREAT PARKS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER CHI LDR EN ’S DI SCOVERY GA R DEN

BY KR I ST EN W I C KER , FIVE RIVER S M ET R OPA R KS M A R KET I N G MA N AG E R

ith 25 facilities located throughout the nearly 16,000 acres of open space that Five Rivers MetroParks protects, you and your family have myriad ways to explore the outdoors. Here are some of our top picks for summer with special tips to take advantage of everything these parks offer.

(Also, be sure to check out the newly redesigned metroparks.org site to discover more places to go, things to do, interactive maps, hours of operation and much more! )

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY GARDEN, WEGERZYN GARDENS METROPARK

R I VER SCA PE

1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton Learn about Ohio habitats, explore gardening, dig in the dirt and sand, and play outdoor instruments in the garden’s whimsical themed areas. Park tip: Grab your swimsuit to play in the fountains and shallow pools. Bring your bikes for a cruise to the water play area at nearby Island MetroPark – an easy two-plus mile ride along the Stillwater River Trail. Continue another mile to ride along the banks of the Great Miami River to RiverScape MetroPark.

RIVERSCAPE METROPARK 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton Cool off in the interactive fountain and then grab some ice cream from the Fountain Snack Bar, both open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Take time to discover the wildlife along the riverfront in the heart of downtown. Park tip: Rent cruisers, road bikes, tandems, push bikes for toddlers and child

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CA R R I AGE HI LL

MOMB A- HUF F MA N MET ROPA RK

attachments from RiverScape Rentals, open weekends during summer.

METROPARKS MOUNTAIN BIKE AREA (MOMBA), HUFFMAN METROPARK 4485 Union Road, Dayton Check out the new family-friendly features at MoMBA. These include a 1/4-mile Tot Track designed for kids to practice balance and other skills on a natural surface trail and the Âž-mile Hilltop Flow beginner trail. Park tip: New this summer, mountain bikes for all ages will be available to rent at MoMBA Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

EASTWOOD METROPARK 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton Bike, walk or skate on the paved Mad River and Creekside Trails. Pack a picnic and relax while the kids get active on the playground. Hike along the Mad River and look for the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bald eagles, Jim and Cindy. Park tip: Eastwood also is a premier paddling destination with boating on Eastwood Lake, and the small Blue Lake is a great place for kids and beginners to try paddlesports. (Use the 1401 Harshman Road entrance.)

POSSUM CREEK METROPARK 4790 Frytown Road, Dayton Visit the chickens, sheep and other barnyard animals at the farm. Hike the purple trail to discover remnants of the historical Argonne Forest, an amusement park dedicated to WWI veterans. Enjoy a walk or horseback ride through woods and prairies. Fish, free-of-charge and without a license, in ponds and Argonne Lake. Every first Friday during summer, the ponds are stocked with catfish. Park tip: Make a weekend of it and camp at one of the recently updated campsites, which have easy access to water and restrooms.

POSS U M C R E E K

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GUIDES

H IL L S & DA L E S

CARRIAGE HILL METROPARK 7800 E. Shull Road, Huber Heights Fish at Cedar Lake, visit the animals at the 1880s-era historical farm and pick out penny candy in the Country Store at the Visitor Center. Park tip: Try a pony ride, for kids ages 2-8, on Saturdays or trail ride, for kids 8 and older, on weekends at the Carriage Hill Riding Center, 8111 E. Shull Road.

GERMANTOWN METROPARK 7101 Conservancy Road, Germantown Search for fossils, observe wildlife and view the scenic ravines while walking along the elevated boardwalk easily accessed from the Twin Valley Welcome Center at this 1,665-acre wilderness park. Park tip: Find more than 15 geocaches hidden throughout Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks for a fun nature adventure. Visit geocaching.com to get coordinates.

HILLS & DALES METROPARK 2606 Hilton Drive, Kettering Get active at the playground and nature play area, where kids are encouraged to discover nature through independent exploration building forts with sticks, playing in creek beds and more.

Park tip: Hike the easy 1.5-mile Adirondack Trail to visit the stone tower, Dogwood Pond, Patterson Monument and wetlands boardwalk.

COX ARBORETUM METROPARK 6733 Springboro Pike, Moraine Stroll the easy trails that wind through the park grounds, prairie and woodlands. Navigate the Bell Children’s Maze, observe turtles in the pond and climb the 46-foot Tree Tower for amazing vistas. Park tip: Learn about all stages of metamorphosis at the Butterfly House, which features native butterflies and moths and is open from early July to late August.

GER MA N TOW N

ENGLEWOOD METROPARK 4361 National Road, Englewood Enjoy numerous activities in the park’s woodlands and meadows along the banks of the scenic Stillwater River. Hike the green trail to visit Martindale, Patty and Oak falls. Discover the natural world at the Benedict Blincoe Wildlife Observation Area and at the nature play area, which has an earthen slide, tunnel and creek. Park tip: Englewood MetroPark is a great place for a picnic, with tables and reservable shelters available throughout the park. *All photos courtesy of Five Rivers MetroParks

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COX A R B OR ETU M

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SPOTLIGHT

BRIGID’S PATH CHANGING THE COURSE FOR DAYTON’S MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN BY A N D R EA L I M KE

n 2014, Jill Kingston and Deanna Murphy saw an increasing need in the Dayton area to help the innocent victims of the growing heroin and prescription drug epidemic – newborn babies. The two women began Brigid’s Path, named after Saint Brigid, the patron saint of newborns, with a mission to help babies going through withdrawal from their mother’s substance abuse. Here, Deanna discusses the work of Brigid’s Path and how she and Jill are impacting the lives of local families.

HOW DID THE IDEA FOR BRIGID’S PATH COME ABOUT? Brigid's Path began as an idea that there must be a better way to care for the growing number of babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in the Miami Valley. When Jill and her husband began fostering newborns two years ago, they received no support or training to care for the serious needs of babies with NAS. All of the babies they took into their home were exposed to opiates in utero and suffered withdrawal symptoms in their first weeks. Jill and I would sit, hour after hour, holding the babies as we talked about better ways to help. As the daughter of two addicts, I understand the grip addiction has on families and the need for non-judgmental support for families who seek help for themselves and their infants. After a year of research and discernment, we started Brigid’s Path in July of 2014.

WHY DID YOU FEEL THE DAYTON AREA NEEDED THIS ORGANIZATION? Heroin use has increased steadily in the Dayton area in recent years, and it is no longer only an inner city issue. Dayton Law enforcement officials in the Miami Valley have been referring to Dayton as the heroin hub of Ohio in news reports since 2010 because of its convenient I-70 and I-75 location and its relatively low cost. In addition to helping the

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DEA N N A MU R PHY A N D J I LL KI N G STON

babies recover from their drug exposure, the support for their families and linkage to community services is just as crucial. We are committed to helping families find or maintain healthy lifestyles; this means equipping them with the necessary tools to successfully manage recovery, effectively parent their children, and productively interact in the community.

ON YOUR WEBSITE, YOU SAY, “DRUGS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE.”  WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT? Opiate addiction recognizes no boundaries. It is an equal-opportunity destroyer. It does not care about your gender, race, salary, zip code, tax bracket, social media following, job title or family name. Opiate addiction has one job: take control of your life and become your only priority. It often starts with an automobile accident, sports injury or surgical procedure after which a doctor prescribes pain medication; the prescription runs out but the chemical need for opiate does not. Because of the low-cost option that heroin offers over expensive prescription medication, many turn to using heroin to fulfill the chemical dependency. This is the reason that non-judgmental support for mothers and families is essential at Brigid’s Path.

ONCE FAMILIES ARE REFERRED TO YOU, HOW IS A TREATMENT PLAN DETERMINED? The treatment for babies with NAS involves compassionate weaning using prescription medication and non-pharmacologic interventions such as a lowstimulation environment, swaddling, kangaroo care, constant holding, frequent feedings and involving mothers when appropriate. Just as an adult’s treatment plan is a unique journey, each of our babies will experience a unique journey to recovery from his/her

prenatal drug exposure. The design and renovation of the donated facility reflects the recommendations of the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative based on the findings of the Ohio Children's Hospitals' Research Consortium.

HOW CAN THE DAYTON COMMUNITY HELP SUSTAIN AND GROW BRIGID’S PATH? A community crisis deserves a community response. There are several ways that the community can assist Brigid’s Path. We are currently raising the capital to complete the renovation of our 12,000-square-foot facility. We have reached 65% of our goal and need the community’s help to cross the finish line. Sponsorships for nursery, education, meeting and collaboration spaces still exist. Private donors, corporate donors, churches, civic groups and other interested organizations have helped us get to this point and we would welcome the chance to discuss partnership opportunities. Additionally, we are collecting new and gently used sleepers and onesies (sizes preemie through 6 months), sizes Preemie, Newborn, and 1 diapers, as well as Soothie brand pacifiers. Lastly, the Dayton community can help us increase awareness about our mission by telling their friends and family about Brigid’s Path, sharing our Facebook page with their friends, and joining us at fundraising events to meet the team and help spread the word. For more information on Brigid’s Path and to see how you can help, please visit www.brigidspath.org.

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HIDDEN GEMS

HIDDEN GEMS THE BEST FINDS ONLY THE LOCALS KNOW!

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to spend a beautiful summer day than being outdoors. Try these two destinations next time your family is looking for a new place to discover.

Glen Helen Nature Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. Learn more at www.glenhelen.org.

GLEN HELEN NATURE PRESERVE

A visit to SunWatch Village is like taking a journey back in time. Situated along the banks of the Great Miami River, this original site of an 800-year-old American Indian village is one of this regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treasured cultural and educational resources. There are learning opportunities both indoors and out. Visitors will enjoy watching an introductory film in the indoor theatre, viewing artifacts and learning about the history of the Village and its inhabitants in the Interpretive Center. They can then immerse themselves in the 800-year-old lifestyle by visiting the reconstructed structures, located in their original, exact locations. An enhanced audio tour of the grounds is available for a nominal fee.

Fresh air, gentle breezes, beautiful wildflowers, wide-open trails, the soothing sound of cascading waters and singing birds, for these reasons and more, families enjoy spending time at Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs. The preserve boasts more than 20 miles of trails offering countless opportunities to explore the outdoors together, building family bonds over discussions of turtles and blooms rather than ringing phones and video games. Filled with sights, sounds, and smells, the Glen invites exploration and discovery as families journey along the Inman Trail, past natural springs and waterfalls or onward to the Pine Forest. For families seeking summer camp options, Glen Helen also offers residential and day camp opportunities for your budding naturalist to enjoy.

S UNWATC H V I L L AGE

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SUNWATCH VILLAGE

SunWatch Village is open year-round, Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday noon-5:00 p.m.; closed on Mondays. Learn more at www.sunwatch.org.

G L EN HEL EN

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A WACKY CALENDAR FOR SUMMER

7/22 HAMMOCK DAY AHHH….A SNOOZE DOES SOUND GOOD.

7/22

COUSINS DAY DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF? HERE ARE A FEW FUN DAYS WORTH CELEBRATING THIS SUMMER!

JUNE 6/1 GO BAREFOOT DAY LET THE GRASS TICKLE YOUR TOES.

6/4 HUG YOUR CAT DAY BUT ONLY IF HE LIKES IT!

6/7

CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM DAY VANILLA IS GOOD TOO…

6/8 BEST FRIENDS DAY HOW WILL YOU TWO SPEND IT?

6/12 SUPERMAN DAY

7/6 FRIED CHICKEN DAY WITH A SIDE OF MASHED POTATOES PERHAPS?

7/7

STRAWBERRY SUNDAE DAY DON’T FORGET THE WHIPPED CREAM!

7/10 TEDDY BEAR PICNIC DAY WHAT IS TEDDY’S FAVORITE SNACK?

7/20

WORLD JUMP DAY HOW HIGH CAN YOU JUMP TODAY?

HOW MANY COUSINS CAN YOU CELEBRATE WITH?

AUGUST 8/7

8/2

ICE CREAM SANDWICH DAY THE BEST KIND OF SANDWICH THERE IS!

8/3 WATERMELON DAY HOW FAR CAN YOU SPIT THE SEEDS?

8/6

WIGGLE YOUR TOES DAY BECAUSE THEY NEED EXERCISE TOO!

FRIENDSHIP DAY TELL YOUR FRIEND WHY HE OR SHE IS SO SPECIAL.

8/9 BOOK LOVERS DAY HEAD TO THE LIBRARY WITH THE OTHER BIBLIOPHILES!

8/16 TELL A JOKE DAY KNOCK, KNOCK…

8/25

KISS & MAKE UP DAY LET’S DO THIS EVERY DAY! SOURCE WW.DAYSOFTHEYEAR.COM

BE SOMEONE’S HERO TODAY.

6/18 GO FISHING DAY GRAB A POLE AND SOME WORMS AND OFF YOU GO!

6/24 FAIRY DAY GET YOUR WINGS AND SPRINKLE SOME FAIRY DUST!

JULY 7/3

COMPLIMENT YOUR MIRROR DAY BECAUSE YOU REALLY DO LOOK WONDERFUL! D AY T O N PA R E N T M A G A Z I N E // s u m m e r