KC Parent Magazine July 2016

FREE | July 2016 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

wet-n-wild

summer fun in kansas city

25 pages of

BIG

go or go home

right here in kc

GREAT ideas bring back

BOREDOM! find out how to

stress less

why it’s good for kids

TODAY

10

laws for parenting teens

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Ashley Campbell, DO

Urgent Care Blue Parkway office Mon-Thur 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat-Sun 8:00 -11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri 8:00 am -11:00 am

Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm

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Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

Here For Your Family’s Health, On and Off the Field.

TWO Convenient Locations Overland Park (135th & Grandview) Lenexa (91st & Quivira) Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. • Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

CentraCareKC.com There’s never a good time to be sick or injured. That’s why when it comes to the health of your family, it’s important to have quick access to health care you can trust. Introducing Centra Care Shawnee Mission Urgent Care. Just walk in or make an online reservation at CentraCareKC.com to see a Board-certified, Centra Care doctor.

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FACT:

Our proprietary Balanced Learning® curriculum emphasizes creative, social, emotional, physical, cognitive and character development.

PRIMROSE WAY:

That’s pretty much everything, including the kitchen sink.

NEW SCHOOL NEAR OLATHE NWHS. Primrose School of North Olathe – NEW SCHOOL! 913.764.0018 | PrimroseNorthOlathe.com

Primrose School of Overland Park 913.400.2435 | PrimroseOverlandPark.com

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and The Leader in Early Education and CareSM are registered trademarks and service marks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2015 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for additional information about our schools, curriculum, and programs.

We blow bubbles to put kids at ease.

(It works for adults, too.)

Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas is built for kids.

So you’ll find things that are different than other hospitals. Like the area’s only 24/7 pediatric ER, Saturday appointments, extended scheduling hours and Child Life specialists who use distraction techniques to keep kids calm. They might seem like little things, but for kids and families, they can be a big deal.

CHILDRENSMERCY.ORG/LITTLETHINGS

JULY

2016

DEPARTMENTS

KANSAS CITY’S SUMMER FUN GUIDE, PGS. 40-51

12

Media Mix

27

Word from Dad

36

Women’s Health

44

Faith & Family

45

Healthy Kids

50

Craft Corner

SPECIAL SECTIONS FEATURES

16

30

38

Talented Kids

Effects of Tech

Beyond Books

Does your child have what it takes to be a star?

How technology is changing kids’ language.

Smart skills kids need to be well-rounded.

20

Party Guide

40

Summer Fun Guide

52

Calendar of Events

Our cover features Tierney from Shawnee.

Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

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ON THE COVER

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Parenting Teens

24

Stress Less

34

Wet-n-Wild Summer Fun

42

Bring Back Boredom

47

Go Big or Go Home

48

wet-n-wild

summer fun in kansas city

25 pages of

BIG

go or go hOme

right here in kc

gReaT ideas bring back

BOreDOm! find out how to

stress less

why it’s good for kids

tODAY

10

laws for parenting teens

EDITOR’SLETTER

O

Follow KC Parent on Facebook for details on how to win

BIG!

JULY 2016 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Erin Jones (Overland Park), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Kerrie McLoughlin (Overland Park), Laura McEachen (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Alicia Mock (Overland Park)

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laws for parenting teens

ultimate guide to kc’s

COOLEST DISTRICTS – daytime & night!

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BEST FESTS EXTREME THRILLS WINE TOURS

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h, social media, I have such a love/ hate relationship with you. I love the fact that I am able to keep up with friends all over the nation and watch their kids grow. I love that I learn about a lot of fun events through Facebook. On my birthday, checking FB messages is a blast. But I have a teen daughter.

That’s where my hate comes into play. We are “those” parents that monitor her social media and limit her usage. She has Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr, but that’s it. No Snapchat, Twitter, Vine or any others.

We are working to teach her how to use social media responsibly, and that’s no easy feat—as I’m sure you can relate. One of the biggest lessons we are trying to pass along is that what is out there in cyber space is there forever. Future colleges, employers, etc., will be taking a look at social media, and it has the ability to affect their opinion of you and decisions they make. Olathe mom Christa Hines has spent time researching social media and gives great information in her article “Why Social Media Matters” on pg. 28.

Summer is in full swing and, by this point, you may have heard “I’m bored!” once or twice. Never fear, KC Parent is here! This issue is brimming with great ideas for summer fun all month long!

Check out the Summer Fun Guide, starting on pg. 40.

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

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Enjoy the hot days of July, KC!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212.

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KCPARENTONLINE

KCParent.com Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

Search KCParent.com for more affordable summer fun ideas: 1. 4th of July Fireworks Guide

2. Free & Cheap Movie Guide 3. Best of July 4. KC Water Fun Guide 5. Berry Picking

Spotlight Festivals

It’s festival season in Kansas City! From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals...there is something for everyone! Visit KCParent.com for a complete list!

6. Best Ice Cream in KC 7. Day Trips 8. 100 Things to Do in KC this Summer

st

#KCParentConte

9. KC Adventure Guide

GIVEAWAYS

WIN lots of FUN STUFF Follow KC Parent on Facebook for GREAT giveaways including tickets to Schlitterbahn, passes to Legoland, Topgolf gift cards and much, MUCH more!

10. Kids Eat Free

4 more ways to stay connected

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com

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9

&

survival sacrifice the financial portrait of a single parent

I

will never forget the terror I used to feel in the checkout line at the grocery store. Would my card clear? If it didn’t, what would I do? I would look at my items on the conveyor belt and decide what to put back, if necessary. But sometimes, putting an item or two back wasn’t enough.

Sometimes, my debit card didn’t clear and I couldn’t buy anything.

More than once, I left the store without my groceries and without my dignity, shame burning on my cheeks because my account was so overdrawn that my card had been suspended. I would mumble a lie to the cashier about being right back and then return home empty-handed to scour the pantry for something to feed my children for dinner. To dig through the diaper bag for one last overlooked diaper. To tiptoe into my son’s room after he’d gone to sleep and empty his penny bank into my purse. To lie awake at night with tears staining my pillow, because the weight of providing and the guilt when I failed were more than I could bear.

“When you are a single parent, you rob Peter to pay Paul, but Paul is the electric company and Peter is your son,” says Heather, a single mom. “You balance debt,” says Angela, another single mom. “Some people balance assets and investments, but single parents are constantly balancing

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kcparent.com july 2016

debt.” Both of these women are college educated and hold full-time jobs, and yet, like most single parents, there is always more month left at the end of the money.

According to U.S. Census Bureau, out of about 12 million single parent families in 2014, more than 80 percent were headed by single mothers. The median income for families led by a single mother in 2013 was about $26,000, one-third the median for married couple families. “Food insecure” describes 34.4 percent of single mother families, and one third spent more than half their income on housing, which is generally considered the threshold for “severe housing cost burden.”

“

than the rate for married-couple families.

Single mothers earn income that places them well below married mothers on the income ladder. I always worked full time and also added freelance work and side jobs whenever possible to make ends meet. And yet, I remained a card-carrying member of the working poor, overqualified by most guidelines for government assistance, but too broke to afford basic necessities on a consistent basis. Financial desperation brought me to my knees more times than I can count, but it’s in those bleak moments where a single parent discovers strength, resilience, resolve and creativity.

Some people balance assets and investments, but single parents are constantly balancing debt.

Unless you have looked your child in the eye and confessed that there is nothing more to eat, that the heat won’t be on until Monday or that he can’t go to that party because you can’t buy a gift, you cannot imagine the magnitude of the daily strain that a single parent carries.

“Food insecurity” and “severe housing burden” are the way of life. The poverty rate for single-mother families in 2013 was 39.6 percent, nearly five times more

”

“Ask any single mom and she can tell you the staples of a pantry that last the longest, make the most meals and cost the least at the store. She can tell you how many days you can go without paying a bill before the service is suspended, and single moms are the only people who don’t have $5.00 in change between their couch cushions because they used it last Thursday to pay for their kids’ lunch,” says Heather.

But scattered amongst the hardships are also miracles. Rita was a single mom for seven years. She is college educated and always had a stable job as a teacher but still struggled financially. “My ex-husband has an on again off again (mostly off) way of paying child support. Sometimes I got it, most of the time I didn’t. When the kids were little, I was paying $1,200 a month for daycare and $1,200 a month for my mortgage. That left very little for anything else.” But she remembers times when things just somehow worked out. “With money, I honestly don’t know how I did it. My surviving financially had a lot to do with many little miracles, like unexpected checks in the mail at a time when I really needed it.”

Rita goes on to talk about how she learned to ask for help. “Before becoming a single parent, I didn’t want to ask anybody for anything, but you learn that you have to ask for help a lot. I had to lose the pride and ask for help when I needed it.” She went to a food pantry a few times, where she could get everything she needed for $25. “You just learn to build a network,” she says. “Even if you’re shy, you have to reach out. It becomes a question of survival.”

Survival. As a single parent, I learned that in order to survive, financially and otherwise, I would have to be resourceful and I would have to ask for help. I learned

to ask about scholarships without shame.

I applied for and received countless scholarships for everything from pool memberships to church functions to sports fees to summer camps. I built a network of other single parents who could swap childcare, clothing and other services. I learned to barter—I was a decent photographer so I would offer photo shoots in exchange for things I needed. I bartered for a year of dental care for me and my son and countless haircuts and oil changes.

I took my son to several major sporting events through bartering, trading photo shoots for tickets I would have never been able to afford otherwise.

I became an expert on paying as little as possible for things. I shopped consignment sales for used clothing in name brands, so that we didn’t look as poor as we were. I resold all of my kids clothes as soon as they were outgrown, rolling the money I made into the next season’s clothes. I accepted any and all hand-me-downs, and anything we couldn’t use, I resold to buy what we needed. I was constantly cataloging every item in our house, mentally assessing its value. A few times over my 10 years as a single mom, I had to sell things to keep the lights on and gas in the tank. My family teases that if something isn’t nailed down, I’m willing to sell it. It’s funny now, but

it wasn’t then. Possessions weren’t just possessions—they were lifelines. They were potential cash.

Always and somehow, my family and I made it. We did not starve and we always had a home. But the strain of that life is carved into my very being now. I will always feel proud of my survival and sacrifice and grateful for the immense support I had from a multitude of sources. Help is available, but you must ask for it. Find a debt counselor and enroll in a budgeting class. Shop at Aldi. Search for blogs about low-cost meal planning. Join a community of single parents. There are so many resources beyond government assistance available if you are willing to reach out. As a single parent, no one but you can put your house in order and release your family from the immense weight of financial insecurity.

You can do it.

Erin Jones works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is also a freelance writer and portrait photographer. She is currently working on her first book—part memoir and part single parenting survival guide.

Financial help for single mothers in Missouri: SingleMotherGuide.com/financialhelp-for-single-mothers-in-missouri/ Financial help for single mothers in Kansas: SingleMotherGuide.com/financialhelp-for-single-mothers-in-kansas/ Low-cost financial services: Apprisen.com/counseling-services/ financial-services/debt-managementprogram Economic empowerment classes: ElCentroInc.com/latino-familyservices/financial-education/

kcparent.com july 2016

11

MEDIAMIX

grab bag of adventure summer finds the shelves full of stories for all ages and personalities

By McGeath Freeman

Wolf Camp

Key Hunters

Everland

By Andrea Zuill

By Eric Luber

By Wendy Spinale

Best for: Ages 4-8

Best for: Ages 7-10

Best for: Ages 12+

This tale is great for children who love dogs or are getting ready to embark on a summer camp adventure. Homer is a loveable bug-eyed hound mix who longs to be a wolf (even if only for a short time.) After some persistent begging, he finally gets his wish. Homer goes to Wolf Camp for a week, where he meets other campers and his counselors, Fang and Grrr.

Like all first-time campers, Homer gets homesick—the food is yucky, the sleeping arrangements aren’t comfy and the bugs are icky. But as the week progresses, so does Homer.

The comic book feel of the pen and ink illustrations will draw young readers in and keep them entertained until the last howl.

What’s good: Good way to encourage children to experience camp.

What’s bad: The wolf counselors may seem a little intimidating to young campers.

Fans of the Magic Treehouse series will enjoy these time travel, story hopping, magical adventures.

When the librarian goes missing at their school, Cleo and Evan stumble upon a mysterious book that may hold the key to finding her. When they open the book, they discover a secret library and a letter asking them to enter the books and help finish the stories. If Cleo and Evan succeed, they may be able to find and rescue their librarian, Mrs. Hilliard.

Whether they’re jumping into 19th-century England to help solve a Sherlockian mystery or becoming super spies to infiltrate underwater lairs, these characters take readers on a fast-paced, fun adventure. The Key Hunters series should appeal to a range of energetic middle grade readers.

A dystopian, steam punk take on Peter Pan, this book adds a dark twist to a favorite childhood tale. Deep below the burned out ruins of London, the lost boys are survivors of war and disease. Captain Hook and his marauders scour the city for a cure–a single immune girl–and fight to destroy the lost boys.

When Pete discovers Gwen Darling and her siblings, the action picks up into a whirlwind.

Filled with emotions, this tale is less about Peter Pan and more about a captain desperate to please his cruel mother and a girl desperate to save her family. Everland is not without its flaws but is a highly intriguing and entertaining debut.

What’s good: Fun, excitement and a

What’s bad: Some character

good introduction to different genres of stories.

What’s bad: A little too similar to the Magic Treehouse series.

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kcparent.com july 2016

What’s good: A creative, imaginative and inventive retelling of Peter Pan. development and chemistry between characters remain flat.

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-18

ENROLLING NOW FOR FALL 2016 Photography: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

THE REGION’S MOST RESPECTED PROGRAM FOR ASPIRING DANCERS ENHANCE POISE, FOCUS AND RHYTHM IN YOUR CHILD WITH EXCELLENT STARTER CLASSES IN: • Creative Movement ages 3-5 • Fundamentals of Dance ages 5-6 • Pre-Ballet ages 6-7

Union Station

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Prairie Village, KS (95th & Nall)

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W. 95th St.

Pershing Rd.

SPACE IS LIMITED - ENROLL TODAY! 816.931.2299 | kcballet.org/school

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2016 The LEGO Group.

KCAUGUS DANCE DA Y T 2 7, 2016 •

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FREE DANCE CLASSES FREE LOCAL & WORLD DANCE PERFORMANCES

This offer is valid for one free child admission with each full-price paying adult admission ticket to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City. To redeem this offer online, visit LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/KansasCity under the buy tickets tab and select promotional code (promo code: PARENT). To redeem this offer in person, cut out coupon and present to our staff at the admissions counter. Coupon must be surrendered upon arrival. To use this coupon, you will be required to reserve a time slot. Please note, during peak times, we may sell out of walk-up tickets and you will need to reserve a time slot for the next day. We strongly encourage booking online in advance to guarantee entry. This discount is not valid with online saver tickets or any other offer or discount. Cannot be used towards birthday/group reservations or annual passes. Valid up to four (4) free child tickets with the purchase of four (4) full-price adult tickets per coupon. The right of final interpretation resides with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City. Not for resale. Offer expires 09/05/2017 (promo code: PARENT)

kcparent.com july 2016

13

Making the Move

tips for moving with young kids

M

oving your family to a new house is no easy task, especially if you are moving to a different city, state or even abroad. We recently experienced moving our family for the second time within five years and want to share from our experience in hopes of helping your family with an upcoming move you may be facing.

First, have a family meeting to talk to your children about the move. Explain as much as possible for their understanding level.

Continue to positively talk about the move as it draws near. Our children were all 5 and younger, so they didn’t comprehend too much, and our days went on as normal until the moving date got closer.

Books have always been a great tool for our family to explain and understand new concepts. We read Boomer’s Big Day by Constance W. McGeorge and Mary Whyte, as well as The Berenstain Bear’s Moving Day by Stan Berenstain. They were both excellent choices that illustrated what the moving process would be like. Discuss previous moving experiences or moving during your own childhood and share how you felt. Validate any feelings your children may have such as sadness, anger or loneliness but then try to put the situation in a positive light. Jessica Fraser, Overland Park mother of two, says, “There is a Sesame Street moving app that we had Owen use and it was great. We talked about our new city and all of the things that would be the same and that would be different.”

As for the actual listing and showing of a house you are attempting to sell, take any offers of help from family and friends to watch your children so you can get the house ready. Then declutter as much as possible, sell unwanted items if time and sanity permit

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or contribute the excess to a donation center such as Mission Southside. Otherwise, rent a storage unit of some kind to stash it away while you show your house.

House hunting with little ones can get old quickly.

Fortunately, we had my motherin-law stay with our older two children while we took our baby with us on our house hunt. I am so grateful we just had the baby, but even that grew tiresome after lugging him in and out of nearly 20 houses in his car seat and trying to push through feeding and nap schedules. We only had a weekend to find our new home. If you have more time, maybe you would like to include your children to get them excited about a new house.

With the actual packing up of your house, again, take up any offers of help in any form. Your kids will have more fun at a friend’s house playing while you have some uninterrupted time to pack up a room or two. Or pay a babysitter to watch your kids at your house while you tackle a room. Utilize naptimes and bedtimes and, if you can afford it at all, consider hiring a moving company in some manner. We were fortunate to have a relocation situation where we had a moving company come and pack up everything. Even then, actual moving week was stressful with three little ones and a moving crew that worked through naptime and bedtime. I kept naptimes consistent until beds were packed and then wore my baby in my Ergo carrier for his afternoon nap. Utilizing the car for naps helps too.

Plan ahead, make those to-do lists and keep them handy. Make sure you have a designated area for things you will be taking with

you and not putting on the moving truck, such as clothing for all members of the family, toiletries (even toilet paper and towels), any medications, children’s cups/bottles if needed, snacks including coolers for frozen breastmilk, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, baby gear and more. Outline a meal plan and budget for dining out when your kitchen is packed and keep some granola bars and fruit handy for easy and affordable breakfasts. Due to an out-of-state move and closing dates on either end, we ended up staying in a hotel for a couple nights with our three children and our dog. Figuring out a place to stay and for how long is something else to consider and budget for.

Life will be hectic and out of sorts for a couple of weeks, but plan some outings for your family to have a break from the boxes.

One of our biggest hurdles was taking our new kindergartener out of her half-day class to a new full-day class. We still talk about her first teacher, class and friends but try to focus on her new class and school. We took pictures of her classroom and her friends for her to look back at, and pen pals are a great way to stay connected with friends. One of our good friends even framed pictures for my kids from her kids. It was a special gift that they proudly display.

When you have arrived at your new house, utilize any friends to keep your kids while you get unloaded. We moved farther away from everyone, so it was up to us to keep our children entertained.

Having cable and internet ready is helpful; otherwise, put those toys and electronics to good use. If you can, let your kids pick out a new toy to have for the first couple days of unpacking. Life will be hectic and out of sorts for a couple of weeks, but plan some outings for your family to have a break from the boxes.

Being a stay-at-home-mom, I didn’t see our daily routine alter much. We were just going to be in a different location. We often referred to moving as a family adventure. Once we knew where we were headed, I was quick to look up new family attractions for us to anticipate visiting. “Liking” new places on Facebook led me to more attractions as well.

So how does a SAHM find new friends for herself and for her children? You have to put yourself out there. Do a search for “moms groups near me” and you should find a few. For both our moves I have used MeetUp.com, a fabulous tool for meeting other moms, as well as discovering fun things to do in your new area. Church groups are also a great resource for encouragement and often offer childcare so you can converse with other moms uninterrupted.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) has been an invaluable group for me too. It may seem awkward to put yourself out there, but other moms could be just like you, waiting for a new friend themselves!

In the end, moving is going to be hard because change is hard.

But we all learn how to adapt and life keeps moving on. Thank goodness for social media and spring breaks to keep in touch!

Stephanie Loux is a mother of three from Olathe and recently made a move with her family.

If time warrants, create a family bucket list of places you want to visit one more time, such as...

stead

4Deanna Rose Farm Black Hoof Park o Kansas City Zo

ium

4Sea Life Aquar Plaza T-Rex Cafe

4Fritz’s beque 4Jack Stack Bar

Then make a quick photo book to look back on.

For more tips about handling a move or relocation with young kids, visit KCParent.com

kcparent.com july 2016

15

between the ages of 4 and 10, according to Hoffman. Having potential clients decline your child may simply mean they were looking for another type of personality or a youngster with a different look. If you and your child are committed, don’t let rejection deter you from continuing on, as it is something every actor and model experiences—adults and children alike.

H

6. Do your homework and be wary

of scams. Agencies should not ask for money up front, but rather should expect payment once your child has found work.

Also, before committing to an agency, check their status and history with the Better Business Bureau (courtesy of Parents.com).

GET THAT KID AN Does your child have what it takes to be a star?

D

o you catch your child lip-syncing in front of the mirror all the time?

Does your son act out skits for the whole family? Is your daughter a regular stand-up comedian? If so, maybe your child has potential for stardom! So what’s next?

Parents often see successful child actors and models and wonder how they got there.

Questions about how they were discovered, whether they endured rigorous training and how to hire an agent may cross parents’ minds. Here are a few simple tips to get you started if you think your child has potential for this type of career.

accessories and costumes. Modeling agencies want to see children who may have potential in their most natural state, without anything that distracts from their face.

3. Let your child be himself when

interviewed. Don’t prep him with what you think the agency wants to hear. His personality will be of utmost importance in the interview, but it should not be forced.

Agencies want to see who your child truly is.

Hoffman advises, “People think we want cute, but what we really need to see is personality.”

4. Ensure that your child truly wants

expensive professional head-shots or portfolios. Instead, contact a local agency first and see what they recommend. Kim Hoffman of Hoffman International Model & Talent Agency says that her company does not want to see photos initially. They want to meet the child first, with the parent present.

After the interview, the agency will decide what the next step should be.

to do this. If you are having to push her to engage in the interview, this probably isn’t the best path for her. She won’t enjoy the experience, and her negative emotions will show in her interviews and auditions. A happy, motivated child will be dynamic and more likely to succeed. Be sure to check in with her often, because once the ball is rolling, the experience can be a bit of a whirlwind.

Remaining grounded and communicating with each other is vital to you and your child.

2. If you do wish to start with

5. Prepare your child and yourself

1. Don’t feel pressured to invest in

professional pictures, keep them simple. Avoid makeup, excessive

16

kcparent.com july 2016

for rejection. This is an extremely competitive market, especially for children

If you believe your child has potential for the acting or modeling industry, enter this field with realistic expectations and do your homework. Find a reputable agent. Work with people you trust—your child’s future is in their hands. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you or your child. And above all else, listen to your child. If your son or daughter says, “This is too much. Can we stop?” then STOP. In the end, if successful, this experience should be one that fosters confidence and positive self-esteem in your child.

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

Quiz: True or False?

1. The first step to starting your

child’s acting or modeling career is to invest in professional pictures and complete a portfolio. FALSE

2. The most competitive age

bracket for child actors and models is 4-10. TRUE

3. Interviews and photos should

be done with children at their most natural state: no makeup or accessories. TRUE

4. Most children need to be pushed and will regret quitting. Agencies recommend parents force their children to continue if they don’t seem to be enjoying acting or modeling. FALSE

5. Most agencies ask for money

up front, so prepare for that and accept it as commonplace. FALSE

H

Hoffman International Celebrates Milestone Anniversary with a Highly Anticipated Model Search

M

ay 2016 was a monumental month for Hoffman International. This premier model and talent agency, located in Leawood, Kansas, celebrated their 30-year anniversary in May. Kim Hoffman, owner and president, is renowned for finding, developing and placing her top models with national and international agencies, as well as successfully operating a commercial division that provides models and talent for the Kansas City market.

Hoffman’s years of experience and influence in the modeling industry have allowed her to forge many long-term business relationships with elite regional, national and international agents. For 25 years, her agency participated in AMTC, an annual model and talent convention in Orlando, Florida.

As a result, countless Hoffman models and talent were signed with agencies spanning the globe. With the current times changing and people’s schedules more demanding, Hoffman’s vision for 2016 is to streamline the process and bring these agents directly to her models. On Saturday, May 7, Hoffman hosted a model search exclusively for their commercial and fashion models. Model scouts from agencies including IMG Worldwide, Wilhelmina Models, Ford Models, Vision-Los Angeles, Power Models-Asia and The Rock Agency-Wisconsin were the powerhouses in attendance to scout Hoffman models. Local clients, representing the Kansas City market, had an equally important influence on the Hoffman Model Search. Hallmark, VML, RT Events, Wlaa Style, & 8183 Studio were represented with their prominent producers, talent coordinators, wardrobe stylists and runway consultants participating in the much lauded event.

Reflecting on all of the changes in the industry over the past three decades, Kim Hoffman knows the importance of adapting to today’s fast-paced world by keeping everything simplified and efficient. “In business today, you have to evolve with the trends. Having agents come directly to Kansas City for a model search right here in our own backyard is a win-win situation. It is great for Kansas City and it’s a great opportunity for our amazing models,” says Hoffman. kcparent.com july 2016

17

5

A

good reasons to read aloud to your child

s parents, we all want the best for our children. We are told the things we should do—make sure they choose a healthy diet, make sure they get enough exercise, give them encouraging words, read to them.

“Reading is a foundational skill that plays an important role in every single thing a person does,” says Bradley Debrick, early literacy coordinating librarian for the Johnson County Library. “Reading is just as important to understanding the directions on a first grade worksheet as it is to preparing an executive resume portfolio.”

Here are five great reasons to read aloud to your child:

It helps children equate books and reading with love. “If I could send each newborn home from the hospital with a library card and a board book, I would!” says Debrick. “Reading with babies is a bonding experience for parent and child.”

Watching a child light up during a story is a magic moment. “I love reading to my son!” says Allison Smith, Shawnee mom. “I see his face during the story and I know those smiles are ones I will remember forever.”

It helps children develop literacy skills. “The more adults read aloud, the larger children’s vocabularies become and the better they are prepared for school,” says Wendy Webb, coordinator for Parents as Teachers. “Reading aloud also introduces

18

kcparent.com july 2016

For TONS of great titles to read with your kids, visit KCParent.com.

the language of books, which is different from daily conversations, using more formal grammar and descriptive phrases.”

It helps children see the world as a much broader place when they hear stories about new experiences and new places.

grows. “Reading aloud to young children presents books as sources of pleasant, valuable and exciting experiences,” says Webb. “It helps children to develop their imaginations and explore ideas. Children who value books are motivated to read on their own as they mature.”

“Narratives help children learn to empathize with others and develop a view of the world beyond their own experience,” says Debrick.

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mother of two living in Overland Park.

It is a great way for parents to slow down and relax. “Reading with my

Tips for Engaging Your Child in Reading:

kids is my down-time,” says Rebecca Grey, Overland Park mom. “We all just slow down and enjoy the story. I look forward to it every night.”

1) For young children, make reading a special time of the day. Be cozy and comfortable; make it part of your routine that you spend together.

While many parents know the benefits of reading to their children, the busy family schedule often gets in the way. “The biggest roadblock, by far, is time,” says Debrick.

“Everyone is busy these days, but parents are especially strained with their own schedules plus those of their children. Understandably, taking time to enjoy a book gets pushed aside.

For years now, librarians and researchers have recommended 15-20 minutes of reading per day for young children. I like to emphasize that those minutes don’t all have to occur in one sitting. It’s perfectly acceptable to squeeze in five minutes of reading after breakfast, five minutes before a nap and 10 minutes while waiting for an older sibling to finish a music lesson. All of that time counts!”

Many parents also wonder whether the benefits of reading continue as their child

2) For children reading chapter books, find stories with characters and subjects to which your child relates.

Consider informational (nonfiction) books, too. Many kids enjoy reading about “real” things and are engaged with true life stories and facts.

3) De-emphasize required reading, reading goals, reports and tests, especially during the summer.

4) Read the same book with your child at the same time. The library will let you check out two copies!

5) Let your child see you reading for pleasure. Even by reading a magazine or a newspaper, your actions demonstrate the value you place on reading.

Source: Bradley Debrick

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happy birthday…to your kid!

Let’s start with whom to invite. Not everyone has the space/money to accommodate every child her kid wants to (or feels like she has to) invite. Find out the rule at your kid’s school for inviting politely (e.g., invite all the girls to a girl party, invite only who you want but send invitations discreetly and don’t blab about it, etc.). You always can give your child a set number you are willing to have at the party, then have her choose wisely.

Now that you have a number in mind, it’s time to hit the computer to set up that Facebook event and start inviting, right?

Hold on a minute. Why don’t you instead hit the party store with your little birthday munchkin and have him pick out some themed invitations he can either fill out himself or at least help decorate?

It’s up to you whether you want to send home goodie bags or favors with the kids.

Maybe you can’t afford them or just think they are ecologically ridiculous. At one party my daughter attended, the girls painted wooden birdhouses to take home. If you just love putting together goodie bags, however, feel free to go all out!

To thank or not to thank? Snap a photo with the birthday child with each guest. Have it printed and place it in a thank you note that your child writes (or maybe he can just “sign” it if he’s too small).

happy birthday…to someone else’s kid!

It’s hard to watch your child get upset over not being invited to a party because, even as adults, we know how that feels. Explain to your child that maybe the parents of the birthday kid had to limit the number of guests and that it’s most likely nothing personal.

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If you have more kids than just the one who was invited, ask the birthday child’s parent if you can, for instance, just drop off an older kid for the party. The hostess might be okay with your bringing your entire brood, or it might make her uncomfortable to add more chaos to the party. Just ask beforehand so you don’t show up with your huge family when you only RSVP’d for one. That would be rude.

Kerrie McLoughlin is a seasoned mom of five who writes about her controlled household chaos at TheKerrieShow.com.

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23

THE 10 LAWS

for parenting teens

S

o, you’ve reached that ever-looming reality that your strong-willed firstborn daughter, the one you named with purpose and depth, the one for whom you’ve had such dreams and high standards, the one whose schedule, eating habits, activities and friendships you’ve been able to keep in a relatively controlled box, has become a TEENAGER. It’s been hard work already, and now the pushback, impossible attitudes and differing opinions have caused you to feel out of control at times. Maybe you’ve regrettably flown off the handle a few times. You wonder how you’re ever going to navigate these uncharted waters while enforcing reasonable boundaries, laying down expectations of excellence, all while keeping your cool and respecting your teen’s individuality.

In our own failings and flounderings over the last two years, I’ve reflected upon these challenges, sometimes after tear-filled confrontations with our teen or heated discussions with my husband. Ultimately, through prayer and the counsel of dozens of friends and supporters who have forged these waters ahead of us, I came up with these 10 simple laws which I believe are already helping us lay the framework through which we relate to our daughter.

For teen conversation starters, log onto KCParent.com.

24

kcparent.com july 2016

1 LISTEN MORE. It’s been fun and fruitful to teach and train children since birth, but there comes a time when they shut down and stop listening. They want to be heard. You’ve planted so many good seeds, and now it’s time to observe the fruit. Try making time each day to just listen without correction or judgment, then thank them for sharing their heart and opinions with you.

“If you desire a polite teen, be kind and considerate yourself.”

2 LECTURE LESS. Instead of

lecturing nonstop about topics you’re concerned about, ask questions that will bring conversations about these topics.

Here are some ideas: How are your friendships going? Who sharpens you the most, and whom do you feel you are inspiring? What are your grade goals and how do you plan to reach those? What is a fair consequence for your actions or inactions? Then enforce it without flying off the handle if rules are broken. You can set clear and fair boundaries, as well as give consequences, without constant nagging and lecturing.

3 LEAD BY EXAMPLE. If

you desire a polite teen, be kind and considerate yourself. If you require an organized and tidy teen bedroom at all times, keep your room beautiful. If you want teens to be generous and hospitable, model that. If you want them to be diligent readers, let them see you read. If your hope is that they be safe and courteous drivers, keep your speech life-giving while driving and never, ever text behind the wheel.

4 LIGHTEN UP. So she lost her new

Christmas coat or phone charger. Haven’t we all lost things many times? Have compassion and let her know you’d be happy to help her find it. If it’s gone for good, she may have to pay for it, but don’t ride her to the hills, adding unnecessary guilt and shame. Help your teen come up with ways she can earn money, and let her know you’re in her corner.

Perhaps you’ve just discovered she has a love interest you’re not thrilled about.

Keep it lighthearted! Lay down boundaries without freaking out. For example, allow group dates, have any special friends over to eat with the family and add the parameter of never being alone in an enclosed room or basement together.

Keep the discussion alive regarding the pros, cons and dangers of dating for fun

vs. “pairing off ” exclusively. Cast vision for teens’ futures by asking what kind of qualities they think would make a great spouse some day? What kind of spouse do they want to be? Find a great book on sex/ dating to read and discuss together.

Decide what issues could affect their health and/or future life, versus those which aren’t that big of a deal. If they are working to their potential, and respecting your guidelines, then maybe blessing their wish for a new hair color isn’t such a bad idea! Express your opinion too, and let them know you trust they’ll make good decisions.

5 LEARN ABOUT THEM. Their

interests evolve continually thanks to their insecurities, desire for independence and their longing to fit in. Ask about their dreams, their disappointments, their friends, their teachers or their favorite restaurants and trends.

6 LAUGH A LOT. Try playing a family game every once in a while, or watching a comedy together. Be sure to connect with your teens in ways that bring smiles and laughter regularly.

7 LOOK at them with eyes of approval.

If their tastes don’t meet with your approval, resist the temptation to give that sarcastic “Really?” look. Your eyes should reflect understanding and pride in them. Maybe they’ve really blown it.

They’ve betrayed your trust. You have an opportunity to lose it and react with emotion or respond with intentionality.

Make sure they don’t go to sleep feeling like a failing disappointment.

8 LIKE THEM. This one is similar to law seven. Okay, so you find your teens’ new obsession with Korean pop music strange. Have them play their favorite songs for you. As long as the lyrics aren’t vulgar, who cares? So they are moodier and lazier than you prefer them to be.

Keep your speech full of enthusiasm and kindness toward them. Tell them how

cool and beautiful they are, even when they don’t deserve it. Appreciate where they are in this stage of life and know that all of their interests—and especially their character—will continue to grow as you like and encourage them, while continuing to expect great things for them.

9 LOVE THEM. Her best friend has caused tears and anguish. Hug your teen and tell her that you’ll always be here.

He brings home his grade card, and the GPA is 2.7 instead of your expected 3.5.

Tell him you love him and there’s nothing he could ever do to make you love him less or love him more. That doesn’t mean you don’t limit social time or get a tutor to help raise those grades to his potential. That shows love too. Saying no is also sometimes an act of love. You are the parent, and you’ve been given authority from heaven to provide a home of guidance and boundaries. Rules are the grid through which we protect and provide.

10 LET GO. Let’s face it. Ultimately

our children do not belong to us. They are individuals who will make their own life and way, and I believe they have a heavenly Father who is completely capable of navigating their journey and ultimately wooing them to Himself. Pray for them daily, not leaving out any detail or desire and leave the results to Him. None of us had perfect parents, and we grew up in spite of this.

Alicia Mock lives in Overland Park and has a colorful background with experience as a professional singer, actress, elementary teacher, homeschooling mom, a Kindermusik educator and, currently, the director of the preschool/childcare program “Adventure Arts Academy,” which she operates out of her home.

AdventureArtsAcademy.com.

kcparent.com july 2016

25

tying the perfect knot: 5 tips for tying shoes Bunny ears: This is a classic method for teaching beginners how to tie their shoes. Hold one lace in each hand. Make two big loops (bunny ears), one with each lace. Make an X with the ears, sliding one ear under the X to make sure the bunny ears don’t fall off. Pull tight.

The squirrel and tree: This is a common technique to teach children the single loop method. Make tree roots by tying a starter knot. Make a tree with one lace by making a loop. Wrap the second lace around the loop and under, explaining that the squirrel runs around the tree and into the hole.

Cardboard cutout: Draw a shoe outline on the inside of an old shoebox. Cut out the shoe and make holes

where the laces would be. Lace colored yarn through the holes. Allow your child to decorate the shoe however he wishes. Let him practice on the cardboard shoe for a nice change.

Stickers: Let your child pick out his or her favorite pack of stickers. Put one sticker on the left hand and a different sticker on the right hand. This technique will help your child distinguish left from right and recognize which lace is which.

Two colored laces: This method works in similar ways as the sticker method. Instead of using plain, boring white laces, try using two differentcolored laces. This makes learning to tie shoes more exciting for children, while helping them distinguish left from right.

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WORDFROMDAD

“N

o, thanks. I’m good.” Ian beamed at Mom. Sandi turned with the carrots and broccoli toward James.

“NO! I only eat meat!”

Neither of the boys has ever liked vegetables. From arugula to zucchini, they hated every one. If it weren’t for potatoes, either chips or fries, they’d never eat any veggies. Neither trickery nor intimidation had worked, but late that winter I had an idea.

“We’ll have a garden. James and Ian will help with everything.

Planting. Cultivating. Harvesting.” I radiated confidence in my scheme, although Sandi wasn’t so sure.

Later that spring, she watched me clean up from the first step.

“How’d it go?”

“Not bad.”

“There’s dirt on your neck.”

“Ian poured a shovel-full on me. I’ll take a shower soon.”

All summer, I was ruthless, and the boys developed the farmer’s hatred for weeds. After a few weeks, they hated the crops too. Still, I persisted, and the garden grew. At harvest time, the boys pitched in. We pulled carrots, plucked tomatoes and twisted ears off the cornstalks.

“Mom! Look what we have!”

Ian carried a heavy basket into the kitchen.

“We got these from the garden.”

James set another basket on the counter. “Can I watch TV?” “Wow,” Sandi said, “Wait ’til you taste it.”

I smiled. Sweet vindication.

Everything was about to pay off.

Scarcely an hour later, Sandi laid a steaming vegetable medley on the table beside a platter of corn on the cob and held a spoonful over Ian’s dish.

“No, thanks,” Ian said, “I’m good.”

Sandi reached for James’ plate.

“NO! I hate vegetables!”

“But…” I couldn’t believe it. “All your work. All summer. Your reward.”

The boys wouldn’t budge, and I collapsed into my chair.

Sandi sat across from me and gave a sweet smile. “Any more great ideas, Einstein?”

the garden plot

W

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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why social media behavior MATTERS or our digital natives, online interaction is part of the new order. But that doesn’t mean our kids don’t require old-fashioned parental guidance.

“Children today spend more time online than they do in school or with their parents, so it’s vital to teach them how to be wise, competent and empowered users of technology,” says Diana Graber, co-founder, CyberWise.org.

F The most important Internet filter in the world is the one children carry around between their ears.

20162016 2828julyjuly

kcparent.com kcparent.com

Be curious. Ask your kids what they like doing online.

“Surprisingly, what I hear from students is that they often feel their parents take little or no interest in their online lives,” Graber says. “And that’s too bad because conversation about the online places our children visit is so important.”

Ask your kids to teach you to play their favorite online games. And don’t be afraid to inquire about apps or games that concern you.

“If parents don’t get it out in the open, children may assume their parents are ignorant about the topic and it will be easier to get away with certain things,” says John Stirling, detective, Shawnee Police Department.

Promote positive digital citizenship. Encourage respectful, polite behavior online. Use media reports to help educate your children about what can go wrong and how to avoid making mistakes that can haunt them for years to come.

Emphasize that they can turn to you if they ever run into a problem.

“A good family structure and support is crucial in the pursuit of helping children avoid dangers online,” Stirling says.

Keep them safe. Personal safety underscores why social media behavior matters.

“Social media allows the child predator an easier way to have access to children

because so many children are putting themselves and their business out there online,” Stirling says.

Apps that allow for anonymity, unrestricted messaging and locationmatching like Kik, Whisper and Snapchat are particularly attractive to child predators.

“Talking with strangers has to be redefined in this generation and generations to come,” says Jere Simpson, an adviser on Internet security to government agencies like Homeland Security’s Childhood Exploitation Division and the FBI. “Now it means ANY type of communication with a person you don’t know because, more often than not, their ultimate goal is to get within physical proximity of you.”

That includes games that feature messaging capabilities. Consider turning off Wi-Fi and invite your child’s friends to play together in person instead. Explain why texting with people they don’t know is dangerous and make a family rule that your child will give you a heads-up if someone tries to contact him.

Simpson recommends choosing games and apps owned by U.S. companies, which fall under the jurisdiction of the FBI and law enforcement. A simple Google search will show you where the game’s corporate headquarters is located. Also, predators typically avoid platforms where they can be traced easily, like Gmail, Gchat and Google Hangout.

“Google is an advertising company by way of technology. They’re the best at knowing who you are, what you like, where you are—all of those things,” Simpson says.

Mirror, mirror... Your online reputation is a reflection of your off-line self and another reason why online behavior matters. More employers and schools conduct social media checks of applicants through simple Google searches.

“We’re putting so much of our lives out on social media that finding information about a person isn’t difficult, and you can build a bad ‘digital reputation’ very quickly if you aren’t cautious about what you say and what you put out online,” Stirling says.

As a rule of thumb, teach kids to pause before they post or tag friends by asking themselves questions: “Is this respectful?” “Would I be embarrassed if my grandmother saw this?”

Calm emotions. Impulsivity combined with angry or hurt feelings often land kids— and adults—in hot water. Plan ahead by implementing a 24- to 48-hour cool-down period for those moments. And encourage your adolescent to discuss problems with you or another trusted adult before reacting.

Address problems. Errors in judgment happen. Discuss and decide whether an apology is in order. If a peer is bothering your teen, she should tell the classmate to stop. In situations involving cyberbullying and online harassment, begin with the school and/or the parents of the kids involved. If your child feels threatened, contact law enforcement.

Set limits. Strike a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Set curfews on devices, create tech-free zones, like at the dinner table or in the car, and role model tech boundaries.

Monitor activity. Periodically review your adolescent’s activity across social networks.

If your child likes recording videos, create a shared account which alerts you whenever she uploads a new video. Discuss what’s okay to post and what’s not. Also, select the unlisted or private mode so the account isn’t searchable. Protect your child’s identity by choosing fun pseudonyms and by avoiding any geographic references. On YouTube, you can turn off the comments to avoid online trolls and bullies.

While parental control apps/software can offer peace of mind, honest conversations with your kids will empower them to make sensible decisions.

“Remember, the most important Internet filter in the world is the one children carry around between their ears. But it’s important for us to teach them how to use it,” Graber says.

Expert Recommended Parental Controls NetPure plugs directly into your router and provides a safe Wi-Fi connection for kids. Operation Underground Railroad, an organization that rescues children from sex trafficking, inspired Simpson and his colleague Jared Agnew to create the device.

Graber likes Surfie from PureSight.com and PocketGuardian.com, which alerts parents when it detects cyberbullying or sexting.

More Tips

• Set up a Google alert with your child’s name.

• Remind your kids to log off of shared devices.

• I nstruct them to never share their passwords, even with a BFF. • Have access to your child’s social media accounts.

• Explain that online impersonation is a no-no.

• Brush up on “secret” apps in app stores, which often hide behind innocent-looking badges like calculators.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two digitally-charmed kids and a pair of sweet dogs. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

kcparent.com july 2016

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how technology is changing our children’s language and brains

W

e are the first generation of parents to have the challenge of raising children born into a society in which technology abounds in our daily lives.

Seeing the effects technology has had on the vocabulary of our children (as well as society as a whole) is relatively easy. When my son was very little, around 2, I remember him asking me to “pause the book, Mommy,” meaning he wanted me to stop reading for a moment so he could pursue another activity, just as he would pause a show or video he was watching. I also recall when my kids were learning to type on the computer and I would tell them to hit “return,” they had no clue what I meant.

“Oh, you mean ENTER,”

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they finally comprehended. Some of the largest sources of new dictionary entries are techie and gaming words, like troll, cyberwarrior, upvote, spawn, subtweet, binge-watch, listicle and quadcoptor.

My husband told me about a keyboard you can buy consisting entirely of emojis, as well as about the Duke University basketball coach’s communicating with his former players via emoji texts (with translation help from his grandsons). “Emoji” translates into picture+letter. Fans of the emoji wax philosophical about how as social beings, humans need a way to communicate emotion when using methods like email and text where there are no nonverbal signals to rely on. Research shows that the more “realistic” emoticons are more effortlessly read by the brain as a

nonverbal cue. So when you are trying to convey emotion textually, trumps :-).

Less easy to observe, but definitely present, is the different way our children’s brains are developing. Scientists estimate that our brains continue to grow and change until about age 25. Information can be found so easily that it is becoming increasingly more important to know where and how to find facts than how to memorize and retain them. Surfing the internet and using email utilize different parts of the brain than reading or speaking. Scientists theorize that not having to retain so much data in our brains frees up “space” for critical thinking. I remember complaining to a teacher about having to memorize math facts when I could just use a calculator.

She responded with the potential

scenario of having to work out something and not having a calculator at hand. Such a scenario is growing more improbable.

We tend to think first of the negative effects and risks of technology on development. Any media outlet you turn to will broadcast alarmingly the negative impact of overusing technology. We tend to idealize the “good old days” when our collective selective memory recalls children involved in imaginative, cooperative outdoor play 24/7. I seem to recall less of that and more watching really bad television reruns. Seeing only the negative effects of technology is shortsighted.

No signs indicate our lives will get any less electronic in the near future. For today’s youth, technology is not just for information and entertainment, it is a major way to create, communicate and connect. Our children are the first to directly interact with and alter the content on their various screens rather than passively watch what is presented.

map for directions? While direct in-person or telephone contact may be the ideal to an older person, this may not be the case with young people, who much prefer to communicate via text or social media posts.

Is the fact that my son, at times, would rather build with the virtual blocks on Minecraft than the actual physical Lego blocks in front of him problematic? It doesn’t have to be. We parents just have to be aware of the potential dangers of the overuse of technology without being afraid of the different brains developing within our children.

Parents need not become alarmed at these changes. “Different” brain development does not mean bad or inferior.

Human brains are remarkably adaptable.

Our children’s brains are adapting to their current environment by becoming able to scan vast amounts of information with speed and competence. So-called “linear” reading is being replaced by scanning for key words, following links and hopping from webpage to webpage. More children are being identified as visual-spatial learners. Today’s children have an easier time retaining information presented via multiple media and can block out distractions better than their parents or grandparents. They also seem to be able to navigate different technologies without fear.

I don’t recall teaching my children to use a computer or iPad, they just pick it up and figure it out.

Even as adults our brains are adapting.

When was the last time you memorized a new phone number or looked at a paper STUDY SKILLS

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Laura Miller McEachen is a part-time attorney and full-time mommy. She often wishes she could delete complete files of information from her brain to make room for all of the things she is supposed to remember.

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eating out with kids...and enjoying it

By Kristina Light We all dream of perfect little cherubs dining politely while seated at beautiful tables with white linens and candles, but reality is often far from it. Being equipped when eating out with children can help to create a fun and memorable family night.

Timing is everything! We often decide to eat out after we’ve had a long and tiring day, forgetting that the children have ALSO had a long and tiring day. In my home at least, that means cranky and irritable children. If possible, eat out if the children are well rested and in good humor before you get to the restaurant (crowded restaurants seldom calm or cheer cranky

kids). Also, try to time it so the children are eating at “their usual time” or as close as possible.

Simplify your experience before and after you eat. Pack just what you need in your diaper bag or purse and be sure to bring what you need. I’m not sure who invented hand sanitizer or sanitizing

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wipes, but I am one grateful mom! Taking three preschoolers to the restroom for handwashing can quickly turn into a soapy, slippery scene. Keep hand sanitizer or wipes handy in your purse and voila! You have a headache-free way to prepare your children for dinner.

After you’re served, request the check and pay before you’re finished. If your children become fidgety at the end of the meal, you can make a fast exit without having to wait for receipts.

Bring your own “Restaurant Survival Kit.” It is a good idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve for bored, hungry, anxious kids. Restaurant crayons and paper (if provided) aren’t always enough to occupy the attention of young children. Choose a few of these items to entertain and occupy the kids while they wait.

Books: I Spy Books and Look and Find Books are excellent for restaurants, and they come in small paperback versions

age appropriate trivia and games on a series of cards all connected together with a brad, so you’re not scrambling under tables for dropped or lost cards!

for easy toting. Parents aren’t required to read a story, and children spend a long time looking for objects on each page.

Bonus points for educational value: I Spy is excellent mental exercise! Other good choices are comic books or paperbacks for young self-readers, and touch-and-feel board books for toddlers.

Small toys: Kids meal toys, small dolls

Drawing and design: The Magna Doodle is my favorite restaurant/ travel/car/ waiting room toy of all time. Children love to draw and they can create for hours with the Magna Doodle. Best of all, the stylus is attached with a cord so they don’t lose it, and it doesn’t melt (like crayons in the car on a hot day), need sharpening or break!

Children can draw pictures, play games like Hang Man and Tic Tac Toe or write poems and stories with this quiet toy.

(with a bottle to feed baby), action figures, kaleidoscopes, magnifying glasses, prisms and stuffed to work well as quiet toys. Word of caution with these: If your child likes to make Buzz Lightyear fly and zoom, or the baby doll has a tendency to “cry a lot,” you might opt to leave these items at home.

Make up games: The artwork and

Card games: Flash cards can be great

decorations in the restaurant or illustrated menus can provide many great things to find for your own custom I Spy game, and Twenty Questions is a great backup. We like to play Guess Who, a made up game where I list two or three attributes describing a familiar character and my girls try to guess who it is.

for drilling letters, numbers, states and shapes. My favorite of all for restaurants and travel are the Brain Quest series with

With a little planning ahead, dining out can be a pleasant time for the entire family!

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ST

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Ways to achieve simplicity in home life

SS

I

was clearing out a stack of books inside my nightstand when I stumbled upon a notebook from my college days.

Inside were pages of notes I had taken from lectures and classes, workshops and seminars. On the corner of one such page, my young 20-something self scribbled this quote: “The quality of your yesses will be determined by the quantity of your no’s.”

When I wrote it down it seemed timely.

I was a double major. I had a small retail job, taught violin lessons, was an adjunct member of a professional orchestra, provided music therapy through a local hospice program, participated in two

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LESS

campus ministry organizations and, to top things off, was a wedding musician on the occasional weekend (you know, just to shake things up if I got bored). Busyness may have been my middle name, but stress wasn’t much of a factor at the time. My life was relatively uncomplicated, and I didn’t have much responsibility outside of work and school.

Now as a mom, this sentiment speaks to me on a whole new level. Taking care of others is my full-time job (among other things), and if too many plates spin, it’s only a matter of time before they crash and, let’s be honest, I crash. It seems if the individual items on the to-do list don’t get to me, the broad overview of the collective does. Through this reality, I’ve learned the

Be kind to your body, and your body will be kind to you.

importance of saying no (even to good things) in order to maintain sanity and peace, as well as to have the freedom to be spontaneous and do nice things with my husband and kids.

Maybe you feel much the same. As a mom, your day-to-day reality may seem overwhelming. Stress is at an all-time high.

Guilt ensues as you wonder how you can do more effectively, be more for more people or simply manage what’s already on your plate. Nancy Moliter, Ph.D., private practice psychologist and public education coordinator of the American Psychology Association, says what triggers stress in people varies, as do coping strategies. But the most effective way to combat stress is to utilize multiple de-stressing techniques such as these.

Develop a Mission Statement

Focus on What You Can Control

Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar famously coined the phrase “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Taking note, effective businesses and schools first develop mission statements that articulate their core values before establishing programs to ensure that those programs center on that vision. Families should be no different.

Without a goal, it’s easy to live busily yet lack purpose.

Take time to articulate what’s most important to your family and what you hope to prioritize long-term through your schedule. Maybe you love to read and you want to impart that love to your children. Or you want community service to be at the heart of what your family is about. Chances are likely that work, school or extracurricular activities, along with managing your house and budget, are enough to sideswipe those goals if they’re not built in. Build margin and time for those goals to be not electives but prime focuses throughout your days, weeks and months.

When opportunities arise within the family, such as the possibility of a new job for you or your spouse or an enrichment class or sport for the kids, evaluate whether it will support your family goals or deplete you of time and energy for them.

One of the greatest causes of stress lies in trying to control circumstances or people you can’t control. In this case, stress and worry are synonymous. As Corrie Ten Boom so wisely stated: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”

Instead of fretting over what you can’t control, Moliter advises dwelling on the choices you can make. For instance, you may not be able to prevent your children from ever getting sick, but you can ensure that they eat well, get plenty of rest and practice good hygiene.

Say No to Busy Ask anyone how they’re doing these days and you’ll notice the new default answer isn’t “fine.” It’s “busy.” Busy is no longer considered a temporary state of someone’s circumstance; it’s now a constant state of mind. Swim upstream and strive for a fulfilling life, not just a busy one. “There are very few things in this world we have to do, and those are the things we should do well. To do this, we must say no to most everything else,” says Tsh Oxenreider, the blogger behind the Art of Simple. Sometimes the biggest time wasters are not activities outside of our homes, but the maintenance of accumulations within them. Assess what you have that’s not serving a purpose or bringing joy to your life and get rid of it.

Take Care of Yourself

Get a Hobby

Good food fuels the body and promotes calm and emotional resilience. Avoid sugar, caffeine and fatty foods and instead fill up on fruits, veggies, lean proteins and whole grains. Wind down with plenty of time to get adequate rest at night. When stress takes its toll, avoid panicking and partake in activities that re-center you, such as walking, reading, praying or memorizing poetry. Be kind to your body, and your body will be kind to you.

Stress produces tunnel-vision on problems, whereas pursuing a passion expands a person’s view beyond his current situation. So go take that cooking class. Try your hand at acrylics or watercolors. Take a hot air balloon ride. After all, in life it’s not just about the destination, it’s also about the journey. Enjoy the ride!

Lauren Greenlee raises her three sons and writes from her home in Olathe. kcparent.com july 2016

35

pregnancy

WOMEN’SHEALTH

I

mages of babies born with microcephaly caused by the Zika virus have pregnant women everywhere worried about the health of their unborn babies. What if they get bitten by a mosquito?

At press time, the only reported cases of Zika virus in the United States were in people who had traveled to countries where Zika virus is ongoing. As the number of travelers increases over the summer, imported cases likely will increase, which could result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States.

The two types of mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus to people–the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus–can be found in Kansas and Missouri, but that doesn’t mean they are carrying the Zika virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes then can spread the virus to other people through bites. Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning from an area with Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they do not spread Zika to local, uninfected mosquitoes.

and zika virus it doesn’t have to mean spending the summer indoors

Because scientists do not know when during pregnancy the infection might cause harm to the fetus, pregnant women should take the following precautions to lower their risk of contracting the Zika virus: • Do not travel to places where Zika virus is ongoing. Zika virus can cause birth defects like microcephaly, eye defects, hearing loss and impaired growth. Before making travel plans, visit the CDC’s website for a list of affected countries: CDC.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html.

• The Zika virus can be transmitted sexually.

If your partner has recently traveled to an area where Zika virus is ongoing, use a condom for the duration of your pregnancy or practice abstinence.

• Empty and scrub out items that hold standing water in and around your home.

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Flower pots, birdbaths, gutters/downspouts, grill covers, kiddie pools, buckets, cans and discarded tires can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• Cover windows and doors with intact screens.

Use your air conditioning if you have it.

•W ear EPA-registered insect repellents, long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

During the day, apply sunscreen first and then the repellent to exposed skin.

If you’re pregnant and traveled to an area with Zika virus within the past two weeks, or your partner has traveled to or lived in an area with Zika virus, ask your health care provider about Zika testing.

Information provided by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, Olathe, JoCoGov.org/jcdhe.

As always, please consult your health care provider with questions or concerns.

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skills smart kids need

Learning beyond books:

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f you identify with the song lyrics “Times, they are a-changing,’” you’re already behind. The times, they have changed. As parents, we strive to stay up to date on technology, clothing and music. Practical life lessons are more important than ever, and if you aren’t teaching them, your child probably isn’t learning them. Here are three skills your kids need to learn and how you can be sure you’re helping them along the way.

Face-to-face contact: When I first heard my stepdaughter had a boyfriend during her sixth grade year, I inquired how he asked her out. She replied, “He texted me.” Deeply personal and even basic, surface conversations are happening through technology. While that can sometimes feel like a relief— who hasn’t canceled dinner via text to avoid the awkwardness?—helping your child hone and develop her IRL (in real life) social skills is still paramount.

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According to Faye de Muyshondt, author of socialsklz:-) for Success: How to Give Children the Skills They Need to Thrive in the Modern World, kids who are able to strike up and hold a conversation with a friend or total stranger will have an advantage when entering the job market.

“These are learnable skills,” de Muyshondt says, “but kids won’t pick them up automatically anymore.” In other words, it’s on you, Mom and Dad. There are easy ways to get kids to practice physical interaction. Going out to dinner? Your child should be ordering for herself as soon as she is able to identify what she wants on the menu. That means looking the server in the eye as she states her order. Another prime opportunity to hone social interaction skills is while shopping. Maybe your son finds a pair of shoes he has to have. He should be asking the associate to please grab his size from the stockroom . Easy connections like this will build your child’s confidence in doing things on his own, and that lends itself to raising an independent child.

It’s critical: Critical thinking is defined

Money matters: Harriet Tubman is

being added to the 20 dollar bill, but your child may not actually see her there unless you force the issue. Physical money is as rare as a unicorn in 2016. If kids can’t see money, how can they be expected to understand how to use it or, better yet, appreciate it?

Make sure your child is physically seeing and holding money when he earns it. Two hours mowing the lawn? Give him his $20 in cash. And don’t revert to the too-easy “I’ll just buy your next pair of jeans for you.” Your child needs to see the fruits of his labor. Otherwise, money becomes a random, intangible thing that’s not there and, consequently, not really understood.

bonus tip: Check out TheMint.org for games, interactive tools and quizzes that can help start a conversation with your child at any age about saving, budgeting, credit and even retirement. You just might learn something, too!

as “objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.” In layman’s terms, it is a type of thinking that helps us learn to make good and smart decisions. And it’s, well, critical. For kids, thinking critically ultimately will help them become independent and operate without their parents.

The nonprofit organization Foundation for Critical Thinking developed a set of five intellectual standards, which enable elementary-aged children to think better.

Those five standards are:

A truly smart child is a wellrounded child.

credit score, those book smarts are going to feel less and less important. A truly smart child is a well-rounded child.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for Kansas City and surrounding areas. She lives in Liberty with her husband, two stepdaughters, son and small zoo of rescue animals.

1. Be clear. Let kids know it’s okay to ask for extra explanations when they don’t fully understand something.

Being confused is okay as long as the child conveys that to the instructor or parent.

2. Be accurate. In the age of Google and quick Internet searches, encourage children to research actual facts—not just opinions and message boards—to make a decision.

3. Be relevant. Encourage children to stay on the task or subject they are learning about. If a question arises about something, the answer should be topical and current.

4. Be logical. Double check that your child’s assumptions and conclusions are right by questioning the path by which she arrived at them.

5. Be fair. Empathy is important. Your child should be thinking of others rather than himself when drawing conclusions.

We all want smart children who can excel in school and college—but good grades and an understanding of thermonuclear fusion technology only go so far. If our children can’t share in the simple joys of a live conversation or understand the implications of a rotten

fun ways to up the social smarts in your kids Take a fun online quiz with your kiddos to practice knowing what facial expressions can mean. (Yes, they need practice!) Here’s a great one from UC Berkley: GreaterGood.Berkeley.edu/ ei_quiz.

If your kids’ heads are buried in a phone, they’re missing out on life. Consider taking an adventure (zoo, carnival, etc.) and don’t allow phones.

When you get home, have each child draw or write about a favorite memory from the trip. This encourages them to be in the moment.

We’re tempted to help, help, help. The next time your elementary-aged child wants help finding the bathroom in a new restaurant, tell her she has to find it on her own.

Follow behind her but don’t help! Encourage her to ask an employee if she gets really stuck.

kcparent.com july 2016

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summer

fun gI uide table of contents 41 summertime sweets 42 wet and wild 44 faith and family 45 healthy kids 46 mom staycation 47 bring back boredom 48 go big or go home 50 craft corner 51 festivals and fairs

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kcparent.com july 2016

summertime sweets

cool down with delicious ice cream treats (Family Features) You can turn any summer day into a special occasion with a cool ice cream treat. From classic favorites to innovative new flavors, it only takes a scoop or two to bring out plenty of smiles.

For kids, summertime is about chilling out, and there’s no better way to enjoy this slowed down pace than with a refreshing, frosty treat. Celebrate birthday parties, holiday gatherings or days that end in “y” with special ice cream concoctions that are destined to create sweet memories. Source: Blue Bunny

Celebrate summer Grab a spoon and dig into these scrumptious recipes, featuring delicious Blue Bunny ice cream flavors. These treats make it easy for everyone to customize to their own sweet preference, whether it’s pairing creamy Blue Bunny ice cream with the gooey goodness of freshly-baked chocolate cake, the buttery finish of a flaky pie crust or in a classic, richly adorned parfait.

Ice Cream Cupcakes Yield: 18 to 20 cupcakes

• Cupcake liners • 1 1/8 c. all-purpose flour • 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 t. baking soda • 1 t. salt • 1/2 c. butter, softened • 1 c. white sugar

• 1 egg • 1 t. vanilla extract • 1 c. brewed coffee • Blue Bunny Caramel Fudge Brownie Sundae Ice Cream, vanilla or your favorite flavor • Decorations (such as sprinkles, cupcake skewers, cherries)

To make cupcakes, preheat oven to 350°F. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pan. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Add flour mixture, alternating with coffee.

Beat until just incorporated. Fill cupcake liners about 1/3 full to allow for ice cream. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool. Using round ice cream scoop, scoop out rounds of ice cream and set on baking sheet in freezer. Once ice cream scoops are frozen, carefully place one into each cupcake and top with fun decorations.

Peanut Butter Sundae Parfaits Yield: 10 to 12 sundae parfaits

• 6 waffle or sugar cones • Chocolate cake or brownies • Chocolate chip cookies • Blue Bunny Peanut Butter Panic

• Maraschino cherries, sprinkles or cupcake pompom topper for garnish

Ice Cream Break up waffle cones, chocolate cake or brownies and chocolate chip cookies into bite-size pieces and place in individual containers or cupcake cups. Or use favorite cake or cookie flavors to customize.

Layer ice cream, waffle cone pieces, cake pieces and cookie pieces into mini parfait glasses, or any small glass or bowl. Garnish with Maraschino cherry, sprinkles or cupcake pompom topper.

We asked KCParent.com readers, how do you like your ice cream?

}

29%

classic hard packed

29% soft serve

42% makes no difference— it’s all good! kcparent.com july 2016

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it’s

Wild

d n a t e W fun at home

inevitable—those hot temperatures are here, Kansas City folks! So if you are already wondering how you will entertain (and keep cool) your kids this summer, here are some ideas that extend beyond traditional sprinkler and water balloon play.

1

Water gun tag: This game is very simple. Rather than tagging the person you are chasing, simply squirt him and bam! He’s it now! (But that means you have to hand over the water gun!)

4

Hose jump: The opposite of hose limbo! If kids can crawl under the water, can they jump OVER it? How high can they jump?

7

Doll baths: This is an adorable idea for your little ones. If you have plastic washable baby dolls, repurpose your old baby bathtub. Bring it outside and give the baby doll a bath. (via Mama Pea Pod)

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2

Wet sponge relay races: Soak a few large sponges and set up some relays. Maybe the kids have to transfer all of the water from one bucket into another bucket by soaking and squeezing the sponges. Or maybe they have to lie down and transfer the soaking wet sponges to the next child with their feet!

5

Water balloon baseball: This one is self-explanatory.

Rather than pitching at the batter with a ball, toss a water balloon and see what happens.

Home run!

8

Baby/toddler baths: Speaking of baths, why not let your younger kids have their baths outside too? Fill up the kiddie pool with some soapy water and let them splash around. They finally get to be as messy as they want during bath time!

3

Hose limbo: An old classic. Have a hose?

That’s all you need. Someone holds it on one end, creating an arc, and the kids run underneath. Make it lower… and lower…and lower…. How low can you go, kids?

6

Water balloon piñatas: Hang water balloons from anything—under your deck, from the monkey bars, the basketball hoop—and let them go after it! This time candy doesn’t come out, but they will cool off!

9

Ice cube tray treasures: This is a cute idea for kids of all ages. Younger kids might enjoy a tiny trinket frozen inside their ice cubes, and older kids may be more excited to see some coins! Let them hold their ice and watch it melt away so they can retrieve their treasures. (via Parenting.com)

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11

12

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Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4, and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com

Duck, duck, splash: An oldie but always a goodie. Give them a cup of water or soaking wet sponge and duck, duck, splash is set up.

It’s just like duck, duck, goose, but the person “goosed” gets wet!

Noodle fun: Did you know all the things you can do with pool noodles? Poke a few holes in one, tape up one end, insert your hose in the other and guess what? You have a sprinkler! Or a waterfall! Either way, the kids will love it.

Homemade paint: Are your kids tired of sidewalk chalk? Mix some water into a bucket of old chalk bits and now they can paint the driveway. Let your little Michelangelo go to work!

Colored ice painting: Freeze ice cubes colored with food coloring and find an old piece of fabric (sheet, table cloth, t-shirt). Once ice is frozen, let kids paint with the ice cubes! It will be a masterpiece for sure. (via Things to Share and Remember)

Tunnels and canals: Have creative kids who like to build? How about dragging out some Tupperware and plastic bottles and letting them build ramps and tunnels for water to flow through? Their imaginations will run wild while they stay cool.

Even family trees need to be watered from time to time.

Whip down water slides, play our MagiQuest® adventure game, feel the joy at Scooops® Kid Spa, and open your imagination at Story Time before bed. All at America’s premier indoor water park resort.

Come see how it’s perfect for everyone in your pack. greatwolf.com/kansas-city

Everybody in.

TM

kcparent.com july 2016

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FAITH&FAMILY

Summer School of Life everything we see, touch, taste, hear and smell. Isaiah 45:12 says, “I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command.”

G

Grades are not being earned and no one is taking attendance, but learning is most definitely still in full swing this summer.

Our kids are learning life lessons in courage at the edge of a diving board and earning points in confidence while making new friends at camp. No matter what season of parenting you’re in, summer is a great time for families to learn and recall how they fit into God’s great story from everyday life lessons like these:

• From the ripest tomato to the buzzing

mosquito to the Big Dipper, God designs

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• We plan family vacations and pool dates with friends in advance, and God planned for our lives too. His plans are full of purpose and always in His perfect timing.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

• Friendships can bloom and wilt over

summer months, but true friends are known by their love and commitment to see the best in each other. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times,” and 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

• Like your family’s favorite barbecue recipe, God gives us all the ingredients we need for courageous living in 2 Timothy 1:7:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

• Relax in your hammock, kick back in front of a good summer flick, rejuvenate with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade. But most of all rest knowing Jesus is doing the heaviest lifting for your hearts and souls: “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28 from The Message) Like sunscreen on your little swimmer’s nose, apply God’s Word to your family’s life liberally and often. Lessons in faith don’t require grade books and attendance records, because God teaches at the heart level anytime, anywhere.

Ask Him to show you His ways and invite Him into your daily routines this month.

Watch as life’s lessons become diplomas in love and grace for your family.

Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter shares more about her family’s lessons in faith at UnravelGrace.com.

HEALTHYKIDS

tips for healthy family travel

ways to keep your family safe during family vacations is an easy solution if you are unable to wash hands with soap and water.

S

Summer is the perfect time to travel with family, experience new things and make new memories. You may be a long weekend traveler or a cross-country traveler. Whether you are visiting the beach, the mountains, grandparents’ house or the campsite, here are tips for keeping your family safe and healthy no matter how far from home you venture.

Wash your hands. This may seem obvious, but with children nothing is a given. At an airport, a gas station bathroom, fast food restaurant or museum there are germs. Everywhere. And our kids are touching more than we see—and more than we would like. Hand sanitizer in the purse

Drive safely. whether you are driving across town or the across the county, make sure to buckle your seat belt and use the car seat/booster seat appropriate for your child’s height and weight (CDC.gov). Do not drink and drive and don’t drive when you are sleepy.

Dress for the weather. Weather can differ greatly from morning to afternoon and one location to another. Pack accordingly and let the weather dictate what the family wears.

Help prevent motion sickness. The mixed signals between the ears and eyes detecting movement can cause nausea, dizziness and vomiting while in the car, boat or airplane. If a member of your family suffers from motion sickness, have a light meal or snack of carbohydrates before leaving and avoid fatty foods. Also, looking

outside of the car instead of inside on still objects (like other cars) can help. Keep the windows open a little to get fresh air and make frequent stops as needed. Prescription medications are available from the doctor if needed (KidsHealth.org).

Pack accordingly. Make sure to pack enough medication for the entire trip, sunscreen, insect repellent, birth certificate/ passport depending on location of travel, as well as plenty of activities to keep the kids from getting bored and to keep them out of trouble.

Most importantly, enjoy this time with your family and make memories to last a lifetime!

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

She lives in Olathe with her family.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions of concerns.

Enjoy the outdoors with the family allergy free...

Stop in today for immediate relief and much more!

Visit website for location details and hours Most major insurance is accepted including BCBS, Medicare, & TRICARE

1-855-830-4815 • TheUrgencyRoom.com TUR_KC Parent Mag AD UPDATED - 0416.indd 1

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mmer u s F

fun gI uide

30 Have only a few minutes? Visit KCParent.com for 5-minute refreshers for mom.

S

taycations have become a popular way for families to unplug, play and have fun together. Staycation is a pop culture term for a vacation time without travel or with local travel only.

Why not take a mini staycation as a busy mom? Whether you are a work-at-home mom or a work-outside-the-home mom, time to yourself is a rare and precious commodity—especially in the summer.

Taking time for yourself is a necessary practice not only for your own mental health but also for the ability to give your family, career and passions your best. You can enjoy the following suggestions in a summer afternoon with minimal expense. You’ll find they can help busy moms regain perspective on their own lives while recharging their personal batteries physically, emotionally and spiritually. Choose one or more and enjoy your summer afternoon staycation, guilt free!

summer afternoon staycations for busy moms recharge and renew on the cheap

1 Music transports us, so download new

12 Read a book you have put off.

13 Sit on a park bench, close your eyes and

23 Write a love letter.

24 Buy new crayons and draw your kids a

14 Create! Write a poem or song, compose

25 Plant a tree, herb garden or flower

4 Cook a new recipe you have never

15 Take a long hot bath with candles lit

5 Indulge yourself and take a nap.

6 Write your bucket list down. Write it

16 Browse a travel magazine or book about

26 Go window shopping for yourself.

27 Exercise in a new way. Take a swim or

music.

2 Buy flowers just for you, just because.

3 Go to a day spa for a massage, manicure, pedicure and skin or hair treatment. cooked before. Invite a friend.

down. You are more likely to actually do it.

7 Jot down a list of things you would do

just listen.

and take a photo or paint a canvas. instead of electric lighting.

a place you would like to visit one day.

17 Buy a magazine you enjoy and sit down to read it with your favorite beverage.

8 Drive through a nice neighborhood you

18 Write a gratitude list.

19 Take a walk around one of your favorite

9 Enjoy some silence. Our lives can be so

20 Call a friend from another town. Chat

with a million dollars.

fantasize about living in.

noisy. Breathe deeply. Do some yoga.

10 Listen to the ocean or a babbling brook.

11 Volunteer at your charity of choice for an afternoon of a fresh perspective.

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spots in town.

about everything and anything just because.

21 Go to a grownup movie all by yourself.

22 Enjoy a rainstorm. Play in a puddle.

picture. garden.

try a Pilates class or DVD.

28 Visit a museum. Take time to consider each exhibit.

29 If you are an animal lover, visit the zoo.

30 Babysit for another mom so she can

have a staycation.You will leave grateful for your own kid chaos.

Laura Reagan is an author, freelance writer and staycation mom. She can be reached for more self-care tips through her website, Heart2HeartParents.com.

br i

b k ac

g n

d e om r o b

Take a deep breath, clear your mind and rejoice in the simplicity of boredom.

B

y this time, summer is in full swing, and I’ll bet you’ve heard the infamous “Moooooom, I’m bored” whine more than once. Am I right?! While this phrase often can feel like fingernails on a chalkboard, some good actually comes from allowing children to experience boredom.

Quite simply, children need to be bored.

They need time to be independent and imaginative, develop, create and sort out their environments, and learn how to handle emotions. Being bored enables children to do just that. This empty time is so extremely beneficial to children that parents should be willing to schedule it each day, if they have to. Ashley Walburn, a marriage and family therapist and owner of hOMe Holistic confirms this, saying, “When our children are continually stimulated with activities, technologies, organized play dates, etc., they are only being stimulated from external stimuli. They lose the ability to have creative thoughts, independent ideas, to make up songs and games and know themselves more fully. When they are bored, they move toward daydreams, memories and

find themselves and grow into interesting children and adults who can contribute more fully to the world because they have a greater awareness of it and a deeper understanding of their true selves.”

Recently, I read a quote stating, “It’s not your job to entertain your child every waking moment. And it’s not your job to protect them from boredom.” So what should parents do when their children come whining and complaining about being bored?! Navigating the boredom blues is not easy, but a little practice can help.

If your children are used to being scheduled and not having unstructured time, sitting comfortably in the boredom might prove to be quite challenging. If this is the case, start slowly and allow your children a small amount of boredom time.

Maybe it’s only 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their ages and what you think they can handle. Gradually work your way up to longer amounts of time. Remember though, the time doesn’t have to be a solid hourlong chunk. Rather, you could spread out time in smaller increments throughout your regularly scheduled day. When left to their

own devices, children will naturally invent things…which is exactly what we want them to do!

While there is no one “right” way to handle the boredom blues, a few local moms share their thoughts: “Boredom for kids is a good thing overall. Children don’t need to be entertained constantly. At home we monitor screen time and make sure there are plenty of physical, creative, educational and imaginative based play activities they can engage in…and are pointed to if ‘I’m bored’ comes out of their mouths!” shares Jamie, an Olathe mom of three.

Whitney, an Olathe mom of two, says, “Kids nowadays like to have everything entertain them (iPad, TV, phone, Mommy, etc.). But in reality, we may be hurting our kids. We are not allowing them to be creative and use their imaginations. When was the last time you let them play outside WITHOUT toys? Did they find a stick and bugs? Climb a tree? Being bored is a perception. If we never allow our kids to use their brains and always entertain them, then of course they will be bored.”

So wrap your mind around bringing boredom back to your house and enjoy the rest of what summer has to offer! As local psychologist Tracy Daniel says, “Take a deep breath, clear your mind and rejoice in the simplicity of boredom.”

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park, where her children are still small enough they don’t use the word “bored” yet—but she hopes she’s prepared for the day they do!

What do you do when your children come to you with an “I’m bored” whine?

• Tell them to go outside (and then lock the door behind them).

• Whine back that you’re bored too.

• Hand them your iPad or phone.

• Give them chores.

• Smile and say, “I’m sure you’ll find something to do!”

kcparent.com july 2016

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summer F fun gI uide

go BIG or go home: experiences for a signature summer in Kansas City

S

ummer is a season of dream fulfillment...going all out for unforgettable

memories and exceptional experiences. This summer, go big right in your own backyard!

the world’s tallest and fastest waterslide ride or drive a race car at kansas speedway The Richard Petty Driving Experience (800.237.3889) at Kansas Speedway (KansasSpeedway.com) allows fans to take a ride or get behind the wheel of a 600-hp NASCAR race car. Experience the Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval track at speeds of up to 155 mph. Driving experiences are offered for adults only. The ride-along experience is offered for guests ages 14 and older, and children ages 6-13 (and at least 48 inches tall) may participate in the junior ride-along experience. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of riding shotgun in a race car driven around the track by a professional instructor!

st #KCParentConte Follow KC Parent on Facebook for details on how to win

BIG!

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kcparent.com july 2016

The world record-breaking Verrückt resides at Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Schlitterbahn.com/Kansas-City) in Kansas City, KS, and has gained international attention as the world’s tallest and fastest waterslide. Adventure seekers strap into a four-person raft to slide down a jaw-dropping 168-foot, 7-inch structure, only to be blasted back up a second massive hill and then sent down yet another gut-wrenching 50-foot drop for the ultimate in waterslide thrills. Verrückt isn’t the only attraction at this park, where families have a blast. Parking is free, picnics are welcome and adventures are endless. Ride through an interconnected river system that takes guests through more than a mile of rapids, currents and tidal waves. Enjoy waterslides and a water coaster and ride the waves on the surf ride. For little ones, the kids splash area offers 13 mini-slides.

mega art The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (NelsonAtkins.org), the largest art gallery west of the Mississippi, truly encapsulates the biggest collection of the best of Kansas City—literally and figuratively. Gracing the lawn of the galleries, the Shuttlecocks (more than 17 feet tall and weighing more than 5,000 pounds), are perhaps the most recognized outdoor sculptures in the Midwest.

Most of us are familiar with the Shuttlecocks on the lawn of the Nelson, but how many of us know why shuttlecocks? The artists imagined the museum as a net with a large game taking place on the lawn. The feathers and shapes reminded them of teepees and the Native Americans who first lived here.

seven world-class roller coasters Kansas City’s own Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com) are two theme parks enjoyed for the price of one ticket. Worlds of Fun is a roller coaster enthusiast’s dream park! It’s home to seven world-class roller coasters, including one of the tallest, longest and fastest roller coasters in the world, the Mamba, with a first drop of 205 feet! The Patriot is a giant inverted coaster that carries the daring through four inversions at a top speed of 65 mph.

The extremely daring can pay an extra fee to experience the Ripcord, a sky coaster attraction that sends riders in a free-fall pendulum motion from 180 feet in the air at speeds of up to 80 mph. At Oceans of Fun, enjoy a huge water park with waterslides, rapids, an 800-foot rapids river and a wave pool. This year at Worlds of Fun, families enjoy the addition of five new rides in Planet Snoopy, all introducing the youngest theme park visitors to new and exciting thrills.

big stuff At Powell Gardens through Oct. 3 (PowellGardens.org/JurassicGarden) experience Jurassic Gardens: A Prehistoric Adventure. Visitors explore the gardens and discover plants and animals of the prehistoric world through an exhibit created by Missouri’s own Guy Darrough. Dinosaur replicas will be found throughout the gardens, and interactive activities, including a new life-size dinosaur dig, create an adventure you won’t want to miss. Tip: Plan to attend Booms & Blooms, July 2, with dazzling daylilies, patriotic music, good eats and sizzling fireworks over a dark country sky! And don’t miss the Festival of Butterflies, Aug. 5-7 and 12-14.

a big collection of little stuff The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org) underwent a tremendous makeover last year. The museum retains the magic and whimsy we’ve loved for years. The first impression is incredible: a giant rotating spiral of toys backlit and greeting visitors who delight in finding their own favorites and discovering new ones on the animated real-life collage. The dollhouse displays are beautifully lit and presented, and the Coleman dollhouse, in a new home, will still open every December, maintaining a special holiday tradition. New and improved exhibits throughout include a Grandma’s Attic display showcasing toys and presenting their individual stories as treasures to be discovered. Visitors will enjoy interactive exhibits, learning more about the process of creating and making both miniatures and toys. And the joy of discovering favorites from each family generation’s childhood remains intact.

giant underwater tunnel Meet sea animals face to face at Sea Life Aquarium (VisitSeaLife.com), a favorite local attraction taking guests under the sea on a 2- to 3-hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River, into the mighty Mississippi River, then out into the warm, blue, coral-strewn waters of the Caribbean Sea, ending in the deep, dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Come nose to nose with sharks and enjoy astonishingly close views of everything from starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. A favorite is the tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel.

super-sized sewing In the 1930s, Kansas City’s garment district was known as the “Paris of the Plains.” It was home to many of the nation’s leading clothing manufacturers and was second only to New York City. Now, that history is preserved at the Historic Garment District Museum (801 Broadway, Kansas City, MO, 816.474.2112, KCMO.gov/ kansascitymuseum/visit/historic-garmentdistrict-museum/). The museum is free and open to the public on Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00 (and Wed.-Fri. by appointment), with exhibits featuring more than 300 Kansas City-made garments and accessories.

Across the street, at 404 8th St., a 22-foot needle and thread pay homage to Kansas City’s history in the fashion industry.

Kristina Light lives in Kansas City with her family. kcparent.com july 2016

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CRAFTCORNER

watercolor pillowcases

mmer u s F fun

If you are searching for an activity to battle boredom, create some beautiful watercolor pillowcases with just a handful of materials. This would be a great project to do with a group of kids at a birthday party or just at home on a rainy day. Each pillowcase will turn out different, and kids will love being surprised at how their creations look in the end!

Materials Needed: Rubbing alcohol | Sharpies | White pillowcases | Spray bottle

Step One: The first step is to color the pillowcase with the Sharpies.

Insert a piece of cardboard or paper bag inside the pillowcase to protect the backside. The heavier and more saturated the Sharpie application, the better it will bleed later to create the watercolor effect. You definitely can leave some areas white as well.

Step Two: Now you are ready to begin applying the rubbing alcohol. Fill a spray bottle with alcohol and saturate the pillowcase.

Make sure to do this in a well ventilated area or outdoors! As the pillowcase sits, the colors will continue to bleed.

Step Three: After the pillowcase is dry, you may want to add another application of alcohol to continue the bleeding process.

You also can try pouring it directly on the case in a bowl or pouring alcohol on specific sections where you want more bleeding to occur.

Step Four: Once the pillowcase is fully dry, set it with a hot iron for five minutes or throw it in the dryer for 20 minutes. This will set the Sharpie and allow you to wash it without fading.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

gI uide

july

festivals & fairs

in kansas city

T

hese are some of our favorite festivals in July in Kansas City.

For a complete Summer Festival Guide, visit KCParent.com

Flags for Freedom July 2-9, Merriam Marketplace, Merriam.org. Organizers place more than 1,200 U.S. flags at the Merriam Marketplace, Irene B. French Community Center and along Merriam and Johnson drives.

Flags for Freedom, Merriam, KS

Booms and Blooms July 2, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org.

Enjoy dazzling daylilies, patriotic music, good eats and sizzling fireworks over a dark country sky!

For great summer concerts all over KC, log onto KC Parent.com

Parkville Fourth of July Festival July 4, English Landing Park, ParkvilleMO.org. This traditional salute to Independence Day includes pancakes for breakfast, a community parade, carnival rides, lots of food, fun, games, shopping, music and, of course, our fabulous fireworks finale.

Village Fest July 4, 77th & Mission, Prairie Village, KS, PVKansas.com. The festivities will begin at 7:30 with a pancake breakfast ($5/plate) supplied by Chris Cakes.

Other activities throughout the day will include rock climbing wall, RockN-Roller, trackless train and Tubs of Fun, Headstrong for Jake bike rodeo, spirit award ceremony and children’s parade—bring your bikes, trikes, wagons and roller skates!

Sprint Family Fun Days July 9, KC Power & Light District, PowerAndLightDistrict.com. This month’s theme is “Bubbles & Beach Balls.” Be a part of all the fun on social media by connecting with us using #FamilyFunKC! Admission to the event is free. Fees apply for premium activities.

Kansas City’s Big Picnic July 17 on the lawn of the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, NelsonAtkins.org. Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month as KC Parks partners with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to host the biggest picnic the region has ever seen! Pack your own picnic or grab dinner from an on-site food truck!

Powell Gardens Booms and Blooms

Live at the Legends at Legends Outlets, Kansas City, KS kcparent.com july 2016

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july

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

CALENDAR

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

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Kansas City’s Big Picnic at Nelson-Atkins

celebrate

listen

explore

enjoy

learn

Spend the holiday weekend with the animals at the zoo for Red, White & Zoo July 2- 4.

Active and retired military receive free admission to the zoo!

KansasCityZoo.org

Every Saturday in July, head to Legends Outlets Kansas City for Live at the Legends. Enjoy free summer concerts featuring great local acts!

LegendsShopping.com

Visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the Little Adventures program. Guided tours and hands-on workshop.

816.235.8000

Take the family to the Nelson-Atkins on July 17 for Kansas City’s Big Picnic at 4:00. A fun-filled evening with food trucks, live music, art activities, lawn games and more!

Nelson-Atkins.org

Register for evening VBS at Colonial Presbyterian Church July 25-29. With the theme Cave Quest kids will learn to follow Jesus, the light of the world.

VBS.ColonialKC.org

1 Friday Celebrate America Thru Monday, Worlds of Fun. Celebrate Independence Day at Worlds and Oceans of Fun. Fireworks at 10:00.

WorldsOfFun.com The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free.

CrownCenter.com Show ’n Shine Truck & Car Show 10:00, Ag Hall of Fame. Top 60, living history demonstrations and train rides. Fun for all ages! AgHallOfFame.com Create with Lego Bricks 2:00, MCPL (North Oak). Learn, build and play with Lego. Themes include space, construction and amusement parks. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! 816.331.6630 Kansas City T-Bones 7:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on St Paul. Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events.

TBonesBaseball.com

2 Saturday Booms & Blooms Festival 9:00, Powell Gardens. Visit the gardens, enjoy children’s activities and, in the evening, music and fireworks. $5-$12. PowellGardens.org First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with skits, skirmishes and demonstrations. 816.792.2655

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

Red, White & Zoo Thru July 4, Kansas City Zoo. Active and retired military receive free admission to the zoo. Spend the holiday with the animals! KansasCityZoo.org

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars! Tonight features the music of the Rippers, music from the ’60s. Gladstone.Mo.Us

Urban Slide Today & tomorrow, Downtown Topeka. A massive waterslide for all to enjoy. Lots of food and entertainment!

VisitTopeka.com

Open Hangar Day, 10:00-3:00, Commemorative Air Force Hangar (New Century Air Center, Olathe). Tour the museum, free jeep rides, kids activities and more!

913.461.6777 Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000 Missouri’s Fantastic Fish 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Dive into the wet and wild world of fish, from the giant blue catfish to the tiny pygmy sunfish! 816.228.3766 Live at the Legends 5:00, Legends Outlets.

Enjoy live music from rock band Fast Times, playing ’80s rock from the decade of good times. LegendsShopping.com

3 Sunday Flags 4 Freedom Thru July 9, Merriam Marketplace. More than 3,000 flags fly to honor our veterans and active military. Free.

913.384.5340

kcparent.com july 2016

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Time Travelers Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, Shawnee Town 1929. Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. ShawneeTown.org

Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org

Lenexa Community Days Parade 10:00, Old Town Lenexa. Gather along the parade route and watch floats, bands, antique cars and more. Free.

913.477.7100

4th of July in Weston Today & tomorrow, Downtown Weston. Concert, ice cream social, parade, games, music and more!

WestonMO.com

Science City Open 10:00, Science City.

Open for the holiday; spend a few hours or the entire day! ScienceCity.com

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free live musical entertainment.

816.228.0137

Meet President Truman 10:30, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Mr Truman, as portrayed by reenactor Niel Johnson, will be on hand.

TrumanLibrary.org

4 Monday Independence Day

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! Open today for the holiday! $3-$5. KC360Gym.com

Independence Day 9:00, Deanna Rose Farmstead. Children bring decorated bikes and ride in the parade. Enjoy old-fashioned games and activities. DRFarmstead.org

Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival Noon, Lake Shawnee (Topeka). Music starts at noon and continues until dark. A spectacular show then lights up the sky. Topeka365.com

4th of July Fireworks 3:00, Celebration Park (Gardner). This year’s celebration includes live music, bounce houses and food vendors.

GardnerKansas.gov KC Riverfest 4:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. The premier Independence Day celebration in the region along the beautiful Missouri riverfront.

KCRiverfest.com Liberty 4th Fest 5:00, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex (Liberty). Celebrate the United States with food, live music, fireworks and more!

Liberty4thFest.com

and appreciate animals, nature and the outdoors, but one of the highlights is the dairy barn. The 5,000-square-foot dairy barn is home to calves of the major dairy breeds and Holstein and Jersey/ Holstein cows. The dairy barn is also home to Rosie, the life-size milking cow model children can milk by hand. Other interactive exhibits help children learn more about dairy.

C

cows ac ross kc

ows are a rich part of Kansas City’s heritage. Kansas City’s own American Royal hosts the “world’s largest barbecue contest,” one of the Midwest’s largest livestock exhibitions and a number of rodeos, horse shows and saddlebred competitions. This annual event is such a part of Kansas City’s roots, it even inspired the name for the Kansas City Royals baseball team.

American Royal Museum

American Royal Museum (1701 American Royal Ct., Kansas City, MO, 816.221.9800, AmericanRoyalBBQ.com)

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Shatto Milk Company

Learn more about the role of agriculture in Kansas City’s history. Kids compare their weight to feeder steers, chickens and hogs and learn about the history of the American Royal.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (13800 Switzer, Overland Park, KS, 913.897.2360, OPKansas.org). Admission: $2/person (under age 2 free) on Fri.-Sun. and holidays, 9:00-5:00, and on Mon.-Thu., 9:00-2:00. Free admission Mon.-Thu., 2:00-close.

The farmstead features many wonderful attractions to help children learn about

Shatto Milk Company

Shatto Milk Company (9406 N. Hwy 33, Osborn, MO, 816.930.3862, ShattoMilk. com). Explore a working dairy farm and milk bottling company offering tours to groups of any size. Call 816.930.3862 to schedule a tour or attend a special event.

The Shatto family has farmed their land for more than 120 years, 70 of those as a dairy farm, with the milk bottling company opening in 2003. One thing that sets Shatto apart is that their cows are not treated with growth hormones.

From start to finish, you’ll witness where milk comes from on a Shatto tour.

Children delight in petting calves, milking cows and meeting the famously happy herd. Watch through a window as milk is processed and bottled, and end your tour sampling delightful flavors!

Big Bang 6:00, Longview Lake Shelter #13. Sweeping water views, live musical entertainment, sky divers, food and beverage concessions and fireworks. 816.503.4800

Selfie Made Summer Kansas City, KS. Snap and share a photo and enter to win a swag bag!

Head to the Legends and pose with Ameila Earhart. Details at VisitKansasCityKS.com.

Red, White & Blue Springs 6:30, Blue Springs High School. Enjoy a live music show and then stay for a fireworks display.

BlueSpringsGov.com

6 Wednesday

5 Tuesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Madagascar: A Musical Adventure 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org

Storybook Club 9:30, Roeland Park Community Center. Enjoy stories, songs, arts & crafts, toy time and a morning snack! $3/child.

913.826.3160

Children’s Corner 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Bring your child for a fun, free morning with Janie Next Door.

OPKansas.org

Summer Movie Clubhouse 10:00 & Noon, Cinemark (Merriam). Beat the heat and see the movie Home for only $1. Snacks available.

Cinemark.com

Swim Under the Deep Blue with Gilda the Goldfish 10:00, MCPL (Liberty). Join in the stories and songs of fish, whales and other sea life. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Hot Country Nights 7:00, Kansas City Live!

Block (KC Power & Light District). All ages show featuring Chris Janson; under 21 need parent or guardian. Free admission.

PowerAndLightDistrict.com

Day Out with Frank & Ella 10:00, Mahaffie.

Take part in a different history theme with lots of hands-on activities and crafts.

Mahaffie.org Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller.

Enjoy stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person. 913.764.7759

Ice Cream Train 7 pm

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co. 502 Walnut • Belton, Missouri 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org

Summer Art Series 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Create your own sculptural basket and experiment with basic basket making techniques. Ages 5-12. JoCoGov.org

Follow KC Parent on Facebook for

FREE

Hands-on Exhibit for Kids!

$12.00

Kids under Every Friday three FREE June – Aug

8 Friday

st #KCParentConte

Train Rides Regular Trains Depart Sat & Sun, 2 pm (May – Oct) Closed Sundays in July and Aug Sat, 11 am (June – Aug only)

Jurassic Garden Thru Oct, Powell Gardens. See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more!

PowellGardens.org

Big Truck Day 9:30-Noon, Spring Hill Ball Fields. A fun morning of checking out the biggest, baddest trucks out there! Free.

SpringHillRec.org

TRAIN RIDES

$10.00

7 Thursday

GREAT giveaways including tickets to Schlitterbahn, passes to Legoland, Topgolf gift cards and much, MUCH more!

Shawnee Mission Pkwy. & Lackman Rd. 6305 Lackman Road Shawnee, Kansas 66217

913-715-2550 www.jocogov.org/dept/museum

facebook.com/ KansasCityParent

Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time kcparent.com july 2016

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Little Adventures Wednesdays & Saturdays, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg.

913.661.2529

Summer Concert in the Park 7:00, Macken Park Festival Shelter. Great country music and fantastic food truck fare for sale from local food trucks. NKC.org

Teddy Bear Picnic 11:00, Kansas City Museum.

An afternoon of fun in the park with music, games, crafts and more! Free, but limited space; pre-reg at KCParks.org.

9 Saturday

Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12.

Free. KemperArt.org Music in the Park 6:30, Howard Station Park (Lee’s Summit). Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets and enjoy a free concert in the park.

DowntownLS.org Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park.

Are you the next Tiger Woods? Enjoy a fun-filled night of mini golf. For only $15 get a “pick 3” wristband. Paradise-Park.com

W! otion PEN! E N M O

e & NOW c r Fo ities tiv Ac

Antique & Craft Fair 10:00, BinghamWaggoner Estate. The 29th annual fair offers unique arts and crafts. 816.461.3491 Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Bring the family out to Sprint Family Fun Days for fun with bubbles and beach balls. PowerAndLightDistrict.com 1920s Music, Movement and Song 11:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Explore some fun kids music from the 1920s. Class fee $5. Pre-reg at ShawneeTown.org.

Children’s Garden Day 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum. Free children’s crafts, activities, recipes and demonstrations. Free.

816.423.4107

Ladybug Survey 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn how to identify our native ladybugs. Then join us on the trails.

816.228.3766 Celebrate Olathe Summer Fest 2:00, Stagecoach Park. Free live music, activities, food, face painting and more. OlatheKS.org Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturday afternoons. 816.331.0630

Kansas City’s Science Center

INTERNATIONAL

WINNER VISITOR EXPERIENCE

AWARD

at Union Station Huge New Exhibits & Open Year-Round • Fun, hands-on activities for the whole family • Educator-led workshops and demonstrations • New science-themed activities every month

Members Visit for FREE!

YES! We are open July 4!

Spend a few hours or an entire day at Kansas City’s Science Center!

ScienceCity.com 56

kcparent.com july 2016

Proud to be a

Smithsonian Affiliat Smithsonian Affiliate

Free ACT and SAT Practice Tests 2:30, the Tutoring Center. Take a real practice version of the ACT or SAT and receive a comprehensive test report. Pre-reg at 816.781.0000.

Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Live at the Legends 5:00, Legends Outlets.

Enjoy live music from rock band the Zeros, playing top 40 songs from the ’80s.

LegendsShopping.com Library Campout 6:30, Plaza Library. Learn archery for the Robyn Hood badge, face your stage fright with the Space Jamboree badge and more. KCLibrary.org Movie in the Park 8:00, Little Mill Creek North Park. Enjoy Rudy under the stars. Live music begins at 8:00 and movie at dusk. Lenexa.com

10 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open air setting.

816.842.1271 Sunday Funday 9:00, Topgolf. Don’t give up on the weekend just yet! Enjoy brunch and games at Topgolf. Topgolf.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

11 Monday Vacation Bible School 9:00, Mt Olive Lutheran Church. Explore Bible stories, sing bee-boppin’ tunes, make cool crafts, play games and more!

MtOliveWELS.com Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens—no coupon required. CoolCrest.com Out-of-Library Story Time 11:00, Mill Creek Activity Center. Together Jo Co Library and JCPRD present books, stories, songs and puppets. 913.826.2950 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax!

913.631.7000 kcparent.com july 2016

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Praise! VBS 6:30, Avondale Baptist Church.

Bible study, karaoke, missions, crafts, snacks, games and music videos! Register at AvondaleBC.org.

Wyandotte County Fair Thru July 16, Wyandotte County Fairgrounds. Enjoy carnival rides, food, games, entertainment and activities for all ages! WyCoFair.com

Teen Cinema 6:30, MCPL (North Oak). Join fellow movie lovers for some flicks! Want to know what’s showing? Give your branch a call!

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

13 Wednesday

12 Tuesday

Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old.

913.715.2550

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350

The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free.

CrownCenter.com

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free.

800.960.4778

Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

Fiesta Mexicana Thru July 16, Oakland Neighborhood (Topeka). Live music, amazing food, carnival and lots of special activities.

VisitTopeka.com

Disney’s Beauty & the Beast 8:00, Starlight Theatre. A classic musical love story filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and a dazzling production. KCStarlight.com

14 Thursday Madagascar: A Musical Adventure 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Plaza Live! 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com Family Fun Night 6:00, Mahaffie. A different theme each Thursday in July. Learn about soldiers during the Civil War. Stagecoach rides.

Mahaffie.org The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 7:30, Blue Springs Civic Center. This musical adventure is a tale of thrilling escapes and comedy for the whole family. 816.228.0137 Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theatre (Independence Square). Movie under the stars.

Concessions available. Tonight’s movie: Norm of the North. FreeMoonlightMovies.com

LITTLE ADVENTURES / Wednesdays and Saturdays / June 8 - August 10 Explore the museum collection through gallery talks and guided tours, then visit the hands-on workshop to make your Adventure awaits!

own toy or miniature. From paper dolls to ships, each week features a new theme. Included with museum admission.

Become a member today to enjoy all ten weeks for free!

A collection that speaks for itself.

OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

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5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG

15 Friday Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. The all new Nexo Knights 4D is now open! See pg 13 for a coupon.

LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com Preschool Playtimes 10:30, NKC Parks and Recreation. Come dressed as a super hero to save the world. Make hero tools and have a snack. Pre-reg at NKC.org.

Bubble Fiesta! 11:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Giant bubbles, square bubbles and ghost bubbles. Discover the amazing world of bubbles!

KansasDiscovery.org Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries, view live performances and meet artists in front of shops. EnglewoodStation.com

Shop the consignment sales event where you and your friends can save BIG on everything you need to raise confident, stylish, good-looking kids!

Shawnee: July 20-23 “...THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!”

MATT LAUER, TODAY SHOW H Check out these upcoming sales H OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Lee’s Summit: August 26-28 The Pavilion at John Knox Village Fri & Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 10am-7pm Half Price Sale!

Amelia Earhart Festival Today & tomorrow, Atchison, KS. A downtown music, food and crafts fair, carnival and more.

AtchisonKansas.net 39th Street Art Walk 6:00, 39th Street District.

Every third Friday the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local painters, musicians and more! 39thStreetWest.com

Overland Park Convention Center

Wed & Thur 9am-8pm | Fri 9am-10pm Sat 9am-5pm Half Price Sale!

Overland Park: Sept 1-4 Overland Park Convention Center

You can sign up to sell your items, too! Details online!

Thur & Fri 9am-8pm | Sat 9am-10pm Sun 9am-5pm Half Price Sale!

FREE ADMISSION FOR 1 WITH THIS AD! Show this ad to get in FREE. Free admission does not include PRIMETIME shopping.

Rockin’ Party in YOUR Park 6:30, Quail Creek Park. Food, games, a bounce house and fun music from area bands. 913.322.5550

17 4525 Oak Street

Music in the Park 7:00, Santa Fe Park. See the Ernest James Zydeco band with the Cajun Cabin Food Truck serving dinner starting at 6:00. OPKansas.org Animal Outhouse 7:00, Ernie Miller. Meet live animals and discover how their nesting and shelters affect their pooping habits. $3.

913.764.7759 Summer Concert 7:00, Frontier Park (Olathe).

Free music presented by Olathe parks and rec.

Tonight enjoy the music of Sam Bush. Olathe.

KS/ParksRec Movie in the Park 7:00, Webb Park (Oak Grove).

Bring your blankets and chairs and settle in for a night under the stars. CityOfOakGrove.com Inside Out Movie Night 8:00, Grace Christian Fellowship Church. Explore your emotions with Riley as we watch her life get turned upside down. GCFC.net Sand Cinema 9:00, Longview Lake Beach.

Family fun at its best! Load the kids in the car and head to the movies on the big screen.

Concessions available. $5/car. 816.503.4800

nelson-atkins.org/events Bring your own picnic or purchase local food truck fare and enjoy an afternoon of FREE activities and entertainment.

Kansas City Parks and Recreation

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16 Saturday Wildly Fun 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Special keeper chats, face painting and live music.

Watch animals enjoy icy treats throughout the day. KansasCityZoo.org Sidewalk Sale 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Take advantage of these great summer savings and see all that the merchants have to offer!

DowntownLS.org

Dive-in Movie 8:45, Roeland Park Aquatic Center. Spend some time with the family in the water watching Minions. Pre-reg at 913.432.1377.

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Heritage Park. The park will be open for fishing only, and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

17 Sunday

Kids, Water, Bugs, Fish 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn all about the bugs in our streams, the fish that eat them and water supplies. LakesideNatureCenter.org

Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org

Space Out Saturdays 10:00, Cosmosphere.

Family day at the Cosmosphere. Free, kid-friendly fun and educational activities. Cosmo.org

Kansas City’s BIG Picnic 4:00, Nelson-Atkins (South Lawn). A fun-filled evening with food trucks, live music, art activities, lawn games, giant puppets and more. Nelson-Atkins.org

Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Expo Today & tomorrow, KCI Expo Center. Exciting, educational, family oriented fun for everyone!

Repticon.com

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

816.228.0137

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784

18 Monday

Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com

Selfie Made Summer Kansas City, KS. Snap and share a photo and enter to win a swag bag!

Take a selfie with Wiley at Great Wolf Lodge.

Details at VisitKansasCityKS.com.

When Dinosaurs Roamed 2:00, Powell Gardens. Join Dr Patty Ryberg as she describes the trees, plants and flowers that grew long ago. 816.697.2600 Live at the Legends 5:00, Legends Outlets Civic Courtyard Fountain. Free summer concert series featuring great local acts!

LegendsShopping.com Wine Walk on Delaware 5:00, Delaware Street (River Market). Date night! Wine tasting hosted by a mix of Delaware Street establishments. $15. WineWalkOnDelaware.com Kids Night Out 5:00, North Kansas City YMCA. Children ages 3-12 will enjoy a night of fun while parents enjoy the evening out on the town. KansasCityYMCA.org Family Lock-In 7:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

After-hours access to the basketball courts and turf field, a bounce house, games and activities.

BlueSpringsGov.com Public Stargazing 7:30, Powell Observatory.

An educational talk on astronomy, a tour of the night sky and viewing through the telescopes, weather permitting. ASKC.org

Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Out-of-Library Story Time 11:00, Mill Creek Activity Center. Together Jo Co Library and JCPRD present books, stories, songs and puppets. 913.826.2950 Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! $3-$5. KC360Gym.com

19 Tuesday Civil War Field Day Camp 9:00-5:00, John Wornall House Museum. Learn from reenactors, participate in games, hear stories and create crafts. $50. WornallMajors.org Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park Shelter (Oak Grove). Little ones enjoy fun playtime, a snack and story time. Must pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com.

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 Disney’s Beauty & the Beast 8:00, Starlight Theatre. A classic musical love story filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and a dazzling production. KCStarlight.com

20 Wednesday Christmas in July at the Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Santa will be at the Farmers Market in his summer outfit taking pictures. DowntownLS.org JBF Consignment Sale Thru July 23, Overland Park Convention Center. Shop for clothing, toys, gear and more! Save big! JBFSale.com Storyteller Jo Ho 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Let’s take a visit to the farmers market! Sit a spell with Mrs Greenbeans. $2.

913.715.2575 Day Out with Frank & Ella 10:00, Mahaffie.

Take part in a different history theme with lots of hands-on activities and crafts. Mahaffie.org Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller.

Enjoy stories, songs and a visit from a special animal friend. $2/person. 913.764.7759

21 Thursday Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575 Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories. 816.325.7115 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Plaza Live! 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Date night! Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent.

Nelson-Atkins.org

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Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Thru Aug. 7, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org

Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theatre (Independence Square). Movie under the stars.

Concessions available. Tonight’s movie: Frozen.

FreeMoonlightMovies.com

22 Friday Fall Kick Off Sale Today & tomorrow, Children’s Orchard (Olathe). Store filled with fall items.

Save 20% on all regular price resale clothing.

ChildrensOrchard.com Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg.

913.661.2529 WeekEnder 5:00, Crown Center Square. Cap off your week with live music, food trucks and a flick under the stars. Tonight’s movie is The Avengers. 816.274.8444 Fourth Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. A variety of activities including art receptions and music in Howard Station Park.

DowntownLS.org

Music Under the Stars & Bike Parade 6:00, Roeland Park Community Center.

Pianists play on a piano in the courtyard.

Bring bikes to decorate for parade.

913.826.3160 Dino-Night! 7:00, Powell Gardens. Take a self-guided tour of the dinosaurs and enjoy a s’more along the way. Pre-reg at 816.697.2600 x209.

Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! 816.331.6630 Movie in the Park 8:30, Macken Park Festival Shelter. Enjoy a night under the stars watching Tomorrowland. Concessions available. NKC.org

23 Saturday Summer Swing 10:00, Historic Alexander Majors Barn & Grounds. Craft vendors, food trucks, live music, photo booth, kids crafts and more! StrawberrySwing.com

Dragonfly Hunt 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Use special nets to find and capture dragonflies in different life cycle phases. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Fun in the Sun KidsFest 11:00, Linden Square.

A day of entertainment, live music and lots of games and activities for the entire family.

Gladstone.Mo.Us Ice Cream Social 2:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Lots of family fun at this old-fashioned ice cream social. ShawneeTown.org

Lollipops

Lollipop lollipop, Oh lolli lolli lolli, Lollipop! July 20 is National Lollipop Day! Treat your sweet tooth to yummy goodness.

It’Sugar, Country Club Plaza: 445 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.931.4996, ItSugar.com This penultimate candy store located on the Country Club Plaza is ready to satisfy all your sugar cravings with a huge selection of especially huge candy! In addition to all the classics, It’Sugar is known for their giant selection of giant sized candy, including the world’s largest solid Chupa Chups lollipop, a 1.75-pound solid strawberry sucker—sold exclusively at It’Sugar.

Chip’s Candy Factory, Crown Center, Level 1, 2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.283.8225, ChipsCandyFactory.com.

Chip’s is a local landmark selling a variety of novelty treats. They sell a 5-inch colorful psychedelic sucker, a favorite for generations. For something really unique, you also can purchase suckers with scorpions and insects inside! Either way, Chip’s promises unforgettable sweet treats.

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Homemade Jolly Rancher Lollipops Ingredients/Materials Hard Jolly Ranchers Lollipop or Popsicle sticks Preheat oven to 275° F. Line cookie sheet with a piece of aluminum foil.

Unwrap and place Jolly Ranchers together in groups of two to five.

Leave enough space in between groups that they won’t melt together and so that you have room to place a stick in them as they soften. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the Jolly Ranchers start to melt slightly together, approximately five minutes. Then, have an adult remove from the oven and quickly twist the sticks into the melted Jolly Ranchers before the candies harden.

Miami County Fair Thru July 30, Paola. Youth rodeo, carnival, races, parade, bike derby, horse show, pancake breakfast, concerts and more. MiamiCountyKansasFair.com

Train Rides Noon, KC Northern Railroad.

Fun for the entire family! Ride a park train from the ’50s and ’60s. Fare is $.75/ ride. KCNRR.com

Cave Quest Thru July 29, Colonial Presbyterian Church. Evening VBS for kids where they learn to follow Jesus, the light of the world.

VBS.ColonialKC.org

Live at the Legends 5:00, Legends Outlets Civic Courtyard Fountain. Free summer concert series featuring great local acts!

LegendsShopping.com

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure 2:00, the Coterie Theatre. Watch the journey from New York’s Central Park Zoo to the beaches of Madagascar. TheCoterie.org

26 Tuesday

Kansas City T-Bones 7:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Winnipeg.

Affordable family entertainment and unique, fun events. TBonesBaseball.com

25 Monday

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. The park will be open for fishing only and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

24 Sunday Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 23, Union Station. A world-class exhibition revealing the human body’s transformation through time. UnionStation.org art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

The Adventures of Mr Potato Head 10:00, Crown Center. The exhibit features Mr Potato Head, the much-loved silly character. Free.

CrownCenter.com Token Mondays 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $15 you can enjoy 100 tokens—no coupon required. CoolCrest.com Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $6 plus tax! 913.631.7000 Douglas County Fair Thru July 31, Lawrence.

Petting zoo, concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more! DGCountyFair.com

Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2.

913.895.6350 Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park. A special time for those 5 and under to enjoy access to the playground and trampoline attractions. $10/child, parents free.

800.960.4778 Double Play with Jay and Leslie Cady 10:30, MCPL (Liberty Branch). Join Jay and Leslie as they play a mime baseball game. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

27 Wednesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000

Dinosaurs have invaded Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical gardenTM!

7/31/16

May 21-October 3, 2016 Discover lifelike dinosaurs large and small and the plants of our distant past.

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas 913.971.5111

Activities vary by season Wild West Days September 24 & 25 Visit www.mahaffie.org

816.697.2600 powellgardens.org/JurassicGarden kcparent.com july 2016

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Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Gallery talks, guided tours and a hands-on workshop. Different themes each week. 816.235.8000

Open Gym Noon & 4:00, 360 Gymnastics.

A great opportunity for kids to run, play, explore and burn off energy! $3-$5.

KC360Gym.com

What’s for Dinner? 3:30, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

Richard Petty Driving Experience Thru Sunday, Kansas Speedway. Get behind the wheel of a 600 hp NASCAR race car or take a ride at 155 mph. 1.800.237.3889

28 Thursday

Mid-Summer’s Night Cache 6:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Modern day scavenger hunt for families. Enjoy grilled hot dogs and s’mores after. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Summer Kids Series 10:00 & 12:30, B & B Theaters. Family-friendly films only $3/person.

Today’s film is Goosebumps. BBTheaters.com Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com Plaza Live! 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com

29 Friday Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. The all new Nexo Knights 4D is now open! See pg 13 for a coupon.

LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

130.34371 2016 July KC Parent Ad.indd july 2016 64

kcparent.com

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Willy Wonka Jr 7:00, KCYA. A musical that is scrumdidilyumptious, guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. $5. KCYA.org

30 Saturday Georgia’s Chicken Run 7:30, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Lace up those shoes, because it’s time for Georgia’s Annual Chicken Fun Run/Walk. OPKansas.org Koala Birthday Party Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Join in on the celebration as the koalas turn 3! KansasCityZoo.org

Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Public Stargazing 7:30, Powell Observatory.

An educational talk on astronomy, a tour of the night sky and viewing through the telescopes, weather permitting. ASKC.org

31 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open-air setting.

816.842.1271 Sunday Funday 9:00, Topgolf. Don’t give up on the weekend just yet! Enjoy brunch and games at Topgolf. Topgolf.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Jurassic Garden Thru Oct, Powell Gardens.

See accurate dinosaur replicas lurking in natural settings, participate in a dino dig and more! PowellGardens.org

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#4Back2Cool The one place to get everything you need for back to school is the same place you’ll find everything back to cool.

Shop and save up to 65% off everyday prices at more than 75 stores including American Eagle Outfitters, Carter’s, Nike Factory and Old Navy Outlet. Then, take a tasty break at one of 30-plus restaurants or food specialty stores and stay to play as a bonus. Come make a day of it at Legends Outlets!

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo

July 2, 3 & 4 Red, White & Zoo July 9 & 10 Zootastik Learning Fest— Marsupials July 16 FOTZ Family Breakfast July 16 & 17 Wildly Fun Weekend July 23 & 24 Species Spotlight—Apes July 23 & 24 Penguin March July 30 & 31 Dog Days of Summer July 30 & 31 Koala Birthday Party for Coedie and Burra

Always a New Adventure!

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

Koala Flats NOW OPEN!

kansascityzoo.org

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.