KC Parent Magazine October 2020

FREE | October 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

BE A

PARTY PLANNER PRO

FALL

FUN GUIDE

WITH OUR

PUMPKIN PATCHES

PARTY GUIDE!

SCAVENGER HUNT

BIRTHDAY

create

A FAMILY FIRE SAFETY PLAN

SPOOKY TREATS

POOR GRADES? TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD

MOM & SON DATE NIGHT IDEAS

Seeing your doctor is safe.

Avoiding care and checkups isn’t.

Michael McGinnis, MD Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Olathe Health is here to help.

Protecting your family’s health right now includes seeing the doctor when you need to. Our clinics are following strict safety protocols to keep you safe.

We’ll help you stay on track:

IMMUNIZATIONS WELL CHECKS AND PHYSICALS

CARE FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS ILLNESS AND INJURY

Make an appointment today.

If you need a doctor, call

913-791-4396

olathehealth.org

A Private Club Experience that the whole family can enjoy

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Located on 200 acres in the heart of Overland Park at 435 & Antioch.

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Award Winning Junior Golf Program and Family Golf Activities.

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Indoor Golf Studio and Simulator – Practice in the off season.

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A true fitness center with a dedicated aerobic room offering 35 small-size group classes each week.

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Workout distancing with a spacious 10,000-square-foot fitness center.

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Fully equipped free weight area.

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Focused on cleanliness – enhanced procedures and selfcleaning stations throughout the fitness center.

Experience Social Distancing at Brookridge Golf & Fitness this fall.

We would love to show you around the club!

Please contact Kamerin for more information or to schedule a tour at kamerin.ellis@brookridgegf.com or (913) 948-8639

IS FALLING INTO PLACE! New product is arriving weekly at Family Tree Nursery. Shop amongst our vast selection of mums, pumpkins, annuals, perennials, houseplants, trees, shrubs, fall décor, and more.

WWW.FAMILYTREENURSERY.COM

WHEN FAMILIES NEED SUPPORT, LOVE WILL BE THERE.

Every growing family could use a little extra support. That’s why our Healthy Families at-home visits give parents community resources, essential supplies and the latest expert advice.

Learn more at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.

OCTOBER 2020

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Date Night 12 Dear Teachers 14 5 Things 15 Word from Dad

FALL FUN GUIDE, PG. 42-57

18 Ask the Experts 43 Tasty Treats 47 Craft Corner

SPECIAL SECTIONS 22 Party Guide

FEATURES

42 Fall Fun Guide 58 Calendar of Events

22

34

45

Party Guide

Bonding Time

Fall Fun

Tips for throwing an awesome birthday party.

Great ideas for a mom and son date night.

An October scavenger

Our cover features Boston from Olathe. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com

hunt for great family fun!

FREE | October 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER Party Guide Help for Poor Grades Mom & Son Date Night Ideas Fire Safety Plan Spooky Treats Scavenger Hunt Pumpkin Patches

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22 28 34 38 43 45 55

BE A

PARTY PLANNER PRO

FALL

FUN GUIDE

WITH OUR

PUMPKIN PATCHES

PARTY GUIDE!

SCAVENGER HUNT

BIRTHDAY

create

A FAMILY FIRE SAFETY PLAN

SPOOKY TREATS

POOR GRADES? TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD

MOM & SON DATE NIGHT IDEAS

Give the gift of confidence and creativity to your kids for a lifetime of success.

Conservatory of the Arts

DANCE

T H E AT R E

MUSIC

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Call today to enroll or to book a tour!

Classes for kids from 3-Adult in our 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility conveniently located adjacent to all your favorite retails stores.

119th & Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 913.393.3141

Kid Friendly. Family Values.

w w w. c u l t u r e h o u s e . c o m

EDITOR’SLETTER OCTOBER 2020

M

Happy fall, Kansas City!

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 Debbie Clark Debbie@KCParent.com Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Digital Media Intern Anna Hiestand Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Christian Barnes (Kansas City), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Emily Cline (Lenexa), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Emily Morrison (Independence), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | October 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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MOM & SON DATE NIGHT IDEAS

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y younger has a severe peanut allergy. We discovered this when she was 2, and it made Halloween and trick-or-treating a bit difficult. When she would go around the neighborhood, she would say, “Trick or treat! No peanuts, please.” For the most part, she was given treats without peanuts. There were times someone wouldn’t hear her, and she’d end up with a Snickers or Reese’s. After trickor-treating, she and her friends would trade candy so she could get rid of the peanut products. I have a friend who handled it a little differently. When her kids would get home from trick-or-treating, they could eat a few pieces of candy, but then they’d leave out the rest for the candy fairy. Overnight, the candy fairy would visit and take the candy and replace it with a toy. Whether you’re dealing with a food allergy or just too much candy, check out pg. 46 on ways to deal with all of those treats.

October brings not only fall fun, but also the season of grade cards and parent-teacher conferences. It’s a good time to check in on your child’s grades. If your child brings home a less-than-stellar grade card and is in need of some help, check out Christa Hines’ article, “Poor Report Card? Help for the Second Quarter,” for great tips and ideas on how to support your child’s academics.

In this issue you’ll find our quarterly party guide, and it’s perfect timing for the Sarver home, as my younger has an October birthday. My baby celebrates sweet 16 this month, and I can hardly believe this blueeyed beauty with a heart of gold has grown up this much! Wishing my Ally Pally the happiest of birthdays!

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TO SUPERHERO TEACHERS! DETAILS AT KCPARENT.COM

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, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

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SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS:

Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

1. Best of October 2. Spooky Crafts

3. Leaf Peeping in KC 4. Treats and Recipes

SPOTLIGHT

5. KC Going Places Guide

EXPLORE OUTDOORS Fall is a special time in the Midwest. Fnd the best of autumn at KCParent.com!

KC Parent’s

Mega Fun Pumpkin Patch Giveaway!

During the month of October, KC Parent is giving away

20+ FAMILY 4-PACKS to your favorite pumpkin patches!

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9

DATES WITH LETTER L

DATENIGHT

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kcparent.com october 2020

It’s time for a date! Grab your main squeeze and try out one of these great options you’ll “L”OVE. LUIGI’S If you like Italian food, head to the square in historic downtown Liberty and snag a table at Luigi’s. We have been here many times for dinner and have always loved it. Recently, though, we went for lunch on a Saturday and discovered, to our delight, that they have a great midday menu! Lunch is from 11:00 to 2:00 daily and features almost 20 different Italian entrees. It’s $10 for the entree, a side salad and rolls. And let me tell you, they have some of the best rolls anywhere! Quite different from what you will get at other Italian restaurants. They do take reservations, which may be advisable on the weekends. After your meal, take a stroll around the downtown area and grab some chocolates from Classy Chocolate or visit a boutique or the local tea shop.

LONNIE MCFADDEN If you are looking for a truly entertaining date night, be sure to check out Kansas City’s own Lonnie McFadden, jazz singer, trumpeter and tap dancer. Currently, he performs most Friday evenings at the Phoenix, as well as doing Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evening shows at other places around the KC area. We recently saw him at the Phoenix, and he put on a great show as always. McFadden covers a variety of classic tunes, all with a jazz spin. He is a great singer and a fantastic trumpet player and tap dancer. I mean how often do you get to see an accomplished jazz singer tap dance on the bar at your favorite neighborhood establishment? We thoroughly enjoyed watching that!

McFadden is high energy, exuberant and charismatic, and you always leave one of his shows with a smile on your face after all that feel-good music.

LAUGH One of the most important things in any healthy relationship is being able to laugh together. And what better way than to watch an hourlong Jim Gaffigan special on Netflix? He is by far my favorite comedian because he does clean comedy and is actually really funny! At last count, he has five 1-hour specials available on Netflix. The one we most recently watched is Cinco, which was filmed in 2017. On this special, he covers everything from the four seasons, cheese, water parks and the metric system to Jesus and bread, pets, hiking and elevators. He also spends some time joking about his own issues with being overweight.

Two of the things I like most about him—and that are so funny—are all his many voices and the fact that he can be so self-deprecating. And you definitely have to check out his “Hot Pockets” routine, which can be found on his special Beyond the Pale or on YouTube.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Kansas City.

They enjoy regular date nights and love trying new restaurants and activities.

FOR GREAT DATE NIGHT IDEAS STARTING WITH A-K, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!

Q&A DEARTEACHERS

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

UNDERSTANDING ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION CONCEPTS

FREE BOOKS TO ASSIST LEARNING DISABLED

QUESTION: My third grader was still having problems

PARENTS: Here is a good source for children

with basic addition and subtraction at the end of second grade, even though he had extra assistance at school.

Is there any way I can help him now? – Math Problem

ANSWER: Children need to be able to recall basic facts quickly and automatically. Usually by the end of second grade, most students have automatic recall of not only the addition facts, but also the subtraction facts that they are expected to know. Mastery of a fact means giving the response in less than three seconds or 30 correct per minute. However, this is for an oral response, and more time may be needed by young children. Being able to complete 50 problems in three minutes is definitely a reasonable goal.

Fortunately, you can help your child adopt strategies to help him learn the basic facts fairly easily. Work on this now, whether he is in regular or online school. Before you begin teaching number strategies, observe which numbers your child cannot add automatically. These are the ones you want to help him learn.

Don’t confine teaching a strategy to just flash cards; use dice, spinners, coins, markers and simple games. Move slowly. Begin by working with the “one-more-than” (3+1).

Then go on to doubles (2 +2) and (3+3). For example, for the problem (3+1), he can lay out three items and then add a fourth. Having him use a strategy like this ensures that he is solving the problem. Doing this repeatedly will help him learn each fact rather than telling him or showing him an answer.

Visit DearTeacher.com and look at the Math Skill Builders and the Math Learning Activities for more ideas on teaching the basic facts.

and adults who cannot read traditional print books because they have a visual impairment, physical disability or severe learning disability. The source is Bookshare.org, an ebook library of more than 800,000 books that makes reading easier. Individuals with reading barriers can customize their experience and read in ways that work for them. With Bookshare, books become accessible because they can be read by:

• Listening to books with high quality text-to-speech voices.

• Hearing and seeing highlighted words on screen.

• Reading with digital braille or enlarged fonts.

• Reading directly from your internet browser.

This great program is totally FREE; however, individuals must qualify to participate in it. Children who struggle with reading and have an IEP or a 504 plan can be signed up for Bookshare providing documentation a competent authority confirms that the learning disability significantly interferes with reading. Children and adults with low vision blindness and some physical disabilities can also participate by showing a competent authority confirms their disability interferes with reading.

On the Bookshare.org website, you can access a number of brochures and flyers to learn more about the many ways to read Bookshare books. There are also helpful video tutorials, as well as additional resources, for parents and students.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2020

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kcparent.com october 2020

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

GET READY FOR CAT-TASTIC SURPRISES!

COMING SOON YOU CAN CHECK OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE ON YOUTUBE! DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse © 2020 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All rights reserved.

FIVETHINGS PSL Sorry, I know there are haters out there, but I do love a good ole’ pumpkin spice latte.

However, I do doctor mine up a tad. I order a grande flat white and add in two pumps of pumpkin syrup. Just the right amount of sweet without being too over the top. I’m not a fan of iced coffee drinks, but my girls both swear by the cold brew and the iced coffee pumpkin varieties, so if that’s your thang, give them a whirl! Starbucks.com

Candles I’ve written before in this space about how much I love Glade (Gla-day) candles, and the pumpkin scent is my fave. It has a new name each year. For 2020, it’s “Pumpkin Spice Things Up,” and it smells as good as ever. My younger made fun of me when I went out and purchased several, however she came home the next day and said, “What smells SO good?”

Of course, it’s my candle.

Available at local retailers.

5

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Seeds Every year, each family member carves a pumpkin to place out on our front porch. I always enjoy seeing the different designs from year to year.

Before carving, we empty out the guts and separate the seeds. I rinse, dry and bake them, and it’s one of our favorite snacks.

Here’s our recipe: Mix 2 cups of seeds with 2 t.

Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 T. melted butter and 1/2 t. garlic salt. Bake at 275 for one hour and voila! Yum-o!

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kcparent.com october 2020

Lotion My mom usually treats me with one or two pumpkinthemed gifts throughout the season, and a few years ago gave me Pumpkin Harvest lotion from Stonewall Kitchen. In addition to the awesome scent, it also works well by leaving your hands soft and not greasy. Fun fact: My mom told me many years ago that when putting lotion on your hands, you should also put it on your elbows. This advice has served me well!

StonewallKitchen.com

Pancakes I love—like really love—the pumpkin pancakes at IHOP. Back in my high school days, I was the weekend hostess at our local IHOP. Sadly, they didn’t have pumpkin pancakes on the menu back then, but I keep coming back for them now! So yummy!

If you want to make pumpkin pancakes at home, I highly recommend the gluten-free pumpkin pancake mix from Trader Joe’s. You won’t be disappointed—and you can stock up and have pumpkin pancakes year-round! IHOP.com, TraderJoes.com

WORDFROMDAD

Let our family take care of your family!

HALLOWEEN CREATIVITY

“Bill?” Dad looked up from his cards during the Friday evening canasta game with Mom and my grandparents. “Would you get me some ice water, please?”

Since my grandparents retired and moved close to us, Friday nights followed the same ritual. Dad picked them up after dinner and brought them to our house for an evening of cards and conversation. If we were quiet, we could sit in with them and listen to talk of times gone by. Sometimes, they spoke of World War II or about different family members. Tonight’s talk had turned to Halloween.

I set Dad’s drink beside him and returned to my place on a stool where I could be a fly on the wall and pick up ideas for Halloween pranks.

“We never tipped over outhouses,” Dad said. “We were more creative.”

Around my home in suburbia, outhouses were only a quaint memory. I couldn’t use that one.

“I lived on a farm and couldn’t go all the way into town, just for some pranks.” He studied his cards. “But, I had some school friends in town that did some … things.”

I perked up.

“One Halloween, they took apart a car, a Model T, I think.” Dad chuckled. “About 15 of the gang did this. They hauled all the pieces up to the top of the hardware store and put it back together. It stayed there for almost two weeks. Couldn’t figure out a way to get it back down.”

He took a sip of his drink. “Not me, though. I was back home, at the farm.”

Was he really? He seemed to know a lot of details about it. I left for my room where I buried my nose in a book. I didn’t need a prank. The candy was the best part, anyway.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org kcparent.com october 2020

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falling back with less stress How to ensure an easy adjustment when daylight saving time ends

t

he thought of getting an extra hour of sleep when daylight saving time ends on Nov. 1 sounds amazing, but perhaps you have found reality looks a little different.

In the past you might have looked forward to waking up feeling rested and refreshed after extra sleep. Yet as you enjoyed your sleep, you were suddenly awakened at an extraordinarily early hour by the sound of the kids rushing into your room wide awake and ready for the day. The dream of an extra hour of sleep evaporated, and you realized it was going to take days to get the kids adjusted to the new schedule.

Sound familiar? So how do we help our kids adjust to the new time? There is an ongoing debate about whether we still need to practice daylight saving, but as it is something we still observe, we offer these tips to make the transition easier:

Make small changes in advance.

The week before daylight saving ends, consider keeping the kids up for an extra 10 minutes each night and let them sleep in slightly later than they normally would.

This will gradually shift their internal clock. The more time they are given to

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adjust, the less likely they are to get tired too early and wake up too early once the time has changed.

Set expectations and help them understand the time change.

Talk to the kids about what daylight saving is and how it impacts our schedules. Consider setting the clock in their room with the “new” time the day before the change to help them begin thinking on the new time.

When they go to bed on Oct. 31, set the expectation of what time you want them to come out of their rooms in the morning, and let them know they aren’t to come out of their rooms until the designated time.

Have indoor activities ready.

The actual loss of time isn’t the only big adjustment when daylight saving ends. The loss of daylight itself can be quite difficult.

For a child who enjoys playing outside after school, there will be significantly less time to run and play before dark. Finding ways for the kids to expend energy during winter is going to be essential, so perhaps that means getting a mini trampoline for the basement, finding some workout

videos you can do with your kids or getting a membership to an indoor pool.

Less daylight also has welldocumented impacts on overall mental health. To combat the winter blues, make sure you have other fun activities for the kids to do indoors all winter long.

This might include more board games, puzzles and art projects.

As it will get light earlier, you might also consider window coverings in the children’s rooms to block out sunlight.

Make it a fun time!

Have a special daylight saving activity the evening of the time change. Whether that involves watching a specific movie, making a certain meal or playing a favorite game, if the kids associate daylight saving time with an enjoyable family activity, they may be more apt to cooperate with the guidelines you give them for the new schedule.

With these tips, we hope you actually find yourself sleeping in the extra hour we lost in the spring. Enjoy!

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom who adores fall but wishes it did not mean diminishing hours of daylight.

Here for You With

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Kids and teens need extra help keeping their teeth clean when they have braces. We offer both dental and orthodontic specialties in our office. We can combine appointments to reduce trips to multiple offices.

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StartingPointDental.com

kcparent.com october 2020

17

ASK THE EXPERTS

MEET THE

EXPERTS We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more!

If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

Jason Hansen

Megan Johnson, CCLS II

CODE NINJAS KC AREA OWNER

CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL

At Code Ninjas, kids learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem-solving, critical thinking and STEM skills in a fun, safe and inspiring environment.

913.444.9448, CodeNinjas.com

Children’s Mercy is one of the nation’s top pediatric medical centers. With hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas, we provide the highest level of care for children.

816.234.3000, ChildrensMercy.org

John P. Roth, DDS STARTING POINT PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics specializes in giving kids the care and special consideration they need for successful dental care.

913.553.2492, StartingPointDental.com

Jonah Nelson FAMILY TREE NURSERY Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area since 1964.

913.642.6503, FamilyTreeNursery.com

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer.

Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line.

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

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kcparent.com october 2020

ASK THE EXPERTS

Q

Q

At what age should I introduce my daughter to coding?

Help! My son hates to take any kind of medication? Tips for making it easier to get him to take his meds?

I would recommend getting your daughter exposed to coding as soon as possible. You can start the fundamentals of computational thinking very early with games and toys like Code-a-pillar. What you want her to learn [is] pattern recognition and sequences. By the time she is 4 or 5, she can start with block coding to create simple games in Scratch JR. or Code Spark. They feel like they are playing a game but they are actually learning coding concepts. Make sure that she learns to start typing on a real computer too. By 6 or 7 years old, she can start going into another block coding like Scratch to expand on her capabilities. Start all kids early and when they get older, they will not be at all intimidated, but it is never too late to start either!

Use play as your tool! Decorate a cup or have a tea party! Play is the way kids learn, process and understand the world. Be honest. Tell your child why they need to take the medicine. Give your child choices of something positive that will follow. For example, “When you are done taking the medicine, we can play a game or go outside.”

Offer lots of encouraging words, “You are halfway done!” or “You are doing great!” We love to use sticker charts to help kids see what they need to complete and to watch their success!

Megan Johnson Children’s Mercy Hospital

Jason Hansen Code Ninjas KC Area Owner

Q

Q

Is my child too young for orthodontics?

When should I make an appointment for a first check-up?

What are the benefits of planting in fall?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should first see the orthodontist no later than age 7. Although your children may still have some baby teeth at that age, they will have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and determine whether early treatment is necessary. Early treatment means treatment that is performed while baby teeth are still present. The goal of early treatment is to intercept the developing problem, guide the growth of facial and jawbones, and provide adequate space for incoming teeth. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in can make correcting some problems more difficult. Timing is everything!

John P. Roth

Fall is the best season to plant the vast majority of plant material because of the soil temperatures that have been warmed from the summer sun.

Typically, the air temperature cools in September evenings, allowing plants to focus their energy on developing a strong root system in the warm soil, as a strong root system is the main factor in successful establishment of plant material. In addition, the gentler autumn rainfall is more easily absorbed, compared to the gully washing rains that we can receive in spring. With this in mind, it is always important to water newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials thoroughly and weekly until dormancy for best results in establishment.

Jonah Nelson Family Tree Nursery

Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry

kcparent.com october 2020

19

is it okay to discipline other people’s kids?

W

e each have different parenting styles, but the fact is, all kids need correction from time to time. Big sister may throw a toy out of anger and you might have to say, “Oh no, I know you’re mad, but let’s please be careful.” Maybe she takes a toy away from little brother and you chime in, “Listen, it’s Tommy’s turn right now. Can we give the toy back to him?” Maybe you use the time-out method during particularly bad meltdowns.

These techniques may work well for your own kids, but what if you’re in a situation where someone else’s kiddo needs correction? Discipline can be a controversial and complex subject when it comes to your own kids, so it is even more complicated when it comes to other people’s kids. Is it okay to chime in? Should you keep your thoughts to yourself? Parents won’t always see eye to eye, but wanting to teach our kids right from wrong is universal.

A quick social media poll reveals that a majority of parents agree (within reason) that it may be appropriate to step in and correct problematic behavior. Teachers are expected to, and parents feel it may be necessary at times.

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®

Ashli Gatton, mom of two, is comfortable speaking up when necessary but is not in favor of disciplining someone else’s child. “I am okay with saying something like, ‘That wasn’t very nice,’ to the child, and leave it at that,” she says.

Kelsey Donohue, mom of two, says if a child pushes, hits or bites her child, she will absolutely provide correction. “It’s usually a ‘Hey, that’s not very nice to push your friend. Can you say sorry?’ I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, as long as it is providing calm correction to a behavior that directly affected your child,” she says.

Donohue adds that she would expect the same from another parent if her child did something like this and she wasn’t around. “Parents should be in this together,” she says.

Amanda Shaw, mom of three, believes in stepping in sometimes. “If I see a kid knock down another kid intentionally, I feel like it’s my job to say something. I make eye contact with the kid and make sure they know that behavior is not okay. I do this especially if I know the kid’s parents.”

Lindsey Parks has been in several situations in which she said, “Nope. We do

NOT do that,” to a child when she’s seen her be mean or aggressive. “Once was even when the parent was right there and didn’t do anything. My view is, if you wouldn’t want your kids to be treated a certain way, don’t let kids treat other kids that way, even if they’re not your own,” Parks says.

Children often learn behavior from their parents, says Amanda Kephart, who agrees with intervening when possible. Her human development courses taught her it’s important to show right and wrong in order to help a child grow.

“Even just the shock of, ‘Oh, a stranger is telling me that behavior is bad—wow, that’s new to me,’ is enough of an impact,” she says. “Advocating for your child and showing positive alternatives is the way to go. If someone else’s child is behaving in a way that socially is not acceptable, intervene and redirect if possible.”

If you find yourself in a sticky situation or wonder what a general rule of thumb might be when it comes to discipline, Brooke Wilson, mom of two, offers some perspective. Wilson believes there are two general scenarios where it’s appropriate to discipline someone else’s child.

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1) If you know the child personally and know his parents will be okay with you taking charge (a niece or nephew or a close friend’s kid, for example). I often scold or redirect my sisters’ kids without thinking, but it’s because I know them well enough to recognize when I need to step into that disciplinary role.

2) You’re in a setting where you are actively in charge of other people’s kids, even if you don’t know them well. When I volunteer in the church toddler room, I will mildly discipline someone who is out of line, if only enough to diffuse the situation. When parents leave their kids in a care setting, even an informal one on Sunday mornings, they usually understand that their kid might get a time-out or a talking to if they deserve it.

But it’s always age-appropriate and a lot of passive, calm language: “Whoa, whoa, hey buddy, let’s not do that. Let’s take a break,” etc. If something is bad enough, time to step aside and get the parents involved.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 5-year old son and dog.

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party

KC Parent’s

guide

• fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Ceramic Café Celebrate your child’s birthday at Ceramic Cafe. All parties are scheduled for one-anda-half hours, giving you plenty of time to open presents and serve cake and ice cream.

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kcparent.com october 2020

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kcparent.com october 2020

23

Party Plan Like a Pro!

Planning any event can be a job, but birthday parties take the cake, literally. So

how do rock star parents plan showstopping shindigs and make it look so easy?

Naturally they read articles like this one. Just keep reading and when it’s all over, you’re sure to be a pro.

TIP #1

Everyone loves a good theme From slumber parties with fairy princesses and unicorns to festivities featuring Hot Wheels and dinosaurs, great themes are irresistible. Theme parties not only allow you to get creative, but they also help with food and gift options. The best themed party I’ve been to was for a 4-year-old. My brother’s best friend (who’s a mutual friend) decided to have a Toy Story themed party for his little girl. All the children dressed as their favorite toy and had mini adventures. From toy rescue to story telling to cleanup, the kids had a ball. I mean they really got into it! They built contraptions to pull toys out of the sandboxes and fainted

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kcparent.com october 2020

in place when Dad yelled, “Quick, Mom’s coming!” Some of the parents had more fun than the kids. The best part—the plot twist— was that when the party was actually over, it wasn’t hard at all to get the kids involved in the cleanup. The parents made the chore fun, and it definitely felt like we were still playing the game.

With all the fun going on at the party, be sure to have a safety kit nearby.

Children are accident prone, and a bump on the head or a cut on the knee can really kill the party vibe, so make sure to have a kit ready just in case.

TIP #2

TIP #4

Ask your kid what he wants

When in doubt, make a list

No one wants to come to a party he wasn’t personally invited to. So why create a party where the guest of honor isn’t included? Asking your kid what he wants in the party can really save you a lot of time, energy and money, as well as the headache. A combination of both open-ended and yes-or-no questions usually does the trick for me. For example, asking your kid his top three favorite cartoon characters may help you decide what life-size character costume to rent.

Asking or even knowing your child’s favorite color can easily help you determine the color of decorations.

It may sound like homework, but it can really save you time later. Make that list! The best part about making a list is that having one doesn’t leave you guessing, “What did I miss? What’s next? Who’s picking up the cake?”

These questions can drive you nuts when you’re already in overdrive. To-do lists are a must when it comes to event planning and mapping out things. Lists make it easy for you to delegate tasks as well—another important strategy for a successful party.

Knowing what to have at a party can make all the difference. Most kids LOVE magic but HATE clowns. Not knowing the difference can really ruin a party and even traumatize not only your child but other children as well.

TIP #3

Divide and conquer Although we want to make sure we include everyone, division is not always a bad thing.

Parents, when throwing any kind of party, have fun but establish boundaries. Establish where play areas are and where it’s best to have food and drinks. Not only will this help to avoid confusion, it will also help you stay organized.

After all, we don’t want the basketball to accidentally end up in the cake.

Food bars are a great way to break the unnecessary tension. Taco bars and dessert bars give your guests options and, in a weird way, force everyone to get comfortable. You’d be surprised what people share over food and drinks.

TIP #5

It’s so hard to say goodbye…

Although parties can be fun, knowing when to call it quits is crucial to a happy ending. No one, and I do mean no one, wants to be the bearer of bad news. So my advice is to bring out party favors when you’re ready to wrap things up. Nothing says thanks for coming like a thank you card and a little somethingsomething. Kids love grab bags. So, mix it up with small trinkets like finger cuffs, chips or even bouncy balls. Tailor the gifts to the guests and the theme, and I promise that awkward goodbye won’t be awkward at all.

Planning and executing a party your kid really wants shouldn’t become your next fulltime job, but some strategic planning can make magic happen. Just take a deep breath, follow these tips and enjoy the experience. You and the birthday kid will shine!

Jessica Samuel lives in Kansas City and is a freelance writer and photographer.

kcparent.com october 2020

25

PARTYGUIDE

L

double up

on the birthday fun

et’s face it: Birthday parties are fun, but the stress and cost of planning and throwing them can be overwhelming for parents. One solution is to have a joint birthday party for children who have close birthdays.

Here are a few things to consider when planning a joint party:

Ages

Kids who are several years apart might not fare well with a combined party; separate interests and friends might hinder planning a party that pleases everyone. Keep in mind that the older the children, the more guests they can handle. Young kids tend to get overwhelmed easily, so having a joint party for 4-year-olds and inviting 30 guests will probably result in overstimulation for the kids (and parents, too!)

Budget

If you are collaborating with another parent, make sure you have a similar budget in mind. Planning a simple party with a couple of games and cake, while the other parent wants to bring in ponies and clowns, will invite trouble. Make a budget and stick with it, regardless of whether you are the sole party planner for your own kids or teaming up with another family.

Location

A neutral location, such as a bowling alley, petting zoo or park will ensure that one family is not doing all the prep work and cleanup. Throwing a bash somewhere besides your own home also eliminates the stress of feeling that everything must be spotless before guests arrive. Of course, if the birthday kids are siblings and you have

the space and patience to host a party in your home, go for it!

Cake

Most parents who have planned double birthday celebrations recommend separate smaller cakes. That way, each child can have a hand in choosing the design and flavor and can have his or her own candles to blow out. Singing “Happy Birthday” to each birthday kid will also make everyone feel special.

Gifts

Some parents are hesitant to throw joint birthday parties because they don’t want guests to feel obligated to buy gifts for both kids, particularly if the kids have separate friends who may know only the child who invited them. Giving a gift only to the child who invited you is appropriate.

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kcparent.com october 2020

ADVERTORIAL

W

hen we opened our doors for another first day of school in August, it was clear that students were ready to return after more than 100 days away from the classroom. As a school, we formed task

forces, made reopening plans, printed signage, and evaluated and revised our cleaning processes to get students back to school for in-person learning, safely, in the fall.

At Oakhill Day School, we are excited to say: we are open and ready for the opportunity to challenge and support all students. Heading into the 2020-2021 school year, Oakhill offers students Pretoddler (18 months) through 8th grade a small classroom learning environment where dedicated faculty work to meet each student where they are, while also providing important social and emotional support families need during these unusual times.

We realize that how we teach and learn will look different this year, so we remain committed to providing academics rooted in resilience by:

Ensuring students are connected no matter where they are!

This year we are providing 1:1 device access to students in grades 1-8 and have Remote Learning Coordinators assigned to each student currently learning off-campus.

Maintaining consistency!

We worked hard to maintain consistency in student schedules, classes, and athletic offerings. Our small class sizes lend themselves to schooling safely without cutting vital programs like art, foreign language, and music.

Supporting the whole family!

Back to school has brought stress and anxiety to many families this year.

We offer the support of an on-site wellness counselor for those families and students learning on and off-campus who need a little extra reassurance.

Making student success our #1 priority!

Whether you are an Oakhill student eager to get back into the classroom, or a student from another school needing extra academic support for your school’s distance learning, we have you covered. We offer in-person and virtual academic counseling and tutoring to non-Oakhill students in grades 1-12 who participate in hybrid or distance learning. Our goal is to empower all students to make this their most successful academic year yet.

Oakhill Day School | 7019 North Cherry Street, Gladstone, MO 64118 816.436.6228 | oakhilldayschool.org

poor report card? help for the second quarter

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kcparent.com october 2020

f

or some kids, school is a challenge no matter what. But throw in a historic pandemic, complete with masks, social distancing and an unrecognizable classroom environment—or remote learning—and you have a recipe for even more kids feeling the sting of school struggles.

How should we respond?

“Families, teachers and students need to have grace with each other. Students have not been in classrooms for months, and there are many things going on in our lives,” says Kristen Zuck, curriculum and instruction coordinator, Shawnee Mission School District.

Acknowledge feelings. Focus not only on your child’s physical health, but also her social and emotional well-being. Talk to your child about how school looks and feels different, and maybe a little weird, this year.

“Discussing with our kids how they feel and reassuring them that it’s okay that they feel that way can help ease some anxiety,” Zuck says.

Get curious. Rather than panicking over a poor grade and demanding answers, try to understand your child’s perspective.

Otherwise, you risk losing an opportunity for a productive conversation.

“Curiosity is a good place to start with because it’s a non-defensive position, and it puts your child in a position of not having to react,” says parent coach Nicole Schwarz, LMFT, owner of Imperfect Families.

Try to suss out what might have led to a poor score. Perhaps your child is distracted by the unusual school environment, his mask is itchy, or he can’t figure out the technology. Maybe he’s struggling to grasp a concept like multiplication. Or perhaps he needs to have his desk moved up closer to the front of the classroom because he can’t hear the teacher well.

Ask your child questions like What do you think would help you do better? or How can I support you?

“My goal as a parent would be to show my kids that I’m rallying around them and

wanting to help them move forward,” Schwarz says. “When they feel heard and understood, they’re more willing to go deeper into conversation.”

Create structure. Kids typically thrive in a structured environment because it provides a sense of predictability and security, which support learning.

“Whether they are at home or in a physical school building, helping them create a daily schedule, including goals, can help them guide their day and know if they’re setting themselves up for success,” Zuck says.

Tech check. Whether your child is in an actual classroom or a virtual one, not understanding how to use the technology or how to access available resources can frustrate any learner.

“Regardless of learning mode, make sure your kids know how to use whatever technology they have available. Whether they are accessing resources, keeping a calendar, engaging in virtual meetings or note-taking with their devices, kids may need some guidance,” Zuck says.

The process will also help you determine where assignments and grades are posted, how teachers are communicating with their students day to day, and how to tell if/when assignments are turned in.

Talk to the teacher. Even if your child is learning remotely, teachers generally make themselves available to address student or parent questions and concerns.

“Our teachers have ‘office hours.’

They’ll have time during the day when they can read emails from parents and take phone calls,” says Michelle Fitzgerald, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development, Kansas City Public Schools.

Younger children may not be able to articulate why they are struggling in a particular subject or in general. Don’t wait until parent-teacher conferences to reach out for support and ideas.

“Communicate with the teacher and seek to understand why exactly the grade came out the way it came out,” Fitzgerald says.

Ask questions like:

• Were assignments not turned in?

• Did my child not do well on

• What specifically caused this grade to be low?

assessments?

• Is she having trouble with the content?

Conversations with your child’s instructors can help you understand what they’re seeing from their perspective.

Often they can suggest ideas for helpful interventions.

Kids typically thrive in a structured environment because it provides a sense of predictability and security, which support learning.

“It’s not so much about ‘my child’s got an A, B, C, D or F.’ It’s about figuring out ‘who my child is as a learner,’” Fitzgerald says.

When you have that information, you can work with the teacher to create strategies that support your child’s ability to learn successfully at school and at home.

For example, if your child struggles to focus during testing or assessments, ask the school whether accommodations can be made for your student to test in an area with fewer distractions. At home, make sure your child is fueled with quality sleep, healthy food and time to focus on concepts that require additional help.

Encourage personal advocacy.

Beginning from when they are young students, encourage your children to advocate for themselves in the classroom.

Tell them to “ask your teacher for more help, raise your hand in class— and celebrate those accomplishments,” Fitzgerald says.

As your children get older, include them in parent-teacher conferences, which will empower them to take personal responsibility for their learning, monitor their progress and set future goals.

“If a plan needs to be created for moving forward, having the student, parent and teacher team together is best,” Zuck says.

Be proactive. Help your student enjoy a stronger second quarter by remaining aware of upcoming assessments, as well as ongoing assignment schedules. Most teachers post grades in digital grade books.

Check those periodically to stay on top of your child’s progress throughout the quarter.

“Watch them when they’re doing their homework to see if they’re struggling and then communicate with the teacher on a regular basis,” Fitzgerald advises.

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She and her family live in Olathe.

Plan a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference Try to connect with your child’s teacher before the conference to avoid surprises.

Approach the conference from a collaborative perspective.

Ask questions like:

• Does my child struggle with the content?

• How can we address issues with test performance?

• What does my student’s organization/ time management look like?

• Does my child seem happy/sad/ frustrated/lonely?

• My child’s grades are good, but how I can support continued growth?

kcparent.com october 2020

29

TACKLING THE COLLEGE ESSAY The perfect essay will start with a surprising or shocking story or event that will grab the attention of the person reading.

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kcparent.com october 2020

No matter what college classes your children take, the time will come when they are assigned an essay. Of particular importance is the essay often required to accompany college applications. This type of writing should not be daunting but, rather, an opportunity for your child to shine.

Make the process an exciting challenge!

Channel your teen’s interests into the endeavor, and make sure he understands there is no wrong way to write an essay.

Personality and unique thoughts are welcomed by professors and college faculty.

Each essay should be personal and selfreflective, which means it should be written in first person. Employing I, me, my or our, this document will answer the question, “Who are you?” And be technically perfect and create vivid word pictures that demonstrate the student’s writing ability.

Be sure each essay is college specific.

For example, have your teen describe how that particular college will meet her goals.

This clearly gives admissions staff reasons your student would be a good fit for their university. College applications do not happen overnight, so you and your children can practice some application essays before their senior year arrives. These just-forpractice essays can even be used during the senior year application process.

Think of this essay as a selfie of sorts. Each college admission essay is like a self-portrait of your child. To provide a full portrait of a person, you need more than one picture from three different angles. For photographers, this means three costume changes, three background choices and three different props.

If a college asks for three essays, make sure your teen gives them three different portraits.

Each essay should paint a word picture and offer a completely different perspective on your child. If your teen loves animals, then one essay may mention any career involving animals. If he or she likes economics, that should be mentioned in another of the essays.

The perfect essay will start with a surprising or shocking story or event that will grab the attention of the person reading.

Have your student think about a single moment in time, perhaps the moment a picture was taken. This “hook” for each essay could be the moment of impact when a close relative became deathly ill or injured, or the most startling thing seen on a mission trip, mountaintop or once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your child’s short, personal, true, descriptive, creatively written essay will be different than these suggestions, of course, so encourage uniqueness! A child might write about seeing a goat being born, surviving a natural disaster or experiencing an eye-opening event. What story has made a grandparent gasp? Don’t be appalling but do begin with a moment so unique the reader will continue the essay to the end and remember your child when finished.

Refrain from mentioning grades, course titles, grade point average or test scores, as these are found on the application separately.

Tailor each essay to each college, perhaps

mentioning details about the college visit or specific things your student looks forward to doing there. This is truly a love letter to the college. Colleges know your child is not perfect, and the essay should never leave the impression your teen thinks that of himself.

Make a list of topics together, then discuss stories your child may tell to explain each one. Review her transcript and activity list and look over your calendar for the past couple years. After generating ideas, circle the ones that might work.

Edit, edit, edit! Consider having another adult help edit the paper, and don’t change the “teen” voice of your child’s essay. Simply point out any errors and give suggestions for improvement, but your student should be the one making corrections. This essay will reveal to the college your child’s personal style and convey his attitudes, personality, values and character. As plagiarism is a big problem in high schools and colleges, never be tempted to copy an idea, phrase or paragraph from essay samples. Colleges immediately reject any student suspected of copying words.

Colleges want to know your student can communicate in writing. By requesting essays, they learn who students are or who they think they are. The first sentence can set the tone for the rest of the story. Those first few words are the most difficult, so encourage your student to take his time. Don’t be too flowery but be straightforward so the reader’s interest is piqued. A few examples: “The first time I stepped on the stage, I felt alive!” or “Baseball and breathing are one and the same to me.”

Now, go forth and encourage your child to write his or her story!

An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

Sources: HomeHighSchoolHelp.com, TheCollegeEssayist.com

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31

A

tips for a tear-free checkup

s informative and caring as your pediatrician may be, it is no surprise if your little one often dreads regular well child checkups. Parents reluctantly schedule the appointment, knowing that a battle may ensue when appointment day arrives. After her daughter had to endure extensive lead poisoning tests, Kansas City mom Madison Shelley found that her toddler associated a visit to the doctor to one singular thing: pain. You can imagine her daughter’s response when it was time for even a simple well child checkup!

Shelley is not alone in what is often a trying experience for children and parents alike. Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of your next well child appointment.

Preparation goes a long way. Well before your next visit, discuss with your child what the visit will be like. This is especially helpful if your child likes to know what to expect before going somewhere different.

Talk to your child about why he goes to the doctor. Try statements like, “We love Doctor ____ because she keeps us safe and healthy!” and “We are so blessed to get to go to our doctor because he keeps us feeling good and happy!” Just as you point out the

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kcparent.com october 2020

importance of eating a healthy lunch and safely buckling in the car, talking about the role of doctors in your daily life can help children create a positive outlook and respect for their doctor.

Avoid negative talk. Chris Kemmling, a Shawnee mother of five, finds that when talking about the doctor with her children, she needs to avoid using negative phrases, such as, “It won’t hurt much.” Kemmling says, “The child is more likely to hone in only on the word ‘hurt.’ And promising that an appointment won’t hurt is never a good idea.” Rather, she teaches her children that sometimes things that are good for us may be uncomfortable for a short time.

Make it fun with music. Shelley’s daughter Eloise loves to sing, so she uses Doc McStuffins songs to ease anxiety prior to a doctor visit. “We would sing the day before, on the way in the car and while she was getting shots and blood draws. It was so calming for her,” Shelley says.

Get a doctor kit and practice at home.

Allowing your children to role play can make them feel more at ease when the nurse checks vitals and performs other routine procedures.

Read a picture book. Build literacy skills and prepare for the doctor’s office

at the same time! Splat the Cat Goes to the Doctor and Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor are both high quality options that can be found at your local library.

Use rewards. Your doctor may have a sticker or prize box to choose from after the visit, and talking about it can provide some motivation. Or, bring a lollipop to pass the time and ward off tears.

Grab books, colors or a small toy.

Although the waiting room usually has something entertaining for children, the exam room generally has little to offer.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to speed the visit. Discuss the

upcoming appointment with your partner and write down questions so you are ready to go over them with the doctor. Jot down the answers while in the room so you don’t forget!

At the end of your visit, be sure to have your child say, “Thank you, Dr. _________!”

The goal is to build appreciation for your doctor and end the visit on a positive note.

Emily Cline lives in Lenexa with her husband and 3-year-old son, who has rarely cried in a pediatrician’s office.

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

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FALL

FUN GUIDE

WITH OUR

PUMPKIN PATCHES

PARTY GUIDE!

SCAVENGER HUNT

BIRTHDAY

create

A FAMILY FIRE SAFETY PLAN

SPOOKY TREATS

QUIRKY KC THE UNUSUAL & UNIQUE

500+

AMAZING ATTRACTIONS

AGRITOURISM FUN ON THE FARM

TACO TOUR TASTEBUDS TANTALIZED

3-DAY REUNION MAKE MEMORIES

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 | KCPARENT.COM

maternity

YOUR GUIDE TO

BABY’S FIRST YEAR

MASTERING

MATERNITY LEAVE

WAYS TO HELP

A NICU FAMILY

BEAUTIFUL BYWAYS SCENIC DRIVES

#PREGNANCY PROBLEMS POOR GRADES? TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD

TURN THE TERRIBLE TWOS INTO

TERRIFIC TWOS!

MOM & SON DATE NIGHT IDEAS

(MRI-Simmons, Fall 2019)

mom and son

DATE NIGHT READ Get a list of Caldecott-winning picture books and check them out from the library a little at a time. Aim to read them all together! For bigger kids, read classic books that have been made into movies, such as Charlotte’s Web, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Upon completion of the book, celebrate by watching the movie version (compare notes to see whether you preferred the book or movie better). Need some direction on great books to read with boys? Check out the Read Aloud Revival website, where you’ll find book lists curated for children of every age and interest.

A

GROW GREEN THUMBS

GROUND RULES

Take a dirt sample to a local nursery or the Olathe K-State extension office to find out what (if anything) your soil is lacking and beef it up. Plant a fruit or nut tree and enjoy the fruits of your labors in the coming years. Build a butterfly garden, full of things fluttering creatures like best (like zinnias and milkweed). Check out from the library books about raised garden beds or other gardening techniques and choose crops you’d like to grow in the coming year.

s the mom of three boys, I can attest that life is never boring. It’s exciting, exhausting, exhilarating and everything in between.

And goodness knows, it goes by so fast! Just as my husband and I guard the calendar by keeping standing dates for the two of us, I’ve found it equally important to schedule dates with my boys, an opportunity to make special memories as well as a time for them to be heard while I get to know their hearts more deeply. My boys crave this time as much as I do. And, thankfully, there’s never a shortage of things to do. Our biggest challenge is just finding time to do them all.

Here are some of our favorite mother and son activities, along with some ground rules.

With a lot of plates spinning, losing connection is too easy, even when we’re together. Date nights are reserved for building relationship and getting to know your child as an individual. They’re not the time to critique grades or the state of a bedroom. Instead, they’re a perfect time to ask a lot of questions and spend more time listening than talking. Be a student of your child!

Dates are also about intentionality. They don’t need to be grandiose, high stress,

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expensive or overplanned. They could be as simple as going for a walk on a nearby trail or making a favorite dinner together.

But it helps to establish a schedule and then guard that time on the calendar to ensure it happens. Likewise, if time only affords that date night happens while simultaneously doing errands, it’s critical to make sure that conversation or an activity together is not rushed. No child wants to feel like time together is a project to accomplish.

BECOME NATURE ENTHUSIASTS KC is home to many nature centers and fabulous trails. Print off a list of the area trails in your region and aim to hit them all then rate them. Research local geocaching sites and then choose one for your adventure. Get a pair of binoculars and a bird guide. Listen to bird calls online and try to identify what you see and hear out on the trail. Do the same with plants,

trees, flowers and animal tracks. Pitch the tent at a campsite (or your own backyard).

Make tin foil dinners and s’mores over an open fire. Use a star gazing app to identify constellations in the sky.

GET FIT Establish a workout plan together. Free online programs like Group HIIT can easily be done side by side in the living room. Or simply jog around the local middle school track. Set a goal of running a 5K together or just have fun doing some of your son’s favorite physical activities, be it an evening at the batting cages or shooting hoops on the driveway. Go to a local skatepark with your bikes, scooters or skateboards and learn to catch some air. Want to do something a little out of the box? Put your climbing skills to the test at an area indoor climbing gym or try your hand at ax throwing (for a comprehensive listing, check out KC Parent’s website).

GAME ON Date night is a perfect time for those long strategy games you don’t have time to complete during any other night of the week. Break out Risk, Settlers of Catan or Carcassonne. Challenge each other to a game of chess. Or check out a local board game cafe like Pawns & Pints, where you can discover a new game while indulging in a specialty drink. And don’t forget video games. They may or may not be your jam, but for many boys, playing side by side means more than you’ll ever know.

CHOW TIME Ask any boy and he’ll tell you the way to his heart is his stomach. Deanna Cook’s books, Baking Class and Cooking Class, are fabulous cookbook primers for aspiring young chefs who’d like to whip something up next to Mom. Make your son’s favorite meal together or teach him how to make recipes that have been passed down in your

own family from generation to generation.

Don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen?

Set a goal to try all of Baskin Robbins’ 31 flavors within the next 31 dates. Hunt down the best Mexican restaurant on Taco Tuesday. Or explore every KC barbecue joint and rate which one has the most boss sauce!

SERVE SIDE BY SIDE Nothing builds bonds like working together for a purpose. Serve in a soup kitchen, volunteer at an animal shelter or go on a mission trip together. Even activities as simple as baking cookies for a neighbor, picking up groceries for an elderly family member or building Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes can be incredibly memorable.

Lauren Greenlee loves nothing more than being a boy mom. She writes from her Olathe home.

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“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.

I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.

I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life.

And that is why I succeed.” ~Michael Jordan

THE MIND OF PARENTING

success

We all want to raise children to have a zeal for life, willing to take challenges and go after their dreams. As we watch our kids continue to grow, sometimes we recognize one is more timid, reserved, cautious and less likely to be bold. Although personality and temperament may play a part in your child’s behavior, you also play a huge role in helping to shape your child’s mind of success.

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” ~Henry Ford Modern psychology has some new buzz words that have grown from the research of Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. After many years of working with clients, she noticed the success and failure of these men and women seemed to depend mainly on their mindset.

Some had what she called a “fixed” mindset. This means they believed that they had been given all of their gifts, talents and intelligence at birth. This outlook contrasts with the “growth” mindset, the belief that the gifts, talents and intelligence you were given at birth are just the starting point and each one of these areas can be grown and honed.

So what does this mean to parents? It means that you can help shape the thinking patterns of your children to reach for the stars instead of settling for the dust.

How do you do this? Teach your kids to embrace failure.

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It’s important for children to understand that failing at something doesn’t make them a failure. Much as a parent makes the distinction during a time of discipline between disapproving of a child’s actions and still loving the child, effective parenting highlights that, when it comes to failure, no link exists between a child’s failed attempt and that child’s worth.

Failure is actually a building block to success. Your child needs to understand that most people do not succeed the first time they try something. As parents, we really need to encourage the effort, not the result. When we give praise for their efforts, children are more likely to try something new or try something again, a growth mindset. If we only praise a successful result, children can become intimidated by trying something new. They begin to equate their worth to their success, so they only venture to do what they know they’ll succeed at.

“This illustrates the key difference between the two mindsets,” Dweck says. “For those with a growth mindset, personal success is when you work your hardest to become your best, whereas for those with a fixed mindset, success is about establishing their superiority, pure and simple. Being that somebody who is worthier than the nobodies. For the latter, setbacks are a sentence and a label. For the former, they’re motivating, informative input—a wakeup call.”

All children, and parents, need to remember that life is a process of learning new things, not just perfecting what you know.

It’s okay to not have all the answers; success comes from continuing to figure them out.

“There is a difference between not knowing and not knowing yet.” ~Sheila Tobias It’s such a simple word, but “yet” opens the door to possibility. It opens the door to hope. Notice the difference between “I can’t do this!” and “I can’t do this yet.” Yet not only gives kids permission to not know how to do something, but it encourages them to go on the journey of learning how to do it. It invites more failure—learning— without the despair of thinking they will never figure it out.

We all want our children to be fearless in their approach to life. We want them to reach for success. As circumstances, both negative and positive, begin to impact our children, it’s important to remember we are not powerless in how that affects our kids. Failure is a step on the road to success. Success is a product of hard work, not a destination.

Learning is the ultimate goal, no matter what age you are.

Christian Barnes lives in Kansas City with her husband and two nearly grown sons. She’s fascinated by how children think and learn and enjoys sharing any information she’s gathered with others.

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kcparent.com october 2020

37

family fire

SAFETY

T

he month of October is more than scary costumes, trick-or-treating and cooler weather. It’s also fire safety month, a great reminder for all of us to make sure we protect ourselves and families from house fires. According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households has actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Do you have a fire safety plan in place for your family? If not, you need one. Experts say that you only have two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there’s a fire. This is why it’s so important for families to create such a plan and practice it until everyone in the household can escape in less than two minutes. If you’re unsure how to do this, here are some great tips from the experts.

Make an escape plan. Walk through each room in your home with your family and discuss the possible areas of escape and exits. Try to find at least two ways out of each room, including windows and doors (check to make sure all of them are in working order). If you have young children, work with them on making a map of your home, and be sure to highlight each escape route and mark the location of each smoke alarm.

Show children how to get out. Before opening a door, touch it first. If the door is hot, keep it closed and find another exit. Also, show them how to exit a smoke-filled building by lying on their bellies and scooting themselves out under the smoke.

Close doors behind you as you leave. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

Protect your family from home fires with these guidelines: n

Purchase only smoke alarms that are safety tested to meet federal standards. n Install smoke alarms on each floor, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area in your home. n

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Consider a residential sprinkler system. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, when combined with a working smoke detector, sprinklers reduce the likelihood of death in a fire by more than 80 percent.

Choose an outside meeting place. It can be next to your mailbox, a neighbor’s house, a light post or a tree that is a safe distance in front of your home once everyone has escaped. It’s also important to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Make sure emergency vehicles can find your house. If your house number isn’t easily visible, try painting it on the curb or installing house numbers so that emergency crews can find your home.

Be sure everyone who may need help escaping has an assistant. Assign family members to assist infants, older adults or family members with disabilities through the fire drill or in the event of an emergency.

Once you’re out of the house, stay out. You should never go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the firefighters. Be sure everyone in your household understands this.

Be sure everyone can escape from the top floor. If your home has more than one floor, every family member should be able to escape from the upper floors. Escape ladders can be placed in or near the windows to provide additional escape routes. Practice setting up the ladder from a first-floor window to make sure you can do it correctly and quickly. Let children practice from a first-floor window only, and be sure to store the ladder near the window where it can be easily accessed.

Practice, and then practice some more. Creating a plan isn’t enough. Practice it until everyone in the household can escape in less than two minutes. Practice by yelling, “Fire!” many times and then going through different rooms in different scenarios.

Practice crawling under smoke and testing door handles. Practice your fire safety drill at least twice a year, and make the drill as realistic as possible.

Let guests or visitors know about your family’s escape plan. Also, when staying overnight at other people’s homes, ask about their escape plan. This is especially important when children have sleepovers at friends’ homes.

Display your home’s fire safety plan and diagram in a central location. The refrigerator or a cork board in the kitchen is a great place for it. This is important so that family members (and overnight guests) can familiarize themselves with the information.

Because a small flame can get out of control and turn into a large, uncontrollable fire in less than 30 seconds, a well-practiced fire safety plan is something every family needs. A good plan can do a lot to prevent a disaster, or at least to lessen the panic, if a dangerous situation were to arise.

EVERY BOY BECOMES A MAN. THE QUESTION IS, WHAT KIND WILL YOURS BECOME? Since 1889, thousands of parents have looked to Missouri Military Academy to give their boys the structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete and thrive — and become young men in full command of their lives.

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Serving grades 7 through 12 PG Since 1889 • Mexico, Missouri 888-564-6662 • missourimilitaryacademy.org kcparent.com october 2020

39

thank you for being a

friend

A friend.

A partner in crime.

Someone who notices when you’re gone and immediately wonders where you are.

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t

he value that true friendships bring to a child’s life cannot be overstated. Perhaps that’s why we parents often worry about whether our own children are making enough friends.

How many should they have? Five? 10?

Is there such a thing as too many friends?

Or even too few?

The good news is friendship is subjective, and there is no magic number that will make one child more successful or accepted than another. So before you start fretting over the confidant competition, let me make you feel a little better.

popularity changes with age Research has shown that popularity doesn’t become a factor in children’s lives in any meaningful way until they’re closer to the age of 9 or 10. Before that, the criteria for a friendship is almost entirely focused on shared activity or interests.

For example, two kids who like toy cars will likely find a friendship together. They have little awareness of economics, social status or even physicality. Therefore, this is the time to teach your child about acceptance and diversity. Use these early years to introduce kids to all kinds of new

friends. The more diverse, the better. If your child befriends other children with varying backgrounds and stories, he will be far more accepting of others in the future. Lay the groundwork now for your child to be accepting of all people, no matter what, and popularity will become less important later.

popularity is a slippery slope As children mature, they may see popularity as a sort of gold ring to aspire to. After all, having a lot of friends must mean a lot of people like them, and who doesn’t want to be liked? But not so fast.

As any adult will tell you, popularity can mean a lot of things, but ironically it doesn’t always equate to being liked. As we all know, popularity can also be a side effect of the fear of being disliked. Someone who is incredibly popular may have achieved the popularity via bullying, acquiring “friends” who are too afraid to stand up for themselves. Teach your children to know the difference between someone who is a true friend and someone who might just be using them to gain social clout.

create a stable foundation for friendship The easiest way to make sure your child has plenty of friends is to not focus on it too much. Instead of worrying, encourage kids to treat their current friends with respect and—most importantly—to expect that same admiration in return. Foster friendships early on to take root in a healthy way. Read books about inclusion, diversity and acceptance, and call out bad behavior when you see it. You also must lead by example. Your children are watching you. If a new student joins the class, make sure you and your child welcome him with open arms. Get to know the new student’s parents and show your own child how to build the foundation of friendship. When those healthy habits are formed early, friendships will come naturally.

encourage evaluation As kids age, they need to become aware that not every friendship is meant to last forever. Yes, they had 12 amazing friends in kindergarten, but that’s likely not the case now. Thankfully, several of those bonds will naturally begin to soften as children discover their passions and interests have gone in different directions. Occasionally though, some relationships will be harder to walk away from. This is where you come in. If your child becomes focused on an old friendship that is quickly turning into a one-way street, consider encouraging a friendship evaluation. Have your child ask herself these questions about that friendship:

• Who calls/texts/messages whom? Is it 50/50? Or is one person doing all the work?

• Do you feel safe around this person? Or do you feel pressure to show your loyalty in ways that make you uncomfortable?

• Do your other friends like this person?

Or do you feel isolated by this person?

• Can you truly trust this person?

Oftentimes, taking a step back and assessing a friendship from a distance can help a child cut ties with toxic friendships quickly.

numbers don’t matter Kids who are extroverted and involved in several activities or sports might feel comfortable saying they have 15 or 20 close friends. Conversely, children who are shy and reserved may only ever hope for a network for two to four friends at most. Each child will have a different friend number and, spoiler alert, the number will likely be different than yours. Try not to impose what you think is the right number of friends onto your child. Let the child lead the way.

Of course, if you ever hear your child make statements about feeling lonely or ignored, you might want to step in to see where you can help. Otherwise, trust that the foundation you’ve laid will lead your kids

down a path to true bonds that give them confidence and camaraderie that will last a lifetime.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.

The Forms of Friendship: Every friend has a strength.

Here are four friendships to look for that are healthy and helpful.

•T he Scholar – This is a friend that helps elevate your child at school. He’ll be there to help study for tests and maybe even offer a little competition for who can get the best grade.

•T he Joker – This friend has all the jokes to make your child roll with laughter. She is always ready to make a sad moment happier and help your child forget the pressures of the day.

• The Soulmate – This friend understands your child at a level you can’t even fully understand.

He knows when to back off and when to step in. This is often a friend who has known your child since the two were very small— they’ve grown right alongside each other.

•T he Opposite – It’s always good to have a friend who views things differently than you do. This friend will push your child to look at things differently. She will change your child’s viewpoint and maybe even have a few heated debates, but she’s always respectful.

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FALL FUN

GUIDE

table of contents 43 spooky & scary eats 44 trail games 46 not-so-scary treats 47 creative scarecrows 48 spooky fairy tales 50 kc fall favorites 52 best popcorn 55 pumpkin patch guide

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TASTYTREATS

Spooky & Scary Good October Eats

Apples, jack-o’-lanterns, skeletons—the month of October is full of festive fun! Focus on these spooky good feature ingredients and scary good eats to surprise your guys and ghouls.

Caramel Apple Popcorn— Featuring Dried Apples

Green Goblin Smoothie Bowl – Featuring Avocados Spooky and scary good nutrition – Avocados are a good source of potassium and healthy fats, which are vital in assisting with vitamin A, D, E and K absorption.

Ways to include more this month – Fill breakfast omelets with diced avocados or serve whole grain toast topped with avocado. Pile on slices in wraps, tacos and sandwiches for lunch meals. Dice and add chunks to salsa, chili or burritos.

Spooky and scary good recipe: Green Goblin Smoothie Bowl – This screaming good smoothie works for breakfast or as a snack for an energy burst.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 c. milk (or milk alternative) honey 4 c. spinach 1 c. peach slices avocado 1 T. fresh mint 1 c. frozen pineapple cuts 1 banana

DIRECTIONS Blend above ingredients until smooth.

Garnish with seeds and fruit for a ghoulish face.

Spooky and scary good nutrition – Apples are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Ways to include more this month – Pair apple slices with nut butter or cheese for a quick wholesome snack.

Spooky and scary good recipe: Monster Mash – This sweet and salty dish is great for parties and snacks!

INGREDIENTS 1 c. dry roasted peanuts 1 c. pretzels 1 c. Chex cereal and/or Whole-Grain Cheerios 1 container of microwavable popcorn 1 c. dried apples 4 T. melted caramel syrup

DIRECTIONS Microwave popcorn according to package.

Combine remaining ingredients on a parchmentlined baking sheet.

Drizzle melted caramel syrup over mixture.

Let dry and toss in a large bowl to combine. *Bonus tip: Get those ghosts and goblins involved with this recipe. Lee, father of three from Overland Park, says, “My junior high kids take initiative in making this dish. All I do is supervise.”

With these nutritious and spooktacular eats, your KC family can make the most of October!

Source: EatRight.org

Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer. She is currently practicing as a clinical RD and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood.

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The fresh air and freedom that come with being outdoors do wonders for a person’s mind, body and soul.

Trail Games:

ways to keep kids moving and motivated

O

ur family loves the outdoors on any given day but has found the outdoors to be even more restorative during the worldwide pandemic. Although our house allows us to spread out some and we have a yard to play in, getting out on a trail just does something different for us. The fresh air and freedom that come with being outdoors do wonders for a person’s mind, body and soul. With six of us cooped up in the house together for the last six months or so, we regularly need a respite. Going out to a trail gives us a change of pace and scenery, and somehow sets things right … until we get back in the car and everyone starts arguing again! Regardless, if your family is getting bored with “just another walk,” read on for a few ways to spice it up the next time you are out.

• B ring a camera and let each person

snap a close-up photo of something you find on the trail, then take turns guessing what each person photographed. Ideas could be tree bark, gravel, a rock, leaves, dirt, stick, a shell, water and so on.

• T ry an A to Z alphabet hunt. This

isn’t easy, but see how many things you can spot on your walk that begin with different letters of the alphabet … acorn, bee, cicada shell, dandelion, elm tree, feather, etc.

• P lay Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says, follow the leader or have a

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good old-fashioned race. Look out for other trail users though!

• S lip in a little math activity and

count how many squirrels you see or how many cicada shells and sticks you can find.

• Have your children make checklists with items they want to find: jogger, dog, stream, leaf, squirrel, hose, flower, bug, fish—the possibilities are endless! The great fun with having a scavenger hunt is you can change the list each time or change it depending on which trail you are exploring.

Kathleen, an Overland Park mom of two, says, “My boys love to do scavenger hunts when we are out on a trail walk or exploring a new park.

They love looking for various nature items and crossing them off their list!”

• P lay I Spy! This activity offers

numerous options, but a few to try might be to spot fairy houses, kindness rocks, a house, someone wearing black, something slippery or scratchy, an item beginning with the letter W, and so on.

• B ring your own painted rocks and have fun hiding them!

• S peaking of hiding … we are always up for a good game of hide and seek! My husband is notorious for walking ahead of us and “disappearing” while we are engrossed in looking at something!

Or he will shout out, “Everyone has

FALL FUN

GUIDE 30 seconds to hide! GO!” The kids (and sometimes me too!) scatter like crazy.

Word of caution, though: Be careful your kids don’t go too far and do look out for poison ivy.

Fall Fun Scavenger Hunt

As you embark on autumn adventures with your kids, try to find one item on this list each day in October!

• T ake sidewalk chalk and draw fun

pictures or leave encouraging words.

• B ring along bubbles … they are always fun!

Jack-o’-lantern

Corn maze

stream and skip stones. This is one of our faves! Kathleen agrees: “My boys could spend an hour throwing rocks in the water, looking for fish or just splashing and playing in the water!” Don’t forget to wear water shoes too!

Scarecrow

Trick or treat decoration

• F ind a trail where there is a lake, pond or

•W hile you are at the water, make up some other fun little games to play. We will do silly games like who can throw a stone to the other side and have it land closest to the water or who can hit a specific tree, etc.

• I nstead of a scavenger hunt, make nature bingo boards! Play five in a row, corners or total blackout and see who gets bingo first. You can even use nature items like acorns as your bingo markers!

• G ive your children a target number of

items to collect. For example, find one leaf, two pinecones, three bugs, four rocks and five sticks. Just remember, many trails ask you not to take things home with you, so your kids will have to leave their “collection” for someone else to find.

If you feel like you are in a rut outdoors, pick one or two of these activities to try the next time you venture out. It may feel like pulling teeth to get your kids to go, but I can nearly promise they will have fun once they do.

Julie Collett writes from her Overland Park home where the wonderful trails around the metro have been a lifesaver for her family over the past many months.

Squirrel Orange twinkly lights Skeleton Red leaves Orange leaves Brown leaves Apple tree Spider web Purple twinkly lights Bat Black cat Candy corn Full moon Pumpkin patch

Cemetery Haystack Tractor Farmer Pig Goat Horse Donkey Rabbit Apple cider Marshmallows Fire pit Train

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45

not so

Y R A SC treats

H

alloween is a time for tricks, treats, haunted houses and spooky costumes, but it can be an extra scary time for parents who have children with food allergies. Much of the candy handed out door to door contains the top eight food allergens, including peanuts, wheat, milk, eggs, tree nuts and soy. Here are a few ways to make sure this year is full of treats for your kids, and no scary tricks.

take the relative route One way to make sure your child doesn’t come in contact with foods he’s allergic to on Halloween is to only trick-or-treat family and close friends who are aware of your child’s allergies. Kim and Travis Lawson, parents of three from Country Club, MO, say when their son with a peanut allergy was younger, they simply visited their parents for trick-or-treating. “It’s really scary at Halloween, because he can’t have a lot of the candy,” Kim says. “When he was younger, we just went to our parents’ house.”

follow the teal pumpkins In 2014, Food Allergy Research & Education created the Teal Pumpkin Project, a campaign to raise awareness of food allergies and provide safe options for food allergic trick-or-treaters. Participants in the project place a teal pumpkin outside their home to let trick-or-treaters know they’re offering safe non-food treats, like small toys.

Keep your eye out for the teal pumpkins

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and let those homeowners know how you appreciate their participation. If you’d like more information about the Teal Pumpkin Project, visit FoodAllergy.org.

candy swap As soon as your kids return from trickot-treating, help them look through their candy and check the ingredients. “We make two different piles of candy. One for things he can eat and one for things he can’t eat.

Then we explain why he can’t have them,” says Kim. If you are trick-or-treating with friends or siblings, let them trade candy for things they are able to eat. Swaps can help ease their disappointment about the candy they aren’t able to have.

no snacking on the go Before you leave for a night of fun, make sure your child knows no snacking on candy is allowed until you’re home and have gone through what candy is safe. While out trickor-treating, your child may be tempted to let down her guard, reach into her stash and grab a piece of candy to snack on without checking the label, which can be extremely risky.

bring your own treats Kids always look forward to their fall parties at school, but school can be a dangerous place for kids with food allergies.

“The first day of school I was a nervous wreck,” says Kim. To ease your mind, talk

to your child’s teacher and the volunteers organizing the party so they are aware of your child’s allergies. Offer to bring the treats for the whole class, so you know exactly what the ingredients are and your child doesn’t feel left out by not having the same treat as his classmates. “If Ben goes to a party and can have the same cupcake as the other kids, he’s ecstatic because that doesn’t happen often, and he doesn’t understand why,” says Travis.

change your trick or treat to “no ______ please” One way to try to avoid a certain allergen would be to say, “Trick or wtreat, no (fill in the allergen), please!” at each door. This is a nice way to let the neighbor know about your child’s allergen. However, be aware this still might not weed out all candies without that allergen. Many people don’t realize how many foods may contain peanuts, milk or soy, so your child still might end up with off-limits candy.

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and soon-to-be newborn baby girl.

FoodAllergy.org says 5.6 million children or nearly 8 percent have food allergies according to results from a 2015-2016 survey.

That’s equal to one in 13 children or roughly two in every classroom.

CRAFTCORNER

Materials Needed: • Assorted construction paper -

t

I used red, orange, brown and blue.

• Markers - I used pink and black.

• Googly eyes • Yellow yarn or straw • Glue or glue stick • Tape • Scissors • Toilet paper roll

toilet paper roll scarecrows his is a simple fall craft you can customize easily. Feel free to make a few scarecrow friends to play with!

Step one: Cut the pants for the scarecrow about half or slightly over half the length of the TP roll. Wrap around the whole roll and either glue or tape in place.

Step two: Add on the face. Stick on googly eyes, cut out nose and glue in place, draw on mouth and cheeks.

Step three: Next, make the hat by cutting out a square about 5 inches by 5 inches. Fold the square in half to make a triangle, then once again to make another triangle. Tape the side of the triangle together to form the hat. Set the hat aside.

Step four: Cut out patches in little squares. Glue the patches onto the hat and pants. Draw on lines with black marker to show the sewing marks.

Step five: Cut an assortment of yellow yarn or straw and place onto the scarecrow’s head. Use tape if needed to help hold it in place.

Step six: Lastly, place the hat onto the scarecrow’s head.

If you

want, bend the edges of the hat to give it a worn look.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, son and two dogs. She is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

FOR TONS MORE CRAFTS, VISIT KCPARENT.COM! kcparent.com october 2020

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I

loved watching Disney princess movies as a child and I enjoy sharing them with my kids. You may know that most Disney fairy tales are based on original stories from hundreds of years ago, but what you may not know is the original tales are very dark and even gruesome. Let’s do a quick comparison.

Original story by Brothers’ Grimm - 1812

Original story by Hans Christian Andersen - 1837

The story starts out similarly, minus the fairy godmother. Instead, Cinderella plants a tree by her mother’s grave and prays under it daily. The dress for the ball is found under this tree. The prince uses tar to set a trap for Cinderella, and instead of getting stuck, she loses a shoe. In order to get the shoe to fit, one stepsister cuts off her toes and the other her heel. The prince is told by doves there is blood in the shoe and discovers the true owner is Cinderella. The stepsisters decide they should be nice to Cinderella, since she will be queen, and they attend her wedding where birds peck their eyes out. Harsh.

This story starts off the same as Disney’s version. She sees the prince from afar on a ship and rescues him from drowning. She visits the sea witch who takes her tongue in exchange for legs, a curse that can be broken if she finds true love’s kiss. Unlike the Disney version, she will not turn back into a mermaid if she fails but will instead die.

In the book she wants to become human, not only because she loves the prince, but because humans have eternal souls and mermaids do not. The penalty for having legs is excruciating pain with each step she takes. At first it seems like they will fall in love, but he falls in love with someone else.

The witch tells her that if she kills the prince, she can return to being a mermaid, but she cannot go through with it. At the end, she throws herself into the sea and turns into sea foam, destined to spend eternity in purgatory where she has to do good deeds until she earns a soul, which could take 300 years. I don’t think Flounder and Sebastian would approve of this version.

Cinderella

Disney movie - 1950 In the Disney version, Cinderella lives with her evil stepmother and two ugly stepsisters. A fairy godmother and animal friends help her attend the ball where she and Prince Charming fall in love. When the clock strikes midnight, she rushes out, leaving her glass slipper behind. Prince Charming scours the land for the owner of the slipper. Eventually they are reunited and live happily ever after.

The Little Mermaid Disney movie - 1989

A rebellious 16-year-old mermaid, Ariel, wants nothing more than to become human.

When she visits the surface, she falls in love with Prince Eric. She makes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, and trades her voice for legs. Her voice will only be returned with true love’s kiss. Ursula unsuccessfully tries to trick Eric into falling in love with her.

Ultimately, Eric and Ariel fall in love and live happily ever after on land together.

THE

Sleeping Beauty Disney movie - 1959

Baby Princess Aurora is given gifts by fairies. The evil witch, Maleficent, is struck with jealousy and curses the princess to prick her finger on a spindle and die at the age of 16. The last of the fairies changes the curse to a deep sleep rather than death. The curse will be broken by true love’s kiss. After Aurora pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep,

SPOOKY

HISTORY OF FAIRY TALES 48

kcparent.com october 2020

in love, the evil witch’s deceit is revealed, and Rapunzel is returned to her true family.

Flynn becomes an upstanding citizen, and the two are later married and live happily ever after.

the prince fights his way through the thick, thorny forest to save the princess and defeat the witch who has turned into a dragon.

The story ends with them dancing at their wedding, and they live happily ever after.

Original story by Giambattista Basile - 1634 Sun, Moon, and Talia by Basile is the original version of Sleeping Beauty that both Brothers’ Grimm and Disney base their tales on. While the Grimm version is similar to Disney, the original is quite different. The story starts off the same, and the princess sleeps in a castle, awaiting her true love. A king happens upon the castle and enters through a window where he finds Sleeping Beauty. He carries her to the bed and forces himself on her. Months later, she awakens after giving birth to twins. The king returns and the two fall in love, but he is married to someone else. When his wife finds out, she is furious and tries to have the twins killed, cooked and fed to the king, and have the princess burned at the stake. She is unsuccessful, and the king and princess do get married and live happily ever after.

Although the king and princess end up together, I wouldn’t call this a happy tale.

Rapunzel

Disney movie (Tangled) - 2010 Flynn Rider, a fugitive on the run, happens upon a tower hidden in the woods and decides to take refuge, where he becomes Rapunzel’s captive. Rapunzel and her magical long hair have been trapped there for years, and she is eager to explore.

While her “mother” (who is really an evil witch) is away, she talks Flynn into taking her on an adventure. They eventually fall

Original story by Brothers’ Grimm - 1812 In the real version, Rapunzel becomes pregnant by the prince before they are married. The evil sorceress figures out she is expecting, cuts off Rapunzel’s hair, and throws her into the wilderness. The prince returns to see her, and the sorceress dangles Rapunzel’s hair out the window to lure him into the tower. She tells him he will never see her again and, in despair, he throws himself out the window and lands in a patch of thorns, which cause him to go blind. He then wanders aimlessly through the forest.

Meanwhile, Rapunzel gives birth to twins.

The prince is eventually guided back to Rapunzel by the sound of her voice. Her tears restore his sight, and they return to the kingdom and live happily ever after. At least it has a happy ending, right?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Disney movie - 1938

In Disney’s first animated feature, the jealous and wicked queen orders the murder of her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White.

She later discovers she was not killed but safely hidden among seven dwarves. The queen disguises herself as a hag and gives Snow White a poisonous apple, which sends the princess into a death-like sleep that can only be broken by a kiss. Prince Charming arrives and saves Snow White. They are married and live happily ever after.

FALL FUN

GUIDE Original story by Brothers’ Grimm - 1812 In this version, the evil stepmother asks a hunter to take Snow White into the forest and kill her and bring back her lungs and liver. The man cannot go through with it, so he brings her a boar’s lungs and liver instead, which the queen eats, believing they belong to her stepdaughter. The queen later finds out she is alive and gives her the poisonous apple. Snow White faints and cannot be revived. She is placed in a glass coffin, and the prince comes to take her away. The pallbearers slip and drop the coffin, causing the bite of apple to become dislodged from Snow White’s throat and she awakens. Snow White and Prince Charming fall in love and get married. The evil queen is invited to the wedding and, as a punishment, is forced to wear burning hot iron shoes and dance before them until she drops dead. Yikes!

Historically, fairy tales were told to entertain, educate, preserve culture and instill moral values. These traditional stories are not something we would share with our children in today’s society, but they are interesting to look back on and study. Fairy tales have changed and evolved into versions we all love to share with our children. What stories do you love to share with your kids?

Do you use stories to teach them lessons?

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six, including triplets, who loves to share stories she treasured as a child with her kids. kcparent.com october 2020

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Enjoy Kansas City’s Fall-Themed Favorites Apples, pumpkins, hayrides and fall foliage are just a few fragrant, festive traditions that add to Kansas City’s autumn makeover. Enjoy some of them with your family.

apples

A

utumn and apples—the two go hand in hand. Enjoy the best apple themed fun in KC with these ideas.

• Treat the kids to giant caramel apples from Sweet Caroline’s (913.495.9993), one of the most decadent shops in the metro. With large delicious apples, Sweet Caroline’s serves up many flavors and combinations of coatings that are almost too pretty to eat!

• Watch the making of cider and donuts. Nothing says autumn quite like a nice glass of apple cider or a warm cider donut! You can observe the process at the Louisburg Cider Mill (913.837.5202). Visitors watch as apples are washed and made into cider, and the delicious drink is bottled. Then some of the cider is used to make Louisburg’s famous apple cider donuts. The mill’s pumpkin patch, corn maze and country store are also visitor favorites.

• Enjoy fall fun in the Northland.

Go apple picking in Missouri at Schweizer Orchards in St. Joseph or Alldredge Orchards in Platte City. These local u-pick orchards offer more than a dozen varieties of apples.

Round out the day with a visit to the Patee House Museum, the Pony Express Museum or the Jesse James Home. For more local apple orchards, read our KC Apple Picking Guide on KCParent.com.

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FALL FUN

GUIDE • Eat Levee High Apple Pie. If you’re traveling through Missouri, one of the state’s landmark restaurants is the Blue Owl in Kimmswick (TheBlueOwl.com), famous for their home cooking and Levee High Apple Pie. The pie, made famous as one of Oprah’s favorite things, is made with 18 Golden Delicious apples piled 9 inches high and weighs in at a whopping 10 pounds! Can’t make it to Kimmswick?

No worries. You can order the pie online at TheBlueOwl.com.

pumpkins October is pumpkin season in Kansas City, and our local attractions know how to make pumpkin season great.

• Pick the perfect pumpkin at the perfect patch. Kansas City’s pumpkin patches are all one-of-a-kind, each with a unique theme and special attractions. Giant jumping pillows, petting zoos, pumpkin chomping dinosaurs, tractor rides, pumpkin cannons and corn mazes are just a few of the fun attractions designed with the entire family in mind. Visit our KC Pumpkin Patch Guide on KCParent.com for tips for each local patch.

• Enjoy a pumpkin pie concrete at Sheridan’s (SheridansFrozenCustard. com). Leave it to Sheridan’s to take a slice of pumpkin pie, blend it into their yummy custard and serve up a holiday treat that’s hard to resist! Search “Pumpkin Treats” on KCParent.com for more delicious seasonal favorites.

• Bake a delicious pumpkin (or apple) pie from scratch with the kids. Or

buy a scrumptious made-fromscratch pie at Upper Crust Bakery (913.642.2999). The flaky crust and delicious fillings make these pies a standout among KC area bakeries and our top pick for a fall dessert!

fall foliage and the great outdoors Autumn is especially beautiful in the Midwest, and these are some of our favorite ways to enjoy fall’s splendor.

• Go camping! Missouri and Kansas state parks are especially beautiful in the fall when the autumn leaves start to change. Camp at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, then enjoy nearby castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka.

Or plan ahead and make reservations for a family campout at Watkin’s Mill State Park, Weston Bend State Park, Smithville Lake, Lake Jacomo or Longview Lake campgrounds in Missouri, or Lake Perry or El Dorado State Park in Kansas. Find tips for the best campout when you search “Family Camping” on KCParent.com.

• Visit Trail Tales at Powell Gardens (PowellGardens.org). Embark on a journey through the gardens with Trail Tales, a literacy-in-nature project.

Follow the children’s story Cricket in the Thicket through the Heartland Harvest and Children’s gardens, and enjoy interactive children’s activities that bring the poems to life. You may enjoy the exhibit through Oct. 21.

• Go chasin’ waterfalls. Pack a picnic and explore Waterfall Park (816.325.7375). The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops, is nestled in a

wooded area overlooking a lake and waterfalls and features a fantastic playground, small rock wall, small lake, walking trails, picnic tables and the scenic backdrop of a waterfall.

After playing at the park, treat the family to some miniature golf at Cool Crest ( 816.358.0088). Discover more Midwest waterfalls with our guide on KCParent.com.

• Go on a driving tour to enjoy Missouri’s most vibrant fall leaves— and don’t forget the camera! Visit MDC.mo.gov/discover-nature for a leaf map recommending the best places for the best views.

• Visit the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure (816.229.8980) at Fleming Park, where you can watch whitetailed deer, elk and bison eat and play. Then enjoy a walk or hike on one of the many trails in Fleming Park with beautiful woods and views of Lake Jacomo.

• Visit The Scout at Penn Valley Park.

Kansas City’s most iconic piece of art, The Scout ironically wasn’t even supposed to be here. The statue of a Sioux scout atop his trusty steed was passing through as part of a temporary exhibition in 1922. Local residents fell in love, and they raised $15,000 to claim him for keeps. A visit to see The Scout provides the added bonus of a fabulous view, made even more spectacular by native foliage.

Kristina Light loves autumn most of all and enjoys apple cider donuts, fall festivals and visits to local pumpkin patches with her daughters. kcparent.com october 2020

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Kansas City’s Best

POPCORN Popcorn! This all-American snack is so popular we consume approximately 13 billion quarts every year. That’s 41 quarts per person, according to Popcorn.org! Most U.S. popcorn is grown in the Midwest, primarily in Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri, with a few growers in Kansas as well. October is National Popcorn Month! Let’s celebrate with the best of Kansas City popcorn.

CUSTARD’S LAST STAND Custard’s Last Stand is best known for its frozen custard concretes, but the proprietors have been making gourmet popcorn since 1989. They specialize in caramel, cinnamon and cheese. Visit locations at 308 SE 291 Hwy. in Lee’s Summit or 1950 NW 7 Hwy. in Blue Springs, or go to CustardsLastStand.com.

LAURA LITTLE’S CANDIES Laura Little’s is famous for delicious candy made from scratch in copper kettles with wooden paddles, but folks often forget the store makes delicious popcorn as well! You can choose caramel, cheese, butter or cinnamon, all made at the store. Visit Laura Little’s Candies at 2100 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, 913.722.2226, or LauraLittleCandy.com.

TOPSY’S POPCORN For more than 50 years, Topsy’s has been serving delicious popcorn to Kansas Citians. The Plaza Christmas popcorn tin is a holiday tradition in many homes, tempting families to choose which is best: cheese, butter, caramel, pecan crisp, popcorn peanut, kettle corn or cinnamon! Topsy’s boasts more than 10 KC area locations. Visit TopsysPopcorn.com for more information.

VELVET CRÈME POPCORN Since 1937, the family-owned Velvet Crème Popcorn Company of Shawnee Mission has been serving popcorn that is “smooth like velvet and rich as creme.” Velvet Crème pops popcorn the old-fashioned way, in small batches by hand-operated, gas-fired poppers. Flavors include traditional buttered, caramel, cheese and cinnamon or the more unique sour cream and onion! You can visit Velvet Crème’s store at 4710 Belinder Rd. in Westwood. Call 913.236.7742 for more information or visit VelvetCremePopcorn.com.

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KC Parent’s

Mega Fun Pumpkin Patch Giveaway!

During the month of October, KC Parent is giving away

20+ FAMILY 4-PACKS to your favorite pumpkin patches!

Follow us on Facebook for details and to enter.

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent

®

CIDER MILL SINCE 1977

kcparent.com october 2020

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fun with a

pumpkin

i

t’s fall again! Now we all know the weather’s changing, we’re a little older and keeping it fresh—especially with pumpkins— can be challenging. So how can we do it? The theme is the same year after year. The colors don’t change much, and family, well…they’re family. So what’s the trick? Well, we have a few! Not only can you look forward to the holidays soon to come but, after reading this article, you can look forward to decorating for those holidays too!

No carve If your children (whether they be big ones or little ones) are not quite there when it comes to handling sharp objects, break out the paint! Characters from the Disney and Pixar family films Monsters Inc., Ninja Turtles, Minions and Frozen are all popular and are all easy to paint on round objects like pumpkins. The characters not only add color to a not-so-popular porch, but they’ll also add conversation to family gatherings. If you’re really clever, you can get the most out of one pumpkin by putting a new face on each side. Don’t quite know where to start? Searching pumpkin ideas on Pinterest is an awesome way to begin.

Smells like heaven…

If you’re not really into the look of making pumpkins pop, you always can try your luck with aroma. Every local store you can think of is sure to sell a seasonal pumpkin spiced pleasure. If you can’t narrow it down to one favorite, try this in your wax burner: 3 T. coconut oil 3 T. pumpkin pie spice ½ t. cinnamon The recipe is simple, quick and beyond inexpensive, so everyone can enjoy it—and you don’t have to feel bad for taking credit for it!

The way to his heart…

Is through his stomach! We’ve all heard that the way to make any man happy is to feed him. But let’s face it, the way to make whole families happy is to make sure their tummies are happy.

When it comes to cooking and keeping your sanity, remember to keep it simple. Good food doesn’t necessarily mean hours of slaving in the kitchen with one pot and two wooden spoons. It also doesn’t mean you’ll have high blood pressure and have to resort to an extreme diet after the holidays. There are thousands of quick-fix delicious meals that curb and cut even the largest appetites, are budget friendly and, most importantly, are healthy!

If you’re still not sure, LaurensLatest.com has a pumpkin pecan cobbler that will knock your socks off.

Have fun, pumpkin!

With all the hype of the holidays, it’s easy to forget the focus: FAMILY! Making sure everyone is happy is a difficult job, but one made just for you. With that in mind, just remember to keep smiling and have fun yourself! You’re the life of the party, pumpkin, and don’t let anyone forget it! So with that great responsibility, just make sure you take it one day at a time or one season, whichever helps you sleep better at night—and always, always, always have a pumpkin handy!

Jessica Samuel is a native of St. Louis and a current Kansas City resident. She is a grad student, photographer and journalist.

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pumpkin patch guide

map 4

I-435 I-435

K-10

1

I-470 I-35

2 69 Hwy

169

3 2

1 Carolyn’s Country Cousins 17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO 816.781.9196 CarolynsCountryCousins.com

3 Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 LouisburgCiderMill.com

2 Johnson Farms & Pumpkin Patch 17701 Holmes, Belton, MO 816.331.1067 JohnsonFarms.net

4 Weston Orchard & Vineyard 18545 Co. Rd. H, Weston, MO 402.209.4117 WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

71 Hwy

Check out KC Parent’s virtual Pumpkin Patch Guide and Giveaway at KCParent.com

Open Sept. 19-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

• World Famous Pumpkin Donuts • Company Outings and Birthday Parties • The Amazing Jumping Pumpkin • Historic Country Carousel • Pig Races on Weekends • Homemade Fudge, Mouthwatering Kettle Corn and Delicious Roasted Nuts • Traditional Farm Animals • Wall Ball Skill Games • 60 Acres of Pumpkins

Watch our Facebook page for Carolyn’s Curbside Pickup for your fall goodies!!! kcparent.com october 2020

55

kc pumpkin patches Carolyn’s Country Cousins

Don’t miss Kansas City’s #1 destination pumpkin patch and fall family adventure, Sept. 19 through Oct. 31. Open 7 days a week from 10:00 to 7:00. Individual season passes are available. Enjoy 32 + attractions including the historic Country Carousel, the Pumpkinator cannon, wall ball games, sports ball games, grain truck slide, live entertainment, Little Bud’s Railroad, Uncle Lester’s Pig Races and more. Educational school tours, birthday parties and corporate events are available too ! Online ticketing with designated days and times will be available this year during Covid-19. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com

Johnson Farms

At Johnson Farms, you’ll be in the country, but close to your home at a real farm. Take a wagon ride out to the u-pick pumpkin patch, veggie patch or apple orchard. Experience our giant jumping pillows, rally car course, barnyard arcade, baby pig barn, animal corral or corn labyrinths, all INCLUDED in your admission. Delicious food and Safe Health protocols in place each time you visit! Plenty of parking and outdoor fun for all ages. www.JohnsonFarms.net, 816.331.1067, @johnsonfarmsMO

Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store

Store hours 8:00-6:00 (Mon-Sat), 9:00-6:00 (Sun). Live music, food trucks, kettle corn and caramel apples. Watch as fresh cider is pressed and enjoy the delicious cider donuts! Fall family fun will be happening until November 1. Enjoy the 10-acre corn maze, huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, children’s play area, jump pillow and more! 913.837.5202. www.LouisburgCiderMill.com

Weston Orchard and Vineyard

Enjoy a u-pick pumpkin patch, u-pick apple orchard, hayrack rides, apple cannons, rat racers, bouncing pillow, low ropes course with zip line, kids corn maze and more! If you play hard enough to work up an appetite, enjoy kettle corn and caramel apples to keep your energy up. Open 7 days a week, 9:00-5:00.

Apple cannons available on weekends only. www.WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

KC Parent is giving away 20+ FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite pumpkin patches!

PLUS find our geo-based ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE. All the details are at KCParent.com.

VOTED TOP 10 ORCHARDS IN THE NATION BY USA TODAY

APPLE AND PUMPKIN SEASON PICK AND PLAY INCLUDES:

U-pick Pumpkin Patch | U-pick Apple Orchard Hayrack Rides | Apple Cannons | Bouncing Pillow Low Ropes Course with Zip Line | Concessions Kids Corn Maze | and more!

SEPT. 12 - OCT. 31

Open 7 days a week 9:00-5:00 $10/person on weekends – $8 for active military $7/person Monday-Thursday – $5 for active military

WINE TASTINGS DAILY 18545 Co Rd H | Weston, Missouri 816.253.8240 | WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

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TIPS TO MAKE

THE MOST

OF A PUMPKIN PATCH VISIT What to Wear:

• Pumpkin patches offer tons of fun photo

ops! Consider fall-themed clothes for little ones.

• Pumpkin patches are basically working farms. While they are clean, well maintained, and some paths are paved for visitors, there will be a lot of walking and that includes hay, gravel, fields, petting zoos and more. Closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes) are best.

• Wear comfy clothes, keeping in mind the activities you’ll be enjoying like climbing on hay bales, enjoying a hayride, exploring a patch for the perfect pumpkin, riding ponies and petting animals.

• 22,000 Garden Mums in 36 Varieties • U-Pick Apples, Veggies, Sunflowers and Pumpkins • Friendly Farm Animals • Jumping Pillows and Plenty of Outside Play Area • Pumpkin Donuts and Cider Slushies

FAMILY SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE 177th and Holmes • 816.331.1067 www.johnsonfarms.net

When to Visit:

• Each patch offers special events

throughout the season. Check out KCParent.com for tips and visit each patch’s website to see the schedule for entertainers.

• Plan to spend two or more hours at a patch. Most patches sell food. A few permit you to bring your own picnic, but most do not, so plan ahead.

• Weekdays are great if you lead a Scout, school or play group.

• Weekends offer more extras: entertainers, more attractions open, special events, etc.

thank you.

THE KIDS ARE GOING TO

‘cmon back

What to Bring:

• Pumpkin patch coupons from KCParent.com.

• Hand sanitizer is available throughout

most of the patches, but you may want to have some on hand.

• Money for pumpkins (this is an additional charge), food, extra attractions and any souvenirs or items purchased in gift shops.

• Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, the whole gang! This is a great outing for the entire family!

FAMILY FARM AMENITIES Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch Wagon Rides Corn Crib Teepee Jump Pillow Little Apple Playland Tricycle Track Sunflower Slide Spider Web Climber Tire Tower Learning Barn Bee Hive Exhibit Giant Swing Set Low Challenge Elements

2020 Season Sept 18-Nov 1 | louisburgcidermill.com 1 4 7 3 0 k 6 8 h i g h way l o u i s b u r g k s 6 6 0 5 3 I 9 1 3 . 8 3 7 . 5 2 0 2 c o u n t r y s t o r e o p e n y e a r r o u n d m o n d ay - s a t u r d ay 8 - 6 & s u n d ay 9 - 6 KC_Parent_Mag_Ad_4.85x4.85.indd 1

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october

FOR EVEN

MORE EVENTS, HEAD TO THE ONLINE CALENDAR AT KCPARENT.COM

CALENDAR

Farmstead Friday at Shawnee Town 1929

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

Please call to verify event details.

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visit

walk

enjoy

learn

enjoy

Select Fridays in Oct. bring Farmstead Friday at Shawnee Town 1929. Tour the farmhouse, wash clothes, feed the chickens and much more.

ShawneeTown.org

Get outside this month at Walktober! Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October! Enjoy cool temps and spectacular color.

KCParks.org

On Oct. 10 visit Ernie Miller Nature Center for Whimsical Woods. Costumed characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Fall Harvest Day is Oct. 17 at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Help with the sorghum and boil it down to make molasses.

Tours, animals and more!

Mahaffie.org

Take a Haunted Candy Cruise Oct. 30 in Pink Hill Park (Blue Springs).

Drive around the park and enjoy Halloween scenes, trick-or-treating and more.

816.228.0137

1 Thursday Little Critter’s Day Out 9:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Little Critters enjoy two-and-a-half hours of fun and education as you enjoy some personal time! Pre-reg at 913.826.2807.

Halloween in a Box Thru Oct 2, North Kansas City Parks and Rec. Call by Oct 2 to reserve your box full of Halloween fun for families. NKC.org Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo.

Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family. KansasCItyZoo.org Just Between Friends Sale Thru Oct 4, Overland Park Convention Center. Get ready for great deals on tons of kids items! See ad on pg 61 for free admission! JBFSale.com

2 Friday Visit the Orchard 9:00, Weston Orchard & Vineyard. U-pick pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, rope course, bouncing pillow, zip line and much more! WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com Farmstead Friday 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Tour the farmhouse, wash clothes, take a closer look at our automobiles and feed the chickens.

ShawneeTown.org

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Arts District.

Galleries and shops remain open later on the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Family Campout 5:00, Black Hoof Park. Pitch a tent and enjoy a campout with s’mores, a family program, plus donuts, juice and coffee in the morning. Pre-reg at 913.477.7100.

Electric Poe 6:30, Union Cemetery. The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces

by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs.

Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

4 Sunday

3 Saturday

Little Leapers 10:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com

Farmers Market 7:00, City Hall parking lot (Shawnee). Shop local! Purchase fresh produce and other goods from local vendors.

CityOfShawnee.org

Walktober Noon, Rock Island Trail. Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October! Enjoy cool temps and spectacular color. KCParks.org

Saturdays with the Strawberry Swing 10:00, Alexander Majors Home. Open air market with makers, food trucks, flowers and local farmers.

TheStrawberrySwing.org Saturday Feeder 3:30 tour, 4:00 feeding, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feeding of the cats, weather permitting. Tour sizes limited.

SaveOurSiberians.org Games: The Amazing Family Race 4:00, Meadowbrook Park. Work as a team to complete puzzles, challenges and more. All ages are welcome. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Outdoor Concert Series 5:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of live music at the Grand Pavilion. Lenexa.com Symphony Sundays 6:30, Macken Park. KC Symphony musicians perform free chamber music concerts throughout the community.

KCSymphony.org

5 Monday Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 lifesize animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org

Celebrate National Family History Month at Your Library!

October is Family History Month and no better time to begin preserving your family’s story. Whether you need a “Tell Me a Story” kit to record a loved one’s anecdotes, are looking for free online genealogy research resources, or need family tree forms to print at home, we can help get you started.

For more ideas, visit the in person today or mymcpl.org/FamilyHistory.

3440 S. Lee’s Summit Rd., Independence, MO Mon. – Sat. 10-8 and Sun. 1 – 8. kcparent.com october 2020

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Visit the Nature Center 9:00, Lakeside Nature Sanctuary. Visit the nature sanctuary with the family. Download a scavenger hunt from LakesideNatureCenter.org.

6 Tuesday Visit the Farm 9:00, Johnson Farms. Enjoy pumpkin donuts, farm animals, jumping pillow, pumpkins and plenty of outside play area!

JohnsonFarms.net Trail Tales Thru Oct 31, Powell Gardens.

Embark on a journey through the gardens with a literacy in nature project. Enjoy interactive activities. PowellGardens.org Tuesday in Town 1:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Learn about the two newest buildings: Fisher’s Chevrolet Dealership and Murphy’s Service Station. ShawneeTown.org Autumn Tales for the Family 6:30, the Story Center at MCPL. Join us for an evening of autumn tales performed by various storytellers.

Facebook.com/mystorycenter

7 Wednesday MATS 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Field trip on the historic grounds with activities that align with Nearpod lessons (available on Mahaffie website).

Mahaffie.org

College Weekend Thru Sunday, Louisburg Cider Mill. College students receive $2 off admission when you show your student ID at the family farm! LouisburgCiderMill.com

Campfire Lunch 11:00, Prairie Oak Nature Center. Come join us for an old-fashioned campfire lunch. Will we have s’mores? Of course! Pre-reg at 913.681.0902.

Electric Poe 6:30, Union Cemetery. The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces

by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs.

Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

Family Night 4:00, Lenexa Public Market.

Get a bite to eat and hang out! Enjoy rotating activities like a balloon artist, specialty vendors and more. 913.477.7516

10 Saturday

8 Thursday Visit the Patch 10:00, Carolyn’s Country Cousins. Bring the family to Carolyn’s for a day of fall fun! Open 7 days a week with special entertainment on weekends.

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

LIMITED Group Size Morning and Afternoon Sessions Enhanced Cleaning 8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS jocoahc.com

For more info & to book your session: JCPRD.com/Museum

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kcparent.com october 2020

9 Friday

Preschool Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises. Listen and learn. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

NOW OPEN!

Museum

Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children.

816.235.8000

Mommy & Me Read and Draw 10:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Bring your favorite 3- to 6-year-old and learn to draw characters out of a story. Pre-reg at 816.228.0137.

Stanley Station Second Saturday 11:00, Stanley Station. Live music, food trucks and vendors! A responsible, socially distanced outdoor event. 913.283.3733

We are sorry to announce all events scheduled for the rest of 2020 will be canceled.

We hope to see everyone in the 2021 season!

SHOAL CREEK LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM 7000 Northeast Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64156

816.792.2655

ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com

Howl-o-ween 1:00, Waggin’ Trail Dog Park.

Dress your pups in costume for a day out at Waggin’ Trail Dog Park. Costume contest, raffles, vendors and more. 816.513.7500 Whimsical Woods 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Costumed characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Live animals, stories and more. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Pokemon Club 3:00, Collector’s Cache (Lenexa).

Learn how to play the Pokemon trading card game, bring Pokemon video games and do some fun activities. Ages 6-10. 913.338.2273

11 Sunday Walktober Noon, Riverfront Heritage Trail.

Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October! Enjoy cool temps and spectacular color. KCParks.org Outdoor Concert Series 5:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy a variety of live music at the Grand Pavilion. Lenexa.com Symphony Sundays 6:30, Macken Park. KC Symphony musicians perform free chamber music concerts throughout the community.

KCSymphony.org

12 Monday Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 lifesize animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org Visit the Orchard 9:00, Weston Orchard & Vineyard. U-pick pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, rope course, bouncing pillow, zip line and much more! WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo.

Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family. KansasCItyZoo.org

13 Tuesday Cooks and Books 9:30, Meadowbrook Park.

Enjoy the reading of a favorite children’s book and make a tasty treat! Program includes snack.

Ages 2-5 w/adult. Pre-reg at 913.826.2975.

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Tuesday in Town 1:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Learn about the two newest buildings: Fisher’s Chevrolet Dealership and Murphy’s Service Station. ShawneeTown.org

piano lessons

Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it!

AGES 7+ | ALL SKILL LEVELS | AFFORDABLE | FLEXIBLE VOICE LESSONS | EXPERIENCED TEACHER (12 YRS)

ONLINE ZOOM CLASSES AVAILABLE NOW!

Both daytime and evening lessons available!

Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472 LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119TH ST IN OLATHE AND IN SOUTH KCMO kcparent.com october 2020

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14 Wednesday MATS 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Field trip on the historic grounds with activities that align with Nearpod lessons (available on Mahaffie website). Mahaffie.org

Farmstead Friday 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Tour the farmhouse, wash clothes, take a closer look at our automobiles and feed the chickens.

ShawneeTown.org

17 Saturday

18 Sunday Little Leapers 10:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com

Jr Reactors 4:00, a Zoom event. Join a Mad Scientist for a demonstration of physical and chemical reactions followed by experiments.

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org/events.

Farmers Market 7:00, City Hall parking lot (Shawnee). Shop local! Purchase fresh produce and other goods from local vendors.

CityOfShawnee.org

Walktober Noon, Indian Creek Trail. Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October!

Enjoy cool temps and spectacular color.

KCParks.org

15 Thursday

Fall Harvest Day 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Help with the sorghum and boil it down to make molasses. Tour the home, meet animals and more! Mahaffie.org

19 Monday

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children. 816.235.8000

Family Paint Party 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre.

Families come together to connect and create during this guided painting party. Supplies provided. Pre-reg at RecreateShawnee.org.

16 Friday

Saturday Feeder 3:30 tour, 4:00 feeding, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feeding of the cats, weather permitting. Tour sizes limited.

SaveOurSiberians.org

Visit the Patch 10:00, Carolyn’s Country Cousins. Bring the family to Carolyn’s for a day of fall fun! Open 7 days a week with special entertainment on weekends.

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

Zombie Forest Night 6:30, Louisburg Cider Mill. Dress up for this fun night of spooks and thrills! Bonfires, wagon rides and more!

LouisburgCiderMill.com

Visit the Farm 9:00, Johnson Farms. Enjoy pumpkin donuts, farm animals, jumping pillow, pumpkins and plenty of outside play area!

JohnsonFarms.net Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

20 Tuesday Visit the Orchard 9:00, Weston Orchard & Vineyard. U-pick pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, rope course, bouncing pillow, zip line and much more! WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

Inspiring kids and parents to walk, roll and stroll across the Kansas City region Visit KCWalks.org to learn more 62

kcparent.com october 2020

Trail Tales Thru Oct 31, Powell Gardens.

Embark on a journey through the gardens with a literacy in nature project. Enjoy interactive activities. PowellGardens.org

Boo Drive Thru 6:00, the View Community Center (Grandview). Decorate your vehicle, get in your costumes and join us for a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event! 816.316.4888

Saturday Feeder 3:30 tour, 4:00 feeding, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feeding of the cats, weather permitting. Tour sizes limited.

SaveOurSiberians.org

21 Wednesday

23 Friday

MATS 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Field trip on the historic grounds with activities that align with Nearpod lessons (available on Mahaffie website). Mahaffie.org

Fall-O-Ween Tour Thru Oct 31, City of Lenexa.

Enjoy the beauty of fall and the spooktacular fun of Halloween on a self-guided tour. Visit Lenexa.com/Falloween for an interactive map.

Cruise Night 4:00, Olde Towne Belton Main Street. Historic Main Street comes alive with a wide selection of muscle cars, antique cars and more. MainStreetBelton.org

Preschool Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises. Listen and learn. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Trick-or-Cache 4:30, Antioch Park. Search for caches hidden around Antioch Park using GPS. Join after your haunted hunt for hotdogs, s’mores and treats. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Campfire Lunch 11:00, Prairie Oak Nature Center. Come join us for an old-fashioned campfire lunch. Will we have s’mores? Of course! Pre-reg at 913.681.0902.

Family Night 4:00, Lenexa Public Market.

Get a bite to eat and hang out! Enjoy rotating activities like a balloon artist, specialty vendors and more. 913.477.7516

22 Thursday Electric Poe 6:00, Union Cemetery. The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces

by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs.

Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

24 Saturday Map & Compass: Orienteering Workshop 9:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Beginner’s workshop introduction to orienteering. Ages 10+. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Mommy & Me Read and Draw 10:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Bring your favorite 3- to 6-year-old and learn to draw characters out of a story. Pre-reg at 816.228.0137.

Saturdays with the Strawberry Swing 10:00, Alexander Majors Home. Open air market with makers, food trucks, flowers and local farmers.

TheStrawberrySwing.org

Spooky Springs 6:00, Adam’s Pointe Golf Course. Put on your costume and enjoy a spooky hayride, s’mores, trick-or-treating and more! Pre-reg at BlueSpringsGov.com.

Burning Scarecrow 7:00, Louisburg Cider Mill.

Live music, bonfire, wagon rides and more!

Bring your flashlight to go through the maze in the dark! LouisburgCiderMill.com

25 Sunday Best in Show Rescue Dog Show 11:00, Great Plains SPCA. Enter your dog in the Best in Show Virtual Rescue Dog Show for a chance to be crowned Best in Show! GreatPlainsSPCA.org Walktober Noon, Little Blue Valley Trail. Walk, ride or run a different trail every Sunday in October! Enjoy cool temps and spectacular color. KCParks.org

kcparent.com october 2020

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26 Monday

29 Thursday

Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 lifesize animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org

Toddler Time 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

Kids ages 6 months through 5 years can have fun playing on cars, scooters, slides and more.

BlueSpringsGov.com

Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo.

Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family. KansasCItyZoo.org

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

27 Tuesday

30 Friday

Visit the Patch 10:00, Carolyn’s Country Cousins. Bring the family to Carolyn’s for a day of fall fun! Open 7 days a week with special entertainment on weekends.

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

Visit the Farm 9:00, Johnson Farms. Enjoy pumpkin donuts, farm animals, jumping pillow, pumpkins and plenty of outside play area!

JohnsonFarms.net

Farm Fall Fest 10:00, Mildale Farm. Spend the day exploring the Mildale Farm property and enjoying a number of fall activities during this free event. Tickets required.

913.826.2957

Preschool Pumpkin Party 10:00, Meadowbrook Park. Spend the morning creating a craft, playing games and trickor-treating in the clubhouse. Pre-reg at 913.826.2975.

Electric Poe 4:00 & 6:00, Union Cemetery.

The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs. Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

Trick or Treat Trail 5:30, Theatre in the Park.

Bring your ghouls and goblins to a trick or treat trail! Activities include face painting, movie and more! Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Trunk ‘R’ Treat 6:00, Downtown Belton Main Street. Join us for a spooktacular evening of entertainment and trick-or-treating!

DowntownBeltonMainStreet.org

Trail Tales Thru Oct 31, Powell Gardens.

Embark on a journey through the gardens with a literacy in nature project. Enjoy interactive activities. PowellGardens.org

28 Wednesday Halloween Show 4:00, a Zoom event. A funfilled show with Halloween characters, witches brew, fog droplets and electrical experiments.

Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Kids Night Out 6:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. A fun, safe place for kids to hang out while you enjoy a night off. Dinner, games, crafts and more. Pre-reg at RecreateShawnee.org.

Haunted Candy Cruise 6:00, Pink Hill Park (Blue Springs). Drive around the park and enjoy Halloween scenes, trick-or-treating and more, all from the safety of your car.

816.228.0137

31 Saturday

Holiday break fun for the kids!

TURKEY BREAK CAMP Nov. 23–25

WINTER BREAK CAMP Dec. 23, 28–30

7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Lenexa Rec Center | Ages: K–12 years 1 DAY: $40 • 2 DAYS: $76 • 3 DAYS: $109

LENEXA.COM/GETACTIVE • 913.477.7100 64

kcparent.com october 2020

Ages Two & Under Free

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*Excludes Taxes & Fees

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OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY

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Let’s Play

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Over 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals to explore. Travel all over the world with a trip to the Kansas City Zoo!

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kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234 | Open Daily