KC Parent Magazine January 2022

FREE | January 2022 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

beat the blahs with kc’s

winter fun guide

EASY IDEAS FOR SPRUCING UP

your home

setting

realistic resolutions

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JANUARY

2022

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Date Night 12 Media Mix 14 Ask the Experts 15 Word from Dad 16 5 Things

WINTER FUN GUIDE, PGS. 46-54

18 Dear Teachers 20 Tasty Treats 47 Craft Corner

FEATURES SPECIAL SECTIONS 32 Party Guide 46 Winter Fun Guide 56 Calendar of Events

12

32

36

New Books

Party Guide

New Year Resolutions

Great new titles to read

Tips and ideas for your

Ways to set realistic goals

aloud with your kids.

child’s next birthday party.

and resolutions for 2022.

Our cover features Kate from Tonganoxie.

Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography.

MelissaRiekePhotography.com FREE | January 2022 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

beat the blahs with kc’s

winter fun guide

EASY IDEAS FOR SPRUCING UP

ON THE COVER Ideas for Sprucing Up Home Realistic Resolutions Winter Fun Guide

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kcparent.com january 2022

26 36 46

your home

setting

realistic resolutions

EDITOR’SLETTER JANUARY 2022

H

Happy New Year, Kansas City!

Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Lauren Dreher (Stillwell), Sandy Foster (Grain Valley), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | January 2022 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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kcgoingplaces.com

beat the blahs with kc’s

winter fun guide

EASY IDEAS FOR SPRUCING UP

your home

setting

realistic

GO I NG PL YE A R S

10 KC

AG

maternity

JANUARY- MARCH 2022 | KCPARENT.COM

M

&

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

ES

Car washes from

GO CAR WASH

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

AC

5 FREE

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

AZINE

PREGNANCY MYTHS

busted

637

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

resolutions

getting back in shape AFTER BABY

SECRETS OF HAPPY BABIES

the toddler

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

LOVE IS IN THE AIR GREAT DATES

winter fun IN KC FOR TINY TOTS

SNOOZE PATROL! YOUR ESSENTIAL NAP GUIDE

GEMS OF KANSAS CITY LANDMARKS LOCALS LOVE

.com

EVERY Monday in January, KCParent.com is giving away

appy New Year! I trust the holidays were happy in your home! Although I don’t necessarily enjoy the cold, short days of January, I do relish the more relaxed pace. Fall is so busy, followed by the holidays, that by the time January arrives, I think we’re all a bit glad for the respite!

We’ve been in our home for 20 years.

Throughout the years, we’ve added on and updated several times, but we’re to the point where we need to do some additional updates.

My daughters have both been saying for some time now that we need new furniture in the family room and a new coat of paint in several rooms, and they aren’t wrong. As anyone who’s undertaken a house project knows, they can be consuming, not only in time, but in cost.

That’s why I’m excited to use local mom Kim Antisdel’s tips for sprucing up as a jumping off point. We did get a new mattress last year, so I can check that one off the list! For more great tips on how to give your home a mini makeover in the new year, head to pg. 26.

We have some exciting news to share!

KC Parent belongs to Parenting Media Association, a national trade association of regional parenting media companies.

Each year they hold a convention for their members which includes an awards ceremony, and at this year’s ceremony, KC Parent and KCParent.com were honored with seven awards! Editorial winners include “5 Things We Love Right Now,” “Ask the Experts” and our calendar of events. On the design side, our Summer Fun Guide and “30 Things” feature layout took home awards. Over at KCParent.com, our website and e-news were winners. We look forward to continuing to bring you award-winning content!

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

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

KC Parent is giving away

3 FAMILY 4-PACKS TO

MONSTER JAM (a $250 value)

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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kcparent.com january 2022

DATES WITH THEMES

DATENIGHT

10 january 2022

kcparent.com

Let’s kick off the new year with themed dates for January’s celebrations!

POPCORN DAY National Popcorn Day is Jan. 19, and we can’t think of a better way to pay homage to this “holiday” than to visit Popculture, with locations in Parkville and Overland Park. They serve up some of the best popcorn around, with more than 40 different flavors available for taste testing and purchase. Savory flavors include chili lime, dill pickle and loaded potato, as well as traditional butter and cheese. Cheesecake, cinnamon toast and Dr. Pepper are just some of their sweet flavors, along with traditional caramel and cinnamon. I’ll admit that it’s hard to restrain yourself when doing the taste testing, as they have so many flavors to choose from. But I always gravitate toward the savory, with barbecue and cheese being my favorites. Dean likes a little bit of everything—savory and sweet. In addition to popcorn, Popculture also features about 16 flavors of ice cream from the Ice Cream Club. It, too, is delicious!

TEA MONTH In honor of National Tea Month, we recently enjoyed the prix fixe lunch in the tea room at Andre’s. This meal comes with an entree, two sides, a roll, a drink and a mini dessert. The entrees we chose were the ham and cheese croissant and the chicken salad with sides of mixed greens and tomatoes. It was all delicious, but the real stars of the meal were the hot tea and the desserts. I opted for the raspberry tea with the chocolate raspberry pastry, which was layers of chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream with raspberry preserves. My hubby got the green tea with citrus and gingko paired with the vanilla square, which was yellow cake and vanilla bean buttercream topped with fondant. Their tea is from Harney & Sons and is some of the best I have had anywhere—and the desserts were to die for.

HAPPINESS WEEK Hunt for Happiness Week is the third full week in January, so Dean and I made a list of several things that make us happy and planned mini dates around them. Our list included serving, giving, being outside, sunsets and breakfast food. We started out our week by taking an evening to watch the sunset at a lookout spot close to our house. Next up was helping with an outdoor food distribution at our church on a beautiful, sunny Saturday, followed by an evening around our fire pit. We also handed out $5 Walmart gift cards to random customers at the store, and we gave some extra produce to our next door neighbors. Finally, we enjoyed several of our favorite breakfast foods together at home, including baked oatmeal, oven pancakes, barley breakfast bowls and cinnamon apple quinoa. Each of these things put a smile on our faces, but it’s the things we do for others that make us the happiest.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities.

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

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kcparent.com january 2022

11

MEDIAMIX

The Gift Shop Bear This is the debut picture book from Kansas City writer and illustrator Phyllis Harris.

The book was inspired by Harris’s granddaughter, who found her mother’s childhood bear packed away in a box.

The little girl was saddened to think of Bear being alone in a box, and from this, The Gift Shop Bear was born.

“Nestled on the edge of town sat a little gift shop,” the book begins. “Inside the shop, in a dusty attic, in a cozy box . . . a little bear listened to the frosty wind whistling outside the window.”

Bear waits all year for Christmas to return so he can see Annie again and sit under the twinkling tree in the shop window.

But this year something’s different.

This year Nana is retiring, and the shop is closing. What will happen to Bear?

This is a sweet tale about a bear and his girl, filled with brightly colored, detailed illustrations.

I’m HappySad Today: Making Sense of Mixed-Together Feelings

If I Built a School Written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Written by Lory Britain, PhD. Illustrated by award-winning illustrator Matthew Rivera.

At times it’s hard for children to recognize their feelings and verbalize them to an adult. That’s where I’m Happy-Sad Today can help.

“I had big feelings when my baby brother was born. I was proud to be a big sister. And I was jealous of all the attention he was getting. I had proud and jealous feelings inside of me. That was confusing.”

With many such examples, the book continues validating all the different emotions, even if they happen simultaneously, and gives children actionable activities to do when this occurs. One example is to create a new adjective to describe feeling both sad and mad concurrently: smad!

End pages explain how to read the book with kids, and they provide strategies for supporting children’s social and emotional development.

Our narrator, Jack, begins, “If I built a school, the first thing you’d meet are lots of puppies! They’d flock to your feet! But why stop at puppies?

Why not a whole zoo? So I’d add a bunch of big animals too!”

We continue our journey through Jack’s futuristic school, visiting the lunchroom, classroom, library and gym—and then the playground!

“It’s now time for recess. Let’s head out the door. My playground is awesome! So much to explore!

Fly on the zip line way up in the sky.

Or slide down the twisty slide three stories high. And after all that, if you’re hot and you’re beat, then you can go tubing. Now that would be sweet!”

A fun book, loaded with detailed drawings and lots of inventiveness.

Sandy Foster is a writer and blogger (NadinesBakery.com) who lives in the Kansas City area.

12 january 2022

kcparent.com

I frequently see dogs in locked cars in parking

Giving a dog human food does not create

lots when their owners are running errands. Is

begging behaviors. However, giving a dog

it illegal to leave your dog in a parked car

human food at the kitchen table when they

without supervision? If it is hot outside and a

are staring or trying to get your attention

dog is locked in a parked car, what can I do?

creates begging behaviors. The best way to

– Martha Goodwin

ensure your pet does not beg for food is to not allow them to eat near you while you are

It depends on the state. Thirty-one states

eating. You can teach them the “Place”

have laws that either prohibit leaving an

command during mealtimes to keep them

animal confined in a vehicle under dangerous

away from the dinner table. If you do give

conditions or provide civil immunity for people

your pets human food, please check that the

who are trying to rescue animals from

food is safe for your pets and always give

vehicles if they are in distress. In most states,

special foods in moderation to keep them

it is recommended to check if the car door is

safe and healthy.

locked if the animal appears to be in distress.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

FEATURED PET

If the door is locked and an owner cannot be found, call 911 or local law enforcement before trying to enter the vehicle. I

Why does my cat chew on grass and

recommend researching your state’s laws to

household plants? Should I be concerned?

determine the best course of action in these situations.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Bismarck Bismarck is a three-year-old retriever

– Delia Guerrero

mix with a heart of gold and an

Most veterinarians believe that cats eat

playing fetch and is an excellent car

grass and plants to help with gastrointestinal issues or to rid themselves of parasites.

My partner and I are debating what types of

Another reason they may do this is because

food a dog can and cannot have. Does giving

it is fun enrichment and they just enjoy

a dog human food cause begging? Is it safe

munching on them. There are grasses you

to give dogs human food?

can grow in your home for your cat to chew

– Don Huff

on such as wheat grass and catnip that are safe for them. Please make sure your cat is not chewing on plants that might be toxic or chemically treated. If they seem to be

aptitude for cuddling. He adores rider. His smile will brighten your life every day! He quickly won the hearts of our staff and volunteers for his happy-go-lucky, sweet nature. He is looking for a home without small animals and must meet any dogs in the home prior to being adopted.

Bismarck is a well-behaved, sweet boy who is ready to take on life as your loving sidekick!

overeating grass or plants, I recommend visiting your veterinarian.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

roundup.app/p/gpspca

Make a Difference for Shelter Pets Just

by Donating Your Change.

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training

at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

www.greatplainsspca.org

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

ASK THE

EXPERTS Cheryl A. Lang

Megan Maciel

MCPL

KVC KANSAS

Mid-Continent Public Library has 33 branches and serves more than 816,000 residents across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, offering resources and services for all ages.

816.836.5200, MyMCPL.org

KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals.

913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

Q

Q

I’m interested in tracing my family’s genealogy.

What’s a good way to get started?

What is the main goal of foster care?

The starting point in any family history research project is to first determine what details you know. The Midwest Genealogy Center provides downloadable forms that you can print at home. You can also ask older relatives to help fill in the blanks. Document their stories using a Tell Me a Story oral history kit available for checkout from MGC or reservation online for pickup at any Mid-Continent Public Library branch. The next step is to take a Genealogy 101 class through Universal Class or start using online genealogy resources on the library’s website, like MyHeritage.com and others, to find out more information.

The Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence is open seven days a week to provide advice. Visit MyMCPL.org/FamilyHistory for more information.

Cheryl A. Lang, MLS Midwest Genealogy Center Manager

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children and teens when their parents or caregivers are going through crisis. When youth cannot remain safely in the home, child welfare agencies work diligently with the family to resolve the conflicts or disruptions that resulted in the child entering foster care through intensive family-centered services. The primary goal is to return the child to his or her home with additional supports in place for the family. Foster families come alongside the biological family to provide support while the family is in crisis, provide a stable home environment for the children and teens, and model appropriate parenting.

Megan Maciel Director of Recruitment and Communication, KVC Kansas

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.

14 january 2022

kcparent.com

WORDFROMDAD

I WANT SNOW “Father, when’s it going to snow?”

Those were the days! The internet was in its infancy, and smart phones were still science fiction. Electronic gadgets were limited to radios, stereos and televisions. Best of all, when it came to entertainment, imagination ruled.

On a more personal level, James had been speaking for a few years, and Ian had just started. Further, James now displayed his most endearing and exasperating trait: a lack of patience along with bulldog tenacity.

“Father, I asked you a question. When will it snow?”

I shrugged. “The weatherman said we MIGHT get some, but forecasting snow is the hardest.” I scrutinized him. “Why? Are you bored inside and can’t go out ’cause it’s too cold?”

James stood quietly for a moment. “Yes.” “How about a hike in the woods?”

“Now?” “It’s the best time. No bugs, and all the snakes are hibernating. Sure, the creeks are frozen, but you’d be surprised at what we can see.”

“It’s too cold, and there’s no snow.”

“Do you want to stay in and watch a movie? Or should we make brownies and play checkers while we’re waiting for them to cool?”

“Brownies sound good.”

“All right, but they’re for the whole family. You get the checkers and I’ll get out the mixing bowls.”

Thirty minutes later, James pushed one of his men onto my back row. “King me.”

The scent of freshly baked chocolate filled the kitchen, and I placed the extra man on top of his as the oven timer went off. “Remember, they have to cool before we can eat any.”

I put the brownies on a cooling rack below the window, but when I looked up, large, white flakes fell on our backyard.

I rejoined James at my side of the checkerboard. “Have you looked outside?”

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William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com january 2022

15

FIVETHINGS

Dream Dinners

At-a-Glance Calendar I still use a paper calendar and, for the past 14 years, have relied on the At-a-Glance calendar to keep us on track and at the right place at the right time! My mom and sisters use it as well.

Each September, Mom orders our calendars and hands them out.

What I love most is not only are they the perfect calendar, but I’ve held onto them and they now serve as a snapshot of what our lives were like in years past. If you’re trying to get more organized in the new year, check out At-a-Glance! AtAGlance.com

5

I don’t love to cook. I’m not terrible, but it’s just not my forte. Enter Dream Dinners. I used them years ago, but not on a regular basis. Last year brought some struggles, and I didn’t have the time or energy for meal planning, so I ordered Dream Dinners. What a lifesaver! It got me through a tough period and provided my family with warm, delicious meals. I’ve continued to order from them monthly throughout the past year and it’s been a huge help! If one of your resolutions is to eat better and at home more often, then look no further than Dream Dinners! DreamDinners.com

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Aquarium Have you heard the news? The Kansas City Zoo, which just keeps getting better and better, is building an aquarium that’s set to open in 2023.

The 600,000-gallon aquarium will be situated near Helzberg Penguin Plaza, giving visitors an up close and personal view of the ocean, right here in the Midwest! The ocean and its creatures fascinate me, so I always make it a point to seek out an aquarium when on a trip. I’m so excited we’ll have this world-class exhibit right here in Kansas City. To keep track of progress on the aquarium, visit KansasCityZoo.org/Aquarium.

White Noise When I sleep, I like to have a fan running for the noise. My husband doesn’t like how it dries out his mouth, so he finally convinced me to look into a white noise machine. Seriously, why didn’t I do this sooner?

Spoiler alert: because I’m stubborn! After much research, I settled on the Vanzon White Noise Machine, and it’s perfect. I found just the right sound out of the more than 30 to choose from. The machine is the smallest thing ever and will be so easy to take with me on my next trip.

Amazon.com

Coffee Flight I like drink flights; I think they are a great way to try out beverages that are new to you. I had read about a local coffee shop, Ollama, that offers coffee flights on Tuesdays and was anxious to try it out. The flight contains four drinks, two that are pre-set and two of your choice. My daughter and I ordered different coffees to maximize the number we tried. Each drink was so unique and delicious that we had trouble choosing a favorite! And, they offer drinks especially for kids, a bebeccino in iced (horchata with whip cream and a churro) or hot (steamed milk with cinnamon whipped cream). Facebook.com/Ollamakc

16 january 2022

kcparent.com

ADVERTORIAL

Mid-Continent Public Library is Your Place for

New Year’s Resolutions for the Family

The New Year has finally arrived! If your family is drafting its resolutions for 2022, here are six goals that you can count on Mid-Continent Public Library for support!

Grow A Reader!

Rock that Report Card

Grow your reader by building a daily habit of talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing with MCPL’s new Grow A Reader app. Developed for parents and caregivers to engage in constructive, enriching, and fun literacy activities with children, the app offers stories, videos, songs, and daily tips, along with the ability to place books on hold or sign up for storytime at your local branch. Download the free Grow A Reader app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

If your kiddos’ resolutions include improving their grades, the Library offers a variety of online resources that can help, including Live Homework Help from Tutor.com, which connects students to a live tutor who can help with nearly any subject. Visit mymcpl.org/ Homework for a full list of resources.

Access Wellness Find family friendly resources for physical and emotional wellness through MCPL’s video streaming services, or search the MCPL catalog for books or DVDs like Yoga for Kids: Mind and Body. You can even create a family workout playlist with MCPL’s free music streaming service, Freegal. For healthy recipes that even the pickiest eaters will love, check out the latest cookbooks in the Library’s collection, and digital issues of culinary magazines from OverDrive Magazines. More health resources are available at mymcpl.org/wellness.

Find Your Roots!

Start the New Year by showing the kids where their ancestors came from and trace your family history with help from MCPL’s Midwest Genealogy Center. Start by downloading free, kid-friendly family tree forms at mymcpl.org/Genealogy and use the wide range of online and in-person resources to fill them in!

Money Management for the Family Money management skills are an important part of life, and it’s never too early to start learning! Use the Library’s TumbleMath online resource to teach young children about “money math” or resources like Morningstar Investment Research Center for older kids (and even a refresher for yourself!). Visit mymcpl.org/PersonalFinance for a full list of resources. And don’t forget, a great way to save money is by using the free resources at your local Library!

Explore Different Cultures Even if you’re unable to travel abroad, you can bring cultural experiences to your home with help from the Library! Find books and movies about different cultures in the Library’s collection and additional information through online resources like CultureGrams. Find recipe books or free online cooking classes through the Library to try making different foods and learn a new language with Mango Languages and Muzzy.

Resolve to make 2022 your family’s best year yet with help from Mid-Continent Public Library! Learn more about how the Library can support your resolutions at mymcpl.org/NewYears or visit one of its 30+ locations and ask a staff member for help.

Q&A DEARTEACHERS

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

INCREASING CHILDREN’S VOCABULARIES

QUESTION: My son currently is in fourth grade.

things with neither of you using any electronic devices.

His teacher says he has a very limited speaking

The more you and your son talk to each other, the

vocabulary and is not using grade level vocabulary to

faster his vocabulary will increase. And the more the

express himself. Also, the teacher says he has trouble

discussions go beyond trite exchanges to talking more

understanding more advanced vocabulary. How can

about current happenings in the world, the sooner he

he increase his vocabulary? — Needs Words

will enlarge his vocabulary. Doing these things is really

ANSWER: Children pick up new words and their meanings in two major ways: through listening and through reading. Starting in fourth grade, new and unfamiliar vocabulary is introduced in all subjects, especially science and social studies, building a foundation for future learning. Mastery of these words is absolutely essential to understanding the material.

This task is much easier for the good listeners in every classroom. Children who don’t listen in class are always playing catchup in learning vocabulary. Could this be part of the reason that your son’s vocabulary is limited? The teacher can have him sit in the front of the classroom, take notes on what is being said and answer questions about what is being discussed—all ways to improve his listening skills.

Building children’s vocabulary does not just occur at

a great way to increase all children’s vocabularies.

Your son’s limited vocabulary may be partially due to his not mastering much of the new vocabulary in content area subjects, especially social studies and science, as well as new words in his readers. The secret to his learning these words is to hear them at least four to 12 times. Part of this will occur at school. However, you can accelerate the process by having him write out the meaning of new words (textbooks usually list these words for every chapter). Then make a point of using these words in conversations as you discuss each day what he is learning in school. By hearing, saying, reading and writing more challenging words, his limited vocabulary should grow.

You might want to start building his vocabulary by checking whether your son understands the 300 most

school. The more you talk to your children, no matter

basic words that should have been mastered in first,

what their age, the larger their vocabularies will be,

second and third grades. You will find this list on our

because parents use far more challenging words than

DearTeacher.com website under Skill Builders -

children’s peers. So much of the key to increasing

reading. There are also lists of words there that middle

your son’s vocabulary lies in your talking to him and his

schoolers and high school students should know that

talking more to you. Increase the opportunities to do

will be helpful for your son later on. If he doesn’t know

this by doing chores together, having mealtime and

these very basic words, use flashcards to help him

car conversations and bedtime chats. Do all of these

learn them.

18 january 2022

kcparent.com

IT’S MIDYEAR CHECKUP TIME PARENTS: For years, getting report cards throughout

reports or other communications, here are some things

the year was the main way parents learned exactly

that you can do to be up to date on your children’s

what progress their children were making in their classes.

progress in school so far this year:

Now, many schools go beyond report cards to sending

• Observe whether or not they are having trouble doing

home midyear or mid-report card period progress reports for students in grades 1-8. Not only do they give a picture of the progress children are making in achieving the appropriate growth in meeting state standards in

homework assignments and in what areas.

• Become a monitor of your children’s work by looking over the papers they bring home every day. Check to see whether they are filled with red pencil correction marks.

academic subjects, these reports also review social/ emotional development, behavior and work habits. And

• Acquaint yourself with the online information your

some progress reports are sent out when students are

children’s teachers provide. Some will have test dates

having academic, social or behavioral problems.

and scores, class assignments, resources for parents and contact information.

With the school year half over or nearly half over

• Study the results of any standardized tests your children

for most students, now is the time you want to know whether there are any significant problems that can

may have taken.

• Schedule a conference with your children’s teachers if

be resolved before the end of the year. If you have not received this vital information via midyear progress

you have questions about your children’s progress.

© Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021

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TASTYTREATS

Hearty, Wholesome Winter Meals (Family Features)

S

eeking comfort from the cold in the form of a wholesome meal is a perfect way to cap off a day with loved ones. During the winter months when brisk temperatures chill you to the bone, warming up with hearty dishes at the family table can bring everyone together.

This family dinner is made possible with tasty pecans, which are among the lowest in carbs and highest in fiber compared to other tree nuts, helping you stay fuller longer. As a nutrient-dense powerhouse, they have 3 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber per 1-ounce serving with 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. Essential nutrients like thiamin, zinc, copper and manganese—a mineral that’s essential for metabolism and bone health—mean you can feel good about serving pecan-infused dishes to your loved ones.

Visit AmericanPecan.com to find more winter weeknight recipe inspiration.

Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Total time: 35 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients: 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/2 lbs.)

Salt to taste Pepper to taste 1/2 c. brown sugar, divided 2 T. soy sauce, divided 2 t. minced garlic 1/2 c. pecan pieces 1/4 c. pineapple juice 2 T. Dijon mustard

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 F and lightly grease large baking dish. Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.

In small bowl, stir 1/4 c. brown sugar, 1 T. soy sauce and minced garlic. Spread mixture over pork.

Press pecan pieces into brown sugar mixture on pork. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine remaining brown sugar, remaining soy sauce, pineapple juice and Dijon mustard. Bring mixture to boil; reduce to simmer for 3-5 minutes then remove from heat.

Slice pork, spoon sauce over top and serve.

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Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs Total time: 50 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients: 8 oz. cavatappi pasta 1 T. butter 1 block (8 oz.) cheddar cheese 1/2 c. raw pecan pieces 15 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese 4 T. sour cream 1 t. salt 1/4 t. ground pepper 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 F. In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 c. pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.

Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Using food processor, process 1/4 c. shredded cheese with pecans to coarse breadcrumb consistency.

Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg; stir. Add reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.

Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping.

Bake 30 minutes.

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Get Active with Snow & Ice Sports Kansas City’s Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks: The season for the outdoor rinks is typically November through February or March. Please call for hours for each location.

Our Favorite Outdoor Ice Rinks

ice-skating under the lights at Zona Rosa.

Skate session pass admission: $11; children 3 and under are free. Skate rental: $4 (or bring your own skates!). After-school session pass (3:00-5:00) admission: $9; skate rental: $4. An 11-visit pass and bring your own skates: $110; when you include rental skates, it’s $150. For hours and information visit ZonaRosa.com.

Crown Center Ice Terrace 2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.274.8411.

The Ice Terrace season will run through March 13. Enjoy public skating daily. Two “Learn to Skate” sessions will be held on Sunday mornings; advance registration is required. Group rates and private parties are available. Admission is $8 per person, plus $4 skate rental, or purchase a Season Pass for $90. For more details on the Ice Terrace schedule and policies, visit CrownCenter.com/IceTerrace.

The Rink at Zona Rosa 8731 N. Stoddard Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.208.3690. The Rink at Zona Rosa is open daily through February for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more. Enjoy shopping from local and national retailers, an eclectic mix of restaurant options and

january 2022 22 kcparent.com kcparent.com

Additional Outdoor Rinks: Summit Ice 120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit, 816.249.2600. Enjoy skating, pond hockey, curling, broomball and iceskating lessons at this facility.

Linden Square Ice Rink 602 NE 70th St., Gladstone, 816.423.4200. Children 4 and under skate free at this affordable local rink.

Ice Rink at Bois D’Arc Park in Lenexa, West 88th Terrace. This rink is only open when temps are cold enough for the ice to be solid. The rink is open during daytime hours and is free to use, but you must bring your own skates.

The Ice at Park Place 11549 Ash St., Leawood, 913.663.2070.

Kansas City’s Indoor Ice-Skating Rinks Open Year-Round: Independence Community Ice Rink 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, 816.795.7577

Kansas City Ice Center and Pavilion 19900 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, 913.441.3033

Line Creek Community Center Ice Rink 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.513.0760

More Winter Sports: Head to Weston, MO, for skiing and snowboarding at Snow Creek Ski Resort (816.640.2200). In early winter, the facility offers snow skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing and lessons for beginners. The most daring experience at Snow Creek is tubing at Tornado Alley.

Slide down a 700-foot-long slope and then jump onto a special conveyor carpet “twister” for a ride back up!

If you’re more into spectator sports, catch an ice hockey game in Independence as you cheer for the Kansas City Mavericks (816.252.7825).

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very parent wants a child prepared to navigate the ups and downs that life brings once they live and work away from home. At Oakhill Day School, we believe that the foundation of learning and success begins early. When children are toddlers, they are just learning about the world around them, curious and free. As they mature, that curiosity evolves into creativity and inquisitiveness that sets the scene for a lifetime of learning.

Oakhill Day School’s Early Childhood division focuses on life skills and interpersonal skills while introducing our youngest students to foundational academics. In Lower School, the real fun begins. Students develop the foundation for reading, writing, math, and science and start formalized art, music, foreign language, and innovation lab, where they begin coding and problem solving using design theory. Oakhill gives Intermediate students independence and guidance as they enter their pre-teen years. These students gain the tools to self-regulate and develop consistency and routine in their study habits. Middle School students are becoming young adults and are leaders amongst their peers while preparing for the academic demands of high school. Oakhill’s high school program, PRIME, is studentcentered. No two PRIME students have the same schedule, and they focus on what drives their interests as they prepare for college and beyond.

Oakhill offers students Pretoddler (18-months) through 12th-grade a small classroom learning environment where dedicated faculty work to meet each student where they are and provide essential social and emotional support for the entire family.

How do we prepare the whole child?

We meet our students where they are!

Our small class sizes allow Oakhill teachers to know their students personally and are adaptable in how they teach. Because we understand that no two students learn the same, we treat each student as the individuals they are and know that success may not look the same for everyone.

Maintain consistency!

We work hard to maintain student schedules, classes, extra-curricular and athletic offerings. We offer courses like Art, Foreign Language, Innovation Lab, and Music. These are not extra but part of every student’s regular school day.

Support the whole family!

We offer the support of on-site wellness and academic counselors for families and students who need a little extra reassurance. Our goal is for each student to be the best version of themselves.

Student success is our #1 priority!

Balance is how we lead our students to success. Oakhill students work hard, and we provide a fun and safe environment to play hard! We understand that today’s students are busy with outside activities and families need time together, so we make sure that our students are resilient and able to take on whatever life throws at them.

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

t

he moment your child is born, he is learning! His eyes open, and he learns, “Wow, it’s brighter out here!” Then a baby learns to use his voice with a cry and then that Mommy’s arms and Daddy’s chest are the warmest, most perfect places to snuggle. Next, he learns that milk, either from a bottle or breast, is better than Heaven. Each sensation is brand new!

Unlocking your child’s learning potential happens naturally. Little ones innately absorb information through being in your home, in your kitchen, in your bathtub playing with floatie toys and in your bed while you read, sing and snuggle. They are sponges!

We all know children learn in different ways depending on their personality. My son liked playing with blocks and Legos and loved Harry Potter! He played every sport—baseball, football, basketball, soccer—and kept his mind occupied that way. His coaches at every age increased his learning potential. It helped that his father took him to MU games, and they watched every game on tv! He is now a safety inspector, overseeing buildings being built!

My daughter began listening to music, dancing, painting her room and singing. The Sound of Music, Annie, Alice in Wonderland—she learned every word and even acted as Alice in a play in high school, and in Annie at Starlight! All because I got her a little radio with cd player when she was young. And sang along with her and took her to plays. She now sings in her church As naturally as this learning occurs, the key is to encourage your child when you see his or her aptitude for something. Another key is to create a stable home environment. Children’s abilities blossom when they experience a stress-free, happy and stable environment at home. Make sure you and your spouse maintain a cheerful disposition and settle your differences away from your child’s eyes and ears. Let your child have lots of unstructured time to indulge in her hobbies. Invite her friends over, or even allow her to simply stare out of the window, engaged in deep thought. All these act as stress busters and creativity boosters.

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Keep lines of communication open wide! Not only will it help your child connect with you, but also help him purge his emotional energy and formulate and express ideas. Ongoing conversations also provide you the opportunity to ask open-ended questions and better understand what is going on in your child’s mind. Remember while talking to your child to speak slowly and use vocabulary he can understand.

Another key to unlocking learning is reading. Even with computers and their influence, nothing is better than holding a book in your hand. Begin the process of encouraging your child to develop an interest in reading early on. Try to spend at least half an hour every day reading together. You can read to your little one and, as your little one learns, take turns. Make reading fun and engaging by asking questions, eliciting your child’s opinion or engaging in a conversation about something that you have just read.

Every child is unique, has a unique brain, thinks differently and, therefore, learns differently. As parents, we need to learn to let life happen and be alert to ways to guide our children’s growth and learning. If you try to put a round peg into a square hole, you know it won’t go right. The same is true of children. New ways are not bad ways. Scan books and podcasts from other parents who have been through what you are going through. Your child is destined to be an individual who loves life, finds his or her purpose and makes you proud. Sometimes, it causes sleepless nights, but as children grow, so do you.

k c o l n u

your child’s learning potential

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: ParentCircle.com, TurboLearner.com

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Sprucing Up Without Going All Out 2022 is knocking.

How does your front doorstep look?

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e’ve gone from working from home to returning to the office, to back to working from home—and it’s been a lot. So it’s no surprise that the place we have bounced back and forth from might be in need of a little love. What better excuse than a brand new year to clear out some clutter, rearrange a few sofas and perhaps swipe a pop of color onto the walls?

There’s no time like the present, so here are some ways you can spruce up your space, without taking up too much time and precious resources.

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Go shopping—in your own space It’s very easy to get attached to an idea for an object: the green vase goes in the dining room, and the gold frame goes in the living room. But do they really have to? Consider moving accessories, artwork and even rugs to different rooms in the house. By switching up where things are “supposed” to be, you easily breathe new life into a room that has felt stagnant for a while. And, by the way, when you move those items, go ahead and give them a nice dusting. Trust me, they need it.

Refresh your front entry The front doorway has seen a lot of action these last few months. Deliveries, trick-or-treaters and holiday guests have likely done a number on your door mat.

It might seem a trivial item, but consider replacing that mat or, at the very least, give it a good cleaning. The sweep of a broom to the corners of the entry will also help spruce things up. Cobwebs are for October.

Initiate the purge It is time. Your kids have outgrown the shoes you trip over in the hallway. You’ve never worn the faux leather trousers you wanted before the pandemic introduced you to Cotsco sweatpants. It’s time to let some things go.

Get your family together and give them this task: Bring 10 items from your bedroom that you wish to throw out or donate. GO. Don’t limit the purging to only clothing either. It can be easy to hang onto objects you spent money on, but if artwork or an accessory is no longer supporting your space or your aesthetic, it’s okay to gift them.

If Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is your thing, you might even be able to add a little jingle to your pocket! (Please meet in a safe place to make those exchanges.)

help. Lighting is an instant mood lifter and space changer. Give yourself some extra watts and watch the atmosphere change. Let there be light!

Settle the great comforter debate What is it with people and holding onto their comforter for 100 years? With so many patterns, colors and textures to choose from, know that the switch of decoration on something you spend 365 nights a year with is more than acceptable. Go on a comforter hunt and find one you love, then donate the old one. You’ll be shocked at how much fresher your bedroom feels.

Quick Changes for the Lowest Cost

Clean your windows Your windows are the home’s eyes.

Give them a nice cleaning and watch them sparkle. If you can, consider hiring someone to have your windows professionally cleaned once a year. It’s worth every penny. Window washers are whizzes at getting grime off that you never knew was there. And while we’re talking windows, when was the last time you cleaned your draperies? That’s what I thought. Take them down and wash away years of dust mites, or consider replacing them altogether if they’re beginning to show signs of wear. If you love the curtains still but want a change, you can switch out the curtain rod or the hooks to give the draperies a fresh vibe.

Upgrade your lighting Change out every bulb in your house that flickers, dims or flat out doesn’t work.

Bonus points if you can switch to an energy efficient LED bulb. Additionally, ask yourself where adding an extra light or lamp might

lot of frames to start with. But trust me— photo frames are like makeup. Switching out the images that you pass 25 times a day is like shifting from Chapstick to a bright red gloss. Everyone will notice, and so will you.

No matter which room you choose, or how big a change you make, the energy will undoubtedly shift. Ruts are easy to fall into in home décor, so occasionally mixing things up is an easy way to inject some inspiration into our lives. And don’t be surprised if you start small and wind up getting ambitious for more. Improvement is addictive, and your home will thank you!

Don’t get me started on mattresses Your mattress is icky. It’s been on your bed for 12 years. I’m not saying you have to replace it (and with supply chain shortages, I don’t know that you even could), but you do need to vacuum it, remove any stains, and douse that bad boy with some baking soda to deodorize.

If you have a mattress that can be flipped, do it. Lastly, consider purchasing some fresh new sheets to go with your newly cleaned sleeping oasis, then settle in for a long winter’s nap.

Change small details Oftentimes, people mistakenly think they need to change something massive to create an impact. Not true. Perhaps you want your kitchen to feel fresh without painting every cabinet. Switch out the hardware on the cabinets for an instant uplift. Change the covers on the throw pillows in your living room to shift the vibe. Lastly, consider changing the photos in your frames. It can be a dauting task, particularly if you have a

Paint a room – Low cost and laborious, but worth it. And you get to eat pizza afterward.

Clean the floorboards – Once again laborious, but so satisfying when it’s done.

Encourage your kids to help; they’re lower to the ground!

File your papers – Get a filing cabinet and kick that paper clutter to the curb.

If you’re inclined, there are thousands of websites dedicated to showing you how to start this process.

Blast that grime – A pressure washer will do wonders for decks, front stoops, lawn mowers and garage floors. It’s amazing what a blast of water can do to clean up the grossest of spaces.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son. kcparent.com january 2022

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Finding joy in eating well together

L

ocal mom Michele Hackett has transformed her diet and improved her health recently.

As the primary cook in her family, she has helped her husband and daughters make better diet choices as well.

“I am putting those better choices in front of them,” Hackett says.

Although people typically focus on health and wellness at the beginning of the year, the thought of making dramatic changes to how our families eat can seem overwhelming. Yet, as in Hackett’s case, it often simply takes one family member to initiate changes for an entire family.

Take it one step at a time Hackett says one key to her success, and that of her family, is not making huge changes all at once but focusing on one or two smaller changes at a time. To this end, one of the better choices she makes for her family includes using leaner meats, which involves choosing turkey and fish over beef.

She has also cut down on the consumption of sugar and carbonated drinks and works to drink a significant amount of water each day. Drinking plenty of water is something

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she is helping her daughter implement as well. Additionally, she eats smaller snacks between meals to keep her metabolism going.

For healthier on-the-go options, she says she always has fruit, low-fat cheese sticks, nuts and yogurt on hand for her family.

When it comes to eating out, she recommends checking restaurant menus online before heading out and deciding in advance on a healthier option by reviewing the nutritional information restaurants provide.

“When you have that in your control, and you make that decision before you go, it’s easier,” Hackett says.

Tracey Shaffer, a local registered dietician and owner of KC Nutrition Coach, recommends starting to make changes one meal at a time. Find ways to improve just one meal of the day, and this could include adding more fruits and vegetables, decreasing unhealthy fats or including more protein. Once you have improved one meal, you can move on and work on the next meal.

Shaffer says to encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. She recommends trying different preparation methods, including serving them raw, roasted, stir-fried or with cheese, offering them with dips or adding to other foods, such as eggs, sandwiches or pasta.

Bethany Frazier, a local registered dietician and owner of Kansas City Dietician, says she encourages families to begin their efforts to eat well by cooking at home and helping everyone in the family develop a healthy relationship with food.

She encourages families to offer a wide variety of foods, and it is important for kids to have the exposure to different types of foods even if they do not eat all of them.

Frazier recommends making sure children have a “safe” option on their plate that they enjoy and pairing that with an option they might not enjoy as much, such as pairing chicken fingers with salad.

She also recommends offering dips with vegetables to boost interest.

Frazier says some kids have sensitivity to textures and do not enjoy foods being mixed in a casserole, so you may find it helpful to offer the different foods separately.

“Keep the freezer stocked with frozen veggies,” says Abby Stanley, a dietician with Revive Nutrition Solutions. “Frozen veggies are healthy and can be prepared in just a few minutes. With a quick addition of some olive oil and seasonings, they can taste great, too. When you haven’t been to the grocery store or just don’t have time to cook, there is still a quick and easy way to get veggies on the plate for the whole family.”

Overall, Frazier recommends making sure you always offer good sources of protein, fat and fiber. She says protein is generally the most overwhelming to prepare, so having simple go-to protein sources are important.

Encourage a positive relationship with food Both Frazier and Shaffer agree one pitfall families often fall into when it comes to diet can be making different meals for different family members.

Shaffer says to avoid becoming a shortorder cook by serving one meal and including a food your children enjoy so they have something to choose even if they do not like the rest of the meal.

Not planning can be another diet pitfall.

“It does not have to be full meal preparation, but having an idea of what

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the menu for dinner will be and having all the ingredients available will make mealtime go much more smoothly,” Shaffer says.

Another pitfall can be stressing over meals and putting pressure on yourself and your family.

“If you are serving a variety of foods from the food groups, they will get all they need even if they don’t always eat from all food groups all the time,” Shaffer says.

Frazier emphasizes the importance of demonstrating a good relationship with food and not forcing the kids to eat. She suggests making mealtime fun by turning on music during dinner or even having a picnic on the floor.

She also recommends letting kids explore different foods—even if they do not eat them. With older kids and teens, she says it is important to control messaging about food and keep it positive. Avoid saying

negative things about foods or even your own body—this is vital.

Shaffer says even if you do not like a specific food, do not keep your kids from trying it. Do avoid telling your kids you do not think they will enjoy that food. After all, the kids might surprise you.

Overall, let kids see the value in food and, as a family, enjoy having mealtime together occasionally as you seek to make positive diet choices. You will likely make memories and develop a closer relationship as a family as you spend time eating and exploring food together.

Allison Gibeson is a local writer and mom who is working to drink more water each day.

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

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w

Teach Kids to

hat comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Live life to the fullest”? My first thought was something daring and adventurous, like rock climbing, skydiving, running a marathon or traveling the world.

For some, these things might sound fun and exciting, but other folks might go to extreme measures to avoid these activities altogether.

Although thrills on occasion might add spice to life and be a great way to live life to the fullest, most of our lives are lived in dayto-day activities, not the highs that come with an exciting adventure. How can we parents embrace life during the daily routine and pass that priority on to our children?

Laugh Laughter is truly the best medicine and can turn your entire day around. If you are mad, sad or just feeling bored, finding something to laugh about can change your attitude for the better. After laughing so hard that tears are streaming down my face or until my face hurts from smiling, my heart feels fuller and the worries seem lighter. Laughter can’t wipe away all your troubles, but it can turn your day around and help you appreciate and bond with the other people in your life. Laugh with your kids and allow them to be silly and to laugh.

Life passes too quickly not to find some

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Embrace Life

humor along the way. Enjoying moments of fun and laughter with people you love is a great way to embrace life.

zone, but it’s worth it to make a new friend.

A great way to embrace life is through relationships with people in our community.

Slow down

Go for it

Today’s society encourages us to rush from one thing to the next and fill up every waking moment. Try to pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Take time to notice the sunrise in the morning, appreciate the fresh snow on the ground, watch squirrels chase each other and point these things out to your kids. Show your kids how to taste their food, take deep breaths of fresh air and snuggle a little longer before bed. You don’t have to stop participating in activities you and your kids enjoy, but when you have a free moment, pause to enjoy it.

Offer support when your children express interest in trying something new or if they want to set a goal for themselves. Finding new hobbies and activities they love can help kids understand their place in life and feel part of a group or team. This is a great way to embrace and love the life they are living.

Trying new things can be overwhelming, but the reward can far outweigh the risk and your kids will enjoy a great sense of accomplishment when they reach their goal.

Talk to strangers Encourage your kids to meet new people and relish the joy of making a new friend.

Some of life’s greatest joys are connecting with other people and the experience of being part of a community. If you are at a park playing, encourage your children to say hello to other kids their age. If your children have a new classmate, suggest they go out of their way to include the new child at recess.

Welcome new neighbors by taking a plate of cookies to their door and introducing yourselves. This may be out of your comfort

Cultivate a servant’s heart One way to appreciate the blessings you have in life is to give back to those in need. Consider serving your community as a family. Ideas include collecting nonperishable foods for a local food pantry, doing yard work for a neighbor, taking a meal to a friend in need, hosting a playdate for a mom who needs a break, writing thank you cards to teachers or lending a hand when you see someone who needs help in the grocery store. Your kids will follow your lead and will begin to not only notice what they have to be thankful for but to pass that joy along to others as well.

Look forward As I have watched each of my kids grow and mature, the temptation is to feel sad that time is passing so quickly. I have also found myself looking forward to events and milestones in the future with either anticipation or worry. When I am stuck in either of these mindsets, I miss what is going on today and forget to appreciate the joys and challenges my kids are experiencing.

The best balance is to live in the here and now and teach your kids to do the same.

When you are spending time together, enjoy that moment rather than worrying about yesterday or tomorrow.

As I reflect on these tips, I see a theme.

The things that matter in life are people and time. How you spend your time and who you spend it with are what makes for a happy and fulfilled life. Adventures like zip lining, vacations and skiing are fun and exciting and certainly produce joy in our lives, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace the wonderful moments in our daily lives as well. Laugh hard, love fiercely, try new things, talk (and listen) to people in your life and slow down to see the beauty in the world around you.

Your child is watching you and learning how to live life to the fullest from your example.

Embrace the life you are living right now before the moment passes by.

Ideas to Help Embrace Daily Life

• Give someone a hug or a high five.

• Read a book.

• Have a playdate with a friend.

• Bake a cake for no reason.

• Try a new restaurant.

• Have a campout in the living room.

• Take the kids to the dollar store and

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pick out one item.

• Eat your dessert first.

• Go to a movie.

• Eat dinner together.

• Play a game.

• Have a dance party.

• Tell silly jokes.

• Share a blessing from today.

Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six children, including 7-year-old triplets.

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8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS jocoahc.com

For more info & to book your session: JCPRD.com/Museum kcparent.com january 2022

31

Princess at My Party

party

KC Parent’s

guide

• fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Kansas City Zoo

Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Raya, Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Also, inquire about our Super Girl, Wonder Woman or Bat Girl parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 32. 816.830.4841. PrincessAtMyParty.com

RoKC

Celebrate your little climber’s birthday with RoKC! Enjoy your two-hour party for 10-15 climbers with your own birthday party attendant and private climbing instructor! Parties are available at both our Olathe, KS and North KC, MO locations. Party also includes rental gear and a private party room for cake and presents, feel free to decorate it to fit your theme! Every birthday deserves the gift of adventure. See display ad on pg. 35. ClimbKC.com

Tick Tock Escape Room

At Tick Tock you’ll find exciting adventures filled with secret agents, eccentric billionaires, space travel and ancient Egyptian mysteries. Bring friends and family to experience our one-of-a-kind escape rooms. Then, you can celebrate your achievements in our party room. We design our rooms using cutting edge technology and innovative game design principles to ensure you’ll have an unforgettable experience, only available in Overland Park. Book online or call for details. See display ad on pg. 33. TickTockEscapeRoom.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

Let the Kansas City Zoo host your child’s next birthday party. We guarantee a wild time for every guest! We are currently offering birthday party options on weekends. Zoo admission and rides wristbands are available as an add-on. You are welcome to provide your own décor, food, and activities. Visit KansasCityZoo.org/birthdays to join us for a celebration like no other! See display ad on pg. 32.

Urban Air Adventure Parks in Lenexa and Overland Park continue to be voted Best Kids Birthday Party Place year after year. It’s the perfect place for indoor stress-free birthday parties for all ages. More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air has something for everyone. Let the kids fly through the park on our sky rider, take on our climbing walls, or reach new heights on our trampolines.

Urban Air. Let ‘em fly. See display ad on pg. 34. UrbanAirLenexa.com, UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

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13 birthday planning secrets: tips from savvy moms

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lanning the perfect birthday party for your kids may seem a herculean task, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these party planning secrets approved by savvy moms to make your kids’ birthday parties the best yet—with minimal stress!

about her birthday party, I realized she wasn’t wanting an extravagant party. She came up with a great idea that was easy to put together and budget friendly. It ended up being her favorite party to date,” says Hewitt.

Brainstorm Ideas with the Birthday Kid

Thank You Notes

Sometimes your expectations are much higher than your child’s. Danielle Hewitt, a mom of three from St. Joseph, MO, suggests brainstorming ideas with your child. “When I started brainstorming with my daughter

While your child is opening gifts, instead of taking time to write a list of gifts and givers for thank you notes, simply snap a quick photo of the birthday child, guest and gift opened. It will be a quick and easy reference for thank you notes.

You could even print the photos out to use as personalized thank you notes.

Digital Invites Keep it simple with invitations! Save the time of finding addresses and addressing each invitation. Send digital invites via text, email, Facebook event pages or websites like Evite. com. You will also save money on printing, envelopes and stamps! Just keep in mind you might need to follow up with guests if you don’t receive a response to your invitation.

Parents are busy, and invitations can easily get lost in their email or social media pages.

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PARTYGUIDE Scoop Ice Cream Before the Party KC Parent editor Margaret Sarver’s favorite party hack is to line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and place scoops of ice cream in each liner before the party and put back in the freezer. Pull out the muffin pan when serving cake and, voila, no mess!

Prevent Leaks Serving ice cream cones? Place a small marshmallow in the bottom of each ice cream cone to prevent leaks and sticky hands.

Prep the Night Before I like to prep everything for the party the night before. I put up all the decorations, pick up the cake and balloons, prepare food and drinks and have everything for the activities ready to go. By prepping the night before, you can enjoy the party day, and you will have time to run and grab a last minute item you might have forgotten before the party starts.

Create Individual Party Packages for Each Guest To save the hassle in passing out craft supplies for activities, put together party kits in a plastic bag beforehand. The bag will have everything each guest will need to complete the craft or activity. Make sure you assemble a few extras in case someone didn’t RSVP or a younger brother or sister would like to join in the fun!

Invest in a Plastic Pool A plastic pool isn’t just for splashing around. It can serve so many purposes for a birthday party. Fill it with plastic balls for a ball pit, water balloons for a balloon fight, ice to keep drinks cold, sand for a digging activity or Orbeez for a sensory activity for little ones.

Recruit Help from Your Kids Let your kids be involved in the party planning process. I love letting them put together the goody bags for their friends. It

Where fun

TAKES FLIGHT! With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone.

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keeps them busy and checks one thing off the party planning to-do list!

Let the Activity Be the Favor Instead of creating favor bags, do an activity that allows kids to take home what they made. Hewitt’s daughter’s party activity was creating different doit-yourself fidget toys. All the kids went home with a bag full of all the toys they created. Other examples include painting a ceramic piece, decorating cookies or cupcakes or tie-dying a pillowcase.

Ask for Any Special Allergies When Guests RSVP Make sure none of the children have food allergies when the parents RSVP. We have a family friend with a peanut allergy, so we try to make sure all the snacks and the cake are peanut allergy friendly, so he can eat what everyone else is eating.

Easy Drinks Provide a variety of drink options, but make sure they are individual serving drinks instead of drinks that need to be poured into cups. Hewitt says, “Water bottles and Capri Suns work perfectly.

They’re easier to pass out, you will have less spills, and the cleanup is easier.”

Simple Tablecloths If you’ve planning a messy activity, do yourself a favor and buy some plastic tablecloths. When the activity is over, you can throw away the tablecloth and everything on the table at one time. You will be saving your table from the mess and saving on cleanup time.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 7, and Ensley, 1, in St. Joseph, MO.

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Setting Realistic Resolutions

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verything changes NOW!” bark those ambitious New Year’s resolutions. Your mind snaps to attention but then shifts into foggy overwhelm as it considers the drastic changes you’ll have to implement immediately, and then your eyes glaze over. Sound familiar? After so many years of feeling the pressure to come up with some great thing to change, I’m not a huge fan. Instead, I like to think of the goals I want to achieve in the new year. We parents have things we want to do for our family and with our family. We also want to be good role models for our kids and teach them good habits and life skills. How do we go about doing this? First, we have to start implementing these habits in our own lives. Kids naturally watch what we do and take it as an example of what they should do themselves.

Let’s start with expectations. We can’t keep ourselves on track and keep moving forward if we don’t know what our expectations for our own yearly goals are. As we have well learned by now, life changes and throws curveballs at us. This means our goals will most likely have to shift around at some point to fit where our lives are going. I used to be so strict with myself that if something didn’t go perfectly in line with how it started and how I imagined it, I was done. New goal! I’ve learned that in order to make something happen, I have to adjust and pivot to deal with whatever comes at

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me. I’m sure lot of people can relate with being your own worst critic and being overly hard on yourself. Well, I’ve also learned to expect something will happen to throw me off, but I also expect to roll with the changes and learn to fit my goal into wherever I am at that moment. I give myself grace and a little pat on the back for not giving up. After all, I still want to make those things happen, even if things look a little different in the end.

Parents, what goals do you have for yourselves for the year?

Even if we do manage our kids, there are still things we want to do personally. Having and sharing goals also shows our kids we are more than just a mom or dad. We are our own people, too.

These goals don’t have to be lofty and large undertakings. They might be as simple as finally finishing a photo album or redoing a part of the house. Even small goals require lots of tedious steps and some time to accomplish. Come up with the small, manageable steps to get those projects done and start to take action. Action is key.

Sit down as a family and talk about what everyone wants to make happen over the year. If your kids are old enough to provide input, I suggest letting them do that. We humans tend to feel more valued and want to participate more when we have input into decision making. In my personal experience, we also take more responsibility.

Kids start wanting independence at an early age. Coaching them about goals is a great way to let them start gaining that independence. From an early age, teach them how to set goals and how to achieve them by breaking them down into manageable steps.

Let them tell you what they want to do—you might even find out things about them you didn’t know! Teaching kids to do this will also teach them how to take life in small steps they can accomplish rather than attacking a momentous task in one impossible try.

The last—very important—part? Follow-through. Goals are great, but unless we follow up with action, they are just ideas. Here is my list of tips for following through.

• Be realistic about your goals. It’s exciting to have lofty goals,

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•

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but if they are too big, you might get overwhelmed instead of chipping away at the small things.

Don’t pick things you won’t do. Some things sound great to do, but if you’re honest with yourself, you know you won’t do it. Leave those for a different time.

Plan as much as possible. When you come up with activities to move toward a goal, put them in the schedule. Often, we have a great idea and then dismiss it and move on. Take two minutes to block time out and make it happen.

Find activities that are fun. Goal setting and achieving seems like a boring thing. Find a way to make it fun for you and your family. Mix some fun into the activities that are helping you achieve your goal. Find friends who want to do it with you.

• Add something to your life instead of getting rid of it. I

always thought of a resolution as something I’m going to take away so I could fix a part of my life or make it better.

Someone once mentioned adding something. I thought that was a good spin!

If you are tired of being part of the group for which, come February, resolutions have fallen off your radar because of life’s happening, shift the way you think. I used to glaze over when someone asked me what my New Year’s resolution was. I always felt like the goals I set were not big enough or were too insignificant to qualify for a New Year’s resolution. The good news is we get to decide what the right resolutions and goals are for us. And big or small, they should be things that excite us to get out of bed or add satisfaction to the end of our day.

Goal setting doesn’t have to be for planning nerds. It’s for anyone who wants to be proud of what she accomplished throughout the year. It’s for those who are sick of looking back and saying, “I have no idea what happened to this year or what I did, but I was busy.” Don’t be another New Year’s resolution statistic.

Come up with some goals with your family that work for all of you and have some fun with it.

Lauren Dreher lives in Stilwell with her husband and two toddlers.

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and asking follow-up questions are a few ways to show you’re invested and engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t interrupt while she is speaking.

Put Down the Gadgets

Approach your child with eye contact, get down on his level and say his name.

Once he’s looking at you, you can proceed with your instructions.

SAY WHAT?

Tips to Improve Your Child’s Listening Skills

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o you find yourself frustrated from repeating the same phrases over and over again when talking to your children? Does it seem like everything you say goes in one ear and out the other? Do your kids really not hear you, or are they just tuning you out?

First of all, it’s important to understand the difference between hearing and listening.

Hearing is a passive act that requires no concentration. Listening is an active process that requires focus and multiple senses.

Listening is voluntary, so children must decide whether they are going to just hear you or really listen to what you’re saying and use their mind and body to engage in a conversation. Good listeners turn into good

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communicators later on in life. If your child has trouble listening to you, the good news is there are many ways to improve those listening skills.

Model Good Listening Skills

One way to help your child build better listening skills is to be a positive influence and model good listening skills to your child. Kids learn best from watching their parents, so set a good example for them.

Use good listening skills when you’re talking to your children, as well as other adults. When your child speaks to you, give him eye contact and use body language to show him you’re actively listening to what he’s saying. Nodding in agreement

With parents and children more attached to their devices than ever before, it’s easy for us to tune out what we are saying to each other. According to Highlights magazine’s 2014 State of the Kid survey results, 62 percent of kids say their parents are distracted when kids are trying to talk to them. When asked what distracts their parents, kids’ top responses were cell phones (28 percent), siblings (25 percent), work (16 percent) and TV (13 percent). Before having a conversation with your child, turn off the TV and put down your cell phone or laptop. Give her eye contact and show her she has your undivided attention. Ask her to do the same, so you can both focus on the conversation.

Get Their Attention

It’s important to get your child’s full attention before giving instructions.

Sometimes you don’t fully have kids’ attention before speaking. Don’t just call up the stairs, “Go put your shoes on!” Instead, approach your child with eye contact, get down on his level and say his name. Once he’s looking at you, you can proceed with your instructions.

Ask Them to Repeat Instructions

When you ask your child to do something, follow up by asking her to repeat your request. Once you have given an instruction, ask her to repeat it back to you, so you can make sure she fully heard and understood your request—and ask whether she has any questions. I’ve oftentimes found we have asked my daughter to do something, got upset when she didn’t do it but then later realized she didn’t fully understand what we were requesting—and that’s why she did something entirely different.

Play Fun Games

There are several fun games you can play with your kids that will help them practice their listening skills. An old-fashioned game of Telephone requires kids to focus on what is being said to them. Games like Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says also help foster good listening habits.

Read Together

Reading books can help with your children’s listening comprehension. Read aloud to your children every day. This doesn’t have to be only at bedtime! While reading, make sure to stop and ask questions about what’s going on in the story or what they think will happen next. You can also listen to audio books together during long car rides or just on the way to school. Be sure to react to the story and have conversations about what is happening in the book.

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Take a Walk

Spending time out in nature is an easy and fun way to help develop listening skills. As you’re walking, ask your children what sounds they hear. This will help them turn on their listening ears and focus on the different sounds like birds chirping, the neighbor’s lawnmower, leaves rustling or a bee buzzing by.

Tell a Story Together

Kids can practice listening by telling a story together. Start the story off with a phrase like “Once upon a time there was a…” Then, let each child continue the story.

They will be practicing listening, taking turns to speak and using their imaginations at the same time.

Cook Together

Cooking and baking is based on reading or listening to instructions. Bake kids’ favorite cookies or have your kids help you out with cooking dinner in the evenings.

Read the recipe and instructions aloud and let them listen and follow the directions to complete the culinary creation.

Start Conversations

Make a habit of starting real conversations with your kids. Our family loves doing this at mealtime. We go around the table and talk about what we did all day, the best part of our day and the worst part of our day. My daughter loves it so much that she is the one who initiates the conversation now. You can follow up with questions after each person at the table has shared.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband and daughters, Atley, 7, and Ensley, 1, in St. Joseph, MO.

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Moms Starting Their Own Businesses

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o you have a passion, talent or an idea for a side hustle while you’re raising your babies?

Do you watch Shark Tank and think of what you could pitch? Many moms have great ideas, many have taken that leap of faith to see what would happen if they just tried, and many have been successful— so you could be too!

I grew up longing to be a mother and truly hoping I would be able to be a stay-athome mom. My experience as a SAHM has been rewarding, and I would hit repeat to do it all over again! But after a while, I also wanted something on which I could use my brain in a different way, and I wanted to add to my personal identity on top of being a mom. I have worn a few hats while keeping my gig as a SAHM, including volunteer work, leaderships teams for MOPS groups, writing for KC Parent Magazine, running my photography business and substitute teaching. I think we all have a desire to be fully known and appreciated, and sometimes those sweet-cheeked babies just can’t express the appreciation you crave, right? I think that’s where the rubber hits the road for me.

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Before I started my side gigs, I felt like no one knew how much I was doing at home and I missed the praise, promotions and raises that express appreciation in a regular job.

Speaking of raises, moms at home often feel like they’re not contributing to the family because they’re not bringing in any money. Though the feeling is common, recognize that you do contribute! I am just speaking from my own experience. I went to college and have a degree and now I am home raising my babies—like I hoped to—but, still, the emotions are complicated.

At the outset, my husband and I discussed how we wanted to set up our family and our roles, and we have a pretty strict budget to tell our money where to go. I breastfed (free), made my own baby food, used cloth diapers to try to be economical as well as environmentally conscious, homeschooled my children for preschool and went without fancier things. I only note these as things I consciously did to attempt to contribute more to our family by not spending frivolously for our life stage. Keep in mind that we were young parents, so we were just starting out on adult life too.

When my oldest children were about 3 and 1, I met a neighbor who wrote for KC Parent Magazine, and it occurred to me that I could probably do that too. I have always loved writing and was then composing a daily/weekly blog for our family. I emailed the editor just to see whether this would be a possibility, all the while knowing the worst she could say was no. Now, I have been writing for this amazing publication for the past eight years.

As for my photography business, again I had always loved the memories of photos and taking photos, but my children are what spurred the business side of things.

Our daughter was a serious baby and would not smile at any photographer, so I started taking our own photos of her. Then, my husband gave me a nice camera for Christmas before our son was born, so I took all of his milestone photos, as well as taking our own family photos. I hesitated to start a business because it felt like all of my friends were photographers too. I didn’t really want to compete and liked supporting their ventures. When we moved out of state, I decided to go for it and see

what would happen because, again, what did I have to lose? Now I have just finished up my fourth year of photographing other families and had my busiest fall yet! There’s something to be said for just going for it and seeing what happens, especially if it’s something you enjoy doing already. This year I also started substitute teaching to earn some money and help out in the school district while staying on my kids’ schedule. The schedule piece is huge for our family because my husband travels about 75 percent of each month, so I am the on-call parent at our house.

Jennifer Willis, mother of four and owner of Stitched on a Tuesday, says she was encouraged to start a business: “I am a hand embroiderer who specializes in stitching handwriting. I didn’t see a market for hand embroidered items, so I gave a lot of my pieces away as gifts. I doubted that people would like my items, but I have some great friends and family in my life that encouraged me to go for it!”

Jenni Shields, mother of three and owner of Evie Pearl Handmade, talks about how she

went for it: “I started my business about three years ago. It was shortly after my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. She was starting school full-time, and I was a ball of nerves. I had to find something that I could do to take my mind off of worrying about her at all times. So I channeled my creativity to help me cope. Ever since Evie was a newborn, I have made her bows. It brought me so much joy, so I decided to make them to sell this time. My shop is named after her, Evie Pearl Handmade. When I first started my business, I was so nervous that no one was going to like or, better yet, buy my product. I continued to keep designing and sewing new bows for every holiday. That led me to starting my own Etsy shop, which led me to launching my monthly bow subscription and then designing a beautiful new website! This shop has been the biggest blessing for our family, and I’m so glad that I took a huge leap of faith three years ago when I did. It has continued to grow in ways I never expected.”

The perks for me with my side gigs have been working with people outside of my family, having a sense of pride in my own

work, capturing memories for families to be able to keep forever and helping the school district. But the two main ones are being able to still be there for my kids before and after school, as well as bring in some extra money to help our family pay for Christmas, home renovations, vacations, extracurricular activities for the kids and things like that. Shields relates to the flexibility perk and says, “The perks to having my own business are being able to create my own hours. My husband is a firefighter for the city of Lenexa. Having flexible hours was important, so I can care for our three kids.” Willis says, “The most rewarding aspect of my small business has to be the messages I get when I hand stitch loved ones’ handwriting. I do a lot of memory pieces, so there is a lot of emotion to the words that I stitch. Many clients get pretty emotional when they see an old recipe brought back to life or a simple “Love, Mom” stitched in the handwriting they remember from their childhood.”

Emily Hilley, mother of two and owner of Ruby Red Custom Designs, says the

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perks for her are “being able to provide for my family and get extra things that we’ve wanted but couldn’t always afford.

I also love to create and make special things for people and their families.

The most rewarding thing is to see how excited someone is when I’m able to create exactly what they are asking for.

Then they use those things during their most special occasions, first birthdays, baby announcements, holidays, etc.” Amy Shackleford, mother of three and coowner of Purpose Play says, “We started our business to provide fun play events for kids. I still remember our first event and being shocked when people showed up. The most rewarding aspect has been the community that we have built through this business and the friendships that have formed.”

The downside of having my own side hustle is that my work as a SAHM can suffer when I am busier than our family is used to. We are still figuring things out like meal planning, cooking, cleaning and running errands or kids to appointments and extracurricular activities. The rest of the family has had to step up and help out much more, or things don’t get done and the house is a mess. Sometimes that’s okay, but sometimes it’s also important to either get help or schedule your own time off to catch up on all the other household tasks. As I’m typing this, there are three baskets of laundry to fold, two baskets to wash, papers to be gone through, meals to plan—the list is never-ending, as we all know. Honestly, sometimes this is a nice reminder for the rest of the family about

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how much you actually do contribute at home to keep the family running smoothly.

Work-life balance seems to be the biggest hiccup with side hustles and small businesses run by moms, as the following moms can attest to. Christine Rossiter, mother of two and owner of Christine Rossiter Photography, says, “It was great the first few years, but then my work became so popular that it turned into a full-time job and beyond. I was working nonstop because I didn’t want to turn anyone away.

So the creative hobby I used to love became a huge chore and took me away from all of my family time. I’m much happier not doing my business anymore. It just snowballed so quickly I couldn’t keep up with the demand and didn’t like how it changed my priorities without me even realizing it.”

Shackleford says, “The pandemic was a huge challenge for us with having to shut down our events. We decided instead of being defeated we would go live on Facebook nightly with fun activities for kids to do. This ended up building a nationwide community. Another challenge had been navigating owning a small business with mom life and other life responsibilities.” Hilley has a similar experience and says, “My biggest challenge has been balancing my personal life. Since it’s something I do out of my home, I’m able to access it 24/7, and I can tend to take

advantage of that. I find myself glued to my computer or phone, trying to always make sales and talk to customers. I’m starting to try and figure out the balance.”

Willis says a challenge she faces is “saying ‘No’ to more orders. Every year I have to cut off orders for Christmas, and I hate having to tell someone that their order won’t be ready by the holiday. Everything I do is done by hand, and I can only stitch so fast!” Shields shares, “The downside to having my own business is that I cannot shut my brain off. I go to bed thinking of ideas, new designs, to-dos, future goals and so on!” But I think that’s just the sign of a passionate business owner, and I think we can all relate to wanting more hours in the day or maybe another one of us to help do all the things we need to do!

At the end of the day, I think it’s worth it to see what happens if you have a good idea that you’re passionate about. Poll your family and friends, do a free giveaway and ask for feedback. It’s inspiring for your kids to see you try something new, and the worst thing will be that you’re still a mom to your sweet babies, which is still pretty amazing.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 11, Mason, 9, and Slade, 6, and feels like a couple of plates are usually wobbling in life these days, but she keeps taking it day by day!

It’s inspiring for your kids to see you try something new, and the worst thing will be that you’re still a mom to your sweet babies, which is still pretty amazing.

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Confidence Boosters for Kids

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ids need to know they can do hard things. As the product of the participation trophy generation, most young parents have the knowledge that endless praise and being awarded for nominal effort tends to backfire. The good news? Building confidence in today’s kids is simpler than we tend to make it. Here are a few ways you can boost your own child’s confidence.

Model Humble Confidence Self-confidence stems from feeling competent and capable of doing something.

One of the best ways to model selfconfidence is through voicing healthy self-speak, especially when dealing with life stress, such as challenging work deadlines or difficult interpersonal relationships. Avoid using words like, “I’ve just never been good at fill-in-the-blank,” as though it were an excuse to avoid hard things. Likewise, don’t beat yourself up for failure or making mistakes.

Use honest assessments like, “I’m still learning how to do this, but I’ll get there!”

Be willing to try new things and show your kids that it’s never too late to develop new interests, hobbies or passions. The goal isn’t perfection. Watching you struggle, persevere and conquer teaches your children that they are capable of doing the same.

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Clarify That Mistakes Aren’t a Sign of Failure After all, mistakes show that someone is trying! Failure isn’t found in not succeeding; true failure is letting fear prevent you from actually trying. Mistakes are inevitable when learning a new skillset. The goal, then, isn’t to avoid a challenge but to embrace the ones that come as a means of learning both perseverance and creative problem solving. This can be hard for parents, as we often want to shield our kids from failure.

But giving them the opportunity to learn through their “uh-oh” moments lets them know we think they are capable of figuring things out on their own. Don’t just let them play it safe … encourage them to take risks and learn through the struggle. Overcoming small obstacles builds confidence in kids that encourages them to tackle harder and bigger things.

Praise Effort and Progress Getting flooded with compliments feels good for a time, but praise falls flat when it isn’t earned and comes too often. “You are so pretty!” or “You’re the best artist ever!” says nothing about accomplishment but everything about personal opinion. Young and old alike can attest that having their

effort esteemed is much more valuable.

Make sure your praise is specific, sincere and sparing. Avoid making abilityoriented statements like, “You are so good at X-Y-Z.” Instead, highlight how those skills are being used well. By doing so, you clarify the fact that a person and his ability are not synonymous and help break the need for constant people pleasing.

More important than skills and talents, make sure to highlight character qualities you see growing in your children, such as empathy, courage or tenacity.

Keep Comparison at Bay Kids need to know they are loved unconditionally and not on the basis of being as good as or better than someone else. Their value should not be contingent on being as accomplished as a classmate or as talented as a sibling.

When we compare our children to an outside source, we send a message that they have yet to earn our favor but will when they are someone they’re not. When providing feedback, both constructive and complimentary, focus on how the child has grown in personal mastery, comparing him to his own past performance, not someone else’s.

Give Exposure to New Opportunities Some kids find their passion early. But for most, it takes exposure to a lot of different activities before something sticks. Kids that lack self-confidence can be wary of trying new things, but by encouraging them to try their hands at something new, you help them not only build skills but also assurance in their ability to handle new situations and circumstances. Helping your child discover his own interests is a critical part of building his sense of identity, and building identity is crucial to building his self-confidence. Go to a concert series, watch a ball game and participate in a service project together. Even if your child excels in one arena, exploring other opportunities can help him to become more well-rounded.

Make ‘Em Pitch In Confidence isn’t built solely on talent.

One of the biggest contributors is knowing that you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Kids may scoff at household

ERS NOW OFF

A

chores, but being responsible for crucial parts of family life gives kids child the sense that what they do matters. It’s not enough to simply focus on homework and extracurriculars. Kids feel more appreciated and connected when their contribution is valued and necessary. Everyone at every age can help make the household run more smoothly: folding and processing laundry, unloading the dishwasher, taking out the trash, setting the table or feeding the dog.

Consult with your kids to divvy out chores.

When everyone is ready for a change, mix up who does what chore for variety’s sake.

Of course, cleaning up isn’t always fun and games ... but then again, there’s value in learning to do boring and menial work, too!

own. Just like completing chores, making individual decisions can be empowering and confidence-boosting. Kids can make age-appropriate decisions, such as picking what outfit they wear, what lunch to pack for school or which game they play.

Surround Them with People Worth Emulating Monkey see, monkey do! Surround your children with people that exemplify positive character qualities and confidence in who they are. This not only means fostering friendships with peers that encourage and uplift your child, but it also means putting positive adult role models in their life as well.

Let Them Have Some Skin in the Game Parents have to make executive decisions on behalf of their kids in the interest of safety and well-being all the time. But within those boundaries, children should have the opportunity to make some calls on their

Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe freelance writer and boymom of four who loves encouraging parents with the knowledge that they are the best source for building confident and competent children.

SUMMER CAMP

CHURCH C O N S U LT I N G

IVORIETY T C A E FRE UPS OF 8 OR M

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For more information call

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SOAR exists to transform the lives of special families and empower them to SOAR in their local & faith communities with key resources, impactful activities, and thriving environments so that they can live beautiful lives.

S OA RS P EC I A L N E E D S . O R G

kcparent.com january 2022

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FUN GUIDE

snowflake 47

48

slime craft indoor fun to beat the winter blahs

50

january by the numbers

51

winter hikes

52

indoor inspiration

54

winter traditions

CRAFTCORNER

snowflake slime

Materials Needed: • 6 oz. glitter glue (any color) • 1/2 T. baking soda • 1 1/4 T. contact lens solution • Large bowl • Spatula • Measuring spoons • Plastic zip-lock bag

Being indoors doesn’t have to be boring this winter!

Have some fun with this easy snowflake slime!

Step one: With clean and dry hands, pour glue into a large bowl.

Step two: Add baking soda. Mix completely in.

Step three: Add contact lens solution. Mix completely in.

Step four: Take slime out of bowl and mix on a clean and dry surface.

If the slime is sticky, add more contact lens solution a few drops at a time.

Step five: Store in plastic zip-lock bag.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle 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.

Wooden Snowman

DIY Snow Globe

Sock Snowmen

For even more great craft ideas, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com january 2022

47

Indoor Fun to Beat the Winter Blahs!

Let yourself think outside the box, but if you are just tapped out, ask your kids what ideas they have.

I

love that we have seasons in Kansas City, but I have to admit, I am not a fan of winter. Besides the cold and sloppy snow, I don’t enjoy being stuck inside ... but I also don’t love going out in it either! What I do love is figuring out ways to keep everyone sane in our house when we are all together day in and day out. Read on for some what I hope are new ways to beat the winter blahs and help you keep your sanity too!

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Sensory Play

Sensory play is an important part of child development, as it encourages free exploration and open-ended creativity, piques curiosity and engages fine and gross motor skills. Some ideas may include: Play-Doh – Use cookie cutters, blunt scissors, rolling pins and other small tools for play.

Finger painting – You can use more than paint for this activity! If you have a little one in a high chair, put out pudding or applesauce to let him “paint” in. Don’t forget to take off clothing first, though!

Bowl of soapy water – I used to spread towels out on the floor with bowls of various sizes, and our children would be entertained for ages! Give them some straws for blowing and measuring spoons or cups for scooping and you’re good to go!

Moon sand - My children used to call this “fluffy stuff.” Mix 5 cups of flour with 1 cup of baby oil. We put ours into a Tupperware container with a tight fitting lid so we could use it multiple times.

Baking soda/vinegar – One of our favorites is using eye droppers to drip colorful vinegar (just use food coloring) onto a thick layer of baking soda in a pan.

Watch it bubble up over and over again.

Make little paths or tiny volcanoes with your fingers. Endless entertainment here!

Water beads – Very inexpensive sensory item, but make sure to soak them in water for a while ahead of time. (Soak time depends on how big you want the beads.)

Muffin tin – Fill with rice, sugar, salt, sand, oats, quinoa ... the possibilities are endless!

Snow – Bring a bowl of snow in for indoor play ... and maybe try making snow ice cream! Just make sure you scoop from a pile of nice, clean snow!

Arts/Crafts

Start stocking supplies now! Gather items from the dollar store or recycling or grab some goodies on sale at Michael’s, Joann’s or Hobby Lobby.

Boxes – Don’t just throw these out for recycling! Let your kids decorate with crayons or markers or design a car, spaceship or other amazing item out of them.

Paint – Use watercolors, tempera paint, paint sticks or bingo dobbers for painting but switch up painting utensils. Maybe try cotton balls, Q-tips, sponges or even forks!

Beads – Do a bead swap with a friend to expand your selection, buy some small corded elastic and make jewelry or keychains.

Cards – Make cards for retirement homes, police or fire stations or to mail to grandparents.

Recycling – Save a tub of random recycling items for the week and let your children invent or create whatever they want.

Building

Building can take many different forms. Whether your child is using small blocks, MagnaTiles, food or furniture, constructing things fosters creativity, hand/ eye coordination and motor skills.

Toothpicks and marshmallows – Sneak in a little learning by asking your children to build a few specific shapes or letters, then let their imaginations lead the way.

Obstacle course – Use simple household items and furniture to turn your living room or basement into an obstacle course of crawling, climbing, jumping and more. Put on some fun music and burn off that energy!

MagnaTiles – These are a great investment item for play and building. Use them on the floor, the table, your front door (if it’s steel) or on the fridge!

Forts – Turn the couch cushions into a fort or use some chairs and a blanket. If you are feeling like a really cool mom, have a picnic or bowl of popcorn while you’re in there!

Field Trips

Why, you ask? Because there are only so many things you can do in your house before everyone needs a little change of scenery! Bundle up and pick somewhere each week or two to visit!

Scheels – It’s free to look at the fish and toys, but bring some dollar bills for bowling and, if you’re feeling brave, riding the Ferris wheel.

Library – We have so many wonderfully updated libraries throughout the metro you can visit for new books and movies to help beat the winter blahs!

FUN GUIDE Target/US Toy – Looking at toys is always free and fun for your kids—as long as you can resist the whines and pleas to buy something!

Car wash – Bonus that you don’t even have to get out of the car for this one!

Jumperoo at Urban Air – Fridays from 9:00 to noon and Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:00.

Crown Center – Hit up the free children’s exhibit, then lunch at Fritz’s.

Indoor pool – Many of the community centers have open swim times, so check their websites for hours, fees and age requirements.

Backyard Specialists – Located in Olathe, they offer open play on Tuesday and Friday for just $2/cash.

Check out any of the numerous nature centers and art museums KC has too!

Other ideas

Sarah Allee, a Kansas City mom of five, shares some of her go-to ideas for beating the winter blahs. “An extra bath time during the day with a bowl of ice cubes or bubbles, an indoor Easter egg hunt, glow stick dance party, dressing up to act out a favorite story or movie are all things we like to try to keep us busy during the winter. For older kids, hide 10 buttons in a room for them to find.

Keeps them entertained for a while!” Other ideas might include an impromptu movie in the middle of the morning, baking muffins or mixing up Rice Krispie treats or cookies and having an indoor lunch picnic. Let yourself think outside the box, but if you are just tapped out, ask your kids what ideas they have. Who knows? They could surprise you with an amazing brainstorm you might just go for!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she will be beating the winter blahs right along with you! Her favorites are baking soda and vinegar and letting the kids make obstacle courses out of the furniture! kcparent.com january 2022

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january

by the numbers

1858

50

kcparent.com january 2022

18

Winnie the Pooh Day, in honor of Pooh author A.A. Milne’s birthday.

17.3

Year the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop first started operating. On snowy Saturdays, enjoy horsedrawn sleigh rides.

49

Years the Crown Center Ice Terrace has been the place to skate in Kansas City.

Billion quarts of popcorn eaten

by Americans annually.

Kansas was admitted to the Union as the 34th state on Jan. 29, 1861.

30.5

Inches of the greatest January snowfall in Kansas City, which occurred in 1962.

13,000

1900

The year L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published. The book inspired Over the Rainbow: Toys from the Land of Oz, the new exhibit opening Jan. 14 at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

34

1970 On Jan. 11 of this year, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings.

Units of blood collected by the Community Blood Center (SaveALife.org) in its first year of operation, 1958.

184

Hours of sunshine expected in January in Kansas City.

FUN GUIDE

Winter Nature Walks These are a few favorite ways to experience nature in the winter.

By Kristina Light Before Your Winter Nature Walk

Where to Go

Your time outdoors will be more fun if you’re prepared.

Consider the amount of time you expect to spend outdoors and prepare accordingly. If you’re taking a 15- to 30-minute walk in the neighborhood, a water bottle and basic winter layers will do. If you’re planning a longer nature walk or hike, you might want to bring snacks and really layer up. Some preparation tips:

Some of our favorites include:

Make Trail Mix: My girls love a trail mix bag. I set out favorite ingredients, and they make their own bag of goodies.

Granola, mini pretzels, cereal, nuts, dried fruits, coconut, sesame seeds and even some sweet treats (limited) make a tasty snack to take along.

Design Your Own Scavenger Hunt: Let each member of the family contribute to a hunt list suggesting three to five things you should try to find on your walk. These can include animal prints, squirrels, birds, particular trees, pinecones, feathers, rocks, a creek, pond, nest and shapes in clouds.

Let your kids brainstorm for other ideas.

Bundle Up: I purchase inexpensive packs of hand warmers at the local box store and keep them in my van for our winter adventures. For longer walks, I have my kids wear layers, including cuddle duds (think modern long underwear under jeans) and their coats, hats and gloves. We always bring water bottles—remember sunglasses, too.

Shawnee Mission Park (JCPRD.com). The park features a 120-acre lake, mountain bike trails, hiking trails and paved nature trails. It is ideal for short walks or long hikes.

Blue Springs Lake (MakeYourDayHere.com). This park is home to a 720-acre lake. Their most scenic trails are the Lake Vista Trail, a 5-mile scenic loop around the lake with bridges, hills and woods.

Watkins Mill State Park (MoStateParks.com). The trail around the 100-acre lake is paved and ideal for walking or biking. The park is also home to an antebellum historic home and woolen mill you may tour.

Ernie Miller Nature Center (JCPRD.com). Visits to the nature center are always fun for children who enjoy seeing the animals and exploring the hands-on exhibits. There are numerous trails to enjoy around the nature center, through the woods and near the creek. You can easily choose shorter or longer routes according to your time.

Cave Spring Nature Center (CaveSpring.org). The trails around the 39-acre park are known for the cave, the old hedge trees and the ruins of old pioneer shelters where you’ll find multiple chimneys, the only surviving landmarks of former homes.

Pack a First Aid Kit: I keep a complete kit in my van and a small kit to take in a backpack with basic bandages and such.

For tips on building a family first aid kit, visit RedCross.org. kcparent.com january 2022

51

indoor inspiration this winter in kc Family Fun All Winter Long … no matter WHAT you LOVE to do!

Winter weather often means a family epidemic of cabin fever. Fortunately, many of Kansas City’s family-friendly attractions offer wonderful indoor options to make memories with the kids all season long!

If you love to PLAY… KidScape at the Johnson County Museum (8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, JoCoMuseum.org) is a whimsical, hands-on, child-sized city. Children time travel to different periods and communities from the region’s past. They enjoy pretend play as they work on the farm, perform at the theater or the puppet show, teach in the school, deliver the mail, care for patients at the hospital and fry up some burgers at the diner. This exhibit is a favorite for early education.

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (5235 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.235.8000) is one of the most fun and engaging museums in town. The first impression is incredible: A giant rotating spiral of backlit toys greets visitors who delight in finding their own favorites and discovering new ones on the animated real-life collage.

Exhibits include a Grandma’s Attic display showcasing toys and presenting their individual stories as treasures to be discovered. Visitors enjoy the interactive exhibits, learning more about the process of making both miniatures and toys.

If you love ANIMALS… Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.595.1234). Yes, you read that right … visit the zoo!

Many families think of the zoo as an outdoor attraction, but it is open year-round, and the indoor exhibits are fantastic. Best of all, winter is less crowded, and many animals perk up in the cold. We love watching the polar bears play when it snows! Our favorite indoor exhibits include Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the Discovery Barn, the Tropics and Stingray Bay. Tip: Buy a FOTZ membership and enjoy free admission all year long!

If you love to MAKE THINGS… Ceramic Cafe (9510 Nall Ave., Overland Park) is a paintyour-own pottery studio offering clay building, ceramic painting and glass fusing. Enjoy Creative Story Time for little ones, special classes or their walk-in programs to make gifts and holiday decorations.

Legoland Discovery Center (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas

City, MO, 816.471.4386). Sea Life Aquarium transports guests into an amazing underwater world with up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures! Walk through the 180-degree underwater tunnel, come face to fin with sharks and rescued sea turtles and explore more than 12 breathtaking exhibits. Stingray Bay, Sea Turtle Rescue Center and Doodle Reef, an interactive exhibit where kids

City, MO, 816.471.4386). Legoland Discovery Center is Kansas City’s ultimate indoor Lego playground! Kids love the variety of play spaces at this indoor attraction and enjoy making Lego creations at the many different stations. The Train Station Adventure is where children climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles. Lego 4D cinema features exciting Lego movies with additional wind, rain and snow effects to really bring the film to life, and Duplo Village lets little ones build a colorful Duplo flower for the garden or wiggle and slide

design their own fish, are favorites.

around the cottage and play with the special big, soft bricks.

Sea Life Kansas City (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas

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FUN GUIDE

If you love to LEARN...

Science City at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.460.2000) is a favorite place to spend a day as a family. Kansas City’s largest, most interactive science museum offers something for visitors of all ages. Little ones especially love three experiential, hands-on exhibitions: Let’s Play! is designed especially for babies, crawlers and toddlers with multiple sensory and role-playing activities, Creative Corner is where art meets science in a whole new way with cool interactive activities, and All Aboard celebrates Union Station’s rail history, allowing families to discover how steam engines work as they play and explore throughout the exhibit that encourages problem-solving and creativity. Kids also love the classic exhibits that include dinosaurs, water, the human brain, energy and more.

If you love ADVENTURE… RoKC Olathe (654 N. Central St., Olathe, 913.318.3600).

This indoor rock wall climbing facility features 35- to 50-foot walls for all skill levels from beginner to expert, 15-foot bouldering walls, fitness equipment available for ages 14+, cardio equipment, elliptical equipment, Jacob’s Ladders and facilities for Advanced Climbing Training (for those with a year of experience). RoKC features three types of climbing walls: lead, top rope and auto belay. The lead and top rope walls do require passing certification, but auto belay is open to beginners. The site even has a speed climbing wall where you can time your speed or race friends (the current record is 8 seconds!). The attraction is great for single-day visits (purchase a day pass or multiple visit punch card), memberships and parties.

For parents who want to climb, they even provide on-site childcare in a play lounge included with admission. If you are interested in hosting a party, the private event room features 20 of the site’s 32 auto belays.

Urban Air Trampoline Park (two locations: 8554 Maurer Rd., Lenexa, and 14401 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com) is one of our favorite places to play! Offering much more than trampolines, this is a great place to spend a day! Urban Air gives a generous helping of frenetic fun with attractions like Kidzone and Urban Air Warrior Course. The Sky Rider is an amazing indoor ride where passengers zip across the park in a harness. The ropes course, climbing walls, virtual reality games and tunnel play areas are all great additions to the classic trampoline attractions. Tip: Save on admissions with a membership package (choose from several levels, including a meal-included option).

National World War I Museum and Memorial (2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.888.8100) is not only a Kansas City landmark, but an American landmark.

The museum tells the story of the Great War through interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies. The museum houses one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world. With family guides and hands-on exhibits, the museum is an educational attraction for all ages.

Kristina Light enjoys the coziness of winter and the chance to enjoy many wonderful local attractions when they are less crowded and more peaceful.

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B

y the end of summer my son Michael is always asking, “When is winter coming?” When I ask why he wants to know, he says, “Because I REALLY want to play in the snow!” As much as I gripe about all the gear that goes on my kids before we head outside in the winter, the thrilled look on my kids’ faces makes it all worth it. With all the fun things to do in winter, ’snow wonder kids and adults alike love it so much! Here are some favorite family traditions for you to make your own:

Skiing/snowboarding. Hit the internet again to find a place to ski or snowboard near you.

You’d be surprised how many locations there are!

When it’s just plain cold: Hot chocolate or hot apple cider. You can make hot

Wonderful Winter Traditions

When there’s snow on the ground, grab your camera and pick a few of these: Snow angel. Throw on your snow pants and thick coat and flop down backwards in the snow. Move your arms up and down and legs in and out, like jumping jacks, and you’ve got yourself a terrific snow angel. For extra flair, mix some food coloring with water in a spray bottle and decorate your angel!

Snowman. Start with a snowball, then roll it all around on the ground so it picks up more snow and turns into a huge ball. That makes the bottom part of the snowman. Do it two more times for the body and head of your snowman. Collect rocks and sticks to use for face, arms, buttons and personality. Put your favorite hat on it, give it a carrot nose and spray it with your food coloring/water spray bottle to give it some character. Snap a picture next to your new pal because he won’t be around too long!

Shoveling. Sounds like work, but it can be so much fun. If your child is old enough and has the desire, have your little entrepreneur shovel neighborhood driveways for money. After shoveling your own driveway and sidewalks, you then have the perfect makings for a …

Snow fort and snowball fight. Snow forts are so much fun to build from scratch, or you can dig into a huge snowbank. Then roll an arsenal of snowballs to keep behind the fort and toss them at friends and siblings for an awesome snowball fight!

Sledding. Google where to find the best sledding hill in your town (small incline for the little ones, bigger incline for older kids), then hop on that sled and zoom away.

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chocolate from scratch using cocoa powder, sugar and milk or go easy and just use packets with hot water. Apple cider can be bought cold and heated up or bought in packets. Either way, these are bound to warm you up after some time spent playing outside.

Movie night. Snuggling up to watch a movie, preferably with a fire going in the fireplace, sounds like a great night or weekend day to me. Happy Feet and the Ice Age trilogy are favorites for just about any age of kid.

Souper supper. Soup or chili is a perfect dinner on a cold night.

Head to AllRecipes.com to find any concoction you could ever think of.

Paper snowflakes. If you’re craft-challenged like me, check out paper snowflake templates online for some great patterns and other winter crafts. Then you can hang your creations in windows or from the ceiling with string for a really cool winter wonderland effect.

Ice-skating. This is a blast whether you know how to skate or not.

In fact, it can be even MORE fun for the inexperienced (my kids like to watch me fall on my rear!). Check out ArenaMaps.com for an easy way to locate a skating rink near you.

Game playing. When I was a kid, my parents and I would grab Monopoly or Life from the closet for a few hours of fun on a chilly Sunday. Pair that with some cheese dip (2 cans diced tomatoes and green chilis, 1 rectangle of processed cheese melted together) and chips or veggies, and everyone’s a winner!

Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) just bought fuzzy socks for all seven members of her family, so they can play games, eat soup and be warm.

For the family that

PLAYS TOGETHER • Affordable memberships

• Family-friendly events

• Day passes and punch cards

• Birthday party packages

• Child watch service

• Free equipment orientations

• Indoor pool with water slides

• Member discounts on services, programs, rentals

• Fun, healthy activities for kids VISIT TODAY!

17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66219

LENEXA.COM/RECCENTER

kcparent.com january 2022

55

january

FOR EVEN

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

CALENDAR

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

Please call to verify event details.

56 january 2022

kcparent.com

MTC Kids Jam with Dino O’Dell at Midwest Trust Center

watch

visit

listen

learn

shop

On weekends at 11:00, see the Penguin March at the Kansas City Zoo. See the penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

KansasCityZoo.org

Colonial Gardens presents Weekly Life on the Farm Tour on Wednesdays.

Activities may include feeding the chicken, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat!

ColonialGardens KC.com

Visit the Johnson County Museum for Retro Story Time on Jan 12. Hear a story from long ago read by a guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft included.

Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

The Midwest Trust Center presents MTC Kids Jam with Dino O’Dell at 10:00 on Jan 22.

Join in the lobby for arts activities followed by a concert. Pre-reg at JCCC.edu/midwesttrust-center.

Jan 29 visit the Winter Farmers Market at Lenexa City Hall. Support local growers and makers at Lenexa’s annual Winter Farmers Market.

Lenexa.com

1 Saturday New Year’s Day First Day Hike 10:00, Clinton State Park. Kick off 2022 with a 1.5- or 2-mile hike starting at the park office! Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. 785.8428562 Ice-Skating Noon, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the first day of 2022 skating with the family on Kansas City’s public outdoor rink.

CrownCenter.com Winter Magic Thru Jan 2, 5:00, Oakwood Drive (Swope Park). Drive through nearly a mile of a magical holiday light show experience.

Purchase tickets at WinterMagicKC.com.

2 Sunday Sea of Lights 9:00, Sea Life Aquarium.

Experience the aquarium as thousands of lights twinkle across an undersea wonderland.

VisitSeaLife.com/kansas-city Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org

Supportive school community

The SpongeBob Musical 1:00 & 4:00, Coterie Theatre. Enjoy a performance where SpongeBob powerfully proves that optimism can save the world. TheCoterie.org

Celebrate National Spaghetti Day 10:00, MCPL360. Join Mr Stinky Feet for songs about favorite foods. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Sar-Ko-Aglow Thru Jan 17, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond to view the beautiful annual light display. Lenexa.com

Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour 2:00, Burr Oak Woods. Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events.

3 Monday

5 Wednesday

Messy Car Mondays Thru Jan, KCParent.com.

Is winter making your car dirty? Head over to KCParent.com where we’re giving away five FREE car washes from GO Car Wash!

Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. Thru March, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org

Sensory-Friendly Days 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Limited occupancy session for kids with sensory processing differences and autism spectrum disorders. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: Whooo Are You? 913.826.2800

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org

Weekly Life on the Farm Tour 5:30, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chicken, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

4 Tuesday

6 Thursday

Gingerbread House Trail Thru Jan 29, George Owens Nature Park. Walk the paved trail and view plywood decorated gingerbread houses.

GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com

CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM

SMALL CLASS SIZES

Register Now! Pre-K through Kindergarten Round-Up: Friday, January 28 from 9-11 am • Loving and Safe Environment • Christ-Centered, Classical Curriculum • Small Classes

Whitefield Academy is the premier Classical Christian School in the KC metro!

HALF-DAY AND FULL-DAY

To learn more or register for Round-up visit us at: www.whitefieldacademykc.org or contact BJ Williams at: 816-444-3567 or bjwilliams@whitefieldacademy.org

kcparent.com january 2022

57

Messy Car Mondays Thru Jan., KCParent.com. Is winter making your car dirty? Head over to KCParent.com where we’re giving away five FREE car washes from GO Car Wash!

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.

Toddler Time 2.0 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. $2-$3. BlueSpringsGov.com

Ice-Skating 3:00, the Rink at Zona Rosa. The rink is open daily for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more. ZonaRosa.com

Good Living Expo Today & tomorrow, Overland Park Convention Center. More than 150 vendors featuring health, wellness and fitness services and products. GoodLivingExpo.com

Intro to Climbing 6:30, RoKC. Class introduces skills and techniques to help bump your climbing to the next level. Pre-reg at ClimbKC.com.

Nighttime Tours 8:00, Strawberry Hill Museum.

The museum becomes a magical kingdom when viewed in the twilight of the day. Pre-reg at StrawberryHillMuseum.org.

7 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park).

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues located in the Crossroads Art District showcase art. KCCrossroads.org

8 Saturday

Saturday Morning Free Program 10:00, Prairie Park Nature Center. Enjoy a 30-minute free program on different nature topics.

LawrenceKS.org

Snow-Ventures 9:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Dive into a winter wonderland with a sock skating rink, learn cool science and more! KansasDiscovery.org.

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children hear a story, make a craft and often see a wildlife interpretation.

LakesideNatureCenter.org

Kids Club 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Kids enjoy fun activities while you shop at Colonial Gardens or savor a coffee at the Bean Counter.

Pre-reg at ColonialGardensKC.com.

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Join for a journey through forests, streams and other magical places as we read select books. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

jccc.edu/MTC Box Office: 913–469–4445 Mon. – Fri. / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

@MidwestTrustCenterJCCC @MidwestTrustCenterJCCC @MTC_JCCC

SOUTH PACIFIC

THE LOST TREASURE

SAT / Feb. 19 3 & 8 p.m.

WED / Mar. 2 7 p.m.

BROADWAY TOUR

ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC SCORES OF ALL TIME! This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein Tony award-winning musical tells the story of a U.S. Navy nurse who falls in love with a local plantation owner during World War II.

STONELION PUPPET THEATRE

HOW DO LOST AZTEC TREASURE, AN ANCIENT MAP AND A DEEP CAVE SAVE THE WORLD? Follow giant puppets, Nathan Ready and a Quetzal bird, as they spelunk into a mysterious cave in search of ancient Aztec treasure. Discover how our world is connected and the footprints we leave can have far-reaching effects.

Supported in part by Mark and Nancy Gilman.

THANKS TO: Adams Family Arts Education Endowment, ArtsKC, BNSF Railway, Hudson Family Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, Francis Family Foundation, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, The Kennedy Center, National Endowment for the Arts, Victor and Caroline Schutte Foundation, and Yellow Freight System Inc.

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Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

9 Sunday

11 Tuesday Drive-Thru History Tuesdays 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Drive into Missouri Town to explore the village and visit with our living history interpreters. MakeYourDayHere.com

Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Too cold to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children. Merriam.org/park

ArKIDtecture Club 1:00, St Joseph Museum. Explore topics of wonder, nature, transportation and culture. Pre-reg at StJosephMuseum.org/events.

Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s public outdoor rink. CrownCenter.com

Sunday Family Series 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Make a messy moon crater, map our cosmic neighborhood and more! Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

10 Monday

12 Wednesday Open House 9:00, the Barstow School. Learn all about Barstow! Our admission team is ready to help you find the right school fit.

BarstowSchool.org/admission

Messy Car Mondays Thru Jan, KCParent.com.

Is winter making your car dirty? Head over to KCParent.com where we’re giving away five FREE car washes from GO Car Wash!

Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. Thru March, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Play items are available, including push toys, riding toys, balls and inflatables. Lenexa.com

Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Hear a story from long ago read by a guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Ice-Skating 3:00, the Rink at Zona Rosa. The rink is open daily for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more. ZonaRosa.com Happy Hour Concert 6:00, Kauffman Center.

A great way to begin your date night—with a string quartet, harp and flute! Cash bar at 5:00, concert at 6:00. KauffmanCenter.org

13 Thursday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $10!

CeramicCafeKC.com The Oakhill Experience 4:30, Oakhill Day School. Watch the Oakhill curriculum come to life! An evening of fun and learning with Oakhill staff! Pre-reg at OakhillDaySchool.org.

14 Friday KC Restaurant Week Thru Jan 23, various restaurants. Enjoy an old favorite or explore a newly opened restaurant. Specially priced menus. KCRestaurantWeek.com

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SIX-STOP TOUR

THE CROWN CENTER DISTRICT 1. DOWNTOWN KC’S ICE RINK

2. DELICIOUS DINING

3. ICONIC LANDMARK

4. A HISTORIC ADVENTURE

5. SEA LIFE AND LEGOLAND

6. SPEND THE DAY SHOPPING

A beloved winter tradition in KC is skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, downtown Kansas City’s outdoor skating rink. The rink offers public skating daily and even offers skating lessons for beginners.

Admission is $8 per person plus $4 skate rental, or purchase a season pass for $90.

CrownCenter.com/ IceTerrace

Local restaurants team up annually for KC Restaurant Week, a 10-day dining event (Jan. 14-23) where you may savor delicious dishes and support a good cause. This year, proceeds benefit Guadalupe Center.

Many Crown Center restaurants are participating.

Sample new eateries or enjoy personal favorites. For a list of participating restaurants, visit KCRestaurant Week.com.

Spend a day exploring one of our city’s most recognized landmarks, Union Station. Part of the Union Station complex, Science City boasts loads of hands-on science exhibits for all ages, and the Gottlieb Planetarium is one of the largest 360-degree domed screens in the Midwest. Films are offered at the Extreme Screen, and you’ll also find souvenir shops and restaurants.

UnionStation.org

One of Kansas City’s most respected museums is the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

After exploring the galleries, you may take a tour to the top of the tower for views of the city skyline.

Their immersive VR experience, War Remains, transports viewers to the Western Front of the First World War. TheWorldWar.org

Sea Life Aquarium is home to a walkthrough underwater tunnel and an enthralling journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River to the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean.

Legoland Discovery Center provides interactive play areas, including a 4D cinema, classes, rides and exhibits.

VisitSeaLife.com and Legoland DiscoveryCenter.com

Crown Center offers three levels of shopping and dining. Shop for toys, clothing, candy, cooking items and local souvenirs at these boutiques. The Coterie offers live children’s theater, and MTH Theater produces live shows for all ages.

Throughout the year the center hosts FREE handson educational exhibits for children to enjoy.

Learn more at CrownCenter.com.

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Local Life Today & tomorrow, downtown Overland Park. Explore locally owned businesses, activities and more. Head to DowntownOP.org for details about this month’s theme.

17 Monday

20 Thursday

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY

Monster Jam Thru Sunday, T-Mobile Center.

This motorsports experience features worldclass athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill. T-MobileCenter.com

Messy Car Mondays Thru Jan, KCParent.com.

Is winter making your car dirty? Head over to KCParent.com where we’re giving away five FREE car washes from GO Car Wash!

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Bretano String Quartet 7:30, Folly Theater.

Enjoy Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in D-Major, Op. 71, No.2. Also hear Beethoven’s Op. 135 and more. ChamberMusic.org

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org

15 Saturday

Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s public outdoor rink.

CrownCenter.com

Annual Eagle Days 9:00, F L Schlagle Library.

Birds of prey presentations, kid-friendly crafts and eagle and waterfowl viewing over the lake.

Pre-reg at KCKPL.org.

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Join for a journey through forests, streams and other magical places as we read select books. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Saturday Morning Free Program 10:00, Prairie Park Nature Center. Enjoy a 30-minute free program on different nature topics.

LawrenceKS.org Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org Sar-Ko-Aglow Thru Jan 17, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Take a nighttime stroll around Rose’s Pond to view the beautiful annual light display.

Lenexa.com Star Wars Night 7:05, Cable Dahmer Arena.

The Force is strong with the Mavericks as they take on the Allen Americans. Tickets at CableDahmerArena.com.

16 Sunday

18 Tuesday Drive-Thru History Tuesdays 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Drive into Missouri Town to explore the village and visit with our living history interpreters. MakeYourDayHere.com Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art.

KemperArt.org Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour 2:00, Burr Oak Woods. Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events.

19 Wednesday Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org Visit Legoland 11:00, Legoland Discovery Center.

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

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $10!

CeramicCafeKC.com Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com Free Family Fun Nights 5:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Come explore a special place where children can create, discover and learn through play. KansasDiscovery.org Intro to Climbing 6:30, RoKC. Class introduces skills and techniques to help bump your climbing to the next level. Pre-reg at ClimbKC.com.

21 Friday Toddler Time 2.0 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. $2-$3.

BlueSpringsGov.com Grow a Reader 10:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Johnson County Home & Garden Show Thru Sunday, Overland Park Convention Center. See innovative home products and hundreds of local experts. OPConventionCenter.com Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries. View live performances and artists on the sidewalks in front of shops. EnglewoodStation.com

22 Saturday

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Tales of Tails 4:00, MCPL. Join us as we put on the hats of paleontologists, fighter pilots, detectives and more to investigate tails. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children hear a story, make a craft and often see a wildlife interpretation.

LakesideNatureCenter.org

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

Weekly Life on the Farm Tour 5:30, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chicken, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org

Sunday Family Series 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Meet two live owls as we discover more about these creatures of the night. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

KC Restaurant Week Thru Jan 23, various restaurants. Enjoy an old favorite or explore a newly opened restaurant. Specially priced menus. KCRestaurantWeek.com

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

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Penquin March Weekends thru Feb.,11:00, Kansas City Zoo. See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org

MTC Kids Jam with Dino O’Dell 11:00, Midwest Trust Center. Join the fun in the MTC lobby at 10:00 for arts activities followed by a 60-minute concert. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Play items are available, including push toys, riding toys, balls and inflatables. Lenexa.com

23 Sunday

25 Tuesday

Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Too cold to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children.

Merriam.org/park

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

24 Monday Messy Car Mondays Thru Jan, KCParent.com.

Is winter making your car dirty? Head over to KCParent.com where we’re giving away five FREE car washes from GO Car Wash!

Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

Thru March, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts.

UnionStation.org

26 Wednesday Visit Sea Life 11:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Ice-Skating 3:00, the Rink at Zona Rosa.

The rink is open daily for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more.

ZonaRosa.com Weekly Life on the Farm Tour 5:30, Colonial Gardens. Activities may include feeding the chicken, hugging an alpaca or holding a baby goat! ColonialGardensKC.com

KINDERGARTEN PREVIEW

8:30-10:30 am • January 27

CAMPUS VISIT DAY 1-3 pm • January 28 RSVP REQUIRED

Visit Summit-Christian-Academy.org S

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Named a Top 5 Private School in Kansas City Biblically Integrated Preschool - 12th Grade College Preparatory | MSHSAA Member

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27 Thursday Kindergarten Preview 8:30, Summit Christian Academy. Learn about what our kindergarten program can offer your child. Pre-reg at Summit-Christian-Academy.org.

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $10!

CeramicCafeKC.com Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom!

BackyardSpecialists.com Intro to Climbing 6:30, RoKC. Class introduces skills and techniques to help bump your climbing to the next level. Pre-reg at ClimbKC.com.

Overland Park Boat Show Thru Sunday, Overland Park Convention Center. See the latest in 2022 in boats and all boating accessories.

OPConventionCenter.com

28 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park).

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com K AN SA S

CIT Y

YOUN G

AUD IENCE S

DANCE, MUSIC THEATRE & VISUAL ARTS

CLASSES & CAMPS for ages 4-18 Spring Classes begin February 7!

Spring Break Camps in March!

View all classes & descriptions at KCYA.org

GAR AGE BAND • BALLET • ART STUDIO • HIP HOP • IMPROV • ACTING • & MORE! ENROLL TODAY at KCYA.org kcparent.com january 2022

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Preschool Through Kindergarten Roundup 9:00, Whitefield Academy. Children visit classrooms while parents learn about the school. Pre-reg at WhitefieldAcademyKC.org.

Backyard Birds 10:00, TimberRidge Adventure Center. Create your own make-and-take bird feeder from unconventional items! Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

Grow a Reader 10:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Game Show Mania 6:00, Vesper Hall. Get a team of four to six people and take part in some of your favorite childhood favorites ... Jeopardy, Price Is Right and more. BlueSpringsGov.com

Sunday Family Series 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate Kansas’ Statehood Day! See some natural symbols live and in person. Prereg at 913.826.2800.

1860s Dance Party 6:30, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Celebrate Kansas’ statehood with a dance party with live music! Ages 16+.

Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

31 Monday

Friends of the Library Book Sale Thru Sunday, Indian Creek Library. Support the Friends organization and get some great deals!

OlatheLibrary.org Campus Visit Day 1:00, Summit Christian Academy. Schedule your visit to see all we have to offer your children! Pre-reg at Summit-Christian-Academy.org.

29 Saturday Snow-Ventures 9:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Dive into a winter wonderland with a sock skating rink, learn cool science and more! KansasDiscovery.org.

Winter Farmers Market 10:00, Lenexa City Hall. Support local growers and makers at Lenexa’s annual Winter Farmers Market.

Lenexa.com

The Texas Tenors 8:00, Midwest Trust Center.

The trio promises hits that audiences of all ages know and love, mixed with brand new music.

JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

30 Sunday Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

Get creative at the

Nerman Museum!

Contemporary Creations classes (ages 8-11) and Early Explorations classes (ages 5-7) combine engaging, interactive tours with hands-on studio projects, and students explore different topics each week.

Pre-registration is required.

Saturdays, February 5-April 30 $15 / $10 for Museum Members Register today! nermanmuseum.org 913-469-2323 FREE general admission, schedule tours online.

Free NMOCA KIDS family guide features outdoor sculpture activity cards.

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Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

Thru March, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts.

UnionStation.org Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s public outdoor rink. CrownCenter.com Open House 5:30, Nativity of Mary School. Tour the school, meet staff and see all the school has to offer! We serve preschool through eighth grade. NativityOfMary.org

JANUARY

FUN CALENDAR NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR

MONTH

Contact the Community Blood Center to find a nearby location or event where you can donate blood to help save lives.

SaveALifeNow.org

JANUARY 6

Shortbread Day: McLain’s

Bakery (McLainsKC.com) has been serving delicious baked goods, including cookies, to local customers since 1945. Shortbread cookies are just one of their many specialties.

JANUARY 11

Milk Day:

Head to the grocery store, where you’ll find milk from Shatto Dairy Farm (816.930.3862), a working dairy farm and milk bottling company selling the best milk in the metro.

JANUARY 14 Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day: Although JANUARY 3 National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day: For a truly decadent gourmet treat, head to Laura Little’s (913.722.2226), where you can purchase the best chocolate-covered cherries in town.

JANUARY 24

Peanut Butter Day: Anyone can make and enjoy a pb&j or classic peanut butter cookie, but what about peanut butter pie? Enjoy one of these tasty confections at the Upper Crust Bakery (locations: UpperCrustPieBakery.com).

d’Bronx (dBronxKC.com) is known for their pizza, the delicatessen serves some of the best sandwiches in town, including a hot pastrami sandwich to die for.

JANUARY 28

JANUARY 15

Strawberry Ice Cream Day: Sylas & Maddy’s

(SylasAndMaddys.com) offers delicious homemade ice cream in both unique and classic flavors, making it the perfect spot to enjoy delicious strawberry ice cream.

JANUARY 5 National Bird Day: The Kansas City Zoo is home to hundreds of birds from around the world, including penguins, flamingoes, tropical birds and many more. KansasCityZoo.org

Blueberry

Pancake Day: The Big Biscuit (BigBiscuitRestaurant.com) offers one of the biggest homestyle breakfast menus in town, with an entire section devoted just to pancakes.

JANUARY 29

National Puzzle Day: Springbok Puzzles, a nationally recognized jigsaw puzzle company based in Kansas City, has been creating and selling puzzles since 1963. Visit their website to find the perfect puzzle to assemble on a cold winter’s day. Springbok-Puzzles.com

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T-MOBILE CENTER

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JAN 14 – 16 Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2021 Feld Motor Sports, Inc. Visit MonsterJam.com for COVID-19 information and venue safety standards.

Penguin Marches Are Back!

See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

Through February 27 11:00am | Weekends only

Open Year Round kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

The Davis Family

“The NICU was there when we needed it most.”

First-time mom Emily had a normal pregnancy until she began measuring smaller than expected at 35 weeks. Diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction, Emily’s pregnancy was induced at 38 weeks. Baby Josephine was born underweight and needed extra care in the NICU. Her parents, who were able to stay in the same room with her the entire time, say they are “forever grateful.” Today, Josephine is a happy, healthy 7-month-old.

The Birth Place’s state-of-the-art Level II NICU stands ready 24/7 to care for our tiniest patients in need.

Read the full story at olathehealth.org/NICUgraduate