editor’snote It’s the most special day of the year – your child’s birthday! And while the planning and preparations have probably occurred for the past several months, there are the last minute to-do’s to ensure smooth sailing on this highly anticipated day. On page 10, read about the Perfect Day for the Perfect Kid and get great ideas on successfully planning your child’s birthday party. While most of us mothers tend to be controlling because we know best, you’d be surprised at your child’s initiative and resourcefulness when you involve him in the creative process of designing his day. Keep in mind that your ideas of fun may differ from your child’s and in this case, child knows best! So let him choose the day’s activities as well as theme to coordinate with. When the big day arrives, plan for a few
glitches and just go with the flow. Your attitude about the imperfections of the day will definitely influence your child’s reaction. To assist you with planning a party, we have provided you with a wonderful birthday party guide on page 18. Here you will find some of the coolest places in town to host your little princess’s party. Whether you’re looking for a place to jump and run or something more like a science fair, the options are diverse. In addition to the birthday celebrations, this issue also offers fantastic tips and trips to take this spring break. Pack the bags and load the family for the most memorable road trip around Texas AND don’t forget the camera. One day, your kids will get to share the same experiences with their kids and this is where family traditions are created. Sincerely,
Vanessa Ximenez
2008 MKM Cover Photo Contest Photo Submission Guidelines:
▪ Send or drop photos to:
North Texas Magazines, Inc. 808 S. College Street, Suite 111 McKinney, TX 75069
▪ Include name, age, and phone number on the back of each photo.
▪ Kids must be residents of the McKinney area. ▪ Photos must be received by March 10, 2008 and will not be returned.
▪ One photo per child. ▪ Cover winner will receive a free professional
photo shoot and will appear on the front cover of the April issue.
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
www.mckinneykids.com
onthecover
mckinneykidscontents February/March 2008 issue 29 Cover Picture: Anaiya Booker is a second grader at Malvern Elementary School and she enjoys arts and crafts, church functions and spending time with family and friends. Anaiya is apart of the A.W.A.N.A kids club at First Baptist Church. In her spare time she enjoys computer games and reading books with her dad.
Cover photo taken by Wendolin Mercado Photography www.wendolin.com
mckinneykidsmagazine publisher/editor: Vanessa Ximenez
publisher@northtexasmagazines.com
art director: Marlina Rahman
4
6
12
features 4 The Name of the Game More than pin the tail
on the donkey
6 Eliminate the Gimmies
Help your child to accept NO
10 Perfect Day for The Perfect Kid
Should include the perfect party
12 Hit the Road, Jack
Tips and trips
20 Getting to the Sole of the Problem
How to get rid of stinky feet
22 Clearing the Clutter Clears the Mind
graphics@northtexasmagazines.com
contributing writers: Micah Barton Jacqueline Bodnar Missy Crump Lorie Fangio Maria Luce Haley Shapley Dr. Richard Swails Lucy Parker Watkins mkm advisory board: Tina Dvoracek Ebby Halliday Realty
Dr. Jeffrey Hollingsworth
Hollingsworth Eye Associates
Dr. Meredith Packard
Packard Family Orthodontics
Dr. Terry Scott
Just For Kids Dentistry
departments 8 13 18 26 34
medical directory awesome achiever birthday party guide kid connection kandid kids
McKinney Kids Magazine is a product of North Texas Magazines, Inc.
Copyright 2007, exclusive of proprietary ads and artwork designs. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without prior written permission from the publisher. Placement of advertising is not a personal endorsement by the publisher or its representatives, and no liability arising therefrom is assumed.
North Texas Magazines, Inc. 808 S. College St., Suite 111 McKinney, TX 75069 972.547.6261 www.northtexasmagazines.com
The Name Of The Game More than Pin the Tail on the Donkey By Lucy Parker Watkins
D
eciding upon a theme for your child’s birthday party is usually one of the easiest parts of party planning since children are usually very clear on their favorite characters and hobbies. The difficulty often comes in the details. Once you’ve decided upon a theme, it’s time to get creative and find games that will please the guest of honor as well as all those party guests. The following suggestions are easily adaptable to any party theme. Switch them up by adding some of your child’s flair and personality into each game, making it a customized and memorable part of your child’s special day.
Modernized Pin the Tail on the Donkey The traditional Pin the Tail on the Donkey game can be modified to fit any theme. Keep the basics in tact: a picture on poster board, an item to pin onto the picture and a blindfold. Since you can draw anything on poster board or find a poster to suit the theme, all that’s left to do is decide what to pin on your character. For a pirate theme party, consider pinning the parrot on the pirate’s
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
shoulder. For a High School Musical Party, kids can pin a tiara on Sharpay. Try pinning a dollar to Mr. Crab of SpongeBob fame. The list of possibilities goes on and on.
Treasure Hunt Games This is a spin on Easter egg hunts. Hide items related to the party theme throughout the house or yard. These little goodies can range in size and shape and include a variety of party favors. Consider miniature dinosaurs for your future paleontologist’s party, princess trinkets for the princess party or even miniature dragons for the Dragonology fan. All of these items can be found at party supply stores locally and online. Another idea is to hide each child’s goodie bag somewhere in the house or yard. Give each child a map or riddle to help them find theirs. For those whose children are fascinated with dinosaurs, create your own dig site using a sand box. Purchase a cardboard model of your child’s favorite dinosaur. Hide the individual pieces in the sand. Then, have children dig up each piece and work as a team to build the dinosaur. www.mckinneykids.com
Who Am I? As each guest makes their way into the party, pin or tape a character, picture of an object or some other party theme related picture on their backs. Throughout the rest of the party, children will ask each other questions about who they are. Suggest they start off with a simple question such as “Am I an animal or a person?” Answers are limited to “yes” and “no” responses. At the end of the party, each child will guess what they have been throughout the party and receive a trinket representing who they were for the day.
Charades This old-time favorite works especially well for getting children involved in the party fun. Before the party, create a list of characters, shows or any other group of items that is appropriate to the party theme. Then, have children play charades as usual. A variation of this for older kids is Dance Charades. Put the names of old-school and modern dances in a bowl. Each child takes a turn picking a piece of paper and dancing. Onlookers get to guess what the dance is.
Wits and Consequences Place questions written on strips of papers into blown up balloons and place in a bag or box marked “A”. Then, place descriptions of physical activities on pieces of paper in blown up balloons and put in a box or bag marked “B.” Children will then pick a balloon from Bag A, pop it, read the question and try to answer it correctly. If answered correctly, they stay in the game for another round. If answered incorrectly, they pick a balloon from Bag B and perform the activity. They can be as silly as “Rub your head and tummy at the same time” or as physical as “Run three laps around the back yard.” If they complete the task, they are back in the game. When all the questions have been answered, the game is over.
Create a Story Children love creating stories together. Using the party theme and the birthday honoree’s name and characteristics, kids can work together to come up with a fun, crazy story about the honoree. Mom or dad can start the story of with, “Once upon a time in a small Texas town lived a…” and fill in the blank with a party theme character and the child’s name. Each participant finishes the sentence before them and begins a new sentence as part of the story. Make sure someone writes the story as it progresses. Then, when it is all said and done, the children can put on a play using the story they created together. There is a wealth of party game ideas all over the internet. Many sites even include specific parties for specific themes. But your best resources are yours and your child’s imaginations. Nearly any traditional party game can be customized to fit your child’s preferences and age group. Just remember to have fun with it and take lots of pictures of all those smiling faces. www.mckinneykids.com
Breathe Well, Live Well WILLIAM NEAVILLE, M.D. THANAI PONGDEE, M.D. Our practice is commited to providing you state-of-the-art allergy care and asthma care in a professional, courteous, and compassionate manner. Both Dr. Neaville and Dr. Pongdee are Board-Certified in Adult and Pediatric Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Both also serve as clinical faculty members at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. We welcome new patients to our practice and accept all major insurances. Our practice has two convenient locations with accomodating hours allowing most patients to be seen within the same week.
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Allergy Rhinitis Asthma Food Allergy Atopic Dermatitis Drug Allergy Stinging Insect Allergy Anaphylaxis Angioedema Urticaria/Hives Chronic Sinusitis Immune Deficiency RHD Memorial Medical Center 10 Medical Parkway, Ste. 202 Dallas, Texas 75234 (972) 661-9197 Presbyterian Hospital of Allen 1105 N. Central Expressway MOB II, Suite 2120 Allen, Texas 75013 (972) 359-0030 www.texasallergycare.com
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
Eliminate
the Gimmies Help your child to accept NO By Missy Crump
M
ost parents would agree that kids nowadays have more stuff than ever. Unfortunately, it seems the more kids have the more they want. It’s a vicious cycle that starts off innocently. After all, who doesn’t want to give their kids everything? But what happens when kids need more expensive or more frequent shopping trips to satisfy their material addictions? Or even worse, what happens when a child seems to have everything and is still discontent? Finding an acceptable balance is a tough battle, especially since parents are up against the almighty advertisers who spend more than $2 billion annually convincing children they need everything from breakfast cereal to electronics. According to parenting educator Elizabeth Pantley, it’s a hard lesson, but children can learn to enjoy viewing the finer things in life without demanding they have a piece of every pie they see. Setting a standard while children are still young makes saying “no” easier as they get older. Pantley has the following strategies for helping children get over the “gimmes.” When shopping with children, Pantley says it’s important to let children know in advance what you will or will not be buying that day. For example, “We are going to the mall to buy a birthday gift for Aunt Susan. We might also buy new socks, but that’s all we’ll be purchasing for ourselves today.” When your child makes a request for new shoes, gently remind him, “Those are great shoes, but remember, we are here to buy Aunt Susan’s gift today.”
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mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
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While parents have the final say in what items are purchased, Pantley says it’s okay to acknowledge a child’s desire for nice things. For example, “Wow, that is a beautiful sweater,” or “That’s a really neat toy, I bet it’s a lot of fun.” These types of statements can then be followed with a reminder of what is on the day’s shopping list. She also suggests parents keep a written or imaginary wish list in their wallet. “Whenever your child says, ‘I want this,’ make a comment such as, ‘Do you prefer the blue one or the rainbow colored one?’ Then pull out the list and add the item saying, ‘I’ll add this to your wish list.’” While many parents avoid shopping with children altogether, shopping can be an opportunity to teach children about money making decisions. Pantley suggests that parents never say, “We can’t afford that.” Pantley notes, “The message is that if you could you’d buy those $200 shoes.” “Instead, make a comment that can teach your child something about money making decisions, such as, ‘Those are pretty, but we choose not to spend $200 on a pair of shoes when we can find ones we like for $30.’” If your child continually requests a big-ticket item, Pantley suggests that you sit down with him to discuss the prospect of him getting the item. “Validate his wish for new things,” says Pantley. “It’s normal and acceptable to want something now and then. Tell him how much you will be willing to chip in (one half, one third) and help him formulate a plan to earn the rest. He’ll learn some of the valuable lessons we so need to teach: how to make a
www.mckinneykids.com
wise buying decision, how to save, how to want something material without ‘want’ consuming one’s soul, how to choose which of those ‘wants’ to pursue and how to let the rest go. And after the purchase, because he’s been so personally involved, he’ll likely treat the item with respect.” Although helping children learn to appreciate what they have, and teaching them the value of money aren’t easy tasks – especially when parents are up against a powerful media message – experts agree that children who learn these lessons at an early age will be happier in the long run. Missy Crump is a Frisco, Texas-based freelance writer.
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
Medical Directory ALLERGIES
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2041 N. Redbud Boulevard • McKinney, TX 75069 1721 N. Custer Boulevard • McKinney, TX 75071 972-562-9711
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Orthodontics
Allergy, Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic 4521 Medical Center Drive, Suite 400 • McKinney, TX 75069 972-548-7555 • www.allergyent.com
Gretchen A. Champion, M.D. 1105 N. Central Expressway, Suite 210 • Allen, TX 75013 972-747-4646 • www.entmckinney.com
AUDIOLOGY Hearing Services of McKinney 4201 Medical Center Drive, Suite 270 • McKinney, TX 75069 972-838-1300 • www.hearinmckinney.com
Chiropractic Brantley Chiropractic 1203 W. University Drive • McKinney, TX 972-562-1717
General Dentistry McKinney Dentist 1716 W. Virginia Street • McKinney, TX 75069 972-54-SMILE (76453) 5601 Virginia Parkway • McKinney, TX 75070 972-529-1290 • www.mckinneydentist.com
Pediatric Dentistry Just for Kids Dentistry 7700 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 200 • McKinney, TX 75070 972-540-5858 • www.dentaljustforkids.com
Pediatric Dentistry 201 N. Alma Drive • Allen, TX 75013 972-727-0737
Family Practice Snyder-Hopkins Family Medicine Center 4561 Medical Center Drive • McKinney, TX 75069 214-544-2624 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
Packard Family Orthodontics 5100 W. Eldorado Parkway, Suite108 • McKinney, TX 75070 972-562-0340 • www.pfortho.com
Smiles Hollywood Style Orthodontics 175 Ridge Road, Suite 500 • McKinney, TX 75070 972-529-9700 • www.smileshollywoodstyle.com
Pediatrics All About Children Pediatrics 2217 Eldorado Parkway • McKinney, TX 75070 972-542-1444 • www.aacpediatrics.com
Children’s Choice Pediatrics 4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 211 • McKinney, TX 75069 972-548-8382
Collin Kids Pediatrics 4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 209 • McKinney, TX 75069 214-592-0356 • www.ck-peds.yourmd.com
McKinney Pediatrics 4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 207 • McKinney, TX 75069 972-548-0758 • www.mckinneypediatrics.com
Raintree Pediatrics 1111 Raintree Circle, Suite 290 • Allen, TX 75013 214-644-0280 • www.raintreepediatrics.com
Stonebridge Pediatrics 175 Ridge Road, Suite 200 • McKinney, TX 75070 214-544-2555 • www.stonebridgepediatrics.com
Texas Pediatric Pulmonary Consultants 2251 W. Eldorado Parkway, Suite 100 • McKinney, TX 75070 972-562-1188
TLC Pediatrics 1105 N. Central Expressway, Suite 320 • Allen, TX 75013 972-747-KIDS (5437)
podiatry McKinney Foot Clinic 1505 Harroun Ave, Suite H • McKinney, TX 75069 972-542-FOOT (3668) • www.mckinneyfootclinic.com www.mckinneykids.com
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The Perfect Day for The Perfect Kid Should include the Perfect Party! By Jacqueline Bodnar
So you took the time to plan what you think will be the perfect
Involve the Kids
party. The cake has been ordered, the decorations purchased
It is amazing how much more responsibility a child can tackle when
and the invitations mailed. Congratulations on your hard work.
you give them the opportunity to take part in putting together the
The good news is that you have made it this far with your child’s
party and setting the boundaries. Of course, the younger they are,
party plans. The bad news -- or reality -- of it all is that there is
the less involved in this process they will be. But for those who are
no “perfect party.” Things can deviate from the plan, and often
age three and up, you can involve them in the planning stages.
do, especially when you are dealing with kids. It’s very hard to
By getting their take on what type of party they are hoping for,
predict and plan for everything that can happen. That’s because
who they want invited and what they would like to do there, they
they are sometimes unpredictable and suffer from a lack of im-
are more likely to happily participate. Children enjoy most types
pulse control. Have no fear. It’s nothing that a self-assured par-
of parties, but there could be things they would rather avoid that
ent can’t combat in a flash. It just takes a bit of pre-planning and
could be a cause for stress and, ultimately, poor behavior. If they
ingenuity to take on a party of youngsters.
have been asking for a Spiderman cake and party, don’t be surprised if they aren’t a happy camper when you throw a Sponge Bob
10 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
www.mckinneykids.com
party. This is not to say that they should automatically get to bark out orders about what they want or that, as parents, we should merely fulfill those wishes. The best approach is to choose your battles and keep in mind that you are throwing a party for them, to make them happy. These childhood years will be gone before you know it, but your children will remember the parties.
Possible Problems Even when you are planning the party for your child, you may come upon some problems or disagreements. This can especially happen when deciding who to invite. Maybe you tell your first grader she can invite eight of her classmates, and she comes back begging to invite the entire class. Or, worse yet, she wants to invite the entire class except for one child. How do you handle situations like these? Decide ahead of time how big you want the party to be, and then stick to it. If you say only eight children can be invited, let your child know that’s what the budget can handle. Then let him narrow down which friends he wants to invite. If you agree to let him invite the whole class, and there is one child he wants to leave out, you’ll have to see if there is a legitimate reason for that choice. Nobody wants to be excluded, but even most adults wouldn’t necessarily want every one of their co-workers invited to their party. While it isn’t nice to leave someone out, it is possible that the person being left out isn’t nice to your child or may even be a class bully. Before shooting down the idea of not inviting the child in question, first find out the reason and see if it’s something
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Once the day of the party arrives, be prepared for anything. With children, it is possible for unexpected things to happen. Maybe it rains when you planned an outdoor party; maybe, on the morning of the party, your child wakes up sick; maybe it just seems as
Mayra S. Bustillo, M.D.
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though it’s one of those days where anything that can go wrong
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problems from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to bed. Whatever seems to be going wrong with your party plans is nothing more than a challenge for you to tackle head-on. Don’t panic or get irritated. Yes, sometimes easier said than done. Just pause and think of the best possible way to solve that problem. There are no perfect parties, but great parties can be had even with an occasional bump in the road. Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Port Orange, Fla. with
♦ Chronic or Persistent Cough ♦ Sleep - Disordered Breathing ♦ Pulmonary Disease of Premature Infants (BPD, Apnea) ♦ Pulmonary Disease Associated to Allergy, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Immune Disorders, Neurologic Disorders (Celebral Palsy, Muscle Weakness & Swallowing Dysfunction) ♦ Diagnosis Tests Available: Pulmonary Function Testing, Flexible Laryngoscopy & Bronchoscopy, RSV & Flu Testing
her husband and two children. www.mckinneykids.com
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 11
Hit the Road, Jack Tips and Trips By Haley Shapley
T
his spring break, families all across the Metroplex will flock to DFW Airport and load on to planes fanning out across the country. Although flying can be a fast and easy way to get to favorite destinations, there’s another option: the great American road trip. Although often overlooked in our instantgratification age, the road trip proves that sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination. Half the fun of going on a road trip is planning it — the rest of the fun comes from being in a confined space for days at a time with your family. That doesn’t sound fun? Surprisingly, it is, and it’s a 100 percent guaranteed way to make memories that won’t soon be forgotten. So pull out your trusty atlas and start debating the best way to get wherever you’re going. Here are a few itineraries to inspire (but we’ll leave the route planning up to you):
Texas Trails Travel the Lone Star State, hitting all the best locales. Heading south, make your first stop at the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco and get a crash course in the evolution of one of the country’s favorite sodas. Check out all the old-school bottling equipment, view commercials, see a 1924 pickup truck and, of course, down a few bottles of the good stuff. Keep heading south and stop 12 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
in H-Town at the 55-acre Houston Zoo. There, kids will love the 4,500-plus animals, including African wild dogs, Komodo dragons and elephants. Next, head east to San Antonio. Make sure to stop at SeaWorld San Antonio, the world’s largest marine-life theme park. After that, check out eclectic Austin. If your kids are 12 and older, a Segway tour of the city is a great way to see the sights in a somewhat unusual manner. Thirty minutes southwest of the capital, Hamilton Pool offers a historic swimming hole, hiking, picnicking and guided tours. Then, enjoy the drive through the Hill Country as you make your way back home.
Thrills, Spills and a Little History All roller coast enthusiasts know the best theme park in the country is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Sadly, it’s not open until May, so for a good family-friendly warm-up, head to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Thrill rides like Apollo’s Chariot (a steel roller coaster with nine drops), shows like the Irish dancing extravaganza “Emerald Beat,” and 4-D rides like Corkscrew Hill keep everyone happy. The park doesn’t open until the Friday of spring break, so while you’re waiting to get your ride on, hit up all the historic sites. Colonial Williamsburg is the obvious choice, as the numerous reenactments, exhibits and historic buildings impress hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. Jamestown and Yorktown are worth the trip, too, and will complete a visit to the Historic Triangle. www.mckinneykids.com
MKM ME O S E AW IEVER ACH Our mission is to provide a dental experience that makes kids say, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’
As the artistic community in McKinney continues to burgeon, more and more children are becoming involved in the arts. This month’s Awesome Achiever is one of those children who, at an early age, has happily immersed himself into his love of music. Haven Trahan, a fifth grader at Walker Elementary, has been playing piano for five years. According to his teachers, he is a dedicated student who is always prepared and continually works to build upon his natural talent. Though humble about his achievements, those who know this gifted boy boast of his successes in solo festivals and his exemplary ratings.
Tammy Gough, Piano teacher Lynde Swanner says, “Haven is always a joy
D.D.S., M.S. in piano lessons. He is very intelligent and bright, has a great sense of humor and is very dedicated to anything he attempts. I have seen Haven really mature this year as a young man, as well as a pianist. He is also respectful and always ready to listen.”
An avid reader, Haven says the Harry Potter series stands among his favorites.
Haven Trahan Currently, he is enjoying spending time in the world of the Charlie Bone series. This energetic and polite boy also spends time playing basketball and soccer. Haven also hopes to continue improving his skating skills so he can add hockey to his athletic repertoire. Though he’s not certain what he wants to be when he grows up, Haven says he hopes to design airplanes, a skill already being demonstrated through his fascination with building and designing his own Lego models.
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Tammy L. Gough, D.D.S., M.S. Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
201 N. Alma Drive, Allen, TX 75013 (Behind Blockbuster Video)
Tammy Gough, D.D.S., M.S. B o a r d
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mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 13
Tularosa Basin is one of the most magical places in the country, the White Sands National Monument. The 275 square miles of desert are composed of wave-like dunes of gypsum sand that are constantly changing shape. Take an eight-mile scenic drive by car, tackle one of the four trails by foot or go on a ranger-guided tour.
Sleighs, Trains and Your Automobile
Land of Enchantment For this tour of southern New Mexico, be sure to drive through Roswell, the city well known for an alleged UFO crash in 1947. South of the alien mecca is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where 100-plus of the most impressive underground caves are waiting to be explored. Lincoln, just west of Roswell, is still reminiscent of the Old West. Here, visitors can see where infamous outlaw Billy the Kid broke out of jail. A few miles south in Capitan, Smokey Bear Historical Park teaches about forest health, fire ecology and the history of the national icon. Nestled in New Mexico’s
All aboard a coal-fired steam engine in the historic town of Durango, Colorado. Kids will love the feeling of being passengers in the 1880s on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, not to mention the scenery: waterfalls, wildlife, mountains and more. There’s plenty of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in Durango, or try taking a sleigh ride through the Haviland Lake area for a relaxing experience. On your way to or from Colorado, stop in Albuquerque for an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride. And when passing through Amarillo, Texas, don’t miss the giant pair of legs wearing sports socks. Your kids will appreciate having a kooky story to tell. Wherever you go, be sure to take lots of pictures, stock up on car activities and don’t forget to fill up on gas before you hit empty. Remember, you want to keep it a road trip, not a “pushing the car along until the next gas station” trip. Haley Shapley is a freelance writer and editor who once went on a 14-state road trip with her family. She considers herself fortunate to have lived to tell the tale.
~Where Medicine and Compassion Meet ~ Providing Healthcare for Infants, Children and Adolescents
Cheryl Eley, M.D., F.A.A.P. & Virenda Wood, M.D., F.A.A.P. Diplomates, American Board of Pediatrics
Same Day Appointments Available Sé Habla Español Most Insurance Plans Accepted 4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 211 McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 972-548-8382 Fax: 972-547-9951 14 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
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Planning a road trip?
Try these tips to keep the sanity from turning into a frenzy. Bring food and water Having food and water available throughout the road trip can make life much easier for parents and kids. Just make sure to keep the foods and drinks healthy so your kids don’t get the sugar/chemical crazies in the middle of the Texas Mountain Range where there is only one stop in 60 miles. Have one snuggly kit for each person. Pillows, blankets, books, small reading lights, coloring books, crayons, you name it, it’s part of a snuggly kit. Pillows and blankets make the road trip nap last longer and the activity items can keep kids’ hands and minds busy. Road trips can bring on the sleepies and if those kids are cozy, you may end up making most of the trip hearing little more than snoring and the sound of your radio.
www.mckinneykids.com
Be prepared to stop and stretch, answer the call of nature and get some fresh air at regular intervals. The rule of thumb here is one 15-minute stop every hour. If you can go longer, great! But the call of nature doesn’t usually meet our deadlines. These breaks also help the driver stay alert and give the kids a chance to make some noise outside the confined space of the family SUV Get your game on! Highway Alphabet, License Plate Scrabble, State License Plate Inventory and Crazy Story are just four great ideas for passing the time while involving the whole family. Highway Alphabet involves finding each letter of the alphabet in order. License Plate Scrabble has each person creating words or sentences based on the letters on passing
cars’ license plates. Crazy Story starts with one person beginning a tale. Each passenger adds to the story with whatever they choose. Have one person write the story as it develops, and then read it out loud. Or create your own family game.
Say Cheese! It’s always great fun to take pictures at interesting sites. Stop at city limit signs, put a kid on your shoulder and have somebody take a picture of that really tall kid behind the city sign. Have fun! Take the Lead The most important tip for road trips is to plan ahead, be prepared and give the kids a chance to see how excited you are about it. Mom and Dad’s moods affect everyone.
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 15
Tips for Your Teen’s First Date By Lucy Parker Watkins
F
irst dates, first kisses and first relationships. Teens and their parents all have emotional reactions to the thoughts of these rites of passage. While many parents may secretly hope their children will wait until their 30’s to step foot into the world of romance, most adolescents are already consumed with thoughts of reveling in the sparks of young love. It’s understandable and it’s normal, no matter the perspective. While this stage of life can be very exciting for teens, it is usually quite nerve-wracking for parents who are watching their children mature and become attractive to suitors. Because of this, parents often become hyper-vigilant, adding to the teen’s overwhelming feeling of the push-and-pull of peers and parents. But the truth is, most teens just want to know how to date. With the foundation of their family’s values to guide them, the practice of one-on-one dating becomes an exercise in proper social behavior. And the initial step, the first date, is a great opportunity for parents to continue building on the foundation they’ve already set in place.
Define the purpose of a first date. Help your child understand that nervousness is a normal part of the process. Explain that first dates are opportunities to see if a second date is in order. If the child feels at ease, the sense of enormity fades a bit and focus becomes whether or not the two teens enjoy each other’s company.
Give your child the tools of empowerment. Encourage your child to “Be who you are.” During years of self-discovery, what teen doesn’t secretly wish to be someone else? Going on a first date is prime time to put on airs about self-identity, but the truth is this strategy will undermine the potential relationship and possibly give life to an ill-fitting match. Being who they are will help save them from many a dating drama and help them find a good match. Encourage your teen to listen to that “inner voice.” This applies to any social situation whether it is within a group dynamic or on a date. Psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz encourages parents to help their teen listen to that inner voice. “Help them pay attention to
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16 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
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the voice inside that says, ‘I’m uncomfortable in this situation and don’t want to do this.’ Teach them to trust their judgment.” It’s important for teens to know that who they are is perfect and pretending. Parents who encourage their teens to stay true to themselves and trust their instincts also empower their children to be firm and avoid inappropriate or unsafe situations.
Have “The Talk” before the first date. This may be a difficult conversation for some parents to have with their teens, but it’s vital to their safety and understanding. Parents teach children how to safely ride a bike and cook on a stove, but are often befuddled when it comes to “The Talk.” “Encourage your child to think about what sexual intimacy means to them and discuss it openly,” Dr. Stalz says. “Tell them how to avoid unwanted sexual advances. Tell your sons that having sex does not make them a man and tell your daughters that having sex does not make them cool.” Be clear about your expectations, but also allow your child to speak freely. Strong parental reactions can hinder the conversation and may lead the child to believe it’s a waste of time to discuss these issues with a parent. Ultimately, this will undermine your credibility with your child. So work hard to be calm and receptive. Put those active listening skills to work. Help your child see the reality of sexual intimacy without scaring them to death or giving them the feeling they must go underground and hide the truth from you. Dr. Stalz further recommends, “Let them talk privately with their doctor so they can get what they need to take care of themselves. Encourage them to come to you with any question or conflict. Try to be open to discussing it, rather than lecturing them. You want them to listen to your opinion, yet at the same time feel they are making up their own mind.” Incorporate into this conversation the concept of “No means NO!” This affords both boys and girls the personal power to handle those uncomfortable situations. Teaching children about self-respect will go a long way to serve them throughout all the upcoming years filled with life choices. Remember, this conversation won’t be completed in one day. It’s a process that hopefully began long before your child was old enough to drive.
Warn them about the danger signs. According to Dr. Stalz, “Being manipulated, verbally put down, pushed or slapped and kept isolated from other relationships are all signs of an abusive relationship. Make sure both your son and daughter understand this and that they should come to you or another parent/teacher/counselor if they feel at all threatened or oppressed by their boyfriend or girlfriend.”
Growing Pains As parents loosen the reins on their children and begin to give them more freedom, it’s hard not to struggle with the growing pains of beginning to let go. Be confident that you have instilled positive values in your children that will help them find their way, safely and healthfully, to adulthood. Then, try to enjoy a night alone as you sit by the door waiting for your teen’s return home. www.mckinneykids.com
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 17
Part y Guide Adventure Kids Playcare A unique drop-in childcare and entertainment center for kids 6 weeks to 12 years old. Stop by anytime for a tour, both you and your kids will love it! We reserve Sundays exclusively for Birthday parties! www.adventurekidsplaycare.com
214-491-4088
Fun Bus The FUN BUS philosophy is to enhance learning already going on inside the classroom and at home using a hands-on and safe approach to FITNESS, making it FUN for children ages 2-7. LET US BRING THE FUN TO YOU! www.funbuses.com
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Royal Kids
Animal House Parties Great parties and family entertainment! Great rates, soft contained play, separate toddler only area, several combination inflatables with a variety of activities, costumized/themed birthday parties. Private parties available anytime. www.animalhouseparties.com
214-504-0089
Mad Science Amazing Science-Themed Birthday Parties!!! We bring the entire party to you at home. Hands-on, Interactive, High-energy. Affordable and Tons of fun. Contact us to learn more. www.madscience.org/dentoncounty
972-436-2500
(Lewisville)
www.madscience.org/dallas
972-724-3623
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The Ice at Stonebriar Party for all ages. We have several packages to choose from and our newest party is to rent 1/4 ice for a broomball party. Broomball is played in tennis shoes, we supply the equipment. Room rentals are available. Ice skating parties are great fun!!
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972-731-9600
Walls of Clay Wee Folks Photography Bring your party guests by Wee Folks Photography for a session of the group and you will receive a matted 5x7 image of the group for all to sign and a DVD of all the images. Call for your session! www.weefolksphotography.com
214-544-7427
www.canyonsclimbing.com
214-387-0906
Made of Sugar and Spice Parties Made of Sugar and Spice (formerly called Girly Girl) offers Princess, Rock Star and Tea Parties to Celebrate HER! Located in downtown McKinney since 2004, we celebrate only 1 birthday at a time. Watch for new themes; B Good 2 Me Spa, Pink Poodle and Flower Fairy parties! www.girlygirldressup.com
972-542-3922
Vasquez Taekwondo Academy
An exciting and NEW twist on children’s birthday parties! Children become computer detectives on a fun-filled adventure that is sure to “wow” guests and parents! Children take home a birthday password to login to software activities for reinforcement at home!
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Canyon Indoor Rock Gym Parties ROCK at Canyons! Reserve your party today! 3 hours of climbing, a Canyons guide to host your group, and all the equipment & instruction you’ll need. Call today to book your room and have a BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE!
Have the coolest party in town with our newly improved birthday parties! The Vasquez Taekwondo Club is the perfect venue for the Martial Arts or Taekwondo enthusiasts. We offer a variety of packages to suit your needs. All birthday parties include party favors and a special gift for the birthday boy or girl. www.vasquez-taekwondo.com
972-548-8275
Wendolin Mercado Photography Wendolin Mercado Photography
Walls of Clay is a “paintyour-own-pottery” studio and we put the “art” in Party! There are several packages to choose from and start as low as $12 per guest. The guest of honor will also receive a Personalized Keepsake Plate created just for them.
Come experience the next generation in photography with a fun, fast paced photo shoot with Wendolin Mercado. Bring your favorite music cd’s and a few of your coolest outfits and leave with images you’ll want to show off to everyone!
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mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 19
Y
You’re driving the kids home from a long day at school when suddenly everyone in the car begs mom to roll down the windows. Big brother has decided to air out his tootsies and it’s none too pleasant for any of the passengers. He’s not alone, though. There are solutions to help everyone who has concerns about foot odor.
Foot Problems and Some Causes of Foot Odor Bromhydrosis Also known as foot odor, Bromhydrosis is a common, year-round condition in children and adults who wear shoes on a daily basis. Approximately 3 percent of the U.S. population is affected by it and a majority of them are children. Children with smelly feet usually also suffer from sweaty feet.
Sweaty Feet
Getting to the Sole of the Problem How to get rid of stinky feet By Dr. Richard Swails
Sweaty Feet is a common disorder in which the sweat glands of the feet may become hyperactive and produce excessive sweat. Since the number of sweat glands is most dense in feet and hands, it can be a real problem for sufferers. The odor is produced by a combination of sweat, a dark warm environment such as shoes, and bacteria and/or fungus that grows in the shoes and attaches to the skin. Some bacteria actually eat away at the top layer of the skin, producing a foul odor. Synthetic materials used in shoes can also produce smelly odors when mixed with sweat and bacteria.
Tinea Pedis Also known as Athlete’s Foot, this skin infection is caused by fungus which commonly attacks the feet because it thrives in a dark, moist, warm environment such as a shoe. Fungus thrives in damp areas such as swimming pools, showers and locker rooms. Athlete’s Foot usually produces itchy, dry, scaling skin. It is commonly seen on the soles of the feet and in between the toes. In advanced cases, inflammation, cracks and blisters may form; an infection caused by bacteria can also result. The fungus can spread to other areas of the body, including toenails.
Plantar Wart A Plantar wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. Warts can develop anywhere on
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the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents and the elderly. All of these conditions have similar causes which lead to their development. Fortunately there are a number of treatments available to correct the problems as well as several ways to prevent these conditions in the first place.
Prevention and Control • One of the most important keys to preventing foot odor is hygiene. Feet should be washed daily with soap and water, then dried thoroughly, even between the toes. Without proper hygiene, conditions such as Athlete’s foot and plantar warts may eventually start to develop. • Wear breathable shoes made of canvas or mesh siding. All-leather enclosed shoes will increase perspiration and many leather shoes come with plastic liners, which don’t allow moisture to evaporate. • Air out your shoes daily by placing them in a well-ventilated area. • Rotate your shoes. Wear different shoes on different days. • Pull the insoles out of your shoes at the end of the day to dry out both the insole and the shoe. • Replace your insoles often. This decreases the odor within the shoe and decreases the chances for fungus infection. Shoe liners may need to be changed weekly or monthly, depending on the amount of perspiration. • Go barefoot or wear sandals (if possible) to allow your feet to air out. • Change your socks at least once during the day. • Wear small fiber wool or cotton or acrylic blend socks, which will wick away moisture from your feet. • Use lamb’s wool if you have wet, white tissue between your toes. When placed between the toes, Lamb’s wool will wick away moisture. • Avoiding walking barefoot in locker rooms, showers and other places where fungus thrives. • Spray or roll on an antiperspirant before putting on your shoes. • Use a foot powder on your feet or in your shoes. Choose products with aluminum chloride. • Soak your feet in black tea water for 30 minutes a day for 7-10 days (2 bags per pint of water - brew tea as usual). Black tea has tannic acid, which is anti-bacterial. • Soak your feet in cider vinegar and warm water (one part vinegar to two parts warm water) for 45-60 minutes a day. • Check your feet for fungal infection. Peeling and scaling on the bottom of the feet and in between the toes are classic signs of foot fungus. If you continue to have problems with foot odor, athlete’s foot, or plantar warts, you should consider a visit to your local podiatrist. Dr. Richard Swails is a board certified podiatrist with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American College of Foot and Ankle Sur-
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geons. His practice is located in the McKinney Foot Clinic. www.mckinneykids.com
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 21
Clearing the Clutter Clears the Mind By Maria Luce
It’s a mountain of mess. A disorganization of distress. And it’s in your house. Are you and your kids clutteraholics?
Divide and Conquer Taking on your entire house can be too overwhelming. Instead, the “Swiss Cheese Method” breaks major projects into smaller
Spring is around the corner and there is no better time to clear
steps which can be handled in shorter time slots.
the clutter in your home! While you’re organizing the toys,
■ Start one room at a time or one closet at a time. Small
games and books -- you may actually be organizing things, you
successes lead to bigger successes.
could be organizing your life. You and your kids can be in control
■ Get the kids involved! This is a great “teachable moment” for
of the clutter rather than its casualties.
your children. It is an opportunity for growth, building self esteem as well as instilling responsibility. When the kids are
Whether the clutter in your home is due to poor habits, packrat
personally invested, they tend to better understand the logic
parents or an advanced case of affluenza, too many children are
and maintain the new, organized room.
held hostage as their upper-ranking home managers struggle un-
■ Don’t do it all yourself! Teaching kids to pick up after
der the burden of household clutter.
themselves not only helps them by teaching responsibility and organization, it helps you in the long-run to keep your home
Emotional Clutter It’s more than just a mess in the kids’ rooms or the game room.
running smoothly.
It can equal emotional clutter for your children. Not only do they
Re-Learn Your A, B, C’s Assess
learn what they live; they are internally influenced by their exter-
First, assess the mess. The de-cluttering process starts by deter-
nal environment. Less chaos around your children can mean less
mining three things: what you have, what to keep and where to
chaos internally. Children need a calming environment, not one
put it. To learn this, you’ll make an assessment of your clutter.
filled with clutter and chaos.
Here’s what you can do today to stop the messiness madness.
Here is where simple sorting reigns! Itemize games, books and toys into the following categories: ■ What to Keep ■ What to Donate ■ What to Trash
Steps to Take
Banish and Box
“Mom, where’s my soccer jersey?” “Mom, where’s my Nintendo?”
Purge! Purge! Purge! This is when the trash is your new BFF.
“Mom, where’s my ______?” Are these all-too familiar refrains in
It can be a time-consuming and painful step, but it is necessary.
Finding things easily and timely does more than just save you from yelling – it also helps save your sanity.
your home? Take heart! And take these steps: 22 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
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mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 23
Contain, Corral and Control This is the final step. Wait until after you’ve assessed, boxed and banished before corralling. Only after you’ve sorted the “keepers” will you have a true idea of what storage helpers you need. Now, go shopping! ■ Plastic storage containers with lids are the best thing for general storage since the first cavewoman wove a basket. ■ Don’t forget baskets and buckets. Many of these are decorative and functional. ■ Color-coding can be key. Each child can have their own color. Or each item can have a code: Legos -green, blocks in blue and Barbie paraphernalia in red. ■ Label, label, label! This process will have you saying, “Sure, you can play with the farm set, just as soon as the Matchbox cars go back into their home!,” thus helping both child and parent keep the clutter monster away.
The Big Payoff What’s the payoff? Time, money and self-esteem for you and your children! Say you’re sorting out the top shelf of the game room closet. It’s become the land of misfit toys. Living there now is a mish-mash
With an organization and storage makeover, the kids can find
of stuffed animals, missing game pieces and Barbie clothes.
their summer clothes while it is still summer. You will save money
■ Drag in the garbage can, a box marked “Donate” or “Yard
by using stored goods, instead of buying new (because you are
Sale”. Item by item, pick it up and assign it to a box
able to find that box of soccer, football, dance equipment you
(or execute the sentence of Banishment).
bought last year). You’ll know what you have, where it is and how
■ “Toy Library” Technique – for younger kids, this is your answer
to find it -- and so will the other members of your household.
to over-abundant toys. Using a large container or box, check in some toys to the toy library. Store this in an out-of-the-way
This process can empower your kids and lead to enhanced self-
place for several months. Some rainy day, bring out the box
esteem. The additional benefit here is less dependence on you!
– swap out these ‘new treasures’ with toys that have lost their current luster. The kids will have regained interest and
Maybe best of all there’s the snug, smug feeling of being Mistress
freshness in the stored toys.
of Your Domain, Queen of the Stuff – and knowing where to find it!
■ Older kids can utilize higher closet shelves to store some of their belongings. Clear plastic shoebox storage containers
Maria Luce is a reporter and freelance writer who balances work and
hold little pieces and identify the contents.
family life while living in McKinney with her husband Mark and their three young boys, Jack, Luke, and Christian.
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24 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
Your child is never a number at Stonebridge Pediatrics. We treat each child with the care and special attention they deserve.
Betsy B. Dehart, R.N., C.P.N.P. Jeffrey J. Alvis, M.D., F.A.A.P. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
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175 Ridge Road, Suite 200 McKinney, TX 75070 www.mckinneykids.com
www.mckinneykids.com
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 25
kidconnection
The Science of Mothers and Sons
By Lorie Fangio
Projects to Bring Your Son Back to the Fold
I
f girls are made of
The Science of Baking
sugar and spice and
Science is easy to create in the kitchen. In fact, there is a molecular
boys of puppy dog
change every time you mix two ingredients together. So cooking
tails, where do we begin
any recipe can be a science experiment. If you want to interject
as mothers? Girls are so
creativity, ask your son what his three favorite ingredients are and
easy to relate to, they walk
invent a new recipe to enjoy together. Or, try the Basic White Yeast
in the front door chatting,
Bread recipe below and bake some bread. This recipe will keep your
and two hours later they
son semi-engaged for the better part of the day and it really is a
still have more to say. Not
blast to watch this silky dough rise to the occasion.
so for boys. Ask them what’s up and they grunt
The science behind making bread is an excellent opportunity for
as they walk past you to
conversation and learning. Warm liquid activates the yeast. The
the computer. They are so
yeast feeds on the sugar and ferments at a rapid pace. The fermen-
engrossed in what they are
tation creates carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes the bread
doing, it’s almost impos-
to rise and creates the tiny air pockets in a slice of bread. Without
sible to get their attention.
yeast and carbon dioxide, bread would be flat and very heavy.
Do you remember when
Basic White Yeast Bread
you were the apple of your
• 6 cups flour, plus more for dusting
son’s eye? You could solve any problem, generally with a simple hug
• 1 tablespoon sugar
and kiss. As boys mature and begin to separate from their mothers
• 2 ½ teaspoons salt
– a normal part of healthy development - staying in step with them
• 1 envelope active dry yeast
can be tricky. They seem to morph, right in front of our eyes, into
• 2 cups very warm water
males who will not ask for directions, or help! This separation from
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
mom is a healthy part of the life cycle. But it doesn’t have to define your relationship. Being close to your son is possible.
Using an electric mixer combine sugar,
The key to connecting with your son is to spend some time doing
salt and yeast with
what HE enjoys. Unless you have an affinity for video games or are
2 cups of flour. Add
up for a hearty game of one-on-one you may be left out in the cold.
water and butter.
However, there may be another solution…. science.
Mix until incorporated. Beat on high
Science is everywhere, and it’s fascinating enough to spark your
speed for 3 minutes.
son’s interest no matter what he is immersed in. Best of all, when a
Add an additional
boy’s hands are busy he will often open up to tell you if something
cup of flour and beat 4 minutes longer. Add remaining flour and
is troubling him or just to share who he is becoming. And you know
mix to combine. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead
this like pure gold!
dough for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a buttered bowl, turning to butter top. Cover with a clean towel
26 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
www.mckinneykids.com
TLC Pediatrics, P.A. and place in a warm area to let dough rise for 1 hour. Dough will double in size. Punch dough down and knead for about 10
“Where Kids Come First”
minutes until smooth. Cut dough in half and form loafs. Place in greased loaf pans. Cover with towel and let rise for 45 minutes until dough has doubled again. Bake loaves at 400 degrees for 3845 minutes. Bread is done when it makes a hollow sound when tapped with fingers.
Indoor Ecology Growing something together is always a wonderful bonding experience. Since it is the dead of winter, consider creating an indoor
Daniel J. Moulton, MD, FAAP • Beth Johnson, MSN, CPNP Board Certified Pediatrics
ecosystem, or terrarium, with your son.
Accepting New Patients You will need the following items:
• Well Child Exams & Immunizations
• Clear glass container with lid
• Newborn Care
• Pea gravel
• Sports & Camp Physicals
• Activated charcoal
• Same-Day Sick Appointments
• Sphagnum moss • Soil • Small plants Start with a clear glass container that has a lid. Add at least an inch of pea
Call for Appointment or “Meet the Doctor” Info
972.747.KIDS (5437) Presbyterian Hospital of Allen 1105 Central Expressway North • Suite 320 • Allen
gravel to the bottom for drainage. Then, form a thin layer of activated charcoal to help keep the air clean. Add a layer is sphagnum moss to prevent the soil from shifting, and top it off with a layer of soil. Next, add plants. Succulents work well because they require little more than sunlight to survive. Put the lid on your ecosystem and enjoy.
Finding Answers, Together A Query Jar is an exercise that will keep you and your son relating for the long haul. Spend 30-45 minutes jotting down science questions on strips of paper, such as “How does gravity work?” Put the strips in a jar and works towards regularly spending time together researching for answers to the questions. Answers to even the toughest questions are simple to find using the internet. You will be surprised at how much both you and your son will look forward to your science time. The bottom line is, staying connected to your son is as easy as spending time together. So grab your lab coat and do some science in the home. You’ll be glad you did. Listen for Lorie on Home Hints with Lorie Fangio on 97.5 KLAK!
www.mckinneykids.com
mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 27
Finding the Rhythms of Their Own Drums Traditional African Drumming comes to McKinney By Lucy Parker Watkins
T
hanks to the foresight and commitment of a number of dedicated local musicians, traditional African drumming has found a home in the McKinney area. Contrary to the stereotypical image of hippies drumming and dancing wildly in the woods, African drumming is for everyone, even those with little musical experience. In communities who are afforded the opportunity to experience African drumming, people are finding the activity provides benefits that reach far beyond merely learning how to keep a rhythm. The benefits experienced by participants include short-term changes such as elevation in mood, stress relief, free expression, sense of accomplishment and lessons in cooperation and focus. Long-term benefits include learning math skills, improvement in eye-hand coordination, synchronization, midline balance, increase in self-worth and self-confidence, and creation of a sense of community for participants. Michael Kenny MMT, MT-BC has witnessed these positive effects in a variety of environments using traditional drumming with therapeutic goals. Having work with geriatric patients, special needs populations, schools and incarceration facilities over the last decade, Kenny offers story after story of people transforming in front of his eyes. “I have been in detention centers where there’s always a kid sitting back in his chair, arms across his chest, holding down the chair. By the end of the drumming class, this same kid is smiling, tapping his feet and bent over a drum. I’ve even seen geriatric patients slumped in wheelchairs come alive and get up to dance,” Kenny states.
self our ess Y r p x E
y wn of Cla Walls aint-your-o.a p .. “ io a d is y” stu or potter e space f lts! iv creat en and adu childr
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ti Crea
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www.wallsofclaymckinney.com 28 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
Dr. Jeffrey K. Hollingsworth Therapeutic Optometrist
Serving Children & Their Parents
2041 N. Redbud Blvd. East McKinney, TX 75069 WE’VE OPENED A SECOND LOCATION 1721 N. Custer Blvd. West McKinney, TX 75071
972.562.9711
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mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008 29
What is unique about African drumming is the accessibility to success for participants. It takes little time for a group of inexperienced drummers to come together and form a piece of feet tapping, get-up-and-dance music. Unlike traditional orchestras, children and adults can quickly learn their parts. Taught from the West African tradition of speaking the rhythms, participants need not have any experience reading music. Though many of the rhythms can be difficult, the nature of the lesson is to help each participant learn basic patterns, put all the parts together and bring a musical piece alive. The two most active groups currently teaching African Drumming in the McKinney area are Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra (CTYO) and Drums Not Guns (DNG). Both of these nonprofit organizations seek to offer children and adults, families and individuals opportunities to experience the joy and benefits of drumming, tie die shirts not required. According to the Chairman of the McKinney Arts Commission, Dr. Robert Nelsen, the local availability of traditional drumming classes is innovative while also serving to diversify the arts in McKinney. “The McKinney Arts Commission’s mission is to grow the arts in McKinney. What better way is there to grow the arts than to teach children drumming? Drumming creates community. By offering it to children and adults alike, the arts—in this case drummers—are making McKinney stronger and better. “
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STEPHANIE CRISE, D.D.S., M.S. & ASSOCIATES
• Valedictorian - Baylor College of Dentistry Call for your free exam!
972-529-9700 175 Ridge Road Suite 500 • McKinney, TX 75070 www.SmilesHollywoodStyle.com
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• Interviewed for Dental News on ABC • Dental Radio Consultant for 97.5 KLAK www.mckinneykids.com
CTYO’s programs include the Tweneboa Family Drumming Orchestra and Samaritan Inn’s Drum Fun. Tweneboa is designed to unite families in a musical experience, learning and performing together regularly. Dr. Jeffrey Walter, Artistic Director of CTYO acknowledges this family drumming orchestra could be the only one of its kind in North Texas. “The goal of Tweneboa Family Drumming Orchestra is to bring families together. We live in a world where we drop one child off at soccer practice then run across town to take another to piano lessons. Parents don’t get the time to enjoy the activities with their children. This is why we’ve created Tweneboa. Family members participate in the orchestra together and develop a common interest. The result is that these families learn together, practice together, perform together, then celebrate a successful performance together,” Dr. Walter comments. Additionally, CTYO offers Drum Fun to children living in the Samaritan Inn, Collin County’s only homeless shelter. Instructor Allie Lang, Music Specialist at Slaughter Elementary, meets with the children once a week in a space they create themselves. According to Lang, “Drum Fun gives the kids an opportunity to come together and make music in a safe environment. In this place we have created the kids are free to be themselves and they always come through for me with lots of great ideas and
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spontaneous creations! The joy is in working together as a team and everyone pitching in to make sure even the smallest member is successful in each activity.” In addition to CTYO’s offerings, Drums Not Guns provides free weekly workshops every Saturday at Old Settler’s Recreation Center. Open to the public, these informal workshops are intended to bring children and adults together in a cooperative environment while having fun and learning a new skill that may be unique among their cohorts. Something in which they can take pride. Facilitated by Randy Harp, DNG Treasurer and Founder of McKinney’s Soli Festival, these two-hour workshops are designed to provide quality drumming lessons and life lessons which remain long after the class ends. “What I’ve seen from the people who do learn the rhythm is they realize they can do something that they never would have believed they could have done. Something clicks that makes them feel more confident and better about themselves. There are many life metaphors in drumming. Drumming brings people to life,” comments Randy Harp. For more information about local African drumming classes, please visit Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra’s website at www.ctyo.org and Drums Not Guns’ website at www.drums.org/dng.
ity Is At
ur Child’s F Yo ingertips !
• Kindergarten readiness • Fun, theme based academic curriculum! • 2&3 day programs for 3&4 year olds • 4 day transitional kindergarten for 5 year olds • Music, Art & Fun Fit classes each week! • Small, family-oriented atmosphere • Degreed/certified teachers • Low student/teacher ratio • Piano lessons for age 5-teens • Nurturing & Motivating environment • Degreed/certified teachers 2008-2009 Preschool (3's, 4's & TK) • Fun theory games Preschool Summer Camps 9:00-2:00 daily • #1 Group method in the country! check out our website for more detail! • In business since 1996!
Now Enrolling!
972-562-9691
2490 White Ave., McKinney www.stacystudio.net www.mckinneykids.com
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If They Grow It, They Will Eat It By Micah Barton
Getting Started on a Youth Gardening Project
A
dults work in their gardens because they take pride in their accomplishments. The physical exercise, the beautiful flowers and the compliments from neighbors and friends are all extra pleasures. While youth gardening creates pride, it is also an adventure in science, reading, math, art and nutrition. Research of school gardening programs shows an increase in knowledge of science concepts, self esteem, leadership skills, parental participation, volunteerism, the desire to try new fruits and vegetables and a decrease in absenteeism.
Youth gardening is applied learning A teacher teaches metamorphosis in the classroom using drawings and video. But in a garden, the students watch monarch butterflies go through metamorphosis on milk weed or gulf fritillary butteries on passion vine. Close observation will reveal all stages of metamorphosis: egg, larva, chrysalis and butterfly. Journals kept by students show an increase in collecting scientific data with charts and drawings. Math is used everywhere in the garden from determining the cubic feet of fertilizer is required to how many seeds or transplants are needed to plant in a row. Young students sometimes say they will not eat vegetables at planting, but once the vegetables are grown and harvested, they eat every bite and want more. Research also shows an increase in choosing fruit and vegetable snacks particularly with youth who have grown and eaten vegetables and fruits. If they grow it, they will eat it, even broccoli!
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Start with a simple, quick garden project like planting bush beans and radishes. These crops provide fast results and use a small space. 1. Plant the beans and radishes in a large container using potting soil. Plant a few beans in the middle and the radishes along the edge. Read the seed packet for spacing suggestions. 2. You can also plant the seeds in a sunny location in the landscape. Plant a row of bush beans along the front of shrubs that receive sun most of the day. Then plant a row of radishes in front of the bush beans. 3. Add 2 to 3 inches of compost (do the math with your child) to the soil. 4. Water as needed. A good tip is to add a water breaker to the garden hose so the soil will not be too disturbed as your child waters. Tell them to water softly like rain. 5. After germination, add mulch to cover the soil. 6. Grow and enjoy! The City of McKinney’s Public Works Department also offers educational classes for students interested in learning about environmental issues. Lessons on reducing waste, pollution and litter prevention and water conservation are taught by city staff members. For more information, contact Micah Barton at 972547-7375 or via email at mbarton@mckinneytexas.org. If you are interested in starting a youth gardening program with your child, Texas A&M University has a curriculum based youth program called the Junior Master Gardner Program (JMG). The JMG curriculums are used in the classroom, after-school programs, 4-H and other school clubs. For more information on the JMG program, contact Dotty Woodson at 972-952-9688 or via email at d-woodson@tamu.edu. Micah Barton is the Environmental Education Coordinator for the City of McKinney’s Public Works Department. www.mckinneykids.com
www.mckinneykids.com
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kandidkids “Back at you, Baby!”
“Yes, I know I’m cute.”
The calm before the storm.
“Hey, wanna take a dip?”
“Come on guys, it’s not funny anymore.”
“Just call me Air Jordan.”
Resting little ones equates to resting big ones.
“Back off! It’s mine.”
“I want mine on the rocks with extra cherries.”
“I can explain...” “Being followed by the paparazzi is so tiring.”
Email candid shots to publisher@northtexasmagazines.com
34 mckinneykidsmagazine Feb/Mar 2008
www.mckinneykids.com
“Why I chose Faith in God vs. Faith in Drugs for my health” Dear Friend, I tell folks all the time, “I made the choice years ago to put my faith in God’s healing power vs. drugs for my family’s health.” There are many people who are looking for a better way, a way that makes more sense to them. Americans are far more educated and aware than they used to be, and that’s causing a profound change in the way we view things. Let me explain. Imagine driving your car, and the dashboard oil light comes on. Would you cover the light up with tape, or would you fix the problem? Of course, you wouldn’t just cover it up, you know better! But isn’t that what we do with our bodies when we take most drugs?
Let me tell you my story…
Fourteen years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever and unknowingly changed the destiny of my family’s health and wellness. Back then, I was a waiter in a restaurant, working my way through college. One day, while carrying a large, heavy tray, a sharp pain shot from my back, down my leg and through my foot. In an instant I was laying on the floor surrounded by a mess of plates, food, glasses and ice. It was like a bolt of lightning had knocked me to the ground. The pain was so excruciating that I couldn’t breathe, and I felt paralyzed. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been so afraid in my life. You see, I had this pain in the past but never this bad. When I was 15, I injured my back while lifting weights in high school football. Three more times before the age of 20, I had the pain re-occur. I treated the pain like most people, with ice, heat, massage, hot showers, stretches, exercise, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and back pain pills. Each time I thought maybe it would just go away, but it didn’t. I was just covering up the symptoms, not fixing the problem. This time I knew I would have to do something different, so I tried chiropractic for the first time. The chiropractor did an exam, took some films and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. I got relief, and I was very impressed. Later I started chiropractic school myself. Now that I’m a chiropractor, it all makes sense. God created our nervous system to control all function in our bodies, and when these nerves are pinched or interfered with, our bodies start to malfunction. Doesn’t it just make more sense to correct the mis-alignment in the spine and take the pressure off the nerves so our bodies can heal naturally, the way God designed them to, rather than to mask the symptoms by taking drugs or ignoring the problem? Each of my 5 kids received their first gentle chiropractic adjustment the first day of their life. My oldest daughter, Lexie, who is ten years old, knows enough to ask me to adjust her when she feels like she may be getting sick, or sometimes to stay tuned up. Lexie, Cassie (8), Abbie (5), Tabbie (2), and Tanner (8 mos.) are happy, healthy kids. My wife has been amazed with the health of our children. You see, none of our kids have ever had to take a round of antibiotics. Coincidence? No way! We approach their needs with natural health care that includes good nutrition, exercise, supplementation and chiropractic care. I wanted something different for my family, www.mckinneykids.com
rather than growing up sick all the time. And that’s my mission for you and your family. Shouldn’t it be like that for all of us? According to God’s health plan, it should. We can make a choice to live a dynamic and energetic life to the ripe old age of 120, just as Moses did in scripture. “And Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” (Deut. 34:7) God did not create His children to take man-made things and have organs removed. He made you to function at 100% – without interference. Do you ever doubt that when you get a cut, it will heal? The band-aid doesn’t heal it; God’s healing power within you heals it! That’s what we do ... remove nerve interference to allow God’s healing system to work the way it was intended.
It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with the health concerns of their family. They come in for low back pain like I once had or for pain, numbness or tension in the neck, shoulders, back, arms or legs. Also for pinched nerves, headaches, fatigue, sciatica, fibromyalgia, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Our allergy testing and nutritional counseling help support the special needs of people suffering with sinus and allergy problems, PMS, menopause, childhood ear problems and ADHD. People also appreciate our customized nutritional programs. Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself, just the way God intended. We get tremendous results. It’s a simple as that!
Incredible stories our patients want you to hear
“My two daughters (5 and 2 years old) have been seeing Dr. Bo since they were born and have never had to take a round of antibiotics or even be placed on any prescription medication. When my body is functioning properly, I’m a happy, healthy mommy. This makes the 1-hour round trip drive worth every minute!” – Paige R., Carrollton “Thank you for helping my grandson. His headaches & stomachaches have stopped, and now he wants to grow up to be a chiropractor.” – Kathleen R., Princeton “Since I’ve been seeing Dr. Bo (two years), I have not had to go to the doctor one time
for antibiotics (I used to have 3 to 4 rounds a year). I work in Plano and have to drive up here, but it is well worth the time and gas. Dr. Bo believes that the body has the ability to heal itself, and now I do too. If I had to move, Dr. Bo would have to move with me! – Kris B., Plano
You benefit from an amazing offer
Too often I see children suffering from chronic colds, ear infections, pain, etc. and adults who are fatigued, overworked, stressed, have very low energy, or have chronic pain. When you’re not experiencing optimal health, you can’t serve your full purpose in life. Many Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits are extremely reduced and limited. That’s where we come in. I have significantly lower fee plans, so that more families are able to afford the care they need. If you have more faith in God’s healing power than in drugs, come and see me. I’m your guy! So that’s why I’d like to offer you a special gift. When you bring in this article (by March 13, 2008) you will receive my entire new patient exam for $35, which we will be donating back to the Extreme Wellness Foundation. Through this special offer, our goal is to donate over $27,000 of natural health care to our community. In exchange for your donation you will receive a consultation, complete chiropractic evaluation, state-of-the-art computerized autonomic and motor nerve studies, x-rays (if necessary), and report of findings. There are no hidden fees. This exam could cost you $275 elsewhere. And further care is affordable too.
Great care at a great fee
Please, I hope there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower exam fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications … I’m a Cum Laude graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic. You may have seen or heard of me as a guest speaker for the Doctor’s Speakers Bureau. I’m also a Body by God provider (www.thebodybygod. com). After graduating from chiropractic college, I moved to McKinney because I thought it would be a great place to raise a family. For over eleven years, I’ve been entrusted to take care of babies, teenagers, adults and grandparents. I just have that low exam fee, because I’m on a mission to change and save lives. Our office is friendly and warm, and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Brantley Chiropractic and is at 1203 W. University Drive (conveniently located 1/2 mile east of Hwy. 75). Our phone number is 972-562-1717. Preferred new patient times will fill up quickly, so please call me or my wonderful assistant Christi to make an appointment today. We can help you. Thank you.
God Bless, Dr. Bo Brantley
P.S. I won’t waste your time or your money. If I don’t feel that I can help you, I’ll refer you to someone who can. P.S.S. Due to federal regulations, offer does not apply to Medicare patients.
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