ParentingNH February 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

FEBRUARY • 2019

How stay How to stayto connected connected

Healthy mouth, healthy heart Babysitter search tips

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Elliot Hospital: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon

Q.

Dear Dr. Soukup, My 2-year-old fell off a chair about 10 days ago and hit her head. She was checked out in the ED right away, but is still not acting like herself.

Should I still be concerned? - Olivia W.

Dear Olivia, Before I respond to the medical aspect of your question, I think

these symptoms as fussiness and unwillingness to eat. Most kids

it is important to embrace your “parent instinct” in situations

recover quickly from a concussion but it can sometimes take

like this. When you are concerned and something seems “not

substantially longer, rarely even weeks or months to return to

right” with your child, listen to yourself and seek help! It sounds

normal behavior. Although we consider concussion a “mild”

like your daughter had a concussion, and the evaluation in the

traumatic brain injury, it is still a serious event. The CDC recently

ED would have ruled out more significant or dangerous brain

published guidelines on the diagnosis and management of

injuries. There is a huge scientific organization called PECARN

pediatric concussion, including recommendations regarding

(Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network) which

rest and gradual return to activities, as well as avoidance of

has studied hundreds of thousands of children to identify

repeated injuries, which can be much more serious. As we are

those who are at highest risk for significant injuries. Using data

well into ski and snowboard season, I’ll use this opportunity to

like this can help us choose the children who most benefit

plug for helmet use while participating in these high intensity

from a CT scan, in order to minimize radiation exposure and

sports! Prevention is the best cure.

at the same time, not miss any injuries. Typical symptoms of concussion include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness

Thanks for your question!

or balance problems, fatigue, sensitivity to light and noise, and

-Dr. Soukup

disturbances in emotion and sleep. Our littlest kids demonstrate

askthepediatricsurgeon@elliot-hs.org #askthepediatricsurgeon #cdcheadsup

Elizabeth S. Soukup, M.D., M.M.Sc. Pediatric Surgeon

Dr. Soukup is a Pediatric Surgeon at the Elliot Hospital and has an interest in educating families about pediatric health and wellness. Her mission is to provide expert specialty care for children of all ages in New Hampshire – newborns through teenagers – striving to keep them close to their families and communities. If you would like more information, call 603-663-8393 for an appointment, or visit our website at http://elliothospital.org/website/pediatric-surgery. php. Check out her previous articles at #askthepediatricsurgeon.

Dr. Soukup earned her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Medicine, graduating first in her class. She completed her General Surgery training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston. During her time in Boston, she also completed a Masters of Medical Sciences degree in clinical investigation from Harvard Medical School. She

Please send your questions to: askthepediatricsurgeon@elliot-hs.org 2 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

was awarded Elliot Hospital’s “Physician of the year” for 2018. She is board-certified in both Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery.

She has specialized training and experience in minimally invasive surgical treatment for babies, children and teenagers. Her practice includes all areas of general pediatric surgery, including common pediatric surgical problems as well as neonatal surgery, congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgery, and complex thoracic surgical problems.

NOTHING SPREADS IT QUITE LIKE A SMILE.

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| FEBRUARY 2019 1

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Where heart meets now.

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CONTENTS features 10 Rediscover that loving feeling

16 Tips on how to find a babysitter

FEBRUARY

26 The dental-heart health connection

36 NH group lets kids be themselves

22 Say it with chocolate

departments 4 From the editor’s desk

6 The short list 8 I want that

40 Dad on board 41 House calls 42 Out & about 44 Time out

keep in touch ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 3

from the editor’s desk SHOW SOME LOVE TO YOUR COMMUNITY Valentine’s Day, romantic love, and all that goes with it – candy, flowers, and cards – is no doubt the focus in February.

But in addition to spending time with your sweetheart, why not show your community some love by volunteering or donating to an organization that’s making life better for children and families? There’s no better way to beat the winter doldrums than by getting involved or attending a fun fundraising event to give a few Granite State groups some TLC. After all, love makes the world go round.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) represents the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA is always in need of volunteers who can be a child’s voice during the most difficult time of their young life. It also holds fundraisers throughout the year including the 19th annual Snowfest at Loon Mountain on Feb. 1 and On Tap for CASA on March 23, a 12-hour team challenge with activities and games. www.casanh.org The New Hampshire Food Bank feeds the hungry 365 days a year. In addition to volunteering or donating food, you can get your family, friends and co-workers together to organize a community food drive. Don’t miss one of its biggest fundraisers of the year March 11 – the Steel Chef Challenge, a local chef competition hosted by the Food Network’s Alex Guarnaschelli. Also this month, Goodwill Northern New England will collect non-perishable food donations at their New Hampshire stores for the food bank. www.nhfoodbank.org Donate to or shop at OutFITters Thrift Store in Manchester. All proceeds go to support Families in Transition-New Horizons, a nonprofit that provides hunger relief, affordable housing, and services to homeless families and individuals. OutFITters Thrift Store sells new and gently used furniture, housewares, books and clothing for the whole family. www.fitnh.org The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire helps more than 2,200 cats, dogs, and small animals each year. The ARLNH also employs one of only three shelter-based Animal Cruelty Investigators in the state and offers lowcost spay/neuter clinics. Donate, volunteer or attend one of its many events, including Bunny Yoga, a 90-minute yoga class where you will be

4 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

joined by fuzzy, cute adoptable bunnies on Feb. 22. www.rescueleague.org The American Red Cross is at the forefront of disaster relief – whether it is on a large scale, like helping those affected by hurricanes and floods, or on a smaller scale when a family loses their home to fire. Make an appointment to give blood or go to a blood drive. In February, drives are being held in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Keene, Laconia and Concord, and more. www.redcross.org Also don’t miss the following events raising money for great causes: Pink in the Rink, Feb. 9: The Manchester Monarchs and Catholic Medical Center are again teaming up to support CMC’s Breast Care Center. Join CMC as the Manchester Monarchs take on the Cincinnati Cyclones while raising breast cancer awareness. Proceeds benefit CMC’s Breast Care Center. www.stjosephhospital.com 8th annual Pink Ride, Feb. 9: The Pink Ride is an annual fundraising snowmobile ride and event hosted by the Hollis Nor’Easters, which brings together snowmobile clubs and trail users to ride on southern New Hampshire trails.

Proceeds benefit the St. Joseph Hospital Breast Care Center. www.catholicmedicalcenter.org Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship, March 16: Teams of police officers and firefighters will face off for CHaD kids at SNHU Arena in Manchester on March 16. Proceeds benefit kids who receive care at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. www.chadkids.org

MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR

contributors • FEBRUARY

MICHELLE LAHEY is a food writer who has been writing about (and eating) food in New Hampshire for more than 10 years. Outside of food, you can find her sipping on a good IPA, correcting other people’s grammar, or hiking in the White Mountains.

KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS is a former journalist and marketing director who now regularly writes for higher education and technology organizations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mom to 4-year-old Everett, she has lived in the Seacoast for the past 20 years.

JACQUELINE TOURVILLE is an award-winning children’s author who lives in southern Maine.

Jacqueline has been a ParentingNH contributor for more than 10 years and has won multiple awards from the Parenting Media Association.

CRYSTAL WARD KENT is a freelance writer who has written for numerous local and regional magazines. She owns Kent Creative in Dover, a creative services agency providing writing, design and marketing, and is also the author of several books and children’s books.

SATURDAY

APRIL 6

8 :3 0 AM - 2 :00 PM

GRAPPONE CONFERENCE CENTER CONCORD, NH

THEY’RE TALKING, ARE WE LISTENING? F OR PAR E N TS , E D UC ATOR S AN D C OM M U N I T Y

Dartmouth-Hitchcock will host a two-day Summit focused on our youth. On Friday, April 5, invited high-school aged students from across the State of New Hampshire will come together to discuss the challenges they face, celebrate successes and develop solutions. Parents, educators, legislators and anyone interested in the pressures our youth face are invited to attend on Saturday, April 6. Students' voices from Day One will be heard, and observations from the topic experts who attended the previous day's discussion will be shared.

TOPI CS WI LL I N CLUDE:

- Academic Pressures - Addiction - Advocacy - Bullying and Cyberbullying - Community Support - Eating Disorders - Race and Gender Equality - Self Harm - Sexuality, Gender and Sexual Identity - Using Social Media for Good

#DHYOUTHSUMMIT

REGI STRATI O N IS $10 P E R P E R S O N .

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, VISIT:

WWW.DHYOUTHSUMMIT.COM

P R E S E N T E D BY

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 5

the short list

THIS MONTH ON WWW.PARENTINGNH.COM:

MAKE PLANS FOR SCHOOL VACATION Grab your sled and your snowshoes, and get outdoors. Check out ParentingNH’s online guide to find out where to go to have fun in the snow. Find a new favorite sledding place, or go to a winter carnival and a lot more. If you are looking for something to do inside where you can stay warm, go to our online calendar for up-to-date event information.

• Where to go snowshoeing — www.parentingnh.com/snowshoenh • Winter carnivals in NH — www.parentingnh.com/wintercarnivals • The best sledding hills — www.parentingnh.com/sledding • What to do during February vacation — www.parentingnh.com/februaryvacation • Your guide to winter in the Granite State — www.parentingnh.com/winter

for even more fun ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

6 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

twitter.com/ParentingNH

Win tickets to Remick Museum’s Ice Harvest and Winter Carnival Enter to win tickets to take part in a beloved New England tradition and enjoy timeless winter fun at the Remick Museum’s 16th annual Ice Harvest and Winter Carnival on Feb. 16. Families can participate in traditional ice harvesting, enjoy family-friendly games and activities, visit with the animals, build a snowman, take a self-guided tour of the museum, listen to live music and more.

New this year, there will also be a 5k Snowshoe Stampede race for those interested in partaking in the fun. Go to www.parentingnh.com to enter to win a voucher good for a family admission (two adults; two children, age 16 and under). The deadline to enter is Sunday, Feb. 10. Find more information about the annual event in Tamworth Village at www.remickmuseum.org.

LAST CALL FOR PARENTINGNH’S COLORING CONTEST We are looking for some talented New Hampshire kids to bring color and personality to March’s ParentingNH, our special summer camp issue.

In past years, we’ve asked kids to color in a page with a pre-determined design. But this year we’d like to see what creations your kids can come up with on their own.

On a 8 ½ x 11 inch piece of white paper in landscape orientation, have your child age 6 or older draw and color in a summer camping scene. Let their imaginations fly as they draw for us what they love about camping and/or the outdoors.

The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 6.

We will choose the most creative drawings to feature in our March issue and one lucky entrant will be selected at random to win a birthday party for 10 jumpers at Altitude Trampoline Park in Pelham.

Parents, mail the drawing to us, along with your name, your child’s name and age, address, phone number and email. Crayons, colored pencils or markers will be accepted. Bold colors are encouraged. Submissions will be accepted via mail to ParentingNH Magazine Editor, McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 or email the entry as a PDF attachment to editor@parentingnh.com.

Questions? Email editor@parentingnh.com.

CHILDREN OF YANKEE PUBLISHING INC. OR MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS EMPLOYEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

First-ever NH Kids Governor is sworn in Congratulations to 2019 New Hampshire’s Kid Governor Lola Giannelli whose Inauguration Day was Jan. 18. In November, New Hampshire fifth-graders elected Lola of Sunset Heights Elementary School in Nashua as the state’s first Kid Governor.

Lola was elected on her animal cruelty platform. Her platform focuses on three points to advocate for better treatment of animals in New Hampshire including starting clubs dedicated to animal cruelty awareness, making toys for sheltered pets and delivering donations to shelters.

Two other candidates for governor, Ben Vachon and Evelyn Ellis-Haines, were sworn in as New Hampshire’s Kid Executive Councilors.

Kid Governor is a national award-winning civics program for fifth-graders created by the Connecticut Democracy Center in 2015. New Hampshire’s Kid Governor is led by the New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education and New Hampshire Institute of Politics with support from the New Hampshire State House and Department of Education.

The program is timed to coincide with Election Day in November and offers each school in New Hampshire the opportunity to enter a student candidate New Hampshire’s Kid Governor Lola Giannelli, center, with Executive Councilors Ben Vachon, left, and Evelyn Ellis-Haines. COURTESY PHOTO

into a statewide election that other fifth-graders vote in. Classes can vote in the election, nominate a classmate to run for office, or both. For more information, go to www.nh.kidgovernor.org.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MANCHESTER NAMED 2019 CHAMPION IN ACTION Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, a nonprofit inspiring all youth to realize their full potential as productive, responsive and caring individuals and leaders, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Youth Leadership. The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank and New Hampshire Union Leader, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work.

Boys & Girls Club of Manchester prepares young people from grades 1 through 12 to set and achieve goals,

develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and become active community leaders through programs designed to meet the specific needs of the Manchester community.

Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank’s program designed to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in local communities. In partnership with the New Hampshire Union Leader, the program provides support for nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout the state. www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 7

I want that

Cuddle up

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

Oh, fudge!

If your better half has a sweet tooth, surprise them with fudge. The Mill Fudge Factory in the Lakes Region makes Chocolate Raspberry Fudge for Valentine’s Day. It’s their signature handcrafted artisan chocolate fudge infused with real raspberries and topped with homemade raspberry jam. Check out their website or visit Mills Fudge Factory in Bristol for additional gift suggestions.

GO TO WWW.THEMILLFUDGE FACTORY.COM FOR MORE FUDGE-Y GOODNESS AND PRICES

The velvety fleece PediPocket blanket covers your shoulders and your feet at the same time and a special 20-inch pocket keeps your tootsies warm. Choose from 10 colors and patterns. PediPocket also offers a XXL blanket so the family can cuddle up together. AVAILABLE AT WWW.PEDIPOCKETBLANKET.COM; STARTING AT $39.99

Set the mood

Hot and sizzling

Each hand-poured, hand-colored candle made by Windsor Candle in Windsor has a premium fragrance and a cherry wood wick that crackles like a fireplace when it burns. The candles are made from 100-percent soy wax, and there are several fragrances to choose from including Love Spell, Berrylicious and Cozy Cabin.

Impress the bacon lover in your life with the Smokehouse Sampler Package from the North Country Smokehouse in Claremont. The sampler contains one pound each of cobsmoked, applewood-smoked, peppered and Canadian bacons. Cook them up for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day breakfast.

AVAILABLE AT WWW.WINDSORCANDLE.NET OR ETSY; 16 OZ. FOR $30 OR 8 OZ. FOR $15

8 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

AVAILABLE AT WWW.NCSMOKEHOUSE.COM; $38

Stuffed with love This Vermont Teddy Bear will leave her smitten. The red velvet bouquet is accented with white lace for an extra-romantic touch. The bears are handmade in Vermont from the first sketch to the final stitch. No two are exactly alike and you can personalize them for that special touch. The bears are also guaranteed for life. Other Valentine’s Day bears available.

AVAILABLE AT WWW.VERMONTTEDDYBEAR.COM; $59.99 FOR 15-INCH RED ROSE BOUQUET BEAR (PICTURED)

Camp Marist For the

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Providing A ‘Roadmap for Success’ for Each Child from Birth Through Grade 8.

World Academy promotes 21st century learning through communication, collaboration, critical thinking, technology and hands-on experiences.

Our family-focused, prestigious private school fosters a love of learning that runs throughout our diverse student community from day one through graduation.

Visit WorldAcademyNH.com or call Samantha Wingate, our Director of Admissions at (603) 888-1982.

603.888.1982 WorldAcademyNH.com 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 9

Bring back that

loving feeling How to make your relationship a priority and stay connected

BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

I

t was right around the time their child turned two years old that Jennifer Greenwood realized how long it had been since she and her husband Mark had spent any significant amount of time alone together.

“I was thinking back to a relaxing weekend we spent in the White Mountains near the end of my pregnancy. It suddenly snapped in my brain.

That was the last time it had just been the two of us.”

After that trip, and the birth of their son, the Seacoast couple’s relationship experienced a big shift. Like most new parents, Jennifer and Mark became engrossed in taking care of their son’s every need. Jennifer eventually returned to work, and between juggling child care drop-offs and their busy careers, Jennifer and Mark’s relationship quickly slid off their to-do lists.

“At home, all our energy was poured into being the best possible parents for our son, which left little room for nurturing our marriage. We loved each other very much, but the romance was definitely gone. I think we were both too stressed out and exhausted to figure out how to bring it back,” Jennifer said.

Sound familiar? That’s because most new parents go through relationship growing pains. According to Evan Sorensen, MS LMFT, founder and director of the New England Institute for Marriage and Family Therapy in Bedford and Hampstead, approximately two thirds of new parents — 67 percent — experience a steep drop in couple satisfaction within the first three years of their child’s life.

10 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 11

“Without question, parenting is one of the great joys in life, but the added responsibility, loss of personal time, financial stress and plain exhaustion from raising infants and young children can sap a relationship of romance, affection and intimacy,” Sorensen said.

But don’t get discouraged. Despite these challenges you can reignite the spark and keep your relationship strong.

Here are some tips from Sorenson and other relationship therapists in New Hampshire for staying connected.

MAKE SURE IT’S NOT ALWAYS “ALL ABOUT THE KIDS” One prime stumbling block for parents in taking time for their own relationship is thinking that doing so means they are shortchanging their kids.

This is simply not true, said therapist Susan Lager, LICSW, BSD, of The Couples Center PLLC in Portsmouth. Making their relationship a priority will benefit the children, according to Lager.

“Unless you ‘fill your tanks’ properly you won’t have much of value to give to your children. Nourishing your partnership creates positive energy and ‘zest’ that then can radiate out into more constructive and loving interactions not only with each other, but also with your children, especially when they are presenting aggravating or challenging attitudes and behaviors,” Lager said.

BABY STEPS TO GREATER INTIMACY After months or even years of not putting your relationship first, it can be hard to shift gears. Sorensen recommended that one easy way to get started is to simply show more genuine interest in what is happening in each other’s lives.

“Before saying ‘goodbye’ in the morning take a moment to learn about one thing happening in your partner’s life that day. Perhaps they have an important meeting, or a phone call

12 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

they’re anxious about. Following up with your partner later communicates an important message: ‘I’m thinking about you even when we’re not together.’”

For the truly time-pressed, even sending a text or funny emoji message during the day can help you feel connected.

If physical affection has fallen by the wayside, you can start to gradually add that back, too. “When you see each other at the end of the day always mark that reunion with a hug or kiss that lasts for at least six seconds. Avoid the peck on the cheek or rushing to the next thing. Instead take a moment to connect with your partner in a meaningful and personal way that includes physical affection,” Sorensen said.

CARVING OUT COUPLE TIME Scheduling a regular “date night” may be the gold standard in parents having alone time together, but when children are very young, or there is a shortage of babysitters in your life, sneaking out for a night on the town might be difficult.

If a night out doesn’t fit your schedule, there’s

plenty to do instead. “I always encourage [parents] to find opportunities for adult time; doing errands together…or dinners at home after children are in bed,” said Kelley Corson, LICSW, of Warren Street Family Counseling Associates in Concord.

For Jennifer and Mark, alone time finally came together once they made a mutual decision to make Saturday night “their time,” even if was just them staying in and watching a movie after their son was asleep.

“Friday night, we were too exhausted from the work week so that didn’t work. We didn’t have a babysitter, so that was out. So we made a commitment that Saturday night was reserved for us — a bottle of wine and a movie in the living room. I put it on our to-do list, as unromantic as that sounds, but it worked for us to feel like a couple again.”

Other practical ways to find alone time together include swapping babysitting duties with other parents in the same boat or enlisting the help of grandparents and other relatives to babysit for an evening or even longer stretches (see related story, page 16).

Some resort hotels offer child care or on-site babysitting or programs for kids so parents can enjoy time to themselves while their children have their own fun. Watch for local gyms or YMCAs that offer similar “Parents’ Night Out” programs or check to see if your child care provider offers “after hours” care for you to slip in

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 13

Summer STEM Programs

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AMUSEMENT

PARK RIDES

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Dover, Gilford, Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, New London,Portsmouth, Salem

Lego Engineering, Robotic Programming, Stop Motion Animation, and Minecraft

ages 9 to 13

ages 6 to 9

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Weekly tuition includes: • Licensed day camp • Programming from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm • Daily snacks and meals • Weekly field trips • Playground and gym activities • Daily swim time and swim lesson opportunities • Arts and crafts • Educational summer program and more!

For more information, visit our website at www.bgcn.com or call Christine Lessard, Membership Secretary, at (603) 883-0523.

Visit our table at the ParentingNH Summer Camp Expo on March 2, 2019 at the Nashua Courtyard Marriott to meet our staff and receive more information!

14 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

an after-work dinner. Or make it a habit to get up earlier — before the kids — to enjoy a more leisurely breakfast together before your day begins.

“Dates don’t need to be elaborate to be effective. Sharing an ice cream can be just as memorable as dinner at that swanky restaurant in town. The goal here is to be present with one another, have a little fun and adventure, and rekindle some romance,” Sorenson said.

Lager agrees. “Don’t overload date nights with too much expectation, especially if you can’t manage to have them regularly and frequently. Instead, look for small, subtle moments of sharing by being intentional about them.”

“If you’re getting dinner ready, create a shared experience with some conversation and a glass of wine while you prepare the meal.

If the kids are in bed, sit on the deck or the porch and watch the stars come out together. Talk about your dreams and passions, not just who aced it at your kid’s soccer game.”

HAPPY PARENTS, HAPPY KIDS If despite your best intentions, feelings of disconnection persist in your relationship, it’s OK to reach out for help.

“My encouragement to parents would be to accept that the transition to parenthood is both joyous and difficult. There is no shame or harm in acknowledging that learning how to manage these new roles can be overwhelming, and it’s a sign of wisdom, not weakness, to seek guidance from a licensed professional,” said Sorensen.

Putting this kind of work into your relationship matters, Corson pointed out, because it provides a positive model for your children.

“Allowing your children to witness the caring and respectful relationship with your spouse/partner will provide them with a sense of security and emotional safety,” said Corson Your kids will notice, added Lager. “Don’t be fooled by what looks like self absorption in your kids — as busy as they may seem with their own lives, they’re always watching you and unconsciously imitating your attitudes and behaviors.”

Lager also noted why carving out couple time now is so important later.

“In about 18 or so years your children will hopefully be ‘launched’ and out on their own. What of value as a couple will you have to share if you’ve created a totally ‘kid-centric’ life together?

If you haven’t nourished your relationship sufficiently you will be less adept at communication, managing conflict, taking turns, feeling close, and just plain having fun together.”

So in other words, if you still want to have something to talk about when your kids are grown up and on their own, make it a point to learn what “Netflix and chill” means and then do it — regularly.

Jacqueline Tourville is an award-winning children’s author who lives in southern Maine. Jacqueline has written for ParentingNH for more than 10 years and has won multiple awards from the Parenting Media Association.

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| FEBRUARY 2019 15

Solve the case of the

babysitter Clues to finding a reliable caretaker for your kids

BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS

16 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

missing

D

eciding where to go to dinner on date night is a breeze compared to finding a good babysitter.

Once upon a time, families counted on a trusted babysitter to walk down the street to watch their children on a Friday night or after school. Now with more teens filling their free time with sports, volunteer work, part-time jobs or other activities, the neighborhood babysitter has become a unicorn.

Parents also want sitters to have experience, transportation, and the ability to care for children with varying needs — traits difficult to find in a teen child care provider.

So what do you do?

RECRUIT LIKE A BOSS Lauren Arnold of Rochester is a mom to three boys, ages 12, 9, and 8. The oldest of the three has a form of autism, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, which requires a provider who can be trained to understand his special needs. Arnold said the most important traits a sitter should have is a love for children and the ability to be calm and think on his or her feet.

An employment recruiter by profession, Arnold has relied on a variety of techniques to source quality sitters. In addition to using online sites such as Care.com, Sittercity.com and Facebook groups such as Seacoast NH/ME Moms and Seacoast Sitters, she’s reached out to departments at the University of New Hampshire, in particular looking for college students studying psychology, occupational therapy or therapeutic recreation.

“Finding new or additional sitters in this hiring climate is hard and usually takes months,” she said. “It’s hard to compete against a call center or a posh retail store. People keep finding part-time work in other fields that pay more. Training someone and having them leave for another job is tough.”

Dinah Berch, who moved to Dover last year from Quincy, Mass., said she originally sought child care for her preschool-age daughter and infant son while she worked as a freelance web designer during the day. Berch relied on a roster of three different sitters sourced through online sites, and since has added caregivers. Like Arnold, she put a lot of time into the recruitment process.

“I prefer world-of-mouth recommendations from friends, but we were new to the area,” she said. “A few responded to online requests and then stopped responding or never showed up to the meeting. I listed those so that I would never hire them in the future.”

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 17

Berch said she made sure she met and screened every caregiver prior to hiring her.

Traits like reliability, responsibility, good communication skills and a fun demeanor were all things that she evaluated during interviews.

She also said any sitter she hired has to be familiar with diaper changing, car seat rules, and how to use an EpiPen, because her son has a peanut allergy.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX For larger families, finding a sitter can prove to be even more challenging. Airial Sillanpaa of Portsmouth said she finds that hiring just one sitter for her six children, who range in age from 4 to 8, is sometimes not enough. However, Sillanpaa has found a sitter to watch all six at once and will pay up to $25/hour for that service — even if the sitter occasionally watches just two of the children at the same time — as an incentive.

“I purchased a one-year membership to Care.com and found it very helpful, but placing an advertisement for a sitter will net you lots of inquiries. It’s pretty time consuming to weed through them, call references, con-

18 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

duct interviews, and potentially upgrade your membership to allow background checks,” she said. “Unless a family is seeking a nanny, one family cannot always offer enough hours for a qualified caregiver. As a result, the caregiver will work with multiple families. This causes availability challenges again, especially if you only need an occasional or ‘short-notice’ babysitter.”

As a result, Sillanpaa said she reaches out to friends, friends of friends, and paraprofessionals in the school system. The caregivers she hires must have their own transportation, be reliable, flexible, and be able to think on their feet. She checks references and will sometimes come home “unexpectedly” to make sure “the six kids haven’t tied her up in the playroom,” she joked.

“I typically seek those who have CPR training, or offer to help pay for and find a local course for those who are not. I talk to them about my expectations, discipline style, and family dynamic beforehand,” Sillanpaa said. “I also try and have activities prepared to pass the time and indicate which kiddos can have screen time, and how much.”

It is much easier for parents to find quality child care if they allow sitters to bring children to the house. Another way to find good child care is to consider “swapping” child care services with other families, Sillanpaa suggested.

“I might take a couple of children for another family on a Saturday, and they do the same for me the next week,” Sillanpaa said.

“No money changes hands and the children are awarded with playdates.”

Other tips for sourcing quality sitters include taking advantage of programs like the YMCA’s “Parent’s Night Out,” which designates certain nights parents can drop their children off for an evening of crafts and athletics while they go out. Many gyms, including the YMCA, also have onsite child care for members to use while they work out. Or, you can reduce your need for babysitters if you instead seek out help for house cleaning, grocery shopping, yard work, or other services rather than hiring a sitter to care for your children while you tackle those tasks, Sillanpaa said.

Does your child want to be a babysitter?

The national nonprofit Safe Sitter was started 35 years ago and provides life skills, safety skills, and child care training for youth so they can babysit, care for siblings or even be safe while home alone. To search for a class with the Safe Sitter curriculum near you, go to www.safesitter. org and click on “find a class”.

Classes are held at recreation centers, medical centers and New Hampshire CPR.

PAY A FAIR RATE

With hourly rates of up to $20 per hour, babysitters can command a steep hourly rate.

A sitter’s pay rate varies and is highly dependent on your location, the number and needs of your children, the sitter’s level of experience, and the length of time the sitter will be at your home. Special requirements, such as light housekeeping, American Red Cross: Families driving students to activities, can go to www.redcross.org/takeor caring for children with a a-class to search for Babysitter’s Training classes in their area or medical condition can comonline. mand even higher rates, according to Care.com.

Check with your local hospital.

For example, St. Joseph Hospital Julie DiBona of Laconia has in Nashua (www.stjosephhospital. three children, including twin com) offers a Super Sitters course four-year-old sons and an and Androscoggin Valley Hospital 11-year-old daughter. She said in Berlin (www.avhnh.org) offers a day-long babysitting course she paid $40 for a month’s subduring school vacations. scription to Care.com and previously paid $16 per hour for a sitter to watch her children during date nights, but now pays about $12 per hour.

Berch said she pays a 13-year-old mother’s helper $8 per hour, but pays about $15 per hour for her regular babysitter. Sillanpaa will pay up to $25 per hour for a sitter to care for her six children.

According to Care.com’s 2018 Care.com Cost of Care Survey, the average babysitting rate in 2017 was $243 per week, or $16.20 per hour — an increase of $11 from $232 per week in 2016. The Care.com website also includes a babysitting rate calculator to help parents calculate a fair rate. Families can input their zip code, number of children, sitter’s level of experience, and the estimated number of hours of care needed per week to calculate a suggested rate.

For example, for a Manchester resident asking for occasional babysitting for two children with a sitter with five years of experience, the pay rate calculates to $15 per hour.

With unemployment in New Hampshire hovering around 2.5 percent, according New Hampshire Employment Security, it’s especially important for parents to pay sitters a fair rate to attract quality sitters and to retain them.

SEEK OUT SITTERS WITH SPECIFIC TRAINING Most parents want to ensure a sitter, particularly if the sitter is a teen, has the maturity and qualifications to care for their child. The American Red Cross offers two babysitting courses (a basic and advanced class) and is the leader in training and certifying babysitters in the United States, according to Paul Sullivan, American Red Cross regional manager for training services covering the Maine,

ENDLESS FAMILY FUN ONLY MINUTES AWAY • 100% Snowmaking coverage • Three terrain parks • A great learn-to-ski & snowboard mountain • Group discount for 15 or more people One low price gives you access to lifts, rentals, lesson tips, tubing, entertainment and more fun from 3-10pm Saturday nights.

24-HOUR INFORMATION

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Preschool through 6th Grade • www.countryvillagemontessori.com AMS full member

A Unique Summer Camp for Boys Ages 10-14 Located in Vermont’s Green Mountains IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK SUMMER! tipi living nature crafts canoeing archery wilderness skills swimming backpacking hiking atlatls & ‘hawks bison jerky cooperative work & play and lots more!

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| FEBRUARY 2019 19

HOLLIS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN OPEN REGISTRATION 2019 – 2020

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and upstate New York territory.

4-A MARKET PLACE In the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training classes, students gain the confidence and competence to care for children, he said. The HOLLIS, NH curriculum, which is offered both in-person and online, covers basic HOLLIS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN OFFERS: care for infants and children, basic first aid, child behavior, emergenTODDLERS | PRESCHOOL | PRE-KINDERGARTEN cy protocols, professionalism, and leadership. The advanced class is BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE | SUMMER PROGRAMS about four hours longer and covers CPR. 2–12 YEARS | VAN TRANSPORTATION “Eight out of 10 families will pay more for certified sitters,” Sullivan 465-7005 • hollisacademy.net said. “Parents are much more comfortable hiring a Red-Cross certified sitter when they are looking for someone to care for their child.”

Sullivan said that he often gets calls from parents seeking certified sitters. In addition, parents often call asking where they can get either their Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Village withteens or babysitters certified. Families can go to www.redcross. half and full day options (9am-3pm)! Designed for org/take-a-class to search for Babysitter’s Training classes in their area boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participate or online, he said. in gymnastics rotations, fitness activities, Ninja Some independent instructors also post their own classes as do Challenge obstacle courses, games, crafts, party apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and more. town departments of recreation and hospitals.

Sue Ayers of Rindge teaches Babysitter’s Training class, CPR, First Registration for summer camps and recreational classes begins April 1st. Call 603.889.8092 Aid, and other American Red Cross courses. A Red Cross instructor or visit gymnasticsvillage.com. since the 1990s, Ayers team-teaches the eight-hour Babysitter’s Training class with her husband. During the class, students learn how to Gymnastics, Ninja, Tumbling, Baby Classes feed a baby; for example, how to prepare formula or breast milk. They for Girls and Boys, Birthday Parties and more! also learn how to correctly hold and change a baby. But the biggest part of the class focuses on getting teens to understand how to step up to responsibility.

“Just because you are young, it doesn’t mean you can’t take responsibility,” Ayers said. “They learn how to be a leader; when to sit tight; The Workforce Development Center at when it’s an emergency you can handle; or whether you should call MCC offers educational, fun summer camps. mom or dad, your parents, or 911.”

She encourages teens to ask plenty of questions and emphasizes 2019 Summer Camps for Youth Entering 6th-8th Grades that it is a sitter’s job to understand what families expect of them.

“There is a fear of going into a household and not knowing what to Code Camp Name Dates Days Times Cost do. We spend a lot of time in class on how to interview the family,” NCMI91M Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs July 8-12 M T W R F 8:45am-2:30pm $175 Ayers said.

NCMI86M STEM (Science, Technology, July 15-18 MTWR 8:45am-2:30pm $175 Teens also learn the business side of babysitting, including how Engineering and Math) Camp to create and stick to a schedule and establish a pay rate. The class NCMI107M Solid Modeling July 22-25 MTWR 8:45am-2:30pm $175 also teaches teens how to create a resume, answer questions during NCMI85M Robotics Camp July 29 - August 1 M T W R 8:45am-2:30pm $175 an interview, and understand that they are doing the job of a service NCMI90M Girl’s Career Camp August 5-8 MTWR 8:45am-2:30pm $175 provider, she said.

Certifications and knowledge of safety and first aid are definitely plusses, DiBona said, but overall, a good sitter should truly enjoy It’s not too early, enroll your child today! caring for children.

“Nothing is more important than watching those interactions Workforce Development Center during the first meeting,” she said. “I want someone who loves being at Manchester Community College with kids.”

SUMMER CAMPS

ManchesterWDC@ccsnh.edu | (603) 206-8160

www.mccnh.edu/wdc | 1066 Front St, Manchester, NH

Register online at:

mccnh.edu/summer-camps 20 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

Krysten Godfrey Maddocks is a former journalist and marketing director who now regularly writes for higher education and technology organizations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mom to 4-year-old Everett, she has lived in the Seacoast for the past 20 years.

WANTED Creative kids!

WE ARE SEEKING TALENTED NEW HAMPSHIRE KIDS TO ADD COLOR TO THE PAGES OF OUR MARCH ISSUE! Are you age 6 or older? Then we want you! Just grab your favorite markers or colored pencils and start drawing. Think back to summertime and capture your favorite camping scene on an 8 ½ x 11 inch piece of white paper.

We miss summer too — and can’t wait to see what you send us. Plus, one lucky entrant will be selected at random to win a birthday party for 10 jumpers at Altitude Trampoline Park in Pelham. That’s something to get “hoppy” about.

PARENTS: SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 7. DEADLINE TO ENTER IS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6.

CHILDREN OF YANKEE PUBLISHING INC. AND MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS EMPLOYEES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 21

Eight desserts that are sure to win over your sweetheart

Say it with

BY MICHELLE LAHEY

Double Chocolate Brûlée DUTCH EPICURE BAKERY Route 101A, Heritage Plaza, Amherst • 879-9400 www.dutchepicurebakery.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

here’s no more direct way to someone’s heart than with a decadent chocolate dessert. Whether you want to woo a new beau, surprise a long-time love, or simply treat yourself (why not?) on Valentine’s Day — here are a few sweet indulgences from across the Granite State that you need to try.

Sometimes, the simplest things are the best — and Dutch Epicure’s Double Chocolate Brûlée is proof. Made with cream, sugar, egg yolks, and two types of chocolate, this indulgent spin on the classic is sure to make anyone’s day. “I think because we also top it with our chocolate ganache, it makes it extra delicious,” said owner Stephanie Errett. Not a fan of brûlée? Errett recommends the chocolate babka, too. “It’s a bread that has chocolate intertwined with the bread itself.

I personally eat a whole loaf myself.”

Famous Dessert Pizza 900 DEGREES 50 Dow St., Manchester • 641-090 www.900degrees.com

22 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

Left to right: Double Chocolate Brûlée from the Dutch Epicure Bakery, Famous Dessert Pizza from 900 Degrees (top), Hot Chocolate from The Met Coffee House and Death by Chocolate Cream Pie from the Red Arrow Diner.

COURTESY PHOTOS

WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: 900 Degrees has a handful of desserts on their menu (hello, Molten Lava Cake!), but if you’re going to a pizza restaurant, you need to try the dessert pizza. 900 Degrees’ version consists of a handmade cinnamon sugar crust that’s topped with chunks of white and dark chocolate, macadamia nuts, whipped cream, kiwi, and strawberries. The small sets you back just under $10, while the large is just under $12 — inexpensive and delicious.

Chocolate Maltini COPPER DOOR 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford • 41 South Broadway, Salem 488-2677 • 458-2033 • www.copperdoorrestaurant.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Copper Door’s spin on the chocolate martini is basically an adult chocolate milk — in the best way possible. The Chocolate Maltini is made with chocolate vodka, Ovaltine, and a splash of cream. If you need something solid to soak up the booze, try the Chocolate Sin Cake, a fudge-like cake that’s served with cranberry compote and whipped cream.

Chocolate Bread THE CRUST & CRUMB BAKING COMPANY 126 North Main St., Concord • 219-0763 • www.thecrustandcrumb.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: The Crust & Crumb has anywhere from 10 to 12 varieties of freshly baked breads available every day — many of them savory. But if you’re looking to go the sweet route, try their chocolate creation. This loaf is rich, dark chocolate bread crammed full of bittersweet chocolate pieces, dried cranberries and dried cherries. Nothing will pair better with your morning coffee than a thick slice of this. Be sure to call ahead to ensure this flavor is available on the day you plan to visit.

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake PLEASANT LAKE CHEESECAKE COMPANY Scytheville Row Shopping Center • 75 Newport Road, New London 526-7522 • www.pleasantlakecheesecake.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: If you’re craving cheesecake, drive to Pleasant Lake Cheesecake Company immediately. This place boasts a massive menu of 6- and 9-inch

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 23

cheesecakes, and plenty of them include chocolate. But the Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake is what chocolate lovers need to try. It’s made with a rich chocolate cheesecake that’s topped with Pleasant Lake’s own “intense” chocolate ganache and chocolate sprinkles. This is what chocolate dreams are made of.

Hot Chocolate THE MET COFFEE HOUSE

come and explore our playground!

open to the Public Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm sun 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Book your Birthday Party With us We Have a Full KitcHeN WitH HealtHy cHoices

746 D.W. Highway | Merrimack, NH www.nuthinbutgoodtimes.com 603-429-2200

Adventure, Fun and Excitement Await Your Child at Camp Doucet!

Our traditional day camp in South Nashua is the perfect environment for sun this summer!

Open to youth, ages 6 to 13, our camp offers: ✓ Special Theme Weeks ✓ Athletic Activities ✓ Team Building Experiences ✓ Arts and Crafts ✓ Swimming Activities ✓ Outdoor Adventure ✓ Weekly field trips to State Parks, beaches & more!

2 Common Court, North Conway • 2680 White Mountain Highway, North Conway • 307-1169 • 356-2332 • www.metcoffeehouse.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: This is no ordinary hot chocolate. With a dozen flavors offered October through April, you’re sure to find a flavor combination at The Met that suits any palate. Think cherry cordial hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, and even maple hot chocolate. “The peppermint bark is my favorite. Not only does it taste great, but we top it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes,” said owner Larry Flaherty. If you are not into flavors messing with your cocoa, The Met’s original hot chocolate is great on its own, thanks to using whole milk and Ghirardelli chocolate as the base. “We can also make a hot chocolate using soy, almond, or coconut milk to take care of those that have a lactose intolerance,” Flaherty said.

Death by Chocolate Cream Pie RED ARROW DINER Locations in Concord, Londonderry, Manchester and Milford www.redarrowdiner.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Chocolate cream pie is one of life’s greatest pleasures but add a little more chocolate to it and you’ve got the eighth Wonder of the World. At Red Arrow, its Death by Chocolate version is made with a fudgy brownie on the bottom that’s topped with a generous layer of chocolate cream. You can order the pie online to enjoy at home or call ahead at the location nearest you to see if they have slices available in-restaurant. Red Arrow also offers other chocolate cream pie concoctions, including Chocolate Coconut Crème and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, to name a few.

Cocoa Nib Brownie VICUNA CHOCOLATE 15 Main St., Peterborough • 924-2040 • www.vicunachocolate.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING:

Early and late pick up options available for campers.

Please contact us about scholarships and financial assistance.

For more information, visit our website at www.bgcn.com or call Christine Lessard, Membership Secretary, at (603) 883-0523.

Visit our table at the ParentingNH Summer Camp Expo on March 2, 2019 at the Nashua Courtyard Marriott to meet our staff and receive more information!

24 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

Vicuna’s Cocoa Nib Brownie will make you forget every brownie that’s come before it. For starters, the folks at the award-winning Vicuna source the cacao beans themselves from Central and South America. From there, they hand sort every cacao bean that enters the facility before it gets made into decadent chocolates — or, in this case, brownies. Thick-cut, indulgent, and a fun spin on the classic chocolate chip, this brownie’s quality ingredients are evident in every bite.

Michelle Lahey is a food writer who has been writing about (and eating) food in New Hampshire for over 10 years. Outside of food, you can find her sipping on a good IPA, correcting other people’s grammar, or hiking in the White Mountains.

Amoskeag Fishways THE CASE OF THE MISSING CANDY

River Otters Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23

Reptiles and Amphibians Feb. 8 FRI, FEB 15 • 7 PM SAT, FEB 16 • 10:30 AM

Ice Fishing Feb. 15, 16

Middle-schoolers put on a fun show with acrobatics, juggling, unicycles, clowns, popcorn and more!

Vacation Crafts & Critters

ALL AGES. FREE ADMISSION. Free popcorn with donation to Wilton’s Open Cupboard Food Pantry.

77 Pine Hill Drive, Wilton

Week of February Vacation

(603) 626-FISH • www.AmoskeagFishways.org www.facebook.com /AmoskeagFishways

pinehill.org/circus

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Celebrate the Magic of the Merrimack

THE AMOSKEAG FISHWAYS PARTNERSHIP Central Rivers • NH Audubon • NH Fish & Game • US Fish & Wildlife

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School vacation weeks and summer camp.

Financial aid available.

Dates, details & registration online at www.nhaudubon.org.

Massabesic Center, Auburn

603.668.2045

McLane Center, Concord

603.224.9909

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 25

The heart—dental Those with gum disease may be at risk for heart issues

BY CRYSTAL WARD KENT

26 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

health

relationship

F

ebruary is Heart Health Awareness Month, but it is also Dental Health Month. This is certainly appropriate because researchers are discovering that your heart health can be connected to your oral health.

According to Dr. Jim Haas of Haas Dental Associates in Derry, the American Academy of Cardiology and the American Academy of Periodontics recently issued a statement highlighting the correlation between heart health and dental health.

“The Academies noted that people with a gum disease have a higher risk of heart disease,” Dr. Haas said.

“The bacteria that attack the gums and causes gingivitis and periodontis can also travel to blood vessels elsewhere in the body, causing damage and inflammation.

Inflammation is a known risk factor for heart disease. It can also lead to blood clots and stroke.”

People with gum disease can be two to three times more at risk for having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event, according to Harvard Medical School.

However, that does not mean that everyone with gum disease will develop heart disease. There are people with gum

disease who have no heart issues, and there are people with heart issues who do not have gum disease. That said, the Academies feel that the connection is too strong to ignore.

“Periodontal disease increases the body’s burden of inflammation,” said Harvard researcher Dr. Hatice Hasturk, and long-term, chronic inflammation is a key contributor to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Dentists can help patients reduce their possible heart disease risks.

“As dentists, we don’t just look at teeth and gums, but at the patient’s general health,” said Dr. Robert Chaikin of Belknap Dental in Dover.

“We look for signs of disease and we ask questions. Periodontal disease may not be immediately visible – it can be a silent disease – so we ask patients questions, such as have they experienced bleeding gums while brushing? Are there any loose teeth? We note if they have bad breath.

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 27

NOw eNrOlliNg fOr SUMMer 2019! . - 5:30p.m.

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All of these can be signs of gum disease. Patients often do not mention oral health issues unless there is pain, but periodontal disease can exist without pain.”

Dr. Chaikin said patients are often surprised when he explains that bleeding gums often mean that there is a problem.

“They’ll say, ‘But it only happens when I brush,’ and my answer to that is, if your arm started bleeding whenever you took a shower, wouldn’t you run to the doctor? It’s the same with your gums. Bleeding is not normal and the cause needs to be addressed. It can mean that there is a higher level of inflammation in the blood.”

Dr. Haas said if doctors suspect someone is at risk for heart disease, they often do blood tests that look for inflammation by checking for C-Reactive Protein. A higher level of C-Reactive Protein can indicate the presence of heart disease. The presence of gum disease may be a signal to your doctor that blood work is warranted.

“If a patient has moderate to severe gum disease, it would be wise for them to consult with their physician to see if heart disease is present, and what steps they need to take to reduce their risk factors,” said Dr. Haas.

“The good news is that gum disease can be

28 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

treated and in most cases, healthy gums can be restored. Dentists can do scaling and root planning which will help remove plaque buildup around the teeth. They can also prescribe an antibiotic treatment if the infection is severe.

We don’t know for sure that treating gum disease will prevent heart disease, but at least you are removing one risk factor.”

Both Dr. Haas and Dr. Chaikin emphasize that gum disease can occur in people of any age.

Do you have gum disease?

HERE ARE A FEW WARNING SIGNS: • Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away • Red or swollen gums • Tender or bleeding gums • Painful chewing • Loose teeth • Sensitive teeth • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite • Any change in the fit of partial dentures — Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)

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IL

R E NTI NG N H

E

PA

IT

HABIT ELIMINATION

Y F R AV O

2 018

| FEBRUARY 2019 29

dr. mark Harrison We specialize in providing excellent dental care that is especia suited to th lly e needs of children & adolescents.

Why would some people take antibiotics before dental treatment?

Taking antibiotics before dental treatment is called preventive medicine, or antibiotic prophylaxis.

For the majority of dental patients, the American Dental Association does not recommend taking antibiotics before dental treatment. In the past, people who had orthopedic/ joint implants like hip or knee replacements, metal plates or rods, etc. would take preventive antibiotics before dental treatment. In most cases, this is no longer recommended.

40 Portsmouth Avenue Exeter, NH 03833

ScHEdulE AN APPoiNtmENt todAY!

(603) 778-0400 drmarkharrison.com

collins dentistry for children Pediatric dentistry and OrthOdOntics

Putting You and Your Children on the Right Track to a Healthy Smile Educational & Enjoyable Dentistry for Infants, Children, and Teens Featuring sOlea laser. visit our website for more information. anesthesia-Free & virtually Pain-Free procedures

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Most Major insurances & credit cards accepted, including nH Medicaid

www.CollinsDentistry.com

30 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

A small number of people with specific heart conditions may need to pre-medicate with antibiotics before dental treatment to prevent a serious heart infection. If you have questions, talk to your dentist, physician, orthopedic surgeon, or cardiologist to understand whether taking preventive antibiotics is right for you.

— Information courtesy of the American Dental Association (www.ada.org)

Poor dental hygiene can be a contributor but some people are also more genetically inclined to have gum disease. The best way to prevent the disease is to brush regularly, floss, and see your dentist for checkups at least twice a year.

“Your dentist will perform bite-wing X-rays that check for gum disease and will also use a periodontal probe to measure gum health – the probe is inserted between the tooth and the gums to see how far it goes in,” said Dr. Haas.

“He will also look for other signs of inflammation, such as gum recession or ‘pocketing’ around the teeth. Gum disease can be hidden just like heart disease so X-rays can help with early detection. Those people who are more susceptible to gum issues may be advised to see their dentist more frequently, or may be referred to a periodontist.”

Periodontists are experts in treating oral inflammation.

“The good news is that by everyone being more aware of the possible correlation between heart disease and gum disease, steps can be taken right away to prevent gum disease and eliminate that risk factor,” said Dr. Chaikin. “Gum disease is preventable, and if you have it, it is reversible. Start taking better steps for oral health today, and if you have children, encourage good oral habits with them. Your heart will thank you.”

Crystal Ward Kent is a freelance writer who has written for numerous local and regional magazines. She owns Kent Creative in Dover, a creative services agency providing writing, design and marketing, and is also the author of several books and children’s books.

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 31

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ADULT LEARNING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The market for job-seekers remains excellent — as long as candidates are armed with the skills employers need. This, according to Granite State employers, is the ongoing challenge.

Luckily, there are a number of adult learning options throughout the state that can train workers in these highly sought-after skills, leading to new, good-paying jobs. We reached out to three experts who can help provide a path to these opportunities: Steve Kossakoski, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School; Lauren Osowski, Director of Adult Education at the Adult Learning Center; and Tamara VonGeorge, Ph.D., Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Granite State College.

Steve Kossakoski, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School. (vlacs.org): In what ways are your programs focused on working adult students?

Kossakoski: “Students can access courses and instructors wherever they can connect to the Internet. We are an open enrollment school which means that students can begin working in a course on any day of the year. And, students can work at a pace that meets their needs. For example, if a student struggles with math and needs more time and support to complete an assignment, we can make that happen. Students who are New Hampshire residents under the age of 21, and have not completed a high school diploma can attend our high school free of charge. For adults, our tuition fee structure is designed to allow them to create a schedule that will help them meet their goals. Adults only pay for the courses they need based on when they will have time to learn.”

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| FEBRUARY 2019 33

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What makes VLACS different from other online learning programs?

through the course material. The certificates are in in-demand fields that can help students advance their careers or begin a new career.”

Kossakoski: “Relationships and flexibility. Our instructors care about their students and take the time to learn about their needs and goals. We also understand that adults have busy lives so we designed a learning model that can be accessed anywhere at any time. Our pricing model is also flexible. Some of our students register for four weeks to refresh their math skills while others may enroll for two months to complete an English course.

“We have an exciting announcement for adult learners. This spring we will be rolling out new career-oriented programming for adults. Students will have the opportunity to earn credit through work-based experiences or by enrolling in courses leading to industry certifications in technology, business, and healthcare. We’re very excited about these new offerings, and we look forward to helping our students meet their career goals. Information will be posted on our website in the coming months. If you would like to get updates sent directly to your email inbox, please send an email to adulted@vlacs.org and ask to be added to the newsletter list.”

What programs do you offer that will help me prepare for college?

Lauren Osowski, Director of Adult Education at the Adult Learning Center. (adultlearningcenter.org): What type of certification courses do you offer, and how can that help my career?

Osowski: “We offer certification courses in all the Microsoft products, medical coding, medical billing, and accounting. The certificate courses have flexible scheduling, including evenings, and are self-paced. The instructors are experienced and can work one-on-one to guide students

Osowski: “We have an excellent relationship with Nashua Community College. They have provided an office on campus for our College and Career Navigator to work with adult education students who need assistance with the transition to college. The Navigator conducts workshops to teach students the non-academic knowledge and soft skills they need for college — note taking, time management, learning styles, digital literacy, college culture, etc. We offer developmental and transitional academic courses for students who need to brush up on their skills before moving into college level courses. Additionally, our Adult Education Counselor also organizes two annual fairs at our center. The fairs give students an opportunity to connect with colleges and training providers as they consider their next steps.”

How can the Adult Learner Services program help me advance my career?

Osowski: “Students can work with a tutor one-on-one to prepare for their HiSET test, which is a necessary credential in today’s workforce. Because the program is individualized, students are able to focus on a specific subject area. Additionally, students can get personalized lessons to help advance their career skills in a particular area. For example, a student that needed to pass an exam for certification at her job worked with a tutor to review the vocabulary, information, and strategies needed in order to pass the exam. With the individualized approach to learning, students and tutors are able to set and meet short-term learning goals more quickly.”

Tamara VonGeorge, Ph.D., Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Granite State College. (granite.edu): What type of guidance can you offer a prospective student who is considering a career change?

VonGeorge: “Granite State College offers prospective students the opportunity to work with a career counselor before choosing a major or applying to the college. We offer free career assessments and individualized advising to assist prospective students with identifying their current skills, values and interests and a career goal and academic major that is a good fit for them. Once enrolled students have unlimited access to career advising as well as opportunities to build relevant experience through work-study and work experience programs.”

What type of professional development programs do you offer, and how can that help my career?

Nashua Adult Learning Center Helping adults build their skills and improve their lives for more than 45 years!

Main office 4 Lake Street Nashua NH 603-882-9080 nashuaalc.org

• Free Adult Basic Education Classes • Free English as a Second Language Classes • Free Citizenship Preperation Classes • HiSET Preperation Classes and Testing • Adult Tutorial Program • College Transitions Programs • Office Technology Classes for Certification • Medical Coding and Billing Classes for Certification

34 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

VonGeorge: “Granite State College Learning Solutions works with community partners to create tailored professional development that helps employees thrive in the workforce and results in real-world application through a connected, active learning approach. We offer a variety of opportunities that focus on knowledge, skills, and competencies related to management, leadership, and project management, and both participants and employers have noted positive gains after attending our sessions. Participants and employers often tell us that they appreciate the increased confidence, skills, real-world tools and strategies, and community building that happens as a result of our sessions.”

What is the difference between a credit and noncredit course?

VonGeorge: “Credit courses are courses that meet degree requirements. While the majority of these courses can be taken by a non-degree student for professional development or transfer to another institution, they are intended to help students earn their degree. Undergraduate courses are primarily four credits each.”

Attend and enter to win 4 PASSES TO WATER COUNTRY! One winner per expo.

FREE ADMISSION!

Meet with reps from regional summer camp programs:

Nashua

Saturday, March 2 10 a.m.-1p.m.

Courtyard by Marriott Nashua

Academy of Notre Dame Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua: Camp Doucet & Kids Club Camp Birch Hill Camp Hawkeye Camp Marist Candia Springs Compass Academy Code Ninjas Currier Museum of Art Camp Center Stage Evo Rock and Fitness Foster’s Golf Camp

Manchester

Saturday, March 16 10 a.m.-1p.m.

Derryfield Country Club

Girl Scouts of the Green & White Mountains Girls at Work, Inc Granite YMCA Highland Mountain Bike Park LETGO Your Mind LOFTechnology Merrimack Parks and Recreation/Camp Naticook Nashua Community Music School New Hampshire Audubon Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center — Online expo only

After the Expos

Go to parentingnh.com for a list of all the summer programs in the state. View photos, videos and more!

Roaring Brook Camp for Boys SkyVenture NH The Palace Theatre Windsor Mountain Summer Camp YMCA of Greater Nashua

For more information and a current list of exhibitors: www.parentingnh.com

Finding their Identity A local organization is helping kids and teens to be themselves and believe in themselves

BY MARY ELLEN HETTINGER

Y

ou could call Identity Kids a personal growth and development program for children. But that doesn’t begin to convey the excitement of bubble-blowing, hula hooping, toolkit building, art-making, self-discovery, fun and new friendships that participants enjoy.

36 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

PRO, the nonprofit Personal Responsibility Organization is the home of Identity and other self-development workshops. Its mission — and passion — is to empower adults, teens and kids to learn how to take personal responsibility for their actions and lives. This builds confidence and lessens anxiety and stress.

WHY IDENTITY WORKSHOPS? Identity Kids, established in 2014, helps children age 6 to 12 understand and believe in themselves in a fun and active way. They learn tools to help them appreciate their own uniqueness and value. This builds self-confidence and decreases anxiety.

“So many kids are leading lives online or virtually, on devices and phones,” Dr. Robin Bruck, founder of PRO said. “There is always anxiety about fitting in and belonging for school-age children and teens, but it’s heightened now because it’s twenty-four seven,” she said.

As a result, many kids don’t know how to relate in person. Those who are depressed or anxious feed off each other’s negativity online, making things worse, Bruck said. At Identity Kids and Identity Teen, phones are turned off, and they are free to be kids without hardware keeping them at a distance.

Through laughter and play in a fun environment, kids from all over easily connect with each other. This is especially helpful for children who are sen-

sitive, shy, or who have trouble socializing and/or controlling their behavior.

“They come away from this program more cooperative, confident and independent,” said Dr. Bruck, who graduated from the Palmer College of Chiropractic.

BUBBLE BLOWING One activity is to practice blowing bubbles — big ones. Kids learn that if they try to blow a bubble when they’re too excited or anxious, they can only blow little ones, because stress causes shallow and rapid breathing. When their breathing is deep and consistent, when they’re calm, they get big bubbles.

Learning to control something as basic as breathing is a tool worth mastering, because taking fuller breaths reduces stress and anxiety no matter your age, Dr. Bruck said. For children, learning that they can control distressing symptoms themselves is major.

Andrea Paquette is a holistic nurse practitioner and pediatric mental health specialist at Choices Counseling in Londonderry, and an Identity teacher. Six years ago, she was seeing Dr. Bruck as a chiropractor. Besides having neck and shoulder pain, Paquette was depressed and “wasn’t loving my job.”

“Robin suggested I attend Identity, but it took me a year to sign up. I had done a lot of self-development before, I thought, ‘Another class?’ But within the first hour I was inspired. Light bulbs were going off and within that first hour I knew I was going to be teaching

it,” said Paquette.

The biggest message children and teens take from Identity workshops is that “You’re fine the way you are,” said Paquette. “You can make your own choices.”

Parents are more anxious these days too, and children feel it, Paquette added. “They think, ‘If mom is worried, maybe I can’t do this.’”

For one mom who experienced domestic violence witnessed by her two children, Identity Kids is a lifesaver. All three are in counseling and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But Mary (name withheld to protect her identity) has seen the quickest and most obvious change in her son and daughter from Identity Kids.

“They make ‘toolkits’ in the program to help handle their emotions when they start to feel upset or anxious or angry,” Mary said. “My daughter has one at home and one for school. They know when to use them and this gives them a feeling of power that they never had before.”

IDENTITY TEEN Derek Lynch is a guidance counselor in special education at Mountainview Middle School in Goffstown, coaches football at Manchester West High School, and is a volunteer facilitator for Identity Teen, which launched in 2017. He’s known Dr. Bruck since he was 16 and watched her create the program.

“We shared an interest in engaging with people and

Top left, PRO Identity Kids and Teens members. At right, Dr. Robin Bruck, center, with PRO members and Dazzle, the in-house therapy dog at Chiropractic Associates.

COURTESY PHOTOS

www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 37

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nmymca.org

helping them be who they’re supposed to be. Identity is a place for kids to be themselves, not hide behind social media,” Lynch said.

Teens build self-confidence and trust in themselves through activities where they practice communication skills, problem-solving, and managing their energy, Bruck said.

“We have really interesting conversations about what they’re going through, dealing with. I think many are looking for more engagement and interaction with adults, not just being told what to do.”

It’s a nonjudgmental zone, Lynch added. “We provide an environment where teens can be themselves. In my experience, this generation of kids is different, more accepting of differences between people, and they are starting to think with more empathy.”

Paquette said one message is that you can say no to things and people that are not right for you; how to express your emotions and not to let a friend’s negative emotions affect you.

“We’ve gotten great feedback; the kids love it and come back and bring friends. But at the end of a session we get questions about bullying, social media — they’re dealing with serious stuff.”

One mother credits Identity for a surprising phone call from her son’s teacher. Instead of reporting that he was being bullied again, the teacher said that “John” saw a classmate in a tough situation who was about to “lose it.” He recognized the boy’s distress, took him aside, and helped him calm himself down using a skill John learned at Identity. ”Identity has been a real game-changer,” John’s mom said. “From a kid who was picked on for being weird and an unsocial ‘nerd,’ he’s come into his own. Now he appreciates his uniqueness. He’s got friends and is confident.”

This fall, at the second celebration fundraiser, the Identity Teen Award was given to high school senior Jenna Bolduc of Hooksett. She said, “Growth is a never-ending journey, but Identity helps guide you on your individual path. It’s taught me important life lessons I’ll carry with me forever.”

April Provencher of Manchester attended her first Identity workshop five years ago, after being invited by a friend. She enjoyed it so much she signed her son Asher up for Identity Kids three years ago.

Now she is a PRO instructor.

Now that Asher is older, he volunteers and helps the younger kids, she said, and he’s excited about attending the Identity Teen workshop soon.

Identity Kids is especially helpful for children with anxiety, ADHD, or dealing with a lot of stress. When Asher started, Provencher said, he had trouble focusing and was anxious. “Over time he learned to use the tools — for example, he’ll tell me ‘I need to take 10 minutes to calm down,’” said Provencher.

For more information and to sign up for classes and workshops, go to www.proyou.org.

Mary Ellen Hettinger, APR is an award-winning reporter, editor and writer, and accredited public relations professional. She won a bronze award in 2017 from the Parenting Media Association her news feature on perfluorochemicals in NH’s water supply.

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YOUR GUIDE TO RAISING A FAMILY IN THE GRANITE STATE.

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Mainstage titles are under consideration pending licensing availability from the specific licensing house that represents March 8th 10th 19th each title. Peacock Players, Inc.- 17th reserves theMay right to- substitute shows without prior notice, if necessary.

Mainstage titles are under consideration pending licensing availability from the specific licensing house that represents each title. Peacock Players, Inc. reserves the right to substitute shows without prior notice, if necessary.

The 2019 ParentingNH Family Resource Guide is our annual compendium for parents and families.

Whether you are looking for a preschool, a date night location or a dentist, you’ll find it here.

The Family Resource Book will be available at more than 500 locations around the state. Look for it soon!

March 20  6am-6pm

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dad on board CALL ME IRRESPONSI-BILL

YOU’RE INVITED NHPBS

NHPBS PUPPY LOVE SKATE PARTY Strawbery Banke’s Puddle Dock Pond Sunday, February 3 9-11 AM nhpbs.org/events

A TRIP TO ORLANDO TO SEE A COLLEGE CAMPUS YIELDED MORE TURKEY LEGS THAN INFORMATION

BY BILL BURKE I’ve been in the parenting game for about 16 ½ years and I’ve picked up a few notable skills, including unlocking the coveted “Preeminent Fish Stick Chef of the Northeast” achievement.

As impressive as that may be, I’ve upped my superpowers a bit. For example, I’ve learned how to make any obligatory task feel like a trip to Walt Disney World.

The trick, of course, is to actually make it a trip to Walt Disney World.

My daughter is a high school junior now, so we’ve started to investigate her post-high school future. We figured we’d visit campuses both near to home and further afield, which would give her a feel for a variety of different options. So we scheduled her first visit. It would be just she and I on this exploratory venture. Her mom would stay home and tend to the dog while I heroically offered to make the sacrifice and take her to the University of Central Florida for the weekend.

We chose to visit this campus for several valid reasons: it’s huge, it has a wide variety of programs, and if we could establish residency, in-state tuition is a fraction of the cost of most New England schools.

But there was also a secondary — and some may argue more predictable – reason we boarded the 6 a.m. flight out of Manchester. It comes right in the name of the school — “Central Florida.” See, that’s where they keep the Disney.

I am a Disney dad. I’ll take any excuse, any opportunity, and turn it into a trip to our (my) favorite vacation destination. And this was one I simply could not pass up. In my mind’s eye, UCF was just on the other side of Epcot. I could probably walk there from the Boardwalk Resort, I surmised. In reality, it was about an hour away from where we were staying — a detail I learned the day before we flew to Florida. I should probably stop surmising things. It’s not one of my superpowers.

Upon arrival, we headed straight to the UCF campus. Here’s our take-away from the tour: Having one chicken and two pizza stops near the main quad is a major recruiting tool. The place is certainly huge, and the school has a highly regarded aerospace engineering program.

However, we didn’t learn much about the music program there, her potential course of study, because in all the excitement, I hadn’t thought to seek out someone who could tell us more about it. My wife had, but she was about 1,300 miles away at that moment. Campus visits are a new thing for us, and it’s a skill I’ll need to improve on.

But thanks to the “dad-fu” I did possess, we had just enough time afterward to stop-in at another campus — one with a castle and a Mouse. So we spent the next two days together, talking about college, what she might like to study and her future. And the gigantic turkey legs in Frontierland.

IrresponsiBill Burke is a writer who lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and daughter. He is also Managing Editor of Custom Publications for McLean Communications.

40 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

house calls

Never underestimate the power of the scribbles and the amazing imagination of children.

USE YOUR HEAD Open Registration for 2019-2020

GET TO KNOW THE DOS AND DON’TS OF WINTER HELMET SAFETY

PROGRAMS OFFERED: (12 months to 5 years) • TODDLERS (12 to 35 months) • PRESCHOOL & *PRE-KINDERGARTEN • ALL CLASSES OFFER FULL OR HALF TIME

BY JIM ESDON Slick, icy conditions make you move a lot faster — something that most winter sports have in common. Whether it is alpine skiing, sledding down a hill, playing a game of hockey or learning how to do figure eights on a village pond, the potential for severe head injury increases when you hit the ice, another person, parked or moving vehicles, or obstacles like trees and rocks.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend the use of protective helmets for any winter sport, but different helmets are appropriate for different sports.

The Injury Prevention Center at Children’s Hospital at DartmouthHitchcock (CHaD) offers this helpful list of helmet dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you head up the mountain or glide onto the ice, regardless of your age or ability: • Do wear a multi-sport helmet for ice skating, playing hockey or sledding. The helmet can be the same or similar to a biking or skateboarding helmet.

• Don’t wear a multi-sport helmet for skiing and snowboarding.

• Do wear an ASTM-certified (American Society for Testing Materials) helmet for skiing and snowboarding. Important qualities of ski helmets include: — Greater thickness than a multi-sport helmet and better for absorbing collision impacts.

— A thickness that keeps your head warmer at higher altitudes and for longer periods of time.

— A design that allows for appropriate fit of ski goggles. Goggles protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and flying debris; they are vented to prevent fogging up and improve vision by reducing sun glare off the snow.

• Do make sure your helmet fits securely — think “MVP”: — M is for no Motion. You know your helmet is secure if you open your mouth wide and close it and your helmet moves up and down.

— V is for the “V” shape the straps make under your ears once fastened.

— P is for correct position of the helmet. To make sure your helmet is not too far back or too far forward, the space between your eyebrows and the rim of the helmet should be one or two finger widths.

• Don’t use a helmet that is beyond its expiration date. Most helmets have a printed expiration date. When that date has passed, it is recommended that you replace your helmet.

Jim Esdon is the program coordinator for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) Injury Prevention Program. For additional information related to this topic, reach out to the Injury Prevention Center at CHaD via email at ipc@hitchcock.org.

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Manchester Want to send your child to summer camp but don’t know where to start?

Swing by one of ParentingNH’s Summer Camp & Program Expos. Meet with representatives from overnight, day, arts, sports & adventure camps.

Saturday, March 16, 2019 10 a.m.-1p.m.

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www.parentingnh.com

| FEBRUARY 2019 41

out & about

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK Jill Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer and the von Trapp children.

MATTHEW MURPHY PHOTO

The Sound of Music

WINTER BIRD WALK

20 WEDNESDAY

AUBURN – Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way. Winter is a great time to get into birding. Easier visibility and fewer species (those hardy souls that overwinter in New Hampshire) help ease you into the great sport of bird watching. Spend time inside discussing binoculars and a few keys to bird identification, then head outside to see what you can find. Add to your enjoyment of the visitors to your backyard feeder and participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Bring your binoculars and come dressed for the weather.

CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. The Hills Are Alive! A brand new production of The Sound of Music, the beloved musical story of Maria and the VonTrapp family, will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. Produced by the touring production company NETworks. Tickets: $45-$110. 7:30 p.m. 225-1111; www.ccanh.com

KEENE ICE & SNOW FESTIVAL 2 SATURDAY

COURTESY PHOTO

KEENE – Downtown, Central and Railroad squares. Your family will enjoy a fun day of watching the magic of ice carving, children’s crafts at Snowman Central, musical entertainment, train rides, face painting and meeting a snowman, ice princess, polar bear and Olaf characters, and more.

Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.monadnocktravel.com or follow on Facebook.

42 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

2 SATURDAY

Led by Jocelyn Duffy, NHA naturalist. Age 10-plus. Cost: $10 member/$15 non-member; $25 member/$30 non-member families. 10-11:30 a.m. www. nhaudubon.org

WHO’S BAD: THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE 9 SATURDAY MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. Who’s Bad’s live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true king. The power-packed performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalog can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see.

Who’s Bad is a tribute befitting a king and their high-octane execution of MJ’s music and

dance has catapulted them to the exclusive rank of Ultimate.

Tickets: $35.50-$45.50 (includes pre-show meet and greet). Show times: 2 and 7 p.m. 668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org

SEACOAST SKATING WITH THE STARS

Learn to ice fish

27TH ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL

15-16 FRIDAY-SATURDAY

23 SATURDAY

MANCHESTER – Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St. Learn how to ice fish with staff and volunteers of New Hampshire Fish and Game during this two-part series.

Friday will cover ice safety, fish ecology, equipment and more. Parents and participants age 16 and older do not need a fishing license during the organized field trip on Saturday. All angling gear will be provided. Bring your own lunch and wear proper outdoor clothing for Saturday. Age 8-plus. Registration required. Free. Friday, 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 626-FISH; www.amoskeag fishways.org

MERRIMACK – Wasserman Park. The mission of Merrimack’s annual winter carnival is to get families outdoors and encourage them to embrace winter and remain active during the cold winter months. Highlights include a campfire and s’more making station, face painting, the Merrimack Lions Club Youth Ice Fishing Derby, games, demonstrations, food and more.

Free. Noon to 3 p.m. www.merrimackparksandrec.org

9 SATURDAY PORTSMOUTH – Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Duck Pond, Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St. This year’s professional ice skating show follows the format of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Each local star is paired with a professional skater to perform a 90-second routine in addition to individual performances by the professionals. The show also includes performances by professional IDI skaters. Winners chosen by a panel of local judges, including two-time Olympian JoJo Starbuck and ice dance choreographer Elin Schran. All tickets include free skating after the show. Tickets: $10-$22. 2 p.m. www.strawberybanke.org

families with kids age 7-11. Adult must accompany child. Cost: $8; $6 members. 6 to 7:30 p.m.

366-5695; www.prescottfarm.org

OUR BIG BACKYARD SERIES: LET’S GO OWLING! 15 FRIDAY LACONIA – Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road. Have you ever heard an owl call that sounds like “Who-cooks-for-you-who-cooksfor-you-all?” That’s a barred owl.

This time of year is their mating season and they are quite vocal.

Start inside with the story, “Owl Moon” and put on your listening ears as we explore areas we’re most likely to hear them. For

GROWNUP PLAY DATE: MINI-GOLF 23 SATURDAY DOVER – Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St. Remember when playing

golf meant a trip to the mini golf course?

The Museum is bringing back that old-school fun.

Adults 21-plus can participate in a special Saturday Grown-up Play Date, where you will play 18 holes inside and throughout the Children’s Museum. Enjoy a cash bar and music while you play through the Dino Detective exhibit, or putt past the Yellow Submarine. ID is required.

Advance online tickets are $10; $12 at the door.

7-9 p.m. 742-2002; www. childrens-museum.org

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time out Enjoy a blast from the past at the Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl COURTESY PHOTO

VALENTINE’S DAY FUN FOR ADULTS: ROMANCE OPTIONAL

BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

I

n a relationship? Single? “It’s complicated?” No matter your status, there’s no escaping Valentine’s Day — or those Hallmark commercials.

While the holiday traditionally focuses on couples, there are fun events across the Granite State for everyone.

If you haven’t already sworn off Valentine’s Day and you are looking for something to do on or around the holiday with a partner, or with a group of friends, here are some offbeat, fun ideas for you to explore.

The birds and the bees

In bloom

Blood red

Glitz and glam

The Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn is hosting a seminar on the courtship behaviors of animals, titled “The Romantic Habits of Animals” on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. According to the Audubon, “Many mammals and birds spend February and the coming months finding mates through a variety of interesting calls, behaviors, and habits, some of which are fascinating to observe.”

Refreshments will be provided, including chocolate. The seminar is by Kelly Dwyer, expert birder and NH 2018 Environmental Educator of the Year. Pre-registration required. Cost: $10 for members or $15 for non-members

Head to downtown Manchester to take part in Valentine’s Blooms at the Bookery on Monday, Feb. 11, where you will create a beautiful flower arrangement just in time for the holiday. You will learn flower tips and tricks, and the best part is you get to bring it home. Before class, stop at the café or peruse the newest selections of the independent bookstore. Class is 7 to 10 p.m.

Cost: $65

If Valentine’s Day fills you with horror, The Strand is the place to be on Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. My Bloody Valentine is the 1981 Canadian slasher film that tells the story of a group of young adults who decide to throw a Valentine’s Day party only to incur the vengeful wrath of an assailant in mining gear who begins a killing spree. Tickets: $5

Live from New York, it’s the Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl. Dig out the legwarmers, Spandex and Aqua Net and you are ready to enjoy a show at the Palace Theatre brought to you by WZID. Jessie’s Girl has mastered renditions of some the decade’s best songs, all while dressed up as unforgettable singers including John Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and more.

It is theatre, meets live music, smothered in 80’s glitz. Get your girlfriends together and party like it’s 1989. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $33.

The Bookery 844 Elm St. • Manchester www.bookerymht.com

Massabesic Audubon Center 26 Audubon Way • Auburn www.nhaudubon.org

44 www.parentingnh.com | FEBRUARY 2019

The Strand 20 Third St. • Dover tickets through Eventbrite

The Palace Theatre 80 Hanover St. • Manchester www.palacetheatre.com

www.parentingnh.com

| JANUARY 2019 3

ALLIYAH LIVES WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE, BUT IT DOESN’T STOP HER FROM LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

Alliyah S. Manchester, NH

NEW HAMPSHIRE’S ONLY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. Born with sickle cell disease, Alliyah has relied on the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) her entire life. As the only children’s hospital in New Hampshire that offers advanced pediatric services, CHaD is dedicated to providing every child with outstanding and compassionate primary and specialty care. With a focus on innovative research and education, Dartmouth-Hitchcock is there for Alliyah and her family every step of the way.

go.d-h.org/kids