Moms Just Know • Free
Homeward-Bound
Heart
Getting Garden-Ready
Helmet Safety:
One Mom's Mission
Make Your Own
Baby Food
Easter Ideas
March 2013
Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles • Edwardsburg • Middlebury • Plymouth St. Joseph • New Buffalo & Surrounding Communities
we’re here for you,
WHEN YOU NEED US Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles • New emergency department has doubled in size • Brand-new rooms are equipped with modern amenities • Immediate medical assistance 24/7
Accredited Chest Pain Center ensures faster care
Excellent, Convenient, Local Healthcare Lakeland Medical Suites, Niles
(Located across the street from Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles)
• Home to 10 specialty practices and counting • Bigger Center for Wound Care with two hyperbaric oxygen chambers • Additional infusion clinic designed for patient comfort • Shop for home medical equipment onsite Primary Stroke Center delivers better outcomes
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EMERGENCY 2013 DEPARTMENT
NOW
OPEN
**OPEN**
Congratulations! To the talented January Coloring Winners.
Contributors Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Betsy Tavernier
Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
EXECUTIVE Editor: Stephanie J. Salisbury
Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Creative Promotions manager: Jena Bontrager Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud
Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Alison – Age 9
Lacey – Age 11
Peyten – Age 5
Fashion Editor: Kathy Friend Kathy@MMProd.com
IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Child Care and Pre-schools
If you would like your business and/or service to be included in the next issue, call The FAMILY Magazines at 574.387.5420 to reserve your space. Space is limited.
on the cover: This handsome kid is Gibson from Edwardsburg.
Photography: Classic Image Photography, Granger
Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Manager: John Ferguson Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: info@Michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines 1233 E. University Drive Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines March 2013 Established in 2006. All rights reserved. Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication. Read The FAMILY Magazines online each month! Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way! Volume 7: Number 3
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For your Find the enjoyment Hidden Acorn! and fun!
Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research. Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family. The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Magazines LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors.
F RO M T H E P U B LI S H E R
Things We (at FAMILY)
Love
Right Now!
1. A Little Luck 2.
Lime Green
3.
Pussy Willow Trees
4.
Frilly Easter Dresses
5.
Corned Beef & Cabbage
So, savvy mom, are we connecting you to the things you want to read? We hope so and we are all ears if you have suggestions and feedback to continue the growth and readership of this special publication designed just for you.
6.
Fiddler's Hearth in South Bend
7.
The Perfect Sweater Set
Over the last several months we have revamped our articles and the entire magazine design to be published just for you, not your husband, your mom or your child. We have listened to you, we've done our homework and we hope you find the new changes refreshing and timely. From using recycled paper to producing articles that apply to the things moms with kiddos ages 12 and under deal with everyday, we've had fun with our new look, feel, format and topics.
8.
Braids
9.
Parenthood (TV Show)
Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger
Family Matters in Michiana .. this is our old Family Magazine slogan. Our new Family Magazine slogan is Connecting the Savvy Mom in Michiana.
Speaking of the new look and feel, if you are the savvy mom who likes to read our magazine on a tablet or smartphone, you are going to LOVE our new website that is being built for you right now. It is certainly for the very "now" mom and we can't wait to give you a sneak peek. You'll be able to read new articles, get new information daily and be part of a moms' local network and/or our moms' advisory board for our Family Magazine. And, no more pinching or pulling on your smartphone to see the things you want to see on our site - our new site is responsive which means it knows what kind of device you are using to access it and it is very smart to give you what you want, quickly and at your fingertips, literally. We are so excited! The new website address is www.michianamom.com --- look for its debut in the next few weeks! So, savvy mama, have a fantastic month with your kids and an equally wonderful Easter with your family.
10. Our Partnership with The Sunny 101.5 Moms' Club
11. Leprechaun gold for the Kiddos on St. Patty's Day
12. A Starry Night
Check i t Out! Do
n’t forget to pick up your cop y of the NEW SASS Y Magazine!
MARCH 2013
N O11
F RO M T H E E DI TO R
Be a part of the
Dear Readers, I’ve always loved March, even when I was a little girl. And not just because it holds my birthday (to be honest, as I’ve gotten older I’d rather just forget that little tidbit!) I love the way the air feels, the early spring thunderstorms, the spring thaw – little melting rivers that remind me Easter is right around the corner. In fact, it’s right at the end of March this year, and we have some great stuff in store for you! Sick of spending money on egg-dying kits every year, and plastic Easter grass that gets caught in your vacuum or your cat inevitably hacks up a week later in an epic hairball? Evelyn Kirkwood has some tips in ‘Go Green for Easter’ that will give you a fresh look at some ideas you may never have thought of before. It’s also time for spring cleaning, and you know Jane Suter’s article ‘One Man’s Trash…’ is going to be hilarious!
Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger
Family!
Whether it's crazy stuff your kids say, your most embarrassing moments, tips you want to share with us, a fun or interesting blog you own or just a compliment, complaint or concern you have for us -we want to hear it! Please email any and all of these things to our Executive Editor. We want to hear from you! Stephanie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Don’t forget, it’s not too early to start your gardening. Chelle Costello has the prep tips all ready for us in ‘Getting Garden-Ready’, and Andie Kingsbury puts her focus on the little ones in ‘Tots in the Garden’ so they can get in on the action, too. We’re also bringing you an important story on helmet safety. One of our writers, Meagan Church, recently interviewed Lisa Banasiewicz and wrote the article ‘One Mom’s Mission’. Lisa’s son Brett, famed pro BMX biker, has been recovering from a traumatic brain injury, and Lisa wanted to share their story with you, our reader, to ensure that you learn what to look for in a helmet this spring when your kids are out and about. Whether you’re dying eggs, splashing in puddles, starting to grow your seeds indoors, cleaning your house or keeping your kids as safe as you can, we’re right there with you. Thank you for being part of our FAMILY. Stephanie
Gotta Love It
Help Goodwill put over 700 people back to work this year by donating & shopping!
GREAT SAVinGS in oUR SToRES AnD FREE GiFTS WHEn yoU DonATE!
Shop Goodwill
michiana goodwill BoosteRs
Join MGB for $5.00 and receive 12 coupons for $5.00 off a $10.00 purchase. Register in-store. Save with 50% off Sales and MGB membership. Check in-store or visit Goodwill-ni.org for sale dates.
$5.00 off Purchase of $10.00 or More
Valid at Goodwill industries of Michiana Retail Stores. no duplication of coupon. no other discounts apply. one coupon per customer. Excludes new Goods. Expires 12/31/13
6 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013 Goodwill Gotta Love It-Family an1 1
Family & Sassy 2013 PG
ES Reward
,- OV -3 Card DWILL
'OO
Welcome to the Goodwill Reward Card Program! Donation Bag & 1) Fill your re-useable Donation bring it to any Drive-Thru Goodwill Center at your nearest Retail Store. Industries of Michiana your Donation Bag, 2) Each time you fill Reward Card. we’ll validate your full, we’ll provide When your card is paid envelope. you with a postage information contact your 3) Complete Reward Card & on the back of the drop it in the mail. valued at $25.00! 4) We’ll send you a gift
Clear the clutter & reward the same time! yourself atZip
Name
State
Address
www.goodwill-ni.org
City Phone Email
s ill reserve
the right
te an item
of like value
ary.
if necess
to substitu
Goodw
RewaRd PRogRam Join our Reward Program for $4.00 and receive a re-useable Donation Bag and Reward Card. Register in-store. Fill your Donation Bag and we’ll validate your Reward Card. When your card is full, we’ll send you a gift valued at $25.00! Visit GoodwillLovesMoms.com for more information.
Donate to Goodwill
our Mission: Provide jobs, training & placement services for people with barriers to employment.
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Printed on Recycled Content Paper 2/14/13 1:02:38 PM
BOOK reviews
Peepsqueak!
Written and Illustrated by Leslie Ann Clark Reviewed by Connie Bridges, Children’s Services Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Peepsqueak! is a story about a little yellow chick just hatched from his shell. But Peepsqueak is not an ordinary chick: dressed in a bright redt-shirt, he’s always on the move and can’t wait to fly! Brown Cow, Big Sheep and Yellow Duck warn him that it’s not time, but he keeps trying to fly. He jumps up, up, up, and then he falls down into the soft green grass. He tries jumping from a stone wall, a big hill, a rock and even a tower of chicks. Even Baby Bunny discourages him from trying to fly. But, Peepsqueak never gets discouraged because he’s always on the move. At last, Old Gray Goose comes along and offers Peepsqueak a solution. When he finally learns how to fly, he spies the farm pond and gets another idea.
The story also includes a tiny mouse dressed in purple shorts and a green t-shirt. He is found on several of the double-page spreads. Children will enjoy making a game of searching for the little mouse in all his hiding places. This is the author’s debut book, and her whimsical illustrations and lively text will keep the attention of pre-school and kindergarten level listeners. The book is available at all three locations of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library.
The Michigan Mega Monsters By Johnathan Rand Reviewed by: Clay S. Have you ever looked for the perfect book? Long in length, but not too long; short, but not too short. Right in the middle? Well, I know just that book. It’s from the well-known series of American Chillers called The Michigan Mega-Monsters. It’s about a boy named Rick Owens who attends a camp during one summer. The camp is called Camp Willow and he meets two girls there named Sandy and Leah. The three of them instantly become good friends. So, all seems to be going well, until they are told of the legend of the Michigan Mega-Monsters. They’re horrifying creatures that roam a nearby swamp. Quickly, the three friends find out the legend is real. I won’t tell you much else, except that the three kids encounter the Mega-Monsters and three of the characters reveal a secret about themselves. Two of those characters are Sandy and Leah; the other is a secret. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out the result of this story.
Johnathan Rand is the author of this story and he is no stranger to the state of Michigan. He lives in Michigan, plus he wrote the Michigan Chillers series which takes place in various well-known cities in Michigan. The books became so famous that kids around the country wanted him to write stories located in their hometown states. He made American Chillers to fulfill their wishes. The Michigan Mega-Monsters is the first book in the series and Mr. Rand plans to write 50 books total for each of the 50 states. These books are chilling and scary, but not too much. Just perfect for your 8 – 11 year old child at home. I enjoyed them at a younger age and still enjoy re-reading them. I guarantee you’ll like the series as well as I do. So, read this book or any of the other in the series, on a comfy chair, in a quiet room and let your imagination flow!
Clay is currently an eighth grader at Edwardsburg Middle School. He enjoys cross-country running, reading and writing stories and books. Clay’s ‘bucket list’ is to publish a book and become a best-selling author.
the FAMILY magazine table
Of
contents
family matters
14 One Mom’s Mission
By Meagan Church
16 That’s Not a Nanny… He’s a MANny!
By Noelle Elliott
18 The Arts Advantage
By Kim Seidel
family fun
20 Getting Garden-Ready
live your best
By Chelle Costello
4 Find the Hidden Acorn
22 Go Green for Easter
5 Letter from the Publisher
6 Letter from the Editor
24 Easter Treat
10 The FAMILY Month Calendar
book reviews
7 Peepsqueak: Written and Illustrated by Leslie Ann Clark
Reviewed by: Connie Bridges
7 The Michigan Mega Monsters By Johnathan Rand
Reviewed by: Clay S.
14
By Evelyn Kirkwood
Craft by Jill Lebbin
family travel
26 Homeward-Bound Heart
By Michelle Wegner
25 22
30 family features
Home is Where the Heart is! 28 Make Your Own Baby Food
calendar of events
By Meagan Church
30 The Psychology of Your Child’s Bedroom Décor
18
By Renae Johnson
32 Tots in the Garden
By Andie Kingsbury
Lovable and Adoptable!
34 Pets from the Elkhart County Humane Society
32
36 Coloring Contest
Recipe
37 Twice Baked Potatoes
stuff kids say 38 Yadda Yadda
Mommy & daddy 40 One Man’s Trash…
By Jane Suter
42 Confessions of a Mortified Mom
Handling Public Tantrums
By Heather Van Deest
38
44 Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com for
tons of additional family events – updated daily!
LIVE your best
The FAMILY Month 6 1
14
Dentists’ Day
Pi Day!
National Nutrition Month Begins
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F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th
Easter candy Facts Marshmallow Peeps came out in 1953; it took 27 hours to create one. It now takes 6 seconds.
Kohl’s Cares Scholarships The Kohl’s Department Stores’ Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program will award more than $425,000 in scholarships and prizes this year. More than 2,300 young volunteers who have made a positive impact on their communities will be selected. Nominations for kids ages 6 to 18 will be accepted now through March 15 at kohlskids.com. Nominators must be 21 years or older. Two nominees from each of the Kohl’s stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl’s gift card, and more than 200 will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education. Ten national winners will be awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education, and Kohl’s will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf.
The inside of the traditional Cadbury Crème Egg is nothing more than sugar and water beaten together.
St. Patrick’s Day Word Scramble: uehrclpena rhmkscao ndearli top fo dlog 76% of us eat the ears off a chocolate rabbit first.
ylcuk Answers: leprechaun, shamrock, Ireland, pot of gold, lucky
Spring Songs Make yourself a playlist to put you in the mood for spring! Try some of these: Beautiful Day – U2
The tallest chocolate easter egg ever was created in Italy in 2011 – it was taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant! YUM!
After the Rain – Nelson Daydream Believer – The Monkees Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles Rain – Madonna 16 billion jelly beans are made just for Easter!
10 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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Calendar
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18
Easter Egg Hunt, The Hearth at Juday Creek
Stephanie’s Birthday (Our Executive Editor)
20
17
29 Good Friday
25
31
Zuzanna’s Birthday (Our Graphic Designer)
Mom/Son Dance (Palais Royale)
Easter Sunday
St. Patrick’s Day
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Tu
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W
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“Green” Spring Cleaning Tips Tired of paying an arm and a leg for cleaning products chock full of chemicals? Try some of these homemade cleaning products – better for the environment and better on your budget! Mold and mildew come right off using straight vinegar – distilled white is best. A mixture of equal parts lemon juice and olive oil can be used to dust and clean wood furniture. Toilet bowl cleaner? Sprinkle on baking soda and scrub! For floor scrubbing, use one gallon of hot water and four cups of vinegar. If you add a few drops of lemon essential oil, the vinegar scent will disappear quickly and leave only a fresh, lemony scent. Glass cleaner can be made simply using ¼ cup vinegar and a quart of water. Quotes: “Spring is when you feel like whistling, even with a shoe full of slush.” ~Doug Larson “March is the month of expectation; the things we do not know.” ~Emily Dickinson “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”
~Robin Williams
“Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes; the wind will presently disappear – the taxes last us all the year!” ~Ogden Nash
Stop buying paper towels and invest in a few microfiber or dust-free cloths. Use one for wood, one for glass, one for all-purpose cleaner. Spring Scavenger Hunt! Help your kiddos find the following things in the backyard… make a game out of it! • Bird Feather • Toad • Animal Tracks (bonus if you identify the animal!) • Earthworm • Four-Leaf Clover • An already-bloomed flower Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles, MI has a new Emergency Department! With the addition and renovation, the new Emergency Department will be nearly 16,000 square feet – over twice its previous size! The project includes more patient examination rooms – 18 rooms with 21 beds (up from 6 rooms with 11 beds). Comfort and privacy are a top priority: 9 exam rooms will feature sliding glass doors and all rooms will have a telephone and television. The Emergency Department has remained open to care for patients throughout the construction process and will continue to do so.
100% Recyclable
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
11
green GO We love the GREEN this time of year! Not just shamrocks and the Irish spirit, but being friendly to our planet and saving our resources, too! This month, we put the spotlight on some of the local greenery... we have all sorts of fun things for you to enjoy and maybe make others a little ‘green’ with envy!
A Splash of Irish!
Come to McCarthy’s and enjoy an Irish Jig, Emerald Isle Martini or Loaded Leprechaun while you dine out on our patio as the City of Elkhart turns the river GREEN for St. Patrick’s Day! McCarthy’s on the Riverwalk, Elkhart - $6 574-293-2830
Keep Fido Healthy and Green!
This separate compartment feeder will make Fido work for his food. Turning the wheel opens the sliding doors for the smaller sections...Fido will eat slower, have fun and stay busy. Green and recyclable! www.Aikiou.com
New You, Nuu-Muu
Exercise dresses that perform from the trail to the gym and everywhere in between! They are crafted for comfort and are perfect for travel, layering gorgeously for year-round versatility. Made in the USA! Recyclable packaging and tags. www.Nuu-Muu.com
12 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
Printed on Recycled Content Paper
Green with Envy in Stephen Joseph Gifts!
Your kids’ friends will be green with envy when your kids are sporting adorable Alligator Hooded Beach Towels with matching sunglasses, flip flops and bucket hat from Stephen Joseph Gifts. www.stephenjosephgifts.com
Go Green with CableKeeps™
CableKeeps™ secure your USB docking cable to Apple™ power adaptors, keep your cables tangle-free in a bag or purse and organize when plugged into the wall. Non-toxic, easily recycled, compostable. Check out the green Nibbles! www.CableKeeps.com
Glassware Goes Green!
Set your table with drinkware fairly traded by artisans from the highlands of Bolivia. Each carafe and glass is mouth-blown using 100% recycled glass, a technique that creates bubbling and variation, making each piece unique. Ten Thousand Villages, Goshen 574-533-8491
A Pot O’ Fruit!
Better than finding a pot o’ gold! Our Shamrock Festival™ fruit centerpiece is filled with shamrock-shaped pineapples dipped in green (white) chocolate, fresh strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew and grapes. Edible Arrangements® • Granger www.EdibleArrangements.com
FAMILY matters
One Mom’s
Mission Lisa Banasiewicz explains why educating others on the importance of helmet safety is her new mission By Meagan Church DANICA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Lisa Banasiewicz
considers herself a girly-girl. Never would she have imagined she would be the marketing manager of a skate park and the mother of a professional athlete. “I was never athletic in school. I was always the last person picked in gym class, so it’s funny that, of all the people from my school, that I would have the pro athlete.” She also never thought she’d spend her time and energy educating parents and athletes on helmet safety because of her personal experience with traumatic brain injuries.
Brett stuck with BMX riding and started winning competitions. Then, in August 2012, Lisa received a phone call that no mother ever wants to receive. Brett was practicing in Virginia Beach and suffered a fall. He was unconscious.
Lisa’s son Brett Banasiewicz is a professional BMX bike rider who has competed in the X Games and Dew Tour, among other events. Before Brett turned pro at the age of 14, the family had a decision to make. Lisa and Brett’s father, Bill, wondered if one parent should move with him to a location where he could better practice. Lisa wasn’t so sure. “I wanted him home. At 16 years old, you are too young to go out in the world. I wanted him to have a sense of home and stability. I knew if we built a skate park then when he got older, he’d come home to his skate park. And his mother.” Lisa paused for a moment and added with a chuckle, “There was a plan.”
Lisa remembers how she felt at that moment. “It was paralyzing. With Bryce it was tough. With Brett it was paralyzing.”
So, on June 25, 2010, The Kitchen Skatepark opened on the west side of South Bend and became an outlet for kids to skateboard and bike in a safe environment. Safety was had always been a top priority for the Banasiewicz family. “Our kids always had helmets and safety gear on. We were very aware that extreme sports are dangerous. We always trained the kids and thought they were protected.” The family knew the importance of helmet safety first hand. In 2006, Lisa’s oldest son Bryce fell during dirt bike practice and suffered a traumatic brain injury. “After Bryce’s accident, I tried to steer Brett away from extreme sports. I had him take the clarinet in Junior High. They called me weekly. He hated the clarinet and hated the band.” Lisa soon realized she wouldn’t be able to persuade him away from his love of extreme sports.
14 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
Brett had been wearing a helmet during his practice run, but it wasn’t able to protect him against the impact of the fall. “I was told Brett fell eight feet. That wasn’t that far. He’s been higher. Come to find out, he only fell two feet. It was just the way he landed. Two feet did a lot of damage.” What Lisa later found out was that the helmet Brett was wearing was not Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified. “I always thought a helmet was a helmet, and I was wrong.” Since that fateful day, Lisa has become a mom on a mission. “My purpose as an X-sports mother is to educate other mothers. A helmet isn’t just a helmet. Our kids are going to do extreme sports, like skateboards and dirt bikes, and it is our responsibility to protect their heads and their bodies. It’s all we can do. I wasn’t aware that his helmet wasn’t CPSC certified. If had he been wearing a certified helmet, his injury probably wouldn’t have been as severe.” What Lisa has learned is to look for government certified helmets that carry CPSC labels on the packaging and on the tag inside the helmet. According to Lisa and the Athletes Recovery Fund who helped teach Lisa, non-certified helmets have too much flex and don’t absorb the force of impact, forcing the brain to absorb too much of the impact. Already, there has been something positive that has come of her son’s injury. “Because of Brett’s injury and the exposure, his friends and the Athletes Recovery Fund, X Games and Dew Tour are all making changes. Printed on Recycled Content Paper
They will not let you compete without a certified helmet.” It’s not just extreme sporting competitions that are making the changes. The Kitchen rents and sells only certified helmets and they are implementing a rule that all riders must wear them. “We are slowly telling everyone and educating them on the difference. We are encouraging kids to ask their parents for certified helmets for their next birthday. In a few months, we will make sure everyone has one or we will have one for them. And we tell people to throw away their non-certified helmets. Don’t donate them.”
Announcing our 2013 season!
Call the Lerner Box Office at 574-293-4469 for tickets or visit us at www.premierarts.org
As for Brett, Lisa said, “He’s doing good. It has been about five months since his accident. The brain heals very slowly.”
The ElectricPineapple
This girly-girl who was the last to be picked in gym doesn’t regret getting her sons involved in extreme sports. “I gave him life, but BMX has given him the world and now the Athlete Recovery Fund is making it possible for him to get the best treatment.” Lisa said Brett’s determination plays a big part in his recovery. “He’s 18 and we are trying to get him involved in his recovery. When they tell him he won’t do something, he takes it as a challenge. He tries to prove them wrong. He’s doing a good job of proving them wrong.”
4
Manicures • Perms • Color • Cuts Razor Cuts • Foiling Call or Walk In! Tuesday 11am-7pm Wednesday thru Friday 7am-4pm Saturday 6:45am-12:30pm
102 N. Chaptoula Street • Bristol, IN • 574-848-4955
Brett’s recovery will take time, but he has one big goal still in mind that is pushing him forward. “He wants to get back on his bike. He doesn’t want to come home and get an office job or become a brain surgeon. I’ve asked him several times, ‘are you sure you want to do this?’ He is the one who is working very hard. Our job is to get him the best medical care we can and we’ve promised to take care of his skate park in the Midwest, so when he comes home, he’ll have his skate park.” But Brett’s not the only one with a goal. Lisa has one, too: “To see Brett come home, get married, have a couple of kids and build a beautiful house with a big mother-in-law suite and let me move in.” To learn more about the difference between certified and non-certified helmets, visit www. athleterecoveryfund.com/video.html.
* * *
Meagan Church is a writer and mother of three kids. Her current projects include DefiningMotherhood, and Unexpectant where she explores the realities of modern motherhood for her book project.
100% Recyclable
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FAMILY matters
That’s Not a Nanny…
a s ’ he MANny! By Noelle Elliott
I
recently had an emergency babysitting situation where our sitter bailed and we had already committed (and spent a lot of money) to attend a show in Chicago. I frantically called my short list of sitters and came up… well, short. We ended up calling my friend’s babysitter, who happened to be a college guy. If I had to name the opposite of the word ‘babysitter’, I admit, it would probably be ‘college guy’. But, because of the situation, we went with it. He arrived on time and was polite. Within moments, he was on the floor building a Lego castle with our five-year-old. Having four sons, a male babysitter makes perfect sense. He was not only capable, but our boys didn’t want him to leave. He even cleaned up the kitchen! However, I’m embarrassed to say that I was hesitant about having a man to babysit our kids. Women have fought so hard for equality in the workplace, but when the situation involves a man transitioning to a predominantly female profession, there seems to be a double standard. This issue hits close to home. My husband is an elementary school teacher. There are not many men who choose to be with children below the fourth grade. He has a gift. He can relate to them on their level. His role is growing exceedingly more relevant, especially when half the population of young children do not have any male role models in their life. We trust men to protect us from a fire or a burglar and even to run our country, but there continues to be a stigma that comes with a man choosing to work with children. Sometimes this is justified, sometimes not. The growing trend of men in childcare is partly due to the economy. Some stayat-home dads have reluctantly taken on the title because it sounds better than ‘laid-off dad’. Not so surprisingly, they are good at it. I recently asked five of my friends who are mothers if they would hire a man as a nanny and they all said ‘no’. The reasons ranged from fear of pedophilia to simple mistrust in a man’s ability to nurture. They all admitted they were embarrassed they felt that way. The growing popularity of men caregivers can be seen amongst Hollywood’s elite. Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow have hired men to care for their families. Is it a trend? Or is it a precaution to keep their husbands’ eyes from wandering? (Do the names ‘Jude Law’ or ‘Arnold Schwarzenegger’ ring a bell? Both had affairs with their female nannies.) But, despite my friends’ reactions to hiring a male, a popular parenting blog reported that the fathers show the most resistance in hiring a male. 16 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, a ‘manny’ or a babysitter, the following is a checklist that will help ease your mind regardless of their gender: 1. Ask your friends for a referral. A friend can provide you with information from working with the person first-hand.
32 Pearls
2. Check reputable childcare websites that do background checks for you. For a monthly fee, you can have an account on Care.com and view potential babysitters. 3. Put a small ad in a college newspaper. We are fortunate to live in an area with several colleges and universities. Many students are looking for part time work. I have had great success with this; the only drawback is that they graduate and move away.
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Once you find someone you like, make sure to interview him or her in person. I also make a point to look them up on social media sites. You can tell a lot about a person by their choice of profile picture. If they are holding a beer or dressed in clothes that are three sizes too small, you might get a good idea of what their priorities are. Start off small. Have them come over while you cook dinner. You can get an idea of how they interact with your children and, more importantly, how your children feel around them. Whether you choose to hire a man or a woman, the most important factor is the safety of your child and your peace of mind. Trust your intuition; never let your mind second guess what your heart has already told you.
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THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
17
FAMILY matters
The Arts
Advantage
Kids Gain Healthy Advantages by Being Involved in the Arts By Kim Seidel No child should ever be taught that he or she cannot sing or draw or act. Every child has a special inner creativity that can be nurtured. “I don’t think one art form is better than the other. I think children should be exposed to a wide variety of arts often,” says Mary Leonard, a theatre arts professor. “Some children will shine in a painting class while others can’t stop singing or playing an instrument. The individual child will discover his/her own talents and passions for art, music and drama.”
Music
Take a look below at the great benefits the arts – visual, drama, music and dance – can give to your children. As parents, you can find a program that fits your child and your family’s lifestyle.
Major benefits: Creativity and enjoyment of the arts; develops
Experts from their fields offer great tips to assist you in helping your child discover the arts as a great way to learn and to have fun for a lifetime. “My daughters hang around my rehearsals when I am directing,” Leonard says.
Drama/Visual Arts/Overall Arts
Source: Mary Leonard, professor of theatre arts, teaches a wide variety of acting classes and directs two to three productions each year. She directs a summer camp that uses music and drama as a foundation for children to explore and develop their creative potential.
Major benefits: Exposing children to the arts is crucial. Children often make great strides in their physical and emotional development when exposed to the fine arts. They learn to think creatively and work together with others. They gain confidence and learn life skills. Ideal ages to begin: She works mainly with children 5 to 11,
but knows various arts begin for toddlers. Ready or not? Each child is different. Even if kids don’t want to participate firsthand in the arts, they should be exposed as an avid spectator by attending art galleries, concerts, plays and other events.
Best advice: Allow your children to try an instrument or join a
singing group or audition for a play. Encourage them to take a class or attend an artistic event. Support them in their efforts, even if you have no interest or ability yourself. You may be unlocking a door for that child that’s rich with future possibilities. A child may not want to pursue a career in the arts, but he/she needs artistic nourishment to thrive as a well-rounded human being.
18 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
Source: Mary J. Tollefson, 22 years as a professional music teacher and 38 years of involvement in piano. She teaches piano, group piano, piano pedagogy and music appreciation at the University level.
fine motor and listening skills; fosters discipline and brain development. Music is an aural art; it helps students learn to listen in ways that other arts do not require to appreciate. Music is collaborative; students learn to work together in a very creative way to create something bigger than their individual contributions.
Ideal ages to begin: Ages vary. Kindermusik is one example
of a program that begins for 2-year-olds and up. For piano, the Suzuki method recommends starting ages of 3 to 4. Most traditional piano methods recommend 5 to 6 years old. Take into consideration your child’s ability to sit for at least a half hour lesson. Some piano teachers require students to know the alphabet and/or to be able to read. For violin and other stringed instruments, kids can start as early as 4, but smaller versions are used. Most children begin band instruments in fifth grade because of the instrument’s size and the child’s breathing capacity.
Best advice: Enjoy the art of music with them. Sit down and listen to them play the piano or whatever instrument they’re enjoying. Give them your full attention when they’re performing music. Ask them questions about their music and praise them when they do practice. Take them to concerts and recitals. Other tips: Communicate with the teacher. The same assignment
given to three students may be overwhelming for one child, while another needs more challenges. Sometimes a little feedback to the teacher is helpful. If a child seems reluctant to practice, start with a very short period of time. This depends on the student’s level and amount of assigned music. Ask them to practice more often rather than all at one time during the day. For example, ask them to practice while the pizza finishes baking. Younger students can understand that isn’t too long. Find a teacher who has definite expectations and goals, but clearly enjoys sharing music. Printed on Recycled Content Paper
Dance
Other tips: Be diligent in teaching your child to commit to attending dance class – or any arts class - for a season or set amount of time before quitting.
Source: Mary Beth Maynard, owner/director of Dance Quest International; studied dance since she was a young child; worked as a dance instructor for more than 17 years; danced in several special performances at DisneyWorld.
“Unfortunately, this is a growing issue for children today in our society. The downside to giving in to your child’s request to quitting is they’ve lost the experience and lesson of commitment and, possibly, an opportunity to truly fall in love with dance and discover their gift in dance,” Maynard says.
Major benefits: Correct body posture, muscle discipline, balance,
coordination, flexibility, grace and showmanship. It’s a great physical activity as an aerobic workout. Many dance programs encourage a proper diet to support this activity. Beyond the physical, dance instruction develops discipline, love and self-worth while enhancing children’s personalities, character and social and spiritual growth.
That goes for any experience – stay strong in maintaining that your children keep their commitment for the season or school year. In the end, after they get over the rough spots, they may thank you and eagerly sign up for next session. It’s a vital life lesson: don’t quit.
Ideal ages to begin: Success can happen at most ages. Whether
it’s a 2-year-old exploring dance for the first time or a teenager giving dance a test, most discover within the first six months if dance is her or his thing. A 5- or 6-year-old (around this age range) may have the greatest chance of really developing a love for dance because this is the age when you see technique truly developed.
Best advice for parents: Stay involved by watching classes
and performances and having weekly open discussions about classes. Stay away from being the critic. Let the child’s teacher do that. Just be their biggest supporter and cheerleader. Share in their excitement for what takes place in their growth and accomplishments. Keep your child in ballet as the foundational discipline of dance for as long as possible. Other studies of dance will be easier to attain with a strong background in ballet.
Thinking of
Kim Seidel is the mother of two daughters, both of whom are heavily involved in the arts in various ways, including dance, drama, music, jewelry-making and photography. She’s grateful for the abundance of opportunities for her girls to enjoy the arts.
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
19
FAMILY fun
Getting
Garden-Ready! By Chelle Costello
Spring is tantalizingly near: the crocuses have bloomed, and the icy wind has grown milder.
There’s a gentleness present in the air, and we’re all resisting the urge to go about without coats in fifty-degree weather. But if you’re like me, you’re also feverishly making plans for that garden. Can’t wait another minute? Here are some tips to get started on your May garden in March.
Plan
Not sure what to plant? Want some help designing your garden? Let these garden-planning sites spark your spring dreaming as the snow melts. www.bhg.com Free downloadable garden plans and gardenplanning tools galore. www.gardeners.com Kitchen-focused gardens, pre-planned or designed. smartgardener.com For those of you who’d like an in-depth plan, try this free service! SmartGardener takes into account your zip code, family size and season, then helps you design, choose plants and even creates a list of to-do reminders for you as the season progresses. Never under-water those flowers again!
Prepare
Need an excuse to get started in the yard before it’s warm enough to plant? Your beautiful garden will require not only planning, but preparation. Here are a few things to knock off your green thumb’s list: Get in the dirt. March is a great time to weed early (before the buggers spread), add an organic mulch and/or compost to your beds and check for soggy spots in the yard. Organic mulch is usually given away by the city, but it does run out, so get it early. Also, since you’re in the garden, stepping around can cause unhealthy soil compression, so why not place some lovely stepping stones in strategic places? Alternating thawed and frozen soil can cause a plant to pop up out of its hole. Check for any of these from last year’s growth and tamp them down again with your foot. Remove any dead growth from perennial bulbs, and test the soil to check its pH level. At this point, you can also use sand instead of salt on sidewalks and driveways if you’re concerned about your plants’ health. Prune. March is the best time to prune most shrubs and trees, simply because you can see what you’re doing. Make sure you do this before the buds swell, and don’t be afraid to remove dead branches. Also, cutting 20 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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Something special for you, (stylish maternity clothes)
your little one,
(personalized items)
back some trees (like apple) will produce early flowering for a spring treat. This is a good time to transplant or plant shrubs and trees so that they have time to get their roots established before the summer heat.
Lansers andthe daddy. Natural Way
(overstuffed recliners)
Clean-up. You probably removed leaves and twigs from your yard, but there’s a good chance some have blown back in. Take the time to remove dead branches, twigs and leaves, and cut back vines where you don’t want them. Sow. You can begin seedlings indoors right now for summer vegetables and annuals, and some hardy vegetables like potatoes, onions, leeks, kale and turnips can be planted outdoors, along with spring bulbs like lilies, gladiolas and dahlias. For indoor seedlings, I’ve found that placing them on a warming mat under light will help them grow quickly. Use a seed-starting mix to prevent seedling deaths.
Build
With innovative gardening solutions, space is becoming less of a hindrance to our green oasis dreams. If you’re trying to garden in small spaces, think about square foot or vertical gardening, because now is the time to start building. Materials can be cheap or free if found on Craigslist, and DIY projects abound at Gardenista.com and even Pinterest.com. All you need is a little research to fulfill your desire for a beautiful spring.
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Chelle Costello lives in South Bend and teaches English at Indiana University.
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THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
21
FAMILY fun
By Evelyn Kirkwood
Go
Green for Easter Creating Memorable Easter Experiences
M
y fondest memories of Easter as a child are of hunting for eggs in the garden. Our hidden eggs were the old-fashioned hard-boiled and dyed variety. Searching for a speck of lavender under the lilacs or blue beside the bird bath, the fun was in the hunt. If you ask most parents about their childhood Easter memories, they remember coloring eggs or finding their baskets, but many don’t recall what was stuffed inside the plastic eggs or basket hidden in the yard. It is the experience they remember. Today, stores are filled with options for easy-to-purchase, fun-today, bored-tomorrow, pre-packaged Easter baskets and trinkets, much of which ends up in a landfill. Fortunately, there are some great options for creating family experiences, and making the holiday a little ‘greener’ at the same time. Coloring eggs together is an entertaining learning activity for young children who can experiment with blending colors. According to PAAS, they sell about 10,000,000 packages of Easter egg dye kits each year. But, your kitchen is probably already stocked with all the supplies you need. 22 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
By Evelyn Kirkwood
Make Your Own Easter Egg Dye
Add about 20 drops of food coloring and a tablespoon of vinegar to a half cup of water in mugs or custard cups. To boost creativity, have the kids create designs on the eggs with a crayon before dipping them. The crayon wax will resist the food coloring, allowing the egg color to show through. Spread plenty of newspaper or old towels, because the food coloring may stain your work surface. Buff the wax off the egg after it dries. Natural dyes are easy to make and can be a combination science and art project for the kids. Boiling yellow onion skins in water makes an orange dye. Boiling red cabbage leaves yields a bluish-purple tint. Cranberry juice, red wine, strong coffee, cooked carrots, herbal teas and many spices are all potential colorants your ‘scientist-artists’ can experiment with for a fun family afternoon. Many liquids can be used as is; dry ingredients should be boiled in a small amount of water and a little vinegar and allowed to cool.
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More Green Easter Ideas
• Save and re-use Easter baskets, Easter grass and plastic snap-together eggs. • Make an Easter basket from a box, a plastic milk carton or purchase one at a thrift shop. • Instead of plastic grass (which is made from petroleum products) use shredded office paper, a bandanna, a scarf or a soft hat to line a basket. • Use local free-range eggs. Brown eggs dye beautifully in warm, soft colors. • Eliminate some over-packaged sugary treats and chocolates and sprinkle in coupons for family experiences. How about a pass for the roller rink, a picnic at the park, a horseback or carousel ride, a trip to a children’s museum or the zoo?
Uptown Classic Kitchen Image Photo
• Add treats such as dried fruit or gum. • Include non-edible treats such as pencils, bubbles, a jump rope, sidewalk chalk, mini-puzzles, modeling clay and books. • Don’t purchase little ducklings, rabbits and chicks unless you have space, amenable neighbors and zoning that allows it. Caring for them is a responsibility that increases as the animals grow up! Instead, in your child’s name, adopt an endangered animal, such as a sea turtle, through the World Wildlife Fund. Donate to Heifer International to sponsor ducks or chicks for a family in a developing country. The best ‘green’ Easter experience is to spend some time outside, searching for eggs, hiking through a park or playing on the playground!
Evelyn Kirkwood is Director of St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana and host of Outdoor Elements, which is broadcast Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm on WNIT Public Television.
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THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
23
FAMILY fun
Easter Treat This craft can be adjusted to any occasion or holiday! Craft by Jill Lebbin
Materials:
Paper tube, square piece of paper, candy, rectangle paper, glue stick, flower embellishment (can be found at craft stores in the $1 section), tag.
Steps:
1. Take paper square and wrap around paper tube. 2. Tuck ends in. 3. Use glue stick on rectangle paper and place on top of where the square did not cover. 4. Allow to dry (it doesn’t take too long). 5. Push one paper tube end in once dry. 6. Put candy inside. 7. Push other end in. 8. Wrap ribbon around or place a flower embellishment on top using hot glue. 9. Write a little note on a tag and hot glue onto the top. 10. Enjoy!
24 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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• Meet the teachers and tour the school. • Examine the curriculum. • Learn about the admissions process and financial aid options. • Learn about School Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers).
Elkhart Christian Academy
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~ Dr. Matt Brennan
Jill Lebbin is a wife, mother, craft fanatic and DIY blogger at www.EveryDayisanOccasion. com. She and her husband Marcel have been married for five years and love living in Granger with their two spunky kids, Marcel Jr. and Lilly.
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
25
FAMILY travel
Homeward-Bound
Heart By Michelle Wegner
O
ur family has traveled a lot together. I mean a lot. We took our toddlers to Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Poland all on one trip. When they were a bit older, we brought them along to India twice on a mission trip while researching our book. These were phenomenal trips, but trust me when I say that there is nothing glamorous about traveling with small children, and there is no place like home.
racing with anticipation as we drove up to the top tier parking level. The girls grew more excited at each character sign they saw. “There’s Mickey! There’s Ariel!” shouting together, while my pregnant self took yet another sip of the anti-nausea medication.
If you are a parent with small children, you know how important all their special ‘stuff ’ is to them. Special blankies, special socks, special teddy bears...you know you cannot leave your driveway without them, or a nuclear fallout will come from your tiny tots in the backseat. Packing and repacking these items becomes a full-time list-making job, and you have to check it four times before you leave.
“Just ahead, sweetie,” he said as he gave me the deer-in-the-headlights look. We both knew what was happening. I yanked off my jacket and tosssed it onto her lap just in time for her vomit to spatter all over me, the jacket and her big sister. I am not joking when I say that, one second later, big sister took one look at little sister and took her turn throwing up on my jacket, her little sister and all over the rental car. And this, my friends, is the only memory our girls (now 14 and 12) have of our first magical trip to Disneyland. All that money, travel, time... for one memory of barf-covered clothes.
On one of our trips, we were traveling with eleven other adults and our two small girls through the hillsy, side-winding roads of Poland. I had done a great job of packing juice boxes and animal crackers in their own suitcase for our trip, knowing they might be hard to come by in a place we didn’t really know. Maddie had her special blankie (affectionately named ‘Stringy’ because of all the strings she pulled loose over the past four years of her little life). Our two-year-old, Whitney, was busy entertaining the vanload of adult friends with little else to do than hang on for dear life. Then it happened. Maddie looked at me and said, “I don’t feel good.” Immediately, our driver sensed the tone and pulled to the side of the road, but it was too late. There was already vomit all over her lacy white shirt and on Stringy. We did what any good parents would do in a foreign country: we dumped the shirt on the side of the road in Poland. I feel so bad for littering, but we were out of options. We were about to pitch Stringy to the hills until there was a loud wail from a heartbroken four-year-old. Someone dug out a bag, and we stuffed Stringy in it to be dealt with later. This comprises the only memory our girls have of our Eastern European trip. Barf and the lacy white shirt being tossed out on the side of the road. A year later, after forgetting how difficult travel with young children is, we took a family vacation to the Magic Kingdom! Our hearts were
Then we heard, sullenly, “Daddy, when we stop? My head spinning,” from our sweet red-headed three-year-old Whitney.
While we have had many mishaps such as these, we have had countless memorable moments as well. While traveling with small children can be challenging, I’d like to encourage you by saying that some of our best family moments have been on the road.
Here are six things we have done to keep our sanity while on the road with young kids: 1. Have an Anchor. Everyone, including Moms and Dads, need
an anchor to home: something that will bring the comfort of home to wherever you are and whatever you are doing. For me, it’s peanut butter. For Maddie, it was Stringy until a whole bag of her clothes got swiped somewhere in London and Stringy went missing forever. (Insert sad, dramatic music.) We always put a glorious spin on Stringy’s demise: “At least he met his end in London, not in some random garbage dump in Indiana.”
2. Keep it Simple. You can rely on your wits to get you through a situation more than you think you can. There is nothing worse when you are traveling than trying to juggle a thousand toys,
books, or movies while trying not to lose your children in airport security or on the luggage carousel.
3. Let Go of Control. Rides will be late.
Blankies will be lost. Sleep will not come as you’d hoped. Let it go. It’s all a part of the experience. Your life will be fuller and richer for the memories you are making along the way.
4. Don’t Overschedule.
They (and you) will need probably more rest while away from home. Schedule rest time, or a day off from ‘vacation’ while you are on vacation. Regrouping and getting everyone on the same time clock will ensure many more happy days of travel.
Pulse FM/WHME
5. Meet Your Own Needs.
Take a little time for yourself every day, even if it means waking up before the little ones. Make your coffee. Step outside and breathe in strength for the day. You’ll need it, and you can be better to your family if you are centered and strong.
6. There’s No Place Like Home.
Traveling is great fun. But, honestly, there will be about three things your children remember from those epic trips. Those memories won’t be the ones you’ve spent hours calculating and dreaming up. Home is comfort, a place of rest and peace. Home is what they will remember most of all.
Michelle Wegner is a wife, mom, freelance writer, and author of the book Share the Well, stories about life in Southern India. She and her husband Rob have been married for 19 years and enjoy living in Granger with their three delightfully spirited teen and tween girls, Maddie, Whitney, and Isabelle.
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THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
27
FAMILY features
• Home is Where the Heart Is
Make
Your Own Baby Food
I
A quick guide to the simplicity of homemade baby food
’m going to let you in on a little secret: making your own baby food isn’t difficult. In fact, it can be quick, easy and more budgetfriendly than the pre-packaged foods found in the grocery store. Plus, when you make it yourself, you know exactly what is going into it. You don’t have to worry about hidden preservatives, additives and more. I know as a busy parent already, you’re probably thinking that making baby food is time-consuming. In all honesty, it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Over the last seven years and three kids, I’ve bought two jars of baby food. That’s it. Instead of getting the pre-made stuff, we often serve our babies the same foods we are eating, so the only time it takes to make baby food is the time it takes to mash or cut the food to the appropriate size and consistency for the baby. I should start by saying that our doctor encouraged us to wait to start solids until our babies were closer to a year old. The general recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics is to start solids around six months of age. Our babies were exclusively breastfed and thriving, so our doctor suggested we wait. We started them around nine months of age instead and the first couple of months of meals were for them to experiment with food rather than to replace a breastfeeding session. The following are a few tips we’ve learned from feeding our own babies:
Get the gadgets.
Food grinders, food mills, hand blenders and even just a fork are good for quickly pureeing food to the consistency you need. Ice cube trays are great for freezing extras if you make a larger batch. Simply fill each compartment with the food and freeze. Once it’s frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag or other container. Thaw the portion you need. Steamers and slow cookers are good tools to have in preparing the food. We often make applesauce in the crockpot and freeze it in ice cube trays. We simply peel and chop a bag or two of apples, and place them in the slow cooker with some cinnamon and water. We let it cook overnight. Not only does the baby love it, but it leaves our house smelling great. 28 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
By Meagan Church
Prepare the food.
A lot of what our baby eats is what the rest of our family is eating and is prepared in the same way. This gets the baby used to eating with us instead of having something special prepared. It gets her accustomed to the same smells, tastes and textures as what the rest of our family is eating. You can also make small portions of fruits and veggies and more by steaming, cooking or microwaving what you need and then pureeing the food to the right consistency.
Season it up.
Bland isn’t always better for babies. When a baby is breastfed, the flavors of the foods the mother eats are passed to the baby through her milk. Breastfed babies are accustomed to changing flavors, so don’t be afraid to add some seasoning to your baby’s food. If you don’t want the baby to eat the full potency of what you’re preparing for the rest of the family, just set aside a small portion before you fully season the entire dish. That being said, go light on the salt and sugar, and be sure to not use honey or corn syrup until your baby is over one year of age.
Save for later.
It is advised to not save leftovers once the baby’s saliva has come into contact with the food because it could grow bacteria. Start by serving small portions. For perishable foods, the unused portions can be put into the refrigerator in an air-tight container for a day or two, or frozen for a couple of months.
Get their hands dirty.
Our youngest child, Adelyn, skipped the purees altogether. She decided she’d rather feed herself. This meant we had to find creative ways to serve her certain foods, such as oatmeal. My solution has been what we call the Addie Cake. It’s a sort of pancake made of oatmeal, water and either pumpkin or applesauce. I cook it in a skillet until it’s firm enough for her to grasp and feed herself. She loves it and I love that I don’t have to hover near her with a spoon to try to feed her. Instead, I can enjoy my own dinner. Adelyn’s other favorite finger foods are avocadoes, steamed apples, soft pears, bananas, chopped green beans, sweet potatoes, finely chopped chicken, noodles, cheese and pumpkin muffins, pancakes and waffles. Printed on Recycled Content Paper
We often infer that “homemade” means the task will be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply take a look at the meals you’re already preparing and see what’s appropriate for your baby. Eating the same food as your baby may actually have another benefit: you might end up eating a few more veggies for yourself.
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Pumpkin Banana Muffins 1 cup flour 1 cup whole wheat flour ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg 2 eggs 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 cup sugar ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup milk 1 large banana, mashed
St Thomas Apostle School St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School 1331 North Main Street Elkhart, IN 46514
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flours, baking soda, salt and spices in one bowl. Set aside. Beat eggs, pumpkin, sugars, milk and banana in a large bowl until well mixed. Add dry ingredients and stir. Pour into greased cupcake pan. Bake for about 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Store in an airtight container for a few days or freeze for later use. Optional: I like to add chocolate chips to part of the batter. The baby gets the plain muffins, but the rest of the family enjoys a bit of chocolate in their muffins. Meagan Church is a writer and mother of three kids. Her current projects include DefiningMotherhood, and Unexpectant where she explores the realities of modern motherhood for her book project.
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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FAMILY features
• Home is Where the Heart Is
The Psychology of Your Child’s Bedroom Décor By Renae Johnson
W
stated that yellow has been shown to upset babies. “Yellow is a color children avoid because it is like sunlight to the reptilian mind and that is bad. So infants cry to tell the parents that they need to be put in the shade,” he says. You can read more of his insights at www.waltergraff.com.
COLOR
Yellow is also associated with sickness, like jaundice, and with fear. You can keep the walls white and use a stencil to create yellow sunflowers to keep it in moderation.
hat is your favorite color? Your answer may be influenced by many factors: age, gender, location, personal beliefs or environment. When I began writing this article, I thought I was merely writing about the psychological effect of bedroom décor on a child. Maybe I’d throw in some nifty creative ideas. I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did. As I researched the topic, I found that colors were the most prominent factor in decorating your child’s bedroom. In her article Color Psychology: How Color Affects Kids, Kitty Lascurain explains that certain colors have an effect on a child’s mood, happiness, academic success and even health. For example, the color red has been found to excite, stimulate and empower but, if you already have an aggressive and hyper child, painting their bedroom red may further aggravate. Red may also cause headaches and an inability to focus, thereby hindering your child’s academic performance. Red can also raise blood pressure, heart rate and cause anxiety. On the opposite end of the color spectrum rests blue. In direct contrast to red, blue is cool, calming and relaxing. It lowers blood pressure and calms frayed nerves. Choosing to paint your child’s bedroom in blue may help your child with trouble sleeping to rest easier. “Children who have trouble sleeping or are prone to tantrums and other behavioral problems may benefit from spending time in a blue environment,” says Lascurain – so blue may also help tame an unruly child! This sounds like great news! But don’t run out and buy those Smurfthemed bed sheets just yet. Blue is also attributed to cold, ice, loneliness and depression. Painting your son’s bedroom in blue would be beneficial as long as you temper it with other colors. One idea is to paint three walls in blue and leave one white. Girls can enjoy the color blue as well: lighter shades like sky blue with white clouds to break up the consistency. Many cultures believe that blue is the most positive of the colors with the least amount of negative side effects. Pink is another color known for calming effects – often, prison walls are painted pink to soothe the prisoners and alleviate violent tendencies. Another rather influential color calling my attention was yellow; sunny, bright, happy yellow. When using a subtle, delicate yellow to decorate your child’s bedroom, you can promote concentration. Enriched shades of yellow can motivate and can improve your child’s mood and demeanor. However, if your child is just a baby, avoid using this loud color. One study done by Walter Graff, author of “Color or Color: The Psychology of Color”, 30 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
If your child is older and enjoys the color yellow (or any color, for that matter), let them. Some colors bring us certain feelings based upon environment. Your child may have a reason that he/she may not understand why they are more attracted to certain colors, even if they seem to carry a negative stigma on the color wheel. Maybe Grandma always wore yellow and it’s calming to them. The mind knows what is best in that situation. After discussing my findings with my husband, he recalled how, when he was a child, he insisted that his bedroom be painted blue no matter where they moved. In fact, the more his mother attempted to lighten the shade, the more he fought for darker, richer blue hues.
SOUND
Continuing my quest for knowledge, I stumbled upon a notion that I adopted at a young age: sound. I can go to sleep in a pitch black room, a light on, muggy temperatures, etc. But I cannot sleep without my fan on. White noise, the constant hum without variation, something to break up the monotony of complete silence, is something many children benefit from. Implementing a sound machine with a constant ambient sound may help your little one fall asleep and stay asleep. Jenny McNamara, Manager of Once Upon a Child in Mishawaka, agrees: “I would recommend a crib soother or sound machine for drowning out sounds and for comfort,” she says. Using an air purifier for allergens that purrs like a fan can muffle background family noise like the TV, a slamming door or a noisy neighborhood. The best white noise, however, is natural white noise. Jesse Hsieh, M.D., says, “White noise, throughout ancient history, has been nature’s music – like birds and rhythmic sounds like the waves of the ocean – more relaxing than man's modern ‘white noise’.”
SMELL
Using an air purifier would also help with my next finding: smells. Allergies can keep a troubled child awake with sneezing and wheezing; even dander in your child’s over-hugged teddy bear can be a culprit. Give Teddy a spin through your washing machine once a month to lessen the bedtime sniffles and stuffiness. In particular, scent has a connection with mood. “Anything foul will immediately Printed on Recycled Content Paper
spoil a wonderful day or time,” says Dr. Hsieh. “Alternatively, perfume companies spend millions trying to find the scents that create a mood for us. If we smell good, we'll feel good.” We can also add items to aid in sleep. Decorate your child’s room with sachets filled with lavender. You can add in a splash of color by hanging them on the wall or tossing them on the bed with the pillows. For boys, hide them under the bed or corners of dresser drawers. Lavender has been shown to relax and calm the mind and body, making sleep come more easily. Even a little lavender oil dabbed onto a tissue and left on the nightstand may help put your child into scented slumber.
LIGHT
Electronics should be switched off at least an hour before bedtime. Keeping a TV out of your child’s bedroom is highly recommended. One good idea is to use blackout curtains. Limiting the light from outside sources and on late night trips to the bathroom helps your child to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. My daughter also wears a little eye mask that says ‘Diva’ on it so her eyes stay shut during sleep. It’s functional and expressional. The darker the room at night, the better your child will sleep. But, if you have a child that refuses to sleep in pitch dark, use a very dim night light and give them an eye mask. Let them know that the light is there if they need it but the mask will shield them from a bright room. Many doctor’s offices keep fish aquariums in their waiting rooms because it’s very calming and therapeutic. “"Studies have shown that having an aquarium in the waiting room of a dental office and having the patients watch it before dental work reduces anxiety and is almost as good as hypnosis," says J. W. Chase in his 2012 article Aquariums - Therapeutic Values Of Owning An Aquarium. Letting your child have a few pet fish in a bubbly tank might have the same effect. Just remember to turn the tank light off at bedtime. Now you have the tools to get started on your child’s bedroom. No matter the gender of your child, they will surely benefit from a calm, relaxing and uncluttered bedroom that will ensure your little one a good night’s sleep in an eye-pleasing space.
Renae Johnson is a happily married fiction author with one lovely daughter and a St. Bernard/Chow mix who lives in Niles, MI.
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FAMILY features
• Home is Where the Heart Is
Tots in the
Garden By Andie Kingsbury
Gardening
doesn’t have to be expensive, and it is a great way to recycle. You can grow flavor-packed, nutrient-loaded produce in your backyard or on your apartment patio, leaving grocery store prices on the shelves. You can reduce waste by repurposing commonly discarded items like paper product rolls. When you grow your own produce, you can usually get the kids to try vegetables they would normally turn their noses up at. When a child takes ownership of the growing process, they are more likely to want to enjoy the rewards! There may still be snow, frost and northern winds, but it’s not too early to start. Don’t wait until the danger of frost has passed to start this year’s vegetables. Your kids will have so much fun planting tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, lettuce, melons and cucumbers to inhabit a sunlit
window indoors. When planning your garden space, be sure to give the kids their own space and let them make some of their own veggie choices. Since kids will often eat what they grow, it might be fun to include unusually colored varieties, like blue potatoes! Even if you don’t think anyone will like them, radishes sprout quickly bringing more immediate gratification to the youngest of the gardeners. These can be planted in a row with a slower crop like carrots to mark the row while you wait for the carrots to sprout. Your favorite little helpers can easily create biodegradable seedling starters using empty toilet paper tubes. Using child-friendly scissors, have him cut toilet paper rolls in half horizontally. Next, he should snip evenly placed, vertical slits around the bottom edge of the roll. He should now bend the flaps in to create a closed bottom. The last step is to decorate the rolls with a picture of the vegetable being planted. Once the seedling starter tubes are complete, he should fill the tubes with soil, plant the seed, and water. These can be planted directly into the ground at planting time, leaving the roots undisturbed. No space? Container gardening is a great way to get growing in smaller spaces. Consider a themed garden as you encourage your daughter to decorate her pots to create unique planters. She may have fun drawing faces on the planters so that the growing vegetation appears as hair or hats. Tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and lettuce are all good choices for container gardening, as are kitchen herbs like peppermint, basil, thyme or rosemary. Container gardens need to be watered more often than plants which have been planted in the ground, so make sure she has
32 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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a watering wand to help soak all the plants a couple of times a day. Dirt doesn’t hurt, but animal feces are another story. Make sure your children know good hygiene practices. Let them dig to their heart’s content, but before they pop a big, juicy strawberry into their mouths, wash their hands (as well as the produce.) Animals may leave gross surprises in the garden that blend with the soil making it nearly impossible to know if you’ve hit a nasty surprise such as an egg sac of tapeworms. Stay clean and stay safe: wash!
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Consider donating some of your harvests to the local food bank. Take a field trip there before planting to discover if there is a crop that stands year after year in high demand. Armed with that information, sow extra seeds to be shared with others. Teach children about sharing and caring from an early age and watch them grow to become more compassionate and merciful towards others. Gardening with your young children can be a rewarding experience. Guide them as they learn the value of hard work, the satisfaction of seeing a task through to completion and the joy of sharing. The time you spend together will be remembered for years to come, and the lessons that will be learned can impact them for a lifetime.
Sugar Camp Days St. Joseph County March 16-17, 2013
Parks
Bendix Woods County Park New Carlisle – off State Road 2
Andie Kingsbury, author of the blog “Ours+His+Mine=Nine!”, is the mother/ stepmother of seven boys and two girls, so she knows how to stretch a budget! She and her husband live in Elkhart.
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Pancake Breakfast Visit the Sugar House Artisan Demonstrations Maple Chili Dogs Wagon Rides Entertainment Kids Crafts Famous Maple Baked Goods Sale! $7/vehicle 574-654-3155 www.sjcparks.org THE
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&
Lovable Adoptable! Shep
Shep is a 9-month-old Shepherd mix that came to the shelter as a stray. Shep would benefit from a home that will help her through the puppy stage. She is very eager to learn with treats and listens well. Shep would do well in an active environment. If interested in seeing Shep, come to the shelter and visit with her!
Zazzles
Zazzles is a 1 year, 7 month old orange and white cat! He loves to be petted and to be with people. He is already neutered and ready for someone to rescue and love him! Come see Zazzles and take him home with you.
To visit with Shep, Zazzles or any of the other lovable and adoptable pets, please contact: Humane Society of Elkhart County 54687 County Road 19 Bristol, IN 46507 574-848-4225 Photos by Kristin McKibbin of McKibbin Photography 34 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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Hey Kids! Color this page and win! The coloring contest winners will be featured in our June issue of FAMILY Magazine! One winner will be selected from each of the three following age categories: 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12 years of age.
NAME: _________________________________________ AGE: ______ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ CITY: ___________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _________ DAY TIME PHONE: __________________________________________ PARENT’S NAME: ___________________________________________ E-MAIL: ____________________________________________________
For your chance to WIN, color your best picture and mail entries to: The family magazines • 1233 e. University drive • granger, IN 46530. Coloring contest is open to children 12 years and under, and entries must be mailed by April 8th, 2013. Winners will be notified via phone or email service by Family Magazines by April 15th, 2013, and their artwork will be featured in an upcoming issue along with their first name and age. For additional coloring contest entries, this coloring page may be photocopied and printed off.
O Z D J U T B S T Z V U V Y M S B Y A N J U A S P R I N G A J M L U K N R Q S L K N D T R F U H K D U R B V K U A Q F C E M Y A I V R N L B E G S K H N S Y F A Z Z I L C X T E F E T B I U K E M L X P V A L O Y R S G R H C R U H C T X B P L E X Y K P H C B U W I S B L R A O M O Q R K C I H C G U M C T A Q Q T L U A Z V M G B M F S G R G C P P S E V E E N B U R G R J M E Y D M Q X D S A A N S O A E N I T H Y Q N E Y E X P C P S S E J K D V Y U R U O N S X T S E D N N K F I J L O D D U O Z Y T D W V F I G S L E O T J J B J A I J U U N X U E E T A R O C E D H L L Z J C A N D Y H X K X O J F M R O
Wagon Wheel Theatre Have Fun! Spring Bunny Candy Basket Toys Treats Sunday 36 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
Find the words below in the FAMILY Magazines Easter word search puzzle. Words can be forwards, backwards, diagonal, vertical or horizontal.
Church Bubbles Eggs Hunt Outside Grass Decorate
Hidden Surprise March Fluffy Peeps Chick Printed on Recycled Content Paper
family recipes
Twice-Baked
Potatoes
Ingredients: 4 large baking potatoes 1 C sour cream ½ C real bacon bits 2 C shredded cheddar cheese ½ C diced green onions 4 T butter
Preparation: Bake potatoes at 400 degrees for one hour. Slice off tops of potatoes, scoop out centers and leave shell. Mash potatoes with sour cream, bacon bits, cheddar cheese and butter. Beat until fluffy and spoon back into shells. Bake potatoes once again at 350 degrees for twenty minutes. Add green onions to top when baked. Cool slightly and serve.
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family stuff kids say
a d d Ya a d d Ya
We asked our Facebook readers, “What are some funny things your kids have said?” Here are some of their answers: Ethan (7) about his little brother, Milo (4): I've only got about five nerves, or maybe two. He gets on all of them. I'll have to borrow one!" ~ Grandma Deb
Have a Y you'd likadda Yadda e to shar e? Send it t o: stephan m ie@ milymag azine.com
ichianafa
“Liam, where is the remote?” “I opened the front door and it walked right out.” (mimics walking with 2 fingers) ~ Kristen
When I would tell our son, Nolan, to behave, he would say, “I AM being have!” ~ Rebekah
My three-year-old son Cade bumped his head with a toy he had been swinging in the air, producing a small lump. Once he finished crying and holding the spot he had bumped, he looked at me and said, "Mom, there's a mountain on my head." He has a very good swing, it appears. ~ Andie 38 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
My 5-year-old son was playing hockey in the backyard with my nephew and my brothers. My brother got hit in a sensitive place with the ball. He went and sat down on the deck. My son went over to him and said, “Uncle Cam, it’s hockey. You’re gonna get hurt”. ~ Amanda R.
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family mommy & daddy
One Man’s Trash…
S
o what did you do today? A simple question, really – yet, one I can rarely answer. My jobs as Maid, Policewoman, Teacher, Doctor, Psychologist, Mediator, Veterinarian, Seamstress, Chef, Sanitation Engineer, Accountant and Transportation Director leave me mentally vacant at day’s end. But today, I know exactly what I did all day. I was in Court. Five minutes after putting Aiden on the bus to Kindergarten, my 4-year-old, Reece, asks me, “Where is my Triceratops?” I tell him I surely don’t know and explain to him the importance of putting toys back in their proper place. One long blank stare later, he repeats the question. Thus our quest began. We started in his bedroom. At first glance, his room looks pretty organized, but it’s all a big lie. A few years ago, tired of the constant clutter, I purchased every plastic organizational bin Target had on the shelves. Unfortunately, there is nothing organized about them. They are big black holes of junk crammed into a square cube with the lid closing only if sat upon. Basically, I am hiding my kids stuff like a squirrel. As I pry open the lid of bin #3, a dinosaur explodes out of the heap. “Found it!” I shout. “That’s not it” Reece scorns. “I want the squishy Triceratops with the spots,” he implores. We pressed on. Plastic cube after plastic cube, pile after pile. What was this junk? Do we need it? Do you guys play with 40 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
By Jane Suter
this stuff? Where did it come from? What the heck is this? So I decide to turn this debacle into a teaching opportunity. “Let’s sort through some of this stuff and decide what to keep and what to throw out. We can even give some to charity,” I declare. “WHAT?” Reece fires back as though I had just asked him to donate a limb. “But, this is robot guy, we can’t get rid of this! This is yellow rabbit and I LOOOOOOVE him….!” Between his pleas and ‘puh-leeezes’, my object lesson had turned into a courtroom drama. Reece, known family-wide for his great debating skills, was the public defender of the refuse. I was the harried judge, robe and all. I presided over Lincoln Logs and stuffed animals, long-forgotten toys and one thing I suspected was petrified chewing gum. As each piece of evidence was introduced, I was regaled with heartfelt testimony. “THIS purple marble is soooo great. You just can’t throw it out. It would be lonely.” Next he begged for leniency for the crocodile. He strategically debated the importance of a pile of tiny broken plastic pieces calling them treasures, NOT trash. The McDonalds talking toy which now bleats a moan of electronic death is hailed as art. One by one, each object was given a stay of execution. In a stunning mid-trial turn of events, Evil Emperor Zerg AND Bendy Man escaped banishment. The 487 plush toys, quickly given names as a last-ditch effort to humanize them, were pardoned. Yo-Yos and robots alike were agonized over and escaped conviction. The scales of justice swung wildly this day. Even the fossilized gum got off. I was at a loss, and the Triceratops that started it all was still not found. I was left Printed on Recycled Content Paper
wondering where all this junkie stuff comes from… and who paid for it?
Excellence in Early Childhood Education
After what seemed like an eternity in court, we broke for lunch. The ‘toss it’ pile consisted of a playing card, mangled Pick-Up Sticks and two scraps of paper. The bins were still full and, after a PBJ and some milk, so was the four-year-old attorney. Too exhausted to continue, I granted a Judicial Pardon for the rest of the piles and closed the case.
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We never did find the squishy Triceratops, but we did find the game spinner for Candyland, a long-missing Leapster Game, his manta ray, dice and the $12 sunglasses (I KNOW!) I had to buy when he lost the last pair. I wonder: will the clutter ever stop piling up or do I have to buy another skid of containers? Maybe I’ll leave the trash…I mean treasures… alone for now. I just don’t think I could go through another trial.
at the
Early Childhood Development Center at Saint Mary’s College
The prosecution rests.
Jane Suter is an award-winning writer and mom of two very energetic boys, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade. Born in Chicago, she is proud of her Midwestern roots.
NAEYC Accredited – Promoting Excellence in Early Childhood Education
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Jane Suter is an award-winning writer and mom of two very energetic boys, one in kindergarten and thenew other inconcepts second grade. Evolving Born in Chicago, she is proud of her Midwestern roots.
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family mommy & daddy
Confessions
of a Mortified Mom Handling Public Tantrums By Heather Van Deest
It’s happened more times than I care to count: public meltdowns that have my three-year-old in tears and me about to join him. At a recent dinner, my son exploded into screams shortly after we arrived, just after the selecting of toys and attempts at sharing commenced among play pals. I scooped him up and looked for a quiet place to reason with him away from the guests. But we were outside, without the option of a quick escape or a corner in which to talk. As my son shrieked louder and I felt the stares from friends and acquaintances, I forgot my earlier resolutions to practice being calmer with my son during meltdowns and to try to work through them together. “Stop crying,” I said in an impatient tone. My son kept screeching, I started begging him to stop, and both of us grew more upset by the second. I will admit that the biggest reason I dread public tantrums is the embarrassment factor and concern about how others might perceive my son and me. This perception leads me to feel like the worst mother in the world and the only mother who ever had such a misbehaving child. At home, when my son has a meltdown, I’m able to maintain a level of calm and remember my mental list of ways to cope and how best to help him. But at a party or a restaurant, with my son’s wailing on display for all to see, I find it’s a real challenge to think clearly. I’ll take private meltdowns in the house any day over the tantrums in public, but since I can’t choose where and when my son throws an age-appropriate fit, I try to remember that the best approach is to help him navigate tantrums and to try not to worry what others think, because we’ve all been there. According to Molli Wilson, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in childhood disorders and behavioral concerns, “It is most important how parents manage tantrums rather than worrying about the occurrence of it.” She adds that, while public tantrums are disruptive to others, most people appreciate parents who attempt to manage them. Yes, since that dinner, my son has had more tantrums in public. And I’ve had more opportunities to practice getting us through them. It’s never easy, but with time, a little consistency and a lot of letting go of what others think, I know my son and I are on the right track. Here’s a list of approaches that help my son and I both get through meltdowns and back to the calm that is on the other side: 42 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
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Take deep breaths and count to 10. Getting my son to take a deep breath or count out loud in the heat of the moment is easier said than done, but it always helps when he manages to do it. We’ve found that practicing these techniques during calmer times, such as at bedtime, helps both of us remember these options when a meltdown later occurs.
Join with your child. I’ve learned firsthand that demanding my son stop crying usually has the opposite effect and prolongs the tantrum. Instead of lording over my child, I ask him what he needs and how I can help. His answer may not always be something I can honor, especially if he wants the toy or game that led to the tantrum in the first place, but joining with him as if we’re on the ‘same team’ helps him settle sooner and feel more calm. Wilson agrees it is important to join with your child in response to tantrums. Honoring your child’s feelings, she says, is a good way to model emotional regulation. Remember, everything is temporary.
It may not feel like it in the moment, but reminding myself that my son’s tantrum will end, especially when he’s shrieking at the doctor’s office, helps me keep things in perspective. Such an outlook also helps me to remember how fast he’ll grow up, because we will go quickly from fretting about meltdowns to trickier things like doing homework and making friends.
Practice acceptance. This is the one that
helps me get over my ‘worst-mother-in-theworld’ thoughts. As author Eckhart Tolle says in his book The Power of Now, “Accept – then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” When I reframe my son’s meltdown as an opportunity to practice acceptance – acceptance of my son and what he’s going through, acceptance of myself and how what he’s going through makes me feel and acceptance of the situation, no matter how awkward or challenging – I’m able to free my energy to focus on what my child needs. And this helps both of us get through it.
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Heather Van Deest is a freelance writer and mom of two boys.
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March 2013 3
South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras Campus Auditorium, IUSB, South Bend Enjoy the spirit of the SBYSO, serving local musicians interested in performing in a large ensemble. The accomplishments of these musicians are truly rewarding. $4 to $6. 4 PM. For more information, call 574.520.4203.
Kids’ Nature Discovery Journal
Rum Village Nature Center, South Bend Inspire your kids to discover the outdoors by bringing them out to make a discovery journal. After making a custom cover, they’ll fill their journal with activity pages that will have them searching for tracks, watching birds, finding bugs and more. FREE. Call the naturalists at 574.235.9455 for more information.
Calendar of Events
permitting. We offer special activities during winter days including animal enrichment, crafts and much more! NOON. For more information, call 574.235.9800.
Geocache Chili Dump
St. Patrick’s County Park Harvest Room, South Bend GPS coordinates: N 41 45.473, W 086 16.055 Bring some chili for the lunch pot and learn how to use a GPS device to find caches at St. Patrick’s and throughout the world! Bring a GPS unit if possible; limited loaner units are available. Visit geocaching.com to find out more about this international sport. A special geocache course will be set up just for this event! Bowls, spoons, fixin’s and drinks provided. $5. NOON. Registration is required by March 6. (MIN. 4; MAX. 15) For more information, call 574.277.4828.
10
5
Dr. Seuss Birthday Party
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Branch There will be a dramatization of Green Eggs and Ham as well as games and a craft, based on some of the author’s all-time favorite characters. Registration required and is happening now. 7 PM. For more information, call the Bittersweet Branch Library at 574.259.0392.
7
IUSB Jazz Ensemble
Campus Auditorium, IUSB, South Bend Consisting of student and community musicians, the jazz ensemble performances feature pieces arranged by members of the ensemble and fantastic solos. $5 to $9. 7:30 PM. For more information, call 574.520.4203.
8
Maple Syrup By Moonlight
Bendix Woods County Park, New Carlisle Take a guided twilight tour through the sugar bush, learn how to tap a tree by lantern light and observe maple syrup being made (weather permitting). Then, enjoy a hot beverage and dessert made with pure maple syrup while warming in the shelter. Registration and payment are required by March 4. (Min. 10/Max. 50) $3.50 per person. 7 PM to 9 PM. For more information, call 574.654.3155.
9
Winter Day
Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend Come visit Potawatomi Zoo during our Winter Days while the Zoo is closed for the season and see what your animal friends are up to during the snowy chilly months. The Zoo opens one day a month in January, February and March so visitors can experience the Zoo in the off-season. Admission is $5 per person, ages two and under and Potawatomi Zoological Society members are free. Train rides are $2 per person, weather
44 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
*Please be sure to call ahead to confirm times and information.
Piano Competition Winners’ Recital
Kroc Center, South Bend Winners from the 18th Annual Hartman Stickley Piano Competition will give a free public performance in the Kroc Center Auditorium. The competition is sponsored by the South Bend Area Music Teachers Association and underwritten by the Elnora Hartman Stickley Scholarship Fund. The competition is open to pre-college students ages 4-18. Brochures and applications can be found on the South Bend Area Music Teachers Association website at www.sbamta.org. Concert is at 2:30 PM. For more information, call 574.271.0625.
Music For Missions
Century Center, South Bend Free Christian Concert. Music for Missions is reaching out to the community sharing music of Christ to help support our missionary friends from other countries. Open to the public. For more information, call 574.532.5323.
12
Breastfeeding Class for Moms and Dads
Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, MI Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for your baby and is a special time for moms and babies to bonds. The class will cover the benefits of breastfeeding, how to know when your baby is hungry, proper latch-on methods, checking your baby’s input (feeding) and output (dirty/wet diapers), how to prepare to return to work and weaning. Cost is $30 due at registration (Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted). If you are an associate of Lakeland HealthCare, inquire about our discounted rate. Parents should attend the class prior to their baby’s birth. For more information, call 269.556.2808.
Paws to Read
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Branch Children in grades 1-6 will have fun reading aloud to a canine : Lady, a Great Pyrenees, and her handler. Registration is not required, but
parental permission is needed for each 15-minute session. 6:30 PM. For more information, stop by the Children Services desk or call 574.259.0392.
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Friends’ Writing Group
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown The Friends’ Writing Group welcomes writers of every genre and experience level. If you enjoy writing poetry, prose, essays or letters, attend the meeting to share tips and techniques with other writers. 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The Friends’ Writing Group is sponsored by the Friends of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library. For more information, contact Reference Services at 574.259.5277 EXT 218.
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Nature Munchkins
St. Patrick’s County Park, South Bend Discover spring babies! Nature Munchkins is designed for parents or grandparents to discover nature with their 3- to 4- year old. $5. 9:30 AM to 11 AM. For more information, call 574.654.3155.
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T-Shirt Decorating
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Children in grades 3-6 are invited to get crafty and decorate a t-shirt! Bring a white, pre-washed t-shirt and the library will supply the decorating materials. 3:30 PM. Registration is required and is happening now. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or call 574.259.5277 EXT 242.
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All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast
Greene Township Community Building, South Bend Supports Lions’ Club charities. Good eats and fellowship with your neighbors. $7 adult; $3.50 children 5-12; free under 5. At the Community Center: 24600 Roosevelt Road. 7 AM to 10:30 AM. For more information, call 574.289.9365.
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Bicycle Swap Meet
Pinhook Park, South Bend This annual event is sponsored by the Michiana Bicycle Association (MBA) and the Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association (NIMBA). There is no charge for buyers or sellers. Anyone is welcome to bring bicycle-related items to sell. Sellers should arrive between 11 AM and 11:30 AM to set up. Buyers should arrive between 12 PM and 2:30 PM. First-come, first-serve for table space. For more information, call 219.324.3459.
Make a Nature Video
Rum Village Nature Center, South Bend Making a nature video is a fun and easy project that can allow you to share your love of nature with friends and family (or other people via the internet). Inexpensive video cameras and Printed on Recycled Content Paper
Have an event you’d like to submit? Visit www.michianafamilymagazine.com! software have made it easy for the amateur wildlife enthusiast to make enjoyable nature videos. Join us to see what we’ve done and how we do it. Call the naturalists at 574.235.9455 for more information.
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Paws to Read
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch Children are invited to read to Benny, a friendly dog and his handler. Participants may bring a book from home or select one from the library’s collection. Registration and parental permission is required for each 15-minute session beginning Monday, March 4. 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. For more information stop by the Children Services desk at the Harris Branch Library or call 574.271.3179.
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Quarterly Craft: Windsock Creation
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Branch Visit the Bittersweet Branch Library and make your own windsock. Formerly known as the Craft of the Month Group, the group is now meeting quarterly to accommodate patrons’ busy schedules. This program is open to teens and adults. Children ages 7 and up may attend with an adult helper. Registration is not required. 4 PM to 6 PM (visit anytime during these hours). For more information, call the Bittersweet Branch Library at 574.259.0392.
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Sesame Street’s “Elmo Makes Music!”
Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny's new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover 'instruments' they never knew existed... rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together. Tickets range from $14 to $53. For tickets or more information, visit www.morriscenter.org.
Mom/Son Dance
Palais Royale, South Bend The 11th Annual Mom/Son Dance is for Moms & Sons ages 3 to 12. Experience a night of elegance “Under the Sea” with dancing, refreshments and a keepsake photo. Register at the O’Brien Recreation Center, online or by phone using Visa/MasterCard. Space is limited, register early! 6 PM to 8:30 PM. $16 per person. For more information, call 574.299.4795 (daytime) or 574.299.3482 (evenings).
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March 2013
Have an event you’d like to submit? Visit www.michianafamilymagazine.com!
21
Best in Show Fashion Show
Beiger Mansion, Mishawaka Inspire Me! offers a Fashion Show at the Beiger Mansion with friends Pet Palace and Salon Rouge. Light appetizers and cash bar, clothing, accessories, dog and cat items available for purchase, live music, door prizes, raffle and special guests! Proceeds from ticket sales to benefit the Humane Society of St. Joseph County. $25 donation. 6 PM to 9 PM. For more information or to RSVP, call Nancy Deneen at 574.255.4726 EXT 225.
Theatre IV Presents: “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”
Bendix Theatre, Century Center, South Bend A quiet and simple country life or the fast-paced excitement of the city? That’s the question confronting the Country Mouse in this squaredance-meets-sock-hop retelling of the classic Aesop’s Fable. As the Country Mouse ponders the abundant riches of the big city being offered by a fast-talking Town Mouse, he feels the tug of a different kind of riches he left behind in the country. What will he decide? Watch this rock and roll hoe-down and find out! For grades K–5. 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. $8 to $12. For more information, call 800.275.5005.
Twilight Tales
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Children of all ages are invited to enjoy stories, music and a craft based on books by Rosemary Wells. Adult caregivers must attend with children ages seven years and under. No registration is necessary. 6:30 PM. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or phone 574.259.5277 EXT 242.
Logan Nose-On Luncheon
Century Center, South Bend Back in 1988, Logan came up with the idea of selling green noses to raise awareness and money for local people with disabilities. In addition to merchandise sales, they also host the Logan Nose-On Luncheon annually. This year the speaker is Josh Sundquist. For more information, visit their website at www.logancenter.org.
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Wakarusa Children’s Resale
Wakarusa Missionary Church, Wakarusa Over 300 sellers with lots of children's items! Clothing (size newborn to juniors), shoes, toys, furniture, baby gear, books, puzzles, games movies and much more! Cash or check accepted. Bring your own shopping bags or baskets. 8 AM to 1 PM. For more information, call 574.606.7343.
Free Tax Assistance
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Volunteers from the University of Notre Dame
46 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013
and St. Mary’s College will be offering free tax assistance for qualifying individuals in the Spencer Gallery. Students will help taxpayers whose 2012 income is $40,000 or less. Unemployed taxpayers whose 2012 earnings were at or below $40,000 prior to collecting taxable unemployment benefits will also be served. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 1 PM to 4 PM. For more information, contact Reference Services at 574.259.5277 EXT 218.
Naturally Eggscellent
St. Patrick’s County Park Brown Barn, South Bend Go ‘natural’ this Easter by using a variety of food items and spices to dye hard-boiled eggs. Take home decorated eggs and the knowledge needed to start experimenting with more colors at home. Registration and payment are required by March 20. (Min. 4; max. 12) 10 AM to 12 PM. $5. For more information, call 574.654.3155.
Michiana Elite Bird Fair
Bethel College, Mishawaka Speakers/times: 11 AM: Household Hazards - Dr. Peter Sakas, DVM 12 PM: Australian Birds- Dr. Ric Berlinski, DVM 2 PM: Foraging and Enrichment in Pet Birds - Dr. Berlinski 3 PM: How to Tell If Your Bird Is Sick - Dr. Sakas, DVM Birds, bird toys, bird food, cages, perches, jewelry, art and many other bird products. Awesome silent auction. $4. Children under 10 FREE. 10 AM to 5 PM. For more information and directions, visit us at royalwingsaviary.com.
Calendar of Events
team members represent several area schools and homeschoolers. The students are reading six books in preparation for the upcoming Battle. Teams will be quizzed on The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, A Dog’s Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin, The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley, Honus & Me by Dan Gutman, My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George and Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech. 7 PM. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk at the Bittersweet Branch Library or call 574.259.0392.
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Egg-stravaganza!
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Downtown Children aged 2-7 are invited to enjoy the story The Golden Egg by Margaret Wise Brown, do the bunny hop and participate in other fun activities. Afterwards, children will create their own hatching egg craft and join in an egg hunt throughout Children’s Services. 10 AM. No registration is necessary. For more information, stop by the Children’s Services desk or call 574.259.5277 EXT 242.
Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast
The Hearth at Juday Creek, Granger A pancake and sausage breakfast with yogurt parfaits, and free photos with the Easter Bunny and other kid activities! The egg hunt is separated into two groups: 6 and under, and 7-12. There will be a drawing for a bike, too! The money raised will be donated to the Northern Indiana Alzheimer and Dementia Services. $3 adult; $1 for kids. 9:30 AM.
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Spring Has Sprung
Rum Village Nature Center, South Bend Although it may be cold outside and it’s barely spring, many critters are out of hibernation and are quite active. We’ll hike in the woods to look at and listen for frogs, birds, and other animals. Call the naturalists at 574.235.9455 for more information.
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Battle of the Books
Penn High School Cafeteria Everyone is welcome to experience the excitement and cheer on the competitors. Twenty-one teams of fifth graders are busy reading and getting ready for this year’s Battle of the Books. The Printed on Recycled Content Paper
Thank You!
to a few of our Advertising Magazine Partners who support FAMILY and our Magazine every single month! These annual advertising partners make it possible to produce this magazine and offer it for free to Michiana Families. Please support these local partners in Michiana! Elkhart General Hospital Conservatory of Dance Uptown Dining Group Growing Kids Learning Centers The Montessori Academy
Advertiser Index:
South Bend Clinic
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The Montessori Academy
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Notre Dame & Many, Many More that we will highlight in future issues! We appreciate you all very much!
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