January 2013

January 2013

The

MATEiRssNuITeY

The

4th trimester The three months after giving birth are full of change {Page 40}

BOOKS THAT ENCOURAGE INTERACTION {Page 22}

HOT STUFF GOES GREEN {Page 18}

Detoxifying for baby Ridding your home of harmful chemicals prior to baby’s arrival {Page 25}

PAY DOWN DEBT IN THE NEW YEAR {Page 20}

MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK’S JOSH CAIN {Page 58}

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PARENT RESOURCES! BABY {44} CAMP {48} EDUCATION {50}

NEW COLUMNS THIS ISSUE!

BABY ON BOARD {10} ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN {12} IN THE KITCHEN {14} RELATIONSHIPS {24}

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Twin Cities in Motion MNP 0113 H2.indd 1

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CONTENTS

The

MATERNIT

issue Y

Features

25

Breastfeeding?

Now or in the future?

Newly-observed toxins that can cause

THE 100% NON-TOXIC BABY Eco-friendly choices are not just good for the environment; they’re good for the health of everyone in your home, even those still in utero.

autism or childhood cancer

www.pollutionaction.org Pollution Action MNP 1112 12.indd 1

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37 MATERNITY BRAS Not all maternity bras are created equal

By Julie Kendrick 28 A SPOTLIGHT ON GREEN LIVING PERSONAL PRODUCTS YOU CAN TRUST

By Kathleen Stoehr

Playing Singing Ear Training Composing Ages 3-Adult

40

CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota!

CYMS Edina: Edina Community Center 5701 Normandale Rd

CYMS Roseville: Hamline Center 2819 Hamline Ave N

www.cyms.ws • 612-339-2255

Children's Yamaha MNP 0113 12.indd 1

HONORING THE FOURTH TRIMESTER Preparing for, and respecting, the three months after the birth of a child

By Jen Wittes

12/18/12 9:17 AM

Supporting organizations that provide all aspects of support, resources, opportunities and outreach programs to children and families.

95% of all proceeds go to charities we support

Go online to donate jimandjudefoundation.com Join us at our annual events:

Vintage Vegas Casino Night – February Golf Event – August

Calendar

6 EDITOR’S NOTE New year, new MNP

29 PARENT PICKS

By Kathleen Stoehr

30 JANUARY AT A GLANCE

58 REAL LIFE

32 OUT & ABOUT

Real dad Josh Cain talks music and parenting

By Kathleen Stoehr

We are proud to support Children’s Cancer Research Fund®

Resources 44 BABY

48 CAMP

50 EDUCATION

4 January 2013 Jim & Jude MNP 2012 Filler V6.indd 1

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Minnesota Parent January

Departments 8 Chatter A little bit of news and information for your quiet time reading

By Kathleen Stoehr 10 BaBy on board

NEW!

Imagining your ideal childbirth experience

By Shannon Keough 12 Ask the pediatrician

NEW!

Answering your questions about colic, croup, and frostbite

By Dr. Peter Dehnel

14 In the kitchen

NEW!

Food and food products we love

By Kathleen Stoehr 16 Tween scene Puberty: it’s just around the corner!

By Joy Riggs

18 Hot stuff Ta-ta, toxins! We’re going green.

By Kathleen Stoehr 20 Grows on trees Paying down debt

By Kara McGuire 22 Book shelf Books that encourage interaction

By Kathleen Stoehr 24 Relationships

NEW!

The full catastrophe

By Sean Toren

January 2013 5

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From the editor

New year, new MNP ARTrageous Adventures MNP 1011 12.indd 1

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I

t has been a couple of tough months, waiting for 2013 to arrive. Our staff has been working on enhancing your Minnesota Parent experience and finally, January is here! I am excited to convey that we have new columns for you to enjoy, as well as a refreshed look on some of the interior pages to help you navigate more efficiently. Plus, we are thrilled to announce a redesigned website: it should unfold over the next few weeks. Keep your fingers ready to plug mnparent.com into your browser. I hope to keep content always refreshed as well as allow you quick access to any of our print articles. We will announce on our Facebook and Twitter feed the day it goes “live.”

Now, for the new columns: first, Baby on Board. Shannon Keough captured my attention when she wrote an article for us on baby sleep. It ran last fall, and when it came time to launch the new column, she was my “go-to” gal. With a seven-monthold, she’s right in that prime demographic and will be learning alongside the rest of you new parents.

Next, we were blue to accept the resignation of our Fight Less, Love More columnist, Laurie Puhn, but she was a bit burnt what with all of her other irons in the fire. Better, however, is that we now have a local writer filling her slot and in my opinion, we were overdue for the male voice in this publication. I hope you will welcome Sean Toren of southwest Minneapolis, writing Relationships. With a wife and a five-year-old, Sean will take a more humorous look at relationships, all while offering cogent advice on how to enhance yours.

Yes, there’s more! Another new column, Ask the Pediatrician, will be helmed by Dr. Peter Dehnel. An Eden Prairie pediatrician for many years with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Dr. Dehnel will be answering questions each month about kid health problems.

Have a question for him? His email address is listed on page 13.

Finally, I have put together a new food column, In the Kitchen with help from various contributors. Turn to page 14 for a delicious look.

How do we fit all of this in, you may wonder? Well, with the generous support of our advertisers who see great value in our publication and who know that we have the best reading audience in Minnesota—that’s how. I think I can speak for all of us on staff here that we appreciate your picking up this copy, and hope you gain knowledge from it.

Happy New Year!

Kathleen Stoehr Editor

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Vol. 28, Issue 1 Co-Publishers Janis Hall jhall@mnpubs.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mnpubs.com General Manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 • cdamlo@mnpubs.com Editor Kathleen Stoehr kstoehr@mnpubs.com Contributing Writers/Photographers Dr. Peter Dehnel Julie Kendrick Shannon Keough Kara McGuire Joy Riggs Habakkuk Stockstill Sean Toren Jen Wittes Production Manager Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnpubs.com

Are you currently pregnant or had a baby during the previous month and interested in participating in a telephone-based health and wellness program?

The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth • Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy) • Program delivered to you via the mail and phone • Must be 18 years of age or older; must not currently exercise regularly • Must not take antidepressants • Must have a history of depression • You will receive $100 for your time

Senior Graphic Designer Valerie Moe Graphic Designer Amanda Wadeson Sales Manager Melissa Ungerman Levy 612-436-4382 • mungermanlevy@mnpubs.com Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 • kmanson@mnpubs.com

Call 612-625-9753 or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study U of M - Kinesiology Dept MNP 1212 S3.indd 1

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Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnpubs.com Classified Advertising 612-825-9205 • sales@mnpubs.com Printing Brown Printing

52,500 copies of Minnesota Parent printed monthly, available at news stands statewide.

Get Minnesota Parent mailed to your home for just $12 a year. Call 612-825-9205 for more information.

Minnesota Parent (ISSN 0740 3437) is published monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications.

POSTMASTER send address changes to: MINNESOTA PARENT, 1115 Hennepin Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Minnesota Parent is copyright 2013 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Address all material to address above.

St. Paul Public Schools MNP 0113 S3.indd 1

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In brief Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota recently celebrated the grand

opening and naming of the Peter J. King Pediatric Emergency Department in St. Paul. Throughout the newly renovated facility, building updates have been designed to increase care efficiency, physician and nurse collaboration, infection control, and the comfort and privacy of the hospital’s patients and their families.

The facility is projected to treat more than 42,000 patients this year, the highest annual number yet. Updated features include a new and expanded triage area and lobby to promote a quieter, more private waiting space; special rooms dedicated to both lower acuity and critical patients, designed to drastically cut wait times; and negative air flow rooms to protect patients, families, and staff from airborne diseases, among other enhancements. Courage Center Camps and Friendship Ventures are partnering to create a new camp organization to serve people with disabilities. This partnership will enhance programs to the nearly 4,000 people currently served by the two organizations and will be governed by a 12 member volunteer board, six from each organization. The working name for the new organization will be “Camps of Courage and Friendship” until a formal name study is completed. Intergenerational daycare at TowerLight on Wooddale, a senior living complex in St. Louis Park, will open TowerLight Childcare, year-round care for children ages six weeks to five years, promoting kindergarten readiness through hands-on learning activities focused on language, science, math, art, and music—and even better, daily

MINNESOTA PARENT LIKES

Tech Stretch Bettona Pant The flattering Bettona jean-styled pant from Athleta (50th and France, Edina) is ready to embrace the colder months in comfy Tech Stretch fabric. Warm and exceptionally comfortable, they are a great, sleek substitute for jeans or yoga pants when you are involved in outdoor activities—and are a lot better looking than sweat pants. athleta.com; about $89

interaction with senior residents. “There is an abundance of sociological research through the years demonstrating the tremendous value and mutual benefits for seniors and young children sharing the same space and activities,” says Annie Westall, housing manager for Ebenezer Management Services. “As children and seniors share memories, play games and create together, an unmistakable bond forms that transcends generations.

Children learn to think beyond their small worlds. Seniors feel a new sense of purpose. For kids who don’t live near their own grandparents, this connection can be especially meaningful.” For more information on TowerLight, call 952-8816322 or go to towerlightsenior.com.

Creative Kidstuff ’s CK Baby Shop, located inside its Grand Avenue location, recently partnered with Amma Parenting Center to bring new parenting classes to St. Paul residents. “Parents need support, especially as they prepare for a new baby,” said Roberta Bonoff, CEO and President of Creative Kidstuff. “We are constantly looking for new ways to help parents as they take on the many challenges they face, including teaching their baby to sleep, potty training, or learning

Play from Scratch,, a new online (playfromscratch.com) and brick and mortar store (941 Bradford Street, St. Paul) has just launched. With a goal of putting creativity back into the hands of children by allowing them to create their own play, everything is carefully sourced to be sustainable and recyclable. Everything is produced in the US, with the majority of products made within 30 miles of St. Paul.

MINNESOTA PARENT LIKES

Vintage Marquee Lights We love the classic bright-colored look of marquee lights! Hang initials in your child’s room; spell out words; or get a cool symbol for any area in the home.

Each light is two feet tall and four inches deep and installation of the included bulbs is a snap. Plug into any outlet and set the room ablaze with a dramatic icon. Go to vintagemarqueelights.com for a look at all you can do to add interest to any room.

Starting at about $229 each

how to be a good parent. With this partnership we’re pleased to provide St. Paul families with another valuable resource to help them along their journey.” Amma will be providing its New Mama, Sleep Like a Baby, Small Talk, and Potty Training classes. Mainstream Boutique, a women’s clothing and accessories franchise, has opened in White Bear Lake at 4729 Highway 61.

8 January 2013

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Hair during pregnancy Increased estrogen production during pregnancy can cause hair to grow thick and fast, while others endure hair loss. Achieve healthy and beautiful hair during and post pregnancy with the following tips from Elizabeth Cunnane Philips, a trichologist and hair expert at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in NYC.

Hair texture Many women report that their hair looks its best ever during pregnancy. The increased level of estrogen results in the individual hairs being retained in the growing phase (anagen) for a longer period than usual, so that very few hairs are shed during pregnancy. For this reason, the hair will often appear much thicker and fuller.

Hair loss Approximately three months after delivery, or after stopping breastfeeding, the hairs that were not shed during pregnancy begin to fall. This hair fall can be quite dramatic, and many women understandably become worried. However, this is a normal process that cannot be prevented, and the hair fall should stabilize after an average of 10 to 12 weeks. Not all women experience this postpartum hair loss, and some may experience it with one pregnancy and not another.

Scalp health During pregnancy, there is a reduction in the amount of sebum produced, so the hair will have fewer tendency to become greasy, and the hair itself may feel dry.

The hair and scalp usually reverts to its previous state once the baby is born.

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Shannon

Keough

A certain kind of birth

“I

magine your ideal childbirth experience,” said the instructor at my Preparing for Childbirth class. “Now, throw all those ideas out the window.”

The class went on to cover the stages of labor, support techniques, and common interventions. But ultimately, it seemed the class had been designed to convey a particular message: that “ideal” birth you were expecting? Stop expecting it.

It was basically the same message I’d been hearing from various friends and acquaintances throughout my pregnancy.

“Childbirth is not what you think it’s going

to be,” said my friend whose son was born via emergency c-section. She delivered this pronouncement with a pointed, meaningful look.

“I know, I know,” I said, not really knowing. “I know you can’t plan for it, that everything changes when you’re in labor—all that stuff, right?”

She looked a little annoyed, like she was talking to someone who was falsely confident. Like she was talking to someone who didn’t know.

Okay, so I was flippant. When you’re pregnant, un-asked for advice and wisdom comes at you from you all sides. From

whether or not you should be riding a bike to what your “back fat” can tell you about the gender of your unborn child, people have things to say about pregnancy. One of the most common themes that comes up? That the childbirth experience is not going to be anything like you had imagined.

For me, it was a given that I’d have a “natural” childbirth. It was easy for me to think this, since the first eight months or so of my pregnancy were relatively uneventful. I’d heard much about the horrors of pregnancy, but for me, it just wasn’t happening. Sure, it had its annoyances—the crushing fatigue in the first trimester that had me sleeping on conference room floors at my corporate job, the constant heartburn near the end—but it was nothing like the four months of morning/noon/and night sickness a coworker had experienced, or the three months of bed rest endured by another friend.

I never would have consciously admitted it, but I think that, on some level, I imagined that my “easy” pregnancy would naturally lead into the childbirth experience I wanted (in the water, no interventions) and the baby I envisioned (agreeable, relatively unobtrusive).

Then I went in to see my midwife when I was about eight months along. She praised me for my healthy, active, relatively uncomplicated pregnancy thus far. We patted myself on the back for what a model patient I was. She asked me about my doula and the waterbirth consent form. And then in the course of her examination she determined that the baby was breech—which, even at my natural childbirth-friendly clinic, was a recipe for a c-section.

But I wasn’t due for another month— there was plenty of time for the baby to flip, right? The midwife looked doubtful.

“You need to meet with the OB right away,” she said. “And you should prepare yourself for a c-section. I hope we can buy you a week.”

I complained to a friend about this turn of events. “Ultimately, you’re not in

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control of the childbirth experience,” she said. “You have to let go of your expectations for a certain kind of birth.” Absolutely, I responded, believing it on a surface level, while deeper down suspecting she’d spent a little too much time in yoga class and deciding that a different set of rules applied to me.

In other words, I was certain I could flip that baby. I visited an acupuncturist who made a valiant effort with moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medical practice that is often used to turn breech babies. I went to the YWCA and did handstands in the pool. I practiced inversions involving an ironing board propped on the side of the bed. In other words, I was willing to do almost anything—including abandoning my dignity, if necessary—to ensure the kind of childbirth experience I wanted.

Perhaps needless to say, my efforts didn’t pay off. One evening about a week later I went into labor, and then a few hours later my daughter, Lydia, was born via c-section.

Several well-meaning people told me afterward that ultimately I wouldn’t care about the c-section—that what really matters is having a healthy baby. I didn’t appreciate the sentiment at that time.

Now, after months have passed, I think I can see their point. Focusing all your attention on the birth itself can take away from what comes afterward—sort of like obsessing about the wedding while ignoring the gravity of the commitment.

And although I’m still disappointed that I didn’t have the birth I was expecting, I can confirm that what really matters did, in fact, came later.

Editor’s note: Shannon Keough lives in south Minneapolis with her husband, Nick, and daughter, Lydia. Every month she will focus on a new baby-related topic—from breastfeeding and colic to sleep training and starting solid foods, from the challenge of going back to work (or not), navigating relationships and finding some personal time post-baby. Join Shannon next month for another installment about the unique challenges and rewards of having a baby on board.

Learning begins at

birth.

ECFE works to strengthen families and encourages parents to provide the best possible environment for the healthy development of their children.

Parent-Child Classes • Birth – 5 Years Old • www.ECFE.info

Early Childhood Family Education This ad was made possible by the generosity of the Minnesota College Savings Plan.

For more information, please visit www.MN529today.com ECFE MNP NR1 2-3page.indd 1

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Peter

Dehnel, MD

Q

My two-year-old has a very harsh cough. What can you tell me about croup?

Croup is a very common infection in young children under four. It generally refers to a harsh, barky, high-pitched cough that some parents describe as a “seal bark.” It is usually caused by a viral infection that produces some swelling and inflammation of the upper part of the windpipe (trachea) and voice box (larynx). Because of this swelling, a child may also tend to have a hoarse voice. If the swelling becomes more severe, breathing will be noisier, and they will make noise every time they take a breath.

Treatment for croup depends on how significant the degree of the symptoms. A harsh cough can be treated with a little extra humidity. If the breathing becomes noisier, then a warm steamy bathroom or even bringing them out into the cooler outside air should help. Finally, if your child appears to be struggling every time he or she takes a breath, then they will likely need to be seen right away, even to the point of needing to go to the emergency room.

If they become bad enough to be seen in an emergency department, they may be given a mist treatment containing adrenaline (epinephrine) to breathe in.

Occasionally a child will get a short course of steroids to help reduce the swelling and inflammation of the trachea. It is import to remember, there is no “cure” for croup.

My six-week-old newborn is starting to cry more and more each day, usually in the early evening. Is this colic and what can I do to help my baby?

Crying is a very normal behavior of newborns during the first two to three months. Your baby is making a huge transition from birth to becoming a smiling, verbal, and interactive threemonth-old. They are getting used to all of the external stimulation as well as their own body’s internal workings.

Normal babies can cry up to three hours per day by three months of age. If they cry much more than three hours per day, then they are generally considered “colicky.” There may not be a lot that you can do to reduce the amount of crying.

Some soothing techniques that are worth a try include trying to feed them, even if they ate just an hour ago. They may need a little more stimulation and that is where walking with them, while gently patting his or her back is very helpful.

If that has not worked after 10 to 15 minutes, then you need to try something else. Sometimes an infant just needs to be in a quiet room and allowed to try to go to sleep—but that may take 10 minutes of undisturbed fussing. Ten minutes at this point will seem more like two hours, so check your clock as you start.

Finally, some babies do have more significant medical issues going on.

If your baby is crying around the clock, is crying more than three hours per day, has significant spitting up or any sort of stomach distension, is breathing in a “funny” manner, looks pale or seems cool to your touch, please contact your own clinician.

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It can get really cold in January and February in Minnesota. What do I need to do to protect my kids?

There are two main injuries related to the cold. The more common and usually less serious one is frostbite. This is where some portion of the body becomes so cold that the tissue will actually freeze. Most often this tissue will eventually recover, but it will be a very painful experience for your child as the tissue rewarms—much like how a burn will hurt. If it is severe enough, blisters can form on the frozen tissue.

Fingers, toes, ears, and exposed skin on the face tend to be affected most from frostbite episodes. Prevention is the best treatment, so children should wear hats, good gloves/mittens, and dry boots.

Staying indoors when the windchill factor is below zero is also important.

–If your child does develop frostbite, gently warming the area with warm water, not rubbing the affected area, and protecting from further frostbite is important. It is likely that area will be much more sensitive to the cold for quite a while after recovery.

Hypothermia is a more serious coldrelated condition, and happens when the entire body becomes chilled and the person can no longer keep up with heat loss. The core body temperature begins to fall below 95 degrees—much lower than the normal 99 degrees—and the body’s normal metabolic functions begin to malfunction. Very cold temperature, damp clothing, or exposure to open water in subfreezing conditions are risk factors for hypothermia. It is critical that if you feel your child (or anyone) is experiencing this, you seek immediate medical attention.

Jan. 18 thru eb. 17 Take a look at the world from a bug’s perspective. Some dream of being able to stand on their own two feet while others dream about superhero powers. This regional premiere musical, Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly is sure to make us appreciate and respect these tiny creatures.

For all ages

March 8 thru March 24 “When you go owling you don’t need words or warm or anything but hope.” Take a journey into a mystical, magical, winter wonderland where a father and child take a walk in the woods hoping to spot an owl and are surprised by what they find. This world premiere musical is a ballet-inspired story full of movement and dance.

All answers are general in nature and we recommend your child sees his or her practitioner for any medical concerns. Dr. Peter Dehnel is a board certified pediatrician and medical director with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Have a question for Dr. Dehnel? Email mnga@mnpubs.com.

for all ages

www.stagestheatre.org Box office: (952) 979-1111

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RECIPE

Kelly’s Awesome Veggie Lasagna

MINNESOTA PARENT TESTED

5 lasagna noodles 7-ounce jar of roasted red peppers 1 can artichoke hearts 1 jar spaghetti sauce 15 ounces low-fat ricotta 3 to 5 garlic cloves 1 small onion 2 handfuls spinach leaves 2 large zucchini 1 bunch fresh basil 3 to 4 large mushrooms 2 cups shredded mozzarella Sriracha (optional) Oregano

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Chop onions and dice garlic. Sauté onions and garlic and add sauce (I also add a little Sriracha to the sauce to add some kick!). Slice zucchini lengthwise to make into “noodles.”

3. Chop fresh basil and stir into ricotta.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Drain artichokes and roasted red peppers. Place them on a paper towel for 5 to 10 minutes to drain excess water. Mix together and chop. Slice mushrooms thinly.

5. Build: Start with dry lasagna noodles on the bottom to cover pan. Add a light layer of sauce. Add a layer of zucchini slices.

Spread half of ricotta mixture over zucchini.

Make a layer of spinach and mushrooms.

Add another layer of sauce. One more layer of zucchini. Spread artichokes and red peppers over that. One more layer of zucchini and top with the rest of the sauce, cheese, and oregano.

6. Bake 55 minutes at 375 until cheese is golden brown. Let rest about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

—Nicole Navratil

Vue Brewing System When you need it fast and on-the-go or you just don’t want to brew a whole pot (we know—too tempting…you will want to drink it all), the Keurig Vue Brewing System will pop out a cup in less than a minute, customizable, and best of all, tasty! Just utilize the interactive touch screen to customize your selections and in less than a minute you will have a large cup of bold Italian roast, a vanilla latte, a mug of tea, or whatever your little heart desires. Brew bigger, brew stronger but best of all, brew fast. Because honestly, that’s how we roll as parents. Grab it while you can.

Available nationwide; about $230

—Kathleen Stoehr

14 January 2013

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Fun family food

Tart cherries: New super fruit According to top trend forecasters, antioxidants remain a major indicator of health-promoting foods. Look no further than tart cherries, a terrific substitute for raisins in their concentrated form or any other kind of berry when plump and juicy.

Today there are more than 50 scientific studies specifically on tart cherries, and scientists continue to uncover new and important benefits of this fruit.

Available dried, frozen, and in juice and concentrate, tart cherries contain a unique package of antioxidants and beneficial phytonutrients, including anthocyanins—the pigments that give cherries their bright red color. Plus, they’re delicious! Sprinkle dried cherries on salads for color and texture; add them to your favorite trail mix recipe; and in the springtime, take a trip out to Door County, Wisconsin and enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom, and bring home a bunch, freshly picked.

To learn more about this colorful and delicious superfruit, go to choosecherries.com.

—Kathleen Stoehr

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Joy

Riggs

Puberty: it’s just around the corner

I

know it’s not nice to torment a 14-yearold boy. But sometimes I can’t help it. I am compelled to utter the phrase “just around the corner” in conversation, knowing the response it will elicit in my older son, Sebastian—a cry of feigned, Charlie Brown-style anguish: “Aaugh!”

“Going around the corner” has been our family’s euphemism for puberty for years, ever since my daughter, Louisa, watched THE video in fourth grade. Yes, that video, where the kids learn about all the

physical and emotional changes they can expect to endure during adolescence.

Students in our school district watch the “Just Around the Corner” video again in fifth grade, but the second time they learn about the opposite sex. Then, all the kids receive sample sizes of deodorant, toothpaste, and mouthwash in a gift box that proclaims: Welcome to puberty!

No matter how well you package it, it’s difficult to avoid awkwardness and

embarrassment when discussing puberty with your kids. I’ve found that it helps to keep your sense of humor. It also helps to start early, by being honest and open with your kids about the human body, and by answering questions as best as you can—even though the perfect answers can seem elusive. Because if you save all of your parental wisdom for that hypothetical day when the stars align and you suddenly know it’s the perfect time for the Big Talk (well, assuming that day ever arrives), it will likely be too late.

Dr. Donna Block, founder of the Edina-based Clinic Sofia, says parents begin building a foundation for open conversations with their teens when their children are still toddlers, by using the real words for body parts, instead of slang; and by responding to a child’s questions with simple, age-appropriate answers. For example, if a little girl notices her mom’s breasts and asks if she will get breasts, too, the mom can explain that, yes, the daughter will when she’s older.

“Depending on how old they are, they may become distracted and move on. You only answer the questions they have at the time,” she says.

Preparing for the inevitable Puberty usually starts way before parents are ready for it—between the ages of eight and 13 for girls, and between 10 and 15 for boys. Most girls start menstruating between the ages of 12 and 13 (about two and a half years after they first start developing breast buds), but some start as early as age nine, and others as late as 15 or 16. For boys, the first sign of puberty is growth of their testicles, which usually starts by about age 12.

Dr. Jewelia Wagner, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Clinic Sofia, says parents should be prepared to provide practical information about things like menstruation as soon as they notice signs that their child is entering puberty.

“What I suggest to moms is that as a situation comes up and their daughter asks questions about it—like a friend gets her period—that’s when you address it,” 16 January 2013

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RESOURCES American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Patient Page - Especially for Teens acog.org/for_patients Boston Children’s Hospital Young Men’s Health youngmenshealthsite.org Boston Children’s Hospital Young Women’s Health youngwomenshealth.org

she says.

Once a girl begins to menstruate, her parents should make sure she understands the physical changes she’s going through, and if they’re not comfortable discussing it, Wagner says, they can arrange for their daughter to talk to her doctor so she will feel reassured that what she’s going through is normal.

“The important thing is that the young woman is comfortable with those changes, and realizes these are beautiful things that are happening,” she says.

There are plenty of engaging, informative books out there that can help convey information parents feel uncomfortable sharing, or that can reinforce points they’ve already discussed; examples include the American Girl’s The Care and Keeping of You: the Body Book for Girls, and the American Medical Association’s Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen.

Once a girl is between the ages of 13 and 15, it can be good time for her to visit her doctor to talk about what will happen when she has her first pelvic exam. But unless she is having menstrual or other gynecological problems or is sexually active, Block says, most girls don’t begin having pelvic exams until they are seniors in high school or are leaving for college.

Parents should encourage both their sons and their daughters to become more involved in their health care as they grow, so when they do finally turn that corner, they have the tools and confidence they need to navigate toward a healthy adulthood.

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Go ! n e e r g Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!

By Kathleen Stoehr

Earth Paints Non-toxic children’s Earth Paint kits are powdered natural pigments. Add water to create a creamy, eco-friendly paint that you can feel comfortable letting your child go wild with.

Pigments are composed of clays and minerals that were collected directly from the earth and then dried, pulverized, and sifted. A professional toxicologist tested every pigment for toxicity.

Owner Leah Mebane asks, “do you know what is in your kids’ paints and art supplies?

Petroleum derivatives? Fungicides? Biocides? What is more natural than the earth itself?” naturalearthpaint.com; about $30

Bambooee

Compost it

williams-sonoma.com or

Every year in the United States some 450 million plastic toothbrushes make their way to landfills nationally. The majority of those toothbrushes will never biodegrade and will remain for decades. We love the World centric compostable toothbrush, made from a plant based resin called IngeoT. Certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), the toothbrush is designed to fully compost within three to six months when sent to a commercial composting facility. And, if you don’t have access to one, World centric will provide a prepaid envelope to return the brush and case after use.

bambooee.com; about $10

worldcentric.org; about $5

Earth-friendly, sustainable, and very versatile, the Bambooee Reusable Paper Towel holds up exceptionally well to multiple washings as well as scrubbing, dusting, and any other cleaning project you may have. Better than a sponge and longer lasting than a regular paper towel, one roll replaces about six months’ worth of regular paper towel use.

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Pure water PUR Advanced faucet water filter has “MineralClear” technology that reduces 99.9 percent of microbial cysts, 99 percent of lead and trace levels of pharmaceuticals, and 97 percent of chlorine (odor and taste). One click install makes an ecofriendly, money-saving alternative to buying plastic water bottles. purwater.com; about $50

Chateau LeVeaux on Lake Superior

• Fully Equipped Lakefront Condos and Three Hotel Rooms, Perfect for Families!

Bottles Up It’s the purest and healthiest material to use for beverages: glass. Dishwasher safe, BPA-free, and made from post-consumer recycled materials, BottlesUp is eco-chic.

We love the tapered midsection and silicon rings to allow ease in grip. The heavier design, too, ensures it can handle the everyday tumble.

Locally at Roam (Minneapolis) or online

• Daily and Weekly Rentals • Only 6 miles to Lutsen • Indoor Pool • Love Skiing? Check Out Our Ski and Stay Packages!

Ski at Lutsen Mountains, stay at Chateau LeVeaux and get a discount on both!

Call us at 1-800-445-5773 or visit our website chateauleveaux.com 6626 Hwy 61 W, Tofte, MN 55615

bottlesupglass.com; beginning at $26 Chateau Leveaux MNP 1212 H4.indd 1

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Kara

McGuire

Paying down debt

C

arrie Rocha didn’t set out to be a get-out-of-debt guru. She just knew that her own family finances were a mess and they needed to eliminate their $60,000 in debt.

After successfully wiping out what they owed in two and a half years, without a windfall, Carrie wanted to share the tricks she and her family learned along the way and started pocketyourdollars.com, a deals and couponing site that the mom of two runs in Maple Grove.

One thing led to another and now Rocha has written her first book: Pocket Your Dollars: 5 Attitude Changes That Will Help You Pay Down Debt, Avoid Financial Stress, and Keep More of What You Make, published by Bethany House.

After their 30-month journey to financial freedom, she realized that there were five financial attitudes that set them on a destructive financial path. How to combat those unhealthy attitudes became the foundation of her book. But their debt-free journey began years ago with an overseas vacation.

Equally committed Carrie’s husband Marco is from Brazil, and they’d always dreamed about living there one day. But on a trip to visit his family, they realized their lousy financial habits would make it difficult, if not impossible to achieve that dream.

“We had this whole conversation. ‘Do we really want to live here or not and

what would it take?’” She said that “tasting that component of one of our life dreams” gave the couple the itch to change their spendy ways.

The couple had the luxury of being equally committed to their debt-free goal, but it wasn’t easy. In addition to the nuts and bolts of paying down debt—cutting coupons and cutting back, the saying no, the return to cash—was the emotional underbrush that had to be cleared away.

Like many couples, Carrie and Marco fell into financial roles in the household.

Carrie was the police and overall money manager and Marco was the spender.

“One person always feels like they have to ask permission and the other person is always having to say no. It just creates this yuck cycle,” she said. To combat that, the couple started money meetings, where they discussed financial priorities. “We’d sit down and say ‘What do we foresee we’re going to spend money on over the next three months, six months, one year.’”

Each person would have a turn prioritizing how to spend money on bigger ticket items. “I felt like for the first time I was actually able to hear him,” she said.

They employed a popular method of debt-payoff called the “debt snowball,” where you pay the lowest balance debt first and once that’s gone, you apply the money that went to that payment to the next debt, and so on, until the money you are putting toward the debts has grown like a snowball rolling down a mountain, and the debt is crushed.

Practical conversations about spending money and the snowball method helped the family pay down their debts in the midst of the housing boom, from 2006 to 2008.

But attitude change was the critical puzzle piece that helped them stay out of debt during the Great Recession.

Rocha said they stopped thinking, “If I only had more money.” “The reason that it’s so important is that when we operate with this mindset that ‘My financial life would change ‘if’—insert magic potion—[then] we’re pushing it into the future. We’re constantly making excuses to start. That’s why it’s so important to say ‘Stop’ and say

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‘‘

Much like you might have your child with you in the kitchen as you bake, explaining how to use a recipe, measure brown sugar, and crack an egg, we talk about what a budget is, what we are saving money for, and why mom and dad work.

—Carrie Rocha

‘Wait, we’re not waiting for the next tax refund, Christmas bonus, or pay raise. What if we said the money we had in our hands right now is enough for us?’ That was really revolutionary in our thinking.”

While friends and family were upgrading and super-sizing, they kept their town home and shared a car. By the time they were finished paying their debts (aside from their mortgage), the housing bubble burst, the recession struck, and Carrie started her website to help families work their way out of debt the way her family did.

Pocketyourdollars.com is now a full time job. She employs the equivalent of 2.5 full-time employees and is frequently interviewed on radio and TV about money saving and deal seeking.

The Rochas have two young children.

Like most parents, Rocha is determined to instill healthy financial habits. “We explain why and how we earn, save and spend money. Much like you might have your child with you in the kitchen as you bake, explaining how to use a recipe, measure brown sugar, and crack an egg, we talk about what a budget is, what we are saving money for, and why mom and dad work. It’s created an interest in my kids about money.”

You can get there. We can help.

Visit www.MN529today.com or call 1-877-338-4646

Kara McGuire is a personal finance writer and St. Paul mother of three. Send questions and story ideas to kara@karamcguire.com.

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Books that make reading fun We love books that encourage interaction, allowing kids to read—and play

By Kathleen Stoehr

The Wheels on the Bus: A Book with Movable Parts When The Wheels on the Bus broke onto the scene back in 1990, it created a sensation with its clever characters, sly subplots, luscious colors, and the incomparable flair of its moving parts.

Almost a million young readers have enjoyed the wheels that go round, doors that open and shut, and people who go bumpetybump. Today it remains as fresh and engaging as when it was first published. For ages 3 and up.

By Paul O. Zelinsky • Intervisual Books; $20.99

Big Books of Science Experiments: A Step-by-Step Guide Use household objects and easy-to-find materials to do more than 100 experiments. The book text is broken into small bites of material, easy to digest so that the science (from earth to life to physical and more) is easy to understand. We suggest ages 10 and up.

By the editors of Time magazine Downtown Bookworks, Inc.; $17.95

ONE TWO That’s My Shoe!

When a mischievous puppy runs off with his owner’s shoe, it’s a race from one to 10 to get it back again. Over the teddy bears and out the door, readers can rollick along with the canine trickster and count the scenery along the way. For ages 2 to 6.

By Alison Murray Disney Publishing Worldwide; $16.99

Dino Mazes: The Colossal Fossil Book It’s 365 million years of fun. Each of the poster-sized mazes leads a child through intricate lines and curves of an anatomically accurate skeleton. Plus, young paleontologists will learn all about each prehistoric giant. For ages 8 and up.

By Elizabeth Carpenter Workman Publishing; $11.95

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Arlo Needs Glasses One out of five school-age children need glasses, and Arlo shows kids how going from two eyes to four isn’t a bummer. Just ask him: a free-spirited dog that loves to play catch, he discovers one day he can’t see the ball anymore—he needs glasses! We love the clear to blurry eye chart especially, as within are hidden the words “dogs rule, cats drool.” For ages 3 and up.

By Barney Saltzberg Workman Publishing; $15.95

Ready, Steady, Go Mr. Croc: A Flap and Pop Up Book Mr. Croc and his friends are ready for their own Olympics. Each spread features a different sport as the friends have fun with tennis, running, cycling, swimming and canoeing. Exuberant, inventive pop-ups will keep children fascinated. We suggest ages 3 and up.

By Jo Lodge Trafalgar Square Publishing; $12.99

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Sean

Toren

The full catastrophe

A

llow me to introduce myself— along with this new relationship column intended for couples with children.

I’m presently a married man with one ridiculously busy kid, one troublesome old house, and two very large, foodstealing cats. Was I just born lucky, you might ask? No! Like many a formerlysingle person, I thought I’d skate by heroically in a child-free world with healthy joints, willing lovers, and minimal work, all of which would ultimately land me a job with some artistic license.

But then reality (my mid-30s) hit. I got a real job, a real house, and was skating on not-so-good joints. On top of that I had already broken my heart once and was working on breaking it a second time— which I did handily, I might add.

Yes, by the end of my 30s I had managed to put my second Long Term Relationship behind me. A short period of cardiac repair followed, and then I met ‘Edna’ and fell in love. Necessary for any hero’s journey, Edna had a test for me to pass: to stay with

her, we had to have a child. Marriage didn’t matter. Baby mattered.

I hemmed for a few months, hawed for a few more, and all the while the nagging feeling that I was ‘missing something’ slowly grew. Plus, I wanted to be with Edna. This was the Long Term Relationship that was going to last.

“Sure, let’s have a kid,” I finally said.

“It’ll be fun.”

I figured that at my advanced age (and having worn too-tight underwear for too long), it would be a while before we spawned any small fry. But the gods laugh at mortal plans, and we managed to conceive right out of the gate.

And that brings us to how this first column was named—as well as to the reason for why I didn’t care to get married in the first place: politics.

Vote no Let me explain. I grew up with a lot of gay friends, as well as friends whose parents were gay, and I drew my line in the sand concerning marriage. If my friends

couldn’t get married then I wouldn’t either.

For over two decades I used my stance as a way of talking about gay marriage to people who didn’t believe in it.

Then came health care…or rather, a lack of it. We had to get the very pregnant Edna (a psychotherapist with strong legs but weak insurance) on my much better plan and there was only one means to do it: get hitched. But I wasn’t going down without a fight. Or at least, not without making joke about it.

If Edna’s test for me was to agree to a baby, my test for marrying her sprang from the movie, Zorba the Greek. In the beginning of the film, Zorba is asked if he’s married. He answers, “Am I not a man, and is not a man stupid? I am a man, so I married. Wife, children, house— everything. The full catastrophe.”

Did basketball-belly Edna (here comes the test) think it was funny, or just one more example of how callous men can be?

She thought it was funny! Ha! So I threw my civil rights stance out the window and popped the question. “Will you, Edna, be my lawfully partnered health insurance co-recipient?” She would!

We hustled down to the local Government Center to make it legal, and I magically discovered that being married didn’t stop me from talking about why others in love and possibly health-insurance needy should be able to get married.

Shortly after came the birth of our son, ‘Oedipus’ (who I’ll call ‘Ed, Jr.’ in this column) and that’s when the real relationship fun started—and why I have so much to say on how to keep a child-centric relationship going.

Don’t get me wrong; I love my son.

What I particularly don’t love is being ‘Not-Mom.’ You know, the high-strung second fiddle.

For more on that—and some takeaways that may help your family, too—tune in to next month’s installment, “The Third Wheel.”

Sean Toren loves living the full catastrophe in Minneapolis with his wife and son. He can be contacted at mnga@mnpubs.com with thoughts or suggestions.

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The natural, non-toxic baby

By Julie Kendrick

A

long with those two pink lines on the home pregnancy test and the fullcolor ultrasound picture, there is another milestone in modern parenthood, one that increasingly gets included somewhere between the first genetic testing and the last all-couples’ baby shower: a thorough household detoxification. Many parents confirm that their pre-delivery to-do list, which used to be limited to chores like “select theme for nursery,� now includes tasks like checking for potentially harmful chemicals in plastic, soaps, bedding, carpets, and household cleaners.

According to the medical network Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU), children may be more vulnerable to environmental exposures than adults because their systems are still developing. In proportion to their body size, they eat, drink, and breathe more than adults, their systems are less able to break down pollutants, and their behavior (think of all that outdoor and floor time) can lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

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Ryan North, of Moss Envy.

Photo by Habakkuk Stockstill

“Before you become a parent, your focus is on yourself, and you might be more willing to compromise on your own personal health decisions. But when you bring a new little one into the world, you reevaluate everything,” says Ryan North, owner of Moss Envy, a Minneapolis-based store that features recycled, natural, organic, and eco-friendly products. He says that he and the store’s staff have noticed an increasing uptick in the number of parents who are seeking to make their baby’s environment as toxin-free as possible.

Cosmetics to mattresses For Keturah Pestel, a Roseville mother of two children under the age of five, it was a journey that began in pregnancy. “I became concerned about the cosmetics I was using, and their possible effect on my gestating child,” she says. After a visit to the website of the Environmental Working Group (see sidebar), she tossed out all her traditional makeup. “I figured that everything I put on or in my body goes into making a kid, so I needed to be careful,” she says. “Once I

learned about all these chemicals in my years from now, we’ll look back and be cosmetics, I changed my skin care astounded that we subjected ourselves routine. Now, if I can’t pronounce and our children to these chemithe ingredients, cals in the place where we go to SPOTLIG I don’t buy it.” restore our bodies, our beds,” ON GREEHT N Pestel’s research led her to North says. Moss Envy stocks LIVING begin considering other the Savvy Rest and NaturePAGE 28 eco-friendly choices, including pedic lines of mattresses. Made a chemical-free crib mattress, with certified organic materials which is a common next-purchase like latex, wool, and cotton, the for many parents, North says. He explains mattresses meet and exceed Federal and that traditional mattresses, which use state flammability standards without the synthetic chemicals to make them fire use of potentially harmful chemicals. resistant, have been an increasing Cloth diapers? concern in environmentally conscious They’re baaaaaaack circles. The first visit to his store is often For those who are somewhat more from expecting parents who have done committed to serious eco-friendly choices, some research and discovered that there is the return of that old standby, chemicals such as boric acid, antimony, reuseable cloth diapers. “They’ve come a formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and long way,” North insists, adding that chlorine are traditionally used as flame diaper pins and other safety concerns are retardants for mattresses. a thing of the past. Even with environ“It would be nice to think that those mental factors taken aside (the two chemicals stay in the mattress, but the options have about the same impact, once fact is that they don’t. They leach out and the energy of washing is included) he are absorbed by the skin and lungs. Ten

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explains that the most compelling reason to go with reuseables is the cost.

“You will spend four times as much on disposables over reuseables, over the life of your child, from newborn to toilet training,” he says. North admits that the move to cloth is “still fairly much a niche thing—it’s definitely not mainstream yet.” Still, he says, for parents who have more time to dedicate at home to doing a few extra loads of laundry, it can be worth the effort. “Plus, he says, “Kids who use reusable diapers, on average, are potty trained faster.”

If you feel ready to make the switch, he insists that a Bum Genius brand diaper spray, which hooks directly into the plumbing of a toilet, is a must-have piece of equipment. The device, which rinses off dirty diapers directly into the toilet, is a top seller among those Moss Envy customers who have stopped using disposable diapers. “Parents tell me that it’s indispensable,” North reports.

Disposables with a difference “Our kids are ages three and two, and we just had a baby in September. We talked about it, but it seemed that using cloth diapers was just not possible for our situation,” says Jessie Seehof Carlson of Minneapolis. Concerned about the global footprint and presence of chemicals used in the manufacturing of traditional disposables, she researched brands that were plant-based and biodegradable.

Carlson selected the Swedish-manufactured Nature Babycare brand, which she orders in bulk from diapers.com. With the arrival of her daughter this fall, she added orders for newborn-sized disposable diapers from The Honest Company, the eco-friendly baby products company founded by actress Jessica Alba.

Whether it’s the selection of diapers, food, clothing, or any of the other choices facing parents, Carlson tries to keep a sense of perspective. “I look at our generation, and we were raised on TV dinners, fish sticks, and microwave food, but we’re healthy, smart, and functioning, so we made it through that. We try to follow the ‘90-10’ rule—‘Do your best 90 percent of the time, and the other 10 percent of the time, you can relax.’ So if my daughter eats a non-organic apple, I don’t immediately

think she’s going to get pesticide disorder illness. I just want to give my kids a fighting chance, given all that their little bodies are up against,” she says.

Prioritizing costs “I have a very long ‘wish list’ of ecofriendly things that I’d like my baby to have, but my budget is certainly not unlimited,” says Jennifer Tucker, a Coon Rapids resident who is expecting her first baby in March. Tucker teaches nursing at Anoka Ramsey Community and is an on-call nurse for the newborn intensive care unit at Hennepin County Medical Center. “Children’s health is obviously an interest of mine, but when I began doing research on the costs of many of these baby items, I decided I’d have to prioritize,” she says. After discovering the price of an eco-friendly crib, she decided to buy a second-hand model that met all current safety standards. “A used crib will have already off-gassed many of its chemicals,” she says, adding, “But it really did seem important to get a non-chemical crib mattress, so that made it into the budget.”

Her other purchases will include painting the nursery with low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, using cloth diapers, and buying eco-friendly wooden chew toys. “I just try to think about the places where the baby will be the majority of the time, and the things that will be most used,” she says.

Your grandparents were right North, who is the father of one son, Zander, age 13, says he is sure that many grandparents are chuckling at the return of such vintage items as glass baby bottles and wooden teething rings. “The things our grandmas and grandpas did are suddenly making more sense, like composting, using a push mower, or hanging up clothes to dry on a line outside,” he says.

As to the concerns of parents who are seeking eco-options for their children, he observes, “Many parents are just overwhelmed with all the choices and risks out there, but new moms and dads are really eager for information about ways they can give their baby a good, healthy start in life.”

Learn more Below are a few resources online, in print, and brick and mortar to help you navigate toward a toxin free world.

All Things Diapers allthingsdiapers.com 12064 Central Ave NE, Blaine 763 432-9263 Offers classes, diaper service, and many different varieties of reusable diapers Moss Envy mossenvy.com 3056 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis 612-374-4581 Offers recycled, natural, organic, and eco-friendly products The Honest Company honest.com An online source for eco-friendly baby products, including natural diapers, organic wipes, bath & body care, and non-toxic cleaning products Environmental Working Group ewg.org/healthyhometips Offers healthy home tips GoodGuide.com Features safe, healthy, green. and ethical products based on scientific ratings HealthyChild.org A nonprofit organization with the mission to help parents protect children from harmful chemicals Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home by Christopher Gavigan, founder and chief product officer of The Honest Company Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World: 101 Smart Solutions for Every Family by Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, director of the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, is a classic manual that includes checklists to help identify toxins in everyday household items Household Products Database hpd.nlm.nih.gov The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ listing of ingredients, health effects, and safe handling tips

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SPOTLIGHT

Green living

rsonal Looking for pe trust can products you arm the that will not h or just as environment, our family ? importantly, y these terrific Take a look at p, hygiene, “green” makeu rapy and aromathe products.

By Kathleen

Stoehr

Marine-based skincare Smart stuff Intelligent Nutrients is a certified organic health and beauty brand created by renowned environmentalist, Minneapolis resident, and Aveda founder, Horst M. Rechelbacher. The products range from skincare, hair care, pure plant made perfumes, and beauty. Intelligent Nutrients offers a wide range of products from which can improve ones well being both inside and outside. Minnesota Parent loves all of the products, but especially the Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss ($24) and Multi-functional Aromatics ($68).

Intelligentnutrients.com.

Eco makeup set Eco Princess was created by a mom who grew concerned with allowing her daughter to use “play” makeup and nail polish due to the highly toxic ingredients found in most sets on the market. The Eco Princess Makeup Set ($24.99) is free of sulfate, parabens, and gluten and is also vegan, cruelty free, and toxin free.

Go to organicbeautynow.com for more information.

OSEA skincare products are loaded with abundant vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids derived from land and sea.

The first company to sign The Compact for Global production of Safe Health and Beauty Products to phase out the use of toxic chemicals in all beauty products, OSEA’s products are all natural, vegan, and biodegradable. We enjoyed the Essential Hydrating Oil for normal, dry, and mature skin especially, as well as the Sea Vitamin Boost to help keep skin hydrated and toned. At $44, the travel kit is a great, affordable way to test out the products. Go to oseamalibu.com for more information.

Level up Level Naturals is committed to offering products made with quality gluten free, cruelty free, all-natural ingredients. Free of parabens, sulfates, toxic preservatives, or anything else that contributes to damaging health, the products also smell really, really great. We love the Black Mission Fig Lychee soy candle ($20), as well as the vegan soap bars ($6).

Levelnaturals.com

Hip Peas, hooray!

Hip Peas is a chemical-free line of hair products for babies and children. From hair balm and detangler all the way to cradle cap care and curl tamer—the line is made from all-natural (and yet still effective) ingredients safe for anyone to use. Plus, 10 percent of profits from the company go to child-focused charities.

Go to hip-peas.com to view the full line.

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Out About Parent pick

Ball-O-Rama

ÎÎLast few days! Golf balls have never had so much fun!

Explore velocity, gravity, friction and more by sending balls on a looping, rolling, race to the finish. Discover why people don’t fall out of a rollercoaster when riding upside down.

Ball-o-rama’s interactive components are modeled after centuries-old experiments created by Newton and Galileo.

A special “Tot Spot” area lets the Museum’s smallest visitors explore objects in motion at their own pace.

When: Through January 6 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9.50 ages 1 to 101 Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000 Parent pick

Ice Castles ÎÎLarge, explorable ice castles will encompass the North Parking Lot of the Mall of America, along with a children’s snow park area with a snow pile 40 feet in diameter and four feet tall. The Ice Castle is made of icicles organically grown from four million gallons of water and then fused together. The castle will join 50 large ice towers together to create a series of shimmering archways, tunnels, walls and caverns. In the center courtyard looms the largest frozen tower, reaching more than 40 feet high.

When: Through February 20, hours vary Where: Mall of America North Lot Cost: $5 ages 3 to 12; $10 ages 13 and up; family four pack $25 Info: mallofamerica.com/events/feature/ ice-castles

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Poet Carl Sandburg’s birthday (Fog comes on little cat feet…)

Family Day @ the MIA: Art Feast

13

6

Nat’l Dress Up Your Pets Day

14

15 Pinocchio opens @ CTC

8 7 ———————— ———————— Arty Pants @ Walker Art ———————— Center 11:00 a.m.

———————— ———————— ————————

1 New Year’s Day ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

16

Yo Gabba Gabba @ the Orpheum

9 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

2 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

10:30 a.m. FREE

11 12 ———————— ———————— Free Family Flicks: Diary ———————— of a Wimpy Kid @ MOA ———————— ———————— ———————— 10 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

17 18 19 ———————— Author A.A. Milne the Pooh) ———————— (Winnie was born, 1882 ———————— Diary of a Worm, ———————— a Spider and a Fly the Bunny Clogs ———————— opens @ Stages See @ HC Library, Mpls Central, ————————

5 4 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— Saturday Live!

Nalah and the ———————— Pink Tiger @ St. Paul Public ———————— Library

Sat

3 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

Fri

Out About

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs

January PULL OUT AND SAVE!

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Mush! John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begins

21 Dr. Martin Luther ———————— King Jr. Day ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

20 Inauguration Day ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

Nat’l Dress Up Your Pets Day

30 13 ———————— ———————— It’s Backwards Day! ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

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23 24 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— Opening day: St. Paul Winter Carnival

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Yo Gabba Gabba @ the Orpheum

Family night @ Midtown Global Market

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12/12/12 11:39 AM

Free Movie: Happy Feet @ MOA

26

See the Bunny Clogs @ HC Library, Mpls Central, 10:30 a.m. FREE

Out About Ongoing Then Now Wow ÎÎDedicated entirely to Minnesota history, Then Now Wow is the largest exhibit ever created by the Minnesota History Center.

Designed primarily for children, visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring Minnesota’s distinctive places from the prairies and forests to the cities, along the way they’ll meet the people who have made their homes here.

When: Ongoing Where: Minnesota History Center Cost: $6–$11; FREE ages five and under Info: mnhs.org or 651-259-3000

The Amazing Castle ÎÎTransport to a magical place and time— inside a castle’s stone walls is a peaceful, happy community where every citizen has a job to do. Don costumes and engage in role-play; try royal workshops; wake up a sleeping dragon.

When: Through January 27 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9.50 ages 1 to 101 Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Dora and Diego—Let’s Explore! ÎÎThe exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for your preschooler to explore as they learn and play along. Dora the Explorer follows the adventures of the seven-year-old Latina heroine Dora and her friends in an imaginative, tropical world. Go, Diego, Go! stars Dora’s eight-year-old cousin Diego, a bilingual animal rescuer who protects animals and their environment. The exhibit gives children and their families the opportunity to engage in problem-solving and active play.

When: 19th through September 22 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9.50 ages 1 to 101 Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

Dora and Diego—Let’s Explore!

Bye Bye Birdie ÎÎPublicity agent and songwriter Albert Peterson is in a pickle when his client, Elvis-like rock & roll star Conrad Birdie, is drafted into the Army. Albert’s sweetheart Rosie Alvarez comes up with a last-ditch national publicity scheme to save Albert and persuade him to give up the music business: Birdie will sing Albert’s new song live on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” where the heartthrob will also grant one last kiss to a teenage fan before going overseas.

When: Through March 30 Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen Cost: $46 to $81, student discounts offered Info: chanhassentheatres.com or 952-934-1525

Pinocchio ÎÎFrom the moment Geppetto creates him from a stick of wood, Pinocchio dreams of being a real boy. But will the all-too-tempting delights of puppet shows and Playland be too much for Pinocchio?

When Geppetto is swallowed by a whale, it is up to this little puppet to show his courage and prove his love for his Papa is real. Greg Banks (A Wrinkle in Time, Romeo & Juliet) adapts and directs a new, fast-paced world premiere version of this classic tale, in which a cast of four incredible performers will bring this

production to life. For grades K+.

When: 15th through February 24 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Varies Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0500

Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly ÎÎTake a look at the world from a bug’s perspective. Some dream of being able to stand on their own two feet while others dream about superhero powers.

This regional premiere musical, Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly is sure to make us appreciate and respect these tiny creatures. Appropriate for all ages.

When: 18th to February 23 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $12 and up Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ÎÎThe historic 390-mile Beargrease is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states and a prequalifying race to the Iditarod. Events stretch across a week, with the official start of the race

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Out About on January 27. Prior to the start of the race, however, myriad events, many of them free, occur. Among them: the awwinducing Cutest Puppy Contest, held at Fitgers Complex. Canine contestants (all breeds and mutts) between the ages of 16 and 36 weeks will be scattered throughout the complex, showing their adorable selves for two hours, with judging beginning at noon.

When: January 25 to 31 Where: Various locations around Duluth Cost: Most events are FREE Info: beargrease.com or 218-722-7631

Brrrmidji Polar Daze ÎÎThe more snow the better as people play and socialize through the community. You can start your weekend with the Skate Under the Stars and then do the 5K Polar Challenge Run/Walk, jump in the lake, enter your homemade sled in the sled derby and star gaze on the ice. You can continue your week by enjoying the Taste of Northern Minnesota, plus snowshoeing.

When: Bemidji, January 18 to 27 Where: Various locations around Bemidji Cost: Most events are FREE Info: bemidji.org or 218-444-3541

The Biggest Little House in the Forest ÎÎWhen Bernice the Butterfly finds an abandoned house in the woods she sets out to make it her home. Soon she is joined by Millie the Mouse, Fred the Frog, Richie the Rabbit, and lovable Bartholomew the Bear. Everyone is welcome, and there’s always enough room for a new friend in this heartwarming tale, told by one amazing actor with delightful puppets. For toddlers+ When: 24th through March 17 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Varies Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0500

Ice Castles ÎÎLarge, explorable ice castles will encompass the North Parking Lot of the Mall of America, along with a children’s

snow park area with a snow pile 40 feet in diameter and four feet tall.

When: Through February 20, hours vary Where: Mall of America North Lot Cost: $5 ages 3 to 12; $10 ages 13 and up; family four pack $25 Info: mallofamerica.com/events/feature/ ice-castles

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Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

• Cosmetic Smile Design

ÎÎThis outrageously fun show tells the uplifting story of a trio of men who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed. An international hit with over 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony Award-winning costumes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert features a hit parade of dance floor favorites including It’s Raining Men and I Will Survive. For ages 13 and up

• Comprehensive Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Porcelain Veneers Crowns & Bridges • Galileos 3D Digital Imaging

When: 8th to 13th Where: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $39 and up Info: 612-455-9527 or hennepintheatretrust.org

Beauty, Heart and Spirit ÎÎBeauty, Heart and Spirit, The Sacred Legacy of Edward Curtis and the North American Indian is a 50 print exhibit of Curtis’ timeless and iconic images. Take in the beauty and power of his extraordinary, haunting work.

Complimentary Consultations RBD Saving Packages Available Most Insurance Accepted

When: Through January 6 during regular library hours Where: Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Central Cost: FREE Info: hclib.org/pub/info/libraries/ cargillhall.cfm

Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life ÎÎVisitors will witness the body living through time—as it changes, grows, matures, and finally wanes. Inside the 14,000-square-foot exhibition, which was designed by creative and conceptual designer of Body Worlds, Dr. Angelina Whalley, visitors will discover more than

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Out About 200 real human specimens, including 20 full-body plastinates.

When: Opens the 18th Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: $19 kids age 4 to 12 and seniors; $27 adults Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

Preschool Playdate ÎÎEach Tuesday, the Science Museum offers preschool appropriate activities that will keep little hands busy and little minds buzzing. A Preschool Playdates ticket includes admission to the exhibit galleries, take-home science experiment, preschool perfect Science Live performances and science demonstrations, and various discounts.

When: 10:00 a.m. to noon Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Under five, FREE; $13 for adults Info: smm.org/playdates or 651-221-9444

Wee Wednesdays ÎÎWee Wednesdays have plenty to see and do for toddlers and their families. Free, educational programming geared toward children five and under; also features hands-on activities and more.

When: Every Wednesday beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org or 612-872-4041

Family Night at the Global Market ÎÎFree live music, a children’s play area, and free balloons for the first 50 children.

Businesses will validate your parking (for up to three hours) with purchase if you park in the 10th Avenue parking ramp.

When: Every Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org or 612-872-4041

St. Paul Winter Carnival ÎÎThe nation’s oldest and largest winter festival. Events include parades, cultural celebrations, ice and snow sculptures and a giant snow slide.

When: 24th to February 3 Where: Various areas throughout St. Paul Cost: Most events are FREE Info: winter-carnival.com or 651-223-4700

HOBT Puppet Show ÎÎEvery Saturday, different artists perform engaging puppet shows—a great alternative to television! Families can also attend hands-on Make-n-Take puppet workshops based on that day’s puppet theme.

When: Shows at 10:00 a.m. and noon; Make-n-take at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Heart of the Beast theatre, Minneapolis Cost: Suggested donation for show between $2 and $4; Make-n-take admission $5/child, $3 adult Info: hobt.org or 612-721-2535

4 Friday Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show ÎÎMore than 2,000 purebred canines— from big to small, hunting to herding, working and terrier, and even lap dogs— will compete for American Kennel Club (AKC) awards. Also see the hottest canine apparel and accessories, supplies, collectibles, and artwork.

When: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: St. Paul RiverCentre Cost: $4.50 ages 4 to $12; $8.50 adults; 3 and under FREE Info: tinyurl.com/bchv9a3

5 Saturday Free 1st Saturdays at the Walker Art Center: Pictures of You ÎÎYou can be anyone you want to be. Inspired by the exhibition Cindy Sherman, activities let you discover the

many different sides of yourself with performances, films, art-making, and tours.

When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (family activities until 3:00) Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

Free Family Flicks: Snow Day ÎÎEnjoy a free movie. First-come, firstserved to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Saturday Live! Nalah and the Pink Tiger ÎÎNalah and the Pink Tiger celebrates the joyful explosiveness of a child’s imagination. Author and puppeteer Anne Sawyer-Aitch of Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre drew inspiration for this story from her lively little niece. She lives so intensely in her imagination that grownups around her view her as a troublemaker.

Things come to a head when a pink tiger “follows” her home from the zoo and creates havoc. Best for audiences grades Pre-K to 5.

When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/bulsmwhe or 651-266-7034

Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show ÎÎSee description, Friday, January 4 When: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

6 Sunday Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show ÎÎSee description, Friday, January 4 When: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Out About 8 TUESDAY Arty Pants  Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate, features activities for adults and youngsters ages three to five. Art projects, films, gallery activities, and story time.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE with gallery admission; Walker members and kids ages 12 and under are always free.

Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

11 FRIDAY Motorcycle Show  Moto enthusiasts will come together to see hundreds of the newest sportbikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and more, all under one roof. Stunt show, pit stop challenge and more.

When: 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Cost: $15 adults; $6 ages 6 to 11 Info: motorcycleshows.com or 800-331-5706

Free Family Flicks: Diary of a Wimpy Kid  Enjoy a free movie. First-come, firstserved to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Motorcycle Show See description, Friday, January 11 When: 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday Live!

Musician Ross Sutter  Enjoy children’s music from America and Northern Europe with accompaniment on the guitar, accordion, dulcimer, and Irish drum. Sing and dance along in this interactive program.

When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/bulsmwh or 651-266-7034

13 SUNDAY Family Day at the MIA: Art Feast

12 SATURDAY Backyard Chickens Book Signing  Meet local author Vickie Black when she signs copies of Young Chicken Farmers: Tips for Kids Raising Backyard Chickens, as 32-page book with color photos and great information.

When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: magersandquinn.com

 Play with your food at this free family event! Design delectable candy jewelry.

Feast your eyes on a lively performance from Z Puppets Rosenschnoz. And get a taste of the special exhibition, Supper with Shakespeare: The Evolution of English Banqueting.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts Cost: FREE Info: artsmia.org or 612-870-3000

Motorcycle Show  See description, Friday, January 11 When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

16 WEDNESDAY Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!  an award-winning, live-action television series and live stage show whose unconventional formula has created a triple stacked fan base, making it one of the most popular entertainment properties among preschoolers, parents and indie music lovers alike.

When: 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $45 and up Info: ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

18 FRIDAY US Pond Hockey Championships  An eight-year old tradition in Minnesota, close to 400 teams take to the ice in a hard-fought competition for the coveted Golden Shovel. Stop down, take a look at all of the hand constructed rinks on the lake, and cheer on the amateur teams as they play their heart out in the Minnesota elements.

When: Various times Where: Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: uspondhockey.com

19 SATURDAY Free Family Flicks: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Dog Days  Enjoy a free movie. First-come, firstserved to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Childish Films @ the Library  This month: music videos for kids, plus a live performance by the Bunny Clogs When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Hennepin County Library,

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Out About Minneapolis Central Cost: FREE Info: supporthclib.org or 612-543-8107

Saturday Live!

Dakota Wild Animals ÎÎLearn all about reptiles and small mammals in this live animal presentation that is both educational and entertaining.

Best for ages 3 and up.

When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/bulsmwh or 651-266-7034

US Pond Hockey Championships ÎÎSee description, Friday, January 18 When: Various times

Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

US Pond Hockey Championships ÎÎSee description, Friday, January 18 When: Various times

21 Monday National Park Day ÎÎIt’s a fee free day in our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands. Grab your kids and take advantage of Martin Luther King Jr. Day by exploring the remarkable places around us.

When: All day Where: National parks and other normally fee-based public lands Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/cg6cchz

26 Saturday Fresh from the Freeze ÎÎMeet Word Girl! PBS Kids on tpt will be at the first winter Kingfield and Fulton Farmers Market, hosted

by Bachman’s! Word Girl will make appearances throughout the day!

When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Bachman’s on Lyndale, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: tpt.org/?a=kids-events

Free Family Flicks: Happy Feet ÎÎEnjoy a free movie. First-come, firstserved to theater capacity.

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

20 Sunday

22 Tuesday

Free 3rd Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum

Arty Pants

Saturday Live!

Bill the Juggler

ÎÎActivities for adults and youngsters ages three to five. Art projects, films, gallery activities, and story time.

ÎÎBe amazed as Bill juggles things that just shouldn’t be juggled, like baseball bats and bowling balls!

ÎÎVvisitors can roam the museum free of charge every third Sunday of each month.

When: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum

When: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE with gallery admission; Walker members and kids ages 12 and under are always free.

Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

About the Calendar Minnesota Parent welcomes information about events for families throughout the state of Minnesota.

Calendar listings are FREE and can be submitted online at mnpubs.com; click on Events > Submit an event.

You can submit a listing at any time, but the deadline for possible inclusion in the print publication is six weeks prior to the month of publication. (For example, June 15 for the August issue.)

All events are subject to change.

Be certain to check with the event sponsor either by visiting the website or calling, to ensure the featured event is still viable.

Events taking place for more than one weekend in length will be listed in our “Ongoing” area, space permitting.

23 Wednesday International Nordic Ski Jumping Competition ÎÎElite athletes from Norway, Finland, Poland, Canada and all across US will be taking to the slopes. Many former and future Olympians will be present, perfecting their forms and soaring up to 300 feet for trophies and cash prizes.

Enjoy the spectacle from outside, or take in the action from the brand new chalet.

When: After dark Where: Bush Lake Ski Jump, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: minneapolisskiclub.com

When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/bulsmwh or 651-266-7034

The Fab Four ÎÎWith uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatle’s songs, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Burnsville Performing Arts Center Cost: $37 Info: burnsvillepac.com

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It’s fitting Not all maternity bras are created equal

By Kathleen Stoehr

P

regnant bodies undergo

This contour-style bra is best for pregnancy stages 2, 3, and 5.

quite dramatic changes

week by week. Says Tracey

Montford, founder of Cake Lingerie,

a luxurious line of bras, panties, and sleepwear specifically designed for pregnant and nursing mothers, “It’s imperative one wears a suitable and well-fitting maternity bra, especially designed to suit the distinct requirements of your body during pregnancy and post-birth.”

Say goodbye to ugly maternity underwear and hello to comfortable

Q: Before all of the good stuff about fitting, fabrics, and beautiful undergarments, I understand you had no experience in the fashion industry when you first had the notion there was a market for products like yours.

Montford: I was a creative arts teacher. I never dreamed of having my own business, let alone creating one from my personal need. I was 32 at the time, based in London, and about to have my first child. Used to having nice things and wearing quality, fashionable clothing, my search began for quality maternity and nursing lingerie that was feminine, stylish, comfortable, functional—and fit correctly. A non-event, to say the least. It did not exist!

and dare I say, sexy, lingerie. I had the opportunity to talk with Montford about the hows and whys of fitting undergarments during the myriad changes a body goes through while pregnant. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: So, what next?

A: My existing undergarments and nightwear no

longer fit [as my body changed]. I wanted to buy some underwear, similar to what I was used to wearing before I was pregnant. Why did I have to compromise? I had searched high and low on the web, in stores—I even called friends in January 2013 37

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other countries! It became clearly evident the product I was looking for was not available. It actually saddened me and made me more conscious about my body.

Other women I spoke to had the same complaint. I had no idea about the bra industry, but I did know there was a market for fashionable, comfortable but yet functional maternity bras.

Q: So it was a learning curve to begin.

A: Learning about the product detail was

key, which forced me to fashion school.

While managing my home and young child, I spent every spare moment researching options for manufacturing.

Eighteen months and seven manufacturers later, I finally found one who was capable of meeting my stringent product and quality expectation.

Q: Hooray! So, let’s talk about the changing body. Or, for the benefit of my readers, I have encapsulated the very handy interactive chart (see below) you have on your website at cakelingerie.com.

A: This is right. Hormonal changes during

these stages will result in rapid changes to your breasts, putting skin and tissue under considerable strain.

A structured and supportive maternity bra will protect your breasts against ligament damage and provide you with much desired relief and comfort.

Q: Let’s just briefly expand upon the types of bras you mentioned in your information on various stages of change.

A: Yes, there are

five types. The seamless is great

for the first trimester, as well as immediately post birth. Being it has no wires, it’s ultra soft and expands and contracts well with your fluctuations. You can also use it as a sleep bra. And with a T-shaped back, it maximizes lift and support. The soft cup is for the woman who is looking for a supportive, non-wired undergarment.

A full figure bra is for those women who have a fuller bust and Tracey Montford submitted photo [the bra] can be worn at all stages.

It’s engineered to provide strong supportive, great shape and relieving comfort. The flexible wire bra is ideal during the second and third trimesters and also once your breasts have settled post-birth. It provides great shape and support without restriction of

movement. Finally, the contour bra is ideal for women looking for shape, a smooth exterior, and versatility. A product we offer, Mint Toffee, also has a converter strap to wear with halter tops.

Months along, in stages

Bust development

Bra needs

0 to 3 months (Stage 1)

Pregnancy hormones lead to glandular development. Most women will experience rapid breast growth

Select a non-wired, stretchy, seamless maternity bra that grows with you

3 to 8 months (Stage 2)

Your breast growth will slow; your ribcage will begin to expand

Select a flexible wire and/or contour bra with horizontal six hooks and eyes, for greater support and extension

8 to 9 months (Stage 3)

Your breast size at this stage will most likely be your nursing cup size in Stage 5

Purchase a minimum of three supportive nursing bras at this point. A flexible-wire, contour, or fuller figure bra is recommended

0 to 4 weeks post-natal (Stage 4)

Your breasts will swell and change size rapidly as it regulates its milk supply

Use a non-wired, stretchy, seamless maternity bra that grows with you

4+ weeks post-natal (Stage 5)

Your milk flow will have now regulated itself and your cup size will have stabilized, apart from regular daily fluctuations

Wear your choice of flexible wire, contour, or fuller figure bras, with plenty of top cup stretch

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FIND THE RIGHT FIT Here are some tips from Tracey Montford on how to determine your best fit: • You should be able to comfortably run your finger underneath and along the front band. Adjust the hook and eye further apart if you cannot do this, or go up a size.

• Ensure your straps do not dig into your shoulders by adjusting the lengths • Don’t allow the back band to cut into your back tissue. Loosen the hook and eye, or go up a size.

• When you hold your arms above your head, your bra back should not ride up. Tighten the hook and eye, or go down a bra band size if it seems too loose.

• Your breasts should not appear to bulge out of the top, sides, or bottom of your bra. Consider going up a cup size if so.

• Conversely, if the cup seems baggy or loose, not completely filled out, going down a cup size is wise.

AD

MN Transitions School MNP 0113 H6.indd 1

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12/17/12 10:06 AM

MI

presents

SS EE IO N

2 01 3

• Properly fitted wire bras will generally cause no problems as long as it sits under and behind the breast tissue.

• When purchasing a maternity bra, select one that comfortably fits to the second to the tightest hook to accommodate the rib cage as it expands from month four onward.

• When selecting a nursing bra, choose one that comfortably fits to the second to the loosest hook to accommodate the rib cage as it contracts to its original size.

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Honoring the fourth trimester

Profound transformation takes place in the three months following childbirth, yet women are often unprepared for the changes experienced by both her and her baby.

By Jen Wittes

Often, it starts with a little white stick. Hands shakily open the thick foil wrapper;

a woman—too anxious to consider dignity—aims, as best she can, for the small, dense receptor.

It is a messy, memorable right of passage followed by a glacially paced three minutes. In those three minutes, she might bounce back and forth—several times—between excitement and trepidation.

Then, as the second pink line appears, she commits. Yes. I want this.

This moment quickly leads to stacks of books, lessons in crochet, prenatal yoga, and lists of names neatly printed on lined paper. There are gift registries, baby showers, maternity clothes, and the Bradley method. Birth plans, savings accounts, and late night meals of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

By the end of her pregnancy, she has learned “what to expect” and feels adequately prepared for labor. As for what comes after, she hasn’t a clue.

She imagines that it will be challenging at times, but she also imagines her grandmother’s copper hair with his blue eyes. She imagines Christmas mornings and summer swim lessons; pink, fluffy clouds and everything she’s ever wanted.

Fast forward to reality.

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Contrary to the radiant and voluptuous nature of pregnancy, postpartum is a bit messy.

Our new mother compares herself to Shrek. With leaky breasts and broken blood vessels, she painfully straddles a maxi-pad the size of a saddle. She is worried, perhaps feels incompetent, and is silently pressuring herself to hit the after-holiday sales.

She is also so overwhelmingly in love with her child, and fears she will never be good enough. She wonders if her mate— the one who just months ago stroked her growing belly and came up with the name Charlie—might be from a different planet.

Yay, pregnancy In America, we celebrate pregnancy. We prepare for childbirth. We purchase sweet stacks of little pastel “necessities” which we fold and organize weeks before the baby’s arrival.

We do not—by any stretch of the imagination—sufficiently prepare for and respect the fourth trimester.

Through prenatal appointments and self-education, a woman will become familiar with the developmental stages of a fetus, as well as the ins and outs of her own evolving pregnancy.

Profound transformation takes place in the three months following childbirth as well, yet women are often unprepared for the changes experienced by both her and her baby.

Says Tory-Kielas Jensen, postpartum doula and director at Welcome Baby Care in Edina, “You could write a book about all of the changes that take place just during the first week. Significant developments for Mom include loss of fluid, hormonal peaks and valleys, the production of breast milk, and unparalleled sleep deprivation; not to mention involution, or the return of the uterus to pre-pregnancy size.”

Many women are actually surprised and frightened by the cramping associated with the shrinking uterus. They are shocked at the six weeks of bleeding and discharge that accompany the healing of the placental wound.

Why is this? How is it that we know everything about fitted crib sheets, but we don’t know that hormonal shifts sometimes make hair fall out? Is it lack of

education or is it a chronic societal inability to look at anything that might be deemed unpleasant?

In less developed areas, where true villages still exist, women grow up watching their mothers, aunts, and neighbors give birth. They watch women breastfeed, bond, recover, weep, and bleed.

Most Korean families, as well as those of several other cultures, practice a significant lying-in period lasting anywhere from six weeks to three months.

In Hispanic countries it is called La Cuarantena, and it lasts exactly 40 days.

In India, Greece, and China, similar practices are considered sacred and unquestionable. Women, after giving birth, stay in bed. Period.

These women do not stay home alone, however. They suffer no feelings of despair or isolation. Instead, they are massaged, worshipped, taught, encouraged, and fed. A female caregiver is always in attendance, protecting the secondary womb—the one that facilitates the birth of a mother.

The American standard As for the American standard in postpartum recovery? Well, it looks something like this: after an emphasis on “happilyever-after” women experience a bit of a bubble burst when confronted with reality. We are lucky if we can afford six weeks of maternity leave. We are lucky if a neighbor swings by with a casserole.

We have constant media onslaught, which applauds a CEO for getting back in the office three weeks postpartum and a fashion model for getting right back on the runway.

The result is horrifying. As a woman sees the glorification of “bouncing back,” she forces herself to entertain the neighbors who stop by. She answers emails, goes grocery shopping, and attends her nephew’s baptism. Anything else is unacceptable.

Krista Post, a St. Louis Park psychologist who specializes in postpartum mental health explains that, “new moms in America have very high, and I think, unrealistic expectations of themselves.

We think we have to do it all, and we feel guilty and inadequate when we can’t.”

Sad but true: the experience for most American women is about as far from la cuarantena as you can get.

It would be great if our country could change on a grand scale, insisting that both our public and private socioeconomic policies prioritize motherhood; however, revamping the entire system is a daunting task to begin with.

Instead, start within.

Spark a shift in your own personal mindset, and watch it gently influence those around you. Honor the postpartum experience. That means devouring information about newborns, perineum care, and hormonal fluctuation with the same fervor usually reserved for pregnancy books and the baby registry.

Choose postpartum caregivers— including helpful friends—with the same scrutiny reserved for your OB or midwife.

If you can, hire a postpartum doula.

Hire—at least temporarily—a gardener and a housekeeper. Save up for these expenses as you do the stroller, the car seat, and the diaper genie. Support is just as important, if not more so. Register not just for layette; request services, meals, and professional care.

Talk to your mother. Be firm if you find her advice to be pointed. Express gratitude in the ways that she helps you productively.

Focus on nutrition after birth as you did while pregnant. Eat your veggies; eat all the time. Take your vitamins.

Plan ahead for food, be it a stack of take-out menus or frozen soups prepared in advance.

Ask your employer for more time if you need it. Ask your employer to pitch in for the doula. Calmly explain the benefit to the company in having you return strong, healthy, and securely bonded with your child.

Fiercely protect your period of lying-in.

If you must go back to work, take it slow.

Recover. Demand that the world allows you to do so. These days happen but once, and you have a right to be healthy.

Most important, as that second pink line appears on the little white stick, rethink the length of pregnancy. Allow it to include the better part of a year, to include what many cultures would argue is the most important trimester: the fourth.

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advertiser listings

baby resources Child Care Kinderberry Hill Your baby deserves the Berry Best. NAEYC accredited, on-site nurse, beautiful nurseries, award-winning curriculum, highest safety standards. Full-time and part-time schedules, six weeks to school-age. Six locations.

Downtown Minneapolis: 612-436-1003 Edina: 952-925-5881 Eden Prairie: 952-345-8012 Plymouth: 763-404-1070 Roseville: 651-481-8069 Woodbury: 651-209-6690 kinderberryhill.com

Dentists Dentistry for Children & Adolescents Our dentists and team members are committed to providing your child with the highest standard of pediatric dental care from birth to age 19. We believe with good home care, regular dental visits, and preventive procedures, your child can grow up cavity free.

7373 France Ave S #402, Edina 952-831-4400 14050 Nicollet Ave S #100, Burnsville 952-435-4102 6060 Clearwater Dr #210, Minnetonka 952-932-0920 childrensdent.com

Education Blooma Blooma nurtures the mind-body-heart of women and their families. Blooma offers prenatal and postnatal yoga, yoga bonding, family yoga, childbirth education, plus classes for active moms looking to get fit, unwind, and connect. Childcare is offered during many classes. Be Blooma Well!

5315 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis 612-223-8064 493 Selby Ave, St. Paul 651-340-8538 blooma.com

ECFE Early Childhood Family Education offers educational, fun, and affordable family classes and resources for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents.

ECFE helps build healthy families and helps prepare children for success in school and in life. Early learning matters! ecfe.info

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Music Together Music Together: Music and movement classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them. 45 minutes of pure fun every week at several locations in the Twin Cites and surrounding metro areas. We invite you to try a FREE class.

Statewide Locations 800-728-2692 • musictogethermn.org

Health Care Minnesota Department of Health WIC Program WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition services, breastfeeding support, and healthy foods to women (pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum), infants, and children up to age five. We encourage pregnant women and families with young children to contact us.

Statewide Locations Nearest Clinic: 800-WIC-4030 General Questions: 800-657-3942 health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/

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South Lake Pediatrics South Lake Pediatrics specializes in providing health care for children from infancy through young adulthood. We offer evening and Saturday appointments as well as the option of easyCARE, a walkin service for illness and minor injuries.

Check us out with a no-charge, “get to know you” visit.

Chaska, Children’s West, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth 952-401-8300 • southlakepediatrics.com

Other Minnesota College Savings Plan The Minnesota College Savings Plan is a flexible tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan designed to help families save for a loved one’s future college education.

The Plan is administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and managed

by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. 877-338-4646 mn529today.com

Retail Linden Hills Co-op Grocery & Deli We offer local, organic groceries for the whole family. You’ll also find pre-natal supplements; organic baby food; BPA and phthalate-free toys; plus, an excellent selection of eco-friendly diapers (cloth and disposable). Questions? Our caring, knowledgeable staff is happy to help.

3815 Sunnyside Ave, Minneapolis 612-922-1159 • lindenhills.coop

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ADVERTISER LISTINGS

CAMP RESOURCES Academic Bell Museum Science Discovery Day Camps From mammals to invertebrates, outer space and the environment, the Bell Museum's weeklong Science Discovery Day Camps engage children in science through authentic objects and unforgettable learning experiences. Camps run from June 10 to August 30 for grades Kindergarten through 6.

Minneapolis 612-624-9050 • bellmuseum.org

Camp Invention Camp Invention inspires creativity and inventive thinking during its weeklong summer exploration into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!

Led by local educators, elementary school children are immersed into fun-filled, exciting, hands-on activities. Throughout the week, children work together to solve real-world challenges that prepare them for the 21st century. Whether they are creating a Duck Chucking Device or learning about games played around the globe, participants learn new approaches to everyday problems! Discounts are available—register today! campinvention.org

Junior Achievement Summer Camp Campers will learn how to run a successful business through a variety of fun, interactive activities. Held at JA's unique kid-sized city, this camp is the ultimate real-world simulation. The June session focuses on STEM careers; the July session will appeal to the budding entrepreneur.

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest 1800 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood 651-255-0037 • jaum.org

MCAD Summer Kids Classes The Minneapolis College of Art and Design's Summer Youth Program offers exciting classes and weeklong camps on art and design topics for kids ages 5-18.

Nurture your child's creativity through these hands-on studio classes led by professional artists.

2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis 612-874-3765 • mcad.edu/youth

Dance/Music/ Performance Circus Juventas Travel the globe without ever leaving our Big Top! Our full-day, weeklong camps explore a vast array of circus arts from Morocco to Mongolia, China to Russia.

Reserve your spot now for the most talked about unique camps anywhere!

1270 Montreal Ave, St. Paul 651-699-8229 • circusjuventas.org

StageCoach Theatre Arts StageCoach Summer Camps give equal emphasis to the three main Performing Arts elements of Dance, Acting, and Singing. Age appropriate camps for ages 6-16 provide real musical theatre experiences for your child, culminating in a fully staged musical.

Edina & Minnetonka: 952-300-5893 St. Louis Park: 952-367-6032 St. Paul: 651-775-2849 stagecoachschools.com

SteppingStone Theatre School for Young Actors This spring and summer youth ages 3.5-17 will spark their creativity at SteppingStone Theatre. Young actors tap into their potential in unique ways— building confidence and acting skills while having tons of fun! Scholarships/earlybird pricing available.

55 Victoria St N, St. Paul 651-225-9265 steppingstonetheatre.org

Day Animal Humane Society’s Unleashed Camp An animal-themed summer day camp at Animal Humane Society for students entering grades 3-10. Camp includes animal-related educational activities, animal interactions, special guests, field trips, and more. Registration begins February 15, 2013.

Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul, Woodbury 763-489-2220 animalhumanesociety.org/unleashed

Playworks Summer Camp 2013 …Come Explore With Us! June 10-August 30. Open to kids entering grades 1-6.

Children explore their world through field trips to zoos, museums, beaches, parks, more. Plus, arts & crafts, science, play time with friends. Enroll by March 29th and $65 registration fee is waived. FT or PT. Daily. Meals included.

2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake 952-496-6811 • playworksfun.com

Horseback Riding Sunnyside Stables Horsemanship Summer Camp Sunnyside's camp is a place to discover horses and new friends. Each day includes riding—rain or shine, as we have an indoor and outdoor arena as well as scenic trails. You will discover the basics of grooming, saddling, body language, posture, contact, and balance to develop independent riding skills.

15400 Emery Ave E, Rosemount 651-226-2027 • sunnysidestables.org

Other Minnesota Children’s Museum At Minnesota Children’s Museum, handson play builds lifelong learning. Each of our seven galleries is uniquely designed

Arts Kidcreate Studio Kidcreate Studio offers art camps for young artist ages 3-12. Our camps are designed to inspire and educate in an environment filled with fun. This years camps include: Pirates and Mermaids, All Dolled Up, Pajama Party, Lego Mania, Harry Potter, Bling It On, Angry Birds, Master's on Canvas, and many more.

7918 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie 952-974-3438 1785 Radio Dr, Ste F, Woodbury 651-735-0880 • kidcreatestudio.com

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with a child’s busy brain in mind.

Every visit is packed with experiences guaranteed to nurture problem solving, fuel fun, and cater to the curious at heart.

10 W Seventh St, Downtown St. Paul 651-225-6000 • mcm.org

Visitation School Visitation’s Summer Solution offers a variety of fun summer options, including athletic activities, visual and performing arts, science experiments, and academic enrichment opportunities for children in pre-K through 12th grade. Visit visitation. net/summer for more information.

651-683-1700 • visitation.net/summer

Sports and Fitness Academy of Holy Angels Summer Experience Summer Experience offers over 40 oneweek camp offerings in June ranging from sports to art. Camps last 2-4 hours per day so that participants may do two camps in a week. Costs range from $40-$90 for a weeklong camp.

6600 Nicollet Ave S, Richfield 612-798-2621 • academyofholyangels.org

Lil Sluggers Twin Cities

Overnight Camp Birchwood At Camp Birchwood the experience is about life-long skills, friendships, and memories that develop at camp. We provide campers with opportunities for making their own choices, encourage them to challenge themselves and to discover who they are through a long list of available activities.

Northern Minnesota Girls Camp: campbirchwood.com Boys Camp: birchwoodforboys.com

Lil Sluggers is a child development program that introduces children ages 2-6 to the game of baseball by developing skills such as throwing, catching, hitting, and base running. Lil Sluggers teaches the game of baseball in a fun and positive environment.

Outdoor locations to be announced.

43 Hoops: 1002 2nd St NE, Hopkins Strike 3 Pitching: 200 W 88th St #9, Bloomington 612-360-5818 • lilsluggerstwincities.com

Little Gym of Edina, The Anytime Summertime Camp For kids ages 3-12. The most flexible camp in town lets you pick one day or as many as you want! Flexible scheduling options allow you to sign up for several weeks, a single

week, or even just a day at a time. Each week has a fun new theme with games, art, physical activity, and a whole lot of fun.

8223 Hwy 7, St Louis Park 952-924-0083 • thelittlegym.com/edinamn

Revolutionary Sports Revolutionary Sports combines learning sports, child development, and having fun for the total positive sports experience.

Sports Include: baseball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & fitness, and volleyball. Half-day, full-day, early dropoff, late pick-up options available. Camp weeks during spring break, no-school days, weekends, evenings, and all summer long.

Metrowide Locations 612-338-3343 • revolutionarysports.org

Richfield Gymnastics Club Summer Day Camps Richfield Gymnastics Club offers summer day camps, Monday through Thursday mornings, throughout August. Fun, fitness-building, themed activities, and gymnastics instruction. Camps are open to girls and boys, ages 5+ of all ability levels.

Packages start at $70 per week.

Richfield High School, Gymnasium Entrance 7001 Harriet Ave S, Richfield 612-798-6386 richfieldgymnasticsclub.org

DISCOVER SUMMER Y DAY CAMPS AGES 4 – 15

Great introduction to traditional camp activities: • Archery • Canoeing • Swimming

• Arts & Crafts • Cookouts • Fishing

Develop a greater passion or try something new at one of our Specialty Camps. 10 Day Camp locations.

Bus transportation provided.

DAY CAMP EARLY REGISTRATION JANUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 15, 2013

SAVE $15 on Day Camp Sessions ymcadiscoversummer.org Membership not required.

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ADVERTISER LISTINGS

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Keep your child safe.

More than 60,000 young children end up in emergency rooms every year because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking.

Always put every medicine and vitamin up and away every time you use it. Also, program your poison control center’s number in your phone: 800.222.1222.

To learn more, visit UpandAway.org In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Charter Cyber Village Academy Cyber Village Academy is a chartered school serving students in grades 2-12 in a unique hybrid model that blends oncampus and online instruction. Perfect for families wanting to stay highly involved in their children’s education!

768 Hamline Ave S St. Paul 4:54 PM 651-523-7170 cybervillageacademy.org

Minnesota Association of Charter Schools The MInnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS) is a nonprofit membership organization advocating for Minnesota’s charter schools. To learn more about Minnesota’s charter schools, please visit the MACS’ website.

MACS Office: St. Paul Charter Schools: Statewide 651-789-3090 mncharterschools.org

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Montessori Lake Country School At Lake Country School, we believe that children learn by doing and are lovers of purposeful work, spontaneously chosen and carried out with profound joy. LCS attends to the social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual development of the child.

3755 Pleasant Ave S Minneapolis 612-827-3707 lakecountryschool.org

St. Croix Montessori School SCMS is an independent, nonprofit, AMI recognized school offering toddler, primary, and elementary environments.

SCMS is located on 15 acres of beautiful rural countryside in the St. Croix River Valley, just minutes from Stillwater, Woodbury, and Hudson.

177 Neal Ave N Stillwater 651-436-2603 stcroixmontessori.org

Other Child Care Aware of Minnesota Child Care Aware of Minnesota helps families find and learn about child care.

Referrals and free information. Child Care Aware of Minnesota: Bringing up What Matters Most.

Statewide Locations 888-291-9811 mnchildcare.org

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Minnesota College Savings Plan The Minnesota College Savings Plan is a flexible tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan designed to help families save for a loved one’s future college education.

The Plan is administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and managed

by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. 877-338-4646 mn529today.com

Preschool Dodge Nature Preschool Situated on a 110-acre area of our Environmental Educational Preserve, the Dodge Nature Preschool brings the natural world into the lives of young children.

Experiences at Dodge include visiting animals at our farm, discovery hikes through woods and prairies, apple picking, care of children’s gardens, tapping sugar maples, visits to our reptile lab and raptor house, and more.

1715 Charlton St W St. Paul 651-455-4555 dodgenaturecenter.org

Joyce Bilingual Preschool Joyce Preschool is a bilingual SpanishEnglish program for children ages 3-5 with strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness, second language acquisition, early literacy, and parent involvement. Also offering parent-child classes and summer camps.

Multiple locations starting in 2012-13.

Joyce Preschool Park Avenue: 3400 Park Ave S Minneapolis Joyce at Windom: 5821 Wentworth Ave S Minneapolis 612-823-2447 joycepreschool.org

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St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development

Where spirit, mind and body flourish

Preschool Round-Up: Tues., Jan. 22 – 6:30 p.m.

Kindergarten Round-Up: Wed., Jan. 23 – 6:30 p.m.

Mass, Open House & Dinner: Sun., Jan. 27 – 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

845 2nd Ave. NW, New Brighton, MN

www.facebook.com/StJohnsNewBrighton

A respectful, caring, faith-filled environment A focus on integrity and character-building skills

Academic excellence; competitive fine arts/global language offerings A lasting moral foundation

Individual attention (25 students/classroom)

YMCA

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“Juguemos Juntos” Learning Together Our Spanish immersion parent-child classes include songs and activities designed for children from 2 to 4 years old and a parent or caregiver.

(612) 823-2447 | www.joycepreschool.org

10-week sessions throughout the school year.

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Our Early Childhood Education program serves children ages 16 months – 5 years with flexible, year-round scheduling. With a curriculum that focuses on nurturing the whole child, we build pre-academic skills while also promoting social, emotional, and physical development.

3395 Plymouth Rd Minnetonka 952-939-0396 stdavidscenter.org

8/6/12 4:18 PM

The Y is for Youth Development, nurturing the lives of children through value based enrichment programs and serving the needs of infants, toddlers, preschool, and school age children. We are your partner with over 70 program locations across the metro area.

612-230-9622 ymcatwincities.org

Private Concordia Academy Concordia Academy is a Christian, grades 9-12, high school serving the Twin Cities metro area. Located in Roseville, Concordia Academy provides purposeful learning opportunities that invite spiritual growth while nurturing excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and relationships.

2400 N Dale St Roseville 651-484-8429 concordiaacademy.com

Public Hopkins Public Schools

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A leader in STEM curriculum, Hopkins offers: full Chinese Immersion with a proven record of success; Juntos Spanish Immersion, for grades 7-12, offering 16 college credits; an extensive AP program,

DYSLEXIA : A CELEBRATION OF TALENTS February 15, 2013 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Groves Academy 3200 Highway 100 South St. Louis Park, MN

Guest speakers: Brock L. Eide, M.D., M.A. Fernette Eide M.D.

Linda Hecker, M.Ed.

For more information and to register, visit www.grovesacademy.org

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with more than 250 course choices at our high school.

Harley Hopkins Family Center (Birth–Preschool) 125 Monroe Ave, Hopkins Alice Smith Elementary 801 Minnetonka Mills Rd, Hopkins Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing Academy 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins Gatewood Elementary 14900 Gatewood Dr, Minnetonka Glen Lake Elementary 4801 Woodridge Rd, Minnetonka L.H. Tanglen Elementary 10901 Hillside Ln, Minnetonka

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Meadowbrook Elementary 5460 Glenwood Ave, Golden Valley North Junior High 10700 Cedar Lake Rd, Minnetonka West Junior High 3830 Baker Rd, Minnetonka Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka 952-988-4000 hopkinsschools.org

Minneapolis Public Schools Minneapolis Public Schools promises an inspirational educational experience in a safe, welcoming environment for all diverse learners to acquire the tools and skills necessary to confidently engage in the global community. We offer a wide variety of academic programming from pre-K-12. Below is a list of all of our schools.

Andersen United Anishinabe Academy Anthony Middle Anwatin Middle Armatage Montessori Bancroft Barton Open Bethune Community Broadway ALC at Longfellow Bryn Mawr Community Burroughs Community Cityview Middle Dowling Urban Environmental Edison High Emerson Spanish Dual Immersion FAIR Crystal FAIR Downtown Field Community Folwell School, Performing Arts Floyd B. Olson Middle Friendship Academy of Fine Arts Green Central Park Community Hale Community Hall International Harrison Education Center Henry High Minnetonka Public Schools MNP 0113 V2.indd 1

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Heritage Academy of Science & Technology Hiawatha Community Hmong International Academy Howe Community Jefferson Community Jenny Lind Elementary Kenny Community Kenwood Community Lake Harriet Community Lower Lake Harriet Community Upper Lake Nokomis Community Keewaydin Campus Lake Nokomis Community Wenonah Campus Loring Community Loring Nicollet Alternative School Lucy Craft Laney at Cleveland Park Lyndale Elementary Marcy Open Menlo Park Academy High School MERC High School Metropolitan Learning Alliance Minneapolis College Prep Minnesota School of Science Mona Moede NaWayEe Center School Nellie Stone Johnson Community North Academy of Arts & Communication

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North Senior Academy Northeast Middle Northrop Community Pierre Bottineau French Immersion Pillsbury Community Plymouth Youth Center Arts & Technology High School Pratt Community Ramsey Middle School River Bend Educational Center Roosevelt High Sanford Middle Seward Montessori Sheridan Arts Magnet South High Southwest High Sullivan Community Takoda Predatory Academy Tatanka Academy Transition Plus Urban League Academy VOA Opportunity High School VOA Phoenix SALT Waite Park Community Washburn High Wellstone International High School Whittier International Windom Spanish Dual Immersion School District Headquarters Minneapolis Public Schools The Davis Center 1250 W Broadway Ave Minneapolis 612-668-0000 mpls.k12.mn.us

Minnetonka Public Schools Minnetonka Public Schools is among the state’s highest performing public school districts, recognized nationally for use of technology as an accelerator of learning in every classroom. Minnetonka Kindergarten options include full day, half day, traditional K, Spanish Immersion, or Chinese Immersion.

5621 County Rd 101 Minnetonka 952-401-5000 minnetonka.k12.mn.us

Specialty LearningRx LearningRx is a brain training center that works with individuals struggling with reading, reading comprehension, attention, math, organizational skills, test taking, and more. Unlike tutoring, LearningRx gets to the root cause of learning struggles by strengthening underlying cognitive skills.

Chanhassen: 952-949-6900 Eagan: 651-686-1066 Maple Grove: 763-746-5850 Savage: 952-226-1115 Vadnais Heights: 651-287-1441 Woodbury: 651-262-5900 learningrx.com

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— 23 years of excellence —

Early Childhood Family Education

Parent-Child Classes • Birth – 5 Years Old

Offered through your local school district • www.ECFE.info

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Catalina’s Preschool Spanish Learn SpaniSh with Your ChiLd

Nannies from the Heartland

Maple Tree Cottage

Fun music-based classes for ages 1½-6 & parents

763-550-0219 nanniesheartland.com

612-922-2222 www.preschoolspanish.com

Home-Based Preschool • Waldorf-Inspired Program • Trained, Licensed Teacher • Mornings with Lunch Option • Organic Whole Foods Snacks South Mpls. location

(612)724.8957

Special Music, Inc. is a center-based8/28/12 programNannies 4:10 PMfrom the Heartland MNP 10/30/12 1212 1cx1.indd Catalina's 2:39 PM 1The Preschool SpanishGardens, MNP 7/18/12 0812 Maple 1cx1.indd 3:39 PM Tree 1Cottage MNP 0911 1cx1.indd 7/25/11 3:27 1 PM “Downtown Minneapolis Sculpture that has been providing pediatric NMT services is our backdrop...

Loring Park...our backyard.” for children ages 1-21 with autism and neurologic impairments since 2001

Child Garden is a leader in the all-day, all-year Montessori Environment for 50 years

Beth Wiskus, MA, MT-BC Neurologic Music Therapist Individual NMT • Group NMT • NMT Social Groups

NeurologiC MusiC TherApy serviCes We Moved! 2489 Rice St, Ste 50, Roseville, MN 55113 612-251-8991 • www.specialmusicofmn.com

Creative Kids Academy

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Full-time Care for 6 wks – 6 yrs of age • 2 locations near Downtown Mpls Open 7am to 6pm, M–F • Lowest ratios in the state Onsite Chef serving lunch & 2 snacks with many organic options Curriculum includes Spanish, Music, Art, and Dance

612-377-1698

Complete DireCtory at mnparent.com

Click on “Resources”

· childgardenmontessori.com · 612-870-9771

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Visit narimn.org or call 612-332-6274 to find a NARI-certified professional for your next remodeling project or to become a NARI member.

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Real Life “I think as parents we have to watch for that thing our child loves, that thing that makes them happy, and support it.”

things done. Being away on tour I am now way more homesick than I have ever been.

What does Dot think about her daddy, the guitarist? I know she’s little, but kids are impressionable and opinionated, even at that age.

She has shown a lot of interest in music, having me around playing guitar. We also have a bunch of instruments around the house for her to play with. On her first birthday I gave her an orange ukulele that she picks up and pretends to be me rocking out during our dance parties. We brought her to a festival MCS got to play this [past] summer where she danced on stage behind us having the time of her life. It was amazing.

You formed MCS in 1997.

When did you really start thinking about music as a career path?

real dad

Joshua Cain

Lead guitarist, background vocalist, and co-founder of the Minneapolis-based band, Motion City Soundtrack (MCS), Joshua Cain has been playing music professionally since 1997. MCS has released five studio albums and recently played a sold out show at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis.

As with any band hoping to “make it big,” a heavy touring schedule has always been Q&A part of his job. He spent the How has touring changed for you, now that you are a father? better part of 2012 on the Touring is a mixed bag as a father. When home, I am mostly a stay-at-home dad. I road. Married to wife, Jill, love that I get to be there with her, really getting to enjoy her childhood. One of the since 2007, they welcomed drawbacks is that it’s tough to get any daughter, Dot, in 2010. creative work done while you’re chasing a —Kathleen Stoehr

little maniac around the house. So now I look at tour as a time to really get some

I was 15 when I decided I wanted to play music. After I got my first bass (I started on bass), I played for four hours a day. I didn’t really have a plan other than wanting and needing to get as good at bass as I could. I wasn’t really that great at anything else in my life so I applied myself to music. Playing and writing music is where I felt the most at ease with myself. Every challenge seemed enjoyable—unlike everything else in my teenage life.

I think as parents we have to watch for that thing our child loves, that thing that makes them happy, and support it.

Any thoughts on adding to your family, or is one enough?

We are talking about another kid. It is hard to plan this stuff out. I do love the dynamic we have right now but I am not afraid of the change.

What do you hope for your daughter, as she grows?

That she is happy and fulfilled, finding whatever she searches for. I hope she can live a life without oppression, hate, and violence. I hope she always knows her mother and father love her.

58 January 2013

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