December 2013

december 2013

Holiday style Fancy evenings & cozy mornings {Page 37}

Conquering hearing loss {Page 16}

Snuggle in!

TOYS We tested over 200

Find out which were the best of the bunch

Priyanka, 3, Burnsville

{Page 42}

Bedtime books with a holiday focus {Page 22}

Delicious granola to gift {Page 14}

coNTeNTS Features

37

42

HoLidaY sTYLe

GiFT GiVinG GUide

Evening finery and morning cozies for the festive time of the year

By Kathleen Stoehr

Minnesota Parent tested, these toys are our suggestions

By Kathleen Stoehr

Calendar 26 deCemBer aT a GLanCe

28 parenT piCKs

28 oUT & aBoUT

on the cover Priyanka, daughter of Alyssa and Sachin Isaacs, gives a Mooshka doll a hug during the annual Minnesota Parent toy test. PHOTO BY JOE JOHNSON

6 December 2013

minnesota parent December

Departments 8 ediTor’s noTe Compassionate kids

A gifted mind in elementary school is a terrible thing to waste.

By Kathleen Stoehr 9 CHaTTer A little bit of news and information for your quiet time reading

By Kathleen Stoehr 10 BaBY on Board That’s what he said

By Shannon Keough 12 asK THe pediaTriCian Answering your questions about health

Wanting More to Learn Seeking Gifted Peers Needing Inspiration

Waiting for a Challenge

Make 2014 the year your exceptionally gifted child is finally inspired to excel.

By Dr. Peter Dehnel

Minnetonka Navigator Parent Information Meeting

14 in THe KiTCHen

Thursday, December 12th at 7 pm Minnetonka Public Schools, 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us keyword:Navigator

Recipes and more 16 TWeen sCene Our noisy society

By Joy Riggs 18 HoT sTUFF Stocking stuffers

By Kathleen Stoehr 20 GroWs on Trees Moms & money

By Kara McGuire 22 BooK sHeLF Holiday bedtime books

By Kathleen Stoehr

Minnetonka Public Schools MNP 1213 S3.indd 1

11/18/13 10:31 AM

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

24 reLaTionsHips

• Must not take antidepressants

Difficult conversations—tact or friction

• Must have a history of depression

By Sean Toren

• You will receive $100 for your time

50 reaL LiFe Real dad Christopher Danielson

By Zoe Gahan

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

11/15/12 2013 2:37 PM7 December

From the editor Vol. 28, Issue 12

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 Zoe Gahan Joe Johnson Shannon Keough Kara McGuire Joy Riggs Sean Toren Production Manager Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnpubs.com Senior Graphic Designer Valerie Moe Graphic Designer Amanda Wadeson Sales administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 • kmanson@mnpubs.com circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnpubs.com classified advertising 612-825-9205 • sales@mnpubs.com Printing Brown Printing 60,000 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.

Compassionate kids

W

ho would have thought that Her Majesty, Queen Noor of Jordan would share the stage with the Jonas Brothers? That actor Mia Farrow and activist Martin Luther King III would warm the audience up for Carly Rae Jepsen?

In early October, I was able to experience a stadium-sized educational event called We Day, connecting world-renowned inspirational speakers and performers with middle and high school youth, their teachers, and other leaders. There were over 18,000 kids in attendance and not one of them paid for admission. Instead, they earned it through service—by making a commitment to take action on at least one local and one global initiative of their choice as part of a year-long educational program called We Act. The We Act program supports youth and educators by providing hands-on, student-led campaigns, free lesson plans, and classroom activities and resources, as a way to enhance a school’s existing social outreach resources or to spark new ideas.

The excitement in the Xcel Energy Center was electric. Of course, the kids were eager to see popular stars of the day such as the Jonas Brothers, Fifth Harmony, or our own Minnesota poet and musician, Dessa. What struck me, however, were the motivational speeches. Many of the speakers: Farrow, and Barbara Pierce Bush, for example, along with Marilyn Carlson Nelson, all expressed regret that when they were growing up and in school, there was not a volunteer program like this for them.

These three women were honored to be a part of the We Day celebration and in the presence of so many dedicated youth.

I am mulling over this event again as we are now in a season of giving and hope. I’m not sure how I feel about the word “hope” after attending this festival. We can hope the world can be kinder and easier for all, but hoping won’t bring change. It’s hands-on work, positive and empathetic action that will do it. I think our kids are up to the challenge.

If you are the parent of one of the 18,000 youth who were in attendance that day, I hope you pat yourself on the back, because you have raised a compassionate kid, a global citizen.

Happy holidays to you and those you love and care for this holiday season, from all of us at Minnesota Parent magazine. May your days be merry and bright; your nights warm and nurturing.

Kathleen Stoehr, Editor

8 December 2013

Hennepin County Medical Center recently opened a new nine-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. These family-centered rooms have fold out couches, so parents and siblings can stay close to the patient at night, and monitors displaying real-time data, including lab results, so parents can track their child’s progress. “It’s important to us that our patients and families experience a warm, welcoming environment to contrast the intense atmosphere of care,” explains Julie Curti, RN, Nurse Manager of Pediatrics at HCMC. “Anything we can do to help families and patients feel comfortable and supported will also help with the healing process.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes announced the opening of its first bakery in Minnesota, home of the original Bundt pan! Located in Eden Prairie in the Lariat I Center, this will be the 72nd bakery opened across 18 states. Go to nothingbundtcakes.com for more information.

Alicia Overby of Baby Elephant Ears (featured in our December 2012 issue) was awarded $15,000 to help fund her business, as well as receive advice and support from the Kimberly-Clark Company and Maria Bailey, host of Mom Talk Radio. The grant came from Huggies MomInspired Grant Program.

Baby Elephant Ears is a multi-use headrest providing spinal/neck alignment and comfort for babies. For more information on the product, go to babyelephantears.com.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement related to setting limits for kids on TV, video games, and phone use. Excessive media use has been associated with obesity, lack of sleep, school problems, aggression, and other behavior issues.

A recent study shows that the average eight- to 10-year-old spends nearly eight hours a day with different media, and older children and teens spend more than 11 hours per day. To that end, its recommendations are:

In an early November announcement by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, the Obama administration will require insurers to cover mental health and addictions just as they cover physical illnesses. “This is the largest expansion of behavioral health coverage in a generation,” Sebelius said. “There’s no question we have to

• Parents can model effective “media diets” to help their children learn to be selective and healthy in what they consume. Take an active role in children’s media education by coviewing programs with them and discussing values.

expand access to treatment, services,

• Make a media use plan, including mealtime and bedtime curfews for media devices. Screens should be kept out of kids’ bedrooms.

benefits. It will also ensure that there

• Limit entertainment screen time to less than one or two hours per day; in children under two, discourage screen media exposure.

and support.” According to NBC News, “the rule will guarantee that health plans’ co-payments, limits on visits to providers, and deductibles for mental health benefits match those for medical and surgical is parity in residential treatment and outpatient services, a win for the mental health care community because so much

Toy Safety As kids start to add the latest and greatest toys to their holiday wishlist, Young-Jin Sue, M.D., attending pediatrician, Pediatric Emergency Department, The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, NY shares safety advice for parents to consider before they head out to the shops this holiday season.

Choking: Children younger than age three are developmentally most at risk for choking. In general, toys small enough to fit inside a cardboard toilet paper roll may present the most risk. Buttons, pullties, and snaps can all be detached and ingested by an energetic and determined child. Parents should take care to observe toy manufacturers’ warnings about choking and age appropriateness.

Wear & tear: Child safety is a year-round concern, so toys should be periodically examined for wear and tear.

Packaging: Kids so quickly unwrap gifts that the packaging is often forgotten about, but it too could be a hazard.

Small clips and ties can cause choking and large plastic bags can result in asphyxia. Cords and straps that exceed 8 to 12 inches can be caught around the neck, resulting in strangulation. All toy packaging should be discarded.

Batteries & magnets: If a child does ingest a toy, in addition to choking, it can result in poisoning. Some paints and glazes on toys have been found to contain lead and other harmful chemicals. Package labels should state safety testing standards. Battery compartments should be difficult for a child to open, as ingested button batteries may leak toxic compounds, and ingestion of small super-strong magnets may cause intestinal punctures.

of treatment of those suffering from mental illness or addiction is in those settings.”

Pilates ProWorks Studio opened in Edina at 75th and France, offering various fitness level classes plus a prenatal/postnatal class that includes baby.

Correction: The November issue listed an incorrect website address for Help Me Grow in its “What Next” feature. The correct address is helpmegrowmn.org. We regret the error.

December 2013 9

It’s pretty fortunate that babies start doing all the fun stuff (smiling, noticing things, not screaming) after about three months. If the newborn phase went on much longer than that, I’m not sure how many two-kid families there would be.

Shannon

Keough

judged

actual, literal fun

baby

That’s what he said colic

an interview with the father of my child

advice

challenges

I

’ve been writing this column for a year now, and every once in awhile it occurs to me how “mom-centric” it is. “I wonder what Nick (my husband) would say about this?” I often think as I mull over the challenges of the newborn period or choosing a childcare provider.

And although we talk about all things baby-related frequently, we’ve never had a formal conversation about it. So this month, I posed a variety of questions about parenting to my spouse. What follows is just an excerpt of what we discussed.

What do you remember about the newborn period with our daughter Lydia?

Lydia had a severe case of colic. After listening to every well-intentioned bit of advice and trying countless things, I

10 December 2013

think I can safely say that nobody has any idea how to cure, or tame, or even mitigate the dreaded colic. We never found anything that could make Lydia stop screaming. She simply screamed for three months and when she was done [with colic] she stopped.

How did the reality of being a parent differ from what you might have been expecting?

One thing that surprised me is how much actual, literal fun is involved in hanging out with one’s baby/toddler. Before having Lydia, I assumed (correctly, as it turns out) that hanging out with one’s kid would foment deep feelings of love, cosmic one-ness with the universe, etc.

But I always thought that if I wanted actual fun, I’d probably have to ditch the kid and go out to a bar or something.

So it’s been somewhat of a surprise that when I get to choose between hanging out with my daughter at home or going out with adults, the prospect of hanging out with Lydia often seems like an equally fun option—a different kind of fun, for sure, but actual, real fun nonetheless. I always end up rolling around on the floor with her, chasing her around the living room, making up little songs…basically playing, something one doesn’t get to do as much later on in life.

Have you ever felt judged for your way of being a parent?

I stopped frequenting the coffee shop across the street from our house largely because the manager there was such an obnoxious provider of unasked-for parenting “advice.” When Lydia was still a baby, I used to grab her in the mornings whenever I made a coffee run. I would simply pick her up in my arms, walk the quarter-block over to the cafe, plop her on the counter where she would gurgle cutely, order the coffee, pay, and leave.

This sequence of events seemed to really irritate the joyless barista. One

morning as I was handing over my money she demanded to know why I didn’t carry Lydia in a Baby Bjorn. I replied, “Uh... because I live literally across the street.”

She countered with, “They’re super easy to put on, even for short trips—you should try one.” Feeling put upon, I told her I didn’t like them and that I wouldn’t be using one to go to her coffee shop, ever.

What do you like about being a parent?

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.

I really like that it’s made me less self-absorbed. After having Lydia, all of a sudden there were large swaths of time during which I would not think about my own situation at all. If you have a baby that needs to be bounced up and down or else she’ll start crying, you probably aren’t going to find yourself lost in some self-centered, circular thought pattern revolving around the relevance of some art project you were involved in. Instead, you will be probably be all-consumed with trying to find the correct way to bounce your girl to make her stop crying. That change in thought patterns has been refreshing.

How do you feel about having another baby?

It’s pretty easy to see how lots of second kids end up somewhat forgotten. For better or for worse, I’ve been completely attuned to every little phase of Lydia’s development. There is no way I’m going to be able to keep up that level of energy for baby #2. I was a middle child, so hopefully I will be able to notice and remedy the situation if/when I start treating little baby #2 in a more generic way than our first.

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

Shannon Keough lives in south Minneapolis with her husband, Nick, and daughter, Lydia. She can be reached at editor@‌mnparent.com.

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

Peter

Dehnel, MD

Q

When do I need to make sure my school-aged child is seen by a doctor if they are sick with a sore throat, cough, fever, aches, or other symptoms?

First of all, it is important to say if your child looks ill or distressed, please act on those concerns right away. Many clinics will have a nurse advice or triage line that you can call to help sort out your child’s symptoms. At night, sometimes there’s an on-call number to get further direction.

While uncommon, some parents do need to bring their child immediately to the emergency room, but please try to call your clinic first. Another newer option is an online doctor’s visit, where you can have a brief live visit with a physician to discuss what is troubling your child. To complete an online doctor’s visit you can use a service like Online Care Anywhere (onlinecareanywahere. com). You’ll be able to log in and choose a doctor. They are available 24 hours a day/seven days a week and you can log in on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Services like this can help you

12 December 2013

avoid an unnecessary trip to the ER, and may provide you peace of mind from not having to wait until morning if your child is sick during the night.

In general, the following symptoms will likely require a child to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner the same day: (1) if they have a fever of 104 or higher; (2) if he or she has any breathing difficulty or is breathing more than 30 times per minute when they are otherwise resting quietly; (3) a bad headache, especially if combined with a fever and/or neck pain; (4) if they have many episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea and are not urinating at least every 12 hours; (4) if they have joint swelling or a severe rash; (5) any new kind of severe pain, especially if they cannot walk or stand normally, and (6) if it hurts to urinate, especially if it is combined with a fever.

If your child has a sore throat and you are concerned that he or she may have strep throat, they will likely need to have a strep test done to confirm. Please check with your clinic to see how they handle this kind of testing.

Otherwise, if your child has relatively mild symptoms with a low grade fever (102 to 103 or lower) and are acting fairly normal, it is very likely they have a viral infection and will not need to be seen right away. Giving lots of fluids and treating with ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen will help your child be more comfortable and will probably be the best way to treat him or her.

What should I consider when buying toys for infants?

Infants are very complex right from the start of life. When thinking about appropriate toys in the first year of life, focus on their natural preferences, curiosities, and abilities during this time. As a general reference, their vision rapidly improves in the first several weeks and they will start showing preferences for bright colors

and human faces. They will love to hold, turn, and manipulate objects of an appropriate size and weight. Most infants seem to prefer a variety of textures as their sense of touch becomes more refined in the first several months. Their ability to form a “pincher grasp”—the thumb and index finger working together to pick up objects—develops around seven to eight months and furthers their ability to play with more “challenging” toys.

Toys should be approved for infant use, and most new toy manufacturers will clearly indicate the appropriate age range on the packaging. Choking is a huge risk, because most things go into the mouth, a very natural behavior. If a button or small part can be bitten off, for example, it is not a safe toy. Toys with painted surfaces need to be decorated with paint that is free of lead or other heavy metals. There have been some problems in the past with toys manufactured overseas in regard to the use of lead-free paint.

Finally, you will want to avoid other contaminants such as BPA (bisphenol-A) that may be found in some plastic toys.

Fortunately, today’s toy manufacturers are doing a very good job of letting you know what their toys are made of and what they do not contain.

And remember, one of the best gifts you can give a child is a book and then also read it to him or her. It will give them a great start!

This column is intended to provide general information and guidance only and not specific medical advice. If you have specific questions about your child, please consult your health care professional. 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 editor@mnparent.com.

THE NEW FAMILY BIRTH CENTER Babies are born every day, but at the Family Birth Center we don’t treat childbirth like an everyday event. From expert care teams to comfortable, state-of-the-art labor, delivery and recovery suites to our special care nursery, we deliver an exceptional experience for mom and baby.

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11/14/13 2013 10:22 AM December 13

Once you make this delicious homemade granola, you’ll have a hard time going back to boxed versions.

Wheat germ is a nice addition, boosting protein and adding nutrition and great flavor. Plus, what a great host/hostess or holiday gift! Double or triple your recipe so there’s plenty to share, package in 16 oz. wide mouth Ball jars (available at just about any local grocer), and tie with a ribbon. You are set with an inexpensive and wholesome gift.

Homemade granola reCip

e

2 cups old-fashioned oats 3/4 cup Kretschmer Original Toasted Wheat Germ 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup dry-roasted salted almonds, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon orange zest 3 tablespoons canola oil 1/4 cup real maple syrup 1/2 cup chopped dried unsweetened mango 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries Makes 9 servings

1. preheat oven to 300° F. Line large sheet pan (with sides) with parchment paper.

2. in medium bowl, mix oats, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and orange zest. Stir in canola oil and maple syrup.

3. spread mixture evenly on sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes.

4. stir in mango and cherries and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

5. remove pan from oven and let granola cool and harden before serving.

6. store in an airtight container.

Recipe courtesy of mywheatgerm.com

14 December 2013

minnesota parent tested

It’s not just for breakfast Ready to serve dessert? Brew up a tasty pot with the Panasonic “Breakfast Collection” coffee maker. With high quality stainless steel that doesn’t smudge (!), an aroma selector for milder or stronger brews, paperless filter, and an eight-cup capacity, this is one cool brewmaster. We also love the auto shut off, which should be required for any coffee maker, but alas—isn’t always.

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panasonic. com; about $230

Microwave no more Competing with co-workers for use of the microwave at lunchtime? Fight no more with this sleek little device from Hot Logic that fits a Lean Cuisine or other smaller flat-bottomed item to be warmed up perfectly. The Mini-Mac heats up slowly, never overcooks (sets itself to “warm” after the meal is heated thoroughly)—and because it doesn’t boil away moisture, there is no strong food odor either. Pop your food in an hour or two before and at noon— lunch is served! hotlogicmini.com; about $50

December 2013 15

Joy

Riggs

Our noisy society

I

f you have a tween, you’ve been parenting long enough to have navigated a number of safety issues regarding your offspring, whether it’s seat belts, sunscreen, or secondhand smoke.

But if you’re like me, you may have overlooked a concern that’s been right under your nose all along—or, more accurately, on either side of your head: hearing loss.

Other than occasionally telling my three kids to “turn down the volume!” of whatever electronic device they happen to be using—TV, computer, iPod, or their newly issued school iPads—I haven’t done much to advise them about the potential dangers of sound. Even after my husband lost the hearing in his right ear three years ago due to sudden sensorineural hearing loss (the cause in his case is unknown, but might have been virus-related), and thus our family became more aware of the challenges of living in an increasingly noisy society, I had not thought of hearing

loss as a public health issue.

Last month, however, my eyes and ears were opened while attending a conference in St. Paul. Sponsored by 3M, the conference attracted a number of experts from across the country who spoke on a variety of topics related to youth and noise-induced hearing loss.

Too loud, too long What exactly is noise-induced hearing loss?

It’s damage that occurs to the tiny sensory hair cells of the inner ear, and it’s caused by noises that are too loud and last for too long. Potentially damaging noise exposure can occur during common activities like mowing the lawn, hunting, playing a band instrument, or attending a sporting event, movie, or concert. It’s estimated that 10 million Americans have permanent hearing loss from noise or trauma, and that 12.5 percent of the country’s six- to 19-year-olds have experienced some hearing loss due to

noise exposure.

The damage is irreversible, but the good news is that it is preventable. That’s why health professionals, companies like 3M, and organizations like the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) are promoting education efforts aimed at families, particularly those with tweens. The thinking is that tweens are at an age when they’re making more decisions for themselves, and they’re also establishing their own health habits.

If kids and their parents understand the potential hazards, it’s more likely that they will take actions to protect their hearing as the kids grow into adults.

Laurie Wells, 3M’s senior acoustics regulatory affairs specialist, says noise exposure for tweens today is much different than what their parents experienced as youth. Kids can listen to music through earbuds at all hours of the day, and they are exposed to a wide array of loud sounds from the time they are babies.

Recognizing the source of a sound and determining whether it’s hazardous is the first step of protection, Wells says.

“If I go to a public event where there’s amplified speech, or to a movie, often times I’ll see kids covering their ears, and sometimes I’ll see parents uncovering their child’s ears and saying, ‘No, get used to it,’ or ‘It’s OK.’ I think we have a natural defense to protect ourselves, and we ought to pay attention to it,” she says.

It isn’t always easy to tell if a sound is too loud, because it’s not just the level of sound that’s important; the duration is also a factor that contributes to damage.

Resources Dangerous Decibels Reducing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss dangerousdecibels.org It’s a Noisy Planet National Institutes of Health program noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov Life Can Be Loud 3M hearing pledge tinyurl.com/mb4k4qd

16 December 2013

HoW To ReDuce THe PoSSIBILITy of NoISeINDuceD HeaRING LoSS

Children’s Music Classes Ages 0-7

Your ears can be your warning system for potentially dangerous noises. The noise is too loud when:

Also offering private lessons, Suzuki and traditional for all ages & levels; All instruments & voice

• You have to raise your voice to be understood by someone standing nearby • The noise hurts your ears • You develop a buzzing or ringing sound in your ears, even temporarily

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• You don’t hear as well as you normally do until several hours after you get away from the noise

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ava I l a b l e a t

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If you are around noises at this level, take proventative action: • Block the noise (wear earplugs or earmuffs) • Avoid the noise (walk away) • Turn down the sound FROM IT’S A NOISY PLANET, A PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

If your tween complains of ringing in the ears, or a fuzzy feeling in the ears after listening to a sound, those are signs of a temporary change in hearing.

“We might think—well, that’s not very loud, but if you do that ‘not very loud’ thing for a very long time, day to day, eventually it can erode the structure of the inner ear,” Wells says. “Conversely, it might be a very loud sound for a very short time, and it can also do damage.”

Once a sound is recognized as potentially hazardous, people have options for managing it; they can walk away from it, they can turn it down, or they can use a form of hearing protection, from the cheap but effective disposable foam earplugs to more complicated communications headsets.

Wells says it’s important for adults to model safe behavior, while also providing kids with the knowledge they need to become responsible sound consumers.

“You don’t have to stop doing what you want to do—you can do it, but be aware of how you’re doing it so that you’re not putting yourself at risk,” she says.

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For big kids

g n i k c o St s r e ff u st

The rules are simple: up to four players get 10 dice each; someone says, “go!” The first person to get all 10 die to show the same number (such as 10 5s, for example), wins! This was the 2012 Toy of the Year from the American Toy Retailing Association and 2013 Game of the Year by Learning Express. There are a few more rules, but it’s fun and easy for all.

— tenzi.com; about $15

Need a little something to tuck into a stocking or gift bag? Here are some ideas.

By Kathleen Stoehr

For Fido

For baby

For little kids

Shampooch! Beauty has gone to the dogs!

Give Fido or Fifi a good old-fashioned scrub down with 3waybeauty’s newest bar.

Minnesota-made and manufactured Doggystyle grooming bar is free of parabens, gluten, phthalates, mineral oils, and more.

—

The Difrax 3-stage orthodontic pacifier system accommodates baby’s growth and development with its unique butterfly shape and sizes to fit mouths up to age 18+ months. The last-stage pacifier is designed to help break the habit when baby no longer needs it.

—

3waybeauty.com; about $5–17

difraxusa.com; about $6/two-pack

When worn on the skin, Baltic amber (a fossilized resin) releases small quantities of succinic acid into the skin, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

When worn on children, these necklaces help reduce pain and other side effects of tooth eruption, such as earaches, swollen gums, fevers, colds, diaper rashes, and loss of appetite.

— mossenvy.com; about $19

18 December 2013

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for dad Hand-knotted in the U.S. by designer Coco Paniora Salinas, this macramé bracelet for men is washable and also waxed for durability, so no need to remove it. We appreciate its colorful and stylish look; adjustable in size as well.

— rumisumaq.com; about $90

December 2013 19

Kara

McGuire

Moms Money M

oney. Mom. Two “M” words that are inextricably connected in many families.

For kids, it’s “Mom, can I have some money?” or “Will you buy me that?”

For mom it’s, “How can I afford this?” and “College costs how much?”

When it comes to money, mom is unique. She plays her own role in the family money management, whether she’s earning it, managing it, or spending it. Her individual needs are unique as well, considering moms tend to earn less and live longer than dads. Nicole Middendorf knows about the two “M’s” firsthand, as a mom and a financial planner.

Middendorf is a mother of two and CEO of Prosperwell Financial, a women-owned financial planning firm in Plymouth, Minn.

Q: as a mom and a financial planner, do you think moms are different when it comes to money than women in general?

“Moms are different for they tend to put their kids first—as well as everyone else—and so they sacrifice things for themselves,” Middendorf explains. Take prioritizing college. Student lender Sallie Mae’s 2013 “How America Pays for College” survey found 74 percent of parents with teens would use retirement funds to pay for college expenses. It’s an understandable sentiment. But as the phrase oft-uttered by financial planners goes, you can

20 December 2013

borrow for college, but you can’t borrow for retirement. Middendorf agrees that retirement takes precedence. “I completely advise moms to save for their retirement first.” In fact, this is more important for moms than dads. Despite the societal shift of more female breadwinners in the home, women still, on balance, tend to earn less and caregive more, requiring retirement savings catch-up.

are there any advantages that moms have when it comes to money?

“The advantage is that you have a little person to mold and help and talk to about money. The more you talk about money, the more comfortable you feel with it,” Middendorf says.

To make money a family affair, head to the web. Moneyasyougrow.org, developed on the recommendation of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability, offers 20 digestible financial lessons for kids as young as three all the way up to the teen years. For example, the experts who developed the site say three to five year olds should be able to grasp the concept that money is earned through working and it’s necessary to wait to buy things (my four-year-old and I will work on that last one next time we hit the toy aisle).

You talk about a “family 401(k)” as a good way to familiarize kids with the basic idea of a 401(k), the tax advantaged retirement plan sometimes offered through work. What is the family 401(k)?

“With a family 401(k), you as a family come up with a goal for your money. As a parent, you can offer a matching program as well. The goal could be a pool, a trip, or a new ‘toy’ for the family. So, for example, you put money in and then if your daughter puts a dollar into the family 401(k), you could match her 50 cents.

This way she can learn about 401(k)s so when she starts her first job she understands the concept of the 401(k) and will sign up right away.”

Nicole, how do you teach your own kids about money?

“Allowance is a useful tool. Each Friday the kids get a dollar. They are five and three [years old]. You can use whatever dollar amount that fits with your budget.”

Also, explore needs versus wants. “We do a wants/needs chart where the kids take out a sheet of paper, cut out newspaper ads, and put them in their spot. My son did his wants versus needs as opposites. So Spiderman was on the need side and the toilet paper was on the wants side. It made for a very funny conversation.”

Incorporate money talk in daily life. “I was in Target one day [with my kids] and asked if [a toy] was a want or a need. This woman down the aisle gave me a priceless look—like I was crazy. There are so many moments you can teach your kids about money.”

Expect the lessons won’t always go smoothly. “Another time I took the kids to Target with their own money to buy toys.

Each had their [money] in a ziplock bag.

[My son’s] bag broke and ended up all over the checkout aisle floor. It was ‘Clean up on aisle 12’ and then the cashier counted every single coin.”

What are some tips parents should keep in mind when preparing and shopping for the holidays?

One, determine the amount of money to be spent beforehand on gifts. Next, determine the amount of money to be spent on extras such as holiday cards, postage, decorations, food, and gift wrap. Develop these lists as a family and finally, have your kids make as many gifts as possible.

Kara McGuire is a personal finance writer and St. Paul mom of three.

You can get there. We can help.

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

Bedtime books Make your holidays merry and bright with bedtime books celebrating the season.

By Kathleen Stoehr

The Christmas Cat The inspiration for Macdonald’s book came from Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of La Madonna del Gatto, the Madonna of the cat (circa. 1480– 1481). In the drawings, Mary is lovingly holding the baby Jesus who is embracing a cat. After seeing the drawing in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, Macdonald wondered, “Was it possible that Jesus might have had a pet cat?” Then she learned of a legend about a cat living in the stable who purred Jesus to sleep the night he was born, and began to imagine the long, loving relationship the two might have had. For ages 3 to 5

Tallulah’s Nutcracker It’s Christmastime, and Tallulah finally gets what she’s been wishing for—a part in a real ballet, a professional production of The Nutcracker. She’s only a mouse, but she works as hard as if she had been cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy. On the night of the show, everything is perfect. But then … disaster strikes! For ages 4 to 8 By marilyn singer and alexandra Boiger Clarion Books; $16.99

By Maryann Macdonald and Amy June Bates • Penguin Group; $16.99

The Sparkle Box An entertaining but also powerful book that will help families teach their children about the true meaning of the holiday season, as told through the eyes of young Sam. Homelessness, hunger, and clean water to those in need are addressed in a simple but profound way. Visit thesparklebox. com and you can also get ideas for your own inspiration. For ages 4 and up

By Jill Hardie and Christine Kornacki Ideals Childrens Books; $19.99

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella Jan Brett sets her Cinderella story in a snowy Russian winter. One magical night, Cinders, the most picked upon hen in the flock, becomes the most loved by Prince Cockerel when she arrives at his ball looking so beautiful that even her bossy sisters don’t recognize her. For ages 3 and up

By Jan Brett putnam Juvenile; $17.99

22 December 2013

Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift In this child-oriented version of The Gift of the Magi, Stella wants to give Boris something special for Hanukkah and Boris wants to give Stella something special for Christmas. They secretly sell their favorite possessions in order to give a meaningful gift to the other. Of course, it all works out in the end. It’s also nice that the two bears hail from separate cultural backgrounds, adding a pleasant layer to the tale.

By dara Goldman sleeping Bear press; $15.99

Family Christmas Treasury What a deal! 288 pages of beloved stories, from Curious George to Strega Nona, to Lyle the Crocodile and more—and it also comes with a CD and downloadable audio. This is a great book for bedtime reading or a snuggle by the fireplace, reading a new story each night to lead up to a very special occasion. For ages 4 to 8

By Various authors Young readers Franchise; $18

Or maybe the stuff’s even bigger than that—like whether Jr. is ready to take on the responsibility of a dog. Or you want to talk the whole family into going on the caveman diet. Or you’re ready to threaten divorce if your partner can’t learn to move the stinky sponge from the sink to the drying rack!

I’ve learned through trial and error the wrong ways into these hard conversations. You can run (but if you were smart enough to do that you wouldn’t be living in a house with other animals), you can hide (like you have been, you wimp!), or you can find your inner lawyer and come to the negotiating table prepared. Here are some of the ‘frictions’ to avoid.

Sean

Toren

calm waters vs. the cannonball

DIffIcuLT coNVeRSaTIoNS:

TacT oR fRIcTIoN

N

o one ever said it was going to be easy living with other animals of the same species.

Even though the process of mutation and natural selection has left us with nimble tongues, fingers, and frontal lobes, real communication is still one of our most difficult challenges. Sometimes it’s the communication channels that are the problem, including families bursting with personality disorders, frustrating iPhone connections, and the fact that Twitter even exists.

But often it’s the topic itself that

24 December 2013

proves troubling—you know, big stuff like how you want to follow your dream of quitting your job to create avant garde, singing-animal operas for children (by turning the garage into a theater space and cracking your partner’s nest egg). Or how after the recent, disastrous Thanksgiving dinner, your partner has unilaterally decided to go DEFCON 1 by tossing a dirty bomb onto your mother’s intricately scheduled Christma-hana-kwanza plans—even though the fallout might reach Chernobyl-like levels.

Image this scenario: You’ve just driven home from work, using the precious alone time to concoct an argument for how you can quit your job and still keep the family afloat. Your argument is crystal clear— and you know that in your child-addled world you may not be able to remember it for long. Plus, you’ve managed to trap your partner there in the living room as he or she attempts to decompress from an insane day. You may not get this chance again for weeks. Nothing like the present to hash things out, right? But forget about diving in now; it will only roil the waters—and you might break your neck jackknifing into the shallow end.

Bottled up Yet, don’t let the pressure get cooking too high, either. Waiting until you have the perfect time and place to talk to your partner—bottling it up until you get there—may make for a more explosive delivery than you’d hoped for, and make your tone too adamant (by which I mean shrill, demanding, or snarly). This can put your partner’s defenses up and ruin any chance for calmer waters.

The happier middle ground involves a little more work at the front end—getting your feet wet with a little planning. And a spoonful of tact.

Get rid of all distractions and focus You don’t want the kids around for some Playing Singing Ear Training of these conversations, but that doesn’t Supporting organizations that provide all aspects Composing Ages 3-Adult of support, resources, opportunities and outreach mean you have to go to sleep at 3:00 a.m.

CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL programs to children and families. (or get up that early, for that matter) to Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota! sneak in your little tête-à-tête. Just know 95% of all proceeds go to charities we support CYMS Edina: CYMS Roseville: that you’ll have to focus your thoughts Edina Community Center Hamline Center Go online to donate 5701 Normandale Rd 2819 Hamline Ave N and then actually sit down and talk as jimandjudefoundation.com www.cyms.ws • 612-339-2255 soon as the kids conk out.

When Edna and I needed to have a serious conversation about whether (and Jim & Jude MNP 2012 Filler 12.indd 1 10/18/12 Children's 2:41 PM Yamaha MNP 0113 12.indd 1 12/18/12 9:17 AM how) to remodel the kitchen last summer we kept finding that we were too tired to talk effectively by the time we got Ed, Jr. to bed. Getting up earlier than the kid didn’t seem to work, either, so in the end we set up a Saturday play date with his buddy across the street, and I made coffee while Edna walked him over there. A solid hour of completely uninterrupted time while we were both fresh meant that we got the ‘whether’ out of the way (figuring out that we could afford to do it) and later side conversations about ‘how’ were easier to sneak into our normal routine.

Make a list—check it twice Remember that part about bottling things up? One solution is to get your issues out of your head and into your digital device or paper. Then you can look over your list later, in a potentially calmer state of mind, and edit it to include only the most essential elements.

This list can act as a crutch if you’re easily rattled during intense, emotional conversations, since you can refer to it to remember all the points you wanted to get to. And if you degrade into a tit-for-tat about who cleaned the litter box last—or who can’t seem to get the dental floss from the sink to the wastebasket—it can act as a map to get you back to where you really needed to get to: if you can really afford that pet project of the singing dog-and-cat version of Madame Butterfly.

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

December 2013 25

December

15 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

Free Family Flicks: it’s a spongeBob Christmas!

Saturday Live! The Gingerbread Man

Free First saturday: Wall-to-Wall Walker

7

Sat

LAST NIGHT: Holidazzle on Nicollet Mall

Winter solstice

Childish Films @ the Library

21

14 13 Free admission @ ———————— The Bakken museum, minneapolis ———————— ———————— Holidazzle on Nicollet Mall ———————— ———————— Build a Birdfeeder @ Maplewood ———————— Nature Center 19 20 ———————— This is your last ———————— weekend to see ———————— Junie (B. Jones, that is!) @ YpC & ———————— Lyric arts ———————— ————————

16 17 La Posadas begins ———————— Toddler Tuesdays @ moa: Tinseltown ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

author Kate diCamillo @ Wild rumpus

18 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

11 12 ———————— ———————— ———————— Junior Zookeeper @ Como park Zoo, ———————— st. paul ———————— ————————

10 9 ———————— ———————— Arty Pants: Your ———————— Tuesday Playdate — month’s theme: ———————— ThisGet Moving ———————— ————————

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Fri

5 6 Hanukkah ends ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— 16th annual Holiday on 44th ———————— in Mpls

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2 3 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— Sneak peek: Llama Llama Holiday ———————— Drama @ MOA

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Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs

out about

PuLL ouT aND SaVe!

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Closing nights: The Wizard of Oz @ The Ordway & Llama, Llama @ Stages

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Free 3rd sundays at the minnesota Children’s museum

22

10/14/13 8:21 AM

www.teenybeeboutique.com

1560 Selby Ave St. Paul, MN 55104

15% oFF during playdates!

Free coffee for the moms, Babies get to play with the toys!

Playdate Wednesday!

10:30am – Noon

26 Kwanzaa begins ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

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25 merry Christmas!

———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

happy babies. happy moms.

31 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

24 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————

8/7/13 8:46 AM

27 28 ———————— ———————— ———————— Free Family Flicks: ———————— Arthur Christmas ———————— national ———————— Chocolate day

Out About parenT piCK

The Wizard of Oz Î Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy, and her little dog Toto as they journey through the magical Land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical holiday treat for the entire family.

When: 4th through the 29th Where: The Ordway, St. Paul Cost: $26 and up, depending upon seat selected info: ordway.org or 651-224-4222

parenT piCK

Holidazzle Parade Î Bundle up and enjoy the final year of the Holidazzle parade along the Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis.

Illuminated floats, music, celebrity Grand Marshalls, and of course, Santa in his sleigh to top it all off!

When: Friday and Saturday nights through the 21st beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Nicollet Mall from 4th to 12th streets, Minneapolis Cost: FREE info: holidazzle.com

28 December 2013

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells ÎÎFirst-grader Junie B. is a mix of emotions. Visions of goodies from the school’s holiday gift shop frolic about her mind. But at the same time, she worries that the Holiday Sing-Along could resemble the disaster of skits past. Worst of all, the drawing for the gift exchange has stuck her with Tattletale May. Enjoy Junie B. as she learns to cope with her challenged holiday spirit, struggles to find the right gift, and brightens holiday spirits along the way.

Note: two theaters are offering this play.

When: 7th through the 21st Where: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, Anoka Cost: $10 to $16 Info: lyricarts.org or 763-422-1838 — When: 6th through the 22nd Where: Youth Performance Company, Minneapolis Cost: $7 to $12 Info: youthperformanceco.org or 612-623-9080

Llama Llama Holiday Drama ÎΓLlama Llama holidays. Jingle music.

Lights ablaze. How long till that special date? Llama Llama has to wait.” Everyone’s favorite chronicler of llamas, Anna Dewdney, has created another magnificent story around little Llama Llama, who has so much trouble waiting for anything.

When: Through the 29th, various times Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: Prices vary Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

Cinderella ÎÎThe holiday hit is back to the stage in this raucous production updated to wacky perfection. This classic fairy tale is turned on its head with side-splitting physical comedy and enough romance and splendor to soften hearts and inspire audiences of all ages to seek their happily ever after.

When: Through January 5, 2014 Where: Children’s Theatre Company,

Minneapolis Cost: Ticket prices vary Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy ÎÎTo bring the majesty, magic, and artistry of “Minnesota’s own” to life, this Nutcracker production brings together 150 artists: dancers, musicians, designers, production professionals, and Philip Brunelle at the podium leading a full regalia of musicians in the brilliant music of Tchaikovsky.

When: 19th through the 23rd Where: State Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $45 to $75 Info: ticketmaster.com

All is Calm ÎÎAll Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 relives the story of an astounding moment in history when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together by trading carols, sharing food and drink, playing soccer, and burying each others’ dead.

When: 19th to 22nd Where: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $28 to $37 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org or 800-982-2787

A Christmas Carol ÎÎThe perennial favorite returns to the Guthrie stage for its 39th year.

When: Through the 29th Where: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Cost: $34 to $85 Info: guthrietheater.org or 612-377-2224

Holiday Lights in the Park ÎÎExperience more than 50 larger-thanlife holiday light sculptures and animated displays as you drive through St. Paul’s Phalen Park in the evening hours.

When: Through January 1, 2014 Where: Phalen Park, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: lightsinthepark.org

December 2013 29

Out About Blue Man Group — Making Waves

family Night at the Global Market

Î This exhibit is designed to bring together science and art and will take the whole family through a multi-sensory exploration of sound that provides an opportunity to play together .

Î Free 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: Through Jan. 12, 2014 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9.50 ages 1 to 101 info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

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

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

20 fRIDay

fiddler on the Roof Î In the little village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor milkman, is trying to keep his family’s traditions in place. When Tevye’s daughters want to make their own matches, he must choose between his own daughters’ happiness and those traditions that keep the outside world at bay.

When: Through Jan 25, 2014 Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Cost: $47 to $82 info: 952-934-1525 or chanhassendt.com

Preschool Playdate

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Î Each 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, more.

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

Minneapolis Chapel 4343 Nicollet Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-2435

Edina Chapel

Wee Wednesdays

7110 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 (952) 924-4100

Î Wee 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.

The Cremation Society™ of Minnesota “We are Minnesota’s Cremation Specialist” Serving the entire state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Owned and Operated by the Waterston Family.

www.cremationsocietyofmn.com 30 December 2013 Cremation Society MNP 1113 NR2-Urn V6.indd 1

10/17/13 10:40 AM

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

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

3 TueSDay Toddler Tuesdays: Llama Llama Holiday Drama Î A sneak peek of this brand new musical adaptation from Stages Theatre Company.

When: Shows at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Where: Mall of America, Rotunda Cost: FREE info: tinyurl.com/3vbfhly

5 THuRSDay animal families Î Enjoy Lil’ Explorer Thursdays in the Visitor’s Center, meet animal and plant visitors. See story time, play games, more.

When: 10:00 a.m. to noon Where: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8272

family Night @ Kidzart Î Enjoy three stations with different winter themes and art projects including making gifts with Sculpey clay, decorating a gift box, and using colorful paper to create a poinsettia collage. Come spend an evening together being creative!

When: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: KidzArt, Maple Grove location Cost: $10 per person info: tinyurl.com/m3jh5p9 or 763-494-6957

6 Friday Holiday on 44th ÎÎNow in its 16th year, indoor festivities include a craft show, face painting, magic, and music. Outside, find a horse drawn hay wagon, pony rides, jugglers, carolers, crafting opportunities, and music.

When: 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: 44th Avenue North and Patrick Henry and Loring schools, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: facebook.com/holidayon44th or 612-521-3370

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker ÎÎForty Russian artists perform in this classic full to the brim with magical toys, falling snow, and growing Christmas trees.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $32 to $92 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org or 800-982-2787

Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show ÎÎThis annual event attracts outdoor enthusiasts hoping to discover the latest trends in ice fishing and winter sports.

This year focuses on the future of the ice fishing industry by showcasing the latest and greatest from nearly 200 vendors.

When: 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Where: RiverCentre, St. Paul Cost: $9 for adults, $4 for kids ages of 6 to 12, and free ages 5 and under Info: stpaulicefishingshow.com or 612-333-1723

7 Saturday Grand Meander ÎÎA favorite holiday tradition continues on 30 blocks of Grand Avenue. Have breakfast with Santa, see reindeer, enjoy trolley rides, carolers, and a tree lighting ceremony.

When: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Grand Avenue, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: grandave.com

December 2013 31

Out About

Grand Meander

Free First Saturday: Wall-to-Wall Walker ÎÎBouncing off the walls? The Walker is opening its doors to you and your family for fun activities to get you moving, making, and more. Activities are designed primarily for ages 6 to 12.

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

Saturday Live! The Gingerbread Man ÎÎA new twist on an old tale, performed by the Loki Puppet Players on Central Library’s historic Jemne puppet stage.

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

Book Reading: Kate DiCamillo ÎÎA reading, Q&A, and book signing

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12/12/11 11:13 AM

for her new book, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures.

When: 2:00 p.m.

Where: Red Balloon Book Shop, St. Paul Cost: There is a charge for the book Info: redballoonbookshop.com

Free Family Flicks: It’s a SpongeBob Christmas! 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

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker ÎÎSee description, Friday the 6th When: 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show ÎÎSee description, Friday the 6th When: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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8 SuNDay Book Reading: Kate Dicamillo

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Î A reading, Q&A, and book signing for her new book, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures.

When: 1:00 p.m.

Where: Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis Cost: There is a charge for the book info: wildrumpasbooks.com

Share the gift of life

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Ice fishing & Winter Sports Show Î See description, Friday the 6th When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10 TueSDay Toddler Tuesdays: Dancercise Kids Î Get up and get moving with Tessa of Dancercise Kids.

When: 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Mall of America, The Patio Cost: FREE info: tinyurl.com/3vbfhly

arty Pants: your Tuesday Playdate

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Î Features activities for adults and youngsters ages three to five. Art projects, films, gallery activities, and story time. This month’s theme: Get Moving 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

12 THuRSDay Junior Zookeeper Î Enjoy Lil’ Explorer Thursdays in the Visitor’s Center, meet animal and plant visitors. See story time, play games, and more.

When: 10:00 a.m. to noon; 9:30

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Out About members only early access Where: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8272

14 Saturday Chemistry Makes it Happen ÎÎEnjoy Saturday with a Scientist at the Bell Museum, especially designed for children and families.

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

Where: Bell Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis Cost: FREE with museum admission Info: tinyurl.com/o5qua5w or 612-626-9660

Art & Science ÎÎFabulous science-related programming and plenty of fun for no charge every second Saturday of the month.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: The Bakken Museum, Mpls Cost: FREE Info: thebakken.org/Saturday or 612-926-3878

Saturday Live!

Snapdragon Seeds ÎÎThis upbeat, fun program teaches rhymes, patterns, synonyms, sentence structure, songwriting, movement, and the power of asking questions.

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

Nature Family Fun: Build a Birdfeeder ÎÎBuild a birdfeeder with reclaimed cedar fencing. Birdfeeders make a cherished homemade gift for a special someone, or are wonderful to keep for your own winter enjoyment! Learn about our native winter birds. For grade 2 and up with parent When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.

34 December 2013

to noon Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $5 per child per session, prepay by 12/11 Info: isd622.org/page/6774 or 651-249-2170

Free Family Flicks: Fairly OddParents: A Fairly Odd Christmas 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

17 Tuesday Toddler Tuesdays: Tinseltown ÎÎJoin Santa’s helpers for frosty games and activities, and receive a discount at Photos with Santa.

When: Shows at 10:00 to noon Where: Mall of America, Rotunda Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/3vbfhly

19 Thursday Animals in Winter ÎÎEnjoy Lil’ Explorer Thursdays in the Visitor’s Center, meet animal and plant visitors. See story time, play games, more.

When: 10:00 a.m. to noon Where: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8272

20 Friday Handel’s Messiah ÎÎThis masterpiece of the Baroque repertoire features some of the most popular refrains in Western music—from “Comfort ye, my people” to the iconic Hallelujah chorus. This is sure to be a

wonderful musical experience for a special night out with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

When: 6:00 dinner; 8:00 performance Where: Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis Cost: Varies depending upon selection Info: thespco.org or mybasilica.mary.org or 612-317-3428

21 Saturday Saturday Live!

Magician Star Michaelina ÎÎSee this high energy, interactive magic show highlighting books and the magic of reading.

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

Childish Films @ the Library ÎÎA free series of children’s cinema and arts. Each screening features a pre-show activity, an educational introduction, and complimentary healthful snacks. This month: The Gruffalo’s Child When: 16th; doors at 10:00; show begins at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Central Cost: Free Info: tinyurl.com/ndrx52z or 612-543-8107

Solstice Party Social ÎÎCelebrate the return of the sun! Starting this day the days will be getting longer. Enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate, make glitter pinecones, take a self-guided nature hike to win a prize.

Snowshoes are available for rental. Share your own nature stories.

When: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $5 for snacks and craft Info: isd622.org/page/6774 or 651-249-2170

Free Family Flicks: Rise of the Guardians 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

Handel’s Messiah ÎÎSee description, Friday the 20th When: 1:00 p.m.

22 Sunday Free 3rd Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum ÎÎVisitors 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 Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

26 Thursday Under the Sea ÎÎEnjoy Lil’ Explorer Thursdays in the Visitor’s Center with story time and games.

When: 10:00 a.m. to noon Where: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8272

28 Saturday Saturday Live! Three Rivers Park District ÎÎLearn how animals adapt and survive in winter in this naturalist led 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 •

December 2013 35

KIDS PLAY HERE WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT SCHOOL RELEASE DAY PROGRAM GRADES K–6

The YMCA is here to help families juggle daily life and that includes school release days. Bring your kids to the Y for fun filled days packed with exciting activities. Your child will enjoy theme-based small group activities geared toward individual interests and ages.

Winter Break Sample Activities:

. Bowling . Indoor Water Parks . Swimming . Sledding . Museums . Rollerskating . & MORE!

Register online ymcatwincities.org Membership not required.

12-SAC06

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Be Loved.

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Twinkling sequins and cascading vertical chiffon ruffles in a blue/ gray animal print biscottiandkatemack.com about $88

Stoehr

December 2013 37

In the eve A festive night: Simple black sheath highlighted with bright sequin dots and a lime green exposed zipper in back. biscottiandkatemack.com about $79

Add some scent: Looks like a sucker— and it smells like one too! Choose from a variety of intricate and sweetsmelling food-style charms. Can be ordered unscented as well. tinyhandsonline.com • about $23

Farewell, fidgeting!: Keep the kiddos occupied with tiny toys from Nickelodeon on the way to your event. nickelodeon.com • about $7

38 December 2013

Cutie pie: Red satin combines with tulle and velvet flowers with jewel accents. biscottiandkatemack.com about $96 Fancy frames: Keep it colorful with ’80s-inspired wire frames with contrasting top bar.

Wee SEE from seeeyewear.com about $169

Oh Boy: Boy’s velvet blazer adds a sophisticated layer of awesome. fabkids.com about $40

Add some sparkle: When you buy a pair of TOMS Shoes, you’re also helping improve the health, education, and well-being of a child through their charitable giving programs. And, your kid gets sparkly goodness! Also available in black. toms.com or nordstrom.com about $38

Sequin mesh skirt. ruum.com • about $50

Retro style: Sophisticated scooter shirt with contrast cuffs and collar made right here in Minnesota; a portion of the sale goes to select non-profit organizations dedicated to brightening the lives and futures of children. tumblewalla.com about $24

December 2013 39

Merry morning

Stars and stripes: 100% organic cotton; meets CPSC guidelines. skylarluna.com • about $39 Sleep in: Enthusiasm trumps sleep when the kids know Santa has visited. Stay strong, and sleep in (just a little) with one eye to your new recycled bike wheel clock.

PixelThis on etsy.com • about $136

40 December 2013

g Fancy feet: Keep the tootsies warm with festive socks with a rattle on the toe. A portion of proceeds benefit the March of Dimes, too. mud-pie.com about $12

Santa baby: Your kids will be in the spirit before they hit the hay on Christmas Eve with Santa-motif pjs from Carter’s. herbergers.com about $27 and up

Flip the feet: Butter soft organic cotton with 5% spandex, stretchy rib detailing, and flip foot option to keep toes cozy. nosillaorganics.com • about $39

Add some snuggle: Originally introduced in the 1930s, this 100% wool Minnesota-made blanket can’t be beat for warmth on a winter morning. faribaultmill.com • about $310

December 2013 41

proved Parent tested, and kid ap

By Kathleen Stoehr s by Photos featuring kid

Joe Johnson

oys with faces, toys that move, and toys that require imagination led the pack at the third annual Minnesota Parent Toy Testing event, held in late fall.

This year, we divided the testing into two separate sections. First, the adults (the staff at Minnesota Premier Publications) unboxed and assembled the toys, installed batteries, placed stickers, and then also played with the toys. Then, after about two hours, the children of our staffers, plus a few special guests, arrived to lay waste to our offices and scatter toys hither and yon throughout the editorial and graphics offices. The children let us know they could care not at all for how difficult it might have been to put a toy together, nor how much of a dent it might put in an adult’s wallet—just that this toy was really fun and they wanted it. No fighting, no biting—everyone played well together and had a good time!

One thing to remember: get batteries!

Here is a look at what captivated the children this year.

42 December 2013

disney princess palace pets target.com ages 4+ $6–$30

mooshka dolls mooshka.com age 2+ $13–$25

Toys with faces This is a category that includes not just the kind of dolls you can dress, administer to, and cuddle, but also action figures, “pet” style plush toys (some include toy hair driers!), and ponies of all kinds.

Top toys with faces: For babies: Pure Nature Pudgie Puppy (our five-month-old tester clearly liked its squeak and size); Baby Whoozit (plenty of areas to grab onto; big, animated face to capture baby’s attention); Play ‘N Learn Color Me Hungry Hippo (colors, shapes, counting, food, two languages, helps baby learn about cause and effect) For toddlers: Mooshka dolls (the cloth dolls are easy to tote, colorful, and have sweet, benign expressions); Hide-N-Go Moo (we like matching baby to adult barnyard characters; place characters in the barn roof, open the barn doors to get them out); Bedtime Peppa Plush (a sweet looking toy, not too big, sings a lullabye, and lights up as she counts sheep) For little kids: Doc McStuffins Magic Talking Doc & Friends (this toy could also fall into the imaginative play category); Disney Princess Palace Pets (adorable and a top choice among the younger set); Lalaloopsey “Loopy Hair” dolls (just watching the father/daughter exchange as he was trying to get the box open, all while his daughter jumped around yelling, “Yay! Yay!” was enough for us to know this toy was much desired)

pure nature’s pudgie puppy habausa.com age 6 months+ $20

Baby Whoozit manhattantoy.com age newborn+ • $11

For older kids: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Flingers (with a caveat from an adult that the discs are small and could be lost after the first fling); Madame Alexander Favorite Friends doll (well crafted good sized doll with modest but funky attire, price point is very good compared to other dolls of this size) Could go either way: Little Tikes Giddyup N’ and Go Pony (we were surprised the kids didn’t glom onto this toy. Sadly, the pony sat forlorn through most of the testing. Bottom line: if your kid doesn’t love it, this pony will take up too much room in a play area to keep for very long) skip these: Bratz, Beatrix, and Fairytale High dolls (the hypersexualized styling turned parents off); Big Hugs Elmo (spindly almost ‘unhuggable’ arms and also, the kids just weren’t all that interested in him); Lalaloopsey Workshop dolls (too many parts to get lost or vacuumed up mistakenly); Breyer Chalkboard Horse (difficult to write on the horse because of its contoured shape and chalk smudges easily, so you can’t really play with the horse— though pretty—and retain the decoration)

Giddyup n’ Go pony toysrus.com age 2 to 5 • $80

play ‘n Learn Color me Hungry Hippo toysrus.com age 9 months+ • $25 madame alexander Favorite Friends “mixed prints” doll tinyurl.com/mlsev9r age 3+ • $60 doc mcstuffins toysrus.com • ages 3+ • $33

TmnT Flingers web • age 4+ • $13

Lalaloopsey Loopy Hair lalaloopsey.com • age 4+ $12–$35

December 2013 43

Up, up, & away These are toys that propel objects (or people), toys that fly, or toys that move along the floor. Some traveled much faster than others, some fell short, others just simply amazed us.

Top toys that move For babies: Reeves First Friends Car (colorful electronic car with a horn that beeps and lights that flash. Press the head of the kid inside the car and the car will move forward); Y Pewi Yvolution (we like how it advances from teaching how to walk to forward and sideways riding) For toddlers: wheelyBUG (sturdy, simple, and adorable. A great alternative to regular “car-style” scooters); Sustainable wooden train (it’s a good size to fit a small hand; we appreciate its simplicity); Tap ‘n Tilt Roller Rack (we like the cushion protected corners and the colorful wood rack design)

illumivor mecha-pede toysrus.com • age 6+ • $40

For little kids: Illumivor Mecha-Pede (we were told, “I like it ’cause it has lights. The lights show you where it is. You can see it in the dark!”); Beywarriors Shogun Steel Octagon Showdown Set (very popular with the K through grade 2 boys, the Beywarriors spin, crash, and ricochet against the walls of the arena); Road Rippers cars (hear the engine start up, see lights, hear sounds, the jet extends out and the car takes off. It’s just tame enough to be safe, but the kids were captivated) For older kids: Add it up Archery Set (requires skill to hit the target, plus the point tallying to improve math proficiency is welcomed, though the lack of feathers on the arrows make accuracy a bit more difficult); SkyViper Quadcopter (this hovercraft requires skill, is best used outdoors, and got tangled up in the nearby test pony’s tail, but ultimately it was one of the most sought after toys at the testing— both adults and children alike); Star-Kick Solo Soccer Trainer (best used outdoors or in the gym but we love that it helps improve ball control for young soccer players but keeps the ball with the child; available for three ball sizes) Could go either way: Nerf Vortex Revonix 360 Blaster (this was a really fun toy—for adults. For kids? The “you’ll shoot your eye out” factor was a bit too high for our comfort levels. But to reiterate, this was a toy kids were clamoring to play with and phrases such as “so awesome!” and “dude, let me try that!” were heard); Flying Heroes launcher (fun but really an outside toy—projectile hero could easily pick off something breakable in the home; three heroes are available) skip these: Go Go Smart Wheels by VTech (a bit too flimsy with unattached pieces); B-Daman Crossfire Break Bomber Battlefield (adult testers said it was fun but the walls need to be higher because the marbles go everywhere!)

44 December 2013

star-Kick solo soccer Trainer tinyurl.com/mvqpj27 age 4+ • $13

sustainable wooden train mossenvy.com age 18 months+ • $8

road rippers (various styles) toysrus.com age 3+ • $18

Toyland!

Where are the best toys in the metro and outlying areas? Everyone has their favorite shop; here are a few suggestions. american Girl store Mall of America • americangirl.com

Beywarriors shogun steel showdown set hasbrotoyshop.com age 8 and up $40

air Traffic Various locations • airtrafficonline.com Build a Bear Mall of America • buildabear.com Choo Choo Bob’s Train store St. Paul • choochoobobs.com Creative Kidstuff Various locations • creativekidstuff.com disney store Mall of America • disneystore.com

Wheely bug princelionheart.com ages 18 months+ • $55

Y pewi Yvolution yvolution.com age 9 months+ $50

Games by James Various locations • gamesbyjames.com Hub Hobby Richfield, Little Canada • hubhobby.com Jm Cremps Dassel • jmcremps.com Kiddywampus Minneapolis • kiddywampus.com Lakeshore Learning Various locations • lakeshorelearning.com

nerf Vortex revonix 360 Blaster walmart.com • age 8+ • $38

Lark Toys Kellogg • larktoys.com marbles: The Brain store MOA • marblesthebrainstore.com moss envy Minneapolis • mossenvy.com

Tap ‘n Tilt roller rack bkidsfun.com age 18 months+ • $30

nickelodeon store Mall of America • shop.nick.com pacifier Minneapolis, Edina • pacifieronline.com

skyViper Quadcopter toysrus.com • age 12+ • $70

peapods St. Paul • peapods.com red Balloon St. Paul • redballoonbookshop.com Totally Kids Bloomington • shoptotallykids.com

First Friends Car reallygreattoys.com age 1+ • $41

Toys r Us Various locations • toysrusinc.com Wild rumpus Minneapolis • wildrumpusbooks.com

December 2013 45

Imagination adrift As for “imagination”—we mean play sets, music-making, and art kits, those toys that allow kids to make choices and dream up scenarios.

Top toys that inspire imagination For babies: Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano (tons of fun; simple, but cool); Skip Hop Mirror Puppet (peek-a-boo never goes out of style); Giraffe Safari Activity Gym (a parent commented that she thought the product was great for babies; she liked the support pillow; and that it was not too noisy)

Junior beads juniorbeads.com age 3+ $6–$22

For toddlers: Haba Musical Eggs (rattling, tinkling, jingling—each solid and colorful egg makes a different sound); i-Mat My Animal World (“really accurate and actually works pretty great,” mentioned a parent; changes languages easily (three available); stimulates a visual connection between picture, sound, and word; like that it provides a cushioned surface, especially for those homes with hardwood floors); Haba Pegging Game (received a 2013 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center. We liked that it helps exercise fine motor skill with sorting and stacking) For little kids: Hobby Horse (a classic wood and fabric toy—with an upgrade: a sound chip in the right ear activates neighing sounds; the caveat: hopefully won’t be converted into a weapon as the kids get older); Junior beads (non-toxic and a safe alternate to chew on versus hair, nails, or clothing); Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Combat Shell (the transformation to hero-in-ahalf-shell will be complete!; adjustable straps fit over the shoulders and around the waist; inner handle for use as a front shield is handy) For older kids: Fascinating Facts Human Body Game (a really cool way to see how all of the organs fit within the body); Bendastix Botz or Bendastix Braceletz (we like that it’s a “bend, build, shape, and make” kind of toy that can be remade over and over to suit whatever whim your child has); littleBits Modules (a great means to make STEM education fun through the construction of 10 different projects including making a drawer alarm to prevent siblings from digging through your stuff!) and GoldieBlox (we love the slogan, “more than just a princess!”; great STEM inspiration for the next generation of female engineers) Could go either way: skwish stix from Manhattan Toy (it suctions to the tabletop but there’s a fear baby might get a hand or arm stuck when the toy “skwish”es back) skip these: Easy Bake Ultimate Oven (boring, you can’t even watch anything bake); Learn to Recycle!

Activity Kit from Lakeshore Learning (there are better ways to learn how to recycle; the words on the cards are pretty complex for the age four it touts as its beginning target age to play); PlaySkool Advent Calendar Pony Farm (flimsy openings for each day— won’t last, too many small pieces)

46 December 2013

Fascinating Facts Human Body Game lakeshorelearning.com ages 7–11 • $30

TmnT Combat shell toysrus.com age 4+ • $15

Haba pegging Game habausa.com ages 2 to 6 • $45 skwish stix Manhattantoy.com • age 6 months+ • $24

mirari pop! pop! piano amazon.com • age 1+ • $25

littleBits premium kit littlebits.com • age 8+ • $149 i-mat my animal World creativebabyinc.com age 18 months+ • $80

Bendastix getbendastix.com • age 6+ • $20

Hobby horse mamasandpapas.com age 2+ • $35

SPECIAL SIZE:

7.375” wide by 4.2” high Haba musical eggs habausa.com • age 2+ • $30

childcare/education 47-48 party pages 49 • retail 49

Giraffe safari activity Gym skiphop.com • age infant+ • $75

• home 48 • miscellaneous 48 • new & expecting moms 48

Free Class every Wednesday* in December!

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Real Life “Children struggle when math is too far removed from their experience too quickly. Children can think in abstract ways, but almost always [do think] in terms of concrete experiences. A child who has no idea what 6 + 5 means can [still] figure out how many friends will be at her birthday party.“

What advice do you have for parents who are mathphobes?

Math is something we can talk about; it really isn’t about textbook exercises. When [daughter] Tabitha was four, she asked whether circles could have tips. I had no idea what she meant. I asked her questions; then listened. I finally understood that she was thinking of a tree stump, which is circular. But the bark forms pointy tips all the way around. She was curious [as to] whether that still counts as a circle. There is a lot of evidence that numbers and shapes are closely related to language and stories in child development.

You’ve encouraged your children to explore concepts and are less concerned with receiving the correct answer. Why is this?

The wrong answer can be an entry point for the conversation. We get to the right answers, but the journey is the fun part.

real dad

Christopher Danielson While reading and exploring language with our children is for many a daily occurrence, Christopher Danielson, a teacher of Mathematics and Statistics at Normandale Community College, is working to encourage an exploration of mathematics in the everyday lives of families through his website, talkingmathwithkids.com and his book, Talking Math with Your Kids, available for Kindle.

— Zoe Gahan

Is there an area of mathematics that you find many children struggle with?

Children struggle when math is too far removed from their experience too quickly. Children can think in abstract ways, but almost always [do think] in terms of concrete experiences. A child who has no idea what 6 + 5 means can figure out how many friends will be at her birthday party. Talking about number and shape in our lives every day—even only briefly—removes the barriers to math.

Are there benefits or drawbacks to teaching math to your own kids?

Q&A

Are children generally receptive to conversations regarding numeracy?

This is not hard work. It is fun. We talk about whether the parents of the oldest man in the world are still alive, whether I

50 December 2013

am taller than the hill our house sits upon, whether the Big Cheez-Its are really twice the size of the regular ones (as the box claims), and whether a pair of underpants should really be called a pair when it’s just one thing.

Tabitha once said, “Sometimes I don’t want to tell you about numbers because I know it’s just going to be a big Daddy math conversation!” She busted me, for sure.

My children will grow up remembering that we taught them to use their minds.

They’ll appreciate that, and they do now.

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