November 2015

START PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES! PAGE 54

November 2015

WHY COLD MEDICINE ISN’T RIGHT FOR TODDLERS PAGE 26

RAISING KIDS WITH BUSINESS SAVVY PAGE 24

PAGE 35

The top 30 from our annual test

Plus!

GAMES WE LOVE PAGE 48

Gabby Luffey, 3, Maple Grove

The best gift you can give a child isn’t found in a toy store.

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 30

ISSUE 11

35

Toy test 2016!

What do you get when you put 20 kids — age 1 to 10 — in a room full of brand-new toys? This year our curious and cute testers found 30 great toy picks for holiday gift giving.

You’ll find options for all ages, including educational toys and some that are just plain fun!

48

Games we love Today’s games and puzzles are so well-designed — and in tune with kids’ and parents’ needs — they seem to play more like toys.

50 Larger than life

A St. Paul furniture maker (and father) is creating super-cool, super-sized home-decor pieces based on beloved kid toys.

52 8

November 2015 • mnparent.com

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Toy-go-round Hiding, borrowing, trading, regifting and beyond: This could be your busy family’s guide to toy management.

VOLUME 30

CONTENTS

ISSUE 11

12 FROM THE EDITOR

18 TODDLER TIME

28 ON BEHAVIOR

Educational toys are great, but we also like amusements that engage for hours.

We need to counterbalance our technology addiction with nature.

Help! My child refuses to go to kindergarten, despite a great start.

14 CHATTER

20 SCHOOL DAYS

Bob the Builder, after a three-year hiatus, is coming back with new PBS episodes.

Let’s celebrate the real meaning of Thanksgiving with the kids this year.

16 BABY ON BOARD

22 TEENS AND TWEENS

What parents want

Hang time

Bob’s back!

Hating school

Attitude of gratitude

Questioning claims

Anything. But. Pink.

Can expensive educational toys really help babies get a jump on their peers?

Teen-room-redo rites of passage let kids acknowledge their new life stages.

24 GROWS ON TREES

Kids in business Help your child develop entrepreneurial skills with these fun, creative tips.

26 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Can’t sit still

Our 5-year-old son’s teacher is hinting that he has ADHD. What now?

30 IN THE KITCHEN

Meatloaf minis Turn meatloaf night into a treat with kidsized servings (and cauliflower ‘frosting’).

32 BOOKSHELF

Gift ideas Need some holiday-shopping inspiration? Check out these cool buys.

66 FROM OUR READERS

Sleep tight

Minnesota Parent readers and fans share photos of their conked-out kids.

+ 54 OUT & ABOUT CALENDAR

About our cover kid Name: Gabby (Gabriella)

City: Maple Grove

Age: 3 1/2

Parents: Dani and Jeremy Luffey

Personality: Gabby has a very upbeat, happy personality with an incredible imagination.

She loves to play make believe and dress up.

Favorite toy: For Gabby, it’s her favorite costume, which is her doggy costume.

Favorite book: Good Night, Little Bear by Richard and Patsy Scarry Favorite activities: Cooking with Mom, chasing Ginger, the family’s very patient puggle, looking at videos of when she was a baby with Dad, hanging out with her cousins, getting pushed on the swings by Grandma, and play-dates with her friends.

Favorite foods: Mac and cheese and kangaroo cakes (pancakes shaped like kangaroos) Photos by Tracy Walsh Photography / tracywalshphoto.com

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

Learn to play. Play to learn. mnparent.com

PUBLISHER Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com EDITOR Sarah Dorison 612-436-4385 • editor@mnparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Eric Braun, Airika Coblentz, Dr. Peter Dehnel, Megan Devine, Shannon Keough, The PACER Center, Jen Wittes, Tracy Ann Walsh, Jennifer Wizbowski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Valerie Moe GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amanda Wadeson CLIENT SERVICES Zoe Gahan 612-436-4375 • zgahan@mnparent.com Lauren Walker 612-436-4383 • lwalker@mnparent.com Emily Schneeberger 612-436-4399 • eschneeberger@mnparent.com CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com mnparent.com/find-a-copy ADVERTISING 612-436-4360 • sales@mnparent.com 55,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at news stands statewide.

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10/21/15 4:21 PM

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(612) 296-3800 postpartumcounselingcenter.com Postpartum Counseling Center MNP 1115 H6.indd 2

10/14/15 3:58 PM

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)

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

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

Minnesota Parent is copyright 2015 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.

• 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

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 2:37 PM

mnparent.com • November 2015

11

FROM THE EDITOR

Toys parents love E

5th ANNUAL CRAFTACULAR & HOLIDAY BAKE SALE!

MN Speech Specialists - Brad Adams MNP 1015 V6.indd 19/15/15 2:57 PM

A Benefit for St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church’s Music Ministry Free coffee and tea while you browse!

Saturday November 21 10 am – 4 pm Sunday November 22 9 am – 1 pm Volunteers & musicians are still needed!

Contact Sharon Lee for more information craftacularsp@yahoo.com or 612-309-4605

arly childhood experts are always talking about how kids don’t need special toys.

Just give a kid a cup, bowl or stick and let his imagination do the rest.

This, they say, is how children learn — organic, creative, unplugged, self-directed play.

And, for the most part, I believe this is true, especially for babies. (Check out the Baby on Board column in this issue for Shannon Keough’s thoughts on “educational” infant toys.)

But let’s not forget: Learning isn’t all parents want from toys: When my son was a toddler, I was desperate for anything that would distract him long Photo by Tracy Walsh / tracywalshphoto.com enough for me to take five minutes to myself. I wanted a break from “Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom! MOM!!!”

Though my son is now 7 (and a bit less demanding), I still measure a toy’s worth by how long it can hold his attention during independent play. Also: Will he come back to it again and again? Finally, how messy is it?

As I write this, my son is playing with Kinetic Sand. Yes, it’s a bit messy, even for indoor sand.

But, miraculously, he’s now on Day 4 of playing with this stuff for hours.

He’s made small-scale sandcastles, faces, imaginary cakes and cookies, mini pizza and countless shapes using molds from our Play-Doh stash and measuring spoons and cups from the kitchen.

It’s a hit!

It’s the best of both worlds — it’s relatively new and gimmicky (novelty is always good), but also it encourages creativity and free expression.

Will your kid love Kinetic Sand — and the rest of the toys and games we’re featuring in this issue as part of our annual Toy Test results?

That depends, of course, on your kid. But we’ve worked hard to field test a wide variety of toys so you can see which ones real Minnesota kids — 20 of them, age 1 to 10 — like the most. We also included parents’ comments for extra insight.

Short on cash this year or looking to consume less? Check out one Minnesota mom’s tricks in this issue for toy rotating, sharing and more to get off what she calls the “toy-go-round.”

Either way, we hope you get five minutes to, you know, breathe (or perhaps just use the bathroom without interruption).

St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church 100 North Oxford Street, St. Paul 651-224-3371 | www.stpaulref.org 12

November 2015 • mnparent.com

St. Paul Reformation Lutheran Church MNP 1115 V6.indd 10/22/15 1 1:37 PM

Sarah Dorison, Editor

GETTING TO

“YES!” HAS NEVER BEEN

EASIER

CHATTER

NORDSTROM OPENS IN MINNETONKA Big news for Nordstrom fans: The new Ridgedale location is now open and includes some family-friendly features.

In the kids’ apparel and shoe department, families will find a playhouse with a 32-inch touch screen with interactive games, plus a selection of books and toys. The Seattlebased retailer also will offer shoe-tying classes, free “Nordy” balloons for kids and a new Italian-inspired concept restaurant, Ruscello, offering entrees, apps, house-made desserts, a full bar and multiple kid-friendly menu options.

Nordstrom’s only other full-line store in the Twin Cities is at the Mall of America.

(This past April, a new Nordstrom Rack store opened at Knollwood in St. Louis Park.)

Another fun facet of the kids’ department is a large tile display, featuring the work of 130 kids ages 5 to 12, who participated in tile-painting party benefitting the Science Museum of Minnesota. Proceeds from the event went to support the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center, which focuses on engaging students from communities underrepresented in STEM disciplines.

Learn more at nordstrom.com/ridgedale.

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Bob’s back!

Bob the Builder — a longtime classic amongst the toddler set — is coming back Nov. 7 with a new look and feel, ending a nearly three-year hiatus. (New episodes of Bob the Builder haven’t aired in the U.S. since 2012.)

Viewers can expect an entirely new look for the series (updated CGI-animation) and its namesake, Bob, plus and an extra-special new voice for Wendy — Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt.

In fact, all the characters will have new voice actors.

Bob and his earnest and ambitious machine team — along with business partner, Wendy, and a teenage-apprentice builder, Leo — will work across the bustling metropolis of Spring City and the nearby town of Fixham.

Check local PBS listings for more information or see bobthebuilder.com.

Does the toy make the baby?

Play is the work of kids, and for that, the basic toys — blocks, baby dolls, pull toys, clay, crayons and paper — are best.

— Dr. Michael Brody

16

I

f you Google “best toys for babies,” you’ll come up with more than 37 million results. The offerings are varied and extensive, including a $23 NogginStik rattle — “not just a toy, a tool for laying mental growth foundation” — and a melodic snail that promises to “enhance sensory awareness, visual skills and hand-eye coordination.”

Indeed, there are endless opportunities for parents to spend their money and, perhaps, enhance their baby’s mental development.

⊲⊲What’s the deal with all this stuff?

Are parents neglecting their babies if they’re not making a concerted effort to boost their baby’s brain cells? And is there any evidence that “educational” toys are doing what they promise to do?

No, says Susan Gregory Thomas, the author of Buy, Buy Baby: How Consumer Culture Manipulates Parents and Harms Young Minds.

“What they [so-called educational toy companies] talk about is enhancing a baby’s natural curiosity,” said Thomas in an interview with Salon. “But what’s so fascinating about it is that there is absolutely no research that undergirds these statements. … It’s all marketing.”

November 2015 • mnparent.com

And marketing can be awfully effective, especially when it preys on the anxieties of parents who want to do everything possible to make sure their kids are set up for success.

Meanwhile, toy companies are well aware of the sales limitations posed by “classic” toys like blocks and balls.

“Standalone toys lack scale and versatility,” said a columnist for The Economist. “Franchises that span multiple platforms — from cartoons to video games to physical toys — are a better bet.”

Hmm, OK. So, it sounds like the toy industry might be more concerned with bolstering the bottom line than building the brains of the next generation. Barring a move to a deserted island, what can we do to help support the development of our kids?

⊲⊲What kinds of toys are good for babies?

Magda Gerber, a child therapist who developed a philosophy of infant care based on treating infants with respect, had plenty to say on this subject: “The best play objects for babies are those which allow them to be as active and competent as possible at every stage and of development,” she said.

Gerber emphasized the importance of safety first: Toys must be too big to be swallowed, have no removable parts or sharp edges. Gerber argued that plenty of good play things can be found around the home — cups, bowls and plastic bottles.

Dr. Michael Brody, a child psychiatrist who teaches at the University of Maryland, emphasizes the importance of simplicity and versatility.

“Play is the work of kids, and for that, the basic toys — blocks, baby dolls, pull toys, clay, crayons and paper — are best,” he said in

BABY STUFF

Baby seat ⊲⊲If a Boppy pillow and a Bumbo seat got together and had a kid, it would probably result in something a lot like the Hugaboo baby seat. This 100 percent polyester floor seat offers leg and back support for ages 3 months and older. It includes an attached seat bottom to keep Baby from sliding onto the floor, plus two hoops for attaching toys.

Covers are machine-washable and come in a variety of colors, too. myhugaboo.com • $59.99

a New York Times article.

This makes me feel way better about my habit of tossing some plastic to-go containers in the direction of my toddler when I need to chop some vegetables: I’m not a semi-negligent mother encouraging my son to play with garbage — I’m a savvy facilitator of self-directed play!

So the next time you go looking for baby toys, forego the Mozart-spewing mechanized mobiles and the “learning walkers,” and focus on the basics — boxes, balls and baskets, for instance.

You’ll save some cash while being confident that you’re totally doing what’s best for your baby. Because that’s what we all want, right?

Fresh choices in health care are here.

UCare Choices ® are affordable new health plans from a leader in Minnesota health care, with coverage for young adults, families, empty nesters and everyone in between.

Find out more at UCareChoices.org, and look for us on the MNsure health insurance marketplace and choose UCare Choices.

Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children.

Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

U Care MNP NR2 2-3page.indd 1

9/14/15 2:49 PM

Turn it off and get out!

P

arenting has changed.

No, I’m not referring to the changes one sees from generation to generation, I’m talking about what it was like to parent a mere 10 years ago.

You know what we didn’t have then?

Smartphones. Tablets. Phablets. Screen time.

Today many of us sleep with our smart phones at the ready (if not under our pillows). And we’re always aware (even if it’s just subconsciously) of the everimportant updates: Tweets and Likes and Plants vs.

Zombies. Good old Candy Crush.

And while — fortunately — moms aren’t as bored and lonely as they used to be during two-hour breastfeeding sessions and seemingly endless lap naps, the flip side of the swipe life is that we’re forgetting to look down at that beautiful sleeping babe.

Of course, we love our electronic devices — and should make no apologies for being a part of that current climate. But we also know that we suffer from overstimulation and distraction and stress because we just don’t ever turn off.

Now, on to your toddler.

By nature, a toddler is easily stimulated, distracted, prone to tantrums and hard to settle down.

Your ones and twos and threes will find your phones and remotes and iPads.

And, at times, this quick fix known as big, bad screen time will be a parent’s best friend. Perfect.

There’s no shame in that. This is the world we live in.

I’m right there with you.

But we need to counterbalance our technology addiction. Our kids need horizons and clouds and textures — and colors beyond smooth, glowing blue.

“Children develop habits, feelings and meaningful relationships at a very young age,” said Marty Watson, director of Dodge Nature Preschool in West St. Paul.

“They are sorting out the world and try very hard to understand how things work around them. This is a heightened time to learn through the five senses. The world outdoors is filled with smells, colors, textures, sounds and tastes that support cognitive learning.”

For the not-so-outdoorsy parent, Dodge Nature Center makes it easy.

With family events such as a Halloween Extravaganza, January Frosty Fun, a maple syrup extraction followed by a pancake breakfast, Rock the Barn and after-dinner nature activities, getting outdoors with the kids can be fun and — dare I say — almost effortless.

NATURE HANGOUTS TO TRY YEAR ROUND ⊲⊲Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul ⊲⊲Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan ⊲⊲Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington ⊲⊲Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley ⊲⊲Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis ⊲⊲Westwood Hills Nature Center, St. Louis Park Find more nature centers at: mnparent.com/nature.

TODDLER STUFF

Teaching tablecloth ⊲⊲The Table-Time Look & Learn Mostly Math Tablecloth for ages 18 months to 6 years features a wide variety of lessons — including counting to 50, addition, geometric shapes, “greater than / less than,” telling time, months of the year and more than 20 other math concepts. It’s made from PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), which has the feel of vinyl but contains no polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It cleans up easily with a damp cloth, and children can even write on/wipe off with Crayola’s Ultra-Clean Washable Markers. $19.99 • tabletimelookandlearn.com

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

Year-round outside activity is tricky in Minnesota, but when dressed in appropriate gear, children LOVE winter play.

The center also has a green house, a farm, community gardens, apple orchards, beehives, a raptor center, a reptile lab and a small natural history collection, not to mention year-round hiking trails.

Getting into those 3T, 4T and 5T snow pants? You might consider Dodge’s preschool, where the students spend a majority of class time OUTDOORS, all year round.

Year-round outside activity is tricky in Minnesota, but when dressed in appropriate gear, children LOVE winter play.

Said Watson: “Snow provides an entirely new landscape to explore. Snow houses can be built. Fires in the snow provide a delightful contrast to the cold.

Creating ice sculptures out of ice blocks made by freezing water in various plastic containers can be an activity that happens inside as well as out. Add coloring to snow or ice for extra fun.”

Though the upcoming season is long, we’re lucky to live in an area of dynamic change. Something shifts within us as we move from summer to fall and winter to spring: We are witness to plant life flourishing rapidly from once-frozen ground. We see birds migrate and leaves change. Our trees turn from green to red to white to brown.

We ourselves go from excited to whimsical to wistful to contemplative. For a toddler, the experience is new and unformed and — in turn — magical.

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. She’s helped many Twin Cities families in her work as a postpartum doula. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.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

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 2:37 PM

Inspiring gratitude S

oon we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving — a national day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the past year.

In our society today, Thanksgiving is typically celebrated with a gathering and feast. But, often, the thankfulness aspect of the holiday seems to be overshadowed by the emphasis on the commercialism on the day after — Black Friday, the compelling onset of the holiday shopping season.

Maybe this year we as parents can focus on finding ways to incorporate gratitude and kindness into our daily family life.

Doing so may even take some stress out of the holidays — and help us feel more grounded — during the hustle and bustle of the season. In fact, research supports the connection between practicing gratitude and well-being.

According to the Greater Good Science Center, gratitude contributes greatly to human health, happiness and social connection. And mindful gratitude can elicit kind and altruistic actions, which, in turn, can trigger positive emotions. In short, being thankful can make us as individuals — and the people we’re around — happy!

Here are some ideas for you to inspire kindness and gratitude in your family:

⊲⊲Say thank you

KID BOOKS TO INSPIRE GRATITUDE AND KINDNESS The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein Heart Prints

by P.K. Hallinan The Thankful Book

by Todd Parr Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

by Carol McCloud

As a family, make it a habit to say a simple and genuine thank you when you’re on the receiving end of a kind act or gesture. This goes beyond a simple, “What do you say?” prompt for your children.

Be a role model as a parent. Let your children hear you thanking your spouse for cooking dinner or thanking a restaurant server for delivering your food. And let them witness you writing a note of thanks to a friend — and then encourage your children to do the same.

⊲⊲Focus on the positive Life can be overwhelming, sad and stressful at times.

Keeping a gratitude journal or simply listing the things that make you happy can be uplifting when you’re down.

When I’m frustrated or overwhelmed, I often look through photo albums or page through the archives of my family blog, which are essentially the highlight reels of my life. Even if I have children squabbling in the background, I can be reminded through snapshots of all of the blessings in my life.

⊲⊲Perform acts of kindness Involve your children in acts of service and giving.

Foster kindness by doing something nice for a family member, neighbor, friend or for community heroes such as veterans, first responders or members of the military.

Participate in service projects. There are often many opportunities that present themselves around the holidays that can help others. You may even want to share the fun of performing random acts of kindness with your child. (There are some great ideas at randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas.)

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SCHOOL-AGE STUFF

Car headrest ⊲⊲Parents, you know that moment when your kid zonks out in the car: Finally, you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. But then you hit a bump, turn a corner or go around a sharp curve, and your kid slumps awkwardly into a cringe-worthy head-bob position. The Cardiff travel headrest — ideal for kids in backless booster seats — provides some seriously needed side support. When the winglike support pads aren’t in use, they can be flipped up and out of the way. One downside: Your car’s headrests must be removable for these to work in your car. cardiffproducts.com • $49.99

⊲⊲Practice mindfulness Take some time to give thanks with intention.

This could be as simple as saying a blessing at mealtime or reflecting on the positive things that happened during the day through family conversations.

Maybe this year you could expand upon or start a new Thanksgiving tradition with an activity, craft, game or family service project. (Pinterest has some wonderful ideas.)

Let’s make an effort this year to put the “thanks” back in our Thanksgiving holiday.

Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher and mother of four who lives in Northeastern Minnesota. Write her at mdevine@mnparent.com and check out her blog at kidsandeggs.com.

Anything. But. Pink.

M

y 12-year-old daughter recently announced to me that she wanted to redecorate her room.

She wanted it more grown up with a new color palette that involved: Anything. But. Pink.

I saw this coming.

She’s been looking, starry-eyed, at the new Pottery Barn Teen catalog for the past year, earmarking the pages along the way.

Seeing this change in the works, I told her that — if she were ready to get rid of, maybe, half of the 100 stuffed animals in her closet, or some of the buckets of Barbies — there might be some opportunities for new things. The resulting open space might give her room to tuck a desk inside the closet — or it might create space for the clothes currently stuffed into dresser, which could then be removed to make room for one of those lush corner couches.

⊲⊲Change in play I’ve been through this already with my son, her older brother by three years.

We’ve made a few big moves as a family. Incidentally, they’ve coincided with changes in his development and interests.

When he was 7, we were on the brink of a move out of California.

He was growing up, and I was no longer finding “guys” in his pockets — whether it was a superhero or a Star Wars character — when I was doing his laundry.

His toddler-friendly Thomas the Tank Engine sets lost their appeal and just took up space in his closet.

His interests had turned to LEGOs and outdoor play.

Then, when he was 12, he couldn’t talk enough about making his room into a teenager room.

And another move gave us reason to change it up: In our new Minnesota home, we upgraded his twin bed to full size. He asked me to leave his childhood trophies in a box. He wasn’t going to display them anymore.

The moves made it easy for me to downsize his

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

stuff, particularly his toys, without getting too sentimental. We broke in the newness with his choice of paint colors and bedding.

⊲⊲Closet evolution I told my daughter — just like her brother — that we would change her room to be more of a teenage room when she was ready.

Then one day, all on her own, it started. She slowly started taking down her American Girl doll furniture and began putting it into the crawl space. Her Barbies found a new home nearby.

Last month, she made a large bag of stuffed animals she thought would be fun for a young neighbor.

We went to work on her anything-but-pink room with navy and purple bedding. We hung a new fabric-covered corkboard chosen by her, covered by Dad. We even let her spray paint her giant hot pink Eiffel tower a glorious shade of deep purple.

I know that by letting them change their rooms as they grow, we’re letting them express the physical and emotional changes they can feel themselves going through, too.

NEW CRISIS TEXT LINE The Bridge for Youth in Minneapolis, an organization serving homeless youth ages 10-17, has launched a one-of-a-kind full service crisis line in Minnesota.

Youth struggling with issues such as homelessness or sexual exploitation in the Twin Cities will be able to text 612-400SAFE (612-400-7233) anytime, any day of the year. Trained volunteers and counselors will respond and offer access to support services — or often just someone to talk to in a time of need.

⊲⊲Bedrooms are their safe places Before the kids were born, I remember choosing the bedding and carefully tucking the extra baby blankets into their drawers — all folded, clean and ready for their arrivals.

As the years have gone by, however, I’ve realized the colors and decorations aren’t just expressions of how I see them, they’re also demonstrations of how they see themselves.

Our kids’ bedrooms are safe places where they’ve played, imagined and dreamed. And their closets are full of their childhood memories.

I know that by letting them change their rooms as they grow, we’re letting them express the physical and emotional changes they can feel themselves going through, too.

⊲⊲To treasure I noticed recently in my son’s closet an intentionally covered stash of five of his special stuffed animals he slept with as a baby. And her American Girl dolls, despite all of their moved accessories, are still displayed in her closet.

What they don’t know is I still have his baby blue twin sheets tucked in the back of the linen closet, and her pale pink ones with fairies on them, too.

Jennifer Wizbowski lives in Excelsior with her husband, and daughter and son, ages 11 and 14. Send comments, questions and story ideas to jwizbowski@mnparent.com.

follow-through.

By planning these mini-businesses and earning, spending and saving their own money, they’re learning core financial skills at an early age — skills that will help them grow up to be financial wise gals.

Whether we want our kids to be entrepreneurs or not, it’s nevertheless a good idea to encourage entrepreneurial attitudes. A kid who’s thinking about money in concrete ways, trying ideas and following through, is a kid who’s developing the skills to succeed.

Here are a few things we can do to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit:

Give them space. If we hover less and let our

7 ways to raise an entrepreneur R

ecently, one of the young girls on my block rang my doorbell.

She was selling homemade cupcakes. The price was reasonable, the treats looked delightful and my neighbor was beaming with obvious pride. Of course, I bought a few.

Half an hour later, her sister rang the doorbell. She was selling homemade dog treats. These things looked amazing — mini-cupcakes filled with peanut butter, fresh apple and yogurt.

Willis, my dog, must have sensed they were for him because he eyeballed the interaction with ears erect. Another couple bucks seemed a small price to pay. Willis loved the “pupcakes,” and I loved the whole transaction.

These same girls have set up a lemonade stand several times the past couple summers. They’ve also distributed fliers for dog-walking and pet-sitting services.

I’m not sure what they’re saving up for, but I’m a fan of their initiative, creativity and

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A kid who’s thinking about money in concrete ways, trying ideas and following through, is a kid who’s developing the skills to succeed.

kids play and explore, they learn to be independent.

Independence is a key characteristic of successful businesspeople and, of course, it’s a characteristic that most parents want for their kids. An independent kid is a confident kid! This doesn’t have to be just in terms of entrepreneurship: You can also remember to let your kids try that skateboard trick, that walk on their own to the neighborhood store or that messy invention. They’re all independence merit badges.

Encourage them to set goals. Goal setting teaches skills like brainstorming, planning and perseverance. Ask your kids to come up with a handful of goals, both short-term and long-term.

Writing them down is important because it increases the likelihood that they’ll be accomplished. Ask your kid to choose one and write down the steps it will take to pull it off.

Talk about failure. It’s an age-old axiom that we learn from mistakes, but as parents it’s sometimes easy to forget that. We want our kids to succeed, and we hate to see them suffer. But when our kids fail, they have the opportunity to look at what they did and create new ways to accomplish their goals.

So when kids fail or make mistakes, help them figure out how to prevent them from happening again. The road to success is pitted with wrong turns and false starts. Help your kids be ready.

Pay attention to marketing. Make a point of noticing and talking about advertising you see.

Ask kids what the ad is trying to tell them about the product. Is it true? Is it appealing to emotion or

intellect? What’s the ad’s call to action?

If your kids are running their own business, ask them what they can learn from the ads. Encourage them to create their own ads.

Teach them to notice problems. And create solutions! Is there one foursquare court and too many kids who want to play? Do siblings fight over screen time?

Does little brother keep wrecking big brother’s train tracks?

Does fidgeting get your daughter in trouble during story time? These are all opportunities for kids to think up solutions and put a plan into action. Focusing on positive solutions, instead of the problems themselves, plants the seeds for entrepreneurial thinking.

Teach delayed gratification. You may be familiar with the famous Stanford marshmallow test (tinyurl.com/ marshmallowmn), in which kids were told they could eat one marshmallow now or wait and get two marshmallows later.

Those who were able to wait grew up to earn better grades and generally be more successful. The ability to delay gratification is a social-emotional skill, and one well worth teaching. But it applies to finances and entrepreneurialism, too.

If your son earns enough money for a video game, encourage him to bank that money instead — or at least some of it.

You’re teaching him determination and forward-thinking as well as showing him how to build his savings.

Teach them financial literacy. Give kids chances to earn their own money through chores or their own business.

Teach them about budgeting, setting up bank accounts and investing. Even very young kids can have piggy banks for saving, spending and donating.

Eric Braun is a Minneapolis-based writer, editor and dad of two boys. Send comments or questions to ebraun@mnparent.com.

You can get there. We can help.

Visit www.MN529today.com or call Chris McLeod 952-830-3127

Dr. Peter Dehnel

Goodbye, binky?

What’s the best time to take away a pacifier?

The easiest time to get rid of a pacifier is to never start using one in the first place.

I realize this isn’t a practical or popular suggestion, since the vast majority of infants probably use pacifiers to some extent.

But I believe they really don’t need them.

The next-easiest age to get rid of pacifiers is at about 1 year old.

By age 1, infants have grown out of the intense desire to suck that is so strongly present in the first several months of life.

They can learn other ways of comforting themselves. Getting rid of a pacifier will decrease exposure to illnesses because it won’t be there to fall onto a table or floor only to go immedi-

ately back into your child’s mouth.

Additionally, getting rid of a pacifier also enables a child to practice forming more sounds and words.

Finally, be aware that toddlers generally move into a stage of making firm attachments at 16 to 18 months old. That means if your child still has a pacifier at 18 months, it will become a much greater challenge to get him to stop using one later.

Our 3-year-old daughter has a terrible cold, but none of the available OTC medications are listed as safe for ages 3 and younger. Our friends give their toddlers these medications anyway. Is this safe?

For years, there were dozens of medicines to help relieve kids’ runny noses, watery eyes and harsh coughs. Today, however, those products have pretty much disappeared and parents have been wondering what they can do.

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration changed the recommendations around cold medicines designed to treat colds and coughs for young children. Why? There were too many children either having adverse reactions or inadvertently getting too much medicine.

This was especially true for acetaminophen — which can cause liver injury — and pseudoephedrine, which can cause problems with the cardiovascular system.

Additionally, the products hadn’t been shown to be all that effective in toddlers and young children.

The best approach to take when your child becomes ill is to stay away from these cough and cold products — because of the possibility of adverse reactions as well as their limited effectiveness.

It’s always a good idea, however, to talk to your child’s doctor. Ask your pediatric clinician for his or her opinion if your child comes down with a bad cold.

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Our 5-year-old son’s teacher is hinting that he has ADHD because he can’t sit still in class. And yet, his grades are nearly perfect. We think he’s just being a normal kindergartener.

How should we proceed?

There’s a wide range of activity and attention levels in 5-year-old children. If your son is doing well academically, then it may be a matter of figuring out if there’s a way to address the activity level.

Work with the teacher to see if there are any “triggers” in the classroom that are reinforcing his behavior: Attention from classmates can be one of those.

If it’s right before lunch or mid-afternoon, hunger may be adding to the activity issues.

If he’s on any medications — including asthma or allergy medications — those could influence his activity level.

Make sure he’s getting enough sleep.

Being tired can actually cause difficulty in sitting still in the classroom. Practicing sitting still at home may be another helpful option to improve his classroom experience.

If there are still concerns that his activity level is way above average for his age, then definitely consult your child’s clinician.

If your son has underlying medical risk factors (including being born prematurely) or a family history of attention-deficit issues (even in adulthood), your doctor can utilize that information in an evaluation. It’s possible your son may have inherited some behavior traits.

In all cases, consult your son’s clinician to help understand his individual situation.

Dr. Peter Dehnel is a board-certified pediatrician and medical director with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Send questions to drdehnel@mnparent.com.

This column is intended to provide general information only and not medical advice.

Contact your health care provider with questions about your child.

Help: My child refuses to go to school!

H

annah breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her daughter skip happily into school.

It was 5-year-old Isabelle’s first day of kindergarten, and, like any parent, Hannah was worried she might have trouble with the transition.

But, to her surprise, her little girl ran into the classroom without looking back and quickly settled into her seat to chat with her new classmates.

“That was easier than I expected,” Hannah thought.

During the first three months of school, Isabelle seemed to be enjoying her new routine.

She was making new friends and liked her teacher. Then, one Sunday evening, as Hannah tucked her into bed, the girl burst into tears and said she didn’t want to go to school in the morning.

“But you love school,” Hannah said, trying to comfort her daughter.

“No! I don’t want to go!”

Isabelle yelled as she pulled the comforter over her head.

Hannah was shocked by Isabelle’s drastic change in behavior, but figured she was just having a tough night.

Over the next several weeks, however, things got worse. Isabelle refused to get out of bed in the morning and cried all the way to school. Her teacher emailed

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Hannah several times with concerns that Isabelle wasn’t paying attention in class and had trouble sitting still. From stomachaches to headaches, Isabelle always had a reason to stay home from school or come home early.

Of course, it’s normal for kids to have some anxiety during a big transition, but to Hannah, this felt like more than just a phase.

So what can you do if your child is struggling with the school routine? Here are some tips for parents:

1. Talk to your child All behavior is a form of communication. When your child is crying, clinging to you or complaining that she doesn’t feel well, it may take a little digging to uncover what she’s really trying to tell you.

Engage your child in a fun hands-on activity and ask her open-ended questions such as “What was your favorite part of school today?” or “What book did you read during circle time?”

2. Track your child’s behavior Until you know when, where and why your child’s behavior is occurring, you won’t be able to help her. Keep track of his or her behaviors and note any emails or calls you receive from school or daycare. This will help you see patterns and anticipate difficult situations, plus you can easily share the information with others who interact with your child.

3. Create a plan Partner with your child’s teacher to create an action plan, and check in regularly to see how your child is doing. Sometimes there’s a simple solution to the situation and a child’s resistance to school can be overcome by moving her to a different location in the classroom, for example, or by giving her a little extra time with a task.

If these adjustments don’t improve your child’s behavior, don’t give up!

Ask your child what works and what doesn’t and write it down.

Then, share this information with the teacher and ask if there are

other people who can assist. You may need to explore additional options for support such as an evaluation for a Section 504 Plan or special education. (Learn more at pacer.org/parent.)

If there are bullying concerns, find out if your school has a written policy and educate yourself on bullying prevention.

4. Call your pediatrician If your child is frequently complaining of stomachaches or headaches, it’s important to see your pediatrician so you can rule out any serious health problems.

Your child’s doctor can also provide a diagnostic screening and refer you to other professionals.

5. Trust your instincts If you’ve tried everything and your child’s behavior isn’t getting better, consider whether your child might need more support at school for challenges meeting academic demands or managing social interactions.

Sometimes a child’s ongoing struggles may be related to an unidentified learning need or an underlying mental health or medical concern.

Hannah took Isabelle to see her pediatrician, who screened the child for possible attention concerns. He recommended Isabelle see a specialist for further evaluation.

The specialist diagnosed Isabelle with ADHD. Hannah is now working with the school to develop a Section 504 Plan, which will provide for accommodations in the classroom, and she’ll be paying close attention to Isabelle’s behavior in the weeks ahead. © Disney. Reprinted with permission from Disney Online. All Rights Reserved. This article originally appeared on Babble.com and was published in partnership with The PACER Center, a nonprofit organization based in the Twin Cities that helps families with children with disabilities and also runs the National Bullying Prevention Center.

Learn more at pacer.org.

mnparent.com • November 2015

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IN THE KITCHEN

Meatloaf minis!

Turn meatloaf night into a treat with

kid-sized servings, filled with chopped veggies under a layer of ketchup and mashed-cauliflower “frosting.” This recipe’s combined prep and cook time comes to about 50 minutes.

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MINI-MEATLOAF MUFFINS 1 teaspoon coconut oil ½ cup minced yellow onion 2 medium carrots, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 pound ground beef ½ pound lean ground pork ½ cup tomato puree ½ cup almond meal 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar ¾ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon oregano ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place an oiled saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Add the onions, carrots and garlic and saute for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.

Place the remaining muffin ingredients in a bowl. Mix with your hands for about 30 seconds to combine well, then incorporate the vegetable mixture.

Divide the mixture evenly among the sections of a 12-cup muffin pan, filling each to the top. Press gently to pack the mixture down.

Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the tray midway through cooking.

Remove muffins from the pan and gently shake off any fat or grease.

Top artistically with ketchup and mashed cauliflower.

Danielle Walker, an acclaimed food-blogger and bestselling cookbook author, is the founder of the hugely popular cooking website, againstallgrain.com. Her latest book is Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Paleo Recipes to Make Anytime. For the upcoming holidays, check out her e-book Thankful, 20 Thanksgiving and Holiday Gluten-free and Paleo Recipes and Joyful, 25 Christmas and Holiday Gluten-free, Grain-free and Paleo Recipes.

BOOKSHELF

Gift books

By Sarah Dorison Books make awesome holiday presents, don’t you think? These new gems are ideal for families looking for something fresh, entirely unexpected and, we think, delightful.

LEGO Awesome Ideas Looking to get your kids to actually reuse their LEGOs for creative free building — rather than just buying new sets? This book focuses on helping kids create new scenes from stock on hand.

Themes include Outer Space, Modern Metropolis, Wild West, Fantasy Land and Real World. We love the Real World section, featuring every-day items such as school supplies, ice cream treats, a gingerbread man, cell phones, a comb and fruit and vegetables.

Ages 7–10 $24.99

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If You’re a Robot and You Know It It’s yet another amazing pop-up book — only this one is set to the classic tune, If You’re Happy and You Know It, reinvented by the ukulele-and-drum group, Musical Robot (available online for free download). Kids — using surprisingly sturdy pull tabs in this book — can make the robot go through all the actions. He can clap hands, jump and beep, shoot laser beams out of his eyes and fly, too.

Ages 3–5 $16.99

Design Mom OK, this one isn’t for the kids. This is for a mom in your life, maybe you, searching for ways to make life with kids less messy and more, well, beautiful. Subtitled How to Live With Kids: A Room-By-Room Guide, this book includes ways to showcase kids’ art, organize kid clothes and even how to creatively set up bunk beds.

Most of all, it’s just pretty and fun to browse. Your home life may not be Zen, but this book will make you feel like it is (or like it could be)! $29.95

Sophie’s Little Library

Minnetonka’s Navigator Program is specially designed for highly gifted children in grades 2-5.

Attend a Parent Information Night: November 16 or December 8, 6:30 PM Application deadline: January 22, 2016 Learn more at: www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/Navigator Minnetonka Public Schools MNP 1115 S3.indd 1

10/21/15 9:15 AM

This board-book set — a sweet companion to the popular toy baby giraffe given so commonly at baby showers — includes Sophie’s Busy Day, Colors and Peekaboo Sophie. Our favorite is Peekaboo Sophie, which includes not only cool flaps to lift, but also really cute textures that make each page a delight, especially the one with Sophie’s fuzzy spots!

All ages $19.99

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! s y o T Our 30 top picks for 2016

By Sarah Dorison

Toys!

Rolligo Why we love it: This toy — 10 balls that easily stack into a white, carlike roller device — was a homerun with the toddlers in our test. Pushing the device along the floor makes the balls spin in all directions, which creates a stunning visual effect — not unlike a rack of pool balls being rolled around a billiards table. When taken out of the white device, the balls were the perfect size for little hands. Bonus: The roller even works when some of the balls are missing.

Downside: None Cost: $24.99 Ages: 1 and up Where to find it: Hub Hobby, hubhobby.com

Will, 14 months, Minneapolis Photo by Tracy Walsh

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Jumbo Jamboree Why we love it: This elephant on wheels seems unremarkable at first glance. But upon closer inspection, he’s pretty awesome. His ears jingle and when you roll him along, and his tail beats a drum. He also makes a fun clicking noise when you drive him in reverse.

Micro Kickboard Mini2Go Scooter Why we love it: This three-wheeled scooter converts from a ride-on scooter to a stand-up adjustableheight scooter, providing years of use for a single kid.

It was a hit with the many kids who tested it in both the ride-on mode (pictured above) — complete with a drawer for stowing toys — as well as the stand-up mode, which worked well for all ages.

Our home tester said assembly (with the included Allen wrenches) wasn’t bad. Her 2-year-old daughter loved the drawer.

We love this scooter for the littlest of toddlers (18 to 24 months) who can sit safely, but still move around and have fun on their short little legs.

Downside: Though the bike is more stable than a two-wheeled scooter such as a Razor, multiple parents said the scooter’s leanto-turn steering function was counterintuitive.

Cost: $129.99 Ages: 18 months to 5 years Where to find it: Microkickboard.com and local retailers

But what we really like is how you can take him apart to turn him into five different instruments. His ears pop off to become tambourines. His yellow trunk detaches to become a fun little trumpet. If you remove the blue drumstick at the top, you gain access to a hidden harmonica, a three-note xylophone and a little drum. Putting him back together is a bit like assembling a puzzle.

Downside: He’s noisy!

Cost: $32.99 Ages: 1 and up Where to find it: Amazon.com and at selected specialty retailers

Spin & Learn Ball Tower Why we love it: It’s like an interactive marble run for babies! Our 1-year-old tester found this toy engaging to play with, thanks to a variety of levers, buttons and a ball slide. When you pop one of the four colored balls into the top chamber, it magically announces the color of the ball.

When you press the lever, the balls spin and eventually falls through a hole to roll down the slide, which includes gates kids can open and close. This musical toy — which plays 12 tunes such as Down by the Riverside — sings and also encourages counting and animal identification.

We like that the balls are collected in the base of the toy, rather than rolling onto the floor.

Downside: One online reviewer said her kids put other things in the ball chamber and they were hard to get out.

Cost: $29.99 Ages: 9 months and up Where to find it: BuyBuy Baby, Woodbury and buybuybaby.com

Open 8am–10pm, 365 days a year

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Toys!

Thunder Tumbler Remote Control Car Why we love it: This radio-controlled rally car — which sets itself apart with a fifth trick wheel on its back — was, by far, the most popular toy we tested. We had three different colors of the car (black, red and blue) and all of them were in use for most of our two-hour test. Even if you’re terrible at operating remote-controlled cars (like some of our test kids and parents), you’ll enjoy this car. It moves around quickly and easily and can spin in circles at dizzying speeds, lights ablaze.

We love the easy battery-pack access on both the controller and the car. And the flexible, knobby, clear plastic wheels didn’t scratch our furniture or floorboards when we tested these at home.

Talking Plush Chewbacca Why we love it: Squeeze Chewie’s hand and he emits Wookiee sounds from the original Star Wars films.

OK, we admit, this one’s mostly for the grownups — or perhaps little emerging Star Wars fans. But even the little kids seemed to think he was cute, cuddly and hilarious. Yoda, Darth and R2-D2 are also available.

Downside: When it comes time to replace the three button-style batteries, you might not have the batteries on hand, and button batteries can be expensive.

Cost: $39.99 Ages: All ages Where to find it: Bed, Bath & Beyond and bedbathandbeyond.com

Downside: Online reviews for this car are almost universally negative with the chief complaint being a lack of durability. This wasn’t our experience.

All three Black Series models we received stood up to repeat, highspeed crashes — and nearly non-stop operation by 2- to 10-year-olds in an office environment full of metal chairs and hard corners. Maybe the manufacturer has made some improvements?

Cost: $11.99 Ages: 6 and up; all ages of testers loved this toy, however.

Where to find it: Most Bed Bath & Beyond stores, on bedbathandbeyond.com and buybuybaby.com

Tegu Wooden Blocks Why we love it: A beautiful, 42-piece set of these blocks engaged one of our 6-year-old testers for more than 30 minutes, despite numerous distractions and myriad other toy-test choices. He worked hard to balance the magnetic blocks while creating elaborate symmetrical towers. We love this set for its powerful magnets, including four magnetic wheels, which can turn anything into a car — ideal for builders as young as 1.

Downside: The price of this set is quite an investment. The company — which prides itself on encouraging child-directed storytelling and unscripted exploratory play — offers free returns and a money-back guarantee: Tegu says its toys are built to last for multiple generations.

Cost: $110

Ages: 1 and up

Where to find it: Creative Kidstuff and creativekidstuff.com

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Design & Drill Flower Power Studio Why we love it: This sturdy, well-made toy inspired boys and girls alike to unknowingly work on their fine-motor and pattern-making skills.

“My daughter was drawn to this toy like a moth to a flame. Loves it!” one mom said of her 4-year-old.

We parents loved it for its moderately powerful dual-action drill with both forward- and reverse-drilling options. Its bolts are sturdy and stay firmly in place once screwed into the flower case.

Downside: One of the best features of the toy is the six “designer plates” that come in various shapes. We just wish there were more. Also, the latch that holds its many pieces in the case was a bit weak on the sample we tried.

Cost: $34.99 Ages: 3 and up Where to find it: ABC & Toy Zone Ella, 3, Northfield Photo by Tracy Walsh

Vadnais Heights, Woodbury, Eagan

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Toys!

My Little Pony Cutie Mark Canterlot Castle Why we love it: Our test kids, boys and girls, were immediately draw to this toy, and they spent a lot of time playing make believe with the accessories, leading us to believe this would be a hit nearly anywhere if it were found under the Christmas tree.

What kid wouldn’t want a three-story pink, purple and yellow-gold castle with more than 40 accessories, a working elevator, a Princess Celestia pony, a Spike the Dragon action figure and a wearable crown?

Downsides: Moms said: “All the little pieces would get all over my floor,” “The staircase comes off really easily,” and “The elevator didn’t move smoothly.”

The dad who assembled the castle said, “This is hell.” He later said it was “all worth it.”

Cost: $79.99

Ages: 3 and up; our 2-year-old testers loved it, too.

Where to find it: Toys R’ Us, Target, Kohl’s and Amazon and other Hasbro retailers

Joinks Why we love it: This 76-piece set — the result of a Kickstarter campaign under the name of Flexure — stood out because of its bendable silicone joints, a fresh departure from the rigid joints of most Tinkertoy-type sets. It was also surprisingly satisfying to put the wooden sticks into place. Suction cups made it even more fun to try to create balanced structures.

Gear Builders Starter Set Why we love it: This 95-piece toy — which seems like plenty, not merely a “starter set” — is fun for kids and parents alike.

(Yes, we grownups played with this well after the toy test was over.) It includes 50 gears, 25 extensions, 15 connectors, 4 bases and one hand crank. Pieces work vertically, too, so you can create towers with functioning gears. Pieces pop in and out of place easily. This one will definitely help your child develop a sense of cause and effect.

Downside: It’s actually a bit noisy when you turn the gears.

Cost: $27.99

Ages: 3 and up

Where to find it: Lakeshore Learning, lakeshorelearning.com

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Downside: To get really elaborate in your creations, you might want a couple sets and the price might prevent that.

Cost: $45.99 Ages: 3 and up Where to find it: ABC & Toy Zone

Sort & Swipe Wooden Cash Register Why we love it: This toy was intriguing for kids up to 7 years old.

Two testers — age 1 and 3 — kept coming back to play with it.

You press the number buttons to see different counting pictures, then you can pay cash for each purchase with numbered coins to match the quantities. Coins vary in diameter and thickness, so the 1 coin will fit only in the 1 slot, 2 in 2 and so on. There’s also a credit-card swiping slot that makes a satisfying clicking noise.

Downside: Other objects could accidentally end up in the slots.

Cost: $24.99

Ages: 3 and up

Where to find it: Kiddywampus

Big Artist Marker Set Why we love it: This would be an awesome gift. Not only are the markers washable, big and easy to hold and open, but they’re also fun to put away, thanks to storage slots for every marker in the carrying case.

Alexander, 23 months, Isanti

One mom said of her 4-yearold’s delight: “My daughter’s been at it for, like, 20 minutes.”

This set also includes 12 supercute coloring sheets and cool coloring-technique guides.

Photo by Tracy Walsh

Pretty Purse Fill & Spill Why we love it: If you’ve got a young toddler who’s constantly wanting to play with your keys, phone and other purse items, this soft, safe-forinfants purse full of goodies might be just the thing. The cell phone chimes, the keys jangle (as much as phthalate-free plastic can) and there’s even a compact with a child-safe mirror.

Downside: “There’s the potential to leave caps off — can’t be helped! Same with all markers,” one mom said.

Cost: $13.99 Ages: 3 and up Where to find it: Creative Kidstuff and creativekidstuff.com

“Simple, lots of fun pieces to play with,” said one mom, who said she would buy it.

Downside: It’s hard to fit everything back into the purse.

Cost: $24.95 Ages: Birth and up Where to find it: Kiddywampus

UrgencyRoom.com

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Toys!

Gabby, 3, Maple Grove Photo by Tracy Walsh

Sort & Stamp Mailbox Why we love it: This Melissa & Doug play set isn’t just cute, it’s also fun and educational. Our test kids loved putting the five letters — too quaint! — into the slots. Each slot is sized so that only certain letters fit in certain slots, and only if the removable, Velcroed-on stamps are oriented in a certain way. Test kids up to age 3 found it challenging, but not frustrating. Kids also loved using the set’s yellow wooden key to unlock the mailbox access door.

Downside: We would’ve liked to have seen real city and state names on the letters instead of “Secret, Location, 73269” and “Plainsville, State, 01234.” It’s never too early to start real geography, right?

Cost: $29.99 Ages: 3 and up; younger and older kids liked this toy at our test, too, including at least one 7-year-old.

Where to find it: Creative Kidstuff and creativekidstuff.com

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Alphabet Learning Locks Why we love it: Kids love keys and locks! This set — perfect for small hands — challenges kids to match uppercase letters on the locks with the lowercase letters on the keys. Each lock pops open with a satisfying click.

Downside: Our test kids enjoyed these locks, but the younger ones were overwhelmed when encouraged to play with 26 keys and 26 locks. We recommend staring the youngest kids with a small selection. Also, even if you buy these on sale at $29.99, this come out to more than $1 per lock.

Cost: $39.99

Ages: 3 and up

Where to find it: Lakeshore Learning and lakeshorelearning.com

Playmobil 123 Santa Set Why we love it: Our younger testers couldn’t put the pieces of this surprisingly popular holiday set down. Parents at the test said it was easy for their kids to engage in makebelieve play because of the instantly built-in storyline of Santa and his reindeer delivering presents on Christmas Eve. One parent added: “I like that you can put the sleight harness on all three reindeer, even the baby.”

Downside: One mom said the novelty might wear off quickly: “I’m not sure it would hold her attention long-term.”

Cost: $16.99

Ages: 1½ and up

Where to find it: Kiddywampus

Playmobil Ferris Wheel Why we love it: Our home tester, age 7, loved building this toy on his own.

We like that the lights on one side put on a beautiful display of all the colors of the rainbow — and that the wheel spins when you turn a manual crank.

Downside: Parents with younger kids will have to help assemble this toy — and it takes a chunk of time.

Also: Assembled, it takes up a lot of space.

Cost: $79.99

Ages: 4 and up

Where to find it: Playmobil.com and major toy retailers

Hot Wheels Ultimate Auto Garage Why we love it: “Hours of entertainment for our car-obsessed son,” said one parent. “Loves everything about it,” said another. “This caught her attention right away. I like the interactivity,” said one mom. There are 36 spots for cars, two elevators, two ramps, a gas station, a tune-up shop and one chomping shark “action zone.”

Downside: As Hot Wheels biggest garage ever, it’s a serious space commitment. Also, the box says, “adult assembly required” because there are many different pieces.

Cost: $109.99

Ages: 4 and up

Where to find it: Toys R’ Us, Target, Kohl’s and Amazon

Better wait times. Better care.

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Toys!

Tumble Trax Magnetic Marble Run Why we love it: You usually can’t go wrong with marble runs for any age kid.

This one — which can be played only on vertical magnetic surfaces — was a hit with a variety of ages, especially the 7- and 8-year-olds, who spent 30 minutes using it on the Minnesota Parent headquarters’ fridge.

“This is AWESOME!” they exclaimed as they created all sorts of custom pathways for the yellow and green marbles to follow down the track (completely ignoring the patterns suggested on challenge cards that came with the set). “The ultimate puzzle — super fun, excellent problem solver,” said one mom, who tested the run with her 4-year-old daughter.

Downside: If you don’t have a large magnetic vertical surface for this — and many metal-finished fridges aren’t magnetic — you won’t really have much use for this one.

Cost: $24.99

Ages: 5 and up

Where to find it: ABC & Toy Zone and abctoyzone.com

Maryellen Larkin Why we love it: American Girl dolls are known for being awesome — and expensive. This new 18-inch strawberryblond doll known as Maryellen Larkin, introduced in August, comes with a paperback book about her days growing up in Daytona Beach, Fla., in the 1950s.

During the toy test, kids, who were well under the suggested age of 8, were definitely drawn to her hair, clothes and all-around good looks.

Downside: If you’re child becomes obsessed with American Girl accessories, it can become costly.

Cost: $115

Ages: 8 and up

Where to find it: American Girl at the Mall of America and at americangirl.com

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Unbored Disguises Why we love it: A monocle! Stick-on sideburns, an eye patch, tattoos, “wacky” glasses and two pairs of fake teeth are just a few of the 30 awesome items in this dressup kit, courtesy of the critically acclaimed franchise of Unbored books and games.

Downside: “Beard’s itchy,” one kid said.

Cost: $29.95

Ages: 6 and up

Where to find it: Creative Kidstuff and creativekidstuff.com

Modarri Toy Car

Kinetic Sand

Why we love it: Our vehicle-obsessed testers loved this car-construction kit, which includes 12 modules to assemble and repeatedly disassemble with a special hexagon tool that’s similar to an Allen wrench. The assembled car drives really well, thanks to a cool steering component and spring-loaded suspension pieces.

Why we love it: One mom said: “Sensory play is great for kids. My boys, age 4 and 2, LOVE this. They love using different molds or creating things on their own. It’s a different texture than Play-Doh, so it’s a nice change. Parenting win — much easier to clean up inside than real sand!”

Downside: It’s a bummer if you lose the assembly tool (which we did during our test).

Downside: New colors — pink, green and blue — can be a bit harder to clean up because the grains show up more easily. We recommend using a tray when playing with any kind of indoor sand because it can still get messy.

Cost: $18.99

Ages: 8 and up

Where to find it: Hub Hobby, hubhobby.com

Cost: $4.99 / 8-ounce package

Ages: 3 and up

Where to find it: Bed Bath & Beyond stores

Littlest Pet Shop Pet Jet Why we love it: It’s a private jet for pets, including one large and three small action figures, plus a cockpit that opens wide for a pilot pet and a cabin that’s easily accessible and full of activities — including swings, a slide and even areas to snack and nap.

“My 4-year-old liked it quite a bit,” said the mom who assembled and tested this toy as part of our home-testing program. “Several other kids around her age were drawn to it at our house this weekend.”

Downside: With so many little pieces, it’s not toddler-sibling safe, said one mom.

Cost: $39.99

Ages: 4 and up

Where to find it: Toys R’ Us, Target, Kohl’s and Amazon and other Hasbro retailers

Geometric Building Set Why we love it: Our 7-year-old home tester spent hours building every geometric shape on the 12 activity cards, including 2D and 3D concepts. And he even came back to this 200-piece toy many times during the months he borrowed it to recreate the shapes and even make new creations. We liked that the balls and sticks weren’t just sturdy, but smooth and easy on the hands. If you have a builder-kid in your house, this is a keeper.

Downside: Cleanup is a bit of a pain because the pieces are small and the balls can easily roll under furniture.

Cost: $39.99

Ages: 7 and up

Where to find it: Lakeshore Learning and lakeshorelearning.com

Check current wait times online.

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Toys!

K’NEX Beasts Alive Bronto Building Set Why we love it: “This is awesome!” said our 7-yearold test kid. (Dad agreed, too.)

We tested three K’NEX sets (some during the test and some at home) and all of them were wellreceived by the kids — including this 350-piece set, which results in a robotic brontosaurus, thanks to the included motor. Two additional building plans come with the set.

Snap Circuits Arcade

Downside: The pieces can be a bit hard on the fingers if you’re at it for an hour. Our 7-year-old test kid said it hurt, but that it was worth it. Also: We’re not sure anyone else uses the term bronto anymore, but apatosaurus doesn’t really have the same ring to it, does it?

Why we love it: All the elements of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are rolled into one in this cool, battery-powered toy that allows older kids to use more than 30 modules to create 20 different circuits. Successfully built circuits — made with help from a clearly illustrated manual — will turn on a fan, light up a tricolor orb and more.

Downside: “It’s a bit challenging, but that’s a good thing,” said one mom. “Very easy to use — and fun,” said another.

Cost: $27.99 at knex.com and $19.99 at toysrus.com

Cost: $64.99

Ages: 7 and up

Ages: 8 and up

Where to find it: Hub Hobby, hubhobby.com

Where to find it: Knex.com, Amazon.com, Toys R’ Us and toysrus.com

Proto Z Beginner Drone Why we love it: This toy was positively dazzling. Everyone of a certain age (roughly 5 and older, adults included) desperately wanted to try it. It was fairly easy for a novice to operate (though equally easy to crash). It charges via USB cord and includes four spare rotor blades (you’ll definitely need them).

Downside: High-pitched buzzing and unavoidable crashing into objects high and low (think ceiling fans) might make this an outside-only toy at your place, depending on your kid’s skills and your tolerance for chaos. Also, the drone we tested intermittently didn’t work and we weren’t sure why.

Cost: $29.99 Ages: 8 and up Where to find it: Hub Hobby, hubhobby.com

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Toyland!

Shopping local this holiday season?

Check out these cool local toy and game shops.

ABC & Toy Zone, Burnsville, Chanhassen, Edina/ Richfield and Rochester, abctoyzone.com Air Traffic Kites and Games, seven Twin Cities locations, airtrafficonline.com Autism Resource Network, Minnetonka, autismshop.com BuyBuy Baby, Woodbury, buybuybaby.com Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, St. Paul, choochoobobs.com/store Creative Kidstuff, seven Twin Cities locations, creativekidstuff.com Games by James, six locations, including a new store in St. Cloud, gamesbyjames.com Goose Gang Toys, Perham, goosegangtoys.com

YOXO Fyre

Hub Hobby, Richfield and Little Canada, hubhobby.com

Why we love it: YOXO construction kits — which come from the St. Paul-based toy company, Play from Scratch — are made of durable and interchangeable sturdy chipboard connectors in Y, O, and X shapes. YOXO’s latest introduction is this engaging, 3-foot-long green dragon that breathes fire and features giant green paper wings. Other build options include a Scorch race car, an Orbit rocket and a Ribbit frog.

Kiddywampus, downtown Hopkins, kiddywampus.com

Downside: We’re not sure kids will want to rebuild the YOXOinspired creations and/or free build after the novelty wears off.

Cost: $24.99

Ages: 8 and up

Lakeshore Learning Store, St. Louis Park and Maplewood, lakeshorelearning.com Lark Toys, Kellogg, larktoys.com Mall of America, Bloomington (mallofamerica. com): Specialty toy stores include The LEGO Store, American Girl, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Nickelodeon Store, Disney Store, Marbles: The Brain Store, and JM Cremp’s, a locally owned “boy adventure store,” jmcremps.com.

Pacifier, Minneapolis, pacifier.me Mischief Toys & Gifts, St. Paul, mischieftoy.com (in the former space of Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care) Something Safari, Excelsior, somethingsafari.com Teeny Bee Boutique, St. Paul, shopteenybee.com

Sarah Dorison is the editor of Minnesota Parent. She lives in Minnetonka with her 7-year-old, toy-loving son, who tested many of the toys at home and during the toy test.

Write her at editor@mnparent.com.

Don’t see your favorite local store here?

Write us at editor@mnparent.com.

Note: Though we list specific local retailers — who helped make this toy test possible with donations and loaner toys — many other local retailers and online outlets also carry the toys featured in this issue.

Close by when it matters most.

mnparent.com • November 2015

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5 COOL GAMES

Today’s games and puzzles are so well-designed — and in tune with kids’ and parents’ needs — they seem to play more like toys! And that’s making more and more of our playtime downright educational.

Check out these awesome games (including a local favorite) for stocking stuffers and more

BY SARAH DORISON

PLAY ON WORDS

LASER MAZE JUNIOR Why we love it: Kids get to play with a laser and learn logic at the same time with this popular game. “Satellite” mirrors shoot the red light of the laser beam all around the game board. “Space rocks” get in the way. Kids are challenged to avoid the obstacles and “ignite” the rocket to complete each mission. There are 40 missions in all, ranging from easy to “super hard.”

Why we love it: This award-winning card game has been the No. 1 seller in the word-games area at the Games by James location at the Mall of America for the past two holiday seasons. Created by the store’s owner, David James, this is like a card-game version of Scrabble, but with a twist: Words aren’t connected and you can change and rearrange already-played words — both yours and your opponents’ — to create words. It’s sort of like rummy meets Banagrams meets UpWords. And some of the cards feature helpful letter combos such as ST, SH, TH, CH, CK and QU.

Downside: It’s a single-player game.

Downside: According to the rules, “when pluralizing,” the letter S can be used only in rearranged words — so you can’t just tack an S onto a word for your turn like you can in Words With Friends.

Cost: $29.99

Cost: $13.99

Ages: 6 and up

Ages: 8 and up

Where to find it locally: Hub Hobby, hubhobby.com

Where to find it locally: Games by James, Bibelot, Patina, Air Traffic, Minnetonka General Store, Ficus & Fig, Hub Hobby and playonwordsgame.net

SIGHT WORD SEASHELL GAME Why we love it: This game contains 108 sturdy cardboard pieces that tackle the first 100 sight words. Kids can build hands-on vocabulary skills as they read and “collect” these seashells. If you read a seashell correctly, you get to keep it. Otherwise, it goes into a discard pile. Sight words are listed on the side of the box.

Downside: If you draw a crab, you have to return all your seashells to the box.

Cost: $9.99 Ages: 4 and up Where to find it: Lakeshore Learning and lakeshorelearning.com

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hubhobby.com

BRAIN BUILDERS Why we love it: These toy blocks were utterly ignored during our toy test last year. How much fun could 20 little KEVA planks be?

Well, the answer is — tons! We tested these toy blocks at home during the past year and found that kids who like to build will find fun challenges on every card of this game — available in regular and junior versions. Kids set the planks up to create iconic structures, including a bed, a picnic bench and a goal post. Kids learn balance, proportion, composition and geometry — even if they peek at the solutions on the backs of the cards.

Downside: Parents may have a hard time completing some of the expert-level cards.

Cost: $14.99 Ages: 7 and up Where to find it locally: Creative Kidstuff and creativekidstuff.com

CAT STAX Why we love it: This game’s cute, colorful little game pieces — kitties of all sizes! — will draw your kid into the game. But the game itself, which involves interlocking the cats and their tails in strategic formations, is addictive.

Downside: It’s a one-player game, though we could certainly see this played as a team.

Cost: $14.99

SO MUCH STORE SO MUCH MORE We are the largest and most complete hobby store in the Midwest, with more than 30 years experience serving the Twin Cities. In that time, we’ve expanded to include everything in traditional hobbies as well as toys, games, puzzles, science kits, and so much more! It’s a truly unique experience and the perfect place to start (and finish) your holiday shopping.

Come on in. You’ll be amazed.

Ages: 8 and up Where to find it locally: Hub Hobby, hubhobby. com and Kiddywampus

Two locations 6410 Penn Ave S., Richfield 612-866-9575 82 Minnesota Ave, Little Canada 651-490-1675 Hub Hobby MNP 1115 2-3 Page.indd 1

Hours M-F 10 am – 9 pm Sat 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Sun 11 am – 5 pm Check website or Facebook for holiday hours.

10/21/15 8:49 AM

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Larger than life St. Paul furniture maker creates pieces based on kids’ favorite toys

By Sarah Dorison

if

you’re looking for something extra-special for your kid’s room, we have just the thing.

Local woodworker Gary Moore is making toy boxes that look like LEGO bricks (sold as OGEL toy boxes) as well as shelving-storage units designed to look like giant Etch A Sketches (sold as Stretch-ASketches).

Moore, who hails from Cardiff, Wales, moved to Minnesota about four years ago.

He and his wife, Carrie, and their 4-year-old, Oliver, live in St. Paul.

“Oliver is my chief product tester,” Moore said.

“Almost everything in his room I made — and it gets thoroughly tested on a daily basis.”

Moore uses Baltic birch plywood to make the toy boxes ($450 a piece, available in red, white or blue) and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) to make the Stretch-A-Sketch storage systems ($1,200). Both are finished with low-VOC, water-based paint. Each toy box includes hinge stays that hold the lid open in any position up to 90 degrees. Rope handles on the sides make the 40-pound boxes easier to move around.

Moore also offers an OGEL bookcase for $840 and a glass-top OGEL side table for $336.

Moore’s pieces are made to order — typically in about two weeks — although he usually has a couple of toy boxes in stock. Colors and features can be customized for an extra charge.

He also crafts contemporary bedroom, living room and dining room furniture and accessories, including a wine rack that looks like a honeycomb and a large console cabinet that completely conceals a flat-screen TV (and also provides oodles of hidden storage).

Learn more at garymoorefurniture.com and houzz.com. ←←Gary Moore’s OGEL toy boxes go for $450 a piece and Stretch-A-Sketch storage systems cost $1,200. Moore’s pieces are made to order, typically in about two weeks.

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Your locally owned teaching supply and toy store where education and play come together since 1993!

POP STAR RECORDING STUDIO

The LEGO® Friends Pop Star Recording Studio has a recording booth, production room, CD player with eject function and a seating area. $17.99

STAR WARS™ FLASHSPEEDER

Pilot the Royal Naboo Security Forces Flash Speeder with 4-minifigure cockpit, 3 springloaded shooters and opening storage compartments. $32.99

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POP STAR SHOW STAGE

POP STAR TOUR BUS

STAR WARS™ SENATE COMMANDO TROOPERS

Own the Naboo Starfighter set with opening cockpit, springloaded shooters, eject function, access ladder, fueling station, stand and more. $54.99

Jump aboard the LEGO® Friends Pop Star Tour Bus with living area, TV, bed, pull-out stage, outdoor party area, DJ decks and a hot tub. $64.99

The modular LEGO® Friends Pop Star Show Stage includes a big screen, pop star reveal and dancing functions, and musical instruments sets. $44.99

Protect Senate VIPs with the LEGO® Star Wars™ Senate Commando Troopers battle pack with stud blasters, a rapid shooter and more. $15.99

20% OFF ONE ITEM POP STAR DRESSING ROOM

↑↑Top: Gary Moore and his wife, Carrie, and their 4-year-old, Oliver, live in St. Paul.

Bottom: Moore’s glass-top OGEL side table goes for $336. Moore also crafts contemporary bedroom, living room and dining room furniture and accessories for non-LEGO-loving adults.

The LEGO® Friends Pop Star Dressing Room folds out to create different areas with a mirrored vanity desk and clothes rail with fabric skirts. $34.99

Not valid with other offers. One coupon per person. Regular priced in stock items only. Expires 12/24/15.

Visit all 4 of our great locations!

122 17th Ave NW Rochester, MN 507-286-8440

860 West 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 952-474-4366

2908 W. 66th St. Richfield, MN 612-869-2399

14003 Grand Ave. S. Burnsville, MN 952-892-7666

www.abctoyzone.com

shouldn’t be forced to idle their days away in the big red barn.

Take the animals to the bath or introduce them to Play-Doh. See what their footprints look like with a little paint. Engage them in some serious hide and seek. Blocks can do so much more than be stacked: Count them, sort them, weigh them, put them in a box and shake them. Once you get started, you and your children will start seeing endless ways to enjoy toys already in your house.

CHECK THEM OUT

GETTING OFF THE TOY-GO-ROUND

Hiding, borrowing, trading, regifting and beyond: This is your busy family’s guide to toy management.

BY AIRIKA COBLENTZ In the closet, on the shelf, under the bed, even underfoot … there are toys. They’re everywhere!

The stuff kids’ dreams are made of are the same objects that create endless nightmares for parents — picking up, cleaning, sorting, finding missing pieces.

Toy curation in a multi-child household is a never-ending story.

Then there’s all the time and brain power that goes into toy procurement. Every year, kids grow tired of their current thingamajigs and the toy companies release a new must-have; round and round, it never ends.

If buying toys for another holiday season already has you feeling a bit woozy here’s how to get off the toy-go-round:

ABSENCE MAKES THE CHILD GROW FONDER If you want your kids to fall in love all

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

over again with their old toys, get them out of sight.

Starting a toy rotation can be as simple as putting a handful of regulars in a box and storing them for a week or two, or even a few months. After their vacation, the boxed toys can be exchanged for others; then repeat.

To take your toy rotation to the next level, divide them into categories (gross motor, action figures, vehicles, building toys, dress up, games). Then decide how many rotations you can fill and take a toy from each category and box them together.

Just be careful, or your kids will start to confuse toy-rotation day with their birthdays.

BE THE MOTHER OF INVENTION Often toys make parents and kids feel like there’s only one way to play with them.

But they’re toys: There are no rules.

Your child’s collection of animals

If your kiddo’s a fickle pickle, you should consider checking out toys from a toy-lending library. In the Twin Cities, we’re lucky enough to have a handful of options. The Minneapolis Toy Library, ECFE’s Parent Resource Library in Roseville and Toylend USA have different membership fees, lending schedules and a huge variety of toys to explore. Outside of the Twin Cities, a handful of public libraries operate toy libraries as well.

SHARING IS CARING “My friend X has toy Y — and it’s the coolest. I want one!”

If you’ve heard this before you might need a toy swap. Gather a group of equally toy-beleaguered parents. Have them bring their “recently ignored, but still lots of fun left” toys, add wine and, presto: Everyone has a good time and everyone goes home with “new” toys for their kids.

RENT BEFORE YOU BUY The bells and whistles and possible adventures for many toys exist mostly in your children’s imagination — or perhaps the incredibly misleading toy commercials.

It’s not until they are in your home, unboxed and loaded with batteries that you discover the toy doesn’t include all the awesomeness you both expected.

Skip the hype and try one of the many toy-subscription services. These services are a cool way to try out different types of toys to see what’s most entertaining for

your kids. Check out Spark Box Toys, Toyconomy and Pley (LEGOs).

DON’T HAND IT DOWN, BESTOW IT Does a perfectly good toy become unworthy of a gifting simply because it was previously loved? No. Toys that have proven their worth by entertaining and surviving one child should be shared with a sense of passing the torch.

GET OUT AND ABOUT

•

Lights or power out

•

Troubleshooting

•

Storm damage

•

Emergency service

•

Fuse to circuit breaker panel upgrades

•

Bath exhaust fan installations & servicing

763-544-3300 • Harrison-Electric.com

Harrison Electric MNP 0115 12.indd 1

11/24/14 9:10 AM

If your kids are in a rut with their toys, perhaps they just need a break.

Try heading out to the library, the Minnesota Children’s Museum or even the mall (not the stores, but the play areas where you don’t have to buy anything). None of the toys that you find there will be shiny and new, so you probably won’t hear the all too familiar, “Can I have one?”

THIS IS NOT A BOX Have you ever spent weeks scouring the Internet or visiting endless stores to find the perfect toy for your children only to have them make the box the toy came in a part of their permanent collection while the toy gathers dust under the couch?

Don’t fight it; embrace it. Make boxes into boats, cars or houses; use the whisk and bowls from your kitchen to cook up some pretend souffle; make binoculars out of toilet paper rolls.

If you look around the house, you’ll find hours of adventure.

As long as you have kids, the toy-goround will keep going, but, perhaps with the help of a few of these ideas, you can make it spin just a little slower.

Airika Coblentz lives in Arden Hills with her triplet 4-year-olds and 8-year-old and her charming husband. Follow her exploits and mishaps (mostly mishaps) on her blog at lottowinners.wordpress. com.

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Out & About

NOVEMBER

mnparent.com/calendar

Photo by Brandon Cole

Humpback Whales ⊲⊲See breathtaking footage of humpback whales — including a mother humpback whale and her calf — on a 90-foot domed Omnitheater screen. Learn about the humpback’s 10,000-mile annual migration and recovery from near extinction. Observe humpback behaviors up-close and hear their haunting, beautiful songs, documented by scientists in all the world’s oceans.

When: Showing through Jan. 7 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Info: smm.org

ONGOING

Pre-K Mondays at The Works ⊲⊲Kids are naturally curious and excellent engineers. Bring your children, ages 3 to 5, to experience the amazing fun of hands-on engineering, and let them design, build and create.

When: 9 a.m.–noon Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2 Where: The Works Museum, Bloomington Cost: $4 (half price) admission for kids, $8 for adults

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Cost: Film tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for ages 4 to 12 and seniors. Combination gallery-Omnitheater tickets are also available.

Info: theworks.org/our-museum/prekmondays/

NOV. 7

Daisy Camp ⊲⊲Getting divorced? Get educated and empowered with a day of lectures and question-and-answer sessions with local legal, financial, real estate and mentalhealth professionals, including attorneys trained in collaborative law.

When: Nov. 7 Where: 3300 Edinborough Way, Suite

550, Edina Cost: $60 (includes refreshments and lunch); scholarships are available.

Info: daisycamp.org

Fire Building for Families ⊲⊲Learn about fire-building materials and design, as well as how to start and tend a fire. With a few tips and simple shortcuts, you’ll be starting a fire from a single match or spark.

When: 1–2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 Where: Dodge Nature Center, West

St. Paul Cost: $7 per child or $20 for families; Advanced registration is required.

Info: dodgenaturecenter.org or 651-455-4531

NOV. 8

Saint Martin’s Day ⊲⊲Join in a Saint Martin’s Day celebration, courtesy of Sundays at Landmark, a series of cultural and art events designed to entertain, enrich and educate an all-ages audience, including heritage festivals, musical performances and holiday celebrations running through May. When: 4 p.m. Nov. 8 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: Fre Info: landmarkcenter.org/programs/ sundays.htm

Princess Party Palooza ⊲⊲Princess Party Pals will offer a special red-carpet event, including meet-andgreet opportunities with five princesses, music from DJ Kidsdance, crafts, photo ops and live vocal performances from all the princesses (professional actresses with credits from the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Ordway, Guthrie, Old Log and New York City touring companies).

When: 1–3 p.m. Nov. 8 Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen Cost: $10–$30 Info: eventbrite.com

NOV. 14

Raffi ⊲⊲The famous singer, songwriter, producer, author and advocate for children will perform from his extensive repertoire, including his 2014 release, Love Bug, his first new kids’ album in 12 years and his upcoming Owl Singalong, to be released in January. Note: This concert is best suited for children old enough to talk, sing or clap along.

* Please note: The Minnesota Orchestra does not perform on this program

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Out & About When: 1 and 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14 Where: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $31.50–$68 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org

NOV. 14

Nordic Christmas Kick-Off Family Day ⊲⊲Be the first to see the historic Turnblad Mansion decorated for the holidays — and discover Nordic traditions that make Sweden a magical place in winter. Activities will include gingerbread ornament making, troll storytelling, traditional slojd/crafts, tomte and troll bingo and a Great Tomte/Troll Hunt for kids of all ages throughout the mansion.

When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 14 Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: Free with museum admission ($9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for ages 6–18, free for ages 5 and younger)

NOV. 14 AND DEC. 19

Sensory-Friendly Saturdays ⊲⊲The Bell Museum is opening early one Saturday a month to serve kids with kids with autism-spectrum disorders. Staff members turn the lights down, lower the volume and restrict the crowds. Guides are trained to relate to people with autism-spectrum disorders.

When: 8–10 a.m. Nov. 14 and Dec. 19 Where: The Bell Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis Cost: Free with museum membership or admission ($8 for adults, $5 for ages 3 to 17). Advanced registration is required.

Info: bellmuseum.umn.edu/programsevents/sensory-friendly or 612-626-9660

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

NOV. 1

Family Art Day ⊲⊲All ages are invited to try hands-on art-making activities, healthful snacks, a live musical performance by Chicago-based Son Monarcas and an Aztec dance performance by KetzalCoatlicue.

When: 10 a.m.–noon Nov. 1 Where: Intermedia Arts, Minneapolis

NOV. 15

Afternoon Fairy Tale Ball ⊲⊲Dance, sing and play with fairytale friends and princesses. Enjoy a familyfriendly DJ, a candy buffet, photobooth and more, all geared toward ages 3 to 7.

When: 1–3 p.m. Nov. 15 Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, Vadnais Heights Cost: $20–$40 Info: prettyprincesspartiesmn.com

Science Night Jr. ⊲⊲Get your microscopes and lab coats out, because MPR News’ Tom Weber and the Brains On! podcast crew are staging science projects. Geared toward children of all ages, this kid-friendly matinee presents new perspectives through interviews, art, music and more.

Cost: Free with a suggested donation.

Info: intermediaarts.org/family-art-day

November’s topic is Gross Out! When: Nov. 15. Doors at 1 p.m., followed by a 90-minute show, starting at 2 p.m.

Where: The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul Cost: $12–$21 Info: fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

NOV. 20–DEC. 29

A Charlie Brown Christmas ⊲⊲Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang as they discover the real meaning of Christmas.

When: Nov. 20–Dec. 29 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $23 Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

NOV. 21

The World Jubilee ⊲⊲Shop a fair-trade market for local and international handcrafted goods, including cards, pottery, baskets, toys, jewelry, carvings, textiles, needlework, ornaments and clothing for adults and children. Sales directly benefit the artists.

When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Nov. 21 Where: Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie Cost: FREE admission Info: theworldjubilee.org

NOV. 24–JAN. 1

Holiday Lights in the Park ⊲⊲View more than 60 holiday light sculptures and animated displays as you drive through St. Paul’s Phalen Park. Organized by the St. Paul chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the St. Paul Police

NOV. 3–JAN. 10

The Wizard of Oz ⊲⊲The songs, the costumes, the wonder of it all come together in this all-ages production of the beloved L. Frank Baum story, featuring a cast of munchkins, monkeys and four friends (Toto, too) in the pursuit of courage, a brain, a heart and a home.

When: Nov. 3–Jan. 10 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10.

Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

mnparent.com • November 2015

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Out & About Foundation, the event will benefit the foundation and the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.

When: 5:30–10 p.m. Nov. 24–Jan. 1 Where: 1615 Phalen Drive E., St. Paul Cost: $10 per car Info: lightsinthepark.org

DEC. 5

Enchanted Winter Ball ⊲⊲Meet the Frozen sisters and their friends in a theatrical sing-a-long with games, surprises and more! Guests will enjoy afternoon teatime, meet-andgreet opportunities and special gifts.

Where: Eagan Community Center, Eagan Cost: $25, plus fees Info: tinydivaprincessparty.com

DEC. 10–JAN. 2

The Sound of Music ⊲⊲Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical features classic songs such as My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi and Edelweiss in this timeless story of Maria and the musical Von Trapp family.

When: Dec. 10–Jan. 2 Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul Cost: Tickets start at $30.

Info: ordway.org

When: 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 5

DEC. 12

Star of Wonder ⊲⊲VocalEssence’s annual one-hour children’s Christmas concert will feature a rousing sing-along of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Kids can sit up close, listen, clap, dance and sing along with the local ensemble choir. This concert is the first of three family-oriented seasonal Vocal Essence events, including a community sing in February and Cantaré community concerts in May. When: 10 a.m. Dec. 12 Where: Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for ages 4-17 and free for ages 3 and younger Info: vocalessence.org

Nature Crafts ⊲⊲Ages 8 and older are invited to select natural materials to make unique holiday

NOV. 6

OVALumination Lighting Ceremony ⊲⊲More than 100 arborvitae and evergreen trees are decorated with holiday lights to illuminate the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL, the largest sheet of refrigerated ice in North America. Knitteapolis will be yarnbombing the front of the OVAL with colorfully knit yarn, enhancing the event’s holiday cheer with an unexpected twist.

When: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 Where: Guidant John Rose MN OVAL, Roseville

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

Cost: FREE to view, $5.50 to skate, $4 for skate rentals Info: visitroseville.com/events/OVALumination

ornaments and crafts — and unleash their creativity.

When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dec. 12. Cleanup starts at 3 p.m. Registration is required by Dec. 9.

Where: Eastman Nature Center, Dayton Cost: $10. Ages 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Info: tinyurl.com/naturecrafts

DEC. 13

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Christmas Bird Count ⊲⊲Experience the joy of birding together on a Sunday morning in December during a modified Christmas Bird Count.

All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Come dressed to be outside for more than an hour looking for birds. Bring binoculars if you have them.

When: 9:30–11 a.m. Dec. 13 Where: Environment Area, 10201 West River Road, Brooklyn Park Cost: $15 per family Info: tceec.weebly.com/christmasbird-counts.html

CONTINUING

MCM at MOA ⊲⊲The Minnesota Children’s Museum has a new pop-up location at the Mall of America. Check out the Storyland exhibit, which allows families to discover the joy and power of reading at any age through beloved children’s books including The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Snowy Day and Where’s Spot?

With Ball-o-rama, kids get a chance to experiment with velocity, gravity and acceleration using golf balls and ramps to demonstrate speed, distance and the laws of physics. The museum will feature two exhibits at a time, with a line-up that will include, Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George: Let’s Get Curious.

When: Hours are 10 a.m.–8 p.m. mnparent.com • November 2015

59

Out & About

Photo by Dan Norman

The Jungle Book ⊲⊲Mowgli is rambunctious and curious, scrappy and silly. Sound like a kid you know? This new adaptation of the beloved Rudyard Kipling story finds a child lost in the Indian jungle, where he’s adopted by Baloo the Bear, Bagheera the Panther and all the beasts who call the mysterious wilderness home (recommended for kindergarteners and older).

When: Through Dec. 13 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis

Monday–Saturday and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: $7.95 for ages 1 and older and free for museum members Info: mcm.org/MCMatMOA

Free Family Flicks ⊲⊲These free movies are first-come, first-serve until the theater reaches capacity. Screenings in separate theaters are offered for theatergoers affected by autism or other sensory disorders, featuring lower sound, additional staff and other accommodations as part of an

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

Cost: Tickets start at $10.

Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

extension of the series known as Free Sensory Flicks.

When: 10 a.m. Saturdays Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: See theatresmoa.com/event/freefamily-flicks for featured films.

Lil’ Explorer Thursdays ⊲⊲Ages 1 to 3 are invited to listen to story time, meet plant and animal visitors, play games and join in many other fun

activities. Each week features a different theme.

When: 10 a.m.–noon Thursdays through April (except holiday weeks) Where: Como Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org/ education

Sherlock Holmes and the Clocktower Mystery ⊲⊲A crime has been committed, and

Victorian London’s most celebrated detective needs the help of museum visitors to figure out “whodunit.” With a culprit still at large, visitors will hunt for clues hidden in the exhibition’s many rooms, embedded in overheard conversations and even lingering in the air.

When: Through Jan. 3 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Free with museum admission ($13 for adults and $10 for ages 4–12 and 60 and older) Info: smm.org

Junior Urban Birders ⊲⊲Naturalist Lauren Borer with Twin Cities Environmental Education Consulting will present a monthly birding group. Meet at different locations throughout the Twin Cities to look and listen for birds, using online tools and apps to identify various species at a variety of sites.

When: 8:30–10:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at Fort Snelling State Park, St. Paul and Dec. 3 at Crosby Farm Regional Park, St. Paul.

Cost: $15–$20 per session Info: Register at tceec.weebly.com.

Kids Build Weekend Workshops ⊲⊲The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters is opening the doors of one of its largest training centers to the community for a series of two-hour weekend workshops for ages 5 to 12. Kids can make wood projects to build their skills and confidence one Saturday per month. Projects will include a keepsake box, a small bench, bookends,a toolbox, a pinewood derby car and more Tools will be provided.

When: Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 12, April 9 and May 14 Where: 740 Olive St., St. Paul Cost: FREE. Workshops are limited to 30 kids, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Info: Find registration details at facebook.com/KidsBuildworkshop.

Out & About Big River, Small Fry ⊲⊲Make a play date with nature and your little one (age infant to 5) with this Nature for Curious Kids series. Each class includes sensory learning, science activities, hikes, ideas for activities at home, plus games for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Activities run all morning; come and go as you please.

When: Bird of a Feather on Nov. 12.

Reservations are required by Nov. 10.

Where: Kroening Interpretive Center, North Mississippi Regional Park, Minneapolis Cost: $5 for all participants (except age 1 and younger) Info: tinyurl.com/bigriversmallfry

Urban Ecology ⊲⊲Naturalist Lauren Borer with Twin Cities Environmental Education Consulting will present a series of hands-on workshops for kids in grades 4 through 8.

When: Remaining classes, held on the second Thursday of the month, include Winter Weeds ID (1–3 p.m.

Nov. 12) and Winter Birding (1–3 p.m.

Dec. 10).

Where: Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom, St. Paul Cost: $15 per session Info: Register at tceec.weebly.com.

SciGirls Club ⊲⊲Naturalist Lauren Borer, featured on the third season of TPT’s SciGirls last spring, will present an afternoon program for girls ages 8 to 14. Each month girls will have a chance to explore different areas of science and use engineering skills for problem solving.

When: 2:30–4:30 p.m. on every third Thursday of the month in fall and — if there’s enough interest — through April 2016 Where: Boneshaker Books,

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

Race: Are We So Different? ⊲⊲Since its premiere at the science museum in 2007, this powerful, interactive exhibit has been seen by more than 4 million people at more than 50 museums around the country. This fall, it returns for an encore engagement, at a time when conversations about race are of critical importance. Artifacts, historic and contemporary photography, multimedia components and interactive activities help visitors explore the science, history and contemporary experiences of race and racism.

When: Ongoing Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Info: smm.org Cost: Free with museum admission ($13 for adults and $10 for ages 4–12 and 60 and older)

Minneapolis Cost: $15 per session Info: Register at tceec.weebly.com.

JAN. 16

Winter Kite Festival ⊲⊲Kites of all colors, sizes, shapes and themes fly over Lake Harriet. Other activities include ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, a children’s medallion hunt and a marshmallow roast.

When: Jan. 16 Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis

Cost: FREE Info: eastharriet.org

JAN. 22–FEB. 15

Bear Snores On ⊲⊲Bear and all his friends cozy up in an imaginative new musical as, one by one, they venture into his warm cave on a cold, stormy winter night.

When: Jan. 22–Feb. 15 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $16 Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

JAN. 28–FEB. 7

MARCH 4–20

St. Paul Winter Carnival

The Snow Queen

⊲⊲Considered the Coolest Celebration on Earth, this multi-faceted festival is the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation, with more than 75 events and nearly 1,000 volunteers. Check out ice carving, snow sculpting, skiing, dogsledding, a torchlight parade, the world’s biggest ice castles and more.

When: Jan. 28–Feb. 7 Where: Various venues throughout St. Paul Cost: Most events are FREE. Info: winter-carnival.com

FEB. 5–7

City of the Lakes Loppet

⊲⊲The magical fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson that inspired Disney’s Frozen springs to life in this world-premiere ballet.

When: March 4–20 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $16 Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

Math Moves ⊲⊲Math doesn’t have to be boring! Get moving and learning with unique math challenges that require imagination and collaboration.

Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Free with museum admission ($13 for adults, $10 for ages 4–12) Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

Future Earth ⊲⊲Imagine what the world could be like in 2050 and beyond at this exhibit focused on humans’ role as agents of change and innovation for the planet.

When: Ongoing Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Included with museum admission ($13 for adults, $10 for ages 4–12) Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

When: Ongoing Where: Science Museum of

⊲⊲This cabin-fever reliever features a cross-country ski festival, a snowsculpture contest, skijoring and more.

When: Feb. 5–7 Where: Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: loppet.org/cityoflakesloppet

FEB. 9–MARCH 20

Snowy Day ⊲⊲Ezra Jack Keats had a gift for capturing the rapturous joy in a child’s day-to-day life. In this new staging of a variety of Keats’ beloved works — with puppet designs by Italy’s renowned Fabrizio Montecchi — director Peter Brosius brings the little boy in the red coat to life.

When: Feb. 9–March 20 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10.

Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-8740400

DEC. 4–13

Holiday Fun at Union Depot ⊲⊲Celebrate the holiday season with a European Christmas Market, a tree-lighting ceremony, live music with 1950s-inspired The Holy Rocka Rollaz, a bake sale, fireworks, a North Pole Express train and the first in a series of free holiday movie nights.

When: Dec. 4–13 Where: Union Depot, downtown St. Paul Cost: Most events are FREE. Info: uniondepot.org/holiday mnparent.com • November 2015

63

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65

FROM OUR READERS

Cute sleepers!

↑↑Eliza Fleming, 3, of Falcon Heights crashes (along with the family cat) after playing hard with her two best friends.

↑↑Jaelyn Field, 2, of Roseville had so much fun at the park, she immediately conked out on the walk back home.

←←Sam Dorison, 7, steals some sleep on a ride back to the Twin Cities from Duluth, clutching Foxy the Fitger’s fox.

←←Jeminah Van Handel, 3, of Edina catches some Zs.

HOW DO YOU TIP YOUR CHILD-CARE PROVIDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS? We will tip just over a week’s pay.

— Karen Hanson, Plymouth

I give our amazing daycare provider (in home) a gift card to a spa so she can pamper herself!

— Tonia Jones Peterson, Golden Valley

My kids attend a center with multiple teachers in the room as well as floating staff. I usually give the classroom regulars a $5 gift card or I make them something cute I found on Pinterest; and I bake something or give some kind of treat for the staff as a whole.

— Mary Beth Dahlheimer, St. Paul

We absolutely LOVE the staff at our center. I would love to give them more, but there are 15 to 20 staff, and between my two kids, they’ve had each of them throughout the year. We plan to do $10 gift cards for all of them to Target, plus a gift for them all to share. (Last year, it was a tower of treats from Costco, which was $50.)

— Courtney Danzeisen Wetternach, Spring Park

Want to see your kid on this page? Send photos with your child’s first/last name, age and city to editor@mnparent.com.

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November 2015 • mnparent.com

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