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happy & healthy

NEW YEAR

JANUARY 30

Fitness for moms Making time to work out might seem like a luxury, but it may be the most important kind of self-care you can do.

36

6

40

Parenting with cancer

Get lazy

A single mother explains how she shared her diagnosis with her daughter — and how they carried on during her treatment.

Did you know there are potential benefits for babies who encounter dirt — and even some germs and allergens — in the first year?

January 2020 • mnparent.com

VOLUME 35 /// ISSUE 1

10 FROM THE EDITOR

Still kickin’

Despite some struggles, I’m feeling more grateful every day.

12 CHATTER

Party time Get your kid’s next birthday planned with a few clicks.

14 BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY

Angst on the way I have a new perspective on the baby years now that I’m raising a teenager.

16 THE UNCENSORED TODDLER

Winter jogging

Yes, it’s a thing, even for haters of cold and snow.

18 SCHOOL DAYS

Home cooking Meal kits didn’t work for us.

Here’s what we did instead!

20 WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM

Burned out?

It may be time to step away from your family for a hot bath.

INSTRUCTIONAL SPORTS PROGRAMS learn the skills

•

play the game

OVER 20,000 PARTICIPANTS TAUGHT Offering both day camps and evening classes Ages 2–12, Sport fundamentals and parent-involved learning. Offered weeknights and weekends.

Fun, active, age-appropriate games in six different age and ability specific skill levels.

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4–6 week sessions 1-Day/Week 30–45 Minutes Camps week-long for active skill development

22 ON BEHAVIOR

Net worth

Allowance isn’t just for toys and candy; it’s a learning tool.

24 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Start early

A local doctor shares her tips for developing an adventurous eater.

26 IN THE KITCHEN

Winner, winner

25+ sports taught & played, including:

Warm up with a mama-tested recipe for chicken noodle soup.

Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Flag Football, Tennis, Ninja Warriors, Golf, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Quidditch, Team Handball, Ultimate Frisbee, Cricket, Rugby, Badminton, Pickleball, Hockey, Ice Skating, Skiing, Archery, Dodgeball, Gaga Ball, Kickball, Laser Tag, Capture the Flag, Trampoline Sports & more

28 BOOKSHELF

More colorful These kid-lit books reflect a bit of the world’s diversity.

58 FROM OUR READERS

It’s Mickey, folks!

The Disney icon remains popular with families from Minnesota.

612-234-7782

RevSports.org

info @ RevSports.org

ALSO INSIDE

46 Camp L ISTIN G S

51 Education L ISTIN G S About our cover kids Names: Jacob and Seraphina City: Bloomington Age: 4 Parents: Valerie Moe and Elias Moe Siblings: Olivia, 6 Personalities: Jacob is kind, thoughtful, snuggly, energetic and loves “uppy hugs and smoochies.” Seraphina is fearless, confident, creative, sweet and loves to snuggle up and read ALL the books!

Favorite toys: Jacob loves his Thomas train and track, anything with wheels, “Sheepie” the sheep and “Sharky” the shark. Seraphina loves her Frozen 2 microphones, Barbies, Vampirina castle and all puzzles.

Favorite book: Jacob’s current fave is I Am a Sith from the Star Wars Little Golden Books series. Seraphina’s recent fave is Disney Charming Tales.

Favorite foods: They both love mac and cheese from Noodles & Company. Jacob loves sausage pizza, berries and pancakes.

Seraphina loves yogurt, berries and cereal.

Photos by Orange Fox Photography Heather Carlson and Leann Manning orangefoxphoto.com

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

& About 54 Out CA L E N DA R

At Broders’ Pasta Bar, we’re about much more than great pasta …

T

hat’s why we’ve partnered with two very special organizations doing amazing things for people with Down syndrome and their families—Jack’s Basket and the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.

Broders’ Pasta Bar donates 10% of all proceeds from our children’s menu—“Kit’s Menu”—to these incredible organizations. Kit’s Menu features pared-down versions of some of our most delicious and kid-friendly pasta dishes.

Kathleen ‘Kit’ Broder, first grandchild of the Broder family, is an avid pasta eater and Italian food enthusiast!

Kit was also born with Down syndrome. It’s our goal to celebrate Kit and all children in the Down syndrome community.

612.925.9202 | broderspastabar.com 5000 Penn Ave S / Minneapolis, MN 55419

L

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BASKET

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It is the mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota to empower individuals and families, to create community and celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome.

2 0 1 4

E

E S T .

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D

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Jack’s Basket has a mission to celebrate babies born with Down syndrome. They strive to ensure that every new and expectant parent is provided resources and avenues of support within the community, while aiming to educate medical providers on how to discuss the diagnosis in an unbiased way.

FROM THE EDITOR

A grateful 2020 A

mnparent.com

PUBLISHER

Janis Hall • jhall@mnparent.com

SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan • tgahan@mnparent.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Zoe Gahan • zgahan@mnparent.com

EDITOR

Sarah Jackson • editor@mnparent.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Gigi Chawla, Hana Doering, Megan Devine, Katie Dohman, Ed Dykhuizen, Shannon Keough, Laura Ramsborg, Sophia Strosberg, Erica Wacker, Jen Wittes

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Valerie Moe

ART DIRECTOR Dani Cunningham

OFFICE MANAGER AND AD COORDINATOR

Amy Rash • arash@mnparent.com

CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson

612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com

ADVERTISING

612-436-4360 • sales@mnparent.com 40,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at 1,100 locations: mnparent.com/racks Go to mnparent.com/subscribe to get this magazine mailed to your home for $18 a year.

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 2020 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.

10

January 2020 • mnparent.com

friend of mine, who has an equally dark sense of humor, recently recommended I download an app called WeCroak.

It’s “The App That Reminds You You’re Going to Die,” according to The Atlantic.

Inspired by a Bhutanese folk saying — “to be a happy person, one must contemplate death five times daily” — it indeed does notify you of this fact with a banner five times a day: “Reminder: Don’t forget, you’re going to die. Open for a quote.”

Quotes tackle topics such as illness, dying and living your most meaningful life.

My favorite so far was from beat poet Gary Snyder: “True affluence is to not need anything.”

Photo by Tracy Walsh / tracywalshphoto.com Amen, bro. Amen.

Because I also serve as editor of our sister publication for ages 50 and older — Minnesota Good Age — I’ve already learned that I can’t and shouldn’t live like the rest of our youth-obsessed culture, denying the inevitability of death.

But I thought WeCroak would help me delve deeper into my well of gratitude. And to some extent it has. But you know what’s really done the trick?

I’ve reached an age where my friends are getting cancer, where parents I know are getting cancer. They’re actually facing the threat of death, of not getting to see their kids into adulthood. Imagine. And through it all — diagnosis, treatment and the dreaded threat of the cancer coming back — they’re raising their kids.

You can read one mom’s story of parenting with cancer in this very issue.

It’s big. It’s heavy. It’s real.

I used to roll my eyes when my son was younger — and not sleeping and having tantrums and disrupting my life/work/marriage/sanity — and my more seasoned parenting friends would chime in on Facebook: “Enjoy all those snuggles!”

I didn’t — for the life of me — understand. What snuggles? This is all struggles.

But now, I’m there. I’m growing up. Having a kid on the precipice of junior high is getting me there fast. Divorce helped, too. Going down to 50 percent parenting time will perk up your gratitude for time with your kids in a hurry. And so will a life-changing diagnosis, even if it’s not your own.

It can be hard to be grateful when life with kids is leaving you beaten and battered.

And it’s never helpful when people say: “At least you have your health,” or “At least you don’t have cancer.”

But as you enter this new year with your dreams, goals, hopes and fears, I say go with gratitude more than anything else.

And know this: If you have a family in good health, you really don’t need anything.

You have it all.

Sarah Jackson, Editor

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CHATTER

Party boxes!

Planning a birthday party for a kid in the age of Instagram isn’t easy.

You can end up running to multiple stores

You can work with Walter’s St. Louis Park

her business after seeing “too many friends

biz in one of two ways — visit her site, a

driving themselves crazy trying to create a

virtual one-stop shop for stylish party

Pinterest-perfect party with little to no time.”

or hitting up tons of websites trying to pull it

supplies for all occasions (with themes from

A portion of the profits will go toward

all off. And it’s not cheap.

bachelorette to gender reveal) — or you can

The Birthday Party Project and its mission

fill out a party profile, get matched with a

to bring joy to homeless children through

of Minnesota mama Jackie Walter, who feels

party stylist for a $25 fee (think Stitch Fix)

the magic of birthdays.

your pain: “The overwhelm is real” intones

and then receive a custom party box (that fits

her website, which ironically does not sell

your budget) delivered to your doorstep.

Enter Sprinkles & Confetti, the brainchild

sprinkles or confetti.

Follow Walter, her family and her business on Instagram @sprinkles_and_confetti.

Walter said she came up with the idea for

‘You want people to leave your party with lasting memories, but by the time you find all your party supplies, the overwhelm is real.’

Now taking applications for Fall 2020 COLLEGE PREP REDEFINED Serving a Diverse Student Body 6th–12th Grades

A postpartum care registry

To register for shadow days and school tours visit twincitiesacademy.org

Baby showers are fun celebrations. They also help outfit babies with clothes, gear and more from trusted friends and family.

But stuff isn’t what parents need most after the birth of a baby. What mothers and fathers really need is in-home support.

And how can they get that?

WHERE ALL STUDENTS ARE COLLEGE KIDS!

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Over 15 advanced placement, college in schools and honors classes & ACT preparation assessments and courses

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Competitive athletics program

Well, thanks to Marabou Services —

postpartum care registries to cover such services, including postpartum doulas, cleaning teams and childcare.

“Our registries allow family and friends to collectively gift a mother in-home support,” Gaynor said. “But what we’re really hoping to accomplish is to fix the broken state of postpartum in America.”

All donations are accepted online in a

Focus on community service and social justice...and much more!

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PIONEER SUMMER

crowd-funding platform — and can be used at

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any service the registering family chooses.

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it,” Gaynor said.

Suggested gifts on the site include 20 hours of postpartum doula care; six meals from an in-home chef/cook; six weeks of house cleaning; or 20 hours of childcare.

“When mothers are properly supported,” Gaynor said, “evidence shows it reduces postpartum depression and feelings of isolation, minimizes postpartum medical visits and does wonders to support breastfeeding goals.”

Learn more, including how to find local postpartum support services, at

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mnparent.com • January 2020

13

Jen Wittes

BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY

Looking back on babyhood

T

hree years ago, I wrote about the soft, sweet, aching art of watching your kiddos grow up for the Toddler Time column.

In that essay — titled The Need to Stop Time — I promised you, Minnesota Parent readers, that every stage would be super cool, even better than the last. But even then, I admitted my theory might be tested in the teen years. I didn’t really know, I confessed, because I didn’t have that perspective yet.

Well, now I do.

I have a teenage daughter.

By all accounts, I’m lucky. She’s wickedly funny, book smart and life smart.

She’s well-rounded, interesting, unique.

She scoffs at social media — peer pressure be damned — and understands that life is about more than just grades. She is deep and complicated, sweet and salty.

She is a good kid.

But sometimes — OK, often — she hates me. I mean really hates me. For singing.

For eating. For packing stupid lunches. For liking stupid songs. For “thinking I’m so

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

cute” or for “being such a mom.” For crying. For breathing. For — you know — just sitting there.

As you hold your darling glowworm of a baby, wrapped delicately in pastel-hued organic muslin, I just need to tell you that he or she may be so very mean to you someday.

Even if she is the good kid, the smart kid, the one who doesn’t Snapchat, the one who obsessively listens to the soundtracks of Broadway musicals.

(Seriously, how cool is THAT?) Drink it up now, new mama, because having a teen is kind of like having a horrible college boyfriend: Picture that guy who shows up to your dorm door with pressed khakis and fresh-picked daisies and then later that night makes out with your roommate at a frat party and barfs in your hamper.

It’s like that scene in Toy Story 2 when Jessie the cowgirl is found by her owner after years of hanging with the dust bunnies under the bed. She cuddles under the girl’s arm on a car ride, elated to be back by her

Drink it up now, new mama, because having a teen is kind of like having a horrible college boyfriend. side, only to have that car stop at the dump.

Life with a teen is like being Jessie in the car. Again and again. With that horrifying When She Loved Me song by Sarah McLachlan playing in the background.

And yes, I’ve made my daughter watch this clip with me. We laughed. I cried. Certainly, the laughing while crying emoji is the official calling card of mothers in teenland.

Ugh! That emoji is so dumb, MOM. When I feel like Jessie, when I want to hold her, but can’t, I remember the night her dad and I went out for our first long date night — dinner AND a movie — while Grandma stood watch.

My baby girl was about 8 months old.

When we returned home that night, she was literally breathless she was so excited to see me — flapping her arms, squeaking, flailing.

I scooped her into my arms and she swatted my face and tried to eat my cheek. She was so excited. She couldn’t get enough of me.

I think of that and it’s as if my heart is breaking for the first time at age 45. It’s as if I don’t even know who I am anymore.

I cry. I move on. I work hard. I work out.

My daughter and I do a million things you can’t do with babies. We go to plays. We talk about books. We shop. We tell jokes.

And in the morning, when her head lazily moves side to side as she wakes up, she is that sweet baby. Kissing her cheek, which tends to be cooler than her brother’s, feels to me both biologically familiar and so quintessentially her.

Sometimes, she does need to be held and I need to step up and get over my Jessie-at-

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the-dump crap. I need to try to give her what she needs, when she needs it — even when that’s a cavernous, long and lonely space.

When she needs to be held, I feel that she is my baby. Now, with perspective, when my own mother hugs me longer than is comfortable, I remind myself that I am her baby.

I promised myself that I would never, in this column or my last, be one of those annoying “enjoy it while it lasts” grocerystore grandmas. And I’m going to keep that promise. That’s not what this is.

It’s just a gentle reminder: You are somebody’s baby. She will always be your baby. Enjoy your baby.

And when she is overcome with excitement to see you when you get home, when she looks at you like you’re Gwen Stefani or a unicorn or the Northern Lights, tuck that memory away.

You’ll need it someday.

Jen Wittes is a marketing director, writer, certified postpartum doula and mom of two who lives in St. Paul.

We provide

INFORMATION & SERVICES CONNECTION & SUPPORT New & Expectant Parent

SUPPORT LINE

651-237-8932 text or call 7 days a week

Visit dsamn.org for up-to-date information, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Down Syndrome Association of MN MNP 0419 H2.indd 1

3/8/19 10:38 AM

mnparent.com • January 2020

15

Shannon Keough

THE UNCENSORED TODDLER

Getting through this winter L

et’s hear it for winter in Minnesota!

It’s that time of the year when we separate the wheat from the chaff.

You know what I’m saying — the polar vortexes, the beardsicles, the Halloween blizzards: “You know about the Halloween blizzard of ’91, right?”

Yup. There’s nothing we Minnesotans like better than meeting a recent arrival to the state (usually by way of marriage to a native) between the months of May and October.

“Oh, you just wait,” we chuckle goodnaturedly as we recount our favorite wintertime horror stories.

Actually, I feel sorry for these new residents of our extreme state, probably because I’ve never really felt “at home” in Minnesota, despite living here my entire life. During my long tenure here, when more well-adjusted types would break out their cross-country skis and organize Christmas-tree-farm outings, I could generally be found alone in my drafty house, scowling.

At least before I had kids.

Now that I have little ones, I feel an obligation to stifle my true, winterloathing nature for their sake. So I take them sledding, accompany them to ski lessons, hobble around with them at the local skating rink. Children seem to be immune from the agony of cold weather, so I engage in some magical thinking and pretend it doesn’t bother me either.

Google “how to survive a Minnesota winter” and you’ll be treated to many articles and blog posts — advising you to “shift your attitude” to a more winterpositive one, reminding you that “there’s no bad weather, only inappropriate

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

clothing,” and chirpily urging you to take up a winter sport.

This is actually valid advice. But invariably this stuff is written by true Minnesota believers — people who inherently like living in this climate. I’m not one of these people, and this is why I feel a holy obligation to share my own Minnesota winter survival tips.

Get some sun/light I used to think SAD (seasonal affective disorder) was just a made-up condition designed to sell light-therapy boxes. And maybe that’s true, but those light boxes work, man (at least for me). I used to flop around all winter, feeling sluggish and exhausted — until my doctor wrote me a prescription for a little box of indoor sunshine.

I must admit, I was skeptical. But I tried it out, turning on my blazing light box every morning when I sat down at my desk to work. And it helped! I had more energy; my brain went from fuzzy to clear; I even felt more “positive” about the fact of winter.

Move around Ideally outside. A few years ago — during my Year of the Light Box, in fact — I was so energized I decided to take up winter jogging. I honestly don’t know what possessed me to do this; I hate jogging, and we’ve already established my feelings about winter.

My only explanation is that “two negatives equal a positive,” because for some reason, running around (slowly) in the frigid cold was somehow enjoyable.

It’s not like summer, when every millennial with a sports bra is trotting around Bde Maka Ska. It’s a different breed of outdoor exerciser entirely. Also, it’s quiet.

And maybe even a bit picturesque.

Stay warm Remember back in junior high, when it was totally uncool to zip up your winter jacket, no matter how cold it got? (At least, that’s how it was at my school.)

I must have internalized that “winter gear is totally dorky” attitude, because

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FAMILY ESTATE PLANNING It’s never too early to start planning for the future. Let’s head into 2020 with a plan and peace of mind.

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I spent many years freezing my @$$ off in order to look “cool.”

I finally got over that idiotic thinking when I realized no one was looking at me anyway.

And this has ushered in a whole new, wonderful world of winter clothing — ankle-length parkas, balaclavas, knee-high wool socks, as well as my latest purchase, a brand-new pair of Mukluks, acquired last summer in Ely, that iconic bastion of Minnesota outdoorsy-ness.

I guess maybe I’m turning into one of these Minnesota winter cheerleaders after all.

Shannon Keough lives in St. Paul with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • January 2020

17

Don’t let dinner get you down

P

lan, shop, cook, eat, clean up, repeat: These are the responsibilities that come with feeding a family.

As a working mom with four busy, growing and hungry kids, I get frustrated at times, and sometimes overwhelmed, with this ongoing chore. It’s not easy to deal with the daily challenge of timing and coordinating food for SIX of us when we all get home from school/work/ practice/activities.

But I really do want to make homecooked family meals happen each day.

We’ve made sharing a meal each evening a habit, and I love how it gives us a chance to all connect and talk every day.

I know too that cooking at home saves a ton of money compared to going out to eat, considering the average restaurant inflates the cost of a typical food item by 300%! For me, especially with a large family, eating out is more stressful than relaxing — especially once we get the bill.

I’ve put in a lot of effort over the years seeking out family-friendly recipes online and in cookbooks. I’ve also become savvy at using strategies like

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

↑ Megan Devine’s recent family dinners have included classics like make-your-own pizzas, plus recipes — like chili with cornbread waffles (left) and shrimp rice bowls (right) — from the dinner-planning service eMeals.

For me, especially with a large family, eating out is more stressful than relaxing — especially once we get the bill. weekend batch cooking and preparing and partially cooking some meals the night before so I can get dinner on the table quickly in the evenings. I’ve even created a database of meal plans and a series of blog posts about family meal prep. (See tinyurl.com/megsmealplans.)

And yet, I still struggle with this challenge! So, at the start of the school year, I did some reflecting and realized some of the frustration I was experiencing was related to pressure I had been putting on myself: I was trying to do it all at a standard that was just too difficult to maintain given all of my other responsibilities.

I don’t mind cooking, but I do not enjoy the planning and shopping.

So I set out to research services that

might help, including meal kits, digital menu plans and more. I also asked my friends what they’ve tried and what seemed worth the cost.

So many choices!

It didn’t take me long to figure out I wasn’t the only one facing this challenge!

There are a lot of services out there designed to support families of all different sizes in their efforts to get dinner on the table. And they come with options for different types of diets — kid friendly, paleo, vegan, dairy free, gluten free and more.

I also quickly learned that — for our family of six — delivered meal kits aren’t a feasible option for our budget.

I couldn’t find any that cost much less than $8 per plated meal. And with my super-active, high-metabolism kids (including three boys), I was looking for larger portions, not portion control.

I was more interested in the idea of subscribing to a recipe and meal-planning service, so I focused my research in that direction. Many companies offer free trial periods, and each has a slightly different spin to their offerings. Two of them stood out to me: eMeals: This service offers a lot of variety. As a subscriber, you can choose a menu theme — budget friendly, kid friendly, slow cooker, diabetic and many others. They email you your weekly plan and you can even send your shopping list directly to Amazon Fresh, Walmart, Kroger, Instacart or Shipt, if those services are available in your area.

I’m a current eMeals subscriber and have found a lot of kid-friendly recipes that have worked great for us. A subscription is $59.99 for 12 months, or you can get a three-month subscription for $9.99 a month. (Editor’s note: Even budget guru Dave Ramsey has endorsed the service.)

The Fresh 20: My mom friend of two boys, ages 8 and 4, has subscribed to this meal-planning service for more than seven years and she raves about it. Created by working mother Melissa Lanz, who also wrote The Fresh 20 Cookbook, it features weekly menus that use 20 fresh, nonprocessed ingredients for five meal recommendations based on your preferences (classic, vegetarian and many others). A subscription is $79 for 12 months or $14 a month.

Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives in Northeastern Minnesota. Follow her blog — Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines — at megdevine.com, where you can find meal-planning ideas and tips. Find her family’s go-to recipe for homemade chicken noodle soup in this issue on Page 26.

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19

Katie Dohman

WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM

Bourbon in the bathtub

J

ust like there’s no crying in baseball, is there no crying in motherhood?

I had retreated to the bathroom, as bidden by my husband, after I threw an adult-size temper tantrum about … everything. I ran the bath extra hot, poured in coconut oil Epsom salts and swished it with my hand. I picked out some music on my phone.

I tried my breathing GIF. Nope. Still despairing. Still angry. And still sort of wanting to be righteous and indignant about it anyway, damn it!

My rocks glass — bourbon, simple syrup, lemon — steamed over and started to sweat.

I sunk in, even though it was a little too hot, relishing in the fact that something was hotter than my temper.

After dealing with an emergency surgery, a complicated recovery, bumps in entrepreneurship, a large-scale home renovation and kids who have seemingly entirely

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

lost their hearing — not to mention the fact that 2019 actually lasted at least three years — I had HAD IT. It was a time-and-sleep-starved anxietyanger cycle. I knew that.

But also: I don’t know how to fix that.

Someone is always awake at our house.

I have a business to run.

I wasn’t looking for a Goop recommendation. I was looking for real relief. But the dirty little secret is that this system just isn’t set up for working parents. Or most parents.

There’s no time to think or sleep or have a moment to yourself, a night out, a vacation.

There’s literally nothing left, is what I remember thinking.

I recently read a piece by Ella Dawson that brought tears to my eyes. In There Is No Cure For Burnout — a mega-essay about her painstaking decision to quit her stable job to preserve her sanity — she recounts her own experience with the very real phenomenon.

At one point in her essay she says:

After all, you can’t untoast toast.

That’s it. I was toast. I was afraid that I’d somehow run out of mama magic — what I subconsciously defined as this preternaturally abundant well of empathy and patience and love and whatever else you somehow, some way, inherit when you become a parent.

I was trapped by my own unattainable standards. And I felt like I failed. Everybody. Big time. Like, Get a grip, Katie. What mom melts down and yells at four other astounded faces around the dinner table?

(Well, a lot, it turns out.)

I stayed in the tub until the bath went cold. I heard my husband lassoing children into jammies below. I got out, put my own pajamas on and sheepishly joined everyone.

We herded pitter-patters to bed. I crawled in with our oldest, Ruby, and she tentatively asked if I’d read from our Magic Tree House book. I read an extra chapter

MOM STUFF

Bath salts

Banish yourself to the bathroom with me. I love Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, even if I don’t understand how it works. I like the sweet-orange pink Himalayan best, but the coconut and lavender are lovely, too. — Katie Dohman $5 • target.com

and then I turned to her and apologized.

I was not my best self today, I told her.

I was not the best mom I could be. And I never want you to worry. Mom and Dad have everything under control. I’m sorry that I took my bad day out on all of you.

It was an oversimplification, but still true.

It’s OK, she told me. You’ll do better tomorrow. And I love you no matter what.

I don’t think a bath cures all. There’s still anxiety and ennui and, yeah, sometimes I’m just angry. There’s also love, and acceptance, and the joy that comes from things like watching my son learn to write his name, with a big dancing R that looks like it’s going to groove right off the edge of the page.

I took a couple more baths that week.

It’s not everything. But it’s a start.

Katie Dohman lives in the Twin Cities with her three kids, two pets and one husband.

Follow her home-renovation adventures at instagram.com/dohmicile.

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21

Laura Ramsborg

ON BEHAVIOR

More than money A

fter finding birthday money scattered in various locations that were not our kids’ piggy banks — the trunk of a toy Corvette, a glasses case and an abandoned pencil pouch — it became clear our daughters didn’t understand the value of money.

We needed to do something. A brief Google search led me to Ron Lieber’s 2015 book, The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous and Smart About Money. A personal finance columnist for The New York Times and also a father, Lieber offers sage advice about why we need to talk to our kids about money, as well as practical tips for teaching about the values tied to money. Using Lieber’s suggestions as a model, we set up a new money system for our girls.

How much allowance?

First, we located three glass jars for each daughter and labeled them: Give, Save, Spend.

Next, following Lieber’s recommendation of paying 50 cents to $1 per year of age per week, we established a weekly allowance of $4 and $3 per week, respec-

tively, for our girls, ages 8 and 6.

We set a weekly alarm on our phones for Saturday morning so we wouldn’t forget to pay, and we started hoarding single dollar bills in a designated allowance envelope to have cash available. Although it seemed sort of nuts, we complied with Lieber’s firm belief that allowance shouldn’t be contingent on doing chores, but should be used as learning tool. He believes kids need to learn about money and spending now — while

Automating allowance

If doling out money week after week, year after year (especially for multiple kids) becomes just another thing you forget to do, you might consider automating the allowance process — using virtual funds — with the free Rooster Money app. It distributes whatever amount of virtual dollars and cents you choose, using the “split allowance” feature for spend, save and give. You can add and subtract the funds from various buckets and add notes about why. A paid version of the app helps with chores, incentivized savings, budgeting skills and more.

Learn more at roostermoney.com.

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

the stakes are relatively low — instead of making bigger mistakes with lasting damage as young adults.

In our house, if chores aren’t done, we take away other privileges such as seeing friends or screen time. So far, it’s worked surprisingly well.

Seeing value Each week when we pay allowance, our girls divvy up their dollar bills into the

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Using real money — verses a digital app or cash log — has presented its issues. We busted one of our kiddos siphoning money from her Save jar into her Spend jar to fund an L.O.L. doll purchase. We also realized we needed to emphasize that coins are just as valuable as paper bills, after finding about $2 in coins in the Barbie Dream House. It’s a work in progress, but a worthy one.

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Learning life lessons I now understand the importance of intentionally talking to our kids about money. They won’t learn our values by osmosis, and their allowances — and subsequent decisions — give us weekly opportunities (at least) to discuss what it means to spend, save and give money.

Lieber emphasizes the meaning behind the money: “Every conversation about money is also about values. Allowance is about patience. Giving is about generosity.

Work is about perseverance.”

With these conversations as a starting point, money can be used to help our kids learn about spending, saving and giving. What better way to teach our values than to give kids opportunities, with support and love, to practice what we preach?

Laura Ramsborg is a literacy coach and writer who lives and works in Bloomington. Follow her on Twitter at @Ms.RamsborgReads. mnparent.com • January 2020

23

Dr. Gigi Chawla

Your little foodie Our kid will eat nothing but carbs.

What can we do to get him to eat veggies and protein, too?

Many families have questions about how to help their kids maintain a well-balanced diet.

In my experience, infants usually don’t object to eating vegetables or fruits. In fact, they often prefer them over other foods. It’s only later that food preferences are formed.

That’s why it’s extremely important to offer a variety of foods early on. (Introduction of some foods early can also help reduce the odds of developing food allergies.)

When it comes to protein in your child’s diet, it doesn’t need to just come from meat. Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are wonderful sources of protein.

If you do want your child to eat meat, start introducing ground meat, or small pieces, between age 6 months and 1 year. Because of the different textures of meat compared to other foods, introducing meat later than this often makes it less accepted by kids.

Another great source of protein is nut butters. Whole nuts are great, too, but shouldn’t be given to children under age 4 due to choking risks.

Something else to keep in mind is that young children haven’t developed social norms about what foods are supposed to go together. You can chop up cooked and cooled vegetables and mix them with fruit.

You can puree vegetables and fruits together into a red sauce or cheese sauce for noodles.

I also like to make sure families are

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

exploring new foods regularly together.

The easiest way to do this is to include your children in the process. Bring them to the grocery store and get them involved in meal preparation, even if they’re just watching you cook.

Remember, parents need to try new

foods, too. Kids will often follow your example, so if you don’t eat something, they won’t either. Remember that it may take a few times of them watching you eat these new foods for them to be ready to try them also. Soon, you may find them eating off your plate! X

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The most important factor in avoiding illness is hygiene. Kids seem to love putting things in their mouth and then touching their eyes and noses, which can directly introduce viruses to their system. A few tips for good hygiene: • Teach kids about washing their hands well and often with warm water and soap. They can use antibacterial or regular soap. They need to lather up both sides of their hands and sing the Happy Birthday song twice before rinsing off and drying with a clean towel.

• Change your kids’ clothes when they come home from school or daycare to get viruses or bacteria they were exposed to off of them.

• Remind kids of all ages to cough or sneeze not into their hands, but into a tissue or the crook of one of their arms, known to some as a natural “cough pocket.”

• Keep kids who aren’t feeling well home from school or daycare until

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IN THE KITCHEN

Photo by Megan Devine

SOUP’S ON!

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup in the wintertime.

This delicious and easy recipe features a melange of simple, comforting flavors, plus egg noodles and tender veggies to get the kids on board, too!

EASY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP INGREDIENTS 8 cups chicken broth 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (equivalent of one rotisserie chicken) 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons butter

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1 onion, peeled and chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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1 package of egg noodles

DIRECTIONS Put broth, chicken and carrots in a large pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Saute onion and celery until tender.

Add the celery, onion and parsley to the pot of soup.

Simmer until the carrots are tender.

Bring the soup mixture back to a boil and add the noodles.

Boil for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until noodles are done.

Remove from heat and cool slightly before serving.

Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four school-age children in Northeastern Minnesota. Find more family-friendly meal ideas on her blog at megdevine.com. mnparent.com • January 2020

27

Ed Dykhuizen

BOOKSHELF

Protagonists of color There’s long been a shortage of children’s books with kids of color at the center of the narratives. Publishers, fortunately, are starting to change this with stories like these, some of which address cultural differences head-on and others that simply tell stories occurring in non-white communities. All are fun for anyone and everyone!

Called “an affirmation of blackness and celebration of night”

by School Library Journal magazine, this warm, nostalgic picture book depicts a girl gleefully playing hide-and-seek with neighborhood friends. Subtly, it counteracts the stereotype of urban, ethnically diverse communities being troubled or unsafe.

Ages 3–7 • $17.99

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

Cheryl Minnema, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, collaborated with Cree-Metis illustrator Julie Flett for this sweet, simple story. Young Johnny discovers a pheasant on the side of the road and can’t tell if it’s sleeping or dead. When he and his grandmother bring the bird home, they discover it is, in fact, alive — and the real adventure begins.

In this story by Olympic medal-winning U.S. fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, little Faizah is thrilled about her sister Asiya’s first day of wearing a vibrant blue hijab to school. When Asiya stays proud and strong after enduring hateful ridicule, Faizah’s admiration for both her sister and her hijab only grows.

Ages 3–8 • $16.95

Ages 4–7 • $17.99

An adorable whirlwind of a child, Natsumi is always being admonished to slow down and be quieter. Her natural exuberance unfortunately doesn’t seem to fit with the many cultural activities in her Japanese town, and she feels like she doesn’t have a place. Then her kind, understanding grandfather directs her toward a pastime that’s just perfect for letting her spirit shine.

Ages 4–8 • $17.99

Minnesota author Bao Phi tells the tale of Thuy, who suffers schoolyard taunts about her Vietnamese heritage — and her two mothers. Upset, Thuy stomps off through the snow pretending to be animals that wouldn’t suffer bullying, which inspires her mothers to join in with some fantastical Vietnamese beasts of their own.

Ages 6–8 • $19.99

Ed Dykhuizen is an associate editor at Minnesota Parent and father of three, who lives in St. Paul.

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FITTING IN Exercise after kids isn’t just good for your body. It’s also important for maintaining mental health. Here’s how to get going!

By Erica Wacker

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FITNESS A

t the age of 39 (and a half), Jess Helle-Morrissey had never exercised.

She didn’t play sports as a kid, had no desire to hit the gym and looked and felt pretty healthy.

So why start now?

As her 40th birthday loomed, the St. Paul mom of three was going on a lot of walks with her baby, who would sleep only in her carrier. But as the days and weeks went on, something started to change.

“The more I walked, I noticed it getting easier,” she said. “I was less out of breath; then I started going for walks on my own.”

It didn’t take long before Helle-Morrissey started to think about whether she should break into a jog, so she started researching how to run.

She soon found an app called Couch to 5K and a local running group called Moms on the Run. With the next Moms on the Run session starting in just two weeks, and with that milestone birthday getting closer by the day, she set aside her fears and signed up.

↑ Jess Helle-Morrissey of St. Paul started working out only after she became a mom. Now she’s run timed races, including the Valentine’s Day TC 5K in Minneapolis, where she crossed the finish line with her friend Kate Rime.

Fast forward two years to October 2019, and Helle-Morrissey progressed from never exercising to running the Twin Cities 10 Mile, with countless training runs, strength workouts, 5Ks and 10Ks in between.

Next up? Her first half marathon in Duluth this June.

“Every time I go for a run, I just feel giddy,” Helle-Morrissey said. “I laugh to myself, because who would have thought I could do this? Anyone who knows me could not be more surprised.”

THE BEST MEDICINE

When people become parents — and time becomes more stretched than ever — exercise often takes a backseat. Fulfilling every basic need for a tiny human (or two, or more) is a full-time job in itself. Add another job, the challenges of maintaining a home, family obligations and maybe even seeing friends once in a while, and how can you possibly fit in a workout?

But skipping exercise can come with big consequences, particularly for women prone to depression.

In her research, Dr. Beth Lewis, a

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professor and director of the School of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, found that women who exercised more in the first six months after giving birth reported fewer depressive symptoms than those who exercised less.

“Exercise is always the first to go when you’re overwhelmed with a new baby, but it’s often the thing that the new mother will need the most in keeping herself sane,” Lewis said.

As little as 20 minutes of exercise can improve mood, lower stress, give you more energy and improve your sleep.

And what new mom doesn’t need that?

Beyond the postpartum period, research has proven that exercise works as well, if not better than, antidepressants and other mood-related medications. When she’s not running, Helle-Morrissey is a therapist who works exclusively with moms, and is now practicing what she’s always preached to her clients.

“Moms’ mental health is really neglected. There’s this tendency for moms to put themselves last, and put their kids ahead of their own well-being,” she said.

“There’s a certain stress level we all live

with as moms that exercise gets at like almost nothing else.”

Lewis said new moms should start (or resume) exercising as soon as they get the OK from their doctors postpartum. If you really can’t get out of the house, use naptime for a 20-minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout, or break it up into three 10-minute workouts a day.

Even five-minute workouts can deliver surprising results. (See this story’s sidebar for apps and videos you can try at home.)

“The biggest thing is to be flexible and figure out what works for you,” she said.

Then, “focus on making it a habit and how it makes you feel when you’re done.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Whether you’re new to exercise like Helle-Morrissey, or looking for that new, post-baby routine, it’s always easier with friends. When personal trainer and mom Karissa Johnson of Blaine started Moms on the Run over 12 years ago, she’d had three babies in four years and didn’t know when she could fit in a workout.

She decided to start a class for moms and babies in her local park, which evolved

← FIT4MOM offers year-round exercise options, such as Stroller Strides sessions, 40-minute HIIT classes and run clubs, too.

↑ Moms on the Run locations in the Twin Cities offer both outdoor running options and indoor classes such as boot camps, strength training and yoga.

into a 5K training program, and is now a national franchise with 50 locations in nine states.

“It’s so hard in women’s busy schedules to make time for work, family, friends,” Johnson said. With Moms on the Run, “we’re combining that girl time, me time and self-care in our one-hour workout together.”

The program is designed for women who have little to no running experience and don’t know where to start. Before long, those beginners become confident runners and progress to the intermediate training program, designed by 2004 Olympian and Minnesota mom of three Carrie Tollefson.

In the winter, most Moms on the Run locations offer both outdoor running (yes, you read that right) and indoor classes such as boot camps, strength training and yoga.

Kids are welcome to come along for any of the classes, whether in a jogging stroller or to lift weights right alongside mom.

For moms who want or need to bring their babies with them, FIT4MOM meets all winter long. At the Southdale and Ridgedale shopping centers, a Stroller Strides class offers a full-body workout that incorporates power walking/running, strength and toning, and is often followed by playtime for the kids and coffee for the moms.

If you need to fit in a quick but intense kid-free workout before or after work, try FIT4MOM’s Body Back, a 40-minute HIIT class offered in Minnetonka, South Minneapolis and Richfield.

← Bump Club & Beyond hosts free monthly workouts at a variety of locations throughout the Twin Cities.

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↑ Local fitness centers such as Life Time and the YMCA offer memberships that include free childcare as well as enrichment activities to keep kids busy while moms and dads work out.

Not ready to commit to a specific style of workout? Bump Club & Beyond lets you sample a variety of exercise routines with like-minded moms. This year, the group is planning to host one free workout a month at Athleta, Lululemon and other locations throughout the Twin Cities, where fitness instructors will teach a class geared toward moms and moms-to-be.

Classes are typically on Saturday mornings and include options such as yoga, Pilates and strength training.

Johnson of Moms on the Run said what keeps women coming back to these groups is the friendships that are formed

along the way.

“Women are uniting behind these common goals and interests. There’s such a strong sense of community that goes beyond running,” she said. “Everyone has this common love for women’s fitness and motivating other women.”

GYMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

If you ask Jessica Longtine, kids shouldn’t be your excuse for not going to the gym. In fact, as vice president of Life Time Kids, she wants going to the gym to be so fun for kids that they’re the ones dragging Mom and Dad to the club.

RESOURCES Moms on the Run | momsontherun.com FIT4MOM | twincities.fit4mom.com Bump Club & Beyond | bumpclubandbeyond.com/minneapolis Life Time | lifetime.life YMCA Twin Cities | ymcamn.org

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

With a monthly membership, Life Time families get up to 2.5 hours of drop-off care per day for ages 3 months to 11 years.

There are toddler activities for ages 1–2 and classes such as yoga, rock climbing and Spanish for ages 3 and up. Parents, meanwhile, can work out, hit the spa or relax in the steam room.

“Our motto is to help kids discover what they’re passionate about,” Longtine said.

“You can have ‘me’ time, kids can have their time and you can have family time.”

The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities is similarly family-friendly, with free childcare, camps, aquatics and sports, family-fun nights and other enrichment activities.

“Kids who play sports at the Y discover so much more than their athletic abilities,” said Joan Schimml, senior director of communications and marketing. “They build character, develop self-confidence and create healthy relationships.”

The Y also differentiates itself with its nature-based programs, including its

Sweat on demand!

Stuck in a nap trap or just don’t feel like bundling up to go to the gym? Home workouts have come a long way since Jane Fonda and Jazzercise — though those’ll still do the trick if you held onto your VCR! Here are six virtual exercise programs to check out: Get Healthy U TV: Chris Freytag is a Minneapolis-based mom and fitness coach with a national following thanks to her infectious energy and easy-to-follow routines. Check out the free 10-minute workouts on her website, and if you like what you see (and you will), an annual membership costs less than $5 a month. gethealthyutv.com popular camps featuring horseback riding, mountain biking, paddling, fishing and outdoor living skills.

A newer offering, the Y’s CycleHealth events take place four times a year throughout the Three Rivers Park District, starting with the Kidarod on Feb. 22.

Ages 7-17 can compete solo or team up with a parent, sibling or friend in a two-mile winter obstacle-course race through Fish Lake Regional Park in Maple Grove.

There’s also an Everest-themed hiking event in May, a triathlon and run/swim event in August, and a two-person buddy race in October.

Still not sure if the gym is for you? Forget about the muscle men and spandex-clad women that you think are there. They are, but there are a lot more people who look just like you, too.

Focus on how you feel after a workout and not about how you look. Because at the end of the day, the only workout you’ll regret is the one you didn’t do.

Erica Wacker is a St. Paul-based mom of two boys. A mediocre high school athlete, she begrudgingly started running in her 20s, but didn’t fall in love with it until joining Moms on the Run three years ago. She hasn’t stopped running since.

The Bar Method: An online version of the wildly popular fitness trend of the same name, The Bar Method combines weights and push-ups with floor work and other signature moves to leave you feeling strong and graceful. It costs $19 a month after a 14-day free trial. barmethod.com The Betty Rocker: Only have 15 minutes? Then you can do The Betty Rocker Challenge. Sign up for the free 30-day bodyweight challenge and you’ll get the videos, printable daily workouts and social media check-ins for support and accountability — no gym or exercise equipment required. makefatcrychallenge.com Yoga with Adriene: Five million YouTube subscribers can’t be wrong. Carve out some time for peaceful reflection while getting your body moving with Adriene’s free videos, which come in varying lengths and a variety of styles for every age, shape and ability level. yogawithadriene.com Nike Run Club: This free app is great for breaking up the monotony of your basement treadmill. Discover dozens of guided runs with Olympians Shalane Flanagan and Simone Biles, mindfulness coach Andy Puddicombe and even comedian Kevin Hart, to name a few. Find it in the App Store or Google Play.

CoreCamper: Twin Cities mother and fitness expert Ali Holman and her husband, Mark (above), offer daily 20-minute online workouts, meal plans, recipes, desk stretches and support.

It’s $49.95 a month after a free two-day trial — or you can spy their regular TV segments on WCCO (CBS) and Twin Cities Live (ABC). See her tips about how to work out as a family at home at mnparent.com/feature/work-out-as-a-family. corecamper.com mnparent.com • January 2020

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Facing cancer M

y daughter, Audrey, had just completed first grade. She was “7, going on 17,” as they say.

It’s just the two of us, so she keeps me on my toes. Her inquisitive and logical nature makes for some rather interesting conversations and questions, which I do my best to field in age-appropriate ways.

Time will tell what she remembers of our conversation one Saturday morning last January, as she sat on my cross-legged lap.

It was 10 days after I’d been diagnosed with what turned out to be an aggressive breast cancer, infiltrating my right breast, mammary and axillary lymph nodes and just beginning to stake a claim on my bones, something they, in the medical profession, call “oligometastatic.”

Suddenly it seemed the world around me was spinning as fast as the oncologist believed my cancer to be dividing, and conquering, my 31-year-old body.

We’d added a guest bed to our apartment, my mom flew in from Florida and I’d had four additional appointments, not to mention all of the phone calls to orchestrate scheduling and make sure everything was copacetic with insurance to make way for my coming treatment.

Overloaded, overwhelmed Hana Doering and her friends wore “Theme-o-Chemo” costumes during most of her infusions, which helped lighten the mood during the treatments, including one session with a “No Prob-llama” theme.

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If the diagnosis wasn’t overwhelming enough, the path forward brought on a staggering degree of information overload in the mere 25 days between receiving pathology results and the start of my treatment.

together In marched the pamphlets and literature on every aspect of cancer imaginable — mental health, nutrition, finances, legal matters, insurance, treatment options, understanding new vocabulary, parenting.

On and on it came — information was given, collected, received, repeated — and that was just from the people trying to help me medically.

It was as though I was learning to comprehend and speak a new language of medical terminology overnight, a language that my Latin “she flies with her own wings” tattoo left me wildly underqualified to interpret.

Used to doing most of life on my own, I was suddenly in the presence of, or in near constant communication with, friends and family who weren’t about to let cancer be another solo venture of mine.

The post-bedtime moments of solitude that I used to cherish turned dark and desolate. I felt a persistent nag to understand it all acutely as well as a desire to make sense of it in a big-picture way.

Telling my daughter In the middle of those 25 days, on a slow morning with my girl, I opened our blinds to soak in the warmth of an otherwise deceiving January sun. When a natural lull in whatever we were doing came, I pointed across the room to a backpack given to me by a nurse specifically for Audrey.

It was in a haphazard pile of gifts that had been trickling in — fuzzy socks, journals, coloring books, hard candy, lotions.

By Hana Doering

Hana Doering and her daughter, Audrey, have learned to cope with the challenges of cancer with grace and optimism.

Audrey knew I had become sick, but I hadn’t felt ready to say the word “cancer” to her.

A few months prior, one of her classmate’s fathers died of cancer. I figured this was the only association she’d had thus far with the term. I feared that — no matter what I said — she would simply hear, “The only parent you know is dying.”

But on that cold morning I wrapped her in a hug and took a deep breath to slow down the spinning and asked her to bring the backpack over to where we were sitting.

A stuffed teddy bear’s head peeked out

the top. She ripped open the drawstring and tore through the contents mindlessly.

She pointed to the writing on the outside of the backpack.

“What’s it say?” she asked.

Deep breath.

“Angel Foundation. Help when cancer strikes,” I read.

“But you don’t have cancer … ” Her voice trailed off as she looked back at me with a cocked eyebrow.

“Actually, after a few more doctor visits, it turns out I do have cancer,” I told her.

mnparent.com • January 2020

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I’d become used to adult reactions, which were often emotionally draining and included several minutes of follow-up questions. Keen to her inquisitive nature and age-appropriate lack of coping skills, I anticipated big feelings and questions from Audrey as well.

But the rest of the conversation was brief. She didn’t ask a ton of questions, mention her classmate’s dad or panic over my mortality.

The AngelPack she’d just unloaded included a detailed guidebook, which she desired no part of.

Plainly and calmly, with the innocence of a 7-year-old, she grabbed the “Today I Feel” emotion magnet she’d removed from the bag and hung it on the fridge. I asked what she would name the stuffed animal — Teddy, of course — and we went about our day.

At a support group recently, someone mentioned a study that concluded children will look to the non-cancer parent or dominant caregiver and mimic their processing and expression of grief.

To which I couldn’t help but ask, what about a single parent? What about when there isn’t another primary person? The study didn’t address this, so we were left to our own conclusion: They probably follow the parent-patient’s lead.

Leading by example This affirms one of the lessons I remind myself of time and time again in parenting: Many of the behaviors and character traits we hope to instill in our children are best learned and adopted by them through our own modeling.

As parents, however, it can be so impossibly difficult at times to keep our

FURTHER READING Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden — by cancer survivor and mother of two boys Katy Tessman Stanoch of Minnetonka — helps kids understand that cancer is like a weed and it needs to be removed.

Nowhere Hair by Sue Glader explains cancer and chemo to kids and is used in cancer centers around the country.

The Caring Bridge Project is the self-published memoir of Seattle-based author Caroline Wright, who wrote the book for her two young sons during the year she was given to live after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma. The memoir, created using her CaringBridge entries, chronicles her fight, which resulted in the miracle of her survival.

Lasting Love, also by Carolyn Wright, is a picture-book meditation on family love and can be used to help children navigate a first experience with illness and death.

baggage packed up and face our children and the world with anything other than the terror of tragedy that is ever-present.

Yet at the same time, our children teach us as much as we teach them and the plain, calm innocence Audrey displayed that morning has been a safe haven for me to retreat to throughout this journey. The conversation turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg in developing our blueprint of how to navigate a trial of such magnitude.

A week later, I was hooked up to an IV pole with a nurse in damn-near hazmat scrubs injecting toxic fluid into my veins.

Two of my best friends were by my side and we were each wearing a llama onesie, reciting the mantra “No Prob-llama.”

Fourteen of my 16 infusions were a different “Theme-o Chemo” because it’s hard to feel like a victim in costume, and I’d much rather stare cancer in the eye while laughing than crying.

Costume planning became a nice weekly outing for Audrey and me, and made my stories about my treatments something I looked forward to sharing with her.

Three weeks later, when my hair started falling out, I told her, “My hair is falling out and I’m sad. Would you like to help me shave it off?”

As an aspiring hair stylist, she was thrilled to take scissors to my long locks and I will forever cherish having the distinct honor of being the recipient of her first-ever haircut.

She’s shown me immense love and acceptance while buzzed, bald and without breasts. And on the days when I just wanted to hide, she encouraged me to pay no mind to what others think.

She’s seen me ask for — and accept — help from friends, family, our church community and even strangers.

The best kind of help It’s commonplace that people want to help, but they’re often unsure of how to do so. For this, I suggest we look to the model

Angel Foundation The nonprofit Angel Foundation was launched in 2001 when founder Margie Sborov decided she had seen enough of the issues that cancer patients and their families have to face.

Today the foundation, which is based in Mendota Heights, has provided more than $9 million in emergency financial assistance and 30,000 program services to Minnesotans in the following ways: Facing Cancer Together: These free, kid-friendly programs are designed to help children deal with having a sick parent.

Programming includes social opportunities for fun and peer support and educational classes and other resources for parents and caregivers, such as AngelPack backpacks (pictured) for kids facing a loved one’s diagnosis.

Upcoming events include a Kids Night In /Adults Night Out on Jan. 9; a Cock-a-Doodle Traveling Zoo on Jan. 20; and a Teen Outreach Take and Bake on Jan. 22. Each summer, the foundation offers Camp Angel, a free getaway for ages 5 to 18 who have or have had a parent or caregiver with cancer.

Emergency financial assistance: Adults living in or being treated in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area are eligible for this support, which isn’t limited to a specific type of cancer. Assistance is for basic, non-medical living expenses such as housing payments, food, utilities and fuel costs.

To learn more or to support the foundation through donations, volunteering — or the upcoming Angel Gala 2020 on Jan. 25 at Hilton Minneapolis — go to mnangel.org.

of the Angel Foundation and learn from their practical solutions to common needs.

They help families facing cancer with grants for living expenses and offer family-focused events, including summer camps for children. And they were even there for me in the midst of utter chaos with the AngelPack I gave Audrey, a token of kindness that lifted a monumental weight off my shoulders by simplifying an otherwise challenging conversation.

And that’s not to mention its contents — a stuffed animal to cuddle when you’re scared; bubbles, as a reminder to breathe (and play); the emotion magnet, because identifying and expressing things can be tricky; markers and Play-Doh, because creativity

can make processing things easier; and a bracelet to wear so you know you’re not alone.

If you want to help a family dealing with cancer, start by thinking of all the “adulting” tasks that always find their way back to the to-do list — paying bills, laundry, cooking, cleaning or car maintenance, just to name a few.

Pick one and make the arrangements.

Choose a hat and wear it for them. Give them the gift of putting their energy toward taking care of themselves or connecting with their children.

If you’re a parent, you’ll be modeling generosity and compassion for your littles and it will open the door for meaningful conversation while allowing everyone to

receive the gift of giving.

It’s been over a year and I’ve completed active treatment.

My final chemo was themed “Hakuna Matata,” or no worries, and Audrey was there to witness me ring the “I’ve finished chemotherapy,” bell.

These days I’m adjusting to hormone therapy, and am on a three-month scan schedule. The latest showed “no evidence of active disease.”

Today I Feel: Grateful.

Hana Doering is reimagining her future after a life-altering cancer diagnosis. She lives in Plymouth with her daughter and a lazy bulldog. Follow her at hanapaq.com.

mnparent.com • January 2020

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Get dirty

It’s not such a bad thing when babies come into contact with dirt — and even some germs and allergens — in the first year.

BY SOPHIA STROSBERG

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Y

ou always boil Baby’s bottles between uses. You wipe down the play area each evening and you scrub those pacifiers with soap every time they touch the ground.

Right? No? Well, then, good news is in store for you.

Recent medical research shows that ingesting some dirt — and a few germs and allergens — may not be such a bad thing for infants. In fact, letting the house go a bit during an infant’s first year may actually help your baby’s immune system develop normally, possibly preventing allergies and other serious ailments later in life.

The logic Infants seem to put everything in their mouths. But why?

If this impractical “mouthing” behavior is so bad for babies, why haven’t humans evolved out of it by now?

Wouldn’t that help reduce vulnerable infants’ exposure to disease-causing germs?

Well, according to recent UCLA research, mouthing may have evolved in infants precisely to teach children’s immune systems how to function properly when such pathogens present themselves.

In a Minnesota home, potential allergens might include pet hair, summer mold or ragweed pollen, for example. These triggers usually aren’t harmful to humans. Yet in some individuals, the immune system mistakes them as dangerous and kicks off sometimes severe inflammatory responses.

However, exposure to local allergy or asthma triggers early in life — especially within a child’s first year — may actually help teach the immune system what is and isn’t dangerous, preventing these reactions in the future.

To better understand this phenomenon, consider the case of peanut allergies.

Peanut protein itself isn’t dangerous to the human body, and most people’s immune systems recognize that. However, some people’s immune systems, especially those that haven’t had much exposure to peanuts, mistake peanut protein for a dangerous substance, causing the immune system to rally its troops — resulting in dangerous inflammation and swelling.

In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that the introduction of peanut butter, or other allergenic foods, shouldn’t start until at least 3 years old.

In 2008, however, it was found that the rate of peanut allergies didn’t decrease in the subsequent years, despite the widely supported recommendation. In fact, rates of childhood peanut allergies more than tripled from 1997 to 2008, according to one study.

Then in 2015, a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found even more reason to believe that delaying peanut butter exposure might be unnecessary.

More than 600 infants at high risk for allergies were divided into two groups.

One group was given a cereal made with peanut butter as early as 6 months of age.

The other group was told to not eat any peanut products until they were 5 years old. Researchers found that the group with early introduction had only a 3% rate of peanut allergies, compared to a 17% rate in the avoidance group.

Today the APP recommends introducing infant-safe forms of peanuts (such as peanut butter versus nuts) as early as 6 months.

Even earlier introduction (4 months old) may be recommended under a doctor’s supervision — and possibly combined with allergy testing — for infants who have severe eczema requiring prescription treatments or who have an egg allergy.

(Learn more at tinyurl.com/peanuts-aap.)

Beyond peanuts This same idea applies to non-food items.

Researchers studying patterns of allergy

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and asthma have reported that a “too clean” home can prevent children from experiencing important early exposures to environmental allergens.

Allowing infants under age 1 to be exposed to dust, mold, mites and other household nuisances may help condition the immune system not to overreact to these potential triggers later in life, according a 2014 study The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

A slightly different process may occur in children who are exposed to friendly bacteria through cats and dogs, or through such activities as a parent sucking the dirt off a fallen pacifier rather than boiling it.

Animals and adult mouths both contain a lot of bacteria. It may be that certain microbes, or perhaps entire networks of microbes, can help shape the immune system’s response to the wide array of new substances it may encounter.

A study published in 2016 in the New England Journal of Medicine tried to find out whether microbial exposures were responsible for the low incidence of allergies and asthma among Amish populations in the U.S. By comparing Amish immune responses to more allergic and asthmatic Hutterite immune responses (Hutterite communities have a similar genetic background to Amish communities, but far less contact with barn microbes), the study suggested that it may have been the microbial exposures among the Amish that made the difference. Agricultural lifestyles, it turns out, may contain lots of opportunities for the right kind of microbial exposures.

Yet Minnesotans, like the rest of the U.S. population, are increasingly moving to urban areas. Besides moving to a farm, is there anything you can do to increase your child’s microbial exposure? There might be.

A 2013 study by a team of Swedish researchers published in the journal Pediatrics showed that children whose parents used their own mouths to clean a pacifier had a lower incidence of airborne

and food allergies — presumably because infants’ mouths are then colonized by friendly, immune-system-regulating bacteria from their parents’ mouths.

Dr. Cassie Wilder, a Minneapolis-based naturopathic medical doctor with a focus on hormonal and digestive concerns, added: “There are also a lot of other great things found in saliva — digestive enzymes, hormones such as cortisol and immune system proteins that can help stimulate and regulate the child’s immune system.”

Colds, schmolds OK, wait. Don’t contagions throw a monkey wrench in this “get-dirty” philosophy? Shouldn’t parents keep common spaces clean to prevent the spread of common diseases?

Well, contagions, too, might yield some benefit to the immune system. Researchers have found that children who attend daycare before age 1 were more likely to get a stomach bug during that first year than their peers who stayed home.

But after that, they were actually less likely to get stomach bugs. This link between daycare attendance and lower rates of later illness was strongest among children who attended daycare regularly before their first birthday.

Does this make the common parenting wisdom that children “build immunity” through exposure more than anecdotally true?

According to Dr. Rachel Alioto, a naturopathic medical doctor, it’s key to strike a balance between too much and too little exposure: “It is important that children are exposed to different germs and illnesses to an extent, meaning not enough to be harmful, but enough that their undeveloped immune system can begin to build itself up.”

The trick to microbe exposure might be variety — just like it’s important for children to experience a variety of foods, climates and moods, Wilder said.

“Your immune system has memory.

Everyone is born

with an immature

immune system, so the more we

encounter at

a young age,

the quicker the

immune system can recognize disease

and help the body

fight off pathogens.

— Dr. Cassie Wilder, a Minneapolis-based naturopathic medical doctor

The first time you get sick, your innate immune system mounts an attack within hours. Once that threat has been neutralized, your immune system stores that memory into your adaptive immune system,” Wilder said. “Next time you encounter that bug, you’re better prepared to fight both faster and with less symptoms.”

But perhaps just as interesting to germophobes is the fact that the more clean a room is — the fewer strains of bacteria it contains — the more dangerous those strains actually are, according to a 2012 article in Scientific American.

This is because when a room is filled with a diversity or different kinds of microbes, all of the harmless bacteria crowd out the strains of truly dangerous bacteria. In fact, hospital-style cleanliness, in which the diversity of the microbial ecosystem is minimized, can actually foster some of the most dangerous superbugs in world, such as the sepsiscausing MRSA.

Soothing soil We still have a lot to learn about the way friendly bacteria actually work, but new research is showing the huge range of bodily functions they can affect.

Scientists now generally agree that the collection of bacteria, viruses and fungi living in and on the human body — known as the microbiome — is vitally important to immune system development and functioning.

Scientists have also shown that the microbiome does more than regulate the immune system: Some microbes help extract nutrients from food, others help to crowd out dangerous strains of bacteria in the gut, while still others help to produce vitamins that humans may not get enough of from food, such as vitamins B and K. A robust gut microbiome may be responsible for brain functioning as well.

One microbe that the laid-back parent will love is called Mycobacterium vaccae. This soil-dwelling bacteria seems to boost

mood. It’s been found to be involved with the production of serotonin, one of the most important neurotransmitters for regulating mood.

Researchers don’t yet know how M. vaccae works, but the fact that it’s commonly found in soil may explain some of the antidepressant effects of gardening.

Even beyond the obviously beneficial microbes in the soil, simply being in contact with a wide range of microbes is good for the developing immune system.

When asked if letting an infant play in the garden without pulling out a wet wipe every few minutes might actually be a good thing, Wilder said: “Absolutely! Playing in dirt exposes kids to new microbes and helps build up their immune system.

Everyone is born with an immature immune system, so the more we encounter at a young age, the quicker the immune system can recognize disease and help the body fight off pathogens.”

There is a saying that goes, “dirt won’t hurt.” And it’s often true. mnparent.com • January 2020

43

But soil can also contain a wide variety of toxins, depending on where you’re located and the histories of the soils.

Dangerous heavy metals deposited by industry such as mercury — and poisonous plants such as nightshade — can be just as dangerous as harmful parasitic infections spread by stray animals. (Those include toxocara, aka roundworms, which remain a problem for children in the U.S.) Meanwhile, other parasites that complete their life cycles in dirt, including hookworms and whipworms (known as helminths), are now thought to secrete chemical compounds that can keep the immune system in tune.

In fact, an emerging form of immunotherapy is helminthic therapy, which uses small doses of parasitic worms or worm eggs to fight autoimmune diseases and immune disorders.

Ew, right? And certainly not for kids, right?

Well, doctors in the U.S. aren’t using the therapy yet, but the Helminthic Therapy Wiki website lists anecdotes of children 18 months and younger undergoing helminthic treatments to successfully treat inflammatory bowel disease, extreme eczema and food allergies, too.

Bugs for sale Is it possible to give your baby a dose of dirt and bacteria in a cleaner way? This answer is still up for debate.

There are numerous commercial probiotics for sale, and some of them are marketed as specifically formulated for infants. Probiotics can be integrated into food or taken as a pill or chewable — and they typically contain one or several strains of beneficial bacteria.

Some studies have shown that they’re effective at preventing airborne and food allergies, eczema and asthma when taken in infancy. Yet probiotics, which are classified as supplements and not drugs by the FDA, aren’t regulated by the government. Their medical benefits may not have been tested, nor have their safety or potency.

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

In fact, while probiotics make up a multibillion-dollar industry, they’re ultimately unregulated and vastly understudied.

Still, many experts find that probiotics are likely beneficial and seem to pose little risk.

Alioto said: “As our soil quality decreases, our food quality decreases,” making probiotics potentially very important additions to today’s diet. “There are many different studies that have been, and will continue to be, completed about the health benefits of probiotic supplements.”

Additionally, the gut is highly interlinked with the immune system.

“About 70% of your immune system comes from the lymphoid tissue in your gut, so caring for it is essential,” Wilder said. “Whether it be decreasing inflammation of the lining, or getting good bacteria in there, you should care about your child’s gut lining.”

Wilder and Alioto suggest going through a naturopathic office rather than a drug store or website to buy probiotics, because quality control is lacking for many products sold directly to consumers.

There’s another reason to use caution with commercial probiotics: They can cost a lot of money.

By contrast, time-tested, probiotic foods — sauerkraut, yogurt, blue cheese, kimchi, kefir, kombucha and tempeh — often cost far less. Alioto recommends all of the

above, but suggests staying away from foods such as granola bars or drink mixes with probiotics added.

Conclusion There’s no guarantee that letting your infant play in a dirtier environments will impact her immune system or mood. But most of the time, letting the house go a little won’t hurt, and might even be of benefit.

Indeed, perhaps we need a more hands-off approach to child health. For instance, the use of antibiotics in infants has been linked to asthma and allergy in 6-year-olds.

Wilder said: “A lot of doctors today just pacify parents by giving antibiotics,” even when they aren’t needed, “because it lessens the parents’ anxiety.”

But what if you could relax into the idea that less is more? What if the best move might be no move at all?

If you choose to spend a little more time playing with Baby — or sleeping, or just sitting around — and a little less time cleaning, there’s no need to feel guilty.

Sophia Strosberg is a Twin Cities journalist and health researcher whose 3-year-old daughter is a burgeoning soil scientist.

Note: This article is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please seek the advice of a doctor or pediatrician before engaging in any practices described in this article.

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In the Heart of the Beast MNP 2016 12 filler.indd 1

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Campers will get closer to plants and animals than ever before. Preschool through 8th grade.

St. Paul • 651-487-8201 comozooconservatory.org

Gibbs Farm Day Camps Are you ready for an adventure? Gibbs Farm is a historic site located in Falcon Heights, just outside of St. Paul. This eight-acre site is run by Ramsey County Historical Society.

Gibbs Farm preserves and shares Minnesota history focusing on both pioneer and Dakota life in the mid-1800s. We use historic and replica buildings, a restored prairie, farm animals, and costumed interpreters in our programs to bring history to life. Camps are offered from June 16–Aug. 28. Ages 4–5 can explore with Pioneer PeeWees mini-camps on Wednesdays & Fridays, $22/Day. Ages 6–10 can travel back in time with our threeday camps: Pioneer Kid, Life of a Gibbs Girl, and Dakota Camp, $110/Week. Ages 11–15 can dive into history with Victorian Ladies and Pioneer Survivor camp, $165/Week.

Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12!

Hill-Murray School offers opportunities for you to fill your child’s day throughout the entire summer; June, July & August! We have opportunities to enjoy Academic, Arts/

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

Activities and Athletic Camps. Our offerings engage students of all ages and skill sets.

Register today—space is limited!

Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer

Life of a Gibbs Girl Experience the differences and similarities between life today and life as a Pioneer, Dakota, and Victorian girl! Campers tour the historic Gibbs farmhouse, explore the restored prairie, and celebrate at a Victorian tea party! Ages 6 – 11; Tues., Wed., Thurs.

9am – 1pm; July 7th – 9th, Aug. 4th – 6th, Aug. 18th – 20th; $110/Week Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Minnesota Waldorf School Summer Day Camp Old fashioned summer fun on our 8 acre campus! A relaxed schedule of crafts, nature play, games, music, gardening, and more. Preschool through 6th grade. Flexible weekly scheduling.

St. Paul • 651-487-6700 x202 mnwaldorf.org/summercamp

National Summer Transportation Institute Are you interested in learning about science, engineering, and transportation in an interactive, hands-on environment? Through field trips and hearing from industry experts, this free, two-week summer day camp at the University of Minnesota will explore the transportation field.

Minneapolis • 612-625-5608 cts.umn.edu/education/prospective/ national-summer-transportation-institute

Pioneer PeeWees These mini camps are a perfect introduction for kiddos who are ready for some independent fun! Costumed staff lead campers through adventures in topics

relating to nature, and pioneer and Dakota life in the 1800s. Ages 4–5; Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30am–11:30am; June 17– Aug. 28; $22/Day. Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Playworks Sign up for Playworks Summer Camp, full of learning, adventure, and fun! With loads of field trips, plenty of outdoor activities, and entertaining educational programs, Playworks’ Summer Camp will provide your child with an unforgettable summer. Open to children 6–12 years of age. Daily meals are included. Parttime and full-time options are available.

Prior Lake • 952-445-7529 playworksfun.com

Providence Academy Providence Academy’s Summer Activities offer a variety of programs for students age 5 through grade 12. Enjoy activities that promote experiential learning, creative and academic growth, and unique summer experiences. Full day sessions for students age 5 through grade 6.

Plymouth • 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org/summer

School Chess Association Summer Day Chess Camp All levels of chess instruction, professional educators tailored to the student’s individual needs. Fun activities include swimming, water slides, field ball, Magic the Gathering, soccer, tennis, roller skating, bowling, fishing, sign language, and role-playing games.

Programs: June 22–25, July 6–9, July 13–16, July 20–23, July 27–30, Aug 3–6, Aug 10–13.

St. Louis Park • 763-593-1168 schoolchess.org

Summer at Blake From robots to art projects and the classroom to the athletic field, Blake challenges students to creatively express

mnparent.com/camp themselves in an array of disciplines. Sports, academics, arts and day camps are open to PK–12 students throughout the Twin Cities.

952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota Explore Tanadoona’s Big Woods and zig-zag by canoe across Lake Minnewashta! With 103 acres, outdoor adventures are endless with new friends and local and international counselors. ACA accredited. Monthly public events + Open House 5/16 Excelsior • 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org

University of Wisconsin-Stout Summer STEAM Experience invites students in grades 8-12 to explore career paths with UW-Stout faculty experts while in a hands-on setting and to gain the experience of campus life. Day $300, Overnight $450. June 14–18.

Menomonie, WI • 715-232-2793 uwstout.edu/steam

Language

German Language Camps Kids explore themes including the environment, STEM, cooking & baking, and arts & crafts, while learning some German.

Several weeks of “Intro to German” are also offered. For ages 5 to 13. Half-day, full-day, and extended care are available.

St. Paul • 651-222-2979 gai-mn.org

Overnight

Camp Lincoln for Boys & Camp Lake Hubert for Girls Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls are separate, traditional sleepaway camps that focus on skill and character development for ages 5–17.

Off the shores of Lake Hubert, we offer over 40 land, water and adventure activities.

Lake Hubert • 800-242-1909 lincoln-lakehubert.com

Camp Olson YMCA Since 1954, Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life-changing experiences for youth, young leaders, and their families through quality camping programs. Traditional summer camp available as well as specialty programs in sailing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and leadership development.

Longville • 218-363-2207 campolson.org

Camp Pillsbury Camp Pillsbury, recently named “coolest camp in Minnesota,” is a unique, safe, fun summer

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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS

camp that offers over 100 exciting activities!

Have fun with trapeze, musical theater, sports, magic, gymnastics, dance, instruments, and watersports—all in the same day!

Owatonna • 507-214-2200 CampPillsbury.com

Girl Scouts River Valleys Girl Scouts offers all girls the opportunity to get outside and take the lead. Girls explore nature, horses, water sports, art, power tools, science, and more in an all-girl environment. Older girls can train to become camp counselors or horse wranglers. Family, 4, 6, and 13-day overnight camps are available.

Multiple locations • 800-845-0787 Camp.GirlScoutsRV.org

Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota Unroll your sleeping bag in a rustic cabin for an unplugged week with new friends and local and international counselors. 103 acres along Lake Minnewashta, adventure awaits with activities like archery, canoeing, and agility and high/low ropes courses. ACA accredited. Monthly public events + Open House 5/16 Excelsior • 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org

Wolf Ridge Summer Camp Kids grades 2–12 will find outdoor adventures to match their curiosity at Wolf Ridge. Share nature up-close every day with lifelong friends at our 2000-acre campus near Lake Superior and the BWCA. Learning is the greatest adventure there is!

Choose yours at wolf-ridge.org.

Finland • 218-353-7414 wolf-ridge.org

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

Special Needs

Summer Programs at Groves Academy Groves Academy offers summer programs for students entering grades 2–11 from the community with learning and attention challenges. Taught by Groves trained teachers, our small class sizes and specialized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available.

St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org

Sports and Fitness Buck Hill

Buck Hill offers summer camps for snowboarding, skiing and mountain biking!

The outdoors beckon and our hill is open year-round with a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. Buck Hill is the place to be outside yourself.

Burnsville • 952-435-7174 buckhill.com

Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12!

Samples of our Sports/Fitness offerings include: Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Soccer— opportunities for students of all ages and skills! Register today—space is limited!

Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer

Minneapolis Sailing Center Sailing camps for kids of all ages and abilities on Bde Maka Ska. Two-week camps with half or full-day options are

mnparent.com/camp

available all summer. More than just learning how to sail, students learn teamwork, self-confidence, STEM principles, and environment stewardship.

Minneapolis • 612-470-7245 sailmpls.org

NSC Next Level Sports Camps The National Sports Center provides weeklong camps complete with athlete training in your favorite sport along with world-class facilities, dry-land training, field trips, and more! Our flexible programming allows you to customize your child’s summer experience with sports, fun activities and all-day entertainment. Select one week or more to create the perfect schedule for your family!

Blaine • 763-792-7353 nscsports.org/nextlevelcamps

Revolutionary Sports Instruction programs offered daytime, weeknights, and weekends. Kids, as young as AGE TWO, learn to play sports and improve their skills. The family friendly environment encourages parent involvement. Experienced, professional coaches are great with kids and use active, challenging, and non-competitive curriculum to teach sports and life skills.

Multiple locations • 612-234-7782 RevolutionarySports.org

TAGS Gymnastics Camps Fun, fitness, friends! Gymnastics and tumbling camps for boys and girls ages 3–17 in June, July, and August. Kids work on fun, new skills while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination in a safe, positive atmosphere!

Apple Valley • 952-431-6445 Eden Prairie • 952-920-5342 tagsgym.com

EDUCATION RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS

mnparent.com/education

Charter

Dodge Nature Preschool Center

Agamim Classical Academy (K–8) At Agamim Classical Academy, our students receive a rigorous, joyful, liberal arts education. We study and practice classical virtues and celebrate Founding American values. We provide a tuition-free education and believe that what children read, write, and speak about matters. We use challenging and inspiring content to cultivate appetites for lifelong scholarship and engaged citizenship.

New Location: Edina • 952-856-2531 agamim.org

Cyber Village Academy Cyber Village Academy is a charter school serving students K–12 in a unique hybrid model that blends on-campus and online instruction. Strong test scores; great climate!

Perfect for families wanting to stay highly involved in their children's education!

St. Paul • 651-523-7170 cybervillageacademy.org

Hennepin Schools K-8 At Hennepin Schools, our mission is to ensure all students achieve academic success. We provide a safe and orderly place to learn, where we teach the whole child through strong instruction, grade level curriculum, and a relentless commitment to student achievement.

Minneapolis • 612-843-5050 hennepinschools.org

King of Grace Lutheran School King of Grace is a private, Christian elementary school focused on academic excellence. We achieve this through a challenging curriculum, partnering with parents for success and anchoring our daily instruction with God’s Word. Offering pre-K–8th grade.

Golden Valley • 763-546-3131 kingofgraceschool.com

North Lakes Academy (NLA) NLA is a K–12 public charter school providing a rigorous, liberal arts curriculum in a small, personalized learning environment. We are a topranked, tuition-free alternative for students.

Our graduates are confident, skilled scholars who are ready to succeed.

Forest Lake • 651-797-6264 northlakesacademy.org

Twin Cities Academy (TCA) TCA serves a diverse student body to succeed in a rigorous college preparatory program. TCA’s core values are fairness, cooperation, integrity, responsibility, civility, and hard work. Our educational model emphasizes rigorous academics,

active community involvement, active citizenship, and relationship building.

St. Paul • 651-205-4797 twincitiesacademy.org

Dance Music Performance

Minnesota Dance Theatre & School We offer training in classical and contemporary dance for all ages and levels of ability. Nurturing artistry and self-confidence, MDT teachers inspire and challenge students to achieve their best.

Our programs support a range of goals, from dance as a joyful hobby to a professional career. Ultimately, MDT classes help to cultivate the focus and self-discipline needed for success in all areas of life.

Minneapolis • 612-338-0627 mndance.org

St. Paul Ballet Quality dance education for students of all ages, income levels and abilities. Preprofessional training and recreational classes for ages 3-19 (and classes for adults, too!) Dancers gain performance experience in two shows annually.

Equitable access, renowned faculty, and live accompaniment inspire a love of dance and the arts. Three new spacious, professional studios at Co•Motion Center for Movement.

St. Paul • 651-690-1588 spballet.org

TU Dance The School at TU Dance Center, under the direction of Laurel Keen, offers yearround dance programming committed to access and excellence. The School offers classes for youth (ages 2+), aspiring preprofessional dancers and adults.

St Paul • 612-440-9028 tudance.org

Preschool

Bilingual Child Care & Education Center, Inc. We provide Spanish immersion early childhood education and care for children 0-5 years. Our NAEYC accredited program offers a developmental curriculum, a culturally-rich environment with nativespeaking teachers, an organic food program, and a dynamic community of bilingual families and caregivers!

Mahtomedi • 651-340-2938 Roseville • 651-644-2405 bilingualchildcare.com

Through quality, nature-based education on a 110-acre environmental preserve your preschooler will learn and grow. Children go outdoors every day entwining their lives with the natural world through hikes to our farm, prairie, ponds, gardens, raptors, reptile lab—and more! NAEYC accredited. Four-star Parent Aware rated. Monthly open houses.

West St Paul • 651-455-4555 dodgenaturecenter.org

New Horizon Academy New Horizon Academy is a MN family-owned company that provides high quality childcare and early education. While focusing on developing a healthy sense of self in each child, we also strive to provide your child with the necessary skills to succeed not only in school, but in life.

Multiple Locations • 763-557-1111 newhorizonacademy.net

The Gardner School An academically-focused preschool for ages 6 weeks to 5 years, The Gardner School will stimulate your child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We have a state-of-the-art environment, with indoor and outdoor playscapes, a highly-skilled teaching staff, and a rich learning environment.

Eagan • 651-255-5580 Edina • 952-259-0139 Minnetonka • 763-259-6860 Minneapolis • 612-615-7661 thegardnerschool.com

Private

The French Académie Montessori inspiration, music integration, and French immersion! Taught by native French speakers, our programs focus on enriching all aspects of early childhood development; bilingual learning is just the beginning! Ages 16 months–kindergarten.

Oui Play, Oui Sing, and Oui Learn! Schedule your visit today.

Minnetonka • 952-944-1930 thefrenchacademie.org

Holy Name of Jesus School Holy Name of Jesus School offers a Catholic education for preschool through sixth grade.

Families choose HNOJ School for the small class sizes, rigorous academics, stellar teachers and affordable tuition.

Wayzata • 763-473-3675 hnoj.org/school

Providence Academy Providence Academy is an award-winning private, Catholic, Pre-K through 12 collegepreparatory school. It promotes superior academic achievement, character mnparent.com • January 2020

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EDUCATION RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS

development, and citizenship in a faithfilled Christian environment. Opportunities abound in the academics, arts, and athletics.

Now with lower tuition prices, access is more affordable than ever.

Plymouth • 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org

West Lutheran High School West Lutheran High School offers a studentfocused learning environment with Christianinfluenced classes and extracurricular activities. Students are able to take PSEO and AP college credit on campus taught by our instructors as well as online college courses.

Plymouth • 763-509-9378 wlhs.net

Public

Minnesota Online High School (MNOHS) Nationally accredited with four strong commendations, MNOHS is a creative, connected public charter school for students who need a flexible schedule.

With a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, we get to know each student and encourage all to expect joy in learning.

1-800-764-8166 ext. 111 mnohs.org

Minnetonka Public School District (E–12) With ECFE, Preschool and K–12 programming, the Minnetonka Public School District focuses on world-class, childcentered excellence. Features: K–12 Chinese and Spanish Immersion, K–12 computer coding, AP and IB, collaborative research and award-winning arts and music programs.

952-401-5000 minnetonkaschools.org

Resources Help Me Grow MN

Young children grow, learn and change all the time. Keep track of the developmental milestones your child reaches. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your doctor or refer your child for a free developmental screening at Help Me Grow MN. 1-866-693-4769 helpmegrowmn.org

Landmark Center St. Paul's historic Landmark Center boasts four FREE museums and galleries showcasing art, music, and history. Families can take part in incredible hands-on musical experiences, amazing wood art interactives and engaging historical exhibits.

St. Paul • 651-292-3225 landmarkcenter.org

Minnesota Zoo Visit the Minnesota Zoo today! Bring the family to discover 4,800+ animals along scenic indoor and outdoor trails year-round. From toddler time and family overnights to school break camps and adult classes, the Minnesota Zoo offers engaging programs for all ages.

Apple Valley • 952-431-9200 mnzoo.org/education

Playworks Certified teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced safety technology provide a fun, safe environment for your child to play and learn. With both contract and hourly child care and before- and after-school care options available, Playworks is truly the place where learning and fun go hand in hand!

Prior Lake playworksfun.com

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

mnparent.com/education

The Learning Center at Groves Academy The Learning Center at Groves Academy offers an array of specialized services including diagnostic testing, tutoring, summer programs, and speech-language therapy to families in the community. We help students from any school experience success and gain confidence.

St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org

Special Needs

Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Summer Social Skills Classes AuSM Social Skills summer classes for youth and adults with autism offer low-stress, accepting environments that encourage learning and growth while participants develop social skills and confidence. Classes centered on special interests including the great outdoors, community outings, improv, zoos, art, drama, and more are offered in locations throughout the metro area.

St. Paul • 651-647-1083 education@ausm.org ausm.org

Groves Academy We transform lives through education.

At Groves Academy, we give students grades 1-12 who have learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD the opportunity to learn in a different way – with highly trained teachers, small class sizes, and specialized curriculum – and they begin to experience success, build confidence, and understand their tremendous potential.

St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org

WHERE LEARNING IS

Minneapolis ( Downtown )

Minnetonka

Edina

Eagan

mnparent.com • January 2020

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Out & About

JANUARY

mnparent.com/calendar

Art Shanty Projects ⊲ This quirky collection of ice houses converted into art studios has grown into a uniquely Minnesotan festival during the past 15 years.

When: Saturdays and Sundays Jan. 18–Feb. 9. Check out the Winter Kite Festival, too, on Jan. 25.

Where: Lake Harriet, Minneapolis Cost: FREE; suggested donations of $10–20 are encouraged.

Info: artshantyprojects.org

ONGOING

Destination Winter Saint Paul ⊲ The Wells Fargo WinterSkate has been relocated to CHS Field, along with the Securian Financial SuperSlide, last seen at Super Bowl LII. When: Through Feb. 22 Where: CHS Field, St. Paul Cost: Skating is free. Those without skates can rent a pair for $5 (free for Wells Fargo cardholders, one rental per card). One hour of unlimited rides on the slide costs $10 for adults and $7 for kids.

Info: visitsaintpaul.com

DEC. 31

New Year’s Noon ⊲ Make your own spin-drum craft, bend light and form rainbows with prisms and take part in a special 2020 countdown at noon.

When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Dec. 31

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January 2020 • mnparent.com

Where: Bell Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9–$12 for ages 3 and older Info: bellmuseum.umn.edu

Sparklerama ⊲ Experience New Year’s Eve at the museum with live music, art projects, light refreshments and a beach ball/ balloon drop at 8 p.m.

When: 6–9 p.m. Dec. 31 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $17 per ticket; reservations required Info: mcm.org/new-year-party

DEC. 31 AND JAN. 1

A Noon Year’s Confetti Dance Party ⊲ Celebrate the arrival of 2020 with dancing, games, special animals, a DJ and a countdown to noon when thousands of pieces of confetti will rain down.

When: Dec. 31 and Jan. 1

Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org

JAN. 3–5

Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show ⊲ Witness the judging of top dogs and check out demonstrations, exhibitions, seminars, displays and a marketplace, too.

When: Jan. 3–5 Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre Cost: $7 for ages 62 and older, $9 for ages 13–61, $5 for ages 5–12, free for ages 4 and younger, and $23 for a family four pack (two adults and two kids) Info: rivercentre.org

JAN. 5

Minnesota Boychoir ⊲ More than 100 youth singers perform their annual winter concert

in two performances.

When: 1 and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 5 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: boychoir.org

JAN. 8

Neighborhood Open House ⊲ Enjoy free museum admission for an evening of holiday crafts, performances, bonfires and more.

When: Jan. 8 Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: asimn.org

JAN. 9–12

Minnesota Sportsmen’s Show

Cost: FREE, but vehicles require a Minnesota State Park permit: $7 for the day or $35 for the year.

Info: parkconnection.org/events

JAN. 17–FEB. 17

The Dot

⊲ When Vashti’s teacher asks her to draw a picture, she insists she’s not an artist and makes an angry dot to prove her point. But when the teacher frames her dot and hangs it up, Vashti is sent on a surprising journey of self-discovery in this performance featuring music and a collaboration with Escalate Dance.

When: Jan. 17–Feb. 17 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $17–$24 Info: stagestheatre.org

JAN. 18

Together We Sing Festival ⊲ Enjoy a performance from the VocalEssence Singers of This Age and give back through a service project to support healthy pregnancies among black women and families.

When: Jan. 18 Where: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mnhs.org/event/7627

JAN. 19–MARCH 1

Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds ⊲ With the help of some feathered friends, little Ziggy learns “every little thing is gonna be all right.”

When: Jan. 19–March 1 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15.

Info: childrenstheatre.org

⊲ See all the latest outdoor gear, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel, live trout fishing, Ron Schara teaching kids to fish and exhibits about boating, camping, vacationing and more.

When: Jan. 9–12 Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre Cost: $12 for adults, $2.50 for ages 6–12, free for ages 5 and younger Info: rivercentre.org

JAN. 11

Winter Sky Family Day ⊲ Join educators from the Native Skywatchers program for art activities and to learn more about Dakota and Ojibwe star maps and constellation guides.

When: Jan. 11 Where: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul Cost: $6–12 Info: mnhs.org/event/8101

Winter Trails Day ⊲ Try a variety of free winter activities with all equipment provided and outdoor enthusiasts standing by to help.

When: Jan. 11 Where: Fort Snelling State Park, St. Paul

JAN. 30–FEB. 2

Loppet Winter Festival ⊲ Thousands of winter sports enthusiasts will participate in 20 events, including skiing and snowshoeing races, fat-tire bike races, snow sculpturing, skijoring (Nordic skiing with dogs) and more.

When: Jan. 30–Feb. 2 Where: Theodore Wirth Regional Park and the Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis Cost: FREE to spectators; find suggested viewing areas online.

Info: loppet.org

Out & About JAN. 20

MLK Jr. Community Day ⊲ The VocalEssence youth choir will perform and youth drummers from ARTS Us will share rhythms from across the African diaspora. Families can also drop in to assemble roadside kindness kits for people who are homeless.

When: Jan. 20 Where: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul Cost: $6–12 Info: mnhs.org/event/8091

JAN. 23–FEB. 2

Saint Paul Winter Carnival ⊲ Check out ice carving, snow sculpting, skiing, dogsledding, a torchlight parade and more at this long-running, multifaceted festival with more than 75 events and nearly 1,000 volunteers.

When: Jan. 23–Feb. 2 Where: Landmark Center, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds

and other locations in St. Paul Cost: Most events are FREE and open to the public.

Info: wintercarnival.com

JAN. 24–26

Nick Jr. Live! ⊲ This Move to the Music show features characters from multiple series, including Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues, You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing.

When: Jan. 24–26 Where: State Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $19–$119 Info: nickjrlive.com

Ice Castles ⊲ Construction started on this manmade fortress of ice and snow during December’s cold snap and it’s set to include frozen waterfalls, ice caves, special appearances by the Frozen sisters and more.

JAN. 25

Winter Kite Festival ⊲ See kites of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes as they fly over frozen Lake Harriet in this 19th-annual event. Activities will include ice fishing for kids, kiteflying and fat-tire bike demonstrations, a marshmallow roast, music and a heated tent with entertainment. BYOK: Bring your own kite!

When: Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 25 Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: eastharriet.org

COMING UP

When: A late December or early January opening is expected with the event running into February, weather permitting.

Where: Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton Cost: $12.99–$17.99 for ages 12 and older, $9.99–$17.99 for ages 4 to 11 and free for ages 3 and younger; standby tickets cost $18–$22.

Info: icecastles.com

CHILDCARE/EDUCATION Preschool with childcare for Infants and Toddlers available at all locations

Bring Growing With Music to your child care program or playgroup!

www.growingwithmusic.com ~ info@growingwithmusic.com

Call 952-935-5588 and schedule a tour! misamigospreschool.com

Locations in Hopkins, Golden Valley, and St. Paul

MNP 0120 Marketplace.indd 1

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Growing With Music MNP 0119 3cx2.2.indd 1

12/17/19 12:09 PM 12/13/18 12:01 Mis Amigos PM MNP 1119 2cx2.2.indd 1

10/9/19 11:19 AM

CHILDCARE/EDUCATION

PARTY PAGES

mnparent.com

Catalina’s Preschool Spanish Southwest Mpls/Linden Hills

LEARN SPANISH WITH YOUR CHILD

Portrait Parties

Fun music-based classes for ages 1½-6 & parents www.preschoolspanish.com

Magical Themes your Child will Love

FIND MORE EDUCATION RESOURCES ONLINE

FIND MORE PARTY RESOURCES ONLINE mnparent.com

gingersprouts.net

Learning Center &0119 Day Care - School Agefiller.indd Catalina's Preschool Spanish MNP 11/29/18 11:09 Education 1cx1.indd AM | Resources 1 6 Wks MNP 2017 4/19/17 1cx1 11:23 GingerAM Sprouts 1 MNP 0419 1cx1.indd 3/18/191 12:52 Party PM Resources MNP 2013 2cx1 filler.indd 1

MN MUSIC HALL of FAME AT YOUR PARTY!

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952-888-8052

•

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Playing

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Composing

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CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL www.childrensyamaha.com • 612-339-2255

Creative Kids Academy

Package includes

5/15/15 10:45 AM

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H

1 hour of bowling Party table 3 menu choices Soda 1 used Tavern bowling pin for the group to sign.

$13.95 per person

Early Education * 6 Weeks–12 Years H

Kids Birthday Packages

Schools in Edina & Roseville

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Bowling Party

Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota!

Create

PRE K–8TH GRADE

Choose band size &/or Panda!

• Music for all ages available!

• Special rates for flexible scheduling

rainbowmontessorimn.com

1/22/19 1:09 PM

+ tax & service fee.

Grow

Free Music, Spanish, Yoga, and Karate!

Parents — hide away in your own area while the kids party!

Anoka * Apple Valley * Centerville * Lexington * Maple Grove Minnetonka * Mounds View * Orono NOW OPEN — Elk River! 763-777-9100

952-929-6810

3401 Louisiana Ave. South St. Louis Park, MN

ckakids.com 844-ckakids email: info@ckakids.com Nationally accredited and Parent Aware 4 star rated

MISCELLANEOUS

Creative Kids Academy MNP 0819 2cx2.2.indd 1

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6/28/19 Park 1:50 Tavern PM MNP 0119 CAMP 3cx3.indd 1 ISSUE

March 2017

Go back in TIME Page 30

for Real advice S MOM

NEW Page 12

April 2017

1

BALL

Page 36

Design a

Baked gus aspara fries

CATAPULT

Page 42

Page 28

Learn to SAIL Page 46

the Maternity

I JUST WANT A SHOWER Page 8

issue I

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PLU ER EAS IN-T BRA KS FOR BOO S! KID

Register for the February 8th & 9th or April 25th & 26th

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FROM OUR READERS

All ears!

Whether at home or visiting Disneyland or Disney World, your kids are keeping the magic of Mickey Mouse alive.

↑ Mateo, 1, and Luka, 8, of Chanhassen

↑ Samuel, 4, of St. Francis

↑ Cora, 3, of St. Francis

↑ Santiago, 5, Sofia, 7, and Christian, 12, of Edina

↑ Piper, 4, of Eden Prairie

↑ Theodore, 6, Gabrielle, 12, and Josiah, 8, of Orono

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

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January 2020 • mnparent.com