April 2016

RAISING A KID WITH GRIT

PAGE 16

April 2016

Mocktails for mamas

Worried about labor pain?

Here’s how to cope!

PAGE 30

PAGE 44

Tales from the NICU PAGE 36

Should you worry about Zika virus?

PAGE 22

The ‘denial instinct' PAGE 12

Resources for mom and baby PAGE 46

Anessa Mills, Otsego

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 31

30

ISSUE 4

36

Fearless labor

Letters from the NICU

Knowing your options — natural and pharmaceutical — is the first step in managing birthing pain as well as anxiety.

Two local families share their harrowing and heartwarming stories of delivering premature babies.

44

Mocktails for mamas

Alcohol-free wines, beers and whiskeys have come a long way, baby!

16 SCHOOL DAYS

True grit

Beyond tantrums

I had a good experience overall, but I wish I’d been less fearful.

Kids’ resilience, self-control, motivation and perseverance matter more than intelligence.

If your child’s behavior seems off, a special screening might be in order.

18 TEENS AND TWEENS

Mama reads

My birth story 10 CHATTER

Got multiples?

Take a survey and win a cool prize.

Numbers game

12 BABY ON BOARD

Online grading systems are handy, but they can distract us from what matters.

Nesting? Nope.

20 GROWS ON TREES

My response to pregnancy was more of a ‘denial instinct.’

Credit check

14 TODDLER TIME

Bolster your score with these simple strategies.

Tots and docs Here’s how to find the right fit for your child — and how to keep your kid calm.

22 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Rash decision

Pre-rinsing wipes and using barrier creams can help your baby’s sore bottom.

6

24 ON BEHAVIOR

8 FROM THE EDITOR

April 2016 • mnparent.com

26 BOOKSHELF

Read all about birth stories, amazing animal moms and more.

28 IN THE KITCHEN

Hot dish

This Minnesota twist on an English dish is an easy weeknight dinner.

66 FROM OUR READERS

Super sons

Readers share their favorite photos of their boisterous, beautiful boys.

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

The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth • Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy) • Program delivered to you via the mail and phone

About our cover mom — and baby!

• Must be 18 years of age or older; must not currently exercise regularly • Must not take antidepressants • Must have a history of depression • You will receive $100 for your time

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Call 612-625-9753 or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study

Baby’s name: Reagan Baby’s weight: 5 pounds, 11 ounces

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Baby’s length: 18 1/2 inches Birthed at: Maple Grove Hospital Due date: April 2, 2016 Delivered on: March 11, 2016 Hours of labor: 2 hours and 30 minutes Birth story: Reagan made her grand entrance into this world a little earlier than anticipated and didn’t take her time arriving! Mom’s water broke at 8:45 a.m. and by 9:30 a.m. labor pains began, and by 11:28 a.m. that morning Miss Reagan Nicole Mills was born.

Cover photo by Tracy Walsh tracywalshphoto.com

Out & About

58

50

CAMP RESOURCES mnparent.com • April 2016

7

FROM THE EDITOR

My birth story O

K, there actually isn’t enough space here for my whole birth story.

But I can tell you my son’s birth included a dose of morphine and a possibly-botched epidural installment (because of curvature in my spine), which meant I felt powerful contractions to the end.

Why exactly did I receive a narcotic?

I believe, ultimately, it was because I was afraid — of pain, of tearing, for my baby’s health, for my health and maybe even motherhood!

I was crazy excited, too. I’m a high-energy person even on my most mellow days, so I guess you could say I wasn’t an ideal candidate to relax and enjoy the magic of the birth experience.

I came to my hospital birthing room with broken water and very closely spaced contractions, but I had dilated to only 2 centimeters. Argh! And, after more than 30 hours of crescendoing contractions, the pain was getting tiring and real.

Very early in my stay, the nurses shuttled me down the hall to a large bathtub, which did nothing to dull the pain or help me relax. Every fiber of my being was clenched up.

“How are we going to get a baby out of this woman?” my nurses must have thought.

They suggested drugs. We said yes without much hesitation, though we did worry about exposing our boy to an opioid.

Within four hours of the morphine dose, I was at 10 centimeters and pushing.

I imagine the drug helped me let go a bit and rest. Would other means of relaxation have helped me do that? Maybe. Maybe morphine was something we really needed to get him out safely. We will never know for sure.

But after two and a half hours of pushing (which went by surprisingly fast, because it felt like we were getting it done), we had a healthy baby boy at 3:53 a.m.! Joy! Looking back now, I wish I hadn’t been so scared. I’ve since learned that fear can really slow things down for a mama trying to bring a baby into the world.

Anne Ferguson, a Minneapolis doula quoted in this month’s magazine — our annual Maternity Issue — said: “One of the main reasons women experience pain in childbirth is that they expect to. The fear-tension-pain cycle is very real.”

I wish I could have been more educated. (If I could do it all over again, I’d absolutely hire a doula — an option I eschewed at the time because of cost, which seems silly now.)

Fortunately, women today — backed by a huge social-media community of mamas, doulas, midwives and more — are coming to delivery with less fear.

They’re empowered. They trust themselves, and they trust birth.

For me, just a little of that would have gone a long way.

Sarah Jackson, Editor

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

Babies poop! mnparent.com

PUBLISHER Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com EDITOR Sarah Jackson 612-436-4385 • editor@mnparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Eric Braun, Rachel Brougham, Megan Devine, Dr. Peter Dehnel, Shannon Keough, The PACER Center, Sheila Regan, Aleksandra Till, Tracy Walsh, Jen Wittes, Jennifer Wizbowski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com

Cloth Diaper 101 class schedule: •

Information and sign up at DoGoodDiapers.com/demo_schedule

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Pacifier North Loop Monday, April 4th 6–7pm

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Health Foundations St. Paul Thursday, April 14th 6–7pm

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Blooma Minneapolis Saturday, April 30th 3–4pm

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Don’t forget the diapers!

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Valerie Moe GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amanda Wadeson CLIENT SERVICES Zoe Gahan 612-436-4375 • zgahan@mnparent.com Lauren Walker 612-436-4383 • lwalker@mnparent.com Emily Schneeberger 612-436-4399 • eschneeberger@mnparent.com CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com mnparent.com/find-a-copy

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CHATTER

PILLOWFORT IS HERE! Target’s new kid-centric decorating line — playfully named Pillowfort — is out now and we have to admit: It’s pretty adorable.

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Prices for items in the 1,200-piece collection range from $4.99 to $59.99 for lighting, decor and bedding and $39.99 to $599.99 for furniture.

Most items are available now, but more are coming in June. Learn more at target.com/pillowfort.

Got multiples?

If you’re parenting or expecting multiples, Welcome Baby Care needs you!

Birth rates for multiples are increasing, and the Edina-based postpartum doula agency wants to learn from local parents about their needs.

Parents or expecting parents of multiples are invited to share their most pressing challenges in a 23-question online survey.

Participants will be entered to win two prizes — an Apple iPad Air 2 (a $500 value) and an eight-hour overnight doula shift from Welcome Baby Care for twins up to 6 months old (a $336 value).

Take the survey by June 30 at tinyurl.com/survey-wbc.

We’ll publish the results — and some helpful resources for families with multiples — in our September Baby Issue of Minnesota Parent.

Learn more about Welcome Baby Care at welcomebabycare.com.

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

Stylish designs by a mom

Kimberly Senn’s spouting whale wood panels are available in 5x7-inch panels ($99 for the set through April) and 11x14inch panels ($224 for the set through April).

Meet Kimberly Senn of Edina.

The now-mother of two boys left her career in advertising in 2009.

During that time, she painted three canvases to hang over her baby’s crib — a triptych of a paper airplane soaring away.

Her artwork quickly became a hit with friends and family, and Senn found herself making art — a lot of it — for a growing base of fans by 2011.

“What started out as a side hustle, creating original paintings on commission, has turned into a tremendously fun and fulfilling full-time, yet flexible, business,” said Senn, who runs her studio out of her home.

In recent years, her Senn & Sons brand has grown beyond nursery art with other fine art prints, plus personalized growth charts, temporary tattoos, notepads and, coming this spring, games and dinnerware for kids.

Last year, Senn partnered with Blue Sky to design calendars and planners for Target stores across the country.

Her next collection of planning products will hit Target stores in July, just in time for back to school.

Learn more at sennandsons.com.

mnparent.com • April 2016

11

You don’t have to nest T

he nesting instinct is a much-discussed phenomenon of pregnancy.

Evidently, it’s totally common for pregnant women to get a huge burst of energy during the second trimester — or the last few days before giving birth (or both) — because we’re anxious to ensure that everything is “just so” for the arrival of our newborn.

“Make freezer meals!” the online parenting articles urge frantically. “Scrub the bathroom grout with a toothbrush! Hang whimsical art in the nursery!”

“Nursery?” was my irritable response to these web-based instructions during my first pregnancy.

“Since when did a bedroom need a special name?”

And then I’d read the entire Dear Sugar advicecolumn archive (tinyurl.com/dear-sugar-mn).

My response to the reality of my imminent motherhood was something that might best be described as ‘the denial instinct.’

⊲ Not that kind of mom My response to the reality of my imminent motherhood was something that might best be described as “the denial instinct.”

“I’m not one of those pregnant ladies,” I’d think to myself as I wedged my 32-week bulk through a sold-out crowd at First Avenue.

“Look at me — a total badass!” I bragged to my inner admirer as I performed fancy Pilates moves during an advanced reformer class.

In retrospect, I think I understood, on some level, that my life was about to change in a very huge and fundamental way — and I was terrified.

While some women (more rational women, I might

suggest) channel their anxiety by getting themselves as prepared as possible (washing onesies, stockpiling diapers, stenciling woodland creatures on the walls), I took my feelings of fear and anxiety and did what I do best — suppressed them, squeezed into an ironic T-shirt and headed down to the 331 Club to check out a loud rock show.

⊲ The lifeboat arrives Lucky for me, I had people in my life who knew firsthand what I was getting myself into and helped me prepare. One friend, a mother of three, stopped by my house to drop off a bassinet, a bouncy seat and

BABY STUFF

Self-care guide ⊲ Minnetonka author and mother of four Julie Burton is coming out with an encouraging book for moms this May. The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Must-Have Guide To Health And Well-Being includes Burton’s own highly personal postcards from the edge of parenting (and the consequences of self-neglect) as well as insights from hundreds of other mothers from across the country. Burton, a yoga instructor who writes for a variety of national publications (including her own Unscripted Mom blog), offers real solutions and strategies for physical, emotional and relationship self-care. $16.95 • amazon.com

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

about 50 pounds of baby clothes.

My coworkers bought me a fancy jogging stroller. My dance instructor gave me a huge box of baby wipes. My best friend’s mom gave me a changing pad and a ton of diapers.

In short, my friends totally bailed me out. Without them, I wouldn’t have just been a weepy postpartum mess — I would’ve been a weepy postpartum mess fashioning diapers out of old T-shirts and stashing my baby in a hatbox.

⊲ Enjoy the life before That said, I don’t completely regret my head-in-the-sand approach to my first pregnancy.

When I witness friends falling into the rabbit hole of compulsive pregnancy preparation (obsessing over the “right” kinds of diapers, labor-preparation exercises and so on), I want to grab them and say, “Hey — you’ll have plenty of time to obsess over everything once the baby is here! Go ahead, eat a French fry.”

I guess the moral of my story is, “Be prepared — at least a little.”

It’s good to come back from the hospital/birthing tub in the living room/ place where you adopted your baby and find food in the refrigerator and diapers at the ready.

But it’s also good to take some time to honor and enjoy the ephemeral soon-tobe-parent state that marks the transition between free-and-easy, childfree person to responsible full-time caregiver.

So go ahead and book that trip to New Mexico. Meet a friend for dinner instead of attending yet another “meet the midwives” summit. And when you’re at home in the evening, grab your keys and walk out the door without a handbag/laptop case/diaper bag/infant bucket seat in tow, just you — gloriously alone.

Trust me on that.

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

Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

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mnparent.com • April 2016

13

Your tot and the doc B

TIPS

y now you’ve probably come to know your pediatrician or family doctor fairly well. There are — after all — nine well visits between birth and the third birthday. And that’s to say nothing of the mysterious rashes, first colds, earaches and bumped heads.

I spoke with local pediatrician Ilene Moore of Southside Medical Clinic in Minneapolis about all things tots and docs: • How do we know we have the right doctor? The right clinic?

• What if my child’s afraid of the doctor?

• What if I disagree with my child’s physician?

• How do I make sure visits run smoothly?

Dr. Ilene Moore recommends the following for success at the doctor’s office.

Bring: ⊲⊲a list of questions (and maybe share the list with the scheduling nurse in advance, too), ⊲⊲any medications you need refilled,

⊲⊲The right fit People change doctors for a variety of reasons. They relocate. They develop a more defined parenting philosophy as their baby ages. Their doctor quits! (Mine was AMAZING, but shocked me when she quit clinic life to do in-home Botox.)

If you’re knee-deep in the toddler years and need to establish care with a new physician, start by making a list of candidates based on location, online reviews and the 411 from your friends. Then feel them out! Tour the clinic, interview the on-call nurse, schedule an appointment. The right fit is out there and no decision is forever.

Said Moore: “Most pediatricians are trained to deal with most childhood personalities — more likely there’s a chemistry (or not) between doctor and parent. If a parent wants medications readily prescribed or doesn’t choose to vaccinate or needs a lot of support, they may or may not be ideal patients for certain docs.”

I personally favor the vastly underrated family practitioner, because health concerns and questions bleed from parent to child and sibling to sibling.

One-stop shopping. Think about it.

⊲⊲Fear management For babies, being pulled away from the parent — only to be, however gently, prodded and poked can be scary.

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Babies tend to freak out at the doctor, but it’s the same sort of fear they express with anything unfamiliar.

Toddler fear is also very normal. The cognition alone makes the prodding and poking more than just a diversion in the routine. They learn to anticipate the ear probe, the gag reflex, the shot.

Advised Moore: “Reading books about going to the doctor, giving a child a toy medical kit and talking about it in advance can help.”

⊲⊲You’re the expert, actually There may come a time when you disagree with your doctor. Maybe it’s a gut feeling. Maybe it’s something you’ve researched on the side. Whatever the reason, talk about it as soon as possible and avoid proceeding with said recommendation until you feel comfortable.

Most doctors are wonderful, giving and highly skilled, but YOU are the parent of your children. You’re with them every day. You know what they can tolerate and what constitutes “acting a little off.” A good doc will respect this and appreciate your input.

“Let your doctor explain their reasons,” Moore said.

“Explain why you disagree. If it is a recommendation that fundamentally differs with your belief system, and conversation has reached an impasse, then you may need to think about finding another doctor.”

⊲⊲an extra set of hands (if you can) for more than one child, ⊲⊲snacks and toys to keep your child occupied during unexpected waits or parent-doctor discussions.

Finally, turn your phone off and put it away. You’ve got this, Toddler Parent. A lollipop AND a sticker for each and every one of you.

TODDLER STUFF

Play props ⊲⊲Does your kids’ dress-up box need refreshing? We recommend these sturdy, wearable Props in a Box, available in themes such as The Princess & The Chef, The Dinosaur & The Pirate (pictured), The Astronaut & The Fisherman and The Doctor & The Farmer. Kids can use the included props and backdrop with each set to create theatrical plays or — with the related free Props in a Box Movie Maker App (and your help) — films with special effects. $74.99 • store.discovery.com

⊲⊲Making the most of it Positive interactions with medical professionals at an early age can lead to positive health care interactions in adulthood. Being an advocate for one’s own health and wellness is an important life skill. You, as parents, have the power to make each visit to the doctor healthy and productive.

My personal advice is to take it seriously.

Don’t rush it at the doc! Carve out the time and make it sacred. Ask questions — even at a well checkup. Be present. I so admire my own family physician for always starting things off with, “What’s been going on? How do you feel? How are you sleeping? How are you managing stress?”

Like an auto mechanic considers every part of the car, a doctor should consider the WHOLE person — mental, emotional, physical, genetic and so on.

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • April 2016

15

Raising a kid with grit G

rit can be defined in a couple ways: 1) small, loose particles of stone or sand. 2) courage and resolve; strength of character.

When we’re talking about raising children, pieces of dirt and sand are part of the package.

But raising a child with courage, resolve and strength of character? That takes a little more effort and support on our part.

Well-known psychologist Angela Duckworth’s theory is that personality traits, such as resilience, initiative, self-control, motivation and perseverance (a.k.a. grit) matter more than intelligence, skill or grades when predicting achievement and success.

Grit is a hot topic in education — as is the idea of a growth mindset, made famous by psychologist Carol Dweck, , a Stanford University professor who argues that the ability to learn is not fixed, but can change (grow) with one’s effort.

Scientists believe that the brain can change and grow in response to challenges and changes (a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity), and not just throughout childhood where the effect is quite pronounced, but throughout life.

Dweck’s research (tinyurl.com/growth-mn) has shown that students’ beliefs about their ability to improve can lead to actual improvement in motivation as well as performance. It’s partly why parents today are discouraged from saying: “You’re smart,” to students who excel, but rather, “Wow, you must have worked hard on that.”

With this understanding, educators (like me) are working to research, share and implement these ideas in our schools to help students develop these traits not only for their success in academics, but also in life.

However, educators can do only so much. Parents have the most powerful influence in a child’s life.

Think about these ideas to help your school-age child start learning and understanding these empowering concepts to boost his or her self-esteem, motivation and work ethic, both in and out of the classroom.

⊲⊲Helping, not rescuing Let your child solve small problems.

This can be hard to do, but problem solving can be a powerful learning experience for children.

Here’s an example: One day last week, my 8-year-old son forgot his folder at school. When he got home he became very frustrated and upset because he knew he had some homework to do. Instead

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of driving back to school to get his folder, we talked through it.

We talked about how we all forget things sometimes and it can be very frustrating when we forget important things.

I reminded him (from my teacher-mama perspective) that this wasn’t the first time a child had forgotten his homework at school.

Together we brainstormed some ideas to work through this experience. With my urging and support, he came up with the solution talk to his teacher right away in the morning and to try to find a time during the day (like snack time or recess) to complete the assignment so he could hand it in on time.

He understood he might have to face consequences for not turning his homework first thing in the morning. But thanks to our conversation, he had a sense of resolve and at least a shortterm plan.

⊲⊲Working toward a goal Emphasize the value of practice and hard work.

Researchers have concluded that praising and recognizing the effort toward a goal is more productive than praising the end result.

I’ve experimented with these ideas with my son, who has a very strong interest in sports.

At a recent high school basketball game, I noticed he was in awe of the varsity players, so I encouraged him to contemplate how many years of practice the players must have had and how hard they must have worked to develop their skills.

We’ve also had conversations about how those varsity players had probably started out in elementary basketball just like him.

We talked about how — if he commits to practice during his

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elementary and high school years — he, too, could develop the skills to be a varsity player someday.

⊲⊲The 'NYET' response Encouraging kids to “stick to it,” even if they experience some struggle, is one way to help them develop grit.

For example, if a child is losing interest or motivation in a sport because the other kids are “better,” the answer isn’t to let the child quit the sport.

Under a growth mindset, children should try to stay committed at least through a single season or the set duration of the activity so they can, ideally, work through their struggles and develop an understanding that hard work and practice are what cultivate skill (not innate talent).

Dweck recommends that children who say: “I can’t do it,” be encouraged to say instead: “I can’t do it — yet,” or “NYET,” short for “not yet.” (You can learn about NYET and the growth mindset at tinyurl. com/carol-dweck-nyet.)

With support and encouragement, hopefully our kids will develop some grit to help them be successful both at school and in life.

Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives in Northeastern Minnesota.

Follow her on Instagram @megtdevine. Write her at mdevine@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • April 2016

17

Playing the numbers game I

never told my kids I expected straight As from them. I’m not sure whether this is a good, bad or better thing.

I just want them to do their best.

I suppose the next obvious question is: How do I measure their best, exactly? Admittedly, I haven’t come up with a system yet.

All I know is that during their elementary years I wanted to focus less on the goal of a number or letter grade and more on values.

My role was making sure they were loved and provided for; theirs was learning compassion for their fellow classmates, respect for their teachers and diligence in getting their work done.

How quickly merely sitting in your seat and keeping your hands to yourself becomes unimpressive!

⊲ Distracted from my ideals In middle school, the value of being a good kid or a kind one dissipates in the face of a computerized matrix of daily grades. My district’s well-equipped system has become a bit of a contributor to this.

I started to feel like a wide-eyed crazy lady who totally forgot her earlier ideals.

Instead of asking who sat with them at their lunch table, like my tendency once was, I’d ask: Why did you forget to turn in that assignment? or Why did you get that grade? Did you not understand something? Do you need help studying?

It’s difficult not to get caught up in the numbers. The online school grading system is like a serpent in the garden, luring me in to take one more look.

⊲ Academic pressures Because I’m in the middle of parenting a forgetful, teenage boy, I continually remind myself that the numbers don’t make him who he is as a person.

I urge him, like I always have, to stay the course, ask for help when he needs it — and for goodness sake — turn in your work!

But no matter how altruistic my ideals are, the fact remains: He’s being measured by his numbers.

TEEN STUFF

Algebra guide ⊲ New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Larry Gonick continues his popular series of math, history and science books with The Cartoon Guide to Algebra — 222 playful pages tackling essentials such as variables, quadratic equations, rates, proportion and more. Paperback, e-book, Kindle and iPad versions are all available now. $18.99 • amazon.com

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High school has made him sensitive to numbers, too. He looks at his percentages before his exams knowing that a lower grade could affect his GPA — yet another number.

It’s hard not to parent accordingly. If he doesn’t turn an assignment in, do I begin taking away social privileges?

It’s difficult to gauge what he says he’s done with assignments that are in the system, but haven’t been graded (and look like they’re missing).

⊲⊲And now college This past fall my son took the PSAT. For months, he was asking me: What’s my score?

What number did I get?

Before his test results became available to me, I already knew he did well because of the college envelopes that started showing up in the mail. (Apparently they like certain numbers, too.)

I guess he is realizing these are his numbers.

I know this, too. But somehow, the fact that he’s starting to ask changes things.

Does this mean I can hand over the worry that A Mom Who Hopes carries so well?

With every invitation to subscribe to more information about these prospective colleges, we have new numbers to look at.

How many miles from home? And the inevitable, HOW MUCH a year?

It can be easy to get carried away, so I try instead to focus on how I can respond now.

I reiterate to him when he’s had a bad test: When you’re all grown up, no one is going to ask you about that honors French test you took your sophomore year.

They’re going to look at how hard you work, the positive communication you maintain with your bosses and your ability to collaborate with your coworkers.

Then I breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe I had the right idea all along.

Jennifer Wizbowski lives in Excelsior with her husband, and daughter and son, ages 12 and 15. Send comments, questions and story ideas to jwizbowski@mnparent.com.

mnparent.com • April 2016

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Spring cleaning for your credit score D

reading spring cleaning this year? Here’s an idea: Instead of scrubbing, scouring and laundering, consider polishing your credit score instead.

Your credit score is a number between 350 (very high risk) and 850 (very low risk) that lenders look at to determine how much of a credit risk you are.

Your rate has to be really low in order for lenders to totally reject you, but a low score could mean they’ll charge a higher interest rate.

The difference between a great score and an OK one can mean a dramatic difference in your borrowing rates — and your payments.

Even if you don’t plan to be shopping for a loan in the near future, you likely will be at some point, and fixing a bad credit score can take time. That’s why an annual checkup is a good idea.

Credit-rating agencies don’t disclose exactly how they calculate credit scores, but in researching various experts’ advice, I was able collect a handful of simple strategies you can use to bolster your score.

⊲⊲Order your free credit scores The first step is finding out just where you stand. You’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) every 12 months.

Go to annualcreditreport.com to get yours. Don’t use other sites that promise free credit reports, as many of them come with hidden fees or are free for a short time and then charge you.

⊲⊲Get mistakes corrected When you have your reports, check for any inaccuracies and contact the bureau about changing them.

They’re usually pretty receptive if they’re in the wrong.

When I got my free credit reports last year, one of them showed an account I never had. I emailed them, and it was removed within a couple weeks.

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⊲⊲Fix missed payments If you have only one or two missed payments, get in touch with the lender and make good. Then ask if they’d be willing to erase those late payments from your report. If you’ve been on the ball about making payments outside those couple mistakes, they may agree.

Payment history is a major component of your score, so fixing this can help a lot.

⊲⊲Keep balances down Total up the credit limits you have and compare that figure to the amount you’ve borrowed. Ideally, you should keep your balances below about 30 percent of your limit. Again, credit bureaus aren’t disclosing exactly what that percentage should be, but most experts agree that 30 percent is about right. At any rate, the lower the better. That applies both to the percentage on any given card as well as your overall credit usage.

If your percentage is high, pay down balances to get it below 30 percent. If you can’t pay them down now, experts suggest you can transfer a balance from a card

Credit scores are built over time, not overnight, and the best way to build yours up is simply to pay your bills month after month.

with a high percentage to one with a lower one so that all cards are below 30 percent.

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⊲ Eliminate small balances One of the factors in your credit score is how many cards you have balances on. Do you have a bunch of cards with pesky little balances? Pay them off! (Or at least transfer balances to consolidate.)

⊲ Keep old accounts If you pay off an account, don’t be in a hurry to close it. If you have an exemplary repayment history, keep that account open so its sterling record stays on the record.

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⊲ Going forward After doing this cleanup, you of course should keep your credit clean. That means, obviously, paying bills on time.

Credit scores are built over time, not overnight, and the best way to build yours up is simply to pay your bills month after month. If you’ve missed payments, pay them and keep paying them. As those missed or late payments recede into the past, they will begin to mean less to your credit score.

If you’re having trouble making your payments, contact a credit counselor for advice. Seeking this kind of help won’t hurt your scores, and finding a way to manage your credit will help your score in the long run.

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⊲ When you do need a loan If you’re shopping for a new loan, try to do it within a focused period of time.

Searching for a bunch of new lines of credit over time can raise red flags for your credit score.

A short period of searching, however, looks like what it is — shopping for the best deal for a specific project.

Happy spring!

Eric Braun is the co-author of the forthcoming book for young readers, The Survival Guide for Money Smarts: Earn, Save, Spend, Give (Free Spirit Publishing).

Write him at ebraun@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • April 2016

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Dr. Peter Dehnel

Car-seat colic Help! My baby despises her car seat and cries during every ride.

This is a very challenging situation and a very good question.

Being unhappy in a car seat can be related to a number of different causes: She may be tired and a car seat position may be one in which she can’t fall asleep.

Some infants are sensitive to movement, and this can cause a type of motion sickness. Some infants get bored easily and would benefit from some sort of distraction.

Finally, car seats can simply be uncomfortable for some infants.

One way to sort through these different possibilities

is to have someone sit in the back with your daughter and see if she can be distracted. You also can try playing music or opt for shorter, more frequent rides.

The good news is that this phase tends to be short and most babies eventually learn to tolerate longer car trips without crying.

I’m pregnant. What can I do to protect myself against the Zika virus?

Zika virus disease has become an international health concern because of the multiple countries currently affected by the virus.

Mexico, Central America and the northern two-thirds of South America are countries where the virus currently is causing infections. There’s no known vaccine to prevent infection and there’s no treatment for the disease.

The majority of people who get infected tend to have mild to no symptoms,

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which are primarily fever, rash, joint pain and/or conjunctivitis (red eyes).

Acetaminophen is recommended for treatment of fever and/or body aches whereas ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen are not.

Zika virus — which can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus — has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in which a baby’s head is smaller than normal.

Zika is generally spread by mosquito bites, although sexual transmission is also possible. If a mosquito bites someone in the first week of his or her illness and then bites another person, it can spread to that second person as well.

Sexual contact with someone who’s recently returned from an area where Zika is found is also a risk and appropriate preventive measures should be taken.

Infection during the first three months of a pregnancy seem to be the biggest risk for the developing fetus. There doesn’t seem to be nearly the same level of concern of infection at the end of pregnancy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pregnant women delay travel to areas with Zika, which can be found at cdc.gov.

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What products do you recommend for chronic diaper rash?

Diaper care and the prevention of rashes have become much easier in many ways as diaper technology has evolved.

Improved absorbency of diapers prevents persistent wetness on the skin. Changing diapers as soon as they become wet or soiled also helps prevent rashes.

Much of the irritation seen in the diaper area tends to be caused by the use of diaper wipes, especially in infants who have sensitive skin or frequent, loose stools.

Rinsing out pre-moistened diaper wipes with warm water before using them can go a long way to reducing diaper irritation.

If there still seems to be a need for a cream or ointment, products that create a barrier between the skin and the diaper tend to work well. Products that contain about 50 percent petrolatum work well, as do products that contain 40 percent zinc oxide.

If a rash persists, schedule a visit to your pediatrician. There are some conditions that may need special treatment — such as eczema or a superficial infection.

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

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

Contact your health care provider with questions about your child.

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mnparent.com • April 2016

23

When it’s more than just a tantrum I

t started slowly with a whimper and a whine.

But it wasn’t long before Nicki’s 3-year-old son, Charlie, was having a full-blown meltdown in the cereal aisle.

Nicki’s attention had been focused on her 6-yearold, Lucas, who was doing his best to fill the grocery cart with sugary snacks and throwaway toys. As Lucas lobbied for chocolate cereal, his little brother began knocking boxes off the shelf and yelling at full volume.

Soon Charlie was kicking Lucas in the leg and taking a swing at his mother.

Nicki tried to calm Charlie down, but nothing worked. Frustrated and embarrassed, she abandoned her grocery cart, grabbed Charlie by the arm, and fled the store with Lucas running behind.

This wasn’t the first time Charlie had behaved this way. His pleasant demeanor had started to change a few months ago. He began acting out, throwing toys

and having frequent and severe temper tantrums.

Nicki tried everything she could think of to help Charlie, including modeling and rewarding good behavior, and redirecting behavior that wasn’t appropriate. Nothing seemed to work.

He wasn’t interested in being with other children his age. He resisted going to preschool. He cried excessively every night before bed and seldom slept through the night.

Although Charlie’s behavior was certainly different from that of Lucas at the same age, Nicki figured Charlie would eventually outgrow it.

“It will get better,” she told herself.

That day in the grocery store, however, she realized this wasn’t a passing phase — Charlie needed more help than she could give him on her own.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a mental health condition, and many don’t receive the help they need.

And yet, early detection and intervention are crucial to helping children overcome behavioral challenges and reach their full potential. If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, here are four steps you can take:

⊲⊲Connect with others Helping your children socialize from a young age is important to their overall health and wellbeing, and observing them with their peers may help you identify differences in development and behavior at an earlier age.

Even if your child has siblings to interact with, such familiarity might mask other areas of concern. You can connect with other parents and their children through play groups, religious activities, the YMCA and early childhood programs at your neighborhood school.

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That day in the grocery store, however, Nicki realized this wasn’t a passing phase — Charlie needed more help than she could give him on her own.

⊲⊲Observe and evaluate Watch your child closely and make a list of your concerns.

Talk with trusted friends, grandparents and other parents to find out if your concerns are typical or unusual. The PACER Center’s action information sheets — Tantrums, Tears and Tempers: Behavior Is Communication and Young Children with Challenging Behavior: When Should Parents Be Concerned? — are resources to help you evaluate your child’s behavior and determine if it’s a sign of something more serious. See tinyurl.com/tantrum-mn1 and tinyurl.com/tantrum-mn2 to go directly to these PDF files.

Most important, listen to your instincts.

If you feel that something isn’t right, take action.

⊲⊲Schedule an evaluation Screening is essential to early identification of mental health and developmental challenges in young children.

A screening can be conducted by your child’s pediatrician, or you can request an early childhood diagnostic screening through your school district or other early intervention program, often for no cost.

⊲⊲Seek resources If your child is diagnosed with a developmental delay or mental health condition, your family can likely receive free services from the school district — in your home, in a childcare setting or at school — all well before he or she is old enough to attend school.

These programs may also offer no-cost parent education classes and other opportunities for learning and connecting with other families.

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© Disney. Reprinted with permission from Disney Online. All Rights Reserved. This article originally appeared on Babble.com and was published in partnership with The PACER Center, a nonprofit organization based in the Twin Cities that helps families with children with disabilities and also runs the National Bullying Prevention Center.

Learn more at pacer.org. mnparent.com • April 2016

25

BOOKSHELF

Books for mamas

By Sarah Jackson Whether you’re a new-mom-to-be on a quest for fresh knowledge, a friend looking for a fun baby-shower book or a grandparent in search of a perfect Mother’s Day gift for your daughter, we hope you’ll find something in this mix to pique your interest.

Ma Doula: A Story Tour of Birth You’ll hear a lot of birth stories during your pregnancy — be they invited tales from caring friends or harrowing, unwelcome narratives from total strangers.

Stephanie Sorensen’s recent memoir, meanwhile, offers a different, more worldly perspective.

Her tales of birth, gathered during 35 years of midwifery and doula work, span continents and cultures, including the Twin Cities’ Ethiopian and Somali communities.

Ina May Gaskin, perhaps the world’s most famous midwife, said: “Ma Doula is a wonderful book for parents-to-be who love birth stories that provide a look at the great range of what can happen during pregnancy, labor and birth. Stephanie Sorensen is a brilliant storyteller. Her book is full of wisdom and tenderness." $14.95

The Pregnancy Encyclopedia Covering more than 350 largeformat pages, this heavy hardcover is packed with information, 300 topics in all. And it’s uniquely delivered — almost entirely in a question-and-answer format.

Like so many other books by publisher DK, this reference book is science-based, but also glossy, polished and pretty with full-color photographs, illustrations and infographics, going from pre-conception to early newborn care. $40

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Amazing Moms Wild animals don’t overthink things like we humans do, and there are some powerful messages and parallels in their subtle stories in this lighthearted book, subtitled Love and Lessons From the Animal Kingdom.

Quotations, captions and short narratives offer wisdom and fun facts about animal mothers and babies, paired with National Geographic wildlife photography. $9.95

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Mom & Me Baby books are fab for catching statistics and moments that, at the time, seem indelible, but are actually really easy to forget. After you get through those early years, there’s this series of parent-child journals for ages 6 and older, which also includes Dad & Me, Grandpa & Me and Grandma & Me, too. Also known as guided memory books, they’re part of the Get Kids Writing series from U.K.-based Journals of Lifetime. $24.99

mnparent.com • April 2016

27

IN THE KITCHEN

Hot dish!

To Brits, Toad in the Hole is a traditional sausage and Yorkshire pudding dish. To a Yankee, it could best be described as hot dogs combined with popovers. The resulting dish sort of tastes like a corndog hot dish! The tangy onion “gravy” elevates the flavor, but this is an all-around favorite for the whole family.

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Recipe and photo by Aleksandra Till TOAD IN THE HOLE WITH ONION GRAVY 1 pound pork link sausages 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 red onions, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced finely 2 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon powdered vegetable stock (or beef or chicken bouillon powder) 1 cup water 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 3/4 cup milk

DIRECTIONS Heat the oven to 450 degrees.

Put the oil and sausages in a 9-by-9-inch baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until browned.

Cook the onions and garlic in a medium saucepan with the butter until the onions are soft and turning brown. Add the balsamic vinegar, powdered stock and water, and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat.

Mix the flour, salt and egg in a small bowl using an electric whisk. Slowly add the milk, whisking all the time.

Pour the batter over the browned sausages and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dough is risen and golden. Don’t open the oven door — or adjust or prod this dish — during baking.

Cut the dish into squares, top with onion gravy and serve with a side of roasted broccoli.

Aleksandra Till is a mother of three and the founder-owner of Homegrown Foods, a new meal-planning, prep and delivery service, serving the Twin Cities. Learn more at eatgoodathome.com.

↑↑Minneapolis mom Annie Goldbaum worked with doulas and also relied on special positioning and counter-pressure on her back (including help from her husband, Jeffrey Goldman) to handle labor pains while giving birth to their daughter, Rosalie, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.

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of

M O M S H AV E M A N Y O P T I O N S F O R M A N AG I N G PA I N — AS WELL AS TENSION AND FEAR — DURING THE BIRTHING P R O C E S S , R A N G I N G F R O M N AT U R A L TO P H A R M AC E U T I C A L

BY JEN WITTES PHOTOS BY MEGAN CROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

mnparent.com • April 2016

31

LABOR OF LOVE ←←This local mom coped with labor pains with help from a doula, counter-pressure on her back and Hypnobabies techniques. Hypnobabies methods — taught in special childbirth education classes — involve moving into a different state of consciousness during the painful stages of labor.

Because her baby was preterm, she delivered her baby in the operating room to ensure easy access to neonatal care at The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

IN MANY WAYS,

our notion of pain during labor comes from cultural expectation, including basically every birth depicted in scripted TV. Mothers scream and sometimes become cartoonishly violent toward their spouses.

It’s high drama.

But for a growing number of women, even in the U.S., childbirth is viewed as an intense, but not necessarily painful experience. In fact, some women do describe labor as — honestly — orgasmic.

“In the U.S., women have a skewed view of birth,” said Minneapolis-based certified doula and evidence-based birth instructor Anne Ferguson. “We primarily hear about births that are long, difficult and fraught with drama. One of the main reasons women experience pain in childbirth is that they expect to. The fear-tension-pain cycle is very real.”

Consider the word: labor. This is work! While the experience of birthing is multi-faceted, it almost always comes with certain discomforts, challenges, worries, fears and — most certainly — hard work.

HOW WILL I COPE? As women move through gestation, they at least consider — and often sporadically panic about — the pain associated with labor. This is particularly true for first-time pregnancies.

Questions loom: How will it feel? What can I handle? What’s best for my baby?

ALL women — both those who birth in the woods under the stars and those who order the epidural from the car on the way to the hospital — call on different comfort measures to cope with the sensations of labor.

“There are so many different options,” said Allanna Skoogman, a labor and delivery nurse at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. “Often during a labor, you’ll get involved with many

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— pharmacologic or not. It’s the same process for everyone, essentially, but every woman does it differently.”

It’s important to at least familiarize yourself with the options — all of them!

Read up. Explore. Ask around.

Talk to your partner. Dig deeper into the options you instinctively favor, but have an open mind about the alternatives.

Remember that there are no right or wrong choices.

NARCOTICS Delivered by IV, the opioids Demerol or Stadol claim to “take the edge off” during labor. However, the drugs often leave women feeling nauseated, dizzy and drowsy.

Another concern is that they do cross into the baby’s bloodstream. Baby, too, can become drowsy and therefore less of a participant in labor. The drowsiness can also affect post-birth bonding and breastfeeding success.

The use of narcotics during pregnancy

is becoming less common, thanks to improvements in the way epidurals can be administered, including situations in which women can still get up and walk around.

Learn more at tinyurl.com/labornarcotics.

NITROUS OXIDE Laughing gas is back and better than ever!

Long ago, use of laughing gas for labor pain diminished because the then-recommended high doses were rendering women unconscious.

In the last year or two, the use of nitrous oxide has made a significant comeback in America — with women controlling how much and how often to dose. Most Twin Cities hospitals and birth centers now offer this option. But be sure to ask beforehand if you’re interested in the option.

“The biggest benefit is that it is safe for mothers and babies,” said Kerry Dixon, clinical director of the Minnesota Birth Center.

Nitrous offers quick onset and quick offset if Mom doesn’t like the way it makes her feel, Dixon said, adding that another big plus of nitrous is that it reduces anxiety.

“That’s right: It’s the only anti-anxiety medication we offer to women in labor,” Dixon said. “For many mothers it is not the actual pain or discomfort causing problems, it’s worrying about what MIGHT be coming next.”

Learn more about nitrous in labor at tinyurl.com/health-foundations-nitrous.

ANESTHESIA General: This means completely asleep and pain free.

It’s rarely used during labor these days, because it completely inhibits the mother’s involvement both throughout labor and immediately after, during the first few moments of the baby’s life.

Spinal: With this form of anesthesia, the

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LABOR OF LOVE ←←St. Louis Park mom Daisy Simpson used Hypnobabies techniques during the birth of her son, Isaac — as well as hydrotherapy, massage, a supportive partner (her husband, Kyle) and, finally, an epidural — to manage labor pains.

Learn more about water birthing at tinyurl.com/water-birth-mn.

HYPNOSIS

medication is injected into the spinal cord fluid.

It’s chosen for its quick effectiveness. The flip side is that it wears off quickly as well.

Because it’s administered in a single shot, the laboring woman doesn’t need a catheter. If given during labor, it’s usually given in conjunction with an epidural.

Epidural: It’s the most common form of pain management in the U.S. today.

Rather than being injected into the spinal cord fluid, the medicine is injected into the epidural space, or the fluid-filled area just outside the spinal cord.

An epidural numbs the woman’s pelvic region and is considered a highly effective form of pain relief. Risks include headache, allergic reaction, bleeding or injury around the spinal column, a drop in blood pressure, infection and, rarely, seizure.

“Epidurals are getting better all the time,” Ferguson said. “Though my leanings as a doula and hypnobabies teacher tend to be natural, I’ve attended some great births where an epidural saved a vaginal birth. I’ve seen ‘light’ epidurals where the mom could still push in a variety of positions.”

Some believe that a loss of sensation can lead to a longer pushing phase, which can lead to forceps or vacuum extraction, if not to C-section.

The statistics are improving, however, as control over the release of medication, which is delivered by a catheter in the mother’s back, is improving. Women can now control their own epidural flow, reducing or discontinuing the medication when it’s time to push.

See tinyurl.com/anesthesia-webmd.

HYDROTHERAPY Either in hopes of full water birth or for momentary relief, women are increasingly interested in the availability of birth and labor tubs.

It’s no secret that warm water soothes achy muscles and a tired body.

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The idea with hypnobirthing is to train beforehand to acquire the ability to move into a different state of consciousness during the painful stages of labor. Hypnobabies, a six-week childbirth class, is the most common program for this tool.

Several local doulas are trained in the practice and can serve as facilitators during labor.

According to the Hynobabies website, the process involves retraining the subconscious mind so that contractions in labor will be perceived by the body “as pressure or a squeezing-type sensations and/or pushing, pulling and normal baby-movement sensations.”

See hypnobabies.com for more information.

Even women who are wary of hypnosis class can benefit from the powerful idea of altering one’s mindset with some basic visualization. I’m at the beach; I’m in the mountains, at a Parisian cafe. You get the idea.

MOVEMENT Gone are the days of laboring flat on your back in a stiff hospital bed.

Some women walk MILES during labor. Some lightly bounce or sway while perched on a balance ball. Some women find relief on their hands and knees, while others like to dance!

Even women using medical methods of pain management are usually allowed at

least some movement while going through labor.

Particularly nasty contraction? Change positions or walk through the next one.

Learn more at lamaze.org/movementinlabor.

KISSING In her books Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, revolutionary and iconic midwife Ina May Gaskin talks about the analgesic power of, well, making out.

The oxytocin rush we receive while kissing boosts happy, feel-good hormones while minimizing pain and anxiety.

An extra bonus is a relaxing of the entire sphincter system, which in turn actually helps soften the cervix and progress labor.

At any rate, it can’t hurt! Unless, of course, you’ve crossed over into the “touch me and die” stage of labor.

The risk in kissing during that phase falls on your partner. Listen to your instincts.

See tinyurl.com/gaskin-ted and birthstorymovie.com.

SUPPORT “Often overlooked is a good support team — doula, partner, family. A third party to help you remember what your vision is can be really helpful,” Skoogman said.

A team of supporters can also offer TLC, breathing coaching, light massage or counter-pressure applied to the back, plus many other forms of emotional support.

While the laboring mother works and copes, her support team can help her remember her pain-management options as well as suggestions for what to try next.

Learn more about doula support in Minnesota at childbirthcollective.org.

Jen Wittes is a freelance writer and mother of two who lives in St. Paul. She’s helped many Twin Cities families in her work as a postpartum doula. Megan Crown specializes in birth photography. Lern more at megancrown.com.

mnparent.com • April 2016

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Feb. 8, 2009

Hi Thomas. I’m your dad, Colin. Your mom, Rachel, and I are sitting with you in the NICU. You were born Feb. 5, 2009, at 7:07 p.m. Things have been hectic the last few days. You see, we weren’t expecting you for five more weeks. Unfortunately, your mom suddenly starting having some health issues that could have endangered both of you, so for your safety and her’s, the doctor said you had to come out and join us.

Letters from the NICU

By Rachel Brougham

—»

mnparent.com • April 2016

37

Letters from the NICU

I

remember well the space in the hospital where my son was born. It was a cozy room down a back hallway. It had a small sofa, a recliner and a television most new mothers are lucky enough to never really need. In the room, there were pamphlets about caring for premature babies and the benefits of breastfeeding. There was literature about vaccinations — and, finally, a poster on the wall of a new mother, smiling as she held her new baby. ¶ I remember thinking the poster was cruel. Sure, all my friends who were mothers had that same big smile as they carried their babies out of the hospital for the first time. ¶ I was expecting to be that mother, too. But I wasn’t.

I stared at that poster for 17 days as I unsuccessfully tried to pump milk for Thom who was just down the hall in a small, sterile bassinet, hooked up to monitors, with a feeding tube up his nose.

I can’t imagine how many mothers, like me, cried in that room as they stared at that poster — knowing their own child was in the hospital’s NICU — uncertain of their future. All those mothers were robbed of their first few weeks with their newborns. They were sent home from the hospital and had to leave their babies behind.

Feb. 9, 2009 It’s about 8 p.m. and you’re still in the NICU. They haven’t given you a bottle in a couple days because you’re having reflux. You’re on a few different medicines and we’re hoping you get better fast because we really want you home with us. Your mother and I feel very incomplete when we’re not around you. Your mom is holding and rocking you right now — and we’re both crying because this is so hard. We’re beyond happy you’re here with us, but it hurts to see you in here and not be able to be with you all the time.

Colin and I decided that after five years of marriage, we were ready to have kids. I was 30 at the time and it took me only a month to get pregnant. I did everything right — I was fit, I exercised regularly, I was a healthy eater, I slept well.

But sometime around the 20-week mark, I started feeling different.

My doctor said I had to stop running and should stick with walking. I struggled with round ligament

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↑ Colin and Rachel Brougham were finally able to bring their son, Thom, home after 17 days at the hospital.

This photo, taken by one of the family’s NICU nurses, shows the Brougham family minutes before their longawaited discharge.

pain. I suddenly had morning sickness, but anyone who’s experienced it will tell you it doesn’t just apply to mornings. I remember getting ready for a doctor’s visit on Dec. 31, putting my boots on, zipping up my coat and suddenly throwing up all over myself.

Something was wrong.

But when you’re pregnant, people repeatedly tell you that getting sick and feeling lousy is just part of the deal.

I never had high blood pressure until I was pregnant, and as the months went by, it kept getting worse.

I remember waking up from a nap one January afternoon and seeing black spots.

I didn’t say anything, I just chalked it up to drowsiness or some random pregnancy symptom.

Feb. 11, 2009 It’s a big day for you. Not only have they removed your oxygen mask, but your IV came out of your belly button. This is the first time we’ve seen your face without something on it since you were born. You’re also feeding more from the bottle. The nurses removed your feeding tube today, but you’re not yet able to get enough to stay off it. The doctor just explained to us you’ll be making a few steps forward and then one or two back, just about every day. At this point, the doctor is guessing that you’ll likely be here for seven to 10 more days.

I was due March 10, but on Feb. 4, during a regular checkup, my blood pressure was so high my doctor ordered some blood work. As I waited for preliminary results, I was instructed to lie on my left side as I was hooked up to a bunch of monitors in a tiny exam room. After what seemed like an eternity, my doctor ordered me to go on bed rest. I was allowed only an hour a day to shower and do things around the house.

The following morning, my doctor’s office called. Blood tests showed my liver enzymes were all over the place and they were worried about preeclampsia. mnparent.com • April 2016

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Letters from the NICU I was ordered to get to the office as soon as possible. We packed an overnight bag just in case and headed out.

It was a Thursday and my doctor said he was scheduling me for induction on Monday.

Before he added me to the schedule, he checked for dilation and found I was already at 4 centimeters.

Within minutes, I was in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV and they started me on Pitocin. My doctor broke my water.

Seven hours later, Thom was born. I was able to hold him briefly before he was quickly taken away to the hospital’s NICU and hooked up to oxygen.

All those visions I had of bringing him home from the hospital, being able to hold my child whenever I wanted — and being that poster child for the happy new mother — vanished. Instead, my husband and I became unwilling members of the special NICU parent club.

Feb. 20, 2009 We thought you might be coming home today, but the doctor says you need to stay until Monday. Your mom and I are upset about this, but we know it’s the right thing. We’re very anxious to get you home. This experience ↑ Colin and Rachel Brougham and their son, Thom, moved to Minneapolis has been tougher on her than she’ll let anyone from Michigan in June 2015. know. She says she doesn’t feel like a mom when we’re home without you, but I tried to Fortunately, most people never experience the get her to see that she feels that way because she definitely inside of a NICU. Most parents never know the is a mom. emotional toll of leaving their child behind at the hospital and fearing for their newborn’s life. You watch other babies come and go, and give friendly goodbye hugs to those other NICU mothers you’ve come to know as they leave with their babies. While you’re happy for them, you’re seething inside at the same time because it’s not you.

If you do find yourself in the NICU parent club, know the nurses will become your greatest support system. It’s been seven years, and I haven’t forgotten Richard, Laurie, Beth or Dawn.

“If you do find yourself in the NICU parent club, know the nurses will become your greatest support system.”

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Letters from the NICU

The long road home A Mankato mom shares the story of her extremely premature daughter in her book, Life With Grace

By Sarah Jackson

J

ennifer Schwertfeger, a Mankato mother of three daughters, knows the trauma of NICU — and beyond — all too well.

Her second daughter, Grace, was born at 24 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 6.2 ounces.

Early on in her pregnancy, Schwertfeger faced complications, including a torn placenta in her sixth week and a large blood clot attached to her uterus, which also put her in danger.

Doctors didn’t expect the baby to make it to 14 weeks in utero.

“They told my husband, Mike, and me to prepare for a miscarriage,” Schwertfeger said.

Their daughter was born a micro preemie — defined as a baby weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces (or before 26 weeks gestation) — with a 66 to 80 percent chance of survival.

Miraculously, Grace survived, despite life-threatening health problems, and the family spent the next nine months at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Grace had seven surgeries to address her many health issues.

But the ordeal didn’t end when she was finally discharged from the hospital.

“She was still so ill that she had a lot of mechanical ventilation,” Schwertfeger said. “We had nurses in our home for another nine more months. The first four years of her life were critical, and so much to endure.”

Schwertfeger, whose daughter is now 11 years old and attending school, tells her family’s incredible story in her book Life With Grace: A Reference Guide for Parents of Premature Babies.

“I wrote the book for many reasons — to share my experiences, because it was a very difficult journey, to help others know that they are not alone, and to give people hope that miracles do exist,” Schwertfeger said.

Schwertfeger’s dream is for every NICU and PICU department in the country to have a copy of her book to provide solace for parents.

Today Grace, who attends special education and regular classes, faces cognitive, behavioral and health challenges, including respiratory issues that require her to use inhalers and a nebulizer.

“But she is progressing,” Schwertfeger

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said. “She’s just like any other kid out there — very sweet and will make you smile. She is known as Amazing Grace, because she made it through some amazing times. She is truly a miracle.”

At 120 pages, Schwertfeger’s compelling yet conversational book isn’t a daunting read, and yet it’s rich with information for preemie parents, including emotional survival strategies, practical resources, preemie medical terminology and personal stories of faith — an ↑ Jennifer Schwertfeger of important part of the Mankato poses with her 11-year-old Schwertfeger family’s daughter, Grace, who was born 16 journey. weeks prematurely.

“Our story is a difficult one, and by all means it wasn’t easy getting to the point of where we are at today,” Schwertfeger said. “But given what we witnessed and saw, I truly know in my heart that God spared her life.”

Dr. Paolo Pianosi, a consultant in the department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, called the book “an essential how-to manual” for parents of preemies.

“There is not likely any ordeal more terrifying to a parent than their child experiencing a life-threatening illness. This can become a daily struggle for the parents of an extremely premature infant,” he said. “With no past experience or road map to guide them, parents repeatedly face detours, catastrophes and other delays on their long road home. Life with Grace is an attempt to provide a map of sorts for parents navigating these stormy seas.”

Learn more about the book, which costs $14.99, at lifewithgracebook.com.

Try to find humor among the sadness: Rereading Colin’s journal of the experience brought me to tears, but it also made me laugh as he talked about visits from family members and friends.

When the doctor tells you it will be five or six days, expect more. NICU parents know it’s one step forward, two steps back.

It’s heartbreaking to have your child’s discharge date moved back repeatedly.

Your emotions will run wild, and the experience may not hit you right away.

You’ll be preoccupied with your child’s well-being, not how you feel yourself.

When you’re finally home and things calm down, you may find yourself with your own emotional issues.

Seek help. It’s not uncommon for NICU parents to be diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, sometimes even years later.

Feb. 22, 2009 So your departure date got moved up — to today! We’re sitting with you for the last time in the NICU. It seems like such a long time since you were born. I said to your mom on the way here today that it feels to me like today is your birthday.

Today, Thom is 7. He has no medical issues we’re aware of. In fact, he’s the tallest first grader in his class.

He eats like a teenager. He loves reading, building weird contraptions, playing soccer, swimming lessons and leaving his LEGO pieces all over the floor.

He rarely stops talking. And as much as we often crave quiet time, Colin and I know that loudness and crazy-little-boyantics are far better than the silence and isolation we felt in the hospital NICU. Rachel Brougham is a writer, editor and recent Minneapolis transplant. At this moment, she’s most likely getting Thom a snack or telling him to clean up his mess.

Free Breastfeeding Help and Mother-to-Mother Support Meetings: La Leche League offers help to any woman who wishes to breastfeed her baby. When you come to an LLL Series Meeting, you’ll find pregnant women, new mothers and their babies, experienced nursing mothers, and a friendly atmosphere. The meetings are informal, with a Leader encouraging discussion and gently supporting mothers as they learn to understand and meet the needs of their babies. If you are pregnant, we encourage you to complete a series before your baby arrives. Meetings are always free and babies are welcome!

Phone help: Accredited volunteer Leaders who are experienced breastfeeding mothers offer 24-hour telephone and email help on breastfeeding and related topics.

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This event is geared towards moms who are currently expecting a baby, had a baby within the last year, or are planning on growing their family soon.

Join us for a morning of pampering, delicious food, educational resources, giveaways and swag, and connecting moms and families with relevant local resources!

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Mock for mamas-to-be You aren’t supposed to drink wine, beer or spirits — and you’re told to avoid caffeine and even many herbal teas, too! So what can you drink?

By Sheila Regan

NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER Saying that any wine or beer is non-alcoholic is a bit of a misnomer, since both can sometimes contain trace amounts of alcohol. Beers typically contain less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) in the U.S., which means you’d have to drink nine O’Doul’s to equal even one regular beer.

German-brewed Clausthaler Golden Amber and Buckler

by Heineken are two that taste close to actual beer.

BeerAdvocate lists 364 low-alcohol beers — one for nearly every day of the year!

— at beeradvocate.com.

SOPHISTICATED SOFT DRINKS There are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic beverages to choose from at your local grocery store.

Since you’re spending so much less on alcohol (right?), you might as well splurge a little on fancy ginger beer or sparkling lemonade.

And if you’re watching your sugar or calorie intake, check out the DRY line of sodas, available in flavors such as lavender, rhubarb, vanilla bean, juniper berry, blood orange, cucumber, ginger and Rainier cherry.

DRY’s inventor — a mother of four — was inspired to create the low-sugar sodas because she missed the ritual of pairing wines with meals during her pregnancies. Find retailers (including most Holiday stations) and explore food pairings at drysparkling.com.

Fentimans, a botanical brewer based in the United Kingdom, meanwhile, has an interesting selection of beverages that taste a bit alcoholic even though they aren’t, including an indulgent Dandelion & Burdock, a refreshing Rose Lemonade and a splendid Mandarin & Seville Orange Jigger.

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ktails ‘WHISKEY’ SOURS AND BEYOND

When it comes to making your own mocktails, you have plenty of options, including using ginger ale or iced tea used in place of whiskey in your favorite whiskey sour recipe. Floridabased ArKay, meanwhile, sells an alcohol-free whiskey (online), and it actually isn’t too bad — slightly spicy with a hint of cinnamon.

And with all the inventive and flavorful mocktail recipes out there, you may find you don’t even miss alcohol: See tinyurl.com/fox-mocktails for 10 recipes fit for a queen’s baby shower!

NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES These pregnacy-friendly beverages have come a long way in recent years. Sutter Home’s Fre line boasts a variety of reputable bottles, including reds, whites and a rosé6. Ariel’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, meanwhile, have received rave reviews for their likenesses to real wines.

And you don’t have to drink them straight: Check out the wine-based mocktail recipes

by The Liquid Muse — Natalie Bovis — at frewines.com, including a berry-basil mojito with Fre’s non-alcoholic rosé, basil and strawberries.

Then there’s MADD Virgin Drinks’ alcohol-free wines, virgin margaritas and mojitos and an award-winning craft lager, all sold online with 5 percent of the proceeds donated to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

ASK FOR STEMWARE Remember: Presentation matters: If you’re out to eat, ask for a champagne flute or wine glass for your ginger ale or dry soda.

And use your stemware at home, too!

It just might give you a faux feeling of indulgence — without the risk of drinking alcohol while pregnant. mnparent.com • April 2016

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mnparent.com/baby

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Wooddale Academy Wooddale Academy serves families with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years with fulland half-day options. The Academy strives to teach the values of the Christian faith along with the Core Knowledge Sequence curriculum. The Academy provides a solid coherent foundation for later learning in Kindergarten and beyond.

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Fitness The Little Gym Check out our Bugs class! The average infant has an awareness of their environment: noises, music, people, etc.

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The GREATEST gift you can give your child is the gift of healthy teeth!

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the community with learning and attention challenges. Taught by Groves teachers, our small class sizes and customized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available. Contact us for more information.

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Hennepin History Museum History comes alive in this unique museum where kids and adults of all ages will be inspired to look at the world around them in a new way. Make history of your own at our summer camps for kids!

2303 Third Ave S Minneapolis 612-870-1329 hennepinhistory.org

Junior Achievement Summer Camps Students in grades 4–8 will learn how to run a successful business through a variety of fun, interactive activities. Held at JA BizTown, our unique kid-sized city. June session explores STEM careers; July session will appeal to the young entrepreneur.

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest 1800 White Bear Ave N 651-255-0037 jaum.org/ja-summer-camps

Medical Engineering Camp During the BrainSTEM 2016 Science Camp, students will explore how movement is produced and controlled by the human body and then will compare it to that of robots.

Students will be immersed in both medical science as well as mechanical engineering.

Shattuck-St. Mary’s School 1000 Shumway Ave. 507-333-1679 s-sm.org/brainstem

Minnehaha Academy Summer Programs Our high-quality program offers more than 60 half-day and full-day athletic, enrichment, and academic classes for grades pre-K–12.

4200 W River Pkwy 612-728-7745 minnehahaacademy.net/summer

Minnetonka Community Education Minnetonka Community Education offers more than 300 summer enrichment, recreation, and academic summer camps for children ages 18 months–18 years. From art to archery, STEM to soccer, and everything in between — there’s a camp that appeals to every child’s interests and passions.

5621 Cty Rd 101 Minnetonka 952-401-6800 minnetonkacommunityed.org

mnparent.com/camp 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 27–30, July 11–14, July 18–21, July 25–28, Aug 1–4, Aug 8–11, Aug 15–18. Registration forms online or call Lorene 763-593-1168.

St. Louis Park Recreation Center 3700 Monterey Dr St. Louis Park schoolchess.org

Spring Break & Summer at Blake Love of learning and courage are central to Blake's mission and summer offerings, spanning pre-K–12, are open to students throughout the Twin Cities. Students investigate topics and skills with time to delve deeply and take risks. No grades, just growth.

Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

The Works Museum Science & Engineering Camps for girls and boys in pre-K–grade 6 who love to explore, design, and build! Kids learn how things work through fun, hands-on science and engineering projects. Coding, robotics, architecture, inventing, chemistry, and more!

Camps run June–August 2016.

9740 Grand Ave S Bloomington 952-888-4262 theworks.org

Arts Adventures in Cardboard, Mythic Play in Wild Lands!

Build your own arms and armor, create giant castles to defend, battle along trails, fields and shorelines. Plan invasions from land and sea. Bows, swords, catapults, magic and monsters! Make your own history! Full days spent in beautiful parks across the metro region. Twelve sessions, June 13–September 2, 2016.

Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eagan, Arden Hills 612-532-6764 julianmcfaul.com

The Art Academy

Kidcreate Studio

City Pages Winner: Best of the Twin Cities!

Year-round traditional drawing and painting classes and camps for students ages 5–18. Exceptional student/teacher ratio.

Homeschool Program. A Renaissance program for adults also offered. See samples of student artwork; visit our website. Call for a brochure.

Kidcreate Studio’s award winning summer camps are designed to inspire and educate young artists, ages 3–12, in an environment where giggles and grins are encouraged.

Camps focus on art principles and introduce students to many types of art materials and techniques. Camps include; 3D Art Adventure, All About the Sparkle, Beyond Pinch Pots, Canvas and Clay, Disney Princess Dress-Up, Glow-in-the-Dark Art, How to Draw Animals, Let’s Paint on Canvas, Masters in Clay, Star Wars, The Messiest Art Camp Ever and many more! At Kidcreate, making a mess is the best!

651 Snelling Ave S St. Paul 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net

Art Camps at Studio Seven One week painting and drawing camps for students ages 7–18. Compositional elements will be explored through landscape and figure studies. Students will paint and draw both in the studio and outside.

Trips to galleries and museums included.

Camps are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $550 per week, all materials are included. kahlowcurtis@gmail.com.

708 N 1st St Minneapolis 612-376-0381 studio7artmn.com

ArtAble/Simply Jane Studio Simply Jane is a nonprofit art center and drop-in paint studio. We offer summer camps, classes, and host birthday parties. Camps run June 8–Aug 22. Fully accessible space.

5411 Nicollet Ave Minneapolis 612-354-3961 simplyjanestudio.com

ArtiCulture Art Camp ArtiCulture Art Camp encourages kids to explore a variety of media, and emphasizes personal creativity — fun and educational!

Themes range from claymation to food as art. Runs June 13–September 2 for ages 4 and up. Full and half day options. $119–$270.

2613 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis 612-729-5151 articulture.org

Hamline Young Writers Workshop This creative writing day camp is a chance for high school students, ages 15–18, who are passionate about creative writing to explore the craft, connect with other young writers, and work closely with Hamline’s Creative Writing faculty and published authors.

Hamline University St. Paul 651-523-2479 hamline.edu/youngwriters

7918 Mitchell Rd Eden Prairie 952-974-3438 edenprairiemn@kidcreatestudio.com 1785 Radio Drive, Ste F Woodbury 651-735-0880 woodburymn@kidcreatestudio.com kidcreatestudio.com

The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program offers more than 100 classes this summer that foster creativity, enrich talents, and create friendships. Classes run all summer for ages 6–17 at all skill levels.

Open Book 1011 Washington Ave S Minneapolis 612-215-2575 loft.org

MPLS Photo Center Digital Photography Camp Day camps for kids and teens in Minneapolis.

Indoor/outdoor fun with digital cameras, capturing pictures cellphones can’t! Portraits, candids, action, still-lifes, nature, landscapes, natural light and flash. In a professional photo studio. Bring your digital camera!

Limited DSLRs available to rent.

2400 N Second St Minneapolis 612-643-3511 mplsphotocenter.com

See Kitty Sew See Kitty Sew teaches boys and girls (kids and adults!) to sew or advance their skills.

Beginning projects include tote bags, drawstring backpacks, water bottle holders, and more! Semi-private (max. 4) instruction and no need to have your own sewing machine!

5821 Newton Ave S Minneapolis 612-805-8845 seekittysew.com

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2016 SUMMER DAY CAMP & WEEKEND CLASSES AT OVER 100 LOCATIONS

CAMP RESOURCES Spring Break & Summer at Blake

CLASSES OFFERED:

Blake's visual and performing arts challenge students to creatively express themselves in an array of disciplines and materials from the kiln to the stage! These programs, spanning pre-K–12, are open to students throughout the greater Twin Cities area.

• Minecraft Mods • iOS Design • Robotics • Java Coding • Engineering • Digital Film Teaching children for over 20 years throughout MN

SAVE 25%

Roseville Location Only Use code: MNParent

TECHACADEMYMN.COM • 651-730-9910

Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

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if you are a fan of courage, then you are already a fan of Special Olympics.

specialolympicsminnesota.org

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art camps for ages 4-12. Drawing, painting, clay and crafts are part of every camp.

Themes include 3-D Star Wars, Sparkle & Bling on Everything, Pirates & Shipwrecks, Sea Quest and more! Enjoy a fun studio, nurturing staff and fabulous projects! Art parties, classes and workshops offered through the year.

20908 Holyoke Ave Lakeville 952-469-1234 watchmedraw.net

Dance/Music/ Performance Angelica Cantanti Youth Day Camp

8/8/11 3:45 PMChoirs

For all elementary & middle school boys & girls who love to SING! Join us for a week in July filled with singing, music games & making friends. Singers will explore their vocal potential & increase their confidence.

Grades 2–5 & 6–8. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $99.

Bloomington Center for the Arts 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington 952-563-8572 angelicacantanti.org

Chan DT Musical Theatre Camp Chanhassen Dinner Theatres offers summertime theater camps for kids and teens (ages 5–18). It’s a fantastic week of full and half-day sessions focusing on musical theater fundamentals taught by Chanhassen professionals throughout the summer.

Sessions begin June 13th. Register now!

PO Box 100 Chanhassen 952-934-1525 chanhassendt.com

Circus Juventas Travel the globe without ever leaving our Big Top! Our full-day, week-long camps explore a vast array of circus arts from Morocco to Mongolia, China to Russia. Reserve your spot now to be a part of one of the most talkedabout and unique summer camps anywhere.

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

1270 Montreal Ave St. Paul circusjuventas.org

CREO Arts & Dance Conservatory Wholesome, creative, joyful dancing for all ages & stages. June 14 - August 19. Our non-competitive dance studio provides expert instruction in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Summer classes include: Girl’s Power, Frozen Ballet, Faith Based Dance, Ballet/Jazz/Modern Intensives.

Wayzata Home Center 1250 Wayata Blvd E 612-636-6893 creoartsconservatory.com

Dorian Music Camps This summer marks the 52nd year of Luther College Dorian Music Camps. Each summer 325 junior high and 300 senior high students come to this scenic campus to study with Luther music faculty, whose reputation for excellence makes these camps a unique musical experience.

700 College Drive Decorah, IA 563-387-1389 luther.edu/music/dorian

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) Summer Programs Two unique summer programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul provide fun and challenging orchestral experiences for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students of all abilities, ages 8–18. No auditions required; scholarships available. Details and registration at gtcys.org.

408 St. Peter St, Ste 300 St. Paul 651-602-6800 gtcys.org

Lutheran Summer Music Lutheran Summer Music is a 4-week residential music academy for talented musicians, grades 8–12. Band, choir, orchestra, pipe organ, and composition.

June 26–July 24, 2016 at Luther College in Decorah, IA. Now offering a 2-week option!

Check us out today!

122 West Franklin Ave, Ste 230 Minneapolis 612-879-9555 888-635-6583 lutheransummermusic.org

O’Shea Irish Dance Classes Director Cormac O’Se, original member of Riverdance. Professional Irish Dance training for preschoolers through adults; for competition, for fun, and for fitness! Weekly

mnparent.com/camp Classes: Mondays–Saturdays. Beginners Classes registering now! Summer camps June, July, August.

The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Ave N 612-722-7000 osheairishdance.com

Sing Minnesota August 8–12, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sing Minnesota is a weeklong day camp for girls and boys, ages 8–12 sponsored by the Minnesota Boychoir. While focusing on choral singing, campers also participate in other creative arts: drama and movement, visual arts, and outdoor fun and games! $350, scholarships available.

Concordia University Buetow Music Center 300 Hamline Ave N St. Paul 651-292-3219 boychoir.org

Spring Break & Summer at Blake Blake’s performing arts engages and challenges students to express themselves creatively. From jazz to improv, Blake offers experiences for novice to accomplished performers. Blake’s programs, spanning pre-K–12, are open to students throughout the Twin Cities.

Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Stages Theatre Company Summer Theater Workshops: June 15– August 24. Calling all actors, singers, and dancers: Have fun learning about theater from some of the area's finest teaching artists. Stages Theatre Company offers a variety of age appropriate workshops for students ranging from ages 4–17.

1111 Mainstreet Hopkins 952-979-1111, option 4 stagestheatre.org

StageTime Camp StageTime musical theatre performance camps for ages 6–16. Campers rehearse age appropriate musicals in small groups. No experience/lots of experience, campers get a chance to show their amazing skills — a stage-school experience culminating in a musical performance.

Minnetonka, Glen Lake Elementary School, St. Paul, Concordia University 952-300-5893 stagetime.camp

SteppingStone Theatre Camps & Classes SteppingStone Theatre explores creativity year-round with youth grades pre-K–high school. Check out our summer camps as a unique way for students to build confidence, theater skills, and community! Have fun this summer at SteppingStone Theatre!

Scholarship/Membership pricing available.

GYMNASTICS TUMBLING TRAMPOLINE

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

Theatre Arts Training at Children's Theatre Company June 13–August 12, ages 4–18. Theatre Arts Training offers camps for all levels in acting, musical theater, improv, and more, making it easy to find the perfect fit for the young actor in your life. Be Curious. Be Creative. Be Confident. Registration now open.

2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/education/classesand-camps

Twin Cities Trapeze Center Circus Camp Circus camp! Students enrolled in our weeklong, half-day camps will experience a variety of circus disciplines (including Trampoline, Static Trapeze, Acrobatics, Circus Bike, and of course Flying Trapeze!), then showcase their new skills in a Performance on Friday afternoon!

719 E Minnehaha Ave, St. Paul 651-262-9477 twincitiestrapeze.com

University of Northwestern — St. Paul, Academy of Music Whatever the age or musical ability of your child, UNW Academy of Music has a summer camp to excite and challenge them on their musical journey. Brio Music Camp, Intro to Music for ages 4–8, Show Choir for ages 9–16, Piano Institute for ages 10–18, Music Recording Camp for ages 13 and up.

Northwestern Campus 3003 Snelling Ave N 651-631-5108 unwsp.edu/academyofmusic

Strengthening children in mind and body through successful gymnastics experiences

West Bank School of Music (WBSM) There's something for everyone at WBSM this summer! Camps: Rock, Pop, Funk, Brass, and Girls Rock; Ensembles: Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Fiddle, String Quartet, and Irish; Guitar Classes: Blues, Celtic, and Finger-style and more! Call or go online.

655 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul 612-333-6651 wbsm.org

Gleason’s Gymnastics School www.gleasons.com Maple Grove 763.493.2526 9778 85th Ave. N Eagan 651.454.6203 2015 Silver Bell Rd. mnparent.com • April 2016

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CAMP RESOURCES Zenon Dance Company & School Summer Camps Week-long dance camps for ages 6–14. Each day will include technique and choreography classes. Participants will perform for family and friends on the last day! Hip Hop Camps: June 20–24, August 1–5. Youth Dance Sampler Camp: July 18–22.

528 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis 612-338-1101 zenondance.org

Day American Swedish Institute Have fun exploring a different Swedish or Nordic theme each week including Pippi Longstocking, Vikings, or cooking through dance, studio arts, music, imaginative play, and outdoor games. Perfect for kids entering grades 1–5! Thursdays, July 15–August 11. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $50 per session.

2600 Park Ave S Minneapolis 612-871-4907 asimn.org

Camp Tanadoona Explore 103 acres of forest and prairie along Lake Minnewashta in the southwest metro. Campers ages 5–17 enjoy water and nature activities, archery, adventure course, 90-year-old traditions, and more!

International and local staff! Day and Resident Camps weekly, plus Northwoods Adventure Trips and Leadership Development Programs. Open House: May 7, 12–3 p.m.

3300 Tanadoona Dr Excelsior 612-235-7284 camptanadoona.org

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Como is an experimental learning center that engages visitors in a multitude of encounters with animals, plants and cultures. Home to 9 of the 10 animal species that visitors most want to see, in habitats that allow visitors to observe them at close proximity.

1225 Estabrook Dr St. Paul 651-487-8201 comozooconservatory.org

Gibbs Farm Day Camps We’ve created the perfect mix of day camps for your kids! Family-friendly pricing, fun for kids ages 4–13. Choose Pioneer PeeWees, ages 4–5; or one of our three-day camps, ages 6–10, including Pioneer Kid, Gibbs

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Girl or Say It In Dakota. Digging History, our newest three-day camp, is for ages 11–13.

Offered June 21–August 25. Pioneer Kid, Gibbs Girl, Say It In Dakota, Digging History camps: $99 per week. Pioneer Peewees: $19 per week.

2097 W Larpenteur Ave Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Gibbs Girl Three days, three experiences! For girls 6–10. This craft-rich camp explores the lives of girls in Minnesota during the 1800s: Life as a Pioneer girl, Dakota girl and Victorian girl.

Tuesdays–Thursdays, July 19–21 and 26–28; August 2–4, 9–11 and 16–18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day. $99 per week.

2097 W Larpenteur Ave Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Hopkins Camp Royal Summer Rocks A camp for youth K–6. Add the sizzle to your child’s summer! Full- and half-day camps— build your own schedule. Art, sports, dance, legos, pottery, cooking, theater, music, chess, STEM, crafts, plus more!

Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Hwy 7 Hopkins 952-988-4070 hopkinssummer.org

Playworks Summer Camp 2016 Sign up now for Camp Xtreme: Xtreme Learning, Xtreme Adventure, Xtreme Fun! June 13–September 2. Open to grades 1–6. Children learn through hands-on experiences and interactions in outdoor play, field trips, and entertaining educational programs. Daily meals included.

2200 Trail of Dreams Prior Lake 952-445-PLAY (7529) playworksfun.com

SCL Academic and Sports Camps Summer art, basketball, bowling, football, science, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling camps led by varsity coaches and professional faculty June–August. $50–$125/ week. Space is limited. Register Early! Online registration and info at stcroixlutheran.org/ camps or call 651-455-1521.

St. Croix Lutheran Grades 6–12 1200 Oakdale Ave 651-455-1521 stcroixlutheran.org/camps

Shoreview Parks & Recreation Camps Three-day to eight-week, half- and full-day sessions including playground programs, specialized sports, art camps, dance and more.

Ages 3–15. Camps available June 13–August 26. Visit our website or call for more info.

4580 Victoria St N Shoreview 651-490-4750 shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

Summer Adventure Camp The International School of Minnesota offers full- and half-day camp from June 12–August 12 for ages 3.5 to those entering grade 8.

Camp activities include Spanish or American Sign Language, swimming, arts & crafts, nature hikes, outside play, and beach Friday.

Options include basketball, soccer, music & theater, MN biology, rockets and engineering.

6385 Beach Rd Eden Prairie 952-918-1828 internationalschoolmn.com

Summer at Blake Looking for adventure, sports, arts and friendships? Blake's Acoma camp has gathered children from the Twin Cities for 50 years. Campers develop curiosity, creativity, and positive risk-taking skills. Unique themes provide opportunities for physical, social, and intellectual skills in a friendly, safe environment.

Hopkins, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Three Rivers Park District More than 100 camps across the Metro.

Including: farm life, extreme fishing and hunting, survival, archery, pirate and fairy adventures, golf, sailing, photography, art, raft and kayaking, the Civil War, Laura Ingalls, nature and science exploration, more!

Scholarships available.

St. Anthony to Minnetrista, Maple Grove to Prior Lake 763-559-6700 threeriversparks.org

Zoo Camp Half-day to week-long adventures for toddlers to 12th graders at the Minnesota Zoo. Campers will meet animals, make new friends, and have fun learning about the natural world! Check out our popular Horse Camps and NEW! Treetop Adventure Camps.

Register at mnzoo.org/zoocamp.

Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd Apple Valley 952-431-9320 mnzoo.org

mnparent.com/camp

Horseback Riding Golden Ridge Stables Want to hug a horse? Our amazing summer day camps include a daily riding lesson and “hands-on” horsey fun. Year-round quality lessons for youth and ladies on well-mannered school horses. Conveniently located via Cedar Ave or I-35 South; just 15 minutes south of MOA. Visit our website for details!

8315 190th St W Lakeville 952-469-4640 goldenridgestables.com

Lost Creek Ranch Lost Creek Ranch Camp Confidence is the best overnight camp for horse-crazy kids!

Campers get their "own" horse. Ride a minimum of four hours every day! Individual attention. Make new friends and begin a lifelong passion for horses. Less than one hour from the Twin Cities.

N6842 570th St Beldenville, WI 715-273-6070 lostcreekranch.info

Regent Arabians: Developing Equestrians for Life Lessons and horsemanship mentoring.

Handle, groom, & ride beautiful & intelligent Arabian horses. We educate year round on horse care & riding. Students improve their physical & mental fitness, self-esteem, respect & focus while pursuing their dream with horses!

26125 Tucker Rd Rogers 763-428-4975 regentarabians.com

Sunnyside Stables Horsemanship Summer Camp Sunnyside’s camp is a place to discover horses and new friends. Each day includes riding—rain or shine, as we have an indoor and outdoor arena as well as scenic trails.

You will discover the basics of grooming, saddling, body language, posture, contact, and balance to develop independent riding skills.

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

Language Concordia Language Villages We are the premier language and cultural

immersion program in the U.S. Since 1961, we have provided an authentic experience with programs for all ages offered in 15 different languages. Day camps, residential youth camps and family camps offered.

8659 Thorsonveien Rd NE Bemidji 1-800-222-4750 concordialanguagevillages.org

English Language Learner Residential Summer Camp — International School of MN ISM’s ELL Residential Summer Camp is designed for students to learn or improve their English as they enjoy everything Minnesota has to offer. Students will participated in exercises and activities that will strengthen their written and spoken English in the morning while afternoon cultural activities are organized to practice English skills.

6385 Beach Rd Eden Prairie 952-918-1812 internationalschoolmn.com/englishlanguage-learner-summer-camp

Spring Break & Summer at Blake Join the Blake School for Latin, Greek, Spanish, and Programming camps! Spanning grades 1–12, offerings are open to students throughout the Twin Cities area.

Hopkins, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Other Chalkboard Commons Think local learning matters? Want more local learning opportunities for your kids and family? Have an idea for a great learning event but don’t know where to post it? Visit us online and spark local, life-long learning in your community! contact@chalkboardcommons.org 612-405-0204 chalkboardcommons.org

Discovery Club St. Paul Public Schools Pre-K through 6th grade children participate in recreational & academic activities supporting positive youth development.

Weekly field trips, optional tennis and swim lessons. Open 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. at multiple elementary locations. $42/day offering flexible schedule options June 20– August 26.

1780 7th St W St. Paul 651-632-3793 discoveryclub.spps.org

Leonardo’s Basement Design and build engineering, art and technology projects at the only place of its kind in the whole world. Over 120 classes for ages 6-17 in a huge workshop packed with tools, equipment and materials. Or, build REALLY BIG creations outdoors!

Welding, furniture making, explosions, Star Wars and more!

150 W. 60th St. Minneapolis 612-824-4394 leonardosbasement.org

Overnight Audubon Center of the North Woods A variety of youth summer camps with a focus on wildlife, nature, and outdoor skills.

Rocks, Ropes & Rafts (ages 12–14); Ways of Wildlife 1 & 2 (ages 10–12 & 12–14); Junior Naturalist Camp (ages 12–14); Outdoor Explorations (ages 10–12). June–July. info@ audubon-center.org.

East side of Grindstone Lake near Sandstone 888-404-7743 audubon-center.org/summer-camps

Camp Alpha Camp Alpha is designed for children completing grades 4–8. Our goals are to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences in the space sciences and to foster the natural curiosity and interest that children have in space exploration. June 19–June 22.

153 S Columbia Ave Morris 320-589-4394 morris.k12.mn.us

Camp Birchwood for Boys Hike, bike, fish, canoe, kayak, or rock-climb, it’s up to you. Campers choose their own adventures and activities. Between adventures campers choose from archery, riflery, waterpark, crafts, tubing, fishing, and more.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area 218-252-2641 campbirchwoodforboys.com

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

Northern Minnesota 800-451-5270 campbirchwood.com mnparent.com • April 2016

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CAMP RESOURCES Camp Foley grow Grit. investigate Independence. At Camp Foley, kids from all over the world put aside their phones to work on face to face social skills all the while trying new activities and taking risks in a safe, kid focused environment.

9303 Father Foley Dr Pine River 218-543-6161 campfoley.com

Wolf Ridge Summer Camp Campers and families 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, MN 218-353-7414 wolf-ridge.org

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

4160 Little Boy Rd NE Longville 218-363-2207 campolson.org

Specialty Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Summer Camps AuSM’s summer camps are tailored for youth and adults with autism and feature options including 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 staff to camper ratios.

Parents and caregivers can rest assured knowing that their campers are being cared for by highly trained, experienced staff, while campers make memories that last a lifetime.

Camps for AuSM members include Hand in Hand (residential, 1:1); Wahode (day, 1:2); and Discovery (residential, 1:4). E-mail camp@ausm. org for more info. Register today!

2380 Wycliff St, Ste 102 St. Paul 651-647-1083 ausm.org

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 computer design, the great outdoors, exciting community outings, zoos, plants, animals, art, drama, and more are offered in locations throughout the metro area. E-mail education@ ausm.org for more info. Register today!

2380 Wycliff St, Ste 102 St. Paul 651-647-1083 ausm.org

Camp Choson Camp Choson is a dynamic, welcoming day and resident camp that offers youth ages 4–17 opportunities to explore Korean arts and culture. A camper’s experience includes Korean language and culture, traditional dance and drum, Taekwondo, music, selfrespect, archery, and swimming.

Camp Lakamaga 12300 Lakamaga Tr N Marine on St. Croix campchoson.org

Computer Explorers Technology Summer Camps Nationally recognized leaders in technology education for ages 3–14. With over 300 camps in Minnesota, we offer exciting STEM Camps in robotics, video game design, Minecraft modding, Java coding, engineering, movie production and more. Where learning is fun, innovative, challenging, and hands-on.

Throughout Minnesota 651-730-9910 computerexplorersmn.com

Dynamic Arts, Aeronautics with Drones & Robotics Offering multi-level Robotics. Our expanded Dynamic Arts bringing Art & Technology together building moving sculptures. In addition, offering Aeronautics & Drones, Students are introduced the Forces of Flight & Physics while learning to fly their robot for "aerial competitions".

Throughout Minnesota 651-303-8955 robots-4-u.com

Spring Break & Summer at Blake From robots to rockets, Blake challenges students to creatively express themselves in an array of disciplines. Sports, academics, arts, and day camp spanning pre-K–12, are open to students throughout the Twin Cities.

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Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Tech Academy Summer Camps We are an exciting learning environment, specializing in Technology Education for children and teens ages 4–14. Offering 2 & 4 Days STEM camps in coding, robotics, engineering, Minecraft & game design.

We host birthday parties, workshops, and summer day camps.

Centrally located in the Roseville area 651-486-2780 techacademymn.com

True Friends’ Camp Courage & Camp Friendship True Friends is the parent company of Camp Courage and Camp Friendship.

Offering residential and day camp sessions for people with developmental, physical, or learning disabilities. Need-based scholarships are available.

Camp Friendship, Annandale Camp Courage, Maple Lake Camp Eden Wood, Eden Prairie Camp Courage North, Lake George 800-450-8376 truefriends.org

Sports and Fitness Active Kids Association of Sport (AKASPORT) AKASPORT's mission is to keep kids and families well rounded through sports and fitness. The goal is to get kids more active through sport and exercise and provides multi-sports camps, clinics, school programs and charitable events.

National Sports Center, Blaine Coon Rapids Ice Center, Coon Rapids 651-447-2454 akasport.org

Gleason’s Gymnastic School What better way to spend summer than learning something new at Gleason’s Gymnastic School? Our fun facility and our professional instructors combine to make Gleason’s classes a tremendous learning experience for children of all ages and experience levels.

2015 Silver Bell Rd Eagan 651-454-6203 9775 85th Ave N, Ste 500 Maple Grove 763-493-2526 gleasons.com

mnparent.com/camp InnerCity Tennis Summer Camps

Southwest Christian High School

Learn a sport you can play for a lifetime in a fun, group setting! Outdoor lessons at 23 park locations across Minneapolis. Indoor lessons with air conditioning at Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center. Camps open to boys and girls ages 6 and up of all ability levels.

Scholarships available!

Southwest Christian High School offers sports camps for students entering grades 6–8 including volleyball, girls and boys basketball, and girls and boys soccer. Camps run for one week during the months of June & July (see website for specific dates) and cost is $99. Have fun and develop skills with great coaches in a positive atmosphere!

4005 Nicollet Ave S Minneapolis 612-825-6844 innercitytennis.org

JOTP Soccer Day Camp Innovative, fun, and unique, each JOTP themed camp focuses on different soccer skills. Designed to attend multiple camps.

Morning training and afternoon free play soccer with Splash Court and Inflatable Fields. Lunch and snack provided. Weekly fee of $100–$129. Now in two locations: St Paul and Edina/St Louis Park! admin@ joyofthepeople.org.

1981 Bavaria Rd Chaska 952-556-0040 swchs.org

Spring Break & Summer at Blake Blake sports camps offer opportunities to try new activities, enhance skills and deepen physical fitness. Campers are guided by Blake's award-winning coaches and championship athletes. These programs, pre-K–12, are open to students

PLA-IT: Revolutionary Sports Offers instructional classes, day camps, and fundamental leagues for players as young as age two. Coaches combine active sport instruction with child development best practices to create a fun and positive learning environment. The challenging but noncompetitive approach helps foster teamwork and leadership skills. Over 25 sports taught.

AirMaxx: 7000 Washington Ave S Eden Prairie MPRB NE Arena: 1306 Central Ave NE Minneapolis Vadnais Sports Center: 1490 County Rd. E St. Paul MPRB Windom South: 5821 Wentworth Ave Minneapolis Additional metrowide locations 612-234-7782 PLA-IT.com

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

TAGS Apple Valley: 5880 149th St W Apple Valley 952-431-6445 TAGS Eden Prairie: 10300 W 70th St Eden Prairie 952-920-5342 tagsgym.com

your child with a summer camp from UNW Academy of Music • Brio Music Camp, Intro to Music for ages 4-8 • Show Choir for ages 9-16

The Little Gym of Edina Anytime Summertime Camp

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

Hopkins, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Excite and challenge

Joy of the People Soccer Center 890 Cromwell Ave St. Paul 651-252-1775 joyofthepeople.org

For kids ages 3–12. The most flexible camp in town lets you pick one day or as many as you want! Each week has a fun new theme with games, art, physical activity, and a whole lot of fun.

throughout the Twin Cities.

For more information unwsp.edu/academyofmusic or call 651-631-5108

• Piano Institute for ages 10-18 • Music Recording Camp for ages 13 and up

Camp Location: Northwestern Campus 3003 Snelling Ave N, Roseville, MN Registration opens April 1st (with deadlines in June)

U of Northwestern St Paul MNP 0216 H6.indd 3

1/21/16 3:58 PM

Think your child can’t draw like this?

Think again.

The Basic Elements of Drawing and Design Ages 5-8 Providing the foundation for later study in watercolor and oil painting.

Call or go online for Class Information Sophia Comnick, Age 8

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mnparent.com • April 2016

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Out & About APRIL

mnparent.com/calendar

Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs Exhibition ⊲ Scientific findings once bound in ancient Egyptian and Peruvian remains will be revealed in this first-of-its-kind traveling exhibit from the worldrenowned Field Museum in Chicago.

When: Through Sept. 5 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Exhibit admission is $24 for adults and $15 for ages 4–12 and 60 and older. Ticket prices include admission to the museum’s permanent exhibit galleries. Visitors must choose a specific date and time for their Mummies visit when they purchase tickets.

Info: smm.org

Photo courtesy of John Weinstein / The Field Museum

MARCH 24–27

Egg Hunts and More ⊲ Celebrate spring by hunting for hidden eggs along a wooded trail, meeting live animals, dyeing eggs and learning about rabbits at a variety of events hosted by the Three Rivers Park District.

When: March 24–27 Where: Various Three Rivers Parks in the Twin Cities Cost: Most events cost $5 per person.

Info: tinyurl.com/egghunts2016

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

MARCH 25– APRIL 30

Farm Babies ⊲ Meet baby animals — chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids and bunnies — at the zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm with special activities on select days.

When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

March 25–April 30 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Free with zoo admission ($18 for ages 13–64, $12 for ages 3–12 and seniors) Info: mnzoo.org

MARCH 26

Lions Club Egg Hunt ⊲ Ages 3–8 are invited to hunt for candy and special eggs (in two age categories) and participate in a coloring contest. The event, organized by the St. Louis Park Lions Club, will include photo ops with a bunny and the Lions Club Lion. To enter the coloring contest, download a coloring sheet while registering online.

When: Ages 3–5 start at 10:15 a.m., followed by ages 6–8 at 10:20 a.m.

March 26 Where: St. Louis Park Middle School Cost: $2 Info: Register at stlouispark.org or tinyurl.com/slp-egg-hunt.

APRIL 2

StoryFest 2016

A Scottish Ramble

⊲⊲This 16th-annual event — hosted by Story Arts of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that promotes storytelling and storytellers — will feature 10 storytelling series, multiple stages (including a family room) and morning workshops, followed by an evening concert at 7:30 p.m. at Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis.

⊲⊲This popular celebration has moved from its traditional February date to kick off Minnesota’s Tartan Week.

Events will include performances by dance groups from around the region, pipe bands, traditional Scottish music performances, cultural sessions and children’s activities, as well as food and merchandise vendors.

When: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. April 2 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: $6 ($4 for ages 12 and younger) Info: scottishramble.org or landmarkcenter.org

When: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 9 Where: City of Lakes Waldorf School, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets, sold at the door, are $10–$20 based on a sliding scale.

Info: storyartsmn.org/storyfest-2016

APRIL 3–9

Maker Break ⊲⊲The Saint Paul Public Library is hosting 17 free, hands-on programs for elementary school kids on spring break. Kaleidoscopes, LEGOs, Bubblemanacy and BugBots are just a few of the activities on deck to keep kids busy.

When: April 3–9 Where: Various locations of the Saint Paul Public Library Cost: FREE. Registration is required for some events.

Info: sppl.org/maker-break

APRIL 9

Robot Day ⊲⊲Celebrate National Robotics Week by interacting with robots of all kinds, experimenting with kid-friendly robotics and watching demos by robotics experts and student teams.

When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. April 9 Where: The Works, Bloomington Cost: $8 in advance, $10 at the door Info: theworks.org

APRIL 10 AND 24, MAY 15

Urban Expeditions ⊲⊲The Landmark Center’s international event series, returns for its 12th season as part of Sundays at Landmark.

Experience cultural events featuring music, dance, food, animals, crafts and more from each featured country.

When: April 10 (Taiwan), April 24 (Turkey) and May 15 (Nigeria) Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org

APRIL 11

Twins Home Opener ⊲⊲Minnesota’s Major League Baseball team takes on the Chicago White Sox. When: 3:10 p.m. April 11 Where: Target Field, Minneapolis Cost: $15–$100 Info: minnesota.twins.mlb.com mnparent.com • April 2016

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Out & About

APRIL 7–10

Marvel Universe Live ⊲⊲More than 25 Marvel icons — including Spider-Man, The Avengers, Iron Man, Black Widow and The Hulk — come together in one epic quest, featuring special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts and motorcycles.

When: April 7–10 Where: Target Center, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15. Info: marveluniverselive.com

APRIL 12–JUNE 5

APRIL 15–17

APRIL 15–MAY 15

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical

Primavera

I Love You, Stinky Face

⊲⊲This 20th annual springtime celebration of the arts features live music, children’s activities (including scavenger hunts) and a juried art show, organized by the Plymouth Arts Council and the City of Plymouth.

⊲⊲This heartwarming, new, all-ages musical will have you hugging your loved ones a little tighter and laughing out loud. Before drifting off to dream land, an ever-inventive child has a few outrageous questions, but the devoted mother replies to each one with wit and tenderness.

⊲⊲Greg Heffley is in survival mode — All. The. Time. He faces middle-school bullies, his big brother and his own height-challenged stature. Inspired by the award-winning and bestselling book series, this brand-new musical features Rowley, Manny and, of course, Rodrick.

When: April 12–June 5 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10.

Info: childrenstheatre.org

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

When: April 15–17 Where: Plymouth Creek Center, Plymouth Cost: FREE Info: plymouthartscouncil.org

When: April 15–May 15 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $12–$16 Info: stagestheatre.org

APRIL 16

Outdoor Family Expo ⊲⊲All ages are invited to learn tips and tricks for enjoying the outdoors in Minnesota. Kids can meet a live porcupine and a hawk, and visit various stations to learn how to set up a tent, use binoculars and tie a jig. Families can get hiking, biking and summer sports and recreation information, as well as tips for outdoor safety, first aid, wildlife watching and geocaching, too. Outdoor vendors will also be on hand to share their expertise in the latest outdoor gear, and a food truck will sell lunches.

When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. April 16 Where: Maplewood Community Center, Maplewood Cost: FREE Info: maplewoodmn.gov

APRIL 22

Adult Nights Out ⊲⊲Imagine going to the zoo without your children! You could actually take your time to learn about the animals at your own pace (not your toddler’s)! That’s the joy of the Minnesota Zoo’s new grownup, kid-free nights, held after normal zoo hours. Participants must be 18 to attend.

When: April 22, May 27 and June 16 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Admission is reduced to $10 and food and beverages are available for purchase.

Info: RSVP at mnzoo.org/adultnights.

APRIL 27–30

Minnesota Autism Conference ⊲⊲This 21st-annual event, presented by the Autism Society of Minnesota, will feature more than 30 experts, educators, therapists, psychologists, employers, paraprofessionals, caregivers, parents and people with autism spectrum disorder, including keynote speaker presentations mnparent.com • April 2016

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Out & About and breakout sessions. Exhibitors will offer a variety of autism services and products, along with resources provided through the AuSM Bookstore.

When: April 27–30 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis–Park Place, Minneapolis Cost: Full-day passes are $135 (before April 18). Other sessons are a la carte.

Info: ausm.org

APRIL 30

Wild Kratts Live ⊲⊲Martin and Chris from the hit PBS series will activate a variety of Creature Power Suits to confront a classic comic villain, Zach.

When: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 30 Where: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $33.75–$53.75 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org

APRIL 30 AND MAY 1 APRIL 29–MAY 15

Union Depot Train Days

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

⊲⊲The Amtrak Exhibit Train will be on display — and open for free public tours — as part of this annual event.

Children can explore the train, pretend to be engineers, sound horns and work railroad signals, too. Adults can see what it was like to be a passenger almost 45 years ago and get a glimpse of what Amtrak is planning in the years ahead. Other event attractions include a Chuggington Kids Depot, model trains, musical entertainment, memorabilia vendors and more.

⊲⊲Based on the popular book series by Louis Sachar, this silly, crazy, strange production is recommended for grades 2 and higher.

When: April 29–May 15 Where: Youth Performance Company at the Howard Conn Performing Arts Center, Minneapolis Cost: $7–$15 Info: youthperformanceco.org

APRIL 29–MAY 22

When: April 30 and May 1 Where: Union Depot, St. Paul Cost: Most activities are FREE. Info: uniondepot.org/traindays

Number the Stars ⊲⊲All the drama, pathos, adventure, terror and humor of Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award-winning book come to life in this production, geared toward ages 8 and older. Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen play carefree games in the streets of 1943 Copenhagen, until the Nazi occupation of their city becomes increasingly more perilous.

When: April 29–May 22 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $12–$16 Info: stagestheatre.org

MAY 7 AND MAY 21

Okee Dokee Brothers Concerts ⊲⊲Joe and Justin — not actually brothers, but longtime friends — have returned from their month-long trip along the Continental Divide. They rode horses, camped out, told stories and wrote enough songs to create their third concept album CD/DVD, Saddle Up: A Western Adventure Album, due out May 13.

When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 21 Where: Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul Cost: $19.50 Info: okeedokee.org. In addition to the

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

Photo by Dan Norman

Animal Dance ⊲⊲This preschooler-friendly play explores what kids (baby goats) and kids (not-so-baby people) have in common. World-renowned choreographer and performance artist Ann Carlson and a variety of animal buddies star in this brand-new piece developed for preschoolers.

When: March 22–May 1 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10.

Info: childrenstheatre.org

above concerts, there will be minimovie premiere events at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 7 at the Riverview Movie Theater in Minneapolis.

Tickets are $8 to $10, plus fees. See riverviewtheater.com.

MAY 21

Rock the Cradle Pop Up ⊲⊲The Current (89.3 FM from Minnesota Public Radio) has expanded its annual event with a new pop-up version, including live music performances,

dancing in the disco with The Current’s DJs and other interactive experiences.

Events are geared toward ages 2 to 8.

When: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. May 21 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $5 Info: rockthecradle.org or mcm.org

When: 7–9 p.m. June 26 Where: East Ridge High School, Woodbury Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door ($50/$55 VIP tickets), plus fees Info: tinyurl.com/glennon-mn or eventbrite.com

ONGOING JUNE 16

Moms of Multiples Mixer ⊲ Expecting and veteran moms of multiples are invited for an evening of food and drink, a MoM speaker and time to chat with each other, all hosted

by Welcome Baby Care of Edina.

When: 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. June 16 Where: One Southdale Place, 6800 York Ave. S., Edina Cost: FREE. Please RSVP. Info: tinyurl.com/moms-mn-2016

JUNE 24–JULY 31

Annie Jr. ⊲ Join Annie on a fun-filled, all-ages adventure as she finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary, Grace, and a loveable mutt named Sandy.

It may be a Hard Knock Life, but Annie will never stop believing in Tomorrow.

When: June 24–July 31 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $12–$16 Info: stagestheatre.org

JUNE 26

Glennon Doyle Melton ⊲ In a program titled A Reflection on Hope, Healing and Recovery, the hugely popular Momastery blogger and Carry On, Warrior author will talk about her experiences in addiction, recovery and healing in a Q&A format presentation, moderated by Julie Nelson from KARE 11.

Shrek: The Musical

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When: March 18–April 10 Where: Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, Anoka Cost: $15-$32 Info: lyricarts.org/media-room

The Secret Garden ⊲ After her parents pass away, Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle and cousin. Exploring their gloomy old estate, she discovers a strange walled garden — that has been locked up for years — and sets about to uncover its mystery.

The show lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission.

When: March 18–April 17 Where: Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis Cost: $22 Info: theatreintheround.org

MORE ONLINE! I need a remodeler with ethics.

⊲ Want to learn about even more local events? Check out Minnesota Parent’s Out&About calendar at mnparent.com/ calendar. ⊲ Have a cool family-friendly event coming up? Send all the details (plus photos) to calendar@mnparent.com at least six weeks in advance.

That’s why I depend on NARI.

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

The NARI logo is a registered trademark of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. ©2008 NARI of Minnesota.

mnparent.com • April 2016

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April 2016 • mnparent.com

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FROM OUR READERS

Boys will be … boys!

↑↑Two-year-old Ali Hunter of Minneapolis takes a walk around the block in his Longfellow neighborhood.

↑↑Vihaan Maithani, 3, of Maple Grove, strikes a pose during the setup of his mom’s new photo studio.

Photo by K’s Imaginarium Photography / kimaginarium.com

↑↑Logan and Tyler Fu, ages 7 and 4, of Brooklyn Park pose for a Father’s Day picture for their dad — “their superhero” — in the phone booth at Brit’s Pub in Minneapolis. ←←Dominic Tortorella, 4, of Bloomington enjoys a sweet treat in his Ant Man costume at Boofest on Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

←←Vincent and Micah Copeland of Minneapolis, age 7 and 16 months, enjoy their time together at the Mall of America.

↑↑Nicholas James Hill, 1, of Brooklyn Center, kicks back for a family photo shoot.

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

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