May 2016

What’s the deal with toe walking?

May 2016

PAGE 22

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Seuss

at Sea

Global experiences: No travel required!

PAGE 34

PAGE 28

Backseat books PAGE 24

Explore, play and eat in Northern Minnesota PAGE 16

Hasseltots: An awesome snack PAGE 26

Jax, 9 months, Forest Lake

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 31

ISSUE 5

34

Go global at home!

You don’t need an international flight to expose your kids to the rich and varied cultures of the world.

Seuss at Sea See how a Lakeville family’s book-themed vacation brought their kids’ beloved literary icons — including Hermione Granger and the Cat in the Hat — to life.

40

Can we get a dog?

Whoa, Nellie! That’s a big decision!

Here’s what you need to know about pets and kids.

8 FROM THE EDITOR

16 SCHOOL DAYS

Up north

Road trip

Not everyone can easily afford travel, but making it a priority is important.

Don’t have a cabin? You don’t need one with these cool itineraries in Minnesota.

These activity-oriented books are ideal for kids who get bored in the backseat.

10 CHATTER

18 TEENS AND TWEENS

26 IN THE KITCHEN

We’re giving away three signed copies of The Okee Dokee Brothers’ totally fabulous third album.

That’s surprisingly fast when you’re teaching your teenager to drive.

12 BABY ON BOARD

Grocery confidential

Hasseltots

See where you stand when it comes to monthly spending on food for families.

These little dippers — served as a snack or appetizer — will entice your potato-curious tots.

Hogwarts or bust?

Win a CD!

Don’t fly cheap If you’re traveling with kids, don’t cut corners when it comes to convenience.

14 TODDLER TIME

Gear up

You don’t have to spend much to entertain kids in the backyard.

6

28

May 2016 • mnparent.com

40 mph

24 BOOKSHELF

20 GROWS ON TREES

22 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Toe-walking tango Why does my toddler choose to walk this way? Is something wrong?

50 FROM OUR READERS

Vacation pix

Minnesota parents are traveling far and wide with their kids. And it looks fun!

Escape to the Lakes

MAY 2016

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BIKE RENTALS Minnehaha Falls 612-729-2660

Duluth – Canal Park 218-722-1180

Lake Nokomis 612-729-1127

Lake Como 651-487-8046

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About our cover kid Name: Jax City: Forest Lake Age: 9 months Parents: Kara and Nagib Etoll Personality: Jax is a very happy and friendly baby. He loves to cuddle and be held in someone’s arms so he can get a good view of everything that is going on.

Favorite toy: Little People’s police car Favorite book: Alphaprints: Colors Favorite activities: Going for walks while sitting next to big brother, George, in the stroller; waking Mom and Dad up a several times each night (late night partying); and chasing his Labrador and Beagle all around the house.

Favorite foods: He still prefers Mom’s milk, but strained pears are a close second.

Photos by Kelly Greenwalt The Silver Blossom Photography Studio thesilverblossom.com

Out & About

45

mnparent.com • May 2016

7

FROM THE EDITOR mnparent.com

All aboard!

PUBLISHER Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com

I

f your kids are little and your budget is tight, the idea of traveling may seem like a joke: How can your family afford Disney World when you can barely scrape together enough to cover daycare and a holiday trip to visit your in-laws? And what’s so romantic about taking kids in diapers on the road, anyway?

I feel you.

But travel is important — not just for kids (who need to learn about the world to become wellrounded, global citizens), but also for us as families. We need bonding time away from home: We need vacation!

Photo by Tracy Walsh / tracywalshphoto.com And scheduled trips, though they take planning and money you may not have, help us reset (and often connect with family), even if we’re exhausted when we come back.

In this edition of Minnesota Parent, our annual Travel Issue, we hope to inspire you with a variety of stories that will take you someplace new — no matter what your budget is (yes, including zero).

We’ve got a kid-lit-themed cruise to the West Indies (Seuss at Sea), a whirlwind tour of Hogwarts (the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Fla.), and three travel itineraries for exploring the northern reaches of Northeastern Minnesota (Duluth, the North Shore and Ely).

But what if you’re craving something a little more exotic (and on the cheap)?

No problem. You needn’t look even outside the Twin Cities to find a global adventure: In this issue, we’re spotlighting more than a dozen internationally themed — family-friendly — festivals going on now through August.

Take the kids, virtually, to China, Japan, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, India, Nigeria and beyond!

We’re talking music, dancing, crafts, costumes, food, drink and even live animals, plus bouncy houses and other attractions kids love.

And, finally, for those long car trips to the cabin (or perhaps that non-direct flight to your sister’s place in Colorado), we have a great selection of activity-oriented books to pass the time.

Bon voyage!

Sarah Jackson, Editor

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com EDITOR Sarah Jackson 612-436-4385 • editor@mnparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Beth Blair, Abbie Burgess, Eric Braun, Megan Devine, Dr. Gigi Chawla, Kelly Greenwalt, Shannon Keough, Ann Knuttila, Jen Wittes, Jennifer Wizbowski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Valerie Moe GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amanda Wadeson CLIENT SERVICES Zoe Gahan 612-436-4375 • zgahan@mnparent.com Lauren Walker 612-436-4383 • lwalker@mnparent.com Emily Schneeberger 612-436-4399 • eschneeberger@mnparent.com CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com mnparent.com/find-a-copy ADVERTISING 612-436-4360 • sales@mnparent.com 50,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at news stands statewide.

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Minnesota Parent is copyright 2016 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved.

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

Expires 5-30-16

Expires 5-30-16

Expires 5-30-16

CHATTER

BEWARE OF POOL DRAINS The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act took effect in 2008.

Under the federal law, all public pools and spas must have a variety of antientrapment systems installed.

But not every pool or hot tub is public and not every pool is compliant with the law, which was named after a young girl who drowned after she was trapped under water by the suction from a hot-tub drain.

Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of poolsafely.gov, a project of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: ⊲⊲A drain entrapment occurs when a body is held against a pool or spa drain by the force of the pool’s suction or when clothing, jewelry, hair or a limb becomes caught in a faulty drain.

Doing The Dells this summer?

Wisconsin Dells — the self-proclaimed Waterpark Capital of the World (and a popular destination for Twin Cities families) — has announced what’s new in town for the upcoming summer travel season. Here’s a sampling: ⊲⊲Slideboarding: This new ride at Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort relies on a slideboard, which looks a bit like a short surfboard with handles. On the handles are four buttons — red, blue, yellow and green. Different colored lights appear in the tube of the waterslide as you slide down. The goal is to press the buttons to match the colors that light up as you pass under them. Leader boards at the bottom of the slide let you know how you rate against other players. (Riders must be 42 inches tall.) ⊲⊲Big pool: In June, the Mt. Olympus Water Park & Theme Park Resort will open a new $4 million swimming pool (billed as the largest in the area), at a whopping 27,000 square feet. The 2,000-person-capacity pool — known as The Great Pool of Delphi — will include four islands with tanning decks, a 100-foot geyser, a children’s splash pad, a 50-foot waterfall, two zero-depth beach-style entrances and cabanas on the perimeter. ⊲⊲Treehouse lodging: The Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort is opening 13 tree houses later this year. Each two-story space will sleep up to eight and will feature an indoor slide from the loft to the main level, plus multi-level patios with views of the valley. ⊲⊲New eats: The hugely popular MACS (Macaroni and Cheese Shop) is adding a second location, this one near Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Nearby, the area’s first Qdoba is opening, too, along with a new Panera Bread. ⊲⊲Trolley rides: Dells Trolley Tours is now offering rides on a historic trolley car — plucked from the Chicago burbs and renovated for Wisconsin Dells riders. Use the trolley as hopon-hop-off transportation or reserve a ticket for a one-hour narrated tour of the town.

Special tours every Saturday and Sunday take riders to three area wineries.

Learn more at wisdells.com.

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

⊲⊲The greatest risk of entrapment is found in children’s public wading pools, other pools designed specifically for young children and in-ground spas that have flat drain grates and single main drain systems. ⊲⊲The best way to prevent these hazards is to recognize them ahead of time and to use caution when in a pool or spa.

Talk to your kids about staying away from drains. ⊲⊲Entrapment hazards include: the body (a body part, often the torso or bottom, covers a drain and is held down by the intensity of the suction); hair (long hair is caught in a faulty drain cover); limbs (arms, legs, feet or fingers are lodged in a suction opening); mechanical ( jewelry, bathing suits or other materials are entangled in a drain cover); evisceration/disembowelment (when suction draws out the intestines and organs).

From 2008 through 2012, there were at least 39 victims of circulation entrapments in the U.S., including two fatalities (age 6 and 14); 32 were injured; and five suffered no injuries, according to the CPSC. See poolsafely.gov.

Win a CD/DVD! The Okee Dokee Brothers are releasing their third CD/DVD — Saddle Up: A Western Adventure Album — on May 13.

To celebrate, Minnesota Parent is giving away three signed copies!

Enter to win by sending us a photo of your kid(s) playing outside for our June Outdoors Issue to editor@mnparent.com with a subject line of “SADDLE UP!” Please include your kid(s)’ first and last names, ages in the photo, city of residence and the location of the photo. Deadline: Sunday, May 13. We’ll reach out to three winners the following Monday.

The Grammy-award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers will play their patented kid-friendly Americana folk at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 21 at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. Tickets are $19.50.

They’re also hosting movie-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 or okeedokee.org for more details.

Reader contest!

←←The Okee Dokee Brothers’ latest adventure album was inspired by a 30-day horseback-riding trip along the Continental Divide. Photo by Alex Johnson

YMCA SPORTS Ages 3 – Grade 8 CLASSES: Kids meet once a week for practices based on skill development during the course of nine-weeks, starts June 20 LEAGUES: Kids meet twice a week for practice and scored games or meets during the course of nine-weeks, starts June 20 SUMMER SPORTS: Full day sports program, weekly sessions start June 13 Choose from a variety of sports • Track & Field • Basketball • Soccer • Baseball/Softball • Tennis • Cheerleading • Flag Football • Floor Hockey • Lacrosse • Swimming • Volleyball • Golf

REGISTER ONLINE

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19 YMCA Locations June 11 9 AM – 11 AM Membership not required to participate.

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Learn More and

FREE TRACK AND FIELD CLINIC

4/20/16 2:25 PM

mnparent.com • May 2016

11

Don’t book the cheapest flight W

hen I think about traveling with small children, I’m often reminded of the title of a David Foster Wallace book — A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again.

Traveling with kids can be tough. It can be frustrating. It can also be fun and entertaining if you approach the trip with the right mindset: “I’m open to change and I can see the humor in life’s absurdities!”

The good news is, traveling with babies can actually be a gentle introduction to the world of traveling with your kids.

Yes, she might wail during takeoff. You might have to change a diaper in your seat when the flight attendant refuses to let you in the bathroom. (The “fasten your seatbelt” light is always on when a diaper emergency arises.) You may find yourself nursing your child while waiting in the security line.

However, babies are also magnificently portable — simply pop little Owen into your Ergo and waltz onto the plane in style. They’re highly unlikely to wrestle themselves out of your arms and go scampering off in the general direction of the moving walkway. They can’t use their words to refer to a fellow passenger as a “stupid old lady.”

⊲⊲The travel habit Traveling with a baby, especially for first-time parents, can be a bit overwhelming as you come to realize what “shifting your priorities” really means. But I truly believe it’s good to travel with your children — whether it’s a road trip to Red Wing or a flight to the Caribbean — if only to instill the travel habit in your family.

In an earlier column, I wrote about my suggestions for

traveling with your baby (Bring earplugs! Don’t forget the sound machine!), and I still stand by those suggestions.

But that approach is primarily focused on the baby, and how to integrate the baby into your trip. Now I’d like to offer some ideas about how you, the parent, can approach family travel to increase the odds you’ll have an enjoyable experience, too.

BABY STUFF

Chair-top high chair ⊲⊲This is the only high chair or booster seat you’ll ever need (unless you have twins, then you’ll need two). This is according to our mother of three (including twins) Moe-Mama’s Must-Haves blogger, Valerie Moe. The Ingenuity ChairMate High Chair straps securely to just about any dining chair and is easily portable. (Val used it on a picnic table and on a camping chair, too.) It features upright and recline positioning, four adjustable booster heights, a removable overlay tray and built-in cup holders, too. $59.99 • mnparent.com/moe-mama

12

May 2016 • mnparent.com

⊲⊲Scheduling flights I’m not a wealthy person. In my days pre-baby, this meant I would always book the cheapest flight I could find. Eight-hour layover in Newark on the way to New Orleans? Sold!

Once you add a baby to the mix, you might want to rethink the “cheapest flight” strategy. Do you really want to wake up your child at 3:30 a.m. to make that early-morning flight? Is a lengthy layover really worth the $100 you save?

As a parent, I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum (cheap-but-inconvenient vs. suck-it-up-and-pay-for-a-direct-flight), and I would highly encourage you to consider sucking it up, if your finances allow.

Calmly sauntering onto an early afternoon flight (which your baby will hopefully sleep through) is just so much better for your well-being than staggering into the airport at 4:30 a.m., irritated baby in tow.

⊲⊲A room of your own You know what I used to hate? Those soulless, suburban hotels I had to stay in when I went on business trips.

But like so many parents before me, I’ve compromised my principles and chosen to embrace the hotel suites on the edge of town due to their family-friendliness.

You know those quaint, historic hotels you used to patronize when you were childfree? They don’t have a separate room with a TV, a couch and a minibar where you can hang out with the lights on while your baby sleeps in the other room.

So when you plan your next trip, definitely prepare in a way that gives your baby the chance to succeed (bring along her “sleep associations,” like special blankets, for example), but don’t forget to make plans that support your own comfort, too.

Because we all want to come back from a trip thinking, “That’s a totally fun thing I’d like to do again.” Right?

Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two kids. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

ATTENTION WOMEN 21-33: Would You Consider Being an Egg Donor?

The Center for Reproductive Medicine is seeking women between 21 and 33 years of age to donate eggs for couples who cannot otherwise achieve pregnancy.

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4/14/14 12:50 PM

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

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

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

11/15/12 2:37 PM

mnparent.com • May 2016

13

Gear up for summer!

F

INALLY! Sweet spring; glorious summer! In Minnesota, we do a great job of making the most of winter, but we absolutely live for the immense relief at the end of our signature lengthy deep freeze.

For parents of littles, there’s extra joy in the shift from bouncing off the walls to running barefoot and carefree through the fresh-cut grass. You’ve spent the winter months holed up, watching a few too many Disney movies and nervously navigating snot-infested indoor play areas.

Cold and flu season is no joke in the toddler years — when they touch EVERYTHING, lick everything, catch absolutely every last thing.

Over long winters, amazing milestones take place.

Crawlers turn to walkers, walkers begin to run. Both fine and gross motor skills develop and solidify and continue to grow. Some of you might be reveling in your first “real” play-outside year.

While parks and pools and playgrounds and zoos are wonderful to explore with small children during the sunny season, I’m a big fan of long, lingering days spent in your own backyard.

14

May 2016 • mnparent.com

Perhaps you’ve already cruised the outdoor toy aisle at Target in giddy anticipation. From bubble mowers to teepees, there are many things to choose from!

I’ve broken it down to the very basics — simple, easy backyard items that seem to universally please the toddler crowd. (If your “backyard” is a balcony or garden walkout, a park down the block from your apartment, grandma’s place or a friend’s house, keep in mind that some of these items travel quite well!)

⊲⊲1. Gardening set Our kiddos want to be just like us. They mimic, repeat (watch out, F-bomb enthusiasts) and offer “assistance” with our chores.

Toddlers LOVE helping in the yard with their own little garden gloves and trowels.

The best part? You can get your weeding done while they play, explore, get a little dirty and meet a few worms.

Over long winters, amazing milestones take place.

Crawlers turn to walkers, walkers begin to run. Some of you might be reveling in your first ‘real’ playoutside year.

⊲⊲6. Sidewalk chalk

⊲⊲2. Water table Endlessly fun and worth every penny. Your tots will drive boats, migrate whales, splash and play. I favor the water table to the actual kiddy pool because it’s easier to dump at night (and therefore won’t attract so many mosquitoes) and allows for water play without a 100 percent commitment to getting wet.

When you want full immersion, go to a public wading pool or local lake.

⊲⊲3. Sprinkler But that’s not to say backyard bathingsuit fun isn’t awesome. It’s cool (and cooling to help kids avoid heat stroke).

And running through the sprinkler is as “classic American childhood summer” as it gets!

My all-time favorites for this age are the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch varieties.

⊲⊲4. Sandbox Whether family-built (from old lumber and a few trips to Home Depot) or procured during a Memorial Day sale, a backyard sandbox is — in my opinion — an absolute must.

It will provide hours of focused, stay-put sensory entertainment in the fresh air. Parents will have fun jumping in to play along — dare I say — lounging with a trashy summer novel in hand.

Get one with a cover to protect it from stray cats, wind erosion and thunderstorm flooding.

⊲⊲5. Ouch-free balls Playing ball is a fun way to interact and provides excellent stimulation of hand-eye coordination.

The Little Tikes lightweight T-ball set is always awesome, as are foam-based Nerf footballs. And you can’t go wrong with a brightly colored inflatable beach ball either.

Taking the arts outside is a new and novel concept for many toddlers.

As they ask you to draw a dragon, a fire truck, a kitty and the solar system, you’ll get in touch with your own inner Matisse and, in the process, unearth one of the simple pleasures of childhood.

⊲⊲7. Bubbles Endless bubbles!

Wands of all sizes!

A cheap and easy staple of summer during the toddler years and for many years to come.

There are many homemade bubble-solution recipes online — check out Pinterest.

I’m a big fan of the mega jug of Miracle Bubbles, a shallow dish and a simple “big bubble” wand. Create, chase, pop. Repeat.

⊲⊲8. More!

Of course, there are water pistols, blow-up slides, elaborate Rainbow play structures, that super cool Step 2 Roller Coaster. You might be ready for big wheels, training wheels, and the Radio Flyer wagon. There’s plenty of fun to be had, for sure.

My picks are not the final authority on summer play, however, I mindfully selected items that provide EASY, safe, fun, affordable, bang-for-yourbuck ways to fill the summer days.

Let the sun shine!

Jen Wittes is a freelance writer and mother of two who lives in St. Paul. Learn more about her work at jenwittes.com. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

Plan now for summer travel

M

ay is an ideal time to start thinking about getting some dates for summer family adventures on the calendar.

Though it can be fun to be spontaneous when it comes to travel, the reality is that traveling as a family takes some work in terms of forethought and planning.

But traveling with kids is worth the effort: You’ll have the opportunity to learn new things, to play and to make lasting memories together as a family.

If you’ve checked out my blog — kidsandeggs.com — you may have figured out that I live in one of our state’s popular vacation destinations: Northeastern Minnesota!

Because this is the Travel Issue, I thought I’d share some our family’s favorite kid-tested and mama-approved places:

DULUTH ⊲⊲ Explore Jay Cooke State Park: This popular destination near Carlton features a large water-eroded gorge, steep valleys and massive rock formations along the St. Louis River, surrounded by lush hardwood forests.

Canal Park: This extension of downtown Duluth features fun shopping, dining, sweet treats and strolling — including access to more than three miles of the paved waterfront Duluth Lakewalk trail — plus many more kid-friendly summer attractions.

Park Point: Cross the Aerial Lift Bridge from Canal Park and bask in the sun on sandy beaches on the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, stretching seven miles — with Lake Superior on one side and Superior Bay on the other.

⊲⊲Eat Duluth Grill: This West Duluth institution serves unique, locally sourced meals.

Tavern on the Hill: Enjoy the large outdoor patio and creative, locally sourced menu options and craft beer near the University of Minnesota-Duluth campus.

Burrito Union: We love this family-friendly Mexican fare.

16

May 2016 • mnparent.com

Photo courtesy of visitcookcounty.com

⊲⊲Play Spirit Mountain: This ski resort turns into an adventure park in summer with an Alpine Coaster, a Timber Flyer zip line and more.

NORTH SHORE ⊲⊲Explore Gooseberry Falls State Park: View beautiful waterfalls and take a short hike to Lake Superior.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Our favorite picnic and rock-skipping area is at Pebble Beach.

Tettegouche State Park: Don’t miss Shovel Point, the High Falls of the Baptism River, and the new visitor center.

Hiking: Marvel at scenic waterfalls at Crosby-Manitou State Park (Finland), Temperance River State Park (Schroder/Tofte) and Cascade River State Park (Lutsen).

⊲⊲Eat The New Scenic Cafe: Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere at this foodie destination, about 20 minutes from Duluth.

The Gun Flint Tavern: This downtown Grand Marais brewpub serves consistently good food, house-made beer and creative kids’ menu items, including a grilled PB&J, plus live music most nights.

Sven & Ole’s Pizza: Get pizza by the pie or the slice.

⊲⊲Play Lutsen Mountains: This resort’s tram and alpine slides (pictured) are two of our family’s favorites.

Towering Pines Canopy Tour: Fly down a series of eight zip lines at the Gunflint Lodge.

ELY

SPRING SPECIAL

⊲⊲Explore Kawishiwi Falls Trail: Admire a beautiful set of falls and extend the hike by walking the portage down to Fall Lake.

Semers Park: Play on the beach and take a bridge that connects to two wooded islands in Shagawa Lake.

Bass Lake Trail: Hike to Dry Falls and back on this short but rugged Superior National Forest trail, six miles north of Ely. Trezona Trail: This stroller-friendly, four-mile route goes around Miners Lake, a former iron ore-mining pit.

Bear Head Lake State Park: This park is beloved for its swimming beach, picturesque campgrounds and familyfriendly hiking trails.

⊲⊲Eat Insula Restaurant: Ely’s newest restaurant features a warm atmosphere and locally sourced menu options.

11’ x 11’

Square Trampoline Other Sizes on Sale, too!

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FREE LADDER

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Call for delivery and installation specials too!

Rockwood Restaurant: We love the patio dining here, and there’s even a kids’ menu that includes a walleye sandwich.

The Chocolate Moose: Get good food and friendly service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus pie!

⊲⊲Play Tuesday Night Live: Enjoy shopping, music and entertainment and a large afternoon farmer’s market.

SALE ENDS MAY 30, 2016

I hope to see you out and about — adventuring as a family — this summer!

Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four children in Northeastern Minnesota. Follow her on Instagram @megtdevine. Write her at mdevine@mnparent.com.

springfreemn.com BURNSVILLE 1301 E. Cliff Rd., Suite 104

952.746.4545

Trusting my teen driver L

ast summer, I took my son to the elementary school parking lot for his first driving lesson.

His birthday falls in October, not only a busy time, but also a time when, here in Minnesota, precipitation comes in many forms.

I liked the idea of him being over the initial shock of taking control of a car — without the added stress of said precipitation. I was hoping to avoid any fears in the form of bad road conditions.

He seemed apprehensive and certainly perplexed by my excitement. We took many trips back to the school lot, going in small circles, practicing turns and horrific parking jobs.

Every drive, he gained a bit of confidence and every drive I was calm and totally in control.

⊲⊲On the road When we both felt ready to leave the parking lot, I guided him down small neighborhood streets where the speed limit didn’t get much above 30. I sensed his fear, but I was still confident in him.

I would calmly say things like: “You are going to hit our neighbors’ mailbox: Pull slightly to the left.”

I was also confident that I wouldn’t slam my foot down on the imaginary brake on the passenger-side floor or raise my voice. Then he passed his permit test.

⊲⊲Making it legal I never remember signing a document that said: “I permit you to drive yourself or me down the road. You’re totally welcome to put my life and the life of your sister in danger. Signed: Mom.” I did, however, take him to the DMV and watched as his foot tapped uncontrollably while he waited to take the state’s written knowledge test, a required step for him to get his learner’s permit.

It’s in these moments of parenthood we want to demonstrate our ability to see through a situation with ease, to nonchalantly make these big doings no big deal.

If you pass, great; if not, you’ll study and try again. No biggie.

This is my cool, collected exterior. And yet, I can’t stop making repeated glances to the testing area.

My heart sinks when one teen pops up from his finished test and waits for the proctor to tell him how he did. He catches the glance of his expectant father sitting across from me. His shoulders slumped. Ugh. That’s a no.

Then it’s my son’s turn to take the test. He’s done.

When he pops up, he gives me his signature winning smile — and a thumbs up.

Oh my god, he passed.

⊲⊲Over 40

Learn more Teens in Minnesota gain their licenses by going through three stages of a Graduated Driver License — supervised learning (instruction permit), must be at least 15 years old; intermediate (provisional license), must be 16 and follow limits on unsupervised driving in high-risk situations; and, finally, a full license.

Learn more at dps.mn.gov.

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No, I’m not referring to my age. I’m referring to the speed my son hit when I felt close to having my first heart attack.

He swerved a bit, trying to decide which side of a fork in the road he should choose, and I slammed my foot onto the imaginary foot brake.

“Turn left!” I shrieked. He was obviously shaken by his normally calm mother’s response. I got a look from him I hadn’t seen before.

“You have to understand, I held you in my arms. You couldn’t eat or do anything without my help,” I said.

“And now my life is in your hands.”

To which he calmly replied: “It’s going to be OK, Mom. Just trust me.”

TEEN STUFF

A look at screen time ⊲⊲Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age — a 2016 documentary that explores how much screen time is too much — is now available for screenings nationwide. We here at Minnesota Parent wish someone would screen the film locally this year. Find out how at screenagersmovie.com, where parents also can find tons of resources — including “prosocial” video games and parent-child device contracts to help families find balance. Read a New York Times interview about the science of screen time with the filmmaker, Delaney Ruston, a Stanford-trained physician and mother of two, at tinyurl.com/screenagers-mn.

⊲⊲Just yesterday He comes into the kitchen in his choir robe and black dress shoes.

He grabs the car key and says, “I’m ready.

I’ll start the car.”

I get in the passenger side without hesitation, check my email on my phone, look out the window.

He’s chatty like he normally is. I tell him I feel like I’m being driven to the high school

by Sister Act. We both laugh and he offers to serenade me on the way.

Oh, how fast things change!

I’m slowly learning to pass the baton and be OK with it. And he knows — like I should have all along — I trust him.

Jennifer Wizbowski lives in Excelsior with her husband, and daughter and son, ages 13 and 15. Write her at jwizbowski@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • May 2016

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Our giant family grocery bill T

he other day, I asked my son if he’d like to tag along on my Costco run.

This is my sneaky way of scoring quality time with him. But he was waiting to hear from friends who were planning to get together.

Even when I added the extra temptation of getting burgers on the way (usually a slam dunk to get our kids to hang out with us), he still said no. Like many teens, he suffers from FOMO — fear of missing out.

That left me alone with my FOGO — fear of grocery outings.

It’s not just the bumper-car action in the Costco parking lot I’m afraid of (or the bumper-cart action in the Costco aisles). It’s the bumper crop of cash being harvested from my bank account.

Ever feel like you’re spending your kids’ future college tuitions just to keep them fed?

Many a time I’ve walked out of Costco with bulging boxes and wondered how it can possibly cost this much to feed a family of four.

Whether you stock up at a bulk food warehouse or make weekly trips to the grocery store or hit your neighborhood market nearly every day, grocery receipts add up quickly — more so than I ever would’ve guessed before I had kids.

⊲⊲Who else spends this much?

I started to wonder: Is it just our family? Are we spending way more than everyone else on food?

So I did some quick research, and I found that, according to the latest report on consumer spending by the U.S. Department of Labor, families spent an average of $4,000 at the grocery store in 2014 (roughly $333 per month).

However, because that average is for all “families” — including singles, roommates and people with 11 kids — as well as all incomes, it didn’t really tell me a whole lot about whether my family is spending way more or (or way less) than average.

It turns out there’s another food cost report (from the U.S. Department of Agriculture) that

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I started to wonder: Is it just our family? Are we spending way more than everyone else on food?

breaks it down a little more, showing the weekly and monthly costs for individuals and families.

You can even see the difference in cost between a family of four with one 2- or 3-year-old and one 4or 5-year-old and a family with one child age 6–8 and another age 9–11. Now that’s more helpful.

And they break it down into price points — thrifty, low-cost, moderate or liberal.

See the graphic on the next page to figure out where you fit in.

⊲⊲The cost of food at home As helpful as the table is, it doesn’t acknowledge the elephant in the kitchen — well, actually you’ll find this particular elephant not in your kitchen, but at your family’s favorite restaurant or fast-food spot.

That’s right: It’s the food we don’t buy at the grocery store that most often tanks our food budgets.

So, if you’re looking at the numbers and realize that you have particularly low grocery bills, you might want

AVERAGE MONTHLY FOOD COSTS Type of Spending

2 Adults + 2 Children Under 5

2 Adults + 2 Children Ages 6-11

THRIFTY

$568

$655

LOW-COST

$726

$858

MODERATE

$898

$1,072

LIBERAL

$1,113

$1,302

U.S. Department of Agriculture, January 2016

to look at your eating-out receipts before patting yourself on the back.

⊲⊲The cost of eating out With a little more poking around online, I uncovered another interesting piece of data: Typically, it costs between $12 and $25 per person to eat dinner at low- to mid-range restaurant.

Even if you score half-priced kids’ meals, that can be about 50 bucks for a non-extravagant meal out.

Do that a couple times a week, and you can spend as much eating out as you do on groceries.

It doesn’t take a math whiz to know that cutting out just a couple meals a month can have a big impact on a food budget. In the face of these numbers, my FOGO may be fading.

I realize there’s a pretty good payoff to braving the grocery store and cooking at home — even before I factor in the bonus of scoring face time with the kids over a more nutritious meal than the burger joint offers.

Eric Braun is a Minneapolis dad of two boys and the co-author of the forthcoming book for young readers, The Survival Guide for Money Smarts: Earn, Save, Spend, Give (Free Spirit Publishing, September 2016). Send comments or questions to ebraun@mnparent.com.

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What’s toe walking?

Why does our 2-year-old insist on walking on his toes?

When learning to walk, toddlers quickly discover that they have more control over their balance with their weight shifted slightly forward toward the balls of their feet.

Then, when they lose their balance, they can more easily fall forward and use their arms and hands to break their falls.

In the first few years of life, toddlers become experts at balancing (and falling) and they often rely on toe walking. Toe walking is normal for young children and shouldn’t cause concern unless a kid is unable to stand flat-footed at all.

Gentle exercises to stretch kids’ Achilles tendons can help ensure that tight muscles aren’t causing the toe walking.

Additionally, a hard-soled shoe that doesn’t allow much flexibility in the mid-foot area, can help minimize toe walking.

If you notice asymmetry with toe walking or a limp on one side compared to the other, you should discuss it with your child’s doctor.

Rarely, toe walkers may need help beyond stretching exercises or physical therapy, but when they do, casting their feet and ankles at 90 degrees may be recommended.

We think our son is a problem eater (versus just a picky eater) because he eats only 10 foods — at age 2!

What can we do to help him?

You are not alone, despite almost all parents feeling like they are. Feeding challenges in children are common and affect approximately 20 percent of kids. The majority of this 20 percent are picky eaters.

Picky eaters generally eat fewer than 30 foods and have some foods that they won’t try based on texture or smell or general principle.

Problem eaters eat fewer than 20 foods and have whole categories of foods that they will not try.

Problem eaters regularly need to have a whole different meal made for them that is different from

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Even more rare are patients who need a surgical solution to manage their toe walking. Children who don’t outgrow toe walking by age 5 should also be referred back to their doctor for intervention. Neurodevelopmental evaluations should be considered in these cases.

what the rest of the family is eating.

Problem eaters will avoid categories of foods to the point of malnutrition, poor weight gain or even weight loss.

They may be rigid in the manner in which they eat; they may dislike it when different foods touch on their plates; and they may become exceedingly angry with any variations in the preparation of their food.

This makes it very challenging for problem eaters to go out to dinner or go to a friend’s home for a sleepover or birthday party.

While picky eaters just need time and encouragement to try to expand their diets, problem eaters often need professional help from a multidisciplinary feeding therapy team, including nutritionists, occupational or speech therapists, and psychologists, in order to improve.

Please talk with your child’s doctor if you think your child is a problem eater.

For all children, parents should start with an expectation that no separate meals will be made for children.

Remember to make eating fun, colorful and enjoyable.

Take your own negative emotions out of mealtime experiences, and your kids might be less resistant and more willing to try new foods.

Is there such a thing as a 4-month sleep regression? Our daughter was sleeping seven hours a night and now — at 3½ months — she gets up every three hours!

Sleep regression at four months is challenging: Parents — whose babies begin to sleep through the night — are just finally feeling like they can get uninterrupted sleep.

But babies keep changing as they grow, and their needs are different. As their brains grow, babies’ sleep cycles become more regular, which may include some deeper sleep and lighter sleep periods, too, making them more prone to wake up.

Frequently, four months is a transition point from four short naps each day to three naps, which can cause irregularities in overnight sleep schedules, too. As babies’ emotional needs deepen, they need to know that their parents are still there for them when they sleep and when they wake up.

Babies are also just learning the physical skill of rolling over. If they inadvertently roll over during sleep, they may need their parents to rescue them. And, as their bodies grow, babies need more calories and may wake for a feeding, often a sign that they’re ready to begin some solid foods soon.

All of these reasons and more may be contributing to parents’ interrupted sleep.

Sticking with your baby’s sleep routine will help you and your baby get through this regression. Remember that babies should be placed in their crib on their backs when they’re sleepy, but not fully asleep.

This will help them learn to put themselves back to sleep — should they have an arousal in the middle of the night — so, hopefully, you won’t have to!

Dr. Gigi Chawla is a board-certified pediatrician and the senior medical director of primary care at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Send your questions to gchawla@mnparent.com.

BOOKSHELF

Road trip, anyone?

By Ann Knuttila and Sarah Jackson In anticipation of the summer travel season, we’re taking a look at five backseat books to keep the kids from whining the whole trip to Grand View Lodge, Grand Marais, Chicago, Milwaukee, Mount Rushmore, Wisconsin Dells, the cabin or wherever it is you’re going this year. Each of them is entertaining — and educational — in its own way.

Water Wow Coloring Books Melissa & Doug have done it again: This time it’s a refillable, no-mess water pen that colors spiralbound reusable color boards. This series is a perfect choice for amusing toddlers and preschoolers for (relatively) long stretches. After they’ve been colored, the images are quick to dry, so they can be re-colored over and over again. And we aren’t the only ones who love them: 767 Amazon reviewers gave this product a cumulative five-star, no-mess rating.

Ages 3 and older $4.99

Get Ready for School DK’s new Bip, Bop and Boo series is ideal for preschoolers or younger school-aged kids on long car trips. Divided into three levels — red (beginner), orange (intermediate) and green (advanced) — these compact workbooks are easy to pack.

Designed to engage eager learners, they include games, simple problem-solving challenges and more than 70 stickers per book! New titles include Colors and Shapes, Matching and Sorting, Number Skills (early math) and 1, 2, 3 (counting).

Ages 3–5 $6.99

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Hey, Seymour!

This search-and-find gem — from Walter Wick, the man behind the I Spy! books — is absolutely gorgeous. Its colorful, large-format pages unfold to make the experience all the more immersive. Don’t be discouraged by the age range: Our resident 8-year-old found this to be an awesome bedtime read.

Ages 3–5 $18.99

Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever This 1963 classic is a travel must-have for toddlers and school-age kids! Hundreds of intricate images are annotated with common words and phrases found around homes, farms, airports, playgrounds, highways, zoos and beyond. Fun fact: This book was updated in 1991, partly to show progressive attitudes toward gender roles and race.

Ages 3–7 $15.99

Cabinet of Curiosities Do you have a child who loves to explore the outdoors? Or who loves nature and animals? Then this book — subtitled Collecting and Understanding the Wonders of the Natural World — is a good bet! Gordon Grice’s introduction to natural history is packed with fascinating facts and ways to identify and preserve nature’s treasures — flowers, fossils, rocks and much more.

While the book is text heavy (and geared toward grades 3 and up), its splendid illustrations were enough to engage one of Minnesota Parent’s favorite preschoolers for long stretches.

Ages 8–18 $24.95

mnparent.com • May 2016

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IN THE KITCHEN

Photo by Lunds & Byerlys

Little dippers HASSELTOTS INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 to 1½ pounds baby potatoes, small new potatoes or fingerlings 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided, plus more 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon minced herbs or spices (optional)

Heat the oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.

Wash and dry the potatoes. After washing, dry the potatoes as much as possible or leave them sitting out on the towel for a few minutes; the drier they are, the crispier they get in the oven.

Slice each potato like an accordion (if using fingerlings, cut the larger ones in half so each piece is about an inch long): Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices into the potato, but stop just short of cutting all the way through. If you pinch the potato, you should see the spaces between the slices open up.

Toss the potatoes with olive oil and salt.

Drizzle two teaspoons of the olive oil over the potatoes, then sprinkle with salt. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.

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Place the potatoes on the lined baking sheet and transfer to the oven to roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the accordion slices in the potatoes will start to open up.

Toss with the remaining two teaspoons of olive oil so that now some oil can get into the slices.

Roast another 10 to 15 minutes, until they’re deeply golden and as crispy as you like them.

Cool briefly and then eat while warm and crispy.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and Castle Danger 17-7 Pale Ale. Source: The Kitchn and Lunds & Byerlys Good Taste blog at LandB.mn/hassel-taters.

You may have already heard about Hasselback potatoes (tinyurl.com/hassel-taters).

But what happens when you make them mini and serve them as an appetizer? The answer: Hasseltots.

DAY TRIP

Visit the brewery Homebrewers Clint and Jamie MacFarlane started Castle Danger Brewery in 2011 in Castle Danger, 40 miles up the North Shore from Duluth.

Their operations have expanded since then to include another brewing site and a year-round taproom with views of Lake Superior in Two Harbors. Castle Danger’s 17-7 is “a hop-forward pale ale” named after the taproom’s Two Harbors address.

Learn more at castledangerbrewery.com.

Photo courtesy of Carnival

Oh, the places you’ll go!

O

See how one family’s bookthemed vacation brought beloved literary icons to life

By Beth Blair

Our family vacation was off to a pretty good start. We were chanting: Seuss is on the loose!

Seuss is on the loose!

Seuss is on the loose!

All before we received our requisite tropical sunburns, island braids and Ron Jon T-shirts, we joined in this mantra with an enthusiastic group of fellow Carnival Cruise passengers, marching not just behind Sam I Am, but also Thing 1 and Thing 2, who led us down the ship’s long corridors.

The reason?

The Cat in the Hat was missing.

How we got here Two months earlier my husband, Jeff, and I began belatedly planning our summer vacation.

After having a spirited family discussion, a unique idea came to the fore: We could bridge the kids’ love of reading with our family trip:

We could take a storybook-inspired adventure!

The goal: To transport our children into settings based on their cherished books.

Seuss at Sea The first stage of our trip put us aboard the Carnival Breeze, departing out of Miami to the balmy West Indies. The Seuss at Sea program was featured on our ship and, as the name implies, the experience draws passengers into Dr. Seuss’ world of stories and rhymes.

That’s how we ended up at the Seuss-apalooza Parade on our second day at sea.

Families waved pom-poms and carried Horton Hears a Who and Lorax-themed banners and character cutouts from the childhood tales.

The crew-led parade made its way to the ship’s Ovation Theatre where we were met with a red-and-white striped circus tent backdrop and colorful triangle flags waving overhead. mnparent.com • May 2016

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Oh, the places you’ll go!

Full of anticipation

↑↑A dragon lets out a roar over Gringotts Bank at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Beneath the decorations, children popped like hot corn kernels as they anxiously awaited what was to come next.

Our youngest child, 1-year-old Maisie, was no exception as she shrieked and danced along to the festive music.

Spoiler alert: The famous feline was found and upon first sight the young crowd frantically waved and hollered with delight. And the reward was an interactive Seuss-a-palooza Story Time.

Attendees were picked out of the crowd to participate in the story. Cruise Director Matt Mitcham good-naturedly read from an oversized Cat in the Hat book and entertained the crowd of book lovers sitting on the floor.

Young and older Our other two children — Jeb, 11, and Maddie, 10 — were amused by the jovial spirit of the story. And they enjoyed recalling the rhymes from their young childhoods.

Later in the week, an evening featured a series of

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↑↑Jeb and Maddie Blair, ages 11 and 10, of Lakeville, strike a pose on Carnival’s Seuss at Sea cruise last summer.

•

Lights or power out

•

Troubleshooting

•

Storm damage

•

Emergency service

•

Fuse to circuit breaker panel upgrades

•

Bath exhaust fan installations & servicing

763-544-3300 • Harrison-Electric.com

Harrison Electric MNP 0115 12.indd 1

11/24/14 9:10 AM

↑↑The Blairs sample butterbeer — a nonalcoholic butterscotch-flavored drink — at Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Fla.

meet-and-greets and photo ops with the book-themed celebrities.

Our final day was celebrated with the Seuss at Sea crew at the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ($5 per person) featuring whimsical menu options such as Truffula Tree Pancakes, Fox in Socks Steak and Eggs and Dr. Seuss’ A-B-Cereal.

The dining room crew was dressed in Thing 1 and Thing 2 fashion, and the entire clan of characters returned to visit and offer autographs.

Lake Vermilion —

family vacations are our specialty…

Potter fans, unite!

The day we docked back in Miami was bittersweet.

As we climbed into our minivan, a fresh buzz of excitement began. Our next destination was Orlando, where Maddie’s dream was about to come true at the two uniquely different lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — one located in each of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks.

Escape to The Lake!

• Relax • Explore • Discover • Recharge • Shop • Go Fishing • Play Golf • Hike • See the Sights • Paddle a Kayak or Canoe • Dine Out — Or In! • Swim • Go Boating • Pick Berries • Picnic • See Wildlife • Make Memories!

Cabins – Camping Hotels – Houseboats EscapeToVermilion.com 800.648.5897 Just 3½ hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul Lake Vermilion Resort MNP 0914 H4.indd 1

8/11/14 11:56 AM

mnparent.com • May 2016

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Photo courtesy of Carnival

When we entered Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Maddie declared that Jeff and I were Muggles (non-wizards), but welcomed us into her make-believe world.

Signs overhead beckoned us to magic classes. Gift shops offered Quaffle Balls, Golden Snitches and other book-themed merchandise that any Potterhead would recognize.

My daughter explained the most intricate details of this come-to-life world, including that Diagon Alley is a play on the word “diagonally.”

Dragons and butterbeer Our first scheduled stop was to pick up a magic wand for Maddie at Ollivander’s wand shop, but not before being stopped dead in our tracks when a fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon let out a fiery, forceful roar over Gringotts Bank.

After my daughter’s “Hermione wand” was in hand, we meandered through the alley as the wand was put to good use, lifting feathers and performing other magical feats at several storefronts.

After a creamy butterbeer tasting, we walked through a brick wall, best known as Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross station in London and boarded the Hogwarts Express for Hogsmeade located within Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The rest of the day was spent walking through Hogwarts Castle, riding the high-speed Dragon Challenge roller coaster and dining on authentic British food while Maddie beamed: “This is just like the book!”

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↑↑Potter fan Maddie Blair purchased a wand like Hermione’s at Ollivander’s wand shop at Diagon Alley.

What’s next?

Two months later, our eldest Jeb was reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

“I wish we could go on a chocolate-themed vacation,” he said.

Jeff and I looked at each other and smiled.

We had another trip to plan.

Beth Blair is an author and freelance writer who lives in Lakeville. She’s co-owner of the award-winning site thevacationgals.com. Her latest book, The Unofficial Guide to the Mall of America, comes out in June.

Get planning!

Looking for a storybook vacation?

Check out some of these ideas:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl While Charlie’s tale is purely fictional, Hershey, Penn., is a real town dedicated to the history, making and devouring of chocolate.

Learn about the entire chocolatemaking process from cocoa bean to bar at Chocolate World and walk the history of the Sweetest Place on Earth at The Hershey Story Museum. hersheystory.org

Coat of Many Colors

by Dolly Parton Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in Tennessee opened last summer.

A free trolley takes guests to the famed Dollywood theme park where thrill rides, craftsmen and a replica of the tiny cabin Dolly grew-up in with her parents and 10 siblings create a special ambience. dollywood.com

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer & The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

by Mark Twain These classics inspired Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

There are other nods to literature at the resort, too, including the massive tree house from The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.

The Many of Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is based off several Winniethe-Pooh tales, while the spinning Mad Tea Party teacups depict the wild story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. disneyworld.disney.go.com

mnparent.com • May 2016

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GO

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AT HOME

Even if you have no budget, vacation time or even patience for international travel with your little ones, you can enjoy a rich array of multicultural experiences right here in Minnesota — often for free!

By Abbie Burgess

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International Day at Concordia Language Villages

IndiaFest Photo by Tyd Photography

Twin Cities Polish Festival Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival Photo by Jeff Henningsgaard Photography

Festival of Nations

GO

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AT HOME

Festival of Nations Consider this your one-stop world-culture destination.

This indoor cultural celebration includes ethnic foods, music, demonstrations, exhibits and dance from more than 90 ethnic groups.

Founded in 1932, Festival of Nations is the longest-running multicultural event in the Midwest.

When: May 5–8 / Where: RiverCentre, St. Paul / Cost: $11 for adults, $8 for ages 5–17, free for ages 5 and younger with a paying adult Info: festivalofnations.com / Bonus: Kids love collecting stamps from different nations’ exhibits in their very own festival passports.

Urban Expedition: Nigeria The historic Landmark Center is a picturesque place to spend a Sunday as a family, especially when free interactive programming is offered. Nigeria is the final featured land in this year’s Urban Expedition, an annual series featuring a different country each session.

The program, in its 12th year, invites children and adults to experience crafts, music, dance, language lessons and live animals native to each featured country.

When: 1–3 p.m. May 15 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: Free Info: landmarkcenter.org Bonus: In addition to the Urban Expedition series, the Landmark also features a variety of multicultural and music events September through May every year as part of its Sundays at the Landmark series. The 2015-16 season included a Carpathian celebration (featuring the seven cultures hailing from the Carpathian region of Eastern Europe), plus Irish, Scottish and Chinese events for all ages.

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Wee Wednesdays For little ones age 5 and younger accompanied by their caregivers, Midtown Global Market offers educational events every week. Activities may include dancing, live puppet theater, cooking activities and even live animals from the Como Zoo. Check the website for a variety of other events and festivals throughout the year.

When: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesdays Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: Free Info: midtownglobalmarket.org Bonus: While you’re there, you can also explore the year-round farmers market and a vibrant array of international shops, featuring more than 50 vendors.

Flint Hills International Children’s Festival This festival features local, regional and international professional artists representing more than 25 countries.

When: Family weekend is June 4–5.

Where: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in downtown St. Paul and the areas nearby, including Rice Park and Landmark Plaza Cost: All outdoor performances and activities are free. Indoor performances cost $5.

Info: ordway.org

GermanFest Celebrate German culture at this relatively new festival, going on its third year, featuring food, live music, dance, art, education and other traditional activities — not a stereotypical beer-centric Oktoberfest event.

Highlights include Lederhosen-clad participants, a strongman competition, human fussball games, brewery tours, arts and crafts, Dachshund races, Great Pyrenees dogs and more.

When: June 17–19 Where: Historic Schmidt Brewery, St. Paul Cost: Free Info: germanfestmn.org

Hmong International Freedom Celebration & Sports Tournament Founded more than 35 year ago to mark the anniversary of the Hmong immigration to the U.S. following the Vietnam War, this event is one of the largest Hmong celebrations in the world.

Thousands of spectators come to see tournaments, including soccer, volleyball, flag football and the Southeast Asian sport of kick-volleyball, known as sepak takraw.

When: July 2–3 Where: McMurray Field in Como Park, St. Paul Cost: $5 Info: hmongfc.org

Photo by Jeff Henningsgaard Photography

Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival This annual event honors Japanese traditions through music, dance, crafts, martial arts and lanterns, including a traditional lantern-lighting ceremony at dusk.

When: Aug. 21 Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 3–12 Info: comozooconservatory.org

International Day at Concordia Language Villages Take an in-state road trip for this cultural experience. The Bemidji-based camp is renowned for language-immersion programs that help children discover what it means to be a citizen of the world.

Twice a summer, Concordia hosts a fair for the public as well as campers and their families. Activities include a Peace Site ceremony, parades, a World Cup Soccer Extravaganza, BioHaus tours, a Global Summit, an international film festival and multicultural food and beverages available for purchase.

When: July 8 and Aug. 12 Where: Waldsee German Language Village, Bemidji Cost: Free Info: concordialanguagevillages.org

Dragon Festival

The tradition of dragon boat racing originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Racing teams paddle in ornately designed boats representing the mythical creature of Chinese folklore. When your little spectators tire of watching the races, check out martial arts demonstrations, bouncy castles (tickets required) and vendors.

A performance stage showcases the arts of Asia with colorful costumes, traditional dances and music ranging from energetic Taiko drumming to the pentatonic melodies of Chinese flutes.

When: July 9–10 Where: Lake Phalen Park, St. Paul Cost: Free Info: dragonfestival.org

mnparent.com • May 2016

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GO

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O B A

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AT HOME

Photo by Tyd Photography

IndiaFest Organized by the India Association of Minnesota, this 43rd-annual event includes parades, cultural exhibits, Indian cuisine from local restaurants, a bazaar, internationally acclaimed classical dance groups based in Minnesota, as well as live Bollywood music. Other family-friendly activities include henna, face painting, inflatables, kite flying, chess, cricket and yoga.

When: Aug. 20 / Where: State Capitol Grounds, St. Paul Cost: Free / Info: iamn.org / Bonus: The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul has a next exhibit — Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation — opening April 30 and showing through July 10 (including a Family Day May 14). See mnhs.org.

Irish Fair of Minnesota The nation’s largest free Irish fair is held outdoors at St. Paul’s Harriet Island. Multiple stages dedicated to dance and music performances are a big draw for all ages, and the children’s area offers kid-friendly activities for every level of rambunctiousness.

An art tent features face painting and arts and crafts, while the fair’s activity tent includes dance lessons, games, races, musical performances and visits from native dogs.

When: Aug. 12–14 Where: Harriet Island, St. Paul Cost: Free. Bring money for parking.

Info: irishfair.com

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

Twin Cities Polish Festival

Learn about Polish culture and traditions at this family-friendly event, featuring folk-dance exhibitions, live music, food, beverages, arts and crafts, cultural exhibits and a petting area filled with cuddly Polish sheepdogs.

When: Aug. 12–14 Where: Along the Mississippi River on Old Main Street in northeast Minneapolis, across from St. Anthony Main Cost: Free Info: tcpolishfestival.org

More This list is only a sampling of the many internationally themed events in the Twin Cities area that include children’s activities. In September, look for more festivals, including the Taste of Greece in Minneapolis (mplsgreekfest.org); St. Paul Oktoberfest (saintpauloktoberfest. org); and the Czech and Slovak Festival in St. Paul (sokolmn.org).

Festival organizers: Did we miss your event? Write us at editor@mnparent.com six weeks before your event (or sooner)!

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Welcome summer at the American Swedish Institute with a family-friendly day of cultural activities in and around the Turnblad Mansion. Singing and folk dancing happen throughout the afternoon.

Be there at 11:30 a.m. to see the raising of the Swedish Midsummer pole — and dance around it!

Other family activities include flower head-wreath making, face painting, storytelling, outdoor games, nature-based play activities and Midsummer eats from the on-site critically acclaimed FIKA cafe.

The day is full of music, movement and games both inside and outdoors, so come prepared for the weather.

When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 18 Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6–18, free for ages 5 and younger Info: asimn.org Bonus: The institute also offers a wide variety of holiday events around Christmastime.

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

Should your family get a pet?

Maybe. Just don’t expect your kids to assume full responsibility if you bring an animal home.

By Jen Wittes

mnparent.com • May 2016

41

M

an’s best friend. A house is not a home without a cat. Honk if you love ferrets. Pet enthusiasts consider their furry and scaly friends to be part of the family.

Of course, there are also humans who prefer household members be limited to those on two 10-toed feet. But, as parents, both the animal lovers and the animal shy, we all may eventually face the question: “Can we get a pet?”

Teaching responsibility The answer to the question of “can we” and “should we” is often, “If you take care of it.” But how much responsibility can a parent really expect a child to take?

Nichole Tubman, a doctor of veterinary medicine at Prior Lake Pet Hospital, said: “I see many parents with the idea that the pet care will be 100 percent the child.

This is unfair and unrealistic. The animal’s care cannot be compromised if your child is not going to follow through. The parent must be willing to take over the care, no matter the age of the child.”

Though pet care should never be 100 percent their responsibility, kids shouldn’t be off the hook either.

Generally speaking, parents can rationally expect: • Ages 0–4: Pet the animal and be nice to it.

NOTHING more.

• Ages 5–10: Minimal. Pick up outside, help clean the litter box or cage, brush the pet once per week, play with the pet daily and accompany the parent to the vet.

• 11 and older: Help with daily exercise (playing or walks), visit the vet and — along with the parent — discuss medical concerns. Feed one meal per day (after instruction from parents).

“Some parents will make the child donate some of their allowance after the age of 10 to the pet fund for vet care, toys and treats,” Tubman said. “This should be minimal, but I think it’s a good idea to teach the child that pets are a responsibility — not only with your time, but your finances as well.”

Choose wisely After talking it over as a family, you’ve decided to take the plunge and bring home a pet.

Next question: Which animal? Which breed? Who’s the lucky soon-to-be Fido or Muffin or Ralphie?

Cats: If cats are present before Baby arrives, they can do very well with little hands and often display mothering tendencies, though it never hurts to practice supervision, of course.

When it comes to being exposed to young crawlers or toddlers, cats can have a hard time unless they have

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

experience with small children.

Cats can have high vet and care costs, but are easy to tend to and can be left alone for longer periods of time, especially when compared to dogs, which require boarding or sitting.

Consider hair length: Long-haired breeds — and the same is true for dogs — can add dramatically to the hours you spend cleaning your home.

You may need a Roomba, numerous lint-rollers or both to keep up (not that you’re keeping up anyway).

Finally, decide where you stand on declawing. Felines can cause serious damage to your interiors if they’re not declawed.

Declawing, however, can be painful for your cat, and gruesome and costly for you.

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Dogs: Puppies demand significant attention and training. You probably shouldn’t attempt to train a puppy with a new baby or young toddler in the house.

Dogs are amazingly social, loving and fun, but the care and vet costs can be significant. They can’t be left alone for long without attention or the opportunity to go outside.

Within every species of animal comes variation in breed and upbringing.

“Do research,” Tubman said. “Not all dog breeds do well with children … and it’s not the ‘big, scary’ breeds that you might think. Many small dogs can be nippy and worse with kids than the bigger breeds.”

Ferrets: Ferrets interact well with children of any age, but require a lot of work and produce strong odors. Vet and care costs are high.

Fish: It’s the ultimate starter pet! Fish can be ideal for children younger than 4, who may sit and watch them, trance-like, with curiosity.

Most fish don’t last long, which may mean a rash of toilet-bowl funerals in the near future. Freshwater fish are generally easier to manage than tropical.

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mnparent.com • May 2016

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Rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters: These animals require minimal responsibility and cost.

Rabbits, it’s good to note, are highly social and prefer a cage in the home’s “center of action.”

Lifespan is another issue: Rabbits and guinea pigs live four to six years and hamsters only one to two.

Hamsters are not always friendly to little hands.

Snakes and lizards: Though they can be social, reptiles are obviously not cuddly.

Safe handling is extremely important: Reptiles aren’t suitable for independent play with a child.

In fact, the CDC recommends keeping small turtles and other reptiles away from young children.

Hundreds of people have become ill in several ongoing, nationwide salmonella outbreaks linked to small turtles in the U.S. Most victims have been younger than 5 years old.

Finally, snakes and lizards have significant environmental needs. Though these needs are fairly easy to maintain, they present significant upfront costs.

Life lessons, risks, rewards Though parents, in general, would be wise to lower their expectations when it comes to children doing pet chores, the experience of being a pet owner does teach responsibility or at least the ability to consider another being’s needs and feelings.

Cindy Sovari, a Burnsville mother of three, is what you might call a pet fanatic.

At one time her family owned 35 — including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, degus, chinchillas, bearded dragons, hedgehogs, tortoises, turtles, snakes, chickens, ducks, pheasants, quail, gerbils, rats, rabbits, pigeons, mice, hissing cockroaches, birds and a horse.

“My children have built many loving bonds with the pets and have matured into caring and compassionate people because of those bonds,” Sovari said. “There have been tough losses in our family as part of owning pets, but this also builds character.”

Children may also learn about caring for animals in their old age.

Geriatric dogs and cats often require more care than their adolescent counterparts. Illnesses of old age can be chronic and lasting, and that can impact a household, along with each pet’s inevitable demise.

Love and loss If the entire family is committed to the care and responsibility of a pet, possible illness and loss shouldn’t be a deterrent.

Disappointment happens unexpectedly throughout life, as your child will inevitably learn. For many, the reward of a loving connection with a pet far outweighs the risk of loss.

Fourteen-year-old Caleb Andrew of Northfield said pets offer another benefit: They help kids feel calm.

“Coming home to a pet relieves stress,” he said. “It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t disagree with you.

It’s just nice to have a friend.”

Andrew said one of the biggest benefits of owning a pet is the amount of responsibility it teaches kids.

“One of the downsides is that it takes time and energy,” Andrew said. “However, the time and energy spent is well worth it.”

Jen Wittes is a freelance writer and mother of two who lives in St. Paul. Her beloved cats, Fred and George, were named after the Weasley twins from the Harry Potter series. Send questions to jwittes@mnparent.com.

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

Out & About

MAY

mnparent.com/calendar

Photo by Dan Norman

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical ⊲⊲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. The St. Paul Pioneer Press gave the show rave reviews, calling the production “polished,” “tuneful” and “very, very funny.”

When: Through June 5 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10. Info: childrenstheatre.org

APRIL 30 AND MAY 1

MAY 1

Union Depot Train Days

MayDay Parade & Festival

⊲⊲The Amtrak Exhibit Train will be open for free public tours as part of this annual event. Children can explore the train, sound horns and work railroad signals, too. Other event attractions include a Chuggington Kids Depot, model trains, musical entertainment and memorabilia.

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

⊲⊲Enormous puppets parade down the street. Dancers, musicians and actors join together in beautiful costumes for an arts and community festival like none other.

Now in its 42nd year, this larger-than-life event comes courtesy of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and numerous volunteers and participants.

a noon parade and a ceremony and festival at about 3 p.m. in Powderhorn Park.

Where: The parade begins at the corner of 25th Street East and Bloomington Avenue South and travels south on Bloomington to 34th Street, where the parade turns west toward Powderhorn Park.

Cost: FREE Info: hobt.org/mayday

When: Noon May 3. Participants assemble at 11 a.m., followed by mnparent.com • May 2016

45

Out & About MAY 2–JUNE 30

Kaleidoscope ⊲⊲The Saint Paul Public Library presents a series of Performing Arts for the Very Young events for children and their caregivers. Events will include more than 20 performances from a variety of cultures, including Korean dance and drumming, children’s stories from India, Khmer dances and games, AfricanAmerican tales and traditions and more.

When: May 2–June 30 Where: The West 7th, Rice Street, Rondo, Sun Ray and St. Anthony Park libraries and the Arlington Hills Community Center Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/kaleidoscope

OPENS MAY 28

Dinosaurs MAY 5

Listen to Your Mother ⊲⊲This series of live, on-stage readings across North America — on or around Mother’s Day — gives voice to motherhood, with authors sharing the good, the bad, the sad, the ugly, the hilarious, the golden, and, of course, the beautiful.

When: 7–9 p.m. May 5 Where: Riverview Theater, Minneapolis Cost: $18 online, $20 at the door (cash only at the door) Info: listentoyourmothershow.com

MAY 5–8

Festival of Nations ⊲⊲This indoor cultural celebration includes ethnic foods, music, demonstrations, exhibits and dance from more than 90 ethnic groups. Founded in 1932, the festival is one of the longestrunning multicultural events in the Midwest. Kids can collect stamps from different nations’ exhibits in their very

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May 2016 • mnparent.com

⊲⊲The dinosaurs are back! See a lifelike stegosaurus, brachiosaurus, allosaurus and more. You can even snap a selfie with a T-rex. Just watch out for the dilophosaurus — he spits!

When: May 28–Sept. 5 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: $5 ($4 for members) in addition to zoo admission; zoo admission is $12 for ages 3–12 and 65 and older, $18 for ages 13–64 Info: mnzoo.org

own festival passports.

When: May 5–8 Where: RiverCentre, St. Paul Cost: $11 for adults, $8 for ages 5–17, free for ages 5 and younger (with a paying adult) Info: festivalofnations.com

MAY 6

Kidz Bop! ⊲⊲The best-selling children’s music brand is taking its 15th-birthday celebration on the road with its all-new Life of the Party tour.

When: 7 p.m. May 6

Where: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $29.50–$100 Info: kidzbop.com/tour and ticketmaster.com

MAY 7

Mpls Parks & Rec Open House ⊲⊲The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will hold its first open house program and resource fair with kids’ activities, a truck display, food, a bouncy house and more. Staff will be on hand to share information and answer questions about programs, resources,

job opportunities and other Park Board offerings. Attendees can register for activities and sports leagues, too.

When: 10 a.m.–noon May 7 Where: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: minneapolisparks.org

MAY 8

Symphony Concert ⊲⊲The Saint Paul Civic Symphony will present a Mother’s Day concert, featuring Minnesota Orchestra violinist Helen Chang Haertzen performing Tchaikovsky’s famed violin concerto.

When: 1 p.m. May 8 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: spcsmusic.org

MAY 14

Mini Maker Faire ⊲⊲More than 200 local and regional makers will showcase, demonstrate and share interactive creations with the public during this family-friendly event.

When: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. May 14 Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul Cost: Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for ages 6–13 (plus fees) and free for ages 5 and younger.

Tickets at the door are $10–$20.

Info: makerfairemsp.com

Out & About

MAY 15

Trucksploration ⊲⊲Let the kids explore a wide variety of exciting machines, including work trucks, public-service vehicles and more — plus fun guests, activities, food vendors and entertainment.

Where: Beth El Synagogue, St. Louis Park When: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. May 15 Cost: FREE Info: bethelsynagogue.org/ trucksploration

having babies. Strollers and baby carriers are welcome.

When: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. May 21 with a fun run starting at 10 a.m., a 5K run at 11 a.m. and a 5K walk at 11:15 a.m.

Where: Rosland Park, Edina Cost: $12–$30, plus fees Info: tinyurl.com/daisy-dash-mn

Child Safety Fair ⊲⊲Join M Health for a morning of activities designed to encourage safety, healthful habits and physical activity, including photo ops with Goldy Gopher, a bike rodeo, bike helmet fittings, beginner skateboarding lessons and more.

MAY 21

Rock the Cradle ⊲⊲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 and more. 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

Daisy Dash ⊲⊲This third-annual family-friendly event, now in a new location, benefits Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota and its mission to support new and expectant parents struggling with perinatal mood or anxiety disorders, loss, birth trauma and anything else that comes along with

When: 9 a.m.–noon May 21, rain or shine Where: University of Minnesota Health, Maple Grove Clinics, Maple Grove Cost: FREE Info: mhealth.org/safetyfair

Rock the Barn ⊲⊲Experience a day in the life of a farm by taking part in farm chores, old-fashioned games, live music, face painting and a barn tour, featuring live animals.

When: 3–7 p.m. May 21 Where: Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul Cost: $7 for adults, 4 for ages 3 and older, $25 for families Info: dodgenaturecenter.org

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FROM OUR READERS

↑↑Nora and Ella Renner of Lakeville, both 10, took broom-flying lessons at Alnwick Castle in England. ↑↑Sam and Lucia Arneson, ages 7 and 5, of Minneapolis, visited the Statue of Liberty in New York City in November 2015.

↑↑Landon Clark, 3, of Burnsville played on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Miner’s Beach, Mich. ←←Jordan and Dom Tortorella of Bloomington explored Legoland in Florida with their sons, Dominic, 4, and Roman, 6 months, for their firstever family vacation.

↑↑Gina and Cooper Sorensen of Minnetonka, both age 4, toured Canal Park in Duluth with their dad, Neal Sorensen.

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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May 2016 • mnparent.com

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