Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine - April 2021

NortheastOhioParent.com

FLOWER SEASON PLANTING NATIVE

APRIL 2021 • FREE!

Screens On and Off GAME PLAY TIME

C Camp and

Summer Programs Pull-Out Guide INSIDE

s n i w p Cam SCORE A SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUR CHILD

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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2 | Family Living at Its Best

SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT STEM CAMP? Learning doesn't have to end when school's out!

Our camps keep kids engaged and having fun all summer!

Full-day and half-day options

Hands-on science discovery

Designed for kids ages 3-12

Outdoor games and physical activity

And So Much More!

Build Robots

Invent and Experiment

Be a Detective and Crack Codes

CAMPS LOCATED IN: Rocky River | Hudson | Beachwood | Westlake Aurora | Jackson Twp | Warrensville Heights | Youngstown Chagrin Falls | Cleveland | and More to Come

Sign-Up for a Camp Today!

330-498-0033 | NortheastOhio.MadScience.org We Also Offer | Special Events • Workshops • After-School Programs • Birthday Parties

A CAMP EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER! Camp themes that immerse kids in different real-world topics and creative problem-solving through art:

Animals and Conservation

History is Full of Revolutionary Artists

Convenient locations throughout the area

SIGN UP FOR CAMP TODAY! NortheastOhio.ImagineArtsAcademy.com

330-498-0033 WE ALSO OFFER | After-School Programs • Birthday Parties April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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April

CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAMS GUIDE

›››

Camps galore! Starting after page 18, check out this exhaustive 32-page resource to get your kids plugged into immersive, experiential fun, as only summer camp can deliver it.

insiDE

NortheastOhioParent.com

Pull-Out Guide Inside

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SPRIN G OPEN HOUS

ES

Find th e Rig Schoo ht l.

departments 06

EDITOR’S NOTE Sunny skies ahead.

features

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WORTH NOTING Help is here for parents navigating the minefield of their teen’s mental health. Also, enjoy Reading Room and join a virtual baby club.

POSITIVE IEP MEETINGS

April is Autism Awareness Month — Ways to make the IEP process positive for your family. Also, check out events for families with special needs.

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AGES AND STAGES

Get your little night owl to sleep with these helpful book tips.

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EDUCATION NEWS

What’s happening at schools and educational organizations across the region.

NATIVE BEAUTY

This Earth Day, restore native plants to the Northeast Ohio landscape by planting flowers that thrive in this climate and soil. Your garden will flourish… naturally!

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FAMILY CALENDAR

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What to do around town this month: Check out the schedule of events, in-person or virtual, including local attractions and storytime fun.

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AGING ANSWERS

Grandparents and grandchildren can finally reunite after a long pandemic year apart.

What’s the best — and safest — way forward?

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ON THE COVER:

2020 Cover Kids runner-up Adhrit Gupta, 7, has fun with our sports equipment in the studio. The tennis player enjoyed helping us with the sports camp-themed cover this month.

PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY KIMSTAHNKEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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THE DIGITAL DILEMMA: TIME TO DETOX OR DELVE DEEPER?

Once school’s out and summer’s here, it may be the best time to try a family-wide digital detox, bidding screens goodbye and reacquainting ourselves with the outside world.

On the other hand, we offer you a parents’ gaming guide so you know where and how your kids spend their time online.

DAD MATTERS

Using the Velma Scale from “Scooby-Doo” to help your kids discern a better approach to problem-solving.

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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PHOTO BY PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor's NOTE

Sunny Skies Ahead Right now, I hear my sons in their room, screaming at other kids while playing the latest online game. Through the walls, they talk about building PCs or how the internet is always “lagging.”

My tween and teen roll their eyes at me when I tell them to shut it down and collect their controllers, phones —and sometimes a monitor — at the designated time at night, but they still are eager to show me their vids of games they played, a random TikTok series or a YouTuber they like.

With more parents working from home, it’s hard to manage kids’ screen time. Do you feel worried (like me) about how much time your children are spending on their screens — and honestly, the whole family? Well, you are not alone.

According to a New York Times article, “Children’s Screen Time Has Soared in the Pandemic, Alarming Parents and Researchers” in January, a new study with data from Germany states that children ages 10–17 reported gaming at least once each week and played about 138.6 minutes of video games on a work day, four weeks after lockdown initiation, compared to about 79.2 min in September 2019 before the pandemic.

During the lockdown last year and throughout the pandemic, kids (like mine) were isolated from friends and family. I did get more familiar with what they were playing and how they communicated with their friends online. However, I think it’s important to have a balance between on- and off-screen time. That’s why, this month, we’ve highlighted a few games to know, but also, ideas to get them off their devices. Hopefully, now that spring has arrived — and more vaccines are distributed — we can all digitally detox.

Also, I can’t help thinking about our April issue last year. We were in the midst of putting the magazine together when news of the lockdown hit. It still seems like a chaotic period. There was so much uncertainty around if our family and friends would be OK, homeschooling and being stuck in our home, which, honestly, for a hockey family, was unfamiliar territory. For the first time since last year, I actually do believe this spring season will be better.

The reason: summer camps. Northeast Ohio Parent had two in-person Camp Fairs last month. I was elated to see all the wonderful families safely talking to camp directors and staff at the events. I felt inspired and excited for summer — and I hope you feel the same way as you view the pull-out Camp and Summer Programs Guide in this issue.

Finally, with sunny skies ahead — and baseball season and summer break also on the horizon — my family’s goal is to finally break free from life behind our screens.

VOL. NO. 8 • ISSUE NO. 04

April 2021 Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioParent.com PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712 EDITORIAL:

EDITOR - Angela Gartner

angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914 ART DIRECTOR - Sherry Lundberg

sherry@northeastohioparent.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - Estelle Brown

estelle@northeastohioparent.com DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST/SALES CONSULTANT -

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Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 janyse@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioparent.com Sherrie Kantarovich, 216-299-5455 sherriek@northeastohioparent.com Yvonne Pelino, 440-971-0595 yvonne@northeastohioparent.com OFFICE MANAGER:

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April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Worth

NOTING

PANDEMIC PRESSURE

By Angela Gartner

How parents can prioritize and check on the mental health of their tweens and teens.

T

he wear and tear of the pandemic have impacted many aspects of our lives. The mental well-being of our tweens and teens has especially affected.

In fact, according to a recent press release from the American Academy of Pediatrics, they, along with The Children’s Hospital Association, are calling on U.S. government officials — and launching an awareness campaign — to prioritize children’s mental, emotional and behavioral health in proposals addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the February release, “This past (2020) summer, as the pandemic raged and social isolation limited access BE HONEST

Parents need to talk to their kids about what’s happening in an ageappropriate manner. “One of the things is to share and be honest,” Gerak says.

“For teens, this is a most unique time in their (young) lives.”

VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS

For both kids and adults, we have missed a lot of activities, socialization

8 | Family Living at Its Best

to school, friends and other support systems, hospitalizations at children’s hospitals significantly increased. These included increases of nearly 20 percent in suicide attempts and more than 40 percent in disruptive behavior disorders.”

With teens having normal stressors such as grades, social relationships and seeking independence from parents, the pandemic has brought on an additional worry. “(The pandemic) is exacerbating the stressors that are already there,” says Dr. Laura Gerak, Director of Clinical Psychology and Pediatric Psychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital. She provides some ways parents can talk to their children and check on their mental health:

and important milestones during the pandemic.

“Parents can validate the reality of that and give it the respect it's due,” Gerak says. “Be there, willing to listen and not push it under the rug.”

She suggests follow-up questions like, “Tell me what it’s like” and “Is there anything I can do to help?” “What can we do to make it better?” or “How can we celebrate it differently?”

While celebrations might not happen

until things open up, make plans and follow through when the time comes, she suggests. “They just need your support and to have faith in them.”

CHECK IN Families are dealing with the pandemic in their own ways. It might be harder for parents to gauge how teens are handling emotions, especially as their typical behavior is to hide away in their rooms.

> “Have an open dialogue,” Gerak says, adding to set up a time to talk with your kids about how they are handling things that are happening. “Connect with your kids on a weekly basis,” Gerak says. She suggests trying not to jump to conclusions when speaking to them.

Also, it doesn’t have to be about their feelings, but take interest in what they are doing. Whether it’s a new online game or a Netflix series, show them you genuinely care about their activities.

Gerak suggests, if face-to-face isn’t working, you might want to get the dialogue through notes or texts.

Some kids feel more comfortable writing things down. Have an agreed-upon place to pass notes along or keep a constant text thread.

TAKE SOME PRESSURE OFF The pandemic year has provided significant school challenges in which kids are learning virtually, which can be good for some but not for others. Additionally, they might not have some regular supports in place, such as socializing with friends or participating in athletic activities.

“Take off the pressure we put on ourselves and give each other permission (to say) we are doing the best we can,” Gerak says, adding it might be a good time to re-prioritize what’s important.

WHEN IT’S MORE THAN TYPICAL TEEN ANGST Dr. Laura Gerak, Director of Clinical Psychology and Pediatric Psychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, says normal is a rollercoaster, but if there is a pattern, meaning weeks of unusual behavior such as sleep and appetite changes or not wanting to do things they used to enjoy, it could be an indicator of depression.

If your child is talking about harming themselves, always take it seriously.

“If they are talking about (self-harm or depression), it opens the door (for a conversation with them) — let them be heard,” Gerak says, adding to take a deep breath as a parent, ask questions and suggest seeking help.

“If they are saying things like, ‘I wish I wouldn’t wake up,’ etc., get some help,” she says, adding it doesn’t always mean kids will be admitted to the hospital.”

“Don’t freak out if you talk to a mental health professional that night,” she says. “Tell your kids, ‘Thanks for being honest (about your feelings). What kind of resources (can we seek) or who else can we talk to about it? We just want to make sure you’re safe.’”

She says the experts will do a safety assessment and help parents make that decision regarding next steps for your child.

If you or someone in your family needs help, reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text the Crisis Text Line by t​​exting “TALK” to 741741.

READING ROOM Little Dandelion Seeds the World

by Julia Richardson and illustrated by Kristen Howdeshell and Kevin Howdeshell

Did you know dandelions thrive on all seven continents? In this lyrical book, learn how the crafty plant travels on the wind and hitches rides in order to spread far and wide.

Where'd My Giggle Go?

by Max Lucado and illustrated by Sarah Jennings

It follows a boy who looks all over— from the circus to the bakery to his own pocket— for his giggle.

The picture book helps kids process their emotions in a fun, healthy way so they can transform from grumpy to laugh-out-loud happy.

A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play

by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Lyrical poems capture the energy of a group of children in one neighborhood as they amuse themselves over the course of a summer day.

Virtual Baby Club Cuyahoga County Public Library is offering free, five-week, virtual Baby Club programs for caregivers and children ages birth to 2. Registrants will learn helpful tips and researchbacked practices they can use to boost their baby’s brain through play while connecting with other families.

Registrants will receive books, toys and activity ideas they can use at home to help their child’s development. These items can be picked up from a participating CCPL host branch.

CCPL’s Baby Club classes are free, but registration is required. Classes meet once a week and will be held virtually via Zoom and led by CCPL branch staff.

Baby Club is sponsored by Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage. Parents aged 18 and older who register to participate in Baby Club will be entered into a sweepstake to win a $529 college savings award from Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, for their child.

For branches and registration, visit cuyahogalibrary.org.

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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EVENTS FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS PICK-A-DAY

MONDAYS

Adapted Dance. Move your body, express yourself and try something different in this funfilled dance and music class.

4/19-5/24. Ages 12 and under, 3:15-4 p.m. Ages 12+ 4:15-5 p.m. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org

MONDAYTHURSDAY

Flight. A social skills group that offers different interventions to meet each child’s specific needs and can serve as an alternative for preschool/kindergarten or school preparation for children starting school in the future. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Reaching New Heights, 6960 S. Edgerton, Brecksville, 440-2418366, reachingnewhts.com

TUESDAYS

Therapeutic Riding Program.

Therapeutic Riding is more than just sitting on a horse. The movements and shape of the horse allow tight, spastic muscles to relax, improving posture and balance. The horse can lend its strength and abilities to the rider. Therapeutic instruction improves eye/hand coordination, spatial relations, and an understanding of direction of varying complexity.

4/13-6/15. Rocky River Stables, 9901 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, 216-267-2525, valleyriding.org

FRIDAYS

Friendship Social Skills Group. A time for children of all abilities, ages 3-8, to come together to learn, share, cooperate and to have fun. 9-11 a.m. Above All Therapy, 5425 Warner Rd., Suite 3A, Valley View, abovealltherapy.com

DAY-BY-DAY

4/2

4/4

Teen Scene for Boys. An opportunity for teenage boys with special needs to socialize with their peers while enhancing their life skills during structured programming. 1:30 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com

4/5-9

Spring Break Camp - Peak Potential Therapy. Spring Break camp for ages 10-16.

There are no aides available from Peak Potential Therapy for this camp, but the family can provide an aide for their child with moderate to severe needs in order to attend. 7689 Sagamore Hills Blvd. Northfield, 330-405-8776, peakpotentialtherapy.com

4/9-11

Rotary Camp Respite Weekend. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities, as well as special seasonal ones. The goals are to increase each camper’s independence and self-esteem; develop social skills; and to further strengthen the family unit by providing a safe, fun and nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities.

Akron YMCA, 4460 Rex Lane Dr., gotcamp.org/rotary-camprespite-weekends

4/24

Lorain County Resource Fair. Free, outdoor, in-person, socially distanced public event that will highlight providers from across Northeast Ohio, focusing on individuals (ages birth-22) with special emphasis on adapted recreation programs and camps, alternative schools, mental health professionals, educational advocates and much more.

Rain date of May 8. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Lorain County Community College, 1005 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, connectingforkids.org

Stand Up & Stand Out Autism Awareness. Recognize the uniqueness of having autism on National Autism Awareness Day. Spectrum from Lorain, Camp IDEAS and teachers with sensory games and inclusive game ideas will be there. 4-7 p.m. Main Street Wellington, 118 W. Herrick Ave., Wellington, m.facebook.com/ events/121485516473356

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Special

NEEDS

7 Ways

Schools can Improve your Child’s IEP Meeting

By Matt Christensen A good school doesn’t just plan your child’s day-to-day progress — it helps you start planning for their future, and never stops. Every day is a chance for growth and achievement and an opportunity to help your child move closer to his or her individual academic and social goals. If you’re familiar with special education, you’re well-acquainted with the term IEP - Individualized Education Program.

But you may not know exactly how a properly-implemented IEP can benefit your child.

Students with special needs face unique challenges. Whether they be academic, social or behavioral, these challenges are what effective teachers and specialists excel at helping your child navigate and overcome. And every year, when your child’s IEP team meets to evaluate his or her progress, you should feel welcomed and encouraged. Even though IEPs are standard for students with special needs, they’re all as individual as the students themselves. Here’s what an enjoyable, effective IEP experience can look like...

1. RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE PRIORITY

At the heart of every student success story are positive relationships; not just between the student and his or her teachers and peers, but between the entire learning community that provides support throughout the journey. During your child’s IEP meeting, you won’t just get to know this community — you’ll become a part of it. No one knows your child better than you do, and the jobs of educators, therapists and administrators are to ensure that every tool and strategy available are used to help your child succeed. To cultivate and harness that potential, an effective staff will work closely with you — rather than for you — as a part of the team rooting for your child’s success.

2. THE FOCUS IS ON NEEDS, NOT EXPECTATIONS

Special education students are part of an extraordinary population of individuals whose needs are truly unique. And while the entire approach to helping those students succeed is goal-driven, the most valuable discoveries are the tools and paths that work for your child — as an individual — so that his or her success can continue beyond the grade-school level. At your child’s IEP meeting, collaboration to maintain success in the classroom is viewed as a constant process. By working with educators, you’ll learn what types of strategies work and don’t work for your child so that they can be honed as early and often as possible to create capability rather than dependency.

3. SMART GOALS ARE THE STANDARD

SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant and Timely. By making your child’s academic, social and behavioral goals as clear as possible, they become more achievable.

Breaking them down into these categories will allow the celebration of achievements and the identification of challenges as they arise, all while maintaining a larger focus on overall growth. Because SMART goals are proven to highlight challenges, they allow the teachers to focus on your child’s specific instructional needs. And, at your IEP meeting, these needs will be explained in a way that helps everyone (you included!) plan for a successful academic and behavioral future.

4. CREATIVITY IS EMBRACED

While an IEP is a legal document, it’s not barred from creative thinking. You may have heard the term “differentiated instruction” with regard to special education. Basically, it’s an acknowledgement of the fact that every student learns differently. Every student has specific aptitudes and talents that make his or her educational journey unique. An IEP meeting is the perfect time to discuss your child’s interests, likes, dislikes, and any other relevant information that will help educators appeal to his or her unique learning style. In addition, learning more about your child as a person allows educators to think outside the box, modify requirements, or do whatever else is necessary to help your child succeed. Some methods of differentiated instruction and/or accommodation include: • Allowing the use of a Fidget or other sensory items • Allowing tests to be taken in a different quiet room and/ or giving extended time •Allowing a student to take a break in a quiet area when needed • Allowing a student to type instead of hand-write • Implementing a visual schedule, agenda, visual timer, labeled folders, etc. to help with organization • Implementing a parent/teacher communication system, possibly through a journal sent back and forth from school to home 5. YOU GET TO KNOW EVERYONE

At least, get to know everyone involved in your child’s educational journey. While your child’s IEP meeting may not be attended by every single one of his/her/their teachers, you will be acquainted with every aspect of their progress monitoring plan, and how the collective school staff will help your child succeed. In short, you should leave your child’s IEP meeting knowing exactly who will be guiding, assessing, and encouraging your child every step of the way. And, if you have any questions or concerns, they can be addressed by specific personnel, including the teachers, therapists and administrators who work with your child.

6. REASONING IS EXPLAINED AND CLARIFIED

IEPs can be confusing. They’re filled with acronyms, jargon and legal language that is necessary, but not always clear. Understandably, it’s frustrating when a recommendation is made for your child and you don’t know why. And it’s important to know that you have the right to ask any questions you may have before, during or after the IEP meeting.

An effective IEP will consist of recommendations made deliberately, and with explicit purpose. Explaining the premise of each goal, objective and strategy is how educators establish trust with you and your child.

When students (and parents) understand the thoughtfulness behind a proposal, everyone involved becomes a member of a team working toward common goals. Through clarity and cooperation, those goals can be accomplished.

7. YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOMED

Though your child’s primary role at school is that of a student, children have rich social and emotional lives outside of the classroom. By seeking and embracing new ways to help students reach their potential in every part of their daily lives, in and out of the classroom, they can grow beyond any perceived limits. Learning how they study, behave and interact with peers during non-school hours is essential to their growth, and lets your IEP team know what’s working and what’s not. There’s no better source for that information than you.

Matt Christensen is a seventh-grade Intervention specialist at Julie Billiart School Lyndhurst. Matt has also published a children’s book called Bunny & Doggo: Friends Fight Depression, which is aimed at normalizing the conversations about mental illness between kids, adults, and all the people it affects. Julie Billiart Schools is a Catholic, independent day school, located in Lyndhurst, Akron and Westlake, that serves students in kindergarten through eighth-grade with learning differences. Visit juliebilliartschool.org

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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BEAUMONT SCHOOL

2021 SPRING OPEN HOUSES

3301 N. Park Blvd., Cleveland Hts. 216-321-2954, beaumontschool.org April 14: 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m.

(In-Person)

GILMOUR ACADEMY

34001 Cedar Rd., Gates Mills 440-473-8050, gilmour.org/visit April 18: noon-2 p.m.

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS

Akron 380 Mineola Ave., Akron 330-333-5280, juliebilliartschool.org April 21: 6-7:30 p.m. (In-Person) Lyndhurst 4982 Clubside Rd., Lyndhurst 216-381-1191, juliebilliartschool.org April 14: 6-7:30 p.m. (In-Person)

Westlake Campus 3600 Crocker Rd., Westlake 440-471-4150, juliebilliartschool.org April 21: 6-7:30 p.m. (In-Person)

HATHAWAY BROWN SCHOOL

19600 N. Park Blvd., Shaker Hts. 216-932-4214, hb.edu/admission April 7 & May 5: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

(Virtual/Middle School) April 8 & May 6: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

(Virtual/Primary School)

HERSHEY MONTESSORI

Upper School - Huntsburg Campus 11530 Madison Rd., Huntsburg Twp. 440-636-6290, hershey-montessori.org April 17: 10 a.m.-noon Lower School - Concord Campus 10229 Prouty Rd., Concord Twp. 440-357-0918, hershey-montessori.org April 17 & May 15: 1-3 p.m.

HAWKEN SCHOOL

LAUREL SCHOOL

Upper School 12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills 440-423-4446, hawken.edu April 25: 1 p.m.

SAINT JOSEPH PARISH SCHOOL

Lower & Middle Schools 5000 Clubside Rd., Lyndhurst 440-423-4446, hawken.edu April 18: 1 p.m.

Lyman Campus 1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts. 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org April 17: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

1909 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-2151, saintjoe.org/school April 3: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

(Easter Egg Open Houses)

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Hunting Valley Campus (Grades 9-12) 2785 SOM Center Rd., Hunting Valley 216-831-2200, us.edu Shaker Heights Campus (Grades Junior K-8) 20701 Brantley Rd., Shaker Heights 216-321-8260, us.edu Virtual campus tours available.

Submit your open house to us at: openhouse@northeast ohioparent.com

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April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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7

Ages &

STAGES

Bedtime Storybooks to Help your Child Sleep

By Malia Jacobson

Got a sleep-resistant child? Maybe it’s time for your little night owl to hit the books. Why not use a nightly bedtime story to help build and reinforce healthy sleep habits, overcome common sleep saboteurs and boost parent-child bonding? Whether you add these titles to your child’s bookshelf or wrap them up for a parent-to-be, you’ll be giving the gift of blissful rest.

1. One Minute till Bedtime: 60-Second Poems to Send You off to Sleep

By Kenn Nesbitt and illustrated by Christoph Niemann

Sleep-supporting bedtime stories don’t have to be lengthy. “One Minute till Bedtime,” a collection of poems edited by former Children’s Poet Laureate Kenn Nesbitt, offers bite-size bedtime reading that helps send children to sleep while building an enduring love of poetry. Parents and children will love the illustrations by New York Times illustrator and award-winning artist Christoph Niemann.

2. Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story

By Mariam Gates and illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder

Yoga is proven to quiet the mind, calm the body and promote sounder sleep.

For a sweet sendoff to sleep, add these kid-friendly yoga poses to your family’s nighttime routine. You don’t need supreme flexibility or any special equipment to practice simple yoga postures. From “Sun Breath” to “Cloud Gathering” to “Ladybug & Butterfly,” they relax restless kids and help them wind down.

3. Sweet Dreams, Lima Beans (The Secret Life of Beans)

By Laura E. Pasternak

Originally created to help her own children cope with sleeping in two different households, this sweet picture book helps children separated from a loved one at bedtime.

Whether children are missing a deployed parent or dealing with divorce, separation or another loss, “Sweet Dreams, Lima Beans” helps reduce separation anxiety so they feel safe and loved at bedtime.

4. Mindful Moments at Bedtime

By Paloma Rossa and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

A simple mindfulness practice can help calm anxiety that often accompanies bedtime for sleep-resistant children. This peaceful picture book walks parents and children through 12 Mindful Moments to share before bed, creating a loving, calming bedtime routine that promotes sounder sleep.

5. Sleep Time is Awesome Time

By Charles C. Martin

Kids who struggle with sleep may develop negative thoughts and feelings around bedtime that can reinforce insomnia, bedtime resistance and nighttime awakenings. This book helps to interrupt that cycle by reframing negative sleep associations, reducing anxiety and building healthy habits to help children fall asleep peacefully.

6. Bear Can’t Sleep (The Bear Books)

By Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman

Winter is the perfect season for this tale of a bear who can’t hibernate. Will Bear learn to fall asleep with the help of his forest friends?

This sweet board book can help reinforce the importance of rest and gets families ready for a cozy night’s sleep.

7. Sweet Dreams Moonbeams

By Sara Conway and illustrated by Kelly Breemer

This lovely, whimsical story of a fox family and other forest creatures preparing for sleep makes an excellent baby-shower gift. Stunning illustrations and holographic foil will hold little ones’ interest as they learn to associate bedtime with harmony, peace and love.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning sleep and health journalist and the author of “50 Ways to Help your Child Sleep So You Can Sleep Too.”

14 | Family Living at Its Best

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April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Education

NEWS

Behold,

the Wonder Wall

from Summit Academy School Written and photos submitted by Summit Academy School

Summit Academy School – Lorain Intervention Specialist Monica Ralph (left) and Mathematics Teacher Katelyn Botke (right) created a sweeping mural intended to “speak to” students on personal and academic levels.

16 | Family Living at Its Best

Images of legendary Jedi master Yoda, activist Coretta Scott King, Edgar Allen Poe, Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” astronaut Ellen Ochoa, William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein and famed American painter Bob Ross begin to tell the story behind the sweeping new mural at Summit Academy School - Lorain.

Punctuated in black-and-white imagery and moving passages, the panorama aims to inspire students. With its incorporation of quotes such as Nelson Mandela’s “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” how could it fail?

Located on the school’s second floor, along the high school hallway, the mural exceeds the goal Principal Mike Williston had in mind when he initially proposed the idea.

“In the beginning, I asked to make our school more welcoming and asked if anyone wanted to paint a mural or something along those lines,” Williston says.

Intervention specialist Monica Ralph and mathematics teacher Katelyn Botke ran with the concept.

While the three-foot-high-by-127-footlong mural does not yet have a formal title, “Amalgamation” fueled its formation, according to Ralph.

“Through the definition of the word, images began to form, and the vision was created,” Ralph explains. “It represents the actions students can take to affect positive change; the process of growth through knowledge and the result of collaboration between educators used to inspire a love of learning in students.”

The mural pays tribute to scholastic subject matter and celebrates the school’s expanding project-based learning environment. It also serves to express Summit Academy’s restorative practices vision and spark students’ curiosities, Ralph explains.

“My hope is to show students people throughout history who have come from challenging situations, to inspire them to be their best,” Ralph says. “We want to engage students through curiosity to have conversations with teachers about what different images represent, to bring community and social-emotional learning into their minds as they progress through their education.”

Botke brought her creative spirit to the project, incorporating pop culture imagery such as depictions of Scooby-Doo, SpongeBob, The Avengers, Zombies, Batman, Lord of the Rings and more. The art aspires to “speak to” students personally as well as express the common ground different generations share, Ralph explains.

“Katie has used her exceptional talents to add some much-needed detail work including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” Yoda and Mario, which has an entire math unit connected to its images,” Ralph says.

“Katie’s understanding of pop culture references that will connect to the students has been invaluable and should add to their curiosity.”

Overall, the project represents a collaboration that involved input from teachers throughout the school. Ralph and Botke spent more than 100 hours, over the course of several Saturdays, creating the piece.

Akron Teen Named Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio’s Youth of the Year… Again!

ABRIANNA JOHNSON

PHOTO BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF NORTHEAST OHIO

For the second consecutive year, Abrianna Johnson, a senior at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, has been named Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio’s 2021 Youth of the Year.

Abrianna, 18, topped three other candidates in the judging, which was announced Friday.

She now moves on to the state-level Youth of the Year competition, which will be held virtually on April 15. As Youth of the Year, Abrianna wins a $5,000 scholarship from Cleveland Indians Charities and $1,000 in Best Buy gift cards from Diana Fusco, a member of BGCNEO’s Cuyahoga County Regional Advisory Board.

At Hoban High School, Abrianna is a Merit Roll student and a member of Model U.N., the track team, South Akron Youth Mentorship and Upward Bound Math and Science. At her Boys & Girls Club, she is treasurer of Keystone Club, which focuses on character and citizen-

ship, and enjoys art.

Abrianna is planning a career in physics or engineering.

The other Youth of the Year finalists were Karla Rickards of Akron, a senior in the Akron Early College Program; Jamaria Glover, one of the top student-athletes at Sandusky High School; and Daisjana Walker, a senior at Cleveland’s East Technical High School and junior staff member.

The Youth of the Year competition is one of the signature events at Boys & Girls Clubs. Candidates are judged on interviews, essays, public speaking and the overall quality of their applications.

Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, fun places for kids ages 6-18 to go after school, with an emphasis on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. The club was formed by the 2019 merger of Clubs in Erie County, Cleveland, Lorain County and Akron.

Free Music Program for Cleveland Students Play it Forward! Cleveland is a free music program that gives inner-city youth the opportunity to receive beginner to intermediate-level instrument instruction. The program is from The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (formerly Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio). The mission of this Cleveland-based center is to ignite student learning, creativity and success through the arts.

City of Cleveland students in sixth through 12th grade can attend the free sessions.

Students must live in the City of Cleveland but do not need to attend a school within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The spring sessions run through May 28, where students can choose guitar, violin or trumpet.

The goal of the program is to form an Inner City Youth Orchestra. As a youth or-

chestra, students will have the opportunity to perform at local festivals and city concerts.

The first performance will occur during summer 2021.

Visit arts-inspiredlearning.org to learn more about the Play it Forward! Cleveland program.

Virtual Nature Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks In addition to daily in-person programming, Cleveland Metroparks naturalists continue to offer virtual learning opportunities for all ages.

Educators and students pre-K through eighth grade can take advantage of the Virtual Academy for educational videos and lesson plans aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards, including Eco Explorers Powered by PNC Grow Up Great, specifically designed for early learners aged 3-6. These programs offer youth lessons on animal homes, habitats, life cycles and more.

Virtual programs are also offered for lifelong learners at the School of the Wilds and outdoor recreation virtual programs, where you can learn a new skill from the comfort of your home.

Virtual learning programs have been made possible with generous contributions from: Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., RPM International, Inc., PNC Grow Up Great®, Judith Wolfe and Robin Richmond Charitable Fund, and Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.

For information on all of Cleveland Metroparks in-person and virtual programs, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/oe PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CLEVELAND METROPARKS

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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By Mary Hylton of Apex Skin

here are a ton of different skin conditions we may be faced with when it comes to our kids. Some ailments come up that we just don’t recognize, or worse, we mistake them for something we can treat at home by ourselves when a dermatologist is truly needed. A common skin condition that is often mistaken for something else in children is eczema. Mary Hylton, CNP of Apex Skin at the Hudson office helps us understand this common skin condition.

WHAT IS ECZEMA? Eczema is the term given for a group of skin conditions characterized by inflammation and itching of the skin, ranging in severity from mild to severe.

“In children, the most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis,” Hylton says.

“Although symptoms can vary, depending on the type of eczema experienced, the skin usually appears red and flaky and patients experience itching and sometimes burning.”

If your child is suffering from dry, red skin, or complains of itchiness, don’t hesitate to bring them in for a quick visit. Catching and treating eczema quickly can aid in the recovery process and prevent other conditions from developing.

HOW COMMON IS IT IN CHILDREN? Eczema is actually a very common skin condition! In America, millions of children have some form of eczema.

Eczema can begin in infancy, and usually appears within the first 6 months to 5 years of age.

“Although a good percentage of patients see some improvement by puberty, eczema can stick around and patients can experience flare-ups well into adulthood,” Hylton says. But with the partnership of a dermatologist and the implementation of a tailored treatment plan, symptoms can become less severe and more manageable with time.”

Children with eczema are also at higher risk for developing asthma and allergies. Therefore, it is important that the condition be properly diagnosed by a dermatologist quickly, so that we can work with allergists and pediatricians to develop the best treatment plan for each patient.

WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA? The cause of eczema is complex and, while we have learned a great deal about the condition, research is intense and ongoing.

“Identified causal factors of eczema include genes, environmental interactions, and the body’s immune system not responding the way it should to an internal or external stimulus,” Hylton shares. “Essentially, eczema can occur because someone is genetically predisposed to the condition, or because of a reaction to something in one’s environment, or because the immune system responds oddly to a threat.”

WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY CAN ECZEMA APPEAR ON? Eczema can occur anywhere but is more common in certain areas depending on age and the specific type of eczema.

In infants, eczema usually begins on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp.

As children age, the condition appears more often in areas around joints (elbows and knees), the neck, and even around the eyes.

IS ECZEMA CONTAGIOUS? No, your little one cannot “pass” eczema to someone else. This is an important discussion that we have with children and parents, as the stigma of eczema can have a significant and negative impact on children.

HOW ARE CHILDREN TREATED FOR ECZEMA? We use a multitude of treatments for children with eczema and every patient’s treatment plan is unique to the individual, as well as the type and severity of the condition,” Hylton shares. “There are prescription topical medications, with both steroid and non-steroid base options, that prove very effective at controlling flares. I encourage parents to avoid trying any over-thecounter remedies, wet wraps, or bleach baths without first consulting with a dermatologist.

“There are a lot of great products that can be used for patients with eczema and I advise parents to use what works best for your child. Brands like CeraVe, Baby Aquaphor, Vanicream, and Aveeno are typically a good place to start.”

HOW DO YOU PREVENT ECZEMA? “Winter months bring low humidity, and lots of dry, warm air moving through the home. These factors work together to make everyone’s skin extra dry, which is amplified in those with eczema,” Hylton says.

Some simple steps you can take to help combat these factors include: avoiding overdressing children while indoors, wearing cotton clothing instead of wool or using humidifiers.

Using emollients and moisturizers when coming out of the warm, not hot, bath or shower is essential.

Ensuring use of free and clear detergents and avoiding bubble baths are also important. Once identified, environmental factors that can bring on a flare and cause increased irritation should be avoided.

Because it will vary for each patient, this becomes a key part of every patient/parent discussion with your dermatologist.

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CAMP DECISION

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ummer camp decision season is here for parents.

Many are conducting research by viewing the programs online or calling camp directors. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has led to more questions about safety at camp.

However, for first-time campers and their parents, they still have to be comfortable with all other aspects of attending. We talked to Bill Champ, the auxiliary programs director and summer programs director at University School about what parents can ask and do to make the most informed choice.

“Summer programs are not all the same; (you) really have to look into where you are signing your child up,” Champ says.

The first step in the process, he says, is asking your child what they like to do.

While you want to gauge their interests, he suggests talking to them about “being open-minded to a new experience, even if it’s out of their comfort zone.”

For Champ, the quality of the program is still the most important when making camp decisions.

“Try to get a sense of what the camp is all about,” he says. “There are a lot of choices — all shapes, sizes and costs — you want to do a little research before you send them. If the camp has been around a while, that is a good thing.”

CHECKLIST SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• What are your child’s interests?

• What’s the quality of the program?

• Does it have a good reputation?

• What are the program opportunities, daily schedule and activities?

• Where is the facility?

• Safety: What are

the general safety policies?

• What are the COVID-19 safety protocols?

• How do you help kids with special needs?

• What are the policies and protocols for kids with allergies or other medical needs?

• What are the ages of staff members?

• What is the camper-to-staff ratio?

• Can you take a tour of the facility?

• Ask the camp to give you a referral.

• Does it meet your family’s schedule?

• What is the cost?

• Do you have an accrediting body (like American Camp Association) for overnight camps?

Make sure the camp matches the kid, he says, noting, “try not to fit a square peg in a round hole.”

With the ongoing pandemic, camp safety is on the minds of parents who will be asking questions about policies for this summer.

“I know there are a lot of parents who are nervous,” Champ says. “Everyone is thinking about how to make sure it’s safe. Most camps I am familiar with are well-prepared to do this right.

I know we are going to err on the side of caution. We are going to follow whatever the recommendations are of the local health departments and CDC.” He also encourages parents to talk to others who sent their kids to the camp.

If you know a son or daughter who attended the camp, they can give feedback,” Champ says. “The reputation of the camp is important. If you know kids that went there and had a good time, you can send (your kids) there with confidence.”

After doing your camp research, Champ suggests giving your kids some choices about where to go to camp, so they feel part of the process.

“There is a camp for everyone,” he says.

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Explore All

Sports

By Ginny McCabe

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here are countless benefits of being a multi-sport athlete, such as improving a player’s physical and mental skills, making new friends, teamwork, and being exposed to new experiences — all while having fun. We spoke with several local experts who talked about some of the important benefits of playing multiple sports.

FINDING THEIR PASSION IN THE MIX

Lyndsey Heffern, camp and youth programming director at the Shaw Jewish Community Center ( JCC) of Akron, says that being involved in multiple sports helps kids find their passion.

“Young athletes have the ability to try new things and explore/discover their passions, not getting tied down to one specific activity – whether that be a sport, academics or otherwise – [that] will allow for these young children to develop in more ways than one,” Heffern says.

“Many professional athletes were multisport athletes in their development,” she says.

“Sports played such a huge role in my life, as a multi-sport athlete myself (basketball and soccer in high school), the discipline, lessons, environments, challenges and socialization that I experienced in each sport differed greatly and taught me a lot of valuable information,” Heffern says. “It is my belief that there are more benefits to being a multi-sport athlete.”

She says the best age to gauge a child’s interest in athletics is ideally when that child initiates the desire to participate.

“One tip for parents that are guiding their kids in sports play, is to let their child bring their interests to you,” she says. “Expose them to multiple options, have them try (and fail)

but ultimately let them choose. Children are more apt to follow through with something when they have ownership in it. Encourage them to try their best, practice, practice, practice and have fun. At a young age, that is what sports are all about. The socialization and physical activity are wonderful for development.”

“Playing multiple sports can help young athletes become more versatile, physically strong, and expose them to other athletes for increased socialization,” Heffern says.

TEAMWORK + MAKING NEW FRIENDS = FLOURISHING KIDS

“As far as some of the benefits of playing multiple sports, there’s a teamwork benefit.

You learn what it means to be on a team, and you learn that every team you belong to has different positions and different roles, so you learn teamwork,” says Eric Stinehelfer, executive director at French Creek Family YMCA in Avon, a branch of YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “Playing multiple sports, you’ll work on different motor skills, conditioning, and learn about competition. You might be on a team that has a very successful season, so you learn about winning, but the next sport that you try, you might not win a game, so you learn how to humbly lose, what that’s like, and you strive to be better.

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“You never know what sports your child may flourish at,” he adds. “I’ve played basketball all of my life. I’m 6-feet, 6-inches [tall].

I want my kids to be basketball players. My son, Caleb, who is 7, doesn’t really care too much for basketball. He’s playing because we wanted him to try different sports, but his passion right now at age 7 is soccer. He really loves the sport of soccer. As parents, we have to remember it’s not what we want; it’s what they enjoy doing, and he’s out being active in different sports, making different friends.”

Playing multiple sports also provides kids with different life experiences. By participating in multiple sports, kids can gain new and diverse circles of friends.

Stinehelfer says that there’s also a social aspect of playing different sports, and the sense of being part of something for more than just one season. Multiple sports allow kids to stay physically active year-round, keep them mentally sharp, and give them a chance to learn a new sport.

“There could be different ethnicities, different religions, and the first time that a child might see a player with disabilities, and the questions that come of that and the learning that comes of that helps our children become more diverse,” Stinehelfer says. “Kids will also benefit from different coaching and coaching styles.”

PLAYING FLAG FOOTBALL.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY YMCA OF GREATER CLEVELAND

CROSSOVER BENEFITS

Kids who play single sports could have more overuse injuries and experience a greater emotional burnout.

“When you’re a multi-sport athlete, you get fewer what are called overuse injuries, because when you do the same thing over and over again without rest in between, what happens is you get these overuse injuries,” says Rhonda Rickelman, director of auxiliary programming at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills.

“Different roles are important, too,” she says. “You can be a star, but sometimes, it’s good not to be a star, and to be a good team player, or to understand what it means to be a bench player. It broadens your experience, socially and developmentally.”

Playing multiple sports broadens you as a person and as an athlete, especially at a young age.

According to a UCLA sports specialization study surveying 296 NCAA Division I male and female athletes (age 19 on average), 88 percent participated in two to three sports as children and 70 percent did not specialize in a single sport until after the age of 12.

“Unless you have a goal in mind that says, ‘I’m going to make it to Little League World Series, or when I’m 12, I’m going to play at Cooperstown,’ well, there’s a different thing

BASKETBALL AT GILMOUR ACADEMY.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GILMOUR ACADEMY

there when you’re getting ready to play for something like that, but for most kids, they play to have fun, they play to learn about who they are, and how they fit into a team. That’s why they play,” Rickelman says.

Other benefits of playing multiple sports are some of the crossover skills, such as eyehand coordination, balance, and endurance, she says.

“I think the ability to be a good teammate, and to communicate as a teammate and with your coach, those things carry over between sports. And I think those are very big skills that will help them grow to become a better athlete,” Rickelman says.

DIVERSIFICATION DIVIDENDS

Dave Devey, director/owner at Falcon Camp, says that playing multiple sports allows kids to explore different things, so they can find out what they like or don’t like.

“The benefits of playing multiple sports at a young age are countless, frankly. It gives children an opportunity to try a variety of things to see what they like the most, because maybe you do like playing hockey, but have you ever played lacrosse?,” he says. “Have you ever played baseball? Have you ever played basketball? Let’s go try it. You might like that sport, too. If you stick with a single sport, you tend to not learn how to play other things.”

A small percentage of youth may want to start specializing in their early teens, but for most kids, playing multiple sports is key when it comes to traits like building confidence and developing leadership skills.

“As they get older, and they do grow, maybe they are more confident in one sport than another, and that is a sport where they spend more time, concentrate more and specialize in, to a larger degree,” Devey says. “But every sport has some different learning skills, mentally as well as physically.”

“Playing multiple sports can help young athletes grow, and they’re able to have fun participating,” Devey adds. “If you have fun playing a sport, why wouldn’t you want to play more than one? Why wouldn’t you want to play a couple of them? Each sport offers a little different thought process, a little bit different kind of enjoyment, and a little bit different way of looking at things. It’s just like, if you’re playing a video game, do you only play one video game, or do you play several? You don’t read the same books all the time; you find new books to read. I think that some of that is the same with sports. It’s just plain fun to play different kinds of sports in different ways.”

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Moving Camps and Parents Look to Summer

By Michèle L. Bailey

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amilies across Northeast Ohio, with the help of summer camps, are taking a step toward normalcy after a year of lockdown. Many summer camps are opening up this year and some parents say their children are absolutely thrilled.

“My kids said they don’t care if they have to wear a mask 24/7 and take a shot every day. They want to go to camp,” Laura Loebl of Pepper Pike says. “It’s been quite a year.

Thank God we have all been safe this year and we have been able to be there for each other. It’s been a lot of time together as a family and we all could use a break. They are 15 and I am sure they are ready to be away from their dad and me. They need exercise and movement. They need to be outside in

their happy place with their friends.”

Parents like Laura and her husband have already enrolled their kids in summer camp, taking advantage of the fact that many camps across Northeast Ohio are planning for a more normal summer.

Sharon Jenkins, Chief of Marketing Services at Lake MetroParks, said last year that they offered only about a third of their camps to a very limited number of children; but this summer, they plan to return to pre-COVID levels.

While parents are expressing concerns about COVID protocol, they also have other questions.

“Last year, people were scared and wanted to know what precautions we are taking. This

year, the tone is more [about] how much back to normal will you be,” says Cara Robson, Assistant Childcare Director at Green Family YMCA, a branch of the Akron Area YMCA. Jessica Hornyak of Barberton plans to send her 7-year-old to the Green Family YMCA. She confirms that her biggest concern is, “Will the children have an opportunity to do more this year?”

“Pre-pandemic, they were going on field trips, but they were not allowed last year,” she says. “Before COVID, the kids would go to the movies, bowling and other field trips.

They did the best they could last year, but I am hoping to hear they will do more. I am just hoping that the kids will have a more normal summer. I just feel so bad for them

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Forward

and hope that their summer is less restrictive this year.”

Robson said that the Green Family YMCA is planning for field trips this year, although it’s focusing mostly on outdoor activities.

The campers will visit waterparks, zoos, playgrounds and parks. As for the preschoolers who do not participate in field trips, they will once again welcome presenters from places like the Akron Zoo. They will also take walks to a nearby ice cream shop a few times during their camp experience.

Overnight camps are also moving forward.

Camp Wise, the overnight camp of the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland, is ready to offer its campers a summer filled with excitement.

Camp Wise Director Rachel Felber says they have a plan in place to offer camp as well as move toward this summer in a very safe, fun and welcoming environment.

“We have been very proactive in holding forums on what to expect when camp reopens,” she says. “Some have asked about mask-wearing policies; but how campers will deal and interact with each other tends to be the most common question.”

Camp Wise and other camps across the region plan to follow safety protocols as outlined by the state and local governments in order to keep all attendees safe.

Nicci Chojnavki of Green is very excited for the summer of 2021. She is raising a 5and 7-year-old. After some deliberation, she

believes that she and her husband made the right choice regarding their kids’ planned summer activities.

“We both work at home so we can’t entertain the kids through the day,” she says. “They get outside a little bit. Now that the camps are moving toward more normalcy, we are looking forward to the summer program. I am excited about our oldest getting to swim several times a week and my youngest playing with bubbles and chalk outdoors. I think it’s great that my husband and I made the decision to send them back to camp.”

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Ways to Save & Pay for Summer Camp

By Kathryn Bryan

For kids, this time is precious and for many, summer camp is a big part of their summer. Families typically choose to enroll kids in summer camp for many different reasons, such as experience, social time, education, or the need for childcare.

The smiles on their faces are priceless when they get home each day, right? Well, they can be, but the cost of summer camp is something that can be a struggle for families. There are some things you can do to be sure you are emotionally and financially ready to make the camp experience a good one.

1.

PLAN EARLY

Most camps come out with their schedules at the end of the prior year or in January/February each year. They provide the list of all camps available, the cost, and most importantly, many offer an early registration discount per child.

This will also give you time to save monthly towards the camp cost and any supplies or extras that may be needed.

2.

BUILD THE ANNUAL COST INTO YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Busy parents tend to think about finances from month to month; as in monthly income and expenses. This is the trap that typically catches up to them around the holidays and planning for summer camp/vacations. Working with a financial planner that can help you determine your annual costs and break them down into monthly savings needed for holidays and camps/ vacations will help ease the “surprising” stress you may feel when it is time to sign up for camp.

3.

ASK IF THE CAMP PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR SCHOLARSHIPS

The earlier you do this, the better. Most camps and/or organizations only have so much money set aside to provide families with financial assistance or scholarship. So, the earlier you apply, the better. Remember the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so be the squeaky wheel. Ask.

4.

RESEARCH

There are so many different opportunities for types of camps these days. Camps that cater to specific themes, education, experiences, social activities and fun are all around.

However, finding ones that fit your schedule and pocketbook may be a challenge. Do your research to see what free camps may be available.

Yes, I said it: free! Many community centers, universities, libraries and some museums offer free 1-2 hour camps or full-day camps. These may be a perfect fit for a few hours to yourself.

5.

SHARE RIDES

Sometimes affording camps is the easy part, but the gas and miles on your car may be an extra expense that is draining your pocketbook. If this is the case, see if there are ways to share a ride with another family and take turns.

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6.

CONSIDER USING YOUR DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSAS) AT WORK

You can put up to $5000 per calendar year ($2,500 per calendar year if married and filing taxes separately) into account. If you are sending a child to day camp as a work-related expense, then you can utilize this type of account. Please note that there are rules and regulations on using this account to reimburse you for day camp.

The child must be under the age of 13 and it cannot be an overnight camp

7.

GRANDPARENTS/FAMILY

Sometimes asking for help is the hardest thing, but many grandparents are looking for ways to give presents or money to their grandchildren for birthdays and holidays. A camp experience is a perfect way for grandparents to give their grandchildren a gift of a lifetime. Each grandparent can gift up to $15,000 a year (for 2021) to EACH grandchild without having to report the gift on their taxes. Always work with a tax professional or CPA to determine if this is a good fit for your family.

8.

TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SAVE FOR THEMSELVES

So much is learned at camp, however, saving for camp can also provide your children with lessons on how to save for themselves.

Help them do the math.

Use a specific goal amount that they can save towards.

Keep track with charts/ graphs and have them count their money each week/month. For younger kids, keep it simple and use jars to save. For the older ones, give them more responsibility to save for more of the camp cost and also for any extras they may want. Also, consider using prepaid credit cards to teach kids about plastic. Kids aren’t seeing their parents use cash, like we often teach them with their piggy banks. Allowing them to understand how credit cards work between the ages of 11-17 will help them be more successful when they turn 18, which is when they often begin receiving offers from the credit card companies.

Kathryn Bryan is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC (sipc.org), 2012 W. 25th St., Suite 900, Cleveland, OH 44113; phone 216-621-680. The views and opinions expressed are those of Kathryn Bryan. Kathryn Bryan’s views are not necessarily those of MML Investors Services, LLC or its subsidiaries.

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CaMPAND Summer Programs GUIDE ADRENALINE MONKEY

Kick off your child’s summer adventure at Adrenaline Monkey. The facility is equipped with four ninja warrior-style obstacle courses, various rock climbing features, an aerial ropes course with more than 20 obstacles, and an arcade — all to quench the thirst for adventure. The camps include programming designed to develop the campers’ physical and mental attributes through empowering experiences on adventure courses and climbing walls. adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

AKRON ARTWORKS

Akron ArtWorks, family-owned art studio, offers fine art instruction for children, teenagers and adults. This summer, half-day and full-day art-themed camps are being offered. Need extended care? That’s available, too. Camp themes include painting, 3D sculpture, upcycling, fantasy, and art exploration. The studio’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the artistic process, teaching students to focus on exploration and skill development, so that the final product can be a true expression of their unique point of view. 330-983-9983, akronartworks.com

BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ARTS SCHOOL bw.edu/cas

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center offers classes at the Lakewood campus and online in dance, theater and visual arts, and private music lessons.

Students of all ages and abilities learn as they create unique works of art, discover hidden talents and have fun. They have something for every interest and every skill level. Looking for entertainment? Beck Center is streaming virtual productions. Call 216-521-2540 x10 or visit beckcenter.org/ education-programs

BUSY BEES SUMMER ART CAMP

Busy Bees Summer Art Camp Registration is open. Sign your child up for a summer of pottery, clay, glass, mosaics, canvas and more. All materials and supplies for projects are provided. Class sizes are small. Full-week, full-day camp is 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $299. Full-week, half-day 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m., $199. Early Bird Discount: Register by April 30 for $35 off per session. Use code CAMP35 when registering at mentor.busybeesart.com/kids-camp/

CAMP ASBURY

For 63 years, Camp Asbury has been forming faith and connecting people to nature. Resident camp is available for kids in first grade through 12th, June 20-July 30. Summer 2021 explores life-giving soil as a means of God’s grace.

Camp Asbury’s priority is to keep campers and staff safe and healthy. Recommended COVID-19 practices and precautions will be in place. Register online for one-week sessions at eocsummercamps.org. This ministry of the United Methodist Church welcomes all. Learn more at 330-569-3171 or campasbury.org

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CAMP CURIOSITY: SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS

CAVS ACADEMY SUMMER TOUR

Join the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Cavs Academy Summer Tour, the only official youth basketball program of the Cavaliers. The Summer Tour includes camps, clinics, trainings and more.Options available for youth ages 3-16, and all skill levels are welcome. Visit cavsyouth.com/summercamps to enroll.

greatscience.com

CAMP FITCH YMCA campfitchymca.org

CAMP HO MITA KODA camphomitakoda.org

CAMP INVENTION

Energize your kid’s creativity and confidence with the new Camp Invention program, Recharge! During this program, campers in grades kindergarten through sixth will collaborate with friends in hands-on, open-ended STEM challenges.

They’ll take apart a microphone to explore its inner workings, build and test a device to launch rubber ducks and design morphing vehicles for the super road rally.

Each activity is designed to inspire curiosity, spark imaginations and give your young innovator the best summer ever. invent.org

CAMP JCC

Sign up for as many camp programs and weeks as you wish.

Different weekly experiences allow campers to discover new hobbies and explore favorite interests. Specialty camp offerings include a variety of sports, creative arts and STEM activities. Whether you choose a specialty or traditional camp, all campers attend from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily (aftercare available). Daily activities include swimming, art and games. Available for ages 6-13. June 7-Aug 13. shawjcc.org/camp-j

CLEVELAND CITY DANCE clevelandcitydance.com

CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Cleveland Metroparks Summer Nature Camps connect children with the natural world. From hikes in the woods, kayaking, crafts and games, a variety of Summer Nature Camps offer compelling outdoor adventures. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Summer Day Camps connect campers with wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Campers can spend their summer days at the zoo, participating in special activities like giraffe feeding, carousel rides, educational games and crafts. Cleveland Metroparks Golf Junior Day Camps offer activities and instruction for junior golfers of several ages and skill levels. Learn more at clevelandmetroparks.com/camps

CODE NINJAS CAMPS

Unleash your child’s inner ninja. Code Ninja camps offer an immersive environment for kids to explore and develop new skills, gain confidence and have fun with friends. Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by their team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. From coding and game building, to STEM and 3D printing — it’s an unforgettable experience. codeninjas.com/oh-avon/camps

CORNERSTONE OF HOPE

Cornerstone of Hope offers two camps for grieving children and teens where they will participate in age-appropriate grief activities led by professionals, play fun, high-energy games and experience challenging activities in a safe environment. Campers are encouraged to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills and make friends with peers who are also grieving. Camp Cornerstone (ages 6-12): July 12-16. Camp Erin (ages 8-17): Aug. 6-8. cornerstoneofhope.org/cleveland

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS creativeplayrooms.com

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TRI-C) Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) summer camps are designed for children ages 4-18.

Whether your child is a young performer or a budding engineer, Tri-C summer camps will help them discover their passions and talents. Choose from a variety of in-person and virtual camps focused on culinary, coding, game design, music, performing arts, and STEM. View camp descriptions and register at tri-c.edu/summercamps

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CaMP AND Summer Programs GUIDE CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Cvcaroyals.org

ETIQUETTE KINDNESS SPECIALITY CAMPS

This summer at Beachwood Recreation, Orange Continuing Ed and Westlake Recreation, young ladies and young men will get expert training from etiquette guru Catherine Holloway, who has been teaching Clevelanders the in and outs of social graces since 1994.

Participants will work on their confidence and character-building during the camp.

Learn the tricks of first impressions, become a dining expert and discover the art of a well-written thank-you note plus many more skills. Please contact each recreation center’s website for their dates and to register for the summer camp.

FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Jump into a summer of fun with Fairmount Center for the Arts. Dance, theatre, art and music. From June 1 through July 30, camps will be offered for preschoolers through eighth grade. Camps will be offered both on-site and online and consist of both half-day and full-day options. Camps include offerings exploring all art forms.

Additionally, multiarts-themed camps will provide a sampling of art forms for children looking to explore a variety of interests through hands-on activities offered in a supportive, caring and fun environment. 440-338-3171, info@ fairmountcenter.org, fairmountcenter.org

FAIRMOUNT EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

beachwoodschools.org/SummerCamp. aspx

FALCON CAMP

Recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959, Falcon Camp offers a beautiful lakefront setting, talented, experienced staff and variety of activities. Campers choose their own schedules within the general framework. Most of all, it’s great fun. Special introductory camp for ages 6-9. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design. 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

Geauga Park District’s ninth annual adventure camps come in week-long forms for youth entering fifth through seventh grades, the weeks of June 7, 21 and 28, July 12 and 26 and August 1. Youth entering eighth through 10th grades may attend the weeks of June 14 and July 19. Single-day “X-Treme Adventures” for the older kids are also June 30, July 14 and July 28. bit.ly/gpdcamps - CONTINUED ON C-18 -

U

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com to find more camp listings and articles!

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- SPONSORED CONTENT -

A

Kids Find Healing in Nature at Grief Support Camps

re you looking for a way to help a grieving child or teen? Western Reserve Grief Services is hosting grief support camps this summer to help children coping with the death of loved ones.

Led by trained bereavement professionals from Hospice of the Western Reserve, they combine art, music, play and nature exploration to help with the healing process. The camps bring together children, all of whom have experienced the death of a loved one, in a safe, supportive environment. All camps are open to the community and offered at a nominal cost (scholarships available).

“In an atmosphere of comfort and trust, the camps offer children a chance to learn about grief and new ways of expressing feelings, and to honor their special person,” said Karen Hatfield, Director of Western

Reserve Grief Services. “We start as strangers and leave as friends.”

To register or request an information packet, call 216-486-6838. For a comprehensive list of community bereavement resources, visit www.hospicewr.org/griefandloss.

AUGUST 10-12

Camp Red Oak (ages 6-13).

This day camp is for children ages 6-13 who have experienced the death of a loved one.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m, 9057 KirtlandChardon Rd., Kirtland.

JUNE 21- 25

Riding Through Grief (ages 8-12).

Through fun horseback riding

lessons and un-mounted activities with horses, children campers will explore grief issues.9 a.m. - noon.

$75 per camper. Scholarships available. Fieldstone Farm, 16497 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls.

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GELFAND STEM CENTER

Applications now available for Case Western Reserve University Gelfand STEM Center Programs 2021-2022. Environmental Heroes: free, field research program for middle and high school students. Two-year commitment meeting Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., two-week summer session July 27-August 6, Doan Brook Watershed. Shipwreck Camp 2021: weekdays July 12-23, 2021, for ages 2-16. Fee $535. Engage in the work of explorers and researchers to find Lake Erie shipwrecks.

Discover SCUBA. Build a remotely operated vehicle.

Explore a wreck. Learn the history of lake commerce and lake science. Have fun. 216-368-5075, gelfand.case.edu

GILMOUR ACADEMY

Camp Gilmour is back and safer than ever.

Join us for Preschool Camp (ages 3-5); Day Camp (ages 5-12); sports camps; and experiential camps exploring nature, fun with drones, Funtastic STEM workshops and more.

Camps offered June 7-Aug. 6. Optional complimentary math and reading enrichment offered each morning for day campers. Before-care available beginning at 7:15 a.m. and after-care available until 6 p.m. Call 440-4738000 ext. 2267, email summercamp@gilmour.org or visit gilmour.org/summercamp

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST OHIO gsneo.org/camplife

HAWKEN

Check out our lineup of local bloggers!

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NortheastOhioParent.com/bloggers

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities led by experienced professionals for boys and girls, ages 4-18.

Camps run from June to August, including day camps, passport camps, athletic camps, and summer studies.

These opportunities enable children to develop existing passions and discover new ones; they also provide exposure to new people and new skills, building self-esteem, independence and confidence. Contact summerprograms@hawken.edu, 440-423-2940, or visit summer.hawken. edu for more information. Visit hawken. edu/healthy-hawken-restart to learn more about Hawken’s COVID-19 protocols.

HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS

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Northeast Ohio Camp and Summer Programs S SPORT

CAMP FINDE

Camp/Summer Program Name

Location

Contact Information

Description

Blue Streaks Athletic Camps

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

(216) 321-2954 beaumontschool.org/ summercamps

Skills development camps for basketball, track & field, strength and conditioning and volleyball.

Camp Gilmour

Gates Mills, Ohio

(440) 473-8007 gilmour.org/summercamp

Camp Gilmour offers sports camps for students in grades 2-10. Camps offered June 7-Aug. 6.

Camp JCC

Akron, Ohio

(330) 835-0064 shawjcc.org/camp-j

Various sports camp experiences are provided on a weekly basis.

Cavs Academy

Cleveland, Ohio

(216) 420-2486 cavsyouth.com/summertour

The Cavs Academy Summer Tour features half-day, two- and three-day camps around the area.

A uniform and ticket to a future Cavaliers home game are included.

Cleveland Monsters Youth Hockey Clinic

Strongsville, Ohio

(216) 420-0000 clevelandmonsters.com

The Monsters annual youth hockey clinic teaches players the fundamentals of the game with professional instruction and includes a jersey and a water bottle. Skaters and goalie sessions are available.

Country Life Kids Camp

Medina, Ohio

(330) 723-5532 countrylifekidscamp.com

Core activities revolve around young naturalist, STREAM lab, life skills/character development, hands-on activities, hiking/fishing and young engineers programs.

D-BAT Middleburg

Middleburg Heights, Ohio

(216) 810-3228 dbatmiddleburg.com

Summer camp is broken down into week-long sessions in June, July and August. It is designed to improve baseball and softball fundamentals, and to have fun at the same time!

Goldfish Swim School Summer Jump Start Clinics

Fairview Park & Warrensville Heights, Ohio

(440) 333-5393 (216) 364-9090 goldfishswimschool.com

One month of progress in one week! Jump Start Clinics are a great way to solidify skills or kickstart the learn-toswim process. Five consecutive days of 30-minute swim lessons.

Hawken Summer Programs

Lyndhurst, Ohio

(440) 423-2930 summer.hawken.edu

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities for boys and girls ages 4-18, including athletics camps.

i9 Sports Camps

Copley, Ohio

(330) 208-6463 i9sports.com

Multisport focus introducing kids to various sports in a noncompetitive, fun atmosphere with games and sportsmanship values. Participants receive an i9 Sports T-shirt and participation medal.

Lake Ridge Academy Summer Programs

North Ridgeville, Ohio

(440) 327-1175 lakeridgeacademy.org/ school-life/summer-programs

Lake Ridge Academy offers various athletic camp experiences.

Liquid Lifestyles Learn To Swim Camps

Westlake, Ohio

(216) 543-4181 liquidlifestyles.com

Camps meet Monday through Thursday for two consecutive weeks at the Sontesta Suites outdoor heated pool.

Lutheran West Summer Camps

Rocky River, Ohio

(440) 799-9919 lutheranwest.com/camps

Lutheran West offers half-day camps in athletics, among other interest areas.

Saint Joseph Academy Camps

Cleveland, Ohio

(216) 251-6788 sja1890.org

Campers will learn skill development and have fun! Camps are available for 10 sports: basketball, crew, cross country, golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

Shaker Rocks Rock Climbing Camp

Shaker Heights, Ohio

(216) 848-0460 shakerrocksclimbing.com

Days are packed with indoor bouldering, roped climbing, team-building games and outdoor fun.

Make new friends and develop confidence with adventure activities that challenge the mind and body.

Summer Wind Stables Horseback Riding Camp

Chesterland, Ohio

(440) 463-0258 summerwindstables.com

Learn all about horses with two riding sessions and ground lessons. Horseback riding and swimming from 9 to 3, Monday-Friday. June through August for beginners to advanced riders.

YMCA of Greater Cleveland

Avon, Ohio

(440) 934-9622 clevelandymca.org/sportscamp

Whether you’re looking to up your play or learn a whole new sport, summer at the Y is where you get in the game.

Summer Enrichment Program at Saint Ignatius High School

Cleveland, Ohio

(216) 651-0222 ignatius.edu/SEP

The Summer Enrichment Program offers athletic enrichment opportunities for young men who are entering the eighth grade.

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ER

Silver Sponsors:

Sponsored by:

Ages Served

Religious, Cultural or Health-Related Affliations

Genders Served

Cost per Week

Financial Aid

Virtual Option

Early-Bird Sign-Up Deadline

Session Length

Specializes in Special Needs

Hours

Before/ After Care

Grades 5-8

NR

Girls only

Varies

No

No

NR

Varies

No

NR

No

Grades 2-10

Catholic

Co-ed

NR

No

No

NR

Weekly

No

NR

Yes

Varies

Jewish

Co-ed

NR

NR

No

NR

Weekly

No

NR

NR

3-16

NR

Co-ed

NR

Yes

No

05/12/2021

Varies

No

NR

No

5-13

NR

Co-ed

$150

No

No

7/1/21

Daily

No

NR

No

6-13

Nonprofit Christian

Co-ed

$170

No

Yes

5/1/21

Weekly

No

8-5

Yes

5-12

NR

Co-ed

$175

No

No

NR

Daily/Weekly/ Varies

No

9-2

No

2-12

NR

Co-ed

Varies

No

No

NR

Weekly

No

9-12

No

Varies

NR

Co-ed

NR

No

No

NR

Weekly/ Varies

No

NR

NR

5-14

NR

Co-ed

NR

No

No

3/24/21

Daily

No

NR

No

Varies

NR

Co-ed

NR

No

No

NR

Weekly

No

NR

No

2.5 and up

NR

Co-ed

$239 (two weeks)

Yes

No

NR

Varies

No

NR

No

Varies

Christian

Co-ed

NR

No

No

NR

Weekly

No

NR

NR

Grades 3-9; varies by sport

NR

Girls only

$75-$200

No

No

NR

Daily

No

Varies

No

6-13

NR

Co-ed

Half day: $195; full day: $345+

No

No

NR

Weekly

No

9-12, 9-3 or 9-5

No

7-16

NR

Co-ed

$400

No

No

2/28/21

Weekly

No

9-3

Yes

5-12 (must have completed K)

NR

Co-ed

$105-$142

Yes

No

NR

Weekly

No

9-4

Yes

Grade 8

Catholic

Boys only

$100

No

No

3/1/21

Varies

No

Varies

No

Do you have athletes in your family?

If you’re looking to keep them busy this summer while they learn or improve their skills, check out our list of summer sports camps available around the region. Use this Sports Camp Finder to compare your options side by side, and be sure to check back next month for our roundup of Academic Camps, or see the February and March issues of Northeast Ohio Parent online for Overnight and Day Camp Finders. To have your camp listed in future Northeast Ohio Parent Camp Finders, please contact Brad Mitchell at brad@northeastohioparent.com.

NR = NOT REPORTED

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LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

Spend your summer at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Explore the outdoors, meet resident animals, make new friends and discover the night sky in Schuele Planetarium. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center offers free general admission to indoor and outdoor exhibits on Tuesday through Saturday. Nature-based programming, including summer camps, wildlife encounters and planetarium shows, will be offered for children and families throughout summer. View offerings, read COVID-19 protocols, and complete registration at lensc.org/ summer-camps

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

Open to all area students in first through 12th grades, the summer program includes full- and half-day experiences from June 7-July 16. Camps and classes include themed discovery camps, fine arts, technology/STEAM, environmental and experiential, academic, athletics and chess. Most programs are taught by experienced Lake Ridge Academy faculty. Call 440-327-1175 ext. 9141 or visit lakeridgeacademy.org/summer

LIBERTY CAMP FOR KIDS

Where kids experience the founding of America. July 19-23, 9 a.m.-noon, for kids entering first through sixth grades in the fall.

Located at Portage County Historical Society in Ravenna, activities include reenacting the Boston Tea Party, Washington crossing the Delaware, signing the Declaration of Independence and more.

Time to explore colonial games and crafts, and a real Indian village. Cost per child: $30. Deadline June 30 or until spots are filled. For more info, videos, and to sign up, call 330-548-3305, email: info@LibertyCampForKids.com or visit libertycampforkids.com

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LIFECENTER PLUS Lifecenterplus.com

THE LITTLE GYM OF SHAKER HEIGHTS

Flexibility at The Little Gym’s Summer Camp will wake you flip.

Rain or shine, The Little Gym of Shaker Heights offers a summer full of fun and excitement. Your child will participate in gymnastics, imaginative play and build friendships. Parents love their flexible schedule. Choose the days and weeks that work for you.

Half and full-day options available Monday through Friday, June 14 -August 20 for ages 3-9 years. Call 216-752-9049 or visit tlgshakerheightsoh.com.

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

The park district offers summer camps for a variety of interests, including fishing, sports, outdoor adventure, boating, birding and more. Camps serve kids of all ages. For more information on the plan for camps in 2021, stay tuned to the website.

Registration for Lorain County residents opens March 1 via phone at 440-458-5121. Registration for everyone is open at loraincountymetroparks.com

Thank you to all the families who attended the 2021 Northeast Ohio Parent Camp and Summer Programs Fairs in March!

We would also like to thank all our silver sponsors and exhibitors who participated!

LUTHERAN WEST

This summer, Go West.

Lutheran High School West in Rocky River offers youth half-day camps in the arts (fine arts, cooking, drama), in athletics (basketball, football, soccer, track & field), and in STEM (Camp Invention through the National Inventors Hall of Fame). COVID safety protocols will be followed for all camps. Register online at LutheranWest.com/Camps

MANDEL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER mandeljcc.org/daycamps or campwise.org

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CaMP AND Summer Programs GUIDE MAD SCIENCE

Join Mad Science and Crayola Imagine Arts Academy, they are offering eight unique science themes (engineering, secret agents, inventions, rockets, space, robots, chemistry, bricks) and two art camps (wild animals and conservationists, and artists who changed the world) for ages 4-12. Half day and full day options with before/after care at some. Camps in Beachwood, multiple Tri-C campuses, Hudson, Westlake, Jackson Township, Youngstown, Aurora and more to come. Put some STEAM in your summer. northeastohio.madscience.org northeastohio.imaginearts academy.com teri@madscienceneohio.com 330-498-0033

MEDINA RECREATION CENTER CAMPS

Medina Community Recreation Center offers camps to keep kids active all summer. Discover Camp, a day camp for ages 6-11, engages kids with swimming, reading, enrichment, crafts and games.

Medina Rec will also offer special camps in chess, art, volleyball, basketball and tennis. Details at medinarec.org or call 330-721-6901.

MCC TECH KEY KIDS KAMP

MCC Tech Key Kids Kamp has seven one-week, half-day tech sessions to choose from. Kids will learn LEGOs, Arduino board programming, video game design, robotics and 3D printing. Sessions meet from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m and 1:30-5 p.m.

Hands-on learning for children ages 7-12 and 13-17. For registration, call 216-587-4343 or visit mosscard.com/techkeyregistration

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CaMP AND Summer Programs GUIDE THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

The Music Settlement Summer Camps are a creative experience for kids, teens and adults of all ages and skill levels. Through music and the arts, TMS provides opportunities at the Center for Music, music therapy, Center for Early Childhood, for all to discover new talents and interests, build confidence, explore self-expression and improve skills and techniques. Camps are offered at the Ohio City and University Circle campuses. For further details of class offerings, visit themusicsettlement.org/camps

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters to get parenting news,

things to do and more!

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com/Subscribe

Swap screen time for nature as your child learns and explores in the outdoor classroom. Your child will love one-of-a-kind, week-long camp experiences taught by teachers and highly trained naturalists. Find an outdoor adventure to inspire an appreciation for the natural world, unlocking a summer full of learning, reflection, friends and fun. Choose from nine week-long camp experiences. Limited group sizes with virtual and limited contact options available. Shaker Heights, 216-321-5935, shakerlakes.org/camp

THE ODYSSEY PROGRAM

The Odyssey Program at Cleveland State University’s School of Film & Media Arts offers a variety of immersive summer camps for teens of all skill levels interested in filmmaking. The summer includes an experiential three-week camp from June 14-July 2, followed by three one-week intensive camps that focus on acting and directing (July 12-18), documentary production (July 19-25), and postproduction (July 26-August 1). Day camp and residential options are available. Learn more at csufilmodyssey.com

OHIO TUITION TRUST

Summer camps can open new worlds for your child. The same is true for a higher education.

For more than 30 years, Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, has helped families nationwide save tax-free for education after high school. To learn more, explore Ohio’s 529 Plan — The Plan That Can. collegeadvantage.com

RESCUE VILLAGE SUMMER CAMP give.rescuevillage.org/SummerCamps

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CaMP AND Summer Programs GUIDE SPRING GARDEN WALDORF

Spring Garden Waldorf School Summer Camps offer a glimpse into the Waldorf philosophy of education through nature-based, hands-on, thought-provoking experiences. Have you been curious about Waldorf education? The summer camps are a perfect way to learn more. Camps include: nature-based playgroup for ages 3-6 and cyber civics for ages 12-14. Contact Amy Hecky at 330-666-0574 or admissions@sgws.org. sgws.org

SUMMER RUFFING IT!

Get social! @NEOhioParent

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

All camps are Monday through Friday, with six-week and three-week enrollment options, as well as full- and half-day options for the youngest campers. Camp dates: June 21-July 30.

Little Explorers (18 months-age 3): 9 a.m.-noon. Summer to Grow Half-Day (ages 3-6): 9 a.m.-noon. Summer to Grow Full Day (ages 3-6): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Creative Arts & Sciences (first grade through sixth): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Extreme! (rising seventh grade through rising ninth) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ruffingmontessori.net/summercamp

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SYLVAN WESTLAKE DAY CAMP When you think Sylvan, you think personalized learning. Sylvan Westlake Day Camp is no different. Build your child’s custom day camp experience by choosing an emphasis on math, reading or writing along with robotics or coding. All programs are grade appropriate, hands on, and fun. They’re flexible.

Choose 10, 20, or 30 hour packages for use anytime during Summer 2021.

Siblings may share hours. Virtual options available. Complete registration by May 2021 for early-bird savings.

440-550-4183, locations. sylvanlearning.com/us/Westlake-oh

TUTU CAMP

tutuschool.com/akron/camp

Look for the 2021 Summer Fun Guide in Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine’s May Issue!

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for more summer adventure planning!

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CaMP AND Summer Programs GUIDE

YMCA CAMP Y-NOAH Gotcamp.org

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

University School’s Summer of Adventures combines fun activities with a truly educational experience. Summer programs include on-campus co-ed enrichment camps, sports clinics and boys’ day camps, all led by experienced University School teachers and coaches.

Preschool boys’ camp consists of one, two or three weeks of hands-on activities for a unique journey of discovery. They also offer virtual co-ed enrichment camps and virtual and in-person academic courses. Learn more at us.edu/summer

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS

There’s no place like the YMCA Summer Camp… a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The YMCA knows that every kid is different. That’s why they offer camps for your child’s needs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn about sites, curriculum and COVID-19 safety precautions at neoymcas.org

YOUNG CHEF’S ACADEMY OF NORTHEAST OHIO

Young Chef’s Academy offers cooking classes to children in a safe environment that encourages discovery and creativity.

While learning food preparation skills is the main ingredient at YCA, each class adds a heap of kitchen safety, a scoop of etiquette, a handful of table settings, a pinch of menu planning, and laughter to taste. Locations in Solon and Strongsville, 440-853-5004, ycasolon.com

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2021 Camp and Summer Programs Guide - NortheastOhioParent.com

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C-50 | 2021 Camp and Summer Programs Guide - Family Living at Its Best

Go Native in your

Garden I

By Angela Gartner

t’s almost that time of year to think about what to plant in your garden. While there are plenty of options at your local big-box store garden center, think about choosing native flowers and plants this year. Planting native can add something special — and it goes a long way to helping the environment.

Annie Rzepka, director of Arboretum Horticulture at Holden Forests and Gardens in Kirtland, says native plants help preserve Ohio’s biological heritage and reduce the chance for the introduction of invasive exotic plant species to the landscape.

“Native plants are well adapted to our ecoregion and usually need minimal care in the home landscape because they are well acclimated to our climate and soil,” she says. “As long as you put them in conditions similar to the ones they habitat in the wild, they will thrive.

Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and pollinators. Many plant, animal and insect species have co-evolved and have formed close symbiotic relationships. Plants have adapted strategies to promote pollination (color, fragrance, flower form, nectar guides, pollen packaging) and insects and birds have developed strategies to maximize these floral resources.”

According to Holden Forests and Gardens, within Ohio there are approximately 2,700 native and non-native plants growing wild.

About 1,800 of these are native, existing here since before European settlement.

How do you know if plants are native or not?

Rzepka says there are endless options.

“They are becoming more readily available now,” she says. “The horticulture team at Holden has compiled a list of local (or relatively local) native plant nurseries which is available.”

GROWING NATIVE PLANTS

As with so many other plants, you want to carefully consider where to place them and which ones will fit your style of care the best.

Depending on your landscape and family unit, Rzepka provides some tips on planting native.

The beauty of planting natives is that they thrive in a variety of conditions,” she says. “If you want a plant for a dry, sandy site, Ohio has habitats that support those plants (think alvars at Marblehead or the Headlands Dunes) so there will be a native plant perfect for those conditions — prickly pear cactus is one of them, but common milkweed loves these conditions, too. Dry shade? We have a wild stonecrop perfect for that type of garden space. If you are lucky enough to have fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade, your wildflower options are almost endless — wild geraniums, trilliums, jack-in-the-pulpit, hepatica, Solomon’s seal. If your garden is wet, you could plant wild ginger, cardinal flower, swamp rose mallow or swamp milkweed.”

Native plants aren’t just there to be admired; they can also provide a tool for understanding how they grow.

“Native plants are really cool and every plant has a story to tell,” Rzepka says. “For example — did you know that Jack-in-the-pulpits can change sex based on conditions? The corm is bisexual. Sex is determined by how much food is accumulated by fall in the corm. If food is ample, a female flower with two leaves arises in the spring. If less ample, a male flower with one leaf results. If the corm is starved, only one leaf emerges. You can actually look inside the spathe to see if you have a boy or a girl. These types of stories are endless in our world of plants — there is always something new and interesting

to discover.”

You also have to be aware of the local wildlife such as deer, insects and small animals. They can wreak havoc on your garden; however, they also play important roles.

“Regardless of size or beauty, all native plant species play an important role in their intended ecosystem,” Rzepka says. “People often ask if there are native plants the deer won’t eat, and the answer is yes (kind of). There are certain species that deer don’t prefer and certain species that they do prefer — like anything in the lily family. Deer, unfortunately, have the potential to devour both native and nonnative plants, if resources are scarce. Many native plants, like milkweed, are host plants. If your goal is to have a perfect milkweed specimen, then you will be disappointed because they will be full of holes when the monarch caterpillars find them. So, depending on the goal of your garden, you will either love the role that native plants play in attracting wildlife and relish in the diversity, or you will be saddened when your perfect specimens become someone’s lunch.”

Rzepka notes that with native plants, have patience and appreciation.

“Some of our native wildflowers are quite difficult to grow from seed while others propagate themselves easily,” she adds. “Species, such as trilliums, take several years and multiple cycles of warm and cold to germinate and another several years to get to a point where they have enough energy to flower.”

Rzepka says while it’s quite an investment of time for the grower, it’s certainly worth the wait.

“To see plants like this growing out in nature, it is truly a wonder that they are able to persist and make their preservation even more imperative,” she says.

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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PLANTS BY THE SEASON

Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden at The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland features all types of species in their wildflower garden. They share some highlighted plants and the general garden area where they grow.

APRIL-MAY (woodland and flood plain) marsh marigold, Caltha palustris wild hyacinth, Camassia scilloides Virginia bluebells, Mertensia virginica, pawpaw, Asimina triloba red, white, and toad Trilliums, Trillium erectum, T. grandiflorum, T. sessile, trout lily, Erythronium americanum, blue cohosh, Caulophyllum thalictroides ostrich fern fiddleheads – Matteuccia struthiopteris

IGOLD

MARSH MAR MARCH-APRIL (floodplains, woodland and limestone rockery) wild leek, Allium tricoccum (leaves only), leatherwood, Dirca palustris, early buttercup, Ranunculus fascicularis skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, Lakeside daisy, Tetraneuris herbacea

MAY-JUNE (woodland, rockeries and sand prairie) wild columbine, Aquilegia canadensis, wild geranium, Geranium maculatum wild lupine, Lupinus perennis flame azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum, wood poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum

4/17

EVENTS 4/7-21

Woodland Health Day of Service.

Join in for a day of service. Pull an aggressive weed, garlic mustard, from the sensitive park habitat.

This is an excellent way to give back to your community and ensure a healthy park for future generations.10 a.m.- noon.

Medinacountyparks.com

4/15-16

The Great Twinsburg CleanUp: Teens & Families. Students in seventh through 12th grades celebrate Earth Day while helping to clean up the community. Select a park or path to clean; the library supplies bags and instructions about where to take your collection.Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Rd., 330-425-4268, twinsburglibrary.org

Gorge Stream Sweep. To celebrate Earth Day, help maintain the watersheds and green spaces.

Appreciate the value of urban parks, streams and waterways.

1-3 p.m. Corner of Fairhill and E. 127th, Cleveland, doanbrookpartnership.org/stream-sweep

4/19

Earth Day Celebration Bag. Celebrate Earth Day with earth-friendly crafts and activities. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd., 440-8712600, westlakelibrary.org

4/20

Earth Day Garlic Mustard Pull. Do your part for Earth Day and help staff pull this invasive plant species. 1:00, 1:30 or 2:30 p.m. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Rd., Lagrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

4/22

Virtual Earth Day for Kids. Kids ages 7-14 are invited to join a naturalist online to explore what makes earth special and discover ways to keep Earth beautiful.

Summitmetroparks.org

20 | Family Living at Its Best

JUNE-JULY (bog, flood plain, woodland and rockeries) cinnamon fern, Osmunda cinnamomea interrupted fern, Osmunda claytonia, royal fern, Osmunda regalis, rosebay rhododendron, Rhododendron maximum

PRICK

LY PEA

R CAC

Earth Day Drive-Through.

Celebrate Earth Day safely and locally through this outdoor drivethrough. Natural resource management staff and special-guest wildlife conservation experts will hand out free native trees, wildflowers, children’s activities and more. Noon-2 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Russell, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org Take a Minute to Save the Planet.

Join Annie Warmke, to learn how she has created a life filled with taking a minute to save the planet in this virtual presentation. She started by building an Earthship, a home made from re-used and recycled materials. Annie is also a goat herder, cheese maker and writer. 7-8 p.m. Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, we247.org

4/24

Conservation Skill-A-Thon.

Learn hands-on skills you can use to remove invasive species; plant native trees, grasses and flowers; provide natural and artificial habitat structures for wildlife, etc.

Celebrate Earth Day by pledging to make a difference in the community. All day. The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, wildernesscenter.org

TUS

Shred Day. Bring your sensitive documents such as tax forms and medical records to be shredded onsite in the library parking lot.

9 a.m.-noon. Columbia Branch Library, 13824 W. River Rd., North Columbia Station, 440-236-8751, lorainpubliclibrary.org Earth Day Recycle Fair. This outdoor drive-through event will allow for recycling of electronics, donations to Goodwill and paper shredding/recycling. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., 330-499-4712, ncantonlibrary.com Earth Day Magazine Craft. Happy Earth Day! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Pick up a kit to make a woven magazine basket. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., 330-499-4712, ncantonlibrary.com

4/22-24

Party for the Planet: Build Your Own Adventure. There’s no better place to ‘go green’ than this Earth Day celebration. Bring the family to play ‘build your own adventure’ game. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-3752550, akronzoo.org

GREAT WHITE

TRILLIUM

JULY- AUGUST (Pennington beds, floodplain and prairie) butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa New Jersey tea, Ceanothus americanus, queen-of-the-prairie, Filipendula rubra, dense blazing star, Liatris spicata, cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis, scarlet bee balm, Monarda didyma, wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa, royal catchfly, Silene regia compass plant, cup plant, prairie dock, and whorled rosinweed, Silphium laciniatum, S. perfoliatum, S. terebinthinaceum, , S. trifoliatum, wingstem, Verbesina alternifolia

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER (woodland, Pennington beds and prairie) big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii, lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina, silvery glade fern, Deparia acrostichoides narrow-leaved glade fern, Diplazium pycnocarpon, spinulose, evergreen, and marginal wood ferns, Dryopteris carthusiana, D. intermedia, D. marginalis, male fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, big-leaved aster, Eurybia , macrophylla, Christmas fern, Polystichum acrostichoides little bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, blue-stem goldenrod, Solidago caesia, prairie dropseed, Sporobolus heterolepis

For more information about native plants, visit holdenfg.org PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS

VIRGINIA BLUEBELLS

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER (woodland) hardy ageratum, Eupatorium coelestinum, white wood aster, Eurybia divaricata witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, zigzag goldenrod, Solidago flexicaulis New England aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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ON SCREEN

&

OFF

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME ON THE CONTROLLER - AND OFFLINE AND OUTSIDE THIS SEASON

BY MIKE DAUGHERTY

22 | Family Living at Its Best

N W

PARENTS’ GAMING GUIDE

e’ve all seen how technology has become smarter, faster and more accessible over the last few decades. Video games have followed suit. The excitement of leveling up, the rush of defeating a boss, or just socializing with other players has led to increased gaming across the board. According to statista.com, there are more than 3 billion active video gamers annually. Let’s take a look at the most popular games with kids and what parents should know about them.

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THEIR GAME WORLD Gaming offers parents an opportunity to get children talking about what’s going on in their world. Here are some questions parents can use as conversation starters: l What’s your coolest

skin? l Is there one you really want but don’t have yet?

(FORTNITE) l What’s your favorite

mode? Why do you like that one? (FORTNITE) l Do you like being a crewmate or an imposter?

Why? (AMONG US) l Have you ever tricked anyone into thinking you weren’t a sus? Sus is short for suspect. It's used as slang in the game for when something thinks you might be an imposter.

(AMONG US) l What’s your favorite

game on Roblox? (ROBLOX) l Have you ever made a game on Roblox? (ROBLOX) l Who is your favorite friend to play with online? l Would you show me how to play?

AMONG US One of the most popular games for kids of all ages is “Among Us.” This space-themed multiplayer game is like a modern version of Clue. Each round has up to 10 players called crewmates. Two of the crewmates are imposters who attempt to kill off the other players and sabotage the ship. The goal of the game is for crewmates to determine which players are the imposters while attempting to complete all the tasks. A player can call an emergency meeting and everyone can report what they’ve seen. Players are then asked to vote which color crewmate is the imposter. Those players who get too many votes are voted out. The game ends when all the tasks are completed or the imposters are all voted out.

“Among Us” is a free game that works on tablets, smartphones and Nintendo Switch. Players can purchase outfits and pets for $2.99 each. The one concerning thing for parents is the chat window.

Most times what is typed is acceptable, however, a few bad apples can spoil that. Parents of younger players will want to turn on the profanity filter as an extra precaution to avoid their child reading anything unwanted.

FORTNITE (BATTLEGROUNDS, POPULATION ONE, WARZONE)

“Fortnite” tends to rise and fall in popularity. While it's not as popular as it once was, the game continues to attract new players. “Fortnite” has spawned many similar games such as “Battlegrounds,” “Population One,” and “Call of Duty Warzone.” Figures from August 2020 show an average of 22.5 million daily “Fortnite” players. The others on this list draw similar crowds. There are several ways to play the game but the most popular is “Battle Royale.” One hundred players compete to be the last person or team standing. Players can choose to battle solo (alone), in duos with a friend, or in squads with three other players. The game begins with players leaping out of a flying bus as it passes over the battleground. Competitors deploy their parachutes and navigate their way to the ground. Once they’ve landed, players need to arm themselves by searching buildings, homes, factories, trucks, etc. for weapons and other items that range in ability and availability. The arsenal available consists of simple handguns all the way to rocket launchers. The goal is to survive by eliminating all the other players or teams. The winning player or team earns a Victory Royale. A storm surrounds the outskirts of the battleground at the start. Every few minutes the storm closes in, forcing players toward the center and ensuring the fast-paced action. “Fortnite” has partnered with a variety of franchises (Star Wars, Marvel) as well as celebrities (Post Malone, Travis Scott) to keep the game fresh and relevant.

“Fortnite” is available on Playstations, Xbox, Switch, and personal computers. Players can purchase Vbucks with real money to buy in-game items such as gliders, skins (costumes), and levels for their players. In my opinion, the violence in Fortnite is minimal. The game revolves around gathering weapons and shooting the opposing players, so there is some level of violence, but the vibrant, colorful, cartoon feel to the game sets it apart from games like “Call of Duty.” “Fortnite” does have a chat system, but most players communicate audibly via a microphone. The concern for parents here is the wide age range of players and what those players might say. Parents of younger players may want to turn off “voice chat” and enable the “mature” filter inside of the parental controls on the game.

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ROBLOX Parents need to understand that “Roblox” is a platform, like Xbox or Playstation, as opposed to an actual game. Kids will say, “I’m playing Roblox.” It's equivalent to saying, “I’m playing Nintendo.” There are over 40 million games inside of the Roblox universe, most of which have been made by the Roblox players themselves. Popular games include “Adopt Me” (you collect various rare pets), “Work at a Pizza Place” (you open and maintain a pizza shop), and “Jailbreak” (you escape from different forms of jail). The games and graphics have a block-based feel to them, similar to Legos.

Roblox works on smartphones, tablets and traditional computers. Players can purchase Robucks with real money to purchase a variety of in-game items. The block-style graphics make for limited violence for young eyes. The concern for parents is the chatting. Players can chat in a common chat room and can also message players directly. Some parental controls should be turned on to prevent players from using or seeing profanity. It also prevents players from providing any personal information. Even with those safeguards in place, parents should have a conversation with their kids about talking with strangers online.

MINECRAFT “Minecraft,” a longstanding staple in the gaming community, continues to grow and evolve. The game allows players to create, build, dig and destroy in a 3D world. Minecraft is both fun and educational. Players can choose among three modes: Creative, Survival and Adventure. Each mode includes a similar layout, but offers a different experience for kids to play through.

The game’s design encourages real-world skills like problemsolving, creative thinking and collaboration. "Minecraft" even has an education edition that schools can use to teach computer programming concepts.

In recent years, players have been given the ability to build their own modified versions of the game, host it on a “Minecraft” server, and invite others to play their creations. Offshoots of the game have sprung up like wildflowers. One popular example is “Bed Wars.” The object of “Bed Wars” is to protect your bed from the enemy players. The game is played on “Minecraft”-style islands in the sky. Players get unlimited lives until their team’s bed is destroyed. After that, once you die, you’re out. The last team standing wins.

The violence in “Minecraft” is minimal. It works on tablets, smartphones, Playstations, Xbox, Switch and personal computers, which means kids can play it just about anywhere.

The game does not have voice chatting built-in, however, many of the multiplayer servers offer this option. On-screen chatting is available. Like all games with a chat feature, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to see. There are some family-friendly features, like chat filtering, that need to be enabled. Take a moment to review the parental controls on “Minecraft” to ensure the environment is controlled for your child.

As a parent, it's important to know how and where your children are spending their time online. Take a few minutes to Googlesearch games they mention to better understand what is involved. The best advice would be to keep an open dialog with your child about their online presence, have a conversation with your child about what is OK and not OK to share online, and consider setting parental controls, as available.

24 | Family Living at Its Best

DIGITAL DETOX Goodbye, Screens; Hello, Outside World!

D

epending on where your family stands with the pandemic, screen-time limits have been relaxed or may have been completely removed during the craziness that was 2020.

The initial quarantine that kept us indoors for months encouraged additional household screen-time so everyone could interact with their friends and family members. As we head towards a better outlook, it may be time for a digital detox to help your family shake off the cloud of electronic energy hanging over your home. However, implementing those screentime limits will not be easy.

The warmer months provide parents an opportunity to have a “digital detox” with their kids.

This detox consists of no smartphones, no tablets and no video games. Watching a movie or a show through a streaming service is acceptable, when done as a family. Let’s look at how you can make this idea work for your household (without strangling everyone within arm’s length):

EASE INTO IT

The ideal disconnect would last three to five days. Starting your digital detox with that goal in mind may be perceived as a major shock to your environment. It does not have to be, though. Start small by limiting usage during dinnertime a few nights a week. If your busy schedule prevents family mealtimes, look for other opportunities to restrict tech usage for an hour or two. Parents should consider using this strategy for a week or two before pulling the plug for several days in a row. The whole family has been using tech much more than usual for over a year, so go slowly.

BREAK FROM BEEPS

Taking a break from the beeps, pings and buzz of social media is something everyone should consider due to the adverse effects it can have on your neural pathways. Certain aspects of social media have proven to be addictive. Various research studies have shown how the brain releases small amounts of dopamine when we receive a like, a favorite, or an upvote on something we’ve posted online. We get a small, short-lived high from how that public, social acknowledgment makes us feel. Also, those likes, tweets and chirps offer a connection to the rest of the world. It is hard to resist taking that quick glance at your phone to see who or what is vying for your attention. As an experiment, try not looking at your smartphone for a short period.

Ignore its persuasive pings and alluring alerts. This simple assignment is much harder than you might imagine and it speaks volumes to the need for a family-wide tech disconnect.

MODEL IT

For a digital detox to be effective, we, as parents, need to model the behavior we want our children to emulate. Show your kids how vital a disconnect can be by putting your device down. Lead by example. As a working adult, you probably won’t be able to cut off your access completely, but you should limit it as much as possible. Imagine a few days without a Zoom meeting… wouldn’t that be glorious?

PLAN IT

Schedule a few activities with friends to get the kids interacting with the real world. Plan an event like going bowling or bouncing at an indoor trampoline park. COVID restrictions may limit your options. However, creative parents can come up with some socially distant activities. Renting a movie theater for a private

group made up of your family and a few friends is a phenomenal (and economical) option. You could consider taking your crew to the library, a museum or aquarium. The goal is to get the kids into an environment where they can experience the real world and interact with it. You know your threshold for exposure, so plan accordingly.

DEALING WITH THE FALLOUT

Be prepared for enormous pushback. Taking technology away from kids is a common form of punishment for breaking the rules.

Now, you’re limiting its usage for a few days for no reason other than you read it was a good idea!

Generation Z views the virtual world much differently than previous generations, not detecting a significant difference between the physical and virtual realities.

GENERATION Z In their eyes, you are isolating them from DOESN’T SEE their friends, community and everything A SIGNIFICANT outside of the house. The FOMO (fear of missing out) will drive their adolescent DIFFERENCE concerns. Your offspring may believe BETWEEN THE “you’re the worst, meanest parent in the PHYSICAL whole world and you don’t care about AND VIRTUAL your kids,” or something like that.

WORLDS. The best advice is to explain your reasoning to your family with the expectation that it will probably fall on deaf ears.

Teens and young adults often struggle to make smart decisions when it comes to technology use. A digital disconnect can bring out some sneaky behaviors as kids try to find a way to beat the system.

Temporarily change the Wi-Fi password or use an app to prevent your children’s devices from connecting to the internet. Most teens will go right back to their old ways when given the opportunity, as social media is a mainstay of how Generation Z communicates and interacts with the world.

The goal of this disconnect is to show your kids how technology can change personal thinking, moods and behaviors. Use this opportunity to re-establish norms for what is and is not acceptable in terms of screen time. Lastly, pause to reflect as a group before you return them to their digital devices.

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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April CAlenDAR Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

" Family Science Fun

4/5

Rising Aquatic Scientists. Middle school students interested in exploring a career in marine biology can spend a day with aquarium team members, including guest experience associates, aquarists, SCUBA divers and others. 9 a.m.-noon.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Pick - a - DAY MONDAYS

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Scavenger Hunt. Search the Ellet Branch Library and see if you can find all of the foods that Eric Carle’s famous caterpillar ate.

Receive a small prize if you find them all. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 2470 E. Market St., Akron, 330-784-2019, akronlibrary.org

TUESDAYS

Pre-K Tumbling at Sky Aerial Studios. This is for ages 2-5 and will focus on basic ground tumbling and balance beam work from a certified preschool acro instructor. 11 a.m.-noon. 1320 Chase Ave., Lakewood, skyaerialstudios.com

4/8

Did an Apple Really Fall on Sir Isaac Newton’s Head? Why do objects move? Why don’t they move? Explore Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion. Virtual event for children ages 6-10.

4:30-5 p.m. Cuyahoga County Public Library, attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/ event/4836949

4/15

Engineering Your Imagination.

A primer on civil engineering for the youngest of learners.Register to receive a free kit, then join the Google Meet to have fun learning about civil engineering and to watch a demonstration of how to build a bridge with supplies in the kit. 10-10:30 a.m.

Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, 330-2962827, reedlibrary.org

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events are subject to change. Please check with venues before attending an event to ensure times and availability are valid and to understand health guidelines. Please follow state guidelines, including wearing face coverings, maintaining 6 feet apart from others and washing hands. Please visit northeastohioparent.com for more upcoming events.

WEDNESDAYS

Teen Virtual Art Show. All artistic teens are invited to submit a work of art for the Virtual Art Show that will be displayed on the library’s Facebook page for the community to see. The goal is to share and recognize the talented artists in the area. Mentor Public Library, mentorpl.org

THURSDAYS

Life Hacks for High Schoolers.

Learn how to communicate better with parents, siblings, teachers, girlfriend/boyfriend and more. This is a casual, small-group setting and very interactive. 6-8 p.m. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com Paint it Like a Pro! Try different types of paints and tools to create multiple painted projects.

Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, brushes and sponges.

Ages 5-8. 4-5:30 p.m. BAYarts, 28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, bayarts.net

ongoing THROUGH 4/11

Spring Discovery Days at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

Have you seen the suction cups on a poison dart frog’s toes?

Ever watched a garden eel stretch to snatch passing prey?

When did you last count the suckers on an octopus’ arm or a sandtiger shark’s teeth? The beauty is in the details, so don’t let aquatic life pass you by. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

✱ Submit Your Event to Us! northeastohioparent.com/events/community/add

26 | Family Living at Its Best

April 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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April CALENDAR

day - by - DAY 4/2

First Friday Family Movie: Hop. Enjoy a family-friendly movie on Canton’s largest screen as part of the Canton First Friday celebration. E.B., the Easter Bunny’s teenage son, heads to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock ‘n’ roll band.

7:30 p.m. 605 Market Ave. North, Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

4/2-3

The Tale of Peter Rabbit at Miller Garden. Follow the trail for this unique version of the Beatrix Potter story. The Easter Bunny will be there for pictures and treat bags will be available for children 2-10 years old. 2739 Center Rd., Avon, 440-937-0764, loraincountymetroparks.com

4/3

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt.

The Easter Egg Hunt at Stan Hywet is a beloved tradition.

Children up to age 9 may participate in “the hunt,” but the entire family may visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a beautiful spring day on the estate.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-8635533, stanhywet.org Easter Egg Hunt. Collect goodyfilled eggs, win prizes and learn about the school. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saint Joseph Parish School, 1909 Third St., Cuyahoga Falls, saintjoe.org/school

4/5-5/3

Egg Hatching at the Library.

See little chicken eggs that are getting ready to hatch with an incubator set up. After hatching, you can see baby chicks for about a week So come on up and join the egg-citement. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., 440-255-8811, mentorpl.org

4/6

DIY Birdhouse. This simple birdhouse provides safety and shelter for the birds as well as a clean, modern design for you.

This simple shed-roof design accommodates chickadees, house wrens, nuthatches and other small birds. Virtual program. 6-7:30 p.m. Geauga County Public library, divi.geaugalibrary.net

28 | Family Living at Its Best

4/10

Cleveland Chocolate Fest. An event for everyone. There will be chocolate vendors throughout, providing samples of all their goodies, a chocolate fountain and more. 5-9 p.m. Lago Custom Events, chocolatefestcleveland.com Kids Night Out: Dance Party.

Allow your child to enjoy a night out at the Kent Rec while you enjoy a night out on your own.

Dinner, games, music, arts and crafts, video games, etc. Ages 4-11 welcome. 6-10 p.m. Kent Recreation Center, 1115 Franklin Ave., kentparksandrec.com

4/12

Grandparenting Today. Join a lively discussion for grandparents-to-be and new grandparents about the changes in birthing and infant-care practices in a group setting. 6-8:30 p.m.

Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, 303 Wooster Rd., Rocky River, events.clevelandclinic.org

4/14

Game Night for Teens. Open to all middle and high school age students for a night of fun and games with friends. 6-8 p.m.

That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com

4/17

Let’s Go to the Fishing Hole.

Kids ages 15 and younger learn fishing basics, then drop a line in Tinkers Creek Lake. Some rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise their children and if they want to fish, must have a current Ohio fishing license. 10 a.m.-noon. Tinkers Creek, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro, summitmetroparks.org Bud and Bloom Walk. Walk the garden, focusing on soon-tobe or blooming bushes, shrubs and trees. 2-3 p.m. Schoepfle Garden, 11106 Market St., Birmingham, loraincountymetroparks.com

Think Spring Ride. Bring your family out for ABC’s fun and beautiful “kick off ride.” There are two routes available, the longer route on the road and the social route on the Bike and Hike trail. Bring your cyclist friends to enjoy the ride and those who may want to become an ABC member. 11 a.m. Heritage Barn, Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Rd., Stow, akronbike.org NASA Young Innovators. Teens virtually join NASA scientists in a fun and engaging handson project activity to explore electric motors. 2-4 p.m.

Cuyahoga County Public Library, cuyahogalibrary.org Super Science Saturday: Zany Zoology. Zoology is the fascinating field that is dedicated to the study of animal life. Learn about this zany world of amazing creatures. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, 330-665-3466, akronfossils.com

4/18

Family Fun: Let’s Make Music!

This family-friendly program, inspired by the Maltz Museum’s special exhibition, “Notorious: RBG,” presented locally by PNC Bank, is a celebration of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s love of music and family values. 1:30 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org

4/22-25

Geauga County Maple Festival.

The oldest maple festival in the U.S. celebrates the production of pure maple syrup in Geauga County and Northeast Ohio. Four days of fun, food and “everything maple.” Chardon Square, 111 E. Park St., 440-286-3007, maplefestival.com

4/23-25

Mohican Wildlife Weekend.

Annual event highlighting the Greater Mohican Area with special programs featuring the area’s rich heritage, abundant wildlife, vast recreation opportunities and diverse natural resources.

Mohicanwildlifeweekend.com

4/25

Stroller Derby and 5K. Grab the family and join the Mandel Jewish Community Center and friends to run or walk to support the Mandel JCC. Strollers not required. All ages welcome.

In-person event: Competitive 5K race: 9-10 a.m. Family walk with strollers and wagons: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Virtual Option: Virtual 5K run or walk, participate anywhere between 4/25-4/28 and submit your time after the event. 26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, 216-831-0700 ext.

1495. Register at mandeljcc.org/strollerderby.

4/29

Seed Swap and Starting Workshop. Bring seeds to share, donate or trade with fellow gardeners. A short workshop and demonstration covers best practices for starting seeds indoors as well as directly sowing outside. 6-7:30 p.m. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, 2077 Newton St., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

save the date 5/8-9

Shearing Weekend. Watch border collies herd sheep with skill and precision, then observe as winter wool coats are shorn from sheep to keep them cooler in warmer weather. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

5/18

Crocker Kids Returns: Animal Fun with Jungle Terry. Funfilled family event ideal for kids ages 2-9, presented by Northeast Ohio Parent and Lake Ridge Academy. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. West Park at Crocker Park, 177 Market St., Westlake, NortheastOhioParent.com

5/22-23

Horsefest. Discover the magical beauty of horses. HorseFest showcases different breeds, riding disciplines and uses for these versatile animals. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

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ONGOING ATTRACTIONS AKRON ART MUSEUM

THROUGH 9/19 Totally Rad: Bold Color in the 1980s. Built out of the Akron Art Museum’s permanent collection, Totally Rad offers a dazzling dive into the vibrancy of the ‘80s.

1 S. High St., 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org

CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER

ONGOING Cleveland Starts Here. A place for Northeast Ohioans to locate their own stories and place themselves in the rich story of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. 10825 East Blvd., 216-721-5722, wrhs.org

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN

THROUGH 4/11 Orchids Forever. Enjoy a stunning display of hundreds of Phalaenopsis orchids and a towering orchid sculpture “Orchids in Bloom” designed by copper, resin and steel artists. 11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM

JEWISH FEDERATION OF CLEVELAND

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

HOLDEN ARBORETUM

MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE

THROUGH 5/2/2021 Gustave Baumann: Colorful Cuts.

Baumann’s prints portray stunning mountain scenery plus indigenous adobe architecture and scenes representing Native American and Hispanic cultures. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

ONGOING Wildlife Rescue: Miracles in Conservation. In this traveling exhibition, explore the innovative ways wildlife rescuers capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild, and care for animals after natural disasters.

1 Wade Oval Dr., cmnh.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Youth Exhibits. Feed young scientist’s curiosity with special youth exhibits like Polymer Funhouse, Port Polymer, early childhood workshops and a new infant area. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, greatscience.com

ONGOING Shark Gallery & Sea Tube.

Features 230,000 gallons of water, three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish. Walk through the 175-foot underwater sea tube. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com ONGOING Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower. The Canopy Walk invites guests on a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that’s 65 feet above the forest floor. The Emergent Tower is 120 feet or approximately 12 stories tall and provides a breathtaking view.

9500 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, 440-9464400, holdenarb.org

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING Schuele Planetarium: Twinkle Tots, Stellar Stars, Family Adventures in Space, Sky Tonight and Full Dome Show. 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-2900, lensc.org

THROUGH 4/21 Gallery Open House: “Unfolding Nature: Dancing Through Waves.” Roe Green Gallery at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building, 25701 Science Park Dr., Beachwood, mandelfoundation.org

ONGOING An American Story. Step into a world filled with inspiring and moving stories of Jewish immigrants, perhaps even their own ancestors and modern-day heroes. 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS

OPENING DAY: 4/1 Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk. Celebrates the extensive restoration projects completed throughout the estate since 2015.

Six years of tireless and dedicated work. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-863-5533, stanhywet.org

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

ONGOING Class of 2020 Inductees.

Explore artifacts, instruments and a collaborative installation featuring items from each of the 2020 inductees, including Doobie Brothers, Depeche Mode, Whitney Houston, Nine Inch Nails, The Notorious B.I.G. and more. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 216-7817625, rockhall.com

Family Living Living at at Its Its Best Best 30 | Family

Parent & Me Fun Pick-A-DAY

MONDAYS

Surprise Art. Gather basic supplies and join Ms. Jamie via Zoom each week to create a simple and playful art project together. Ages 3-5. Through 5/10. 10-10:30 a.m. Fairmount Center for the Arts, fairmountcenter.org Nursery Rhyme Time.

Together with your 2-5 year-old, explore nursery rhymes through music and art experiences. Engaging multiarts experiences also include preschool readiness skills like counting, shapes and colors.

In person: 10-11 a.m. or virtual: 11-11:30 a.m 4/12-5/3. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-9517500, fineartsassociation.org Music & Movement. Shake, rattle and roll in this interactive, high-energy musical program for ages 2 to 5. Akron Public Library, 60 High St., 330643-9050, akronlibrary.org Baby Rhymes & Signs. Join Ms. Kim on the ALPL YouTube channel every fourth Monday at 10 a.m. to learn a couple simple rhymes or ASL signs to do with your baby. apl.org/at-home/

TUESDAYS

Kids Create and Read at Home. Sign up for one of our storytime kits, which include a book to check out and an art project. 10-11 a.m. Cuyahoga Falls Library, cuyahogafallslibrary.org Story Stop. Enjoy stories, songs and activities from the comfort of your own home on Facebook Live. 6:30-7 p.m. lorainpubliclibrary.org Storytime at Home. Do you miss storytime? You can still enjoy stories and songs from home by visiting the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Facebook page. 10 a.m. smfpl.org Family Storytime. Mix and mingle in the virtual family storytime room on Zoom.

Children of all ages and their families can spend some time together while enjoying stories, songs and fun. 10 a.m. Mentor Public Library, mentorpl.org

WEDNESDAYS

Outdoor Baby Bonanza. Bring your babies and blankets for books, bopping and bouncing at this outdoor lap-sit program. 9:30-10 a.m. Coventry Peace Park, 2843 Washington Ave., Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org Butterfly Hands. Join Nancy Barnett for an introduction to signing with your baby using the Baby Signs Program. Zoom Program. 9 a.m. Shaker Library, shakerlibrary.org Virtual Brunch Bunch. Share your breakfast or lunch with some Kent Free Library friends while listening to stories, singing songs and watching shenanigans. 11 a.m. 312 W. Main St., 330-673-4414, kentfreelibrary.org Baby Zoom Storytime. Each storytime program is full of entertaining, age-appropriate stories and activities that encourage literacy development and help your child prepare to be a skilled reader. 10-10:30 a.m. Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, we247.org Family Storytime. Join in on Zoom for an interactive storytime featuring books, rhymes, songs and movement. For families with children ages 2-6. 7-7:30 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, westlakelibrary.org Toddler Storytime. Participate with your toddler in stories, songs and movements, virtually. 10-10:30 a.m. Wadsworth Public Library, wadsworthlibrary.com

THURSDAYS

Outdoor Family Story Stop.

Bring your blankets and masks to the corner of Corydon and Lee in Cleveland Heights for stories, songs and rhymes.

10:30-11 a.m. heightslibrary.org Kindergarten, Here I Come.

Register to receive weekly emails from Ms. Amanda with stories, songs, rhymes, and activities designed to strengthen key skills for school success. All day. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Rd., 440-333-7610, rrpl.org Preschool Story Hour. Stories and fun via Zoom. 1-1:30 p.m.

Peninsula Library & Historical Society, peninsulalibrary.org

FRIDAYS

Parent & Child Pottery. Spend a few Fridays connecting with clay together. Ages 4 & older with an adult. 4/16-5/21. Noon1 p.m. BAYarts, 28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, bayarts.net

SATURDAYS

Musicplay: Outdoors. Meaningful musical experience for little ones during their most crucial window of development. Classes held on the lawn in front of Marting Hall.

Ages 0-4. 4/17, 4/24 and 5/1.

BW Community Arts School, Berea, bwcommunityarts.bw.edu

SATURDAYS

Music Explorers - Learn Together Spring. Experience the joy of music together in this virtual class designed for the parent/caregiver and child. Learn songs, create music and explore a variety of percussion instruments. Ages 2 1/2-4. 10-10:45 a.m. The Music Settlement, t hemusicsettlement.org

DAY-BY-DAY 4/11-13

Timbertots: What’s the Buzz?

Outdoor learning about insects and spiders followed by a short walk to the nature center to see the What’s the Buzz? Ages 3-5 w/adult.

Sunday at 11 a.m.-noon & 2-3 p.m. or Monday or Tuesday at 10-11 a.m. & 1-2 p.m. The West Woods, Turkey Ridge, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Russell, 440-2869516, geaugaparkdistrict.org

4/17

Virtual International Storytime. Hear stories from around the globe and from different cultures with your little one.

10:30-11 a.m. Medina County District Library, mcdl.info

4/22

Kindergarten Club. Children entering kindergarten this fall (not enrolled in preschool or childcare) can join the Kindergarten Club for free fun, food and family activities in preparation for school. 6-7 p.m.

Parma-Snow Branch Library, 2121 Snow Rd., 216-661-4240, cuyahogalibrary.org

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Plan for Summer Vacation

& Beyond at Disney

S

pring has arrived and now is the time to think about your summer and beyond vacation plans. Of course we know that not everyone is ready to travel, but we think having something to look forward to is a good idea. So we are booking trips for families through 2021/2022, with the understanding that if they decide it’s too soon, we can push out the dates.

We also know that leaving the country is creating extra challenges. Select locations are requiring Covid tests to re-enter the U.S. from all inclusive resorts around the Caribbean and beyond. With that in mind, most of our families have decided that staying local is the way to go.

And what says family more than theme parks? That’s right, Walt Disney World and

Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. have so much to offer families right now.

Both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios – Orlando have implemented health and safety measures across their properties, which is helping the safety of guests. The new protocols include mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, social distancing policies, and increased sanitization procedures.

They are also operating with reduced capacity.

As of writing this – Universal Studios is booking packages through the end of 2021 and Walt Disney World is booking packages through July 2022.

By Tricia Scott

owner of Visit Mickey Vacations

Universal Studios Orlando has a total of three theme parks offering attractions for all ages, though more driven to the guest who like thrills, with rides like Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and a full water park in Volcano Bay. However, one of the biggest draws to Universal Studios Orlando is the definitely The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here fans can have an immersive experience in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

Make sure to get a park- topark ticket, so you can ride the Hogwart’s Express, the train that links the two parks.

Walt Disney World offers hundreds of attractions,

shopping and restaurants.

There is something for every age, regardless of the park and you can feel like a kid again. The newest area added to Hollywood Studios is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and a Must Do for any Star Wars fan. Pilot the Millennium Falcon or get caught in a battle between the Empire and Rebels in the Rise of the Resistance, the most ambitious ride ever created in a venue. They have also opened their Water Park – Blizzard Beach for those looking to get soaked.

Traveling under the current restrictions is an ever changing set of rules, so reach out to a local authorized planner, which helps you have the best plans possible, but also supports local business.

Go to visitmickey.com/ quote-neoparent.

WE’LL HELP YOU PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY VACATION!

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32 | Family Living at Its Best

Reconnecting with Relatives

By Sterling Haynes

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has been exhausting for all of us. If the kids are missing those big bear hugs from their grandparents, there’s good news on the horizon.

As millions of vaccines are being administered across the country, each injection sparks hope for ending the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to release updated guidelines and precautions for vaccinated adults. Those receiving a Johnson & Johnson vaccine require just one dose while those getting the Moderna or Pfizer shots need a second dose. If it has been less then two weeks since full vaccination or the second dose is still

needed, there’s still a risk for virus transmission. A person is considered to be fully vaccinated after a two-week waiting period.

Perhaps we can finally visit nana and papa.

Fully vaccinated grandparents can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated family members without wearing a mask.

The CDC still recommends that vaccinated people avoid medium to large gatherings, delay domestic and international travel, watch out for symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if feeling unwell. Also, continue to follow guidelines such as mask wearing in public or when gathering with unvaccinated people.

Laurie Noon is the activities director for Canton Christian Home, a faith-based,

not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. She has advice for engaging with relatives during the pandemic.

“Children can read story books via phone or Skype,” Noon says. “Grandparents would also appreciate prayer poems, handmade bracelets, cards and plenty of family photos.”

“Grandparents with dementia would love to see baby pictures,” she adds.“The more you interact with grandma and grandpa, the more it stimulates their memory and cognitive functions.”

Be sure to stay connected with aging loved ones. Ask them how their day is going, listen and ask questions, either when visiting safety in-person or on the phone.

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Dad

MATTERS

The Velma Scale

By Jason Lea

Jason Lea has a son, daughter and a full-time job at the Mentor Public Library. He also blogs for Northeast Ohio Parent in his nonexistent free time. You can find this East-sider on Twitter at @jasonmarklea or read his blog at northeastohioparent. com/bloggers

W

hen I’m watching TV or reading a book with my kids, I’ll sometimes ask my kids to judge a character’s decisions on “The Velma Scale.”

The scale, named after the “Scooby-Doo” cartoon character, ranks if a person’s choices are good or bad.

It’s the unscientific way I get my children to think about stories and the choices we make.

It’s named after Velma because somebody has to be on top, and it’s definitely not Fred.

Let me give you an example of how this works: Mystery Incorporated breaks down near a dilapidated amusement park. Old Man Watkins explains that a ghoul is scaring away all his customers.

Fred suggests the team split up to search the park.

Daphne agrees, as long as she isn’t stuck on Shaggy’s team. Shaggy and Scooby want a sandwich and a nap. Meanwhile, Velma encourages Mr. Watkins to rebrand the amusement park as a haunted house.

Now we pause to ask my kids which character is making the best choices? Naturally, it’s Velma.

Shaggy and Scooby are a close second. Fred is always the worst... unless Scrappy-Doo shows up.

These rankings are subjective, so there’s some mushiness on who lands where. But the bottom of the scale is littered with superheroes who solve their problems with punching and Disney princesses who marry the first guy they meet.

Seriously, Ariel gets “plastic surgery” to impress a guy she doesn’t know. This is a sub-Fred level of decision-making. Meanwhile, Princess Anna crawls to the middle of the pack by marrying the second guy she meets.

The bottom of the scale gets especially crowded when you include some of the videos for kids on YouTube. Don’t get me wrong. There’s some entertaining stuff on there. I, for one, think “Booba” is the best thing to come out of Russia since Tolstoy.

But Booba’s good at slapstick — not considering consequences.

Conversely, the scale thins out on top, because it’s more difficult to think of characters who reliably make good choices. That’s because good choices rarely make for good entertainment. But some characters survive in this rarified air.

For example, Chihiro from “Spirited Away” hits the trifecta of: • Not taking food that isn’t hers.

• Leading with kindness and courage when placed in new situations.

34 | Family Living at Its Best

• Not abandoning her parents when they’re magically transmogrified into pigs. (Yeah, if you’ve never seen it, “Spirited Away” takes some unexpected turns.)

For a more modern example: The ponies from “My Little Pony” usually make good choices, too — at least by the third act of any given episode.

More often, placing a character on the scale is thorny. It isn’t a linear ranking from “bad” to “good.”

It’s a three-dimensional spectrum with lumps and twists. For example, Batman tries to help his community (good) by going out at night and punching people (bad.) He teaches kids (good) by having them fight dangerous felons (bad.)

Sometimes, my family spends more time arguing about a character’s ranking than we do watching the story, which is the whole point. (Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Branch from “Trolls” have inspired some intense debate.)

You see, it’s not about just letting my kids watch “good” characters making “good” choices. That would be dull. Life needs more than tap water, y’know?

But the scale teaches my kids to consider consequences.

It also forces me to engage when my kids watch the glow-screen.

It’s easy — necessary even — to let the TV or tablet sub in as a babysitter sometimes when we’re busy. But we should give our kids a framework to think about what they’re watching because the stories we consume are important. They inform our thoughts and behavior. Not to get all Buddhist about it, but The Dhammapada says, “Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.” And I believe that.

So if we’re going to watch superpowered people, princesses and ponies make bad choices (which can be very entertaining), we should urge our kids to consider those choices (which can be enlightening).

For this, my family uses The Velma Scale. I’d be interested to know what yours does.

Because Scooby-Doo’s a lot of fun — a classic. But we don’t want our kids to act like a bunch of Freds, right?

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36 | Family Living at Its Best