Momaha Magazine August 2023

VOLUME 14 · ISSUE 8

AUGUST

2023

S IS FOR

SCHOOL Crafts + treats to make heading back to the classroom fun

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY How to talk to your kids about any anxiety they have as the school year begins T1

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CARE

T2

August 2023

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ADVO CACY

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RESEARCH

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E D U C AT I O N

CONTENTS

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2023

10 4 Bookshelf

10 Chunky Monkey Bites

5 Sugar Wafer Pencil Cookies

11 Iowa State Fair

6 Back-to-School Anxiety

12 On Our Radar

8 Washi Tape School Supplies

13 Kid-Friendly Arts Scene

9 Back-to-School Picture Frame

14 When to Keep Kids Home From School

KILEY CRUSE/THE WORLD-HERALD‌

editor in chief KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

editor BETSIE FREEMAN

contributors MARJIE DUCEY R AC H E L G EO R G E KO R I R A D LO F F D R . M I C A H R YA N

designer E M I LY W I R T Z

cover photo KILEY CRUSE

custom publishing sales coordinator N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2023 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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BOOKSHELF THE BOOKWORM

GET KIDS EXCITED

FOR SCHOOL

‘CRAYONS GO BACK TO SCHOOL’

by Drew Daywalt illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they’re looking forward to the most.

They’re also ready to meet new friends … and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class. A humorous, backto-school story from everyone’s favorite school supply.

in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.

‘IF I BUILT A SCHOOL’

by Chris Van Dusen If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch

‘PETE THE CAT ROCKING IN MY SCHOOL SHOES’

by Eric Litwin illustrated by James Dean Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes.

Pete discovers

the library, the lunch room, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song … because it’s all good.

‘DON’T EAT OUR CLASSMATES’

by Ryan T. Higgins

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates.

But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all.

‘SPOT GOES TO SCHOOL’

by Eric Hill J o i n Spot on his very first day at school.

As the day goes on, Spot finds he’s having more and more fun — and what will he learn along the way? With fun flaps to develop fine motor skills and an adventurous story to encourage curiosity and exploration, this book is perfect for early learning and play.

‘ELMO LOVES HIS TEACHERS!’

by Christy Webster illustrated by Steph Lew

E l m o loves his preschool teacher, his art teacher, his soccer coach, and all the other teachers in his life.

This book features Elmo and his Sesame Street friends showing their appreciation for their teachers. Plus there are press-out cards included for kids to fill out and give to their teachers and coaches on Teacher Appreciation Day, or any day.

‘THE NIGHT BEFORE KINDERGARTEN’

by Natasha Wing illustrated by Julie Durrell It’s the first day of school.

Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten: packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all — saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is.

Find these titles and many more by shopping locally at The Bookworm. Located at 90th and Center Streets, The Bookworm is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 6,000-square-feet of space.

The Bookworm offers an excellent selection of books, an outstanding children’s section and friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the books they sell. Learn more at www.bookwormomaha.com.

2501 S. 90th 402-392-2877 bookwormomaha.com

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August 2023

Books for all ages and interests!

Registration Recommended for Story Time.

Turn vanilla sugar wafer cookies into cute pencil treats for back-to-school.

KILEY CRUSE, THE WORLD-HERALD

BACK-TO- T SCHOOL

KILEY CRUSE

World-Herald Staff Writer

hese super-easy cookies are perfect for back-to-school with the kids or grandkids.

They would also make great first-day treats for teachers.

SUGAR WAFER PENCILS

COOKIES

will earn you an A+

• 1 package vanilla creme wafers • White candy melts

• Pink candy melts • Mini chocolate chips • Optional, coconut oil

1. Cut two small diagonal lines off of one side of the each sugar wafer to make the point of the pencil.

2. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, place ½ of a bag of white candy melts. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

3. In a another small, microwave-safe bowl, place ½ of a bag of pink candy melts. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir.

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

4. If the candy melts seem too thick to dip the wafers into, you can add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per bowl. Microwave an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the oil to thin the candy melts.

5. Dip the flat side of the wafer into the pink candy melts to make the eraser. Gently shake off any excess candy.

6. Next, flip wafer and dip the pointed side into the white candy melts to make the pencil point. Gently shake off any excess candy.

7. Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper to dry.

8. Immediately add one mini chocolate chip to the point to make the pencil lead.

9. Cookies can dry at room temperature, or to speed setting they can be put in the refrigerator.

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HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THEIR (AND YOUR)

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

CONCERNS

ADOBE STOCK

If your child is worried about school shootings, Dr. Ashley Harlow suggests talking about how you wouldn’t send them to school if you didn’t think they would be safe and protected. You can discuss the drills they practice in school, what the school is going to do to support their safety and actions you hope they can take, too.

MARJIE DUCEY

T

World-Herald Staff Writer

here are a lot of things to discuss with your kids as the start of school nears.

It’s no longer just about their performance in the classroom.

Topics may run the gamut from first-day jitters and fitting in with peers to heavier stuff such as bullying, violence and school shootings.

“Kids worry about all kinds of things,” said Dr. Ashley Harlow, a licensed child and adolescent psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist from Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s behavioral health team. It’s important to give them a chance to voice their concerns.

Here’s how a conversation might start, Harlow said.

“Have you thought at all about how you might handle bullies? Because I’m thinking about it, too,” Harlow used as an example.

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August 2023

Then introduce a topic you think they might be fretting about.

While talking, Harlow said, follow your child’s lead, be honest, direct and concrete, have a plan relating to what the anxiety is about Harlow and know resources and professionals you can reach out to as needed. That might be a school website, a homework help line or the school’s preparedness plan if there is a threat of violence.

In his practice, Harlow has found that kids worry about different things at different ages:

GRADE SCHOOL LEVEL The things he hears have a lot to do with friends and teachers. “Is my teacher going to be nice, are my classmates going to like me?”

It’s what Harlow calls the jitters.

As a parent, he might start by saying: “I am sending you to school, I think it’s really important. I wouldn’t send you if i didn’t feel you were safe and have an opportunity to learn.”

Again, follow your child’s lead. Let them know that no matter what happens in the classroom, you’ll figure it out together.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Things get more complicated at this age.

Academic demands increase and they have more independence at school. It’s at this time they start to think more about whether something scary or violent could happen in school or that they could fail, either in the classroom or in activities.

They might worry if they’ll get lost at their new school, if older kids will be mean to them and if they’ll get beat up in the hallway or bathrooms. Again, follow their lead and come up with a plan, depending on the concern.

If it’s about academics, it might be how together you can come up with a routine that allows time to get homework finished.

That might mean committing to completing homework at study hall or looking into the school’s support system if they are struggling with a class.

Kids at this age are more exposed to current events, so be ready to talk about their possible fears of violence. You can go over what the school’s plans for prevention are and what actions they should take if something occurs.

HIGH SCHOOL Engage with their worries, talk through the logical conclusion of what they are worrying about (avoid “that’s not going to happen” or “everything will be OK”), investigate school policies together and discuss how you can stay in touch if there is an incident.

Teens better understand possibility and probability, so you can better discuss the

likelihood of something like a shooting actually happening at their school. Knowing there have been just a few incidents of violence or none at all in their district might put the threat into perspective.

“Most kids get through educational careers without being involved in school violence,” Harlow said. “The vast majority of schools have not experienced active shooters.”

Try to avoid reassuring them by saying that it will never happen to them because kids, especially as they grow older, understand all too well that it can.

“That’s not going to help in addressing kids’ anxiety,” Harlow said.

PARENTS WORRY, TOO‌ It’s not an easy time to be a parent, either.

School shootings are a reality as is bullying and pressure from social media.

If your child is worried about school shootings, Harlow suggests talking about how you wouldn’t send them to school if you didn’t think they would be safe and protected. You can discuss the drills they practice in school, what the school is going to do to support their safety and actions you hope they can take, too.

Remind them that schools are planning for dangerous events like fires and human threats and are monitoring the situation to keep students safe.

Keep conversations age appropriate.

Harlow said he doesn’t want to normalize school shootings, but the conversations acknowledge the reality of our world where they continue to occur.

Bullying is also a big concern.

The vast majority of kids experience some kind of bullying before they graduate high school.

Talk to your children openly and frequently about what As it is and how they can school nears, address it, Harlow kids may be worried said. Teach them that about topics that run they can be an active the gamut from first-day bystander and can jitters and fitting in with challenge bullying peers to heavier stuff such when they see it. as bullying, violence and Encourage inclusivity in “It school shootings. the classroom and on the helps them ADOBE STOCK‌ playground. feel more comfortable and validated,” If someone is being bullied, he said. “It helps them feel empowered or if there is some kind of threat if bullying happens. They have a plan for what online or in the classroom, remind them they are going to do.” they can take an active role in reporting that Kids may also be starting to worry about their information to school professionals. online presence. They’ve likely had a little break Direct, open, honest and age-appropriate over the summer, but it will ramp up with the conversations with kids strengthens their ability return of school and face-to-face interactions. to respond to bullying that might occur, Harlow Be very present in your child’s social media said. life, so you can see how they are being treated

and the type of content that students are posting.

“Then you can see the influences on your child. Help them sort through it.

Role model positive ways to interact with others online,” he said.

Harlow said he’s seeing signs that the stress in the education system caused by the pandemic is easing.

Schools are still hurting for staff and resources, but he said they are moving in the right direction.

“They are increasingly able to address students’ needs more effectively,” he said.

Your concerns and that of your child won’t be solved by just one interaction, Harlow said. Be prepared to talk about whatever might be bothering them in an ongoing way as the school year progresses.

A parent might say: I’ve been thinking more about this. What did you think of the conversation that we had earlier? That helps parents and kids keep an open channel of communication, he said.

“This is not a one-and-done conversation,” Harlow said. “It’s something that kids benefit from talking about regularly.”

marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

STAYING ACTIVE

TOGETHER! JOIN THE YMCA! WHERE THERE’S FAMILY FUN FOR ALL.

OPEN SWIM TIMES • FREE CHILDWATCH • SHOOT HOOPS IN OUR GYMS SUMMER DAY CAMP • YOUTH SPORTS • SWIM LESSONS AND MORE!

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org 7

flair ADD

TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES Jazz up notebooks, binders, pencils and more with washi tape KILEY CRUSE | text, styling + photography

T

he least expensive school supplies are often the most boring.

Kids can easily transform those plain notebooks, binders and pencils into supplies with flair with a few rolls of washi tape.

Washi tape originated in Japan and is made from rice paper. It’s thinner than masking tape but just as easy to work with. Washi tape is slightly transparent, available in a variety of widths, and comes in all kinds of designs and colors that mix and match in a magical way. The tape can be attached to many surfaces, but also peels off very easily.

It’s fairly inexpensive and can be found at craft and discount stores.

Here are just a few ways to add some pizzazz to back-to-school supplies: • Adorn binder or notebook covers • Transform plain pencils • Decorate binder clips • Turn paperclips into bookmarks • Create binder dividers • Embellish a jar or can for a pencil holder

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August 2023

PICTURE PERFECT

Bus-themed photo frame easy for kids to make KILEY CRUSE

I

text, styling + photography

t’s back-to-school time, which means it’s time for first-day-ofschool photos!

Let your kids create this fun frame to put their picture in.

SCHOOL BUS PICTURE FRAME • • • • • •

8 jumbo craft sticks Yellow paint Black paint Silver paint Glue Red gems, see note

1. Paint six sticks yellow and allow to dry.

2. Paint one stick black and allow to dry.

3. Paint one stick silver and allow to dry.

4. Cut or break the black stick in half.

5. Position two yellow sticks vertically. Glue two yellow sticks across the top. From the bottom, glue the silver stick, then two yellow sticks above it. Let glue dry.

6. Turn over and glue black sticks, setting them in ½-1 inch from outside edge.

7. On the front, glue red gems on the lower yellow sticks to look like tail lights.

NOTE: If you don’t have red gems, you could cut circles from red construction paper, paint red circles or add red glitter instead.

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Benefits of bananas make the fruit an ideal snack KILEY CRUSE

B

World-Herald Staff Writer

ananas are an inexpensive, easy-to-pack snack that’s tasty and filling.

It’s no surprise they are the most popular fresh fruit in America, according to the International Fresh Produce Association.

What may be surprising is that bananas are a nutritional powerhouse. The fruit is packed with antioxidants, fiber and essential vitamins. It’s often the first solid food introduced to babies. But bananas are a great choice for big kids (and adults) too.

BANANA BENEFITS 1. The high fiber content in bananas leads to a feeling of fullness. So if your child is a picky eater, feeding them bananas can help to keep them feeling full longer.

2. Bananas are loaded with nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, B6, manganese, and many more.

3. Carotenoids found in bananas are converted to vitamin A. And vitamin A is essential for healthy eyesight.

4. Bananas may be the best-known source of potassium which can help grow and strengthen bones.

5. The fruit is rich in iron which can help prevent your child from becoming anemic.

6. Bananas are great fuel for your child’s brain. Potassium in bananas aids in blood circulation, thereby boosting the brain. The fruit can also increase your child’s concentration power which makes it a perfect study snack.

7. Bananas, which can give a good energy boost, are considered to be a great sports food choice. The carbohydrates in ripe bananas give instant energy.

For a nutritional punch, use bananas in recipes. Quick breads and cookies are moister and sweeter when you substitute a little fat in a recipe with banana puree.

Frozen banana chunks can make smoothies creamier and healthier. For a special breakfast treat, try banana bread doughnuts. And these Frozen Chunky Monkey Bites snacks are sure to be a hit any time of day.

CHUNKY MONKEY BITES • 2 ripe bananas • ¼ cup peanut butter

• 1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

1. Slice bananas into 1/3-inch thick slices and arrange on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Put peanut butter into a sandwich bag. Trim a corner off. Squeeze a dollop of peanut butter on half of the banana slices, then sandwich with a plain banana slice.

3. Place in freezer for 30 minutes.

4. Towards the end of the freezing time, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 1 minute, stir, and then microwave in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring in between.

5. Once bananas are chilled, use two forks to dip banana bites in melted chocolate.

6. Place dipped banana on parchment paper-lined baking sheet, then chill until hardened.

7. Keep in refrigerator or freezer.

— Adapted from livingwellmom.com

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August 2023

POWERHOUSE

FRUIT

Cousins Wyatt Carlson, left, and Jonah Sorenson, of Altoona, Iowa, enjoy the rides at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa.

Back to Swim Lessons

MEGAN FARMER, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD‌

7 WAYS TO ENJOY THIS YEAR’S

IOWA STATE FAIR I COUNCIL BLUFFS NONPAREIL

t’ll be the “Best Days Ever” at the Iowa State Fair, held Aug. 10 through Aug. 20.

With 11 fun-filled, action-packed days of food, games, rides and music — there’s something fun for everyone. Check out seven ways to have the “Best Days Ever” in 2023:

1. BEST THRILLS Nine new rides will make their debut at the fair this year, including the Lil’ Scrambler, Mega Bounce, Top Fun and Eclipse. This year will see the return of a fair favorite, the Double Ferris Wheel. In the fair’s three thrill parks — Thrill Ville, Thrill Town and Thrill Zone — there’s something for every fairgoer.

2. BEST AG ADVENTURES Experience Little Hands on the Farm, wander through The Garden, see baby animals at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center and listen to youth give “Have You Herd?” presentations about their livestock exhibits outside of the Sheep Barn. The Avenue of Breeds, located just east of the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, showcases more than 70 breeds of animals found in Iowa.

3. BEST FOODS With fair classics like the corn dog, pork chop on a stick and funnel cake, you can be sure to find old favorites, as well as new, exciting original foods. The 2023 Iowa State Fair will have 16 new food booths.

4. BEST ENTERTAINMENT With 11 nights chock-full of country, classic rock, contemporary Christian, blues/reggae, alternative and Latino music, you won’t want

to miss a night. Tickets for the Iowa State Fair Grandstand are also on sale now at iowastatefair.org.

5. BEST CONTESTS

Exercise your vocal cords at the Husband Calling or Hog Calling Contests or get your arm ready for the Cow Chip Throwing or Rubber Chicken Throwing contests.

Try a competitive or just-for-fun game of backgammon, cribbage or checkers. Maybe you want to try the Mother-Daughter Look-ALike, Mr. Legs, bench press or mullet contests?

Find the full list of fair time contests and entry info at iowastatefair.org.

REGISTER NOW FOR ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS

AGES 6 MOS. & OLDER. MORNING, AFTERNOON, EVENING & SAT. MORNING

6. BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Attend a Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club event at the Fun Forest Stage each weekday or a special meet-and-greet each Saturday, enter the Mom Calling Contest at Pioneer Hall, show off your bubble gum or pie-eating skills on Iowa Parks and Rec Day on Aug. 17, experience the thrilling rides in Thrill Town and Thrill Ville every day. Don’t miss the Barrel O’ Fun magic show on the Hy-Vee Fun Forest Stage, as well as Fantastick Patrick’s comedy and tricks.

7. BEST WAYS TO SAVE The best ways to save are to buy advance admission tickets before Aug. 10 to save $5 on adult tickets and $3 on tickets for children 11 and under (children 5 and under get in free). You can save on Thrill Passes, Giant Slide and Ye Old Mill at iowastatefair.org. Save time at the Cookie Building counter by buying cookie coupons online, too.

402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 11

ON OUR RADAR MOMAHA STAFF

RIOTPWR RP1950 CONTROLLER

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

The Riot game controller is a really cool option for mobile gamers to get better control of any game that supports a game pad, offering much better options than most touchscreen controls found in most games. The controller feels solid and sturdy, and all of the face buttons, joysticks and d-pads and triggers feel pretty normal for an Xbox style controller like this. The cable options for Lightning and USB-C are great for any phone. Our reviewer said he had no problems with any connections on any games. The only issue he found while playing was that the phone mount leans pretty far forward, and doesn’t have much flexibility, “but you get used to it.” “This controller is a great, cheaper option for mobile gaming compared to similar controllers for phones like the Backbone Controller or the Razer Kishi.” $69.95; apple.com or amazon.com

SCENTCO WATER MAGIC BOOKS STNKY BAGS

WONDERFOLD W1 TOKIDOKI STROLLER WAGON Consider a foldable wagon as an alternative to a double stroller. The WonderFold easily folds up and holds up to two passengers with five-point adjustable safety harnesses. It comes with a removable UVprotection canopy that provides shade for little ones while they ride. It also comes with extra storage on all sides including back panel pocket, front pockets and side flap pockets for maximum storage capacity. A reviewer said, “This wagon literally goes EVERYWHERE with us! The color is so fun, it’s so well made, easy to fold, so much easier to maneuver that’s a double stroller. We love it!” The company also has four-seat wagon options. www.wonderfoldwagon.com; $359

STNKY Bags are designed to sort, store, carry, wash and dry everything from sweaty gym clothes to laundry when you travel. The bags do a great job of locking in those smells from dirty, sweaty clothes.

Then, when it’s laundry time, you just open the bottom zipper, turn the bag inside out and the STNKY Bag becomes a wash bag. Throw it in the washer and dryer, bag and all, and you’ll be ready to go again! Our reviewer cautions not to overfill the bag if you want to leave the garments in to wash. She felt her clothes had a bit of soapy residue so she pulled out half the clothes and washed again. Second try came out clean. “But the bags did an awesome job of holding in the smell of dirty laundry from days of hiking.” The bag comes in two sizes. stnky.us; small, $28, large, $35

Water Magic paint with water coloring books are made of a sturdy cardboard with reusable activity pages that fill with color when kids “paint” them with water and they erase when dry. They really are no-mess and are perfect for travel or any time you need help entertaining little ones. Our reviewer said these books were perfect to keep her 3-year-old entertained on frequent car trips and at older sibling’s sporting events. “Such a great idea for a low-mess travel activity.” amazon.com; $11.99 for a 2-pack

PACKIT FREEZABLE LUNCH BAG PackIt’s Freezable Lunch Bag is made with freezable gel built-in the walls of the lunch bag. The smart design eliminates the need for separate ice packs. Just toss it in the freezer the night before and it’s ready by morning. Our tester used the bag to take lunch to the zoo. “I was pleasantly surprised at how cold the bag kept our lunch while walking around outside on a 90-degree day. If it can stay cold there, keeping a school lunch cold will be a breeze.” The lunch bag is quite large to easily accommodate bento containers. The company also has a line of smaller, traditional zippered lunch boxes. The poly-canvas exterior is durable and comes in a variety of patterns for kids of all ages. packit.com, $23.99

12

August 2023

KORI RADLOFF

A BACK TO SCHOOL

The Rose Theater‌

WITH THE ARTS

“Arthur and Friends Make a Musical” is one of the productions at The Rose theater this fall. DW is played by Lux Tipton and Corbin Griffin plays Arthur.

AUDREY WARDIAN‌

s your family prepares for back-to-school, don’t overlook a crucial component in your child’s development: a plan to participate in the arts.

Omaha families are fortunate to have a variety of kid-friendly opportunities where young people can experience onstage performances.

The arts season traditionally mirrors the school year, making back-toschool time the perfect opportunity to pick up an arts membership or some theater tickets while also loading up the backpacks and pencil cases.

“Since the beginning of the school year can be a stressful time of change for children, artistic outlets help them adjust to new grade levels, new schools and new friends,” says Rose Artistic Director Matt Gutschick.

The Rose Theater offers some unique opportunities for young people during the 2023-24 school year. Shows like “Arthur and Friends Make a Musical” and “Charlotte’s Web” encourage reading and literacy, while the upcoming world-premiere production of “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” introduces young people to the poetry of Dr. Maya Angelou with a message of courage and perseverance. Likewise, “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds” helps young people develop resilience and personal strength amid a backdrop of classic reggae tunes. These shows — plus “Red Riding Hood” and “Night at the Farm: A Bedtime Story” — are included in The Rose’s 2023-24 family membership, which provides four tickets to each of the six member event shows.

Whether it’s a day at the theater, a night at the symphony or any other onstage event, experts agree: the performing arts are an important tool in a child’s development. Taking your child to a theater performance, helping them appreciate a concert or teaching them to enjoy the beauty of the ballet improves their performance in school, enhances their creativity and teaches them about other cultures.

“Theater, particularly theater for children, fires the imagination, giving children the skills and the creativity necessary to face the world, to understand it and perhaps to change it, too,” says children’s author Lyn

Gardner.

When children share an onstage experience with others, they learn how to think creatively through imagination. Theater asks audiences to unplug, to expand their mindset and engage in imaginative thinking.

The benefits of doing so transfers well beyond the auditorium, enhancing students’ abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Plays and musicals can illustrate a variety of lessons for young people.

A favorite holiday classic such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (playing this December at The Rose), with its message of friendship and being true to yourself, can take on added impact when experienced live on stage, surrounded by loved ones in a shared family experience. Families make lifelong memories together while learning lessons in a fun and interactive way.

Kids also learn to emphasize with others by seeing perspectives from the characters on stage. They can safely experience difficult topics vicariously through the performers, helping them learn how to express and manage emotions and communicate their feelings. “They learn to put themselves in someone else’s shoes,” says Jessica Hoffman Davis, author of “Why Our Schools Need the Arts.” “They learn what it’s like to think like that other person.”

For those young people who aren’t content to sit in the auditorium, back-to-school time is also the ideal opportunity to sign up for performing arts classes. By enrolling at the beginning of the year, you ensure your student has a full and meaningful experience starting with the very beginning of classes. Whether your child is interested in acting, musical theater, dance, voice or other forms of performing arts, there are a variety of opportunities at The Rose and other organizations throughout the community to fit every family and every budget.

“The important thing is to engage your child and help them experience the magic of the performing arts,” says Gutschick. “Once they find their place in the arts, once that magic takes hold, there are no limits to where they will go.”

For more information about The Rose Theater’s 2023-24 productions and class offerings, visit www. rosetheater.org.

13

BE WELL

WHEN SHOULD YOU KEEP YOUR CHILD

HOME FROM SCHOOL?

ADOBE STOCK‌

If your child has a fever of 100.4 F or above, they should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

DR. MICAH RYAN

Boys Town Pediatrics‌

F

rom coughs and colds to stomach aches and headaches, kids often get sick. As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to keep them home from school or daycare. Since there is no easy answer, here are some useful guidelines that can help.

WHEN A CHILD SHOULD STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL ‌ If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, it’s important that they stay home from school: Fever: If your child has a fever of 100.4 F or above, they should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

Vomiting and diarrhea

14

August 2023

Oozing rashes and sores Excessive coughing Bacterial conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is highly contagious.

Remember, no one knows your child better than you, so use your “mother’s or father’s intuition.” If you feel your child is just not well, keep them home.

In this post-COVID era, many kids are struggling with anxiety and the question of whether to keep them home from school arises. Stress is real and has potential to cause symptoms that include headaches, stomach aches and body aches. If your child is anxious/ overwhelmed and not feeling well, staying home from school for a mental health day might be necessary.

It’s important, however, to ensure that staying home for anxiety does not become a regular

occurrence. Children need to learn coping skills and how to address the stress they are feeling.

Avoiding school is not the answer, but a day home from school to relax and recharge when anxiety is high can be helpful.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP KIDS HOME WHEN THEY ARE SICK‌ Kids need rest: When kids are sick, the best thing for them is quiet time and sleep.

Slows the spread: Keeping kids home when they are sick helps reduce the spread of the illness throughout the school community.

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR‌ High, persistent fever: If your child has a high fever (100.4 or above) that lasts for more than three days.

Ear pain: If your child is complaining of

ear pain or you notice red ears, tugging at ears or crying/fussiness.

Breathing issues: If your child is working hard to breathe, coughing, wheezing or sucking in air.

Dehydration: See the doctor immediately if your child is exhibiting symptoms like the inability to keep liquids down, dry lips, seems overly tired or is no longer urinating.

If you are unsure about whether to see a doctor, calling the nurse line for guidance can be a great start. If it is not an urgent medical issue, you also can seek advice by sending a message or photos through the practice’s portal/app.

Sickness in kids is inevitable, but knowing the signs will help you make the best decisions to keep your children safe and help them to recover.

For health questions big and small, talk to a doc!

Schedule a Free Meet and Greet With six convenient locations across the metro, you’re sure to find the right fit for your family.

Find a clinic and provider near you!

Is this cough lasting too long? Is there anything I can do about my child’s frequent tummy aches? Is my teen’s moodiness normal or does it mean something more?

When you have questions about your child’s health, don’t turn to a search engine – talk to a doc!

The award-winning doctors at Boys Town Pediatrics provide care you can trust.

They build relationships and work with you to find solutions tailored to your child’s needs. Plus, our patient families have access to: • 24-hour appointment scheduling

• Extended evening and Saturday hours

• 24-hour nurse support

• Easy access to Boys Town pediatric specialty care and behavioral healthcare services

• Same-day sick appointments, including evenings, weekends and holidays

531-355-1234

boystownpediatrics.org

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