Momaha Magazine - February 2018

momaha.com

VOLUME 9 · ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY

Valentine’s Day drinks to love S.M.A.R.T. RESOLUTIONS Get yourself back on track

A dreamy little pajama party

2018

A Fresh Thyme Farmers Market favorite that is Simple & Slow for those busy weeknights w cooke r slo

Chicken Zoodle SO UP

Spiralized zucchini “noodles” add the finishing touch to this chicken soup. Serve a steaming bowl with Sesame Turmeric Crackers.

TOTAL TIME 20 minutes plus 3 hours cook time • SERVES 8 (11/2 cup)

INGREDIENTS

4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 cup chopped celery 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 (30 oz.) jars Fresh Thyme chicken bone broth 1 bay leaf 1 Tbsp. salt-free garlic-and-herb seasoning 1⁄2 tsp. Fresh Thyme dried thyme leaves 1⁄2 tsp. ground mustard 1⁄2 tsp. Fresh Thyme fine sea salt 1⁄4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper 2 cups spiralized zucchini noodles 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley

to 3 1⁄2 hours or on low-heat setting for 6 to 7 hours.

Use tongs to remove chicken and place on a cutting board; cool slightly. Shred or chop chicken into bite-size pieces. Return to slow cooker.

3. If using low-heat setting, turn cooker to high-heat setting. Stir zucchini noodles and parsley into mixture in cooker. Cover and cook for 15 minutes more or until zucchini is tender. Remove bay leaf.

Each serving contains: 136 calories, 2 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 41 mg cholesterol, 694 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 22 g protein.

Daily values: 106% vitamin A, 11% vitamin C, 2% calcium, 3% iron.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker, combine carrots, onion, and celery. Top with chicken breasts. Add bone broth and bay leaf. In a small bowl, combine garlic-and-herb seasoning, thyme, mustard, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over mixture in slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on high-heat setting for 3

Find this recipe and other delicious healthy options at www.freshthyme.com #FreshThymeFinds

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momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 9 . ISSUE 2 . FEBRUARY 2018 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor MaRjIE DuCEy marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator PaT R I C I a “ M u R P H y � B E N o I T

content contributors H owaR D K . M aRCuS jENNI SwEITzER aMy ToKoS M I K E w aT K I N S H E aT H E R w I N K E l

account manager l auRE N KRugE R lauren.kruger@owh.com 402-444-1261

account executive CHRISTINa KaDlEC christina.kadlec@owh.com 402-444-1527

account executive g ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

account executive

2059508-01

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E M I ly M a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive MICHaEl MEDRaNo michael.medrano@owh.com 402-444-1209 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.

Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2018 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

SHOW SOME LOVE

Family Meals & Snacks Made Easy Try this easy meal...

CHICKEN WITH PASTA CAKES

Prep Time

5 Min | Bake Time

Ready In

REGISTER NOW FOR ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS AGES 6 MOS. & OLDER.

25 Min

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DIRECTIONS 1. Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add pasta; heat to boiling. Cook 4 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, heat pasta sauce to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. In large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Drop about 1 cup pasta into skillet; flatten slightly to form pasta cake. Repeat to make 1 more pasta cake. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown, turning once and pressing pasta cakes with spatula to flatten. Transfer In cakes to plate; keep warm. Repeat with Partnership with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and pasta to make 2 more pasta cakes.

3. In small microwave-safe bowl, heat asparagus and water in microwave oven on high 1 minute 30 seconds or until asparagus is tender; drain. If necessary, place chicken in same skillet after pasta cakes are done to heat through.

4. Place 1 pasta cake in center of each of 4 pasta bowls. Serve chicken and asparagus next to pasta cakes. Spoon sauce over and around pasta cakes and chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.

INGREDIENTS

½ (1-pound) package angel hair pasta 1 jar (26 ounces) pasta sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 10 asparagus spears, each cut into 2-inch pieces ½ cup water 1 herb rotisserie chicken, meat removed in large pieces and sliced ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese • Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (optional)

See more recipes at ShopFamilyFare.com/Recipes/Catalog

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PhOtO: JEnnI SWEItzER

CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice 8 Editor’s Column 10 On Our Radar 12 Momaha Bookshelf 14 Be Well 18 Strawberry Pancakes

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19 Edible Bracelets 22 DIY Pajama Party 26 Get Organized 28 Winter Classes for Kids 30 Bullying Solutions

oN THe coveR Photo: Heidi Thorson

16 Cupid Floats

sPoNsoRed FeaTURe 20 YMCA: Swim Lessons

Performing arts camps & classes

Many performance opportunities One-week & multi-week camps available Camps for ages 4-18, beginners to advanced

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MoMaha.coM editor // aShlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH

A BETTER VERSION OF MYSELF

W

e’re a month into 2018 and most likely many of us aren’t doing too great with our New Year’s resolutions. Some even may have given up completely.

It happens to the best of us. Turns out, fewer than 10 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions keep them.

My resolutions are to lose weight (who’s with me?), run a half-marathon and become more organized at home.

That last one is a daunting task in our household of four, with organization sitting on the backburner and me being too tired to do anything except keep our heads above water.

I love setting resolutions. I love the idea of starting fresh and becoming a better version of myself. This year, unlike previous years, I really want to follow through with my resolutions. And I’ve figured out why I haven’t been able to do so in the past.

It’s because I go into the new year with guns

blazing, ready to meet my resolutions quickly.

But when that doesn’t happen, and it becomes overwhelming, I get frustrated and give up.

The key, I’ve discovered — and you can too, on page 14 — is to set small goals.

Take getting organized, for example. I don’t expect my entire house to become organized in the first month of the new year. Instead, I’m using a month-by-month strategy. This way, it doesn’t seem so unachievable — and I can give myself a break when I don’t have a great month.

It’s the same with losing weight. I’m using a free app to create a plan to lose a healthy amount of weight each week by my goal date. There are days I haven’t done well. But I remind myself tomorrow is a new day.

So if you’re one of the 90 percent who don’t keep resolutions, get back on that horse and rethink how you’re doing things.

Maybe this year we’ll be more successful. I’ll let you know next December.

Get Social Facebook /momahacom

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TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh insTaGraM /momaha_owh

Learn how a Brownell Talbot education can nurture your student’s talents!

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On OUR RADAR // EDitOR’s Picks New and Momaha-tested too!

DRINK COFFEE

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH KEEP WARM If your family loves spending time outdoors in the winter, the Everything Tech Gear portable hand warmer charger could be just for you. No more freezing hands cutting short those days of ice fishing, skating or sledding. It fits right in your hand, heats up on both sides, charges your phone and even includes a flashlight. Easy to toss in your bag or coat pocket. $59.99, everythingtechgear.com

SNUGGLE UP The Loulou Lollipop muslin swaddle blanket is soft, thin and lightweight, which our new parents said was perfect because their baby gets hot while he sleeps. Other muslin blankets have tended to be a little stretchy, which can make it easy for baby to get his arms loose. This one is a bit larger and doesn’t stretch as much, so it’s easy to maintain a nice snug fit. The only drawback: The bambo rayon is very delicate and got caught on the Velcro of another blanket when it was washed, fraying a corner. $22-$26 louloulollipop.com

The Kafé in the Box will make many coffee drinkers happy. It’s very durable, and the square shape keeps it stable while sitting at your workspace, comfortable to hold and easy to wash. The lid is nice, and the see-through side is somewhat helpful for gauging when you might need a refill. It does keep drinks much warmer than an open coffee cup — it’s a solid replacement for one, really.

Though for dedicated coffee drinkers, a quality thermos will likely hold more java at a higher temperature for a longer period of time. $15.99$17.99, drinkinthebox.com

WORRY LESS Not sure how to travel with your youngster?

This multi-functional baby dock solves the dilemma. It’s lightweight and portable with a washable cover. Baby can play, rest or just snuggle with you.

There’s no harmful chemicals or substances in the fabric either. $195, dockatot.com

JOURNAL YOUR JOURNEY Want to change your life in 2018? The Success Journal by Stacia Pierce lets you write your way to success. Pierce says to look at each blank page as the canvas of your life. What’s written there can soon become real. Then she gives you all kinds of prompts to help you along your journey. “I have seen this work countless times for clients regardless of their backgrounds, interests, careers or goals,” Pierce says. Our reviewer, a recent college graduate, loved the inspirational statements between each category. $69, lifecoach2women.com

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Hot off the presses and worthy of your home library COMPILED by Momaha Magazine

ThE MagIC MIsfITs

Neil Patrick Harris and Lissy Marlin From the awardwinning actor, here is the story of street magician Carter. When he runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town.

But a gang of crooked carnies arrives to steal everything. Carter teams up with five like-minded illusionists to save the town.

Readers will learn a trick or two about magic, too. Ages 8 to 12

sIsTErs Of gLass

DrEaM BIg

Naomi Cyprus Two girls, two worlds.

One where magic is strictly outlawed and the opposite where the land is ruled by ancient magic. When a legendary mirror connects them, Nalah and Halan finally meet — and must work together to save their two worlds, before everything they know is shattered forever.

Good middle grade reader for those seeking adventure stories with fantasy elements.

Kat Kronenberg One by one, Caterpillar, Tadpole and Flamingo gaze up at the sky and wish upon a star for their wildest dreams. Baboon insists these dreams could never come true. But when he sees Caterpillar turn into a winged butterfly, Tadpole into a dancing frog, and Flamingo into a beautiful pink bird, Baboon realizes that a transformative power exists. Beautiful artwork and an inspiring message for people of all ages who are pursuing a dream.

fInDIng gOBI

Dion Leonard and Craig Borlase The inspiring tale of Leonard, a seasoned ultramarathon runner who crosses paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155mile race through the Gobi Desert in China.

Gobi ran 77 miles of the race, straight into Leonard’s heart, and he was determined to adopt her. That had its challenges after Gobi was lost in a huge Chinese city. But, he was able to track her down and the pair are now living happily ever after. All ages.

a BOOk ThaT TakEs ITs TIME: an UnhUrrIED aDvEnTUrE In CrEaTIvE MInDfULnEss

Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst What would it be like to not check your messages for a weekend? Or take a trip outside your comfort zone, explore your values and find out if smiling through the pain really works?

This book is filled with bound-in postcards, mini-journals, stickers and decorative papers for collaging as you travel through life.

Adults.

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1.800.CAN. LEARN

CHECK OUT Momaha.com & the Momaha Newsletter for more information on ACT prep and tutoring STUDENT: I got my ACT scores back last week. I got a composite score of 28. On the reading section, I received a 28. With Huntington, I raised my reading score 9 points! Thank you for all your help.

Sidney Student at Millard West High School OMAHA 546 North 155th Plaza Pepperwood Village Omaha, NE 68135 402-884-4407

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New Year redo: this time, be s.m.a.r.t. about goal-settiNg

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I

t’s already a few weeks into the new year.

Your pants are still too tight — you never made it back to the gym after that first visit. That vow to eat healthier is long forgotten.

You aren’t alone. Fewer than 10 percent of the people who make New Year’s resolutions keep them.

“People choose really big goals and try to overhaul things really quickly,’’ says Dr. Jennifer Harsh, an assistant professor and director of behavioral medicine for internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “It’s overwhelming.’’

Harsh works with goal-setting and motivation enhancement every day, using a method called S.M.A.R.T. The letters stand for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

So, forget those failed resolutions. Start fresh with these smart tips from Harsh.

start with small. The more specific the better. Thinking that you’ll remake your entire life just won’t happen. But saying you’ll try to lose a pound a week over the next six weeks by not eating desserts is attainable. defiNe what it meaNs to You. If it’s a health goal, maybe it’s cutting out soda or exercising three times a week.

Once you know what it is, cut it into smaller steps and try to accomplish one at a time. Build on your success. fiNd Your motivatioN aNd keep goiNg. Visualize how your goal will improve your life. Once you accomplish a specific goal, and give yourself a reward, don’t stop. That’s the time to say, what’s next? accept that Your resolutioNs are Not writteN iN coNcrete. Maybe your goal is to get in better shape financially, and to you that means tucking away $100 every paycheck. But after one month, you realize that’s unrealistic. Instead of just giving up, try a smaller amount.

Reassess after a few months.

STEPPER-ETTE STUDIOS

reward Yourself. If you told yourself you are going to do cardio three times a week to lose five pounds and you do it, congratulations! But don’t reward yourself by eating a gallon of ice cream. Buy a new workout top instead. That will keep you even more excited and energized about working out.

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Cool drinks for warm hearts PHOTOGRAPHY + STYLING Heidi Thorson

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how to make them Washi Tape Black permanent marker Mason jar Vanilla ice cream Old-fashioned sodas Whipped cream Paper straws

1. Write names on Washi Tape and adhere each to mason jar. 2. Add 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream and ½ cup old-fashioned soda.

We suggest strawberry, grape, peach or cherry flavors to fit the Valentine's Day color theme – that's why we call them "cupid floats."

3. Top with whipped cream as desired. 4. Add festive paper straw and enjoy!

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STRAWBERRY HEART PANCAKES STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

INSTRUCTIONS (Makes 6-8 pancakes) 1. Mix pancake batter according to package instructions.

2. Cut 6-8 strawberries vertically, so they resemble hearts.

3. Pour pancake batter onto greased skillet and place 3 strawberry slices on pancake (optional: add sprinkles).

4. Flip pancake when golden on bottom.

Repeat until all the batter has been used.

5. Serve immediately with maple syrup and more strawberries.

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EDIBLE SWEETHEART BRACELET STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

1. Cut one cherry pull ‘n’ peel Twizzler string to fit around your wrist.

2. Use a toothpick to create two holes in one large marshmallow (one hole in the middle of each flat side).

3. With a knife, cut out a heart shape on the

rounded part of the marshmallow just to reveal the sticky part of the marshmallow and dip in sugar sprinkles.

4. Insert ends of Twizzler string into marshmallow to create bracelet. Slide onto wrist and enjoy!

more during the month of February.

Stop by your favorite branch and join in the fun!

Visit omahalibrary.org for a complete schedule of events.

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SPONSORED FEATURE // YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

SAFE FUN IN THE WATER

Updated YMCA swim program includes parents, progress reports STORY Mike Watkins PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of YMCA of Greater Omaha

J

ust as it has always been, safety in the water is a high priority for the YMCA of Greater Omaha swim program.

Over the past year, however, the YMCA has become more explicit and focused in its language and practice.

Gone are the Guppies, Tadpoles and other swim-level designations that had been in place for a couple of decades.

Now, simple-yet-comprehensive teaching goes handin-hand with making sure safety — and fun — remain at the core of the swimming program.

“It was time for a swim lesson upgrade,” says Alexis Unger, aquatics director for the Mills County YMCA, one of nine community facilities in the YMCA of Greater Omaha association. “Not only are we focusing more on water safety in a variety of new and different ways, but we’re also stepping up our communication with parents throughout the eight-week sessions.”

According to Unger, the mechanics of swimming — basic strokes, blowing bubbles, putting your head under water — are still being taught with safety as the primary focus.

But now the swimming instruction process includes regular meetings with parents to review their children’s progress. The conversation includes tips and activities for practicing different swim techniques at home.

“Whether or not they do it in the water (pool or tub) at home, they can still practice certain things like floating on their backs on a hard surface or bed, anything to give them stability,” Unger says. “Home activities keep things moving with the younger swimmers even when they’re not in the water during lessons.”

Along with parent communication and extending lessons beyond the pool, Unger cited three other key updates to the YMCA swimming program, starting with an adjustment in teaching from “jump-push-turn” to “swim-float-swim.”

It’s a way to teach more safety techniques before, during and after swim lessons.

Other highlights include a more activity-based cirriculum (think hunting for treasure, digging for bones,

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making a cake, etc.) and requiring all instructors to be certified in CPR, O2, first aid and AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

“It’s important to establish rules right away with little kids when it comes to ensuring their safety and understanding safety in and around water,” says Unger. “It’s very natural for kids without fear to just run and jump into the water, but now we set up boundaries — starting with making them ask for permission to get in the water. “‘Swim-float-swim’ helps them learn to float so when they get tired in the water, they can relax and float in order to rest and then swim again and get to a safe side of the pool. It’s all about safety.”

The Council Bluffs YMCA, now known as the Charles E. Lakin YMCA, and Mills County YMCA launched swim lesson program changes last May. The remaining seven YMCA of Greater Omaha locations began rolling out the upgraded swim program Jan. 7.

All YMCA of Greater Omaha locations will host a swim lesson open house Feb. 17 prior to the spring session kick-off in March. Learn more at metroymca.org.

“You can’t stress water safety enough with children.

Establishing these rules and changes when they are beginning to learn to swim sets them up for long-term success in the water,” Unger says.

Double Your Child’s

Focus & Confidence

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Tae Kwon Do will help your child: Listen Better • Act Respectfully Excel in School & Sports ...Plus They Have Tons Of Fun!

Here’s What Parents & Students Say:

I take my granddaughter to Master Kim’s tiger class in which she might be the youngest in the class.

A preschooler of this age doesn’t have a long attention span but I have seen her grow in this area in just a few short weeks. Her mind still wonders some but with the excellence of Master Kim she is gradually making progress in this. Although she is very small and young I can see her interest grow every time we come to class. Master Kim does an excellent job in teaching the art and they both have a mountain full of patience with these young students. I highly recommend them.

-Joanne MargaretMaster Kim has the patience of a saint. He is so good with these young kids. Positive motivation all the time.

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• REGISTRATION opens February 1.

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STRONG SWIMMERS CONFIDENT KIDS NEW IN 2018! UPGRADED SWIM LESSON CURRICULUM! • Water safety comes FIRST as a key component of all lessons. • Skills are presented to students through games & activities, making learning fun! • Extended lessons beyond the pool with home activities to help parents guide their children.

We are dedicated to building strong & safe swimmers!

Learn more online at www.metroymca.org.

Registration for the Spring session begins February 19!

Register online or at any YMCA location.

Spring session: Mar. 4-Apr. 28

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 2071012-01

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Wintertime pajamas just got more fun Make winter slumber parties — or even boring old bedtime — a roaring good time! Transform plain solid-color pajamas into a delightful menagerie.

TEXT + CRAFT Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Jenni Sweitzer

FOX

Orange pajamas Orange, white and black felt Craft glue Needle and thread 1. Download our free printable templates from momaha.com.

2. Trace and cut out pieces of felt for fox mask and tail. Assemble with craft glue.

3. Cut two strips of orange felt, 1 inch by 12 inches, and glue one end of each to the back of the mask to create a tie for the mask.

4. Stitch tail to back of elastic band of pants.

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SHARK

Blue pajama bottoms and matching hooded sweatshirt White felt Thick sparkly felt board Sewing machine or needle and thread 1. To make the teeth, measure around the opening of the sweatshirt hood. Cut a 2½inch wide strip of white felt, 2 inches longer than the sweatshirt opening. 2. Using scissors, cut a line of 1-inch

tall zig-zags along one side of the felt. 3. Pin the straight side of the felt along the inside edge of the sweatshirt hood, only allowing the triangles to show, and sew into place. 4. Using our template, cut a shark fin shape from two pieces of felt board. 5. With sparkly sides facing out, sew fins together.

6. Fold the flaps on the bottom of the fin outward, place on back of sweatshirt and sew into place.

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DINOSAUR Pajama bottoms Matching hooded sweatshirt Extra pair of pajama bottoms Two colors of felt Sewing machine or needle and thread Quilt batting

1. Using two colors of felt, cut out 14 diamonds, 2½-by4½-inches. 2.

Fold the hooded sweatshirt down the middle and iron a visible crease. 3. Lay the sweatshirt flat with the back faceup. Using alternating colors, pin 10 diamonds side-byside horizontally down the crease.

4. Using a sewing machine, sew down the middle of the diamonds to anchor in place. 5. Fold each diamond in half to create a triangle; pin and sew two triangles closed.

6. Cut off the leg of one of the pajama pants. 7. Sew the bottom of the pant leg in the shape of a “V” to create the end of the tail.

8. Sew additional four diamonds onto the top of the tail, repeating the method used on the sweatshirt. 9. Fill the tail with batting and sew the end closed.

10. Sew onto the back of the other pair of pajama bottoms, spike side up.

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LADY BUG

Red pajamas Black contact paper Two large black pom poms Two black pipe cleaners Black headband Craft glue 1. Using craft glue, attach one pom pom to the end of each pipe cleaner. 2.

Wrap the other end of the pipe cleaner around the headband to create two antlers. 3. Using a small glass, trace and cut circles from black contact paper. The size will depend on the size of the pajamas. Ours were 1½ inches in diameter.

4. Stick and press circles onto pajama shirt.

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Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

THE BULLET JOURNAL a Way tO Find mORe time in yOUR day

a

re you the type of person who lays awake at night thinking of all the things that need to get done the next day or in the coming week?

Bullet journaling may be just the thing for you. Part calendar and part rolling list, the system is designed to help record the past, organize the present and plan the future in one tidy space.

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Camryn, my 17-year-old daughter, has kept a bullet journal for more than a year. She uses it to track her homework, events and budget. She also uses it for traditional journaling.

Her tip is to create your own system, find the parts that work best and modify the rest as you go. Afterall, a bullet journal is meant to be helpful, not stressful.

Get started with a notebook or three-ring binder with loose pages; colored markers and art pens (to make entries fun) and a ruler (for drawing lines and boxes to facilitate your journaling).

In five easy steps, you'll be on your way to tacking your unique set of daily, weekly and monthly to-dos – at bullet speed!

Step 1

Number all pages in your journal. Title the first few pages "Index."

You'll use the index as a guide to the page numbers of major entries in your journal.

Step 2

After the index pages, build a Future Log. Create a header for each month of the calendar year. Under each header, note goals for that month. Put a bullet in front of each entry to make it stand out. Note the Future Log page number in the Index.

Step 3

Create a log for each month on a single- or double-page spread.

Draw a calendar with squares big enough for entries (birthdays, appointments, etc).

Use the remaining page space for task lists, notes, details (see example at left). Add the Monthly Log page numbers to the Index.

Step 4

“For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.”

Benjamin Franklin

Create a Seven-Day Log for each week of the month. Jot tasks and events day-to-day. Use circles to denote tasks; bullets for sub-tasks and Xs to denote a task completed. Add the page number of each Seven-Day Log to the Index.

Step 5

Get started – today!

Source: refinery29.com

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Goodbye, winter doldrums; hello february fun TEXT Marjie Ducey

F

ebruary is always a tough month.

Although the shortest, it seems to stretch on forever as we long for winter to end.

You and the kids can escape the doldrums with all kinds of fun activities and classes.

If you don’t see one you like here, be sure to

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check the websites of your favorite attractions for more options. Momaha.com features a weekly calendar of family-friendly things to do, too.

You’ll find so many activities that February will fly by.

Joslyn Art MuseuM

Drawing in reverse Ages 8-12 Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 10, 17 and 24 and March 3

robot recess A.V. Sorensen Branch, Feb. 8, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Registration required. marDi gras Party Florence Branch, Feb. 13, 4 to 6 p.m.

Drawing with PowDer: tromPe l’oeil values Teens & adults Saturdays, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 10, 17 and 24, March 3

chinese new year family storytime Florence Branch, Feb. 16, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

worD uP Ages 8-12 Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m., Feb. 10, 17 and 24, March 3

olymPic-insPireD crafts & games South Omaha Library, Feb. 17, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

oil Painting: lanDmarks & icons Teens and adults Tour and introduction: Feb. 11, 1 to 3 p.m. Classes: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 15 and 22, March 1, 15, 22 and 29

oMAhA’s henry Doorly Zoo AnD AquAriuM

Do spAce

Junior makers: it’s electric!

Ages 6-12 Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 5 p.m.

Register at www.dospace.org

oMAhA public librAry

Dinosaur visits storytimes Elkhorn Branch, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.; Florence Branch, Feb. 2, 10:30 a.m.; Benson Branch, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. after-hours family fun night W. Dale Clark Main Library, Feb. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. Registration required. thirD annual Punt, Pass & kick comPetition Saddlebrook Branch, Feb. 3, 1 to 3 p.m. Registration required.

Registration is required for all activities. www.omahazoo.com overnights Pre-Camper Experience: Feb. 16, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.; $25 per person Discover what spending the night at the zoo is all about without actually spending the night. Geared for beginner campers and young explorers. family sleePing bag safari Sharks: Feb. 3; $45 per person Dreams in the Desert: Feb. 24; $40 family Zoo aDventures Breakfast Under the Sea: Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., $18 Early Childhood Programs: Go Gorilla (ages 12-24 months), Feb. 9, 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Look Up in the Tree! (ages 24-36 months), Feb. 23, 10 to 10:45 a.m.; Silly Old Bear (ages 3-4), Feb. 16 and 17, 10 to 11 a.m.

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BULLYING HOW TO RECOGNIZE & ACT ON YOUR CHILD'S BEHALF STORY Marjie Ducey

I

t was a horrifying moment.

That’s how the mother of a seventh-grader described her daughter’s disclosure that a fellow student had said she was a failed abortion.

She should kill herself, the student had suggested.

The mom called her daughter’s school, and the situation was discussed with the student and his parents. But while there have been no more terrible remarks, there has been a backlash.

“She’s being teased for going to the counselor,’’ said the girl’s mom, who did not want to be identified.

Both fall under the mantle of bullying, says Dr. Cassie Reeve, a psychologist at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. It comes in many shapes and forms, from verbal comments, physical contact and rumor-spreading to cyberbullying.

According to statistics, 28 percent of children ages 6 to 12 have experienced bullying. Seventy percent have witnessed it.

“That’s why parents should have periodic conversations and check-ins on friendships and other relationships at school in general,’’ Reeve says.

She also suggests that parents monitor their children for signs of anxiety or depression if concerns about bullying arise. Kids who are bullied sometimes don’t want to go to school and start to have academic problems.

The good news is that schools are being more proactive, Reeve says. The

30

majority have an anti-bullying curriculum, which allows kids to have more information about how to handle bullying or to be supportive if they witness it.

Our seventh-grade mom said her daughter is doing OK. The youngster joined a support group, but her mom wishes there also was a support group for the student doing the bullying with qualified individuals to run it.

“What are they doing to help him handle the aggression?’’ she asks. “It’s not the victim’s fault.’’

Reeve suggests that schools increase supervision in the classroom as well as in hallways, playgrounds and other lesssupervised areas where bullying is more likely to happen.

“Kids are less likely to bully in supervised areas because they typically don’t want to get caught,’’ she says.

Children need to feel safe at school.

Here are Reeve's suggestions (at right) if your child shares that he or she has been bullied.

Dr. Cassie Reeve

• Be supportive. Children need to know they can come to their parents with situations like this.

They also need to know that teachers are there for them, too.

• Refrain from criticizing how your child handled the situation. Instead, discover what happened and if there were any witnesses.

• Find out if your child has let professionals at school know what occurred. Many times, information isn’t shared with the school. “If bullying is directed toward one student, it is likely that other children are being bullied by the same individual,’’ Reeve says. “The school should know so they (administration) can intervene.’’

• Let your child know that you are sorry for what happened and that you are going to help them figure out a way to handle the situation.

Encourage them to talk about bullying and gather as much information as possible. Help to come up with a plan for how to handle bullying if it happens again. “The difficult thing is, we can’t control the actions and statements of others,’’ Reeve says.

“What we can control is what is done in response to the bullying to make a child feel safe.’’

• When a school support group isn’t enough, contact a professional counselor.

• Model pro-social behavior for your children. Show them how to develop friendships and to be a good friend.

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Levi & Dylan, age 4 Pulmonary Atresia

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

2071017-01

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for the way you love to live let us be your inspir ation online inspiredlivingomaha.com

2070994-01

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Scholarships and tuition assistance are available. For more information about Marian, contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman ‘97 at 402.571.2618, ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org.

marianhighschool.net 7400 MILITARY AVENUE, OMAHA, NE 68134 2070987-01

THE MEANING OF

Wy

MAGGIE

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n,

&

D WORL !

RE E I PREM

JAN 26 - FEB 11 MA INST

AGE

FEB 2 23-MAR A 11 MAINSTAGE

A lifelong

LOVE of theater

here.

STARTS

FEB 10-MAR

GE

4 FIRSTSTA

There is nothing like a night at the theater! The Rose is proud to introduce children to the arts and ignite a lifelong love of performing arts. Whether they are grooving with the characters of Madagascar, discovering the magic of Wonderland or having a monkey of a time with Curious George, The Rose is dedicated to opening imaginations and hearts through theater.

UPCOMING SHOWS: The Meaning of Maggie • Wynken, Blynken & Nod • Seedfolks • Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure • Curious George & the Golden Meatball • Disney’s Newsies

And don’t forget! The Rose offers classes for ages 3-18!

ACTING DANCE VOICE MUSICAL THEATER

Winter Session starts Jan. 6!

REGISTER TODAY!

2001 Farnam Street (402) 345-4849 www.rosetheater.org