ParentMap January 2022 Issue

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Your January Play List 15 cool ways to brave the gray and seize the play

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Play It Forward in 2022 Add these fantastic new stops to your Puget Sound playground circuit this year

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PNW INSIDE + OUT

SEATTLE CHILDREN’S Good Growing Newsletter P. 23

Healthy Resolutions Be a goal-getter with expert tips for boosting your family’s wellness in 2022

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C ONTENTS

January

2022

PARENTMAP.COM In Every Issue Dear Reader Play List

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Local Resources Schools + Preschools Camps: Arts + Activities Birthdays Pediatric Dentistry

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Parenting HEALTHY NEW YEAR

HOUSE PROUD

The COVID-19 Vaccine and Kids 6 Local health experts address parents’ key questions

Home Sweet EnergyEfficient Home

20 Top tips for making environmentally friendly home upgrades

Wellness Resolutions Follow these steps for a healthier you in 2022

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Mindfulness Matters 27 Easy mindfulness practices for the whole family

6 Birthday Party Etiquette Tips All Parents Should Know 39 Avoid these common party-planning pitfalls

Family Fun

‘S’milestones: From Milk Teeth to Molars Top tips for taking care of your child’s teeth at every age and stage

January Play List 15 cool ways to brave the gray and seize the play!

EDUCATION

Voices in Education 11 Teaching truth isn’t about white kids’ feelings Social Intelligence for Preschoolers 16 6 ways to boost your child’s social literacy skills 6 Simple Snow-Day Crafts for Kids Winning winter-themed activities for a lazy indoor “crafternoon” 15 Fascinating Science Facts for Kids Wow your kids with these interesting and fun tidbits of info

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BEST BIRTHDAYS

Childhood Depression 43 Signs your child might be depressed, and how to help

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OUT + ABOUT

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We debut our “Voices in Education” series with an op-ed on antiracist education by Jeffery Robinson, a racial justice expert and the CEO of The Who We Are Project.

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Play It Forward in 2022 35 Resolve to add these fantastic new stops to your Puget Sound playground circuit this year SEATTLE CHILDREN’S

Good Growing Newsletter

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35 Photo by Natasha Dillinger

PA R E N T M A P / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 / 3

DE AR R E ADER

‘Ted’ talks: Resolutions in anxious times from an unlikely source Okay, this will maybe seem like weird coaching advice for the new year, but bear with me. In this hurry-scurry season, I have to say that some of the best affirmations I have heard about navigating the dawning of a new (and still pandemic-beset) year and the typical resolution-spinning churn we parents confront comes courtesy of the sometimes purported “nicest guy in the world.” No, not Dr. Anthony Fauci. Unaccountably, not the Dalai Lama.

I’m talking about Keanu Reeves, people, aka “Ted Logan,” he who theatrically (presciently?) opined about a mind-bending existential future reality in the 1989 cult classic “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure”: “I believe our adventure through time has taken a most serious turn.”

Indeed.

JANUARY 2022, VOL. 19, NO. 1

PUBLISHER

Alayne Sulkin EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney

OUT + ABOUT EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Dora Heideman COPY EDITOR Sunny Parsons CONTRIBUTORS Gemma Alexander, Heidi Borst, Nancy Chaney, Amber Guetebier, Malia Jacobson, Laura Markham, Ph.D., Sanya Pelini, Ph.D., Jeffery Robinson, Kellie Schmitt

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Lindsey Carter

His first bit of unimpeachable advice (echoed in our family wellness article, Mindfulness Matters, p. 27): “Breathe.”

SENIOR ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Ida Wicklund

1. “The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.”

2. “Sometimes simple things are the most difficult things to achieve.”

3. “Every struggle in your life has shaped you into the person you are today. Be thankful for the hard times — they can only make you stronger.”

4. “You have to change your life if you’re not happy — and wake up if things aren’t going the way you want.”

5. [And my favorite:] “None of us are getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an afterthought. Eat the delicious food.

Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird.

There’s no time for anything else.”

I haven’t counted myself among the Kult of Keanu up until now, but amen, my mid-life brother: As we collectively confront the year 2022, you’re, to me, most excellent, dude.

DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Taryn Weiner

ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS

Stop living on carbs and cheese (and chocolate thrown in for good measure)

ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Jessica Collet ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES ASSISTANT Angela Goodwin CLIENT SERVICES PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mallory Dehbod

Follow my gut to make changes, big or small

SALES + OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Rachel Howard

EVENTS EVENT OPERATIONS Brenna McCown

ART + PRODUCTION SENIOR DESIGNER Amy Chinn

ADMINISTRATION

Taking at least 5 minutes each day to slow down, rest my mind and set (or reset) intentions for the day

BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Brendel

PARENTMAP EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

CONTACT INFORMATION

Benjamin Danielson, M.D. CLINICAL PROFESSOR, UW SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PRACTICING PHYSICIAN, UW MEDICINE

Advertising information 206-709-9026 or advertising@parentmap.com Fax 206-709-9031

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Happy New Year, all!

Ron Rabin EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIRLIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

— Patty Lindley, managing editor

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Adding a second dog to our pack

DIGITAL MARKETING

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST Devon Hammer

As we embark on a new year in This Pandemic American Life, who better to be our kindness guru than the man who has — among numerous random acts of compassion — secretly donated large sums of money to children’s hospitals? So here, I offer five more mantras of indelible wisdom from my new spiritual guide, Keanu Reeves, many of which are echoed in our January slate of wellness stories:

Trade in Netflix for more sleep

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Vicky McDonald

In a recent appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” Reeves, who reprises another cult-classic role of his as Neo in the latest “Matrix” series movie, was asked about the power of nostalgia to comfort us during times of high anxiety.

And then, in his inscrutable, Yoda-like fashion, Reeves responded: “Try to figure out why you are afraid — what does that mean? And then, try to just not let what you are afraid of define the present that you hope to be in when you go do what you’re afraid of. … Or not. Just be afraid and just deal: Hang on, hang on. Lean into it!”

What is your health + wellness resolution for 2022?

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HEALTHY YOU DO SO MUCH TO KEEP THEM

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Wellness The COVID-19 Vaccine and Kids Local health experts address parents’ key questions

By Kellie Schmitt For Matthew Kronman, M.D., the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for the 5–11 age group had an immediate and personal impact.

His 11-year-old daughter could finally join the rest of the family in being better protected against serious illness, even death.

And she could go to the movies and restaurants again.

“She felt super eager to join the club,” says Kronman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. “This represents a hugely important step in our ability to contain this virus and ideally get back to whatever we think of as normal life.”

Physicians and public health experts are urging parents to get their children vaccinated, both to protect their children’s health and to help slow the spread of the disease in the broader community. As new variants of the coronavirus circulate, it’s more important than ever to use every tool possible to stem the spread.

“Getting vaccinated now is the best protection against new variants like omicron,” says Tao Kwan-Gett, M.D., MPH, Washington state’s chief science officer and a primary care pediatrician.

Off to a good start Since the November rollout, more than 23 percent of Washington children ages 5–11 have received their first COVID-19 vaccination dose, according to the Washington State Department of Health. About half of older children have been fully vaccinated since the initial emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for kids ages 12–15 was issued in May 2021.

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“We’ve gotten off to a good start, but we need to get more kids vaccinated as quickly as we can,” says Kwan-Gett.

full vaccination series, which means receiving a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine three weeks after the first.

Health experts recommend the vaccine for all children eligible to receive one, even if they’ve already had a COVID-19 infection.

That’s because vaccination offers a stronger and more consistent antibody response than antibodies from an infection alone.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy While many parents were thrilled with the emergency-basis authorization and rushed to sign up their children, others have lingering questions. At Seattle Children’s, Kronman tries to understand and address the root concern when a parent signals hesitation.

Experts also caution that it’s a misconception that COVID-19 always results in a mild illness in children. In Washington state, more than 900 children have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections and more than a dozen have died. Nationwide, cases of coronavirus disease in youths 18 and younger have resulted in the deaths of about 700 children, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures. While many of these children had preexisting health conditions, such as lung diseases, healthy children have also been impacted.

“The COVID-19 vaccine has killed exactly zero children,” says Kronman. “We know it’s safer and better to get the vaccine than it is to roll the dice on getting the infection itself.”

While the demand for the pediatric vaccine initially exceeded the available supply in Washington, the federal government has since increased allocations. Parents should be able to easily access the vaccine at no cost, using sites such as VaccinateWA.org to find appointments to receive the smaller pediatric doses.

The vaccine is currently estimated to be about 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 disease in this age group. But to get those benefits, it’s important to complete the

“I would point out that there really haven’t been any other vaccines in history that have been as closely scrutinized as these,” he notes. “This is a safe vaccine, and its benefits largely outweigh its risks.”

The vaccine might lead to short-term arm pain, fatigue and fever for a day or two, but those symptoms resolve quickly. There have been rare cases of temporary myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, an effect that resolves without any long-term health impact in the vast majority of patients. So far, most of those affected have been teenage boys; there have been no reported cases of myocarditis in the younger age group. Comparatively, COVID-19 infection is associated with a substantially increased risk of myocarditis (about four times more likely), according to a study published last August in The New England Journal of Medicine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org) recommends that children and adolescents who have had severe COVID-19 symptoms be cleared by a heart specialist before resuming athletic training or competition.

Along with protecting your child, the vaccine also shields others who might be even

more vulnerable to infection. “It saves lives — our children’s and everyone else they’re in contact with,” says Kronman.

What’s next?

The Washington State Department of Health’s COVID-19 website (vaccinatewa.org/kids) offers clear guidance on mitigation factors to ensure safer interactions, such as masking indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.

Vaccination adds a critical layer of protection.

“You can feel a lot more comfortable getting together if everyone is vaccinated,” Kwan-Gett says.

COVID-19 vaccination for children could have a big impact in the school setting, he adds. Fewer kids getting sick from the coronavirus means less isolation at home and fewer quarantines for close contacts.

“I see vaccination as a very important tool to helping kids stay in school,” says Kwan-Gett. “It’s so important for kids [to be in school] — physically, emotionally and socially.”

Use every tool possible The emergence of the omicron variant has underscored why it’s so important to get vaccinated, health experts say. These new variants emerge when a virus mutates inside a human’s body.

“We humans are the petri dish driving the evolution of the virus,” says Kronman. “The more we pass it on to each other, the more changes continue to evolve, creating variants.”

With so much still unknown, it’s important to use every tool possible to protect yourself and your children. “It’s not a reason to panic, but a reason to get vaccinated,” says Kwan-Gett. “Now is the time.”

■

Kellie Schmitt is an award-winning health and science writer.

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Wellness Wellness Resolutions Follow these steps for a healthier you in 2022

By Heidi Borst Chances are, you’re familiar with the saying “New year, new you.”

It’s a mantra that many Americans embrace every year when they set New Year’s resolutions. When it comes to deciding on goals at the start of a new year, it’s easy to set our sights high, but going from 0 to 100 isn’t sustainable over the long term. Instead of shooting for the stars, we should focus on adherence, setting realistic goals that we can put into practice easily.

What’s more, it may be time to reframe our resolutions altogether.

In 2021, Americans’ top three resolutions were exercising more, improving their diet and losing weight. And while these goals may be considered healthy ones, experts say there is much more to be considered in our quest for wellness. ParentMap spoke with registered dietitians Bailee Rice, Sami Kingry and Shawn Zajicek of THIRA Health (thirahealth.com) to find out what it really means to be healthy and how to set achievable goals.

Ponder your reasons before making resolutions No matter what improvements you’d like to make this year, it’s important to identify the intention behind your goals, says Rice. If you want to eat healthier, what’s your reason? Be specific. Maybe you want to have more energy to get through your day or to keep up with your kids. When you’re setting resolutions, focus on what exactly you’re trying to achieve and how to make it happen.

Once you’ve discovered the reasons for your resolutions, implement small changes that you know you’re going to be able to achieve, says Zajicek. “In a world where we’re working really long hours, we’re taking care of kids all day and we’ve got other responsibilities, it’s not realistic to say, ‘I’m going to start going to the gym five days a week.’”

If your goal is to be more active, Zajicek recommends identifying small gaps in your schedule when you can fit in a 15-minute walk, perhaps three times a week. This way, you’re not setting yourself up for failure right off the bat. If you notice that you were too ambitious, step it back a little bit, rather than throwing your goal out the window.

Better indicators of health than weight Our basic body functions are better indicators of our health than our weight, says Kingry, so pay attention to things such as your blood sugar values, cholesterol, blood triglycerides, kidney function and whether you have inflammation in your body. “Someone can be in a larger body and be perfectly healthy with no issues,

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and someone can be in a smaller body and be very, very sick.

There are so many different things that can show us that we’re healthy — our energy level, whether or not we’re able to sleep, whether or not we feel fatigued all day, whether our body aches, and if our menstrual cycle is regular,” says Kingry.

To assess your health and possible areas for improvement, Rice recommends you ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you meeting your nutrition needs throughout the day?

• What’s your level of stress and are you managing it?

• How is your social health — are you getting out and seeing your friends and other people?

• How is your mental wellness? If you’re struggling with any mental health concerns, are you getting support?

If you identify an area of need, focus on that area as a goal to work toward to improve your overall health.

Ditch diet culture and embrace health Many of us want to lose weight, but the problem with diets is that they’re centered around restriction, says Rice. “In our practice, we teach our patients the ‘all foods fit’ model. That means all foods can be part of a balanced diet, and that allowing ourselves to eat all types of foods is what encompasses a balanced diet,” says Rice. Of course, we want to eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and unsaturated fats, but we should also let ourselves have foods that diet culture labels as “bad foods” or “unhealthy foods” just for pure enjoyment, says Rice.

It’s important to remember that food isn’t just a way to satisfy physiological hunger. “Food can hold a nostalgic value, food can fulfill a cultural need and food can be a source of pleasure. We can’t just feed the physiological or just the psychological. We have to allow ourselves to eat foods just because we want to, not because it contributes to weight loss,” says Kingry.

What’s more, allowing ourselves to eat what we want ultimately stops a lot of the cravings we experience during restriction. When all foods are on a level playing field, specific foods are no longer indulgences, says Kingry.

At the end of the day, we want to pull ourselves out of the “good and bad food” mentality, says Rice. She suggests incorporating “fear

foods” — those foods that make us feel guilty when we eat them — into our regular meals. “It’s really about finding a balance that encompasses not only our physical health but is nourishing of our mental health, too. If you’re having dinner, add a slice of pie to the meal to teach yourself that it’s okay to have it,” says Rice.

A healthy relationship with food benefits our kids, too Working to remove the “good versus bad” food mentality is so beneficial to our children, says Kingry.

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When parents serve dessert with dinner instead of offering it up as a reward or something to be earned, we can reduce our kids’ risk of disordered eating as they get older, she says. “It also teaches them that there isn’t a moral value to food, so if they eat something that maybe isn’t as nutritious as vegetables are, it doesn’t mean that they are bad people. They are just human beings eating something that they enjoy.”

Body talk is another thing that we need to be very aware of as parents, says Kingry, whether it’s saying we need to lose weight or praising someone else because they’re in a smaller body. Although the latter may sound more positive, both comments associate our self-worth with what we look like. “What we look like is not an equivalent of who we are and what we offer the world,” says Kingry.

Instead of focusing on outward appearance, try making positive comments about other attributes people have, says Kingry. This positive talk teaches our kids to recognize that there are so many other things to be proud of other than how a person looks.

The bottom line? Let go of the notion that you have to look a certain way to be healthy. Not only is this an important step on the journey to self-acceptance, but modeling this mindset also teaches our kids to follow suit.

■

Heidi Borst is an active mom, journalist and nutrition coach with a strong affinity for nature, sarcasm and extra sleep.

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OP -ED

Voices in Education

Teaching Truth Isn’t About White Kids’ Feelings

By Jeffery Robinson

I am a 65-year-old Black man in America. I have been a criminal defense attorney for more than 40 years. So, I have seen my fair share of racism. But it wasn’t until 2011, when my wife and I became parents, that I had to face the reality of how much I still didn’t know about this country’s history and its impact on racial progress today.

That year, my sister-in-law passed away, and we became the caregivers of her then-13-year-old son, our nephew Matthew. All of a sudden, we were responsible for raising a young Black child, and the surface skimming that I felt like I had been doing on the history of race and what racism means in America felt like it wasn’t enough.

So, I started reading more. And I found myself getting angry and feeling ignorant. I attended Marquette University and graduated from Harvard Law School. I’ve had one of the best educations available in America, but I started learning things about the history of race in this country that I never knew before. I thought, How

could I not have known this? How could I not have been taught this? And I started thinking, If I don’t know this, I wonder how many other people don’t know.

It turns out that it’s a lot. According to a 2017 Southern Poverty Law Center survey of high school seniors, fewer than 1 in 4 students can correctly identify how provisions in the Constitution of the United States gave advantages to slaveholders. Two-thirds of Americans don’t know that it took a constitutional amendment to formally end slavery for most Black people, except for those convicted of a crime. Only 8 percent of high school seniors can identify slavery as the central cause of the Civil War. Many white Americans still haven’t heard of the Tulsa Massacre, and the majority don’t know about similar tragedies in Wilmington, Elaine, Colfax, Memphis and Pulaski.

And yet, as we have conversations about how to better educate young people on our history, somehow “making white kids feel bad” has become a rallying cry to censor their learning. In 29 states, legislation has been proposed to limit what educators can teach related to this country’s racist history. In Tennessee, legislators are working to make it legal to impose fines ranging from $1 million to $5 million on teachers who knowingly teach concepts such as systemic racism — all under the guise of protecting white kids.

ParentMap is inaugurating this new “Voices in Education” monthly op-ed column for 2022 to spark discussion about important developments and trends in education. The opinions and perspectives expressed by our guest columnists are their own.

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continued from page 11

But what will this accomplish? Pretending that this country is or has ever been colorblind dismisses the experiences of Black, Indigenous and other children of color and centers white kids’ feelings over truth. While developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed teaching is important for all kids, kids’ “feelings” about historical events and verifiable facts should not excuse them from learning about them.

We teach history because “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”

If we want to raise critical thinkers, engaged citizens and moral people, we have to teach the truth to all students.

most oppressed by past and present racist policies, institutions and practices, and in doing so perpetuate more racist policies, institutions and practices.

They see race and they learn racism unless we choose to teach them something different.

Black orphaned children were often unjustly arrested and forced into labor during the convict leasing era (1865–1940). Twenty-five percent of all Black leased laborers died during their sentence. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection, LC-D428-850

photos of other white kids.

Children are not colorblind. Even infants recognize racial differences. Furthermore, studies suggest that children develop racial prejudices early in life. By the time kids are toddlers, they’ve already learned to act out in racialized ways. In a 2003 study of more than 200 preschoolers, developmental psychologist Phyllis Katz discovered that when 3-year-olds were shown photos of children of different races and asked to choose whom they might like to be friends with, onethird of the Black kids chose only photos of other Black kids. Eighty-six percent of the white kids in the study only chose

Children pay attention to the world they live in and make assumptions about why things are the way they are.

When we minimize the impact of slavery, Jim Crow and the school-to-prison pipeline, we teach kids that the current disparities that exist among Black and white folks are just the unfortunate consequences of an individual’s or community’s poor decision making. They may (and do) wrongly conclude that there are no systemic reasons for the racial disparities that exist in everything from education to wealth, infant mortality and criminal justice outcomes.

They may (and do) wrongly blame those

We don’t teach history because it’s fun — or even entertaining. We don’t teach it to bolster kids’ self-esteem or to perpetuate any myth of their individual or their country’s exceptionalism. We teach history because “those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” If we want to raise critical thinkers, engaged citizens and moral people, we have to teach the truth about our history to all students. And the truth is: Genocide, human trafficking and enslavement are a part of our nation’s history. Learning about them — and the hate and opportunism that inspired them — is essential to making progress as a nation.

■

Jeffery Robinson is founder and CEO of The Who We Are Project (thewhoweareproject. org), and co-writer and producer of “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America,” a documentary film based on his groundbreaking presentation on anti-Black racism in America (see p. 40). He is a former deputy legal director of the ACLU and an expert on racial justice. He has tried more than 200 criminal cases to verdict and more than a dozen civil cases representing plaintiffs suing corporate and government entities.

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2018 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

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January 11

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Social Intelligence for Preschoolers 6 ways to boost your child’s social literacy skills Laura Markham, Ph.D. Preschoolers are social creatures, generally very interested in other kids, and quick to notice and adopt social norms. They’re at the developmental stage where they are becoming more able to control themselves and more competent at verbalizing their feelings, which opens up a host of options beyond hitting and screaming. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach them social habits that will support them throughout childhood.

1. Continually sensitize your child to other people’s experiences.

It’s crucial that children develop empathy, not just so that they’re nice people (although we all want that for our kids), but because reading the social cues of others is the only way to function in a complicated social world. Researchers watching children join new social groups found that kids who observe and pick up the rules of the group are more readily accepted by the group, compared to those who don’t.

2. Introduce the problem-solving concept of finding a solution that works for everyone.

For instance, Tiffany wants to play dress-up. Jade wants to play dolls. You could ask the two, “What could you both enjoy doing?”

They may decide to play house, which could involve both dress-up and dolls. Or they may go outside to the swings. Either way, no one loses.

3. Supervise playdates as closely as required, but as loosely as possible.

The more opportunities kids have to work through issues themselves, the more they learn to do so. But you may well need to intervene at times. Kids do require an adult’s help to learn successful interpersonal conflict resolution. That doesn’t mean lectures. It often means modeling, with you right there with them in the sandbox.

4. Keep enforcing the “No hitting, no matter what” rule.

Help your child verbalize their anger and express their needs without attacking others. Teach your child that if another child provokes them and they can’t diffuse the situation, they need to seek an adult’s help. Then practice with some role-playing, acting out a scenario with your child’s teddy bear in which your child explains to the bear what to do when it feels like hitting someone.

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5. Be aware that preschoolers are exploring how power works.

Preschoolers want to get what they want, but they are still learning how to do so in social interactions without hurting others. Be aware that kids will follow the example you set of how to use power, so if you mete out punishment, they will almost certainly mimic lording power over others. Don’t hesitate to step in when necessary to help kids learn to negotiate with each other, particularly if you fear that your 4-year-old is a bully.

6. Bossiness is often a challenge with preschoolers.

All kids want to get their own way — and still have other kids play with them. Try asking questions such as “Is it more important to you to play the game your way or to have Catherine play with you?” When another child is bossy, your child may need suggestions from you about tactful ways to negotiate with their friends.

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Laura Markham, Ph.D., is the founder of Aha! Parenting and the author of “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” and other parenting books.

LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / S C HO OL S , PRES C HO OL S , N WA IS

North Seattle Colleges Cooperative Preschools and Parent Education Program

Building Bright Futures

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Y Early Education programs are enriching and positive places to learn, grow, and thrive.

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Logical + Imaginative + Intense + Verbal + Observant + Hands-on Gifted children exhibit these characteristics every day. Even so, many gifted students, especially children of color, remain overlooked in class. Not so at Seattle Country Day School. We offer our students an environment where they can ask questions, create, and grow intellectually and emotionally. See if SCDS is right for your child.

For gifted children, K–8 | Rooted in inquiry. Dedicated to equity. seattlecountryday.org/admissions

Fun in your inbox Stay up to date with the latest family news, stories and adventures around Puget Sound — straight to your inbox.

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Now accepting 6th Grade applications for 2022-23

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Visit our Open House!

Saturday, February 3, 2021 @ 10am-Noon 4200 S. Mead Street, Seattle 98118 Seattle Nativity School is a tuition-free, Jesuit middle school with graduate support through college graduation.

Applicants must qualify for the free-and-reduced lunch status.

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Is Jewish Day School

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Home, Sweet Home Expert Tips for Optimizing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

By Gemma Alexander It’s hard to get everyone in the family to use the recycling bin correctly, but most of the time, lifestyle changes like these are the only way to be more environmentally friendly. Roughly one-third of your personal environmental footprint comes from the energy used in your home. So, when you move, adding energy efficiency to your house-hunting criteria can translate into positive offsets to your family’s environmental impact. And the home efficiency upgrades you make today just might help you sell your house in the future.

Insulation and windows Whether you are buying or selling a house, when it comes to home efficiency, the first thing you should think about is insulation. Because most insulation is hidden in walls and attics, it’s easy to overlook when prospective buyers are touring homes. But home heating and cooling generate about half of your home’s environmental footprint, so proper insulation can have a big impact on a home’s efficiency and comfort.

“It’s all about air pressure balance — the balance between the temperature outside and the temperature inside your home.

Heat’s always trying to escape,” says Bryan Hively, a home tour specialist team lead and licensed home inspector at Flyhomes real estate company (flyhomes.com). When warm air escapes your home, cool air from outside takes its place, forcing your heating system to work harder. Insulating your floors, walls and ceilings can cut air leakage by nearly a third; sealing ducts will reduce the leakage by another 15 percent.

Altogether, sealing air leaks can save up to a quarter of your heating and cooling costs year around. In a hot market like

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Seattle, it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on home improvements before selling, but adding insulation is something many homeowners can do themselves as a simple way to boost the asking price.

“Windows and insulation are a way to basically dress your house, or wrap it in a warm blanket,” says David Isaac, also a tour specialist and licensed home inspector at Flyhomes. Windows account for about 10 percent of the air leakage in a home. They also have a tremendous impact on your home’s aesthetics and can be expensive enough to replace to spook a prospective buyer. If a home has single-pane windows — especially if the frames are aluminum — they should be replaced, or the house should be priced with that upgrade expense in mind.

HVAC systems In Seattle, homes use a variety of energy sources, including natural gas, electricity and even oil. All of these sources have advantages and disadvantages: Gas and oil are efficient but nonrenewable; electricity is cleaner but less efficient. Whichever heat source you prefer, switching from one to another may not be cost-effective. Upgrading to a newer system is another big expense that you might not need to make.

“The efficiency of your heating and cooling system is not necessarily about it being older or newer. Your furnace and air conditioning systems need to be serviced the same way you service your car regularly to keep them working well,” says Isaac.

Regardless of heating method, it’s good for a house to have a gas connection. After

Illustration courtesy of Union of Concerned Scientists (ucsusa.org)

HVAC systems, water heaters use the most energy in a home. Tankless gas water heaters are the most efficient water-heating option.

And converting fireplaces from wood-burning to gas not only makes for a cheaper, cleaner fire, it reduces air leaks through the chimney even when your fireplace is not in use.

Although it’s not very common in our region, solar power is another possible energy option for Pacific Northwest homeowners. The cost of solar panels is dropping; there are hefty rebates for homeowners who install them; and grid intertie systems can even result in the utility company paying you for part of the year. However, your home must be properly situated for solar power to make sense. A home in a grove of tall trees or one that backs up against the north face of a hill would not be a good purchase for someone who wants to install solar power.

Appliances All of your home’s appliances add up to about 15 percent of your home’s energy use, so they have a lot less impact on a home’s efficiency than insulation does. But whether you’re buying or selling, upgrading them makes sense. Modern appliances are much more efficient than those made a couple of decades ago. Energy Star–certified appliances meet still higher efficiency standards, saving even more money on

the utility bills. If you can’t afford to replace everything, the washer and dryer, followed by the refrigerator, are the biggest energy hogs.

Like windows, appliances also have visual impact.

While you want your home to be memorable to buyers, you need that memory to be a pleasant one.

“Newer appliances make a significantly different impression. If you walk into a home with 30-year-old appliances, it’s one of those things that will stick with you — Oh, that was the house with the old appliances,” says Isaac. A few thousand dollars spent on new appliances is insignificant compared to the cost of a home, but a good first impression can be priceless.

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The bottom line Efficiency is important, but Hively and Isaac agree that it’s rarely a deal breaker, especially in our region’s hot market.

“I think the local market is so crazy, people are just buying anything they can get right now. Doing a lot of work to your home just to sell it doesn’t always financially make much sense,” says Hively. Instead, it’s better to save the money for improvements on the home you plan to stay in.

“You can change things like appliances, but some of the really significant factors — neighborhoods and schools — you can’t,” says Isaac. When you’re house hunting, consider efficiency, but prioritize the things you can’t change. Energy efficiency probably isn’t a reason not to make an offer on a house unless you really can’t afford the price of a house plus the upgrades you wish to make. And remember that homeownership, like environmental sustainability, requires long-term thinking. Whether it’s paying a little more for an energy-efficient home or spending money on upgrades once you’ve moved in, you will see the return on your investment for years to come.

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Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts.

When she’s not writing for ParentMap, she blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.

Flyhomes is a simpler, faster way to buy the home that’s right for your family. Move once and avoid extra costs when you buy your next home before you sell your old one.

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A Seattle Children’s Publication | Winter 2022

What to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Children age 5 and older are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. It’s given as two shots, 21 days apart. The vaccine for ages 5 to 11 is a smaller dose than what’s used for adolescents and adults — about one-third the amount. (For children ages 6 months to under 5 years, clinical trials are now underway.)

The COVID-19 vaccine for kids has proven to be both safe and effective; everyone who’s eligible should get it as soon as possible. The vaccine greatly reduces the chances of getting COVID, and it does an outstanding job of preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

Even those who have already had COVID-19 infection need the vaccine to help protect them from getting it again. If you have any

questions about the COVID-19 vaccine (or any childhood vaccine) be sure to ask your child’s doctor.

Where can you get the vaccine for your child? Ask their regular healthcare provider or visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov to find locations

my Good Growing Are you looking for more information about child health and safety? Sign up for my Good Growing, Seattle Children’s free email newsletter for parents and caregivers of babies, children and teens. You’ll receive six issues each year, in an easy-to-read format. Scan through each issue to find tips that apply to your family and areas of interest.

Subscribe today at seattlechildrens.org/newsletters.

near you. And remember that COVID-19 vaccines are free, whether or not you have health insurance.

Also keep in mind that the pandemic has caused many families to fall behind on their routine vaccinations. Ask your doctor to check if your child is up to date on their other shots, including the seasonal flu vaccine. It’s safe for kids to get other vaccines during the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine.

Before any vaccine shot, you can help your child feel as prepared and relaxed as possible. Tell them what’s going to happen.

Don’t tell them it won’t hurt or ask them not to cry. Work with the medical staff to offer your child choices such as where they sit, which arm they’ll get the shot in and whether they want to watch or turn their head away from the needle. Praise them for staying still and being cooperative. And remind them that the definition of bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway!

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent diseases that can make children very sick and cause lifelong disabilities — and even death. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases helps protect your child, your family and the entire community.

TO LEARN MORE:

Visit doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid19/ vaccineinformation/vaccinatingyouth.

Healthcare Providers and Suicide Screenings Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States. The increase in youth suicides is one reason we’re in a national youth mentalhealth emergency. Today, healthcare providers are routinely screening young patients for the risk of suicide — even when the reason for the visit is not mental-health related. At Seattle

Children’s locations, we now ask all patients 10 and older if they have suicidal thoughts.

Remember, asking about suicide does not cause suicide or put it in a child’s head. These screenings are saving young lives.

TO LEARN MORE:

Visit intheforefront.org/learn-saves-lives.

Controlling Cholesterol for Heart Health In the past, cholesterol was considered a concern for adults. But it’s now understood that children with unhealthy levels are at greater risk for heart disease and strokes in adulthood. You can help protect your child’s heart health now and in the future by keeping their cholesterol in check — with smart food choices and plenty of exercise.

What is cholesterol? It’s a substance made by the liver that’s needed to make healthy cells, hormones and vitamin D. However, when we eat too many foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat, our livers can produce more cholesterol than we need, including a harmful type that can

build up on the walls of our arteries and lead to problems.

All kids ages 9 to 11 should have their cholesterol checked; you may need to request this screening. If your child’s doctor is concerned, they will likely recommend some simple lifestyle changes centered on diet and exercise. This can be a golden opportunity for the entire family to adopt some heart-healthy habits to last a lifetime.

TO LEARN MORE:

Visit kidshealth.org/en/parents/cholesterol. html.

Say Yes to Positive Reinforcement The new year is an ideal time to renew our commitment to using positive reinforcement with our kids. It’s a simple, logical tool that teaches and strengthens the behaviors we want to see.

Using positive reinforcement takes a bit of practice at first. Soon, it becomes a habit that feels easy and natural. Think of it as ‘catching your child in the act’ of doing good things — especially if it’s something they’re struggling with.

Positive reinforcement includes specific and immediate praise. It might sound like: “Your bedroom looks amazing, thank you so much for putting all your clothes and toys away!” or “Thank you for trying all the different foods on your plate without me asking.” or “I appreciate how patient and generous you’re being with your little sister right now.”

Positive reinforcement also uses simple and immediate rewards for good behaviors. A reward might be letting your child choose what song to play in the car — right after they quickly and quietly buckle up. Or it could be

letting them choose a treat for their sack lunch — right after they take out the garbage without grumbling. (It’s important to understand that rewards are not bribes.

Bribing happens when a child is not doing what’s desired, and we try to entice them to change their bad behavior: like buying them candy in the supermarket line so they’ll stop screaming. Bribes don’t work well and can actually make behavior problems worse.)

Positive reinforcement shines a spotlight on a child’s strengths and good habits. It’s a popular parenting method because it really works, and it makes everyone feel great!

TO LEARN MORE:

Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/pe1765.pdf.

Kid Bits

Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies

Dressing for Winter Outdoor Play

Medicine Safety for Young Kids

Even though baby teeth are temporary, it’s important to protect babies and toddlers against tooth decay. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle and, if breastfeeding, remove your breast as they fall asleep — so un-swallowed milk doesn’t sit in their mouth. For both bottle-fed and breastfed infants, wipe their gums after feeding with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth. Don’t fill bottles with juice or sugary drinks. And avoid sharing your mouth’s bacteria with your child: Keep their feeding spoon and pacifier out of your mouth. Once baby’s teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a grain-of-rice sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Have your baby’s mouth checked by their doctor or a dentist by age 1.

Your child’s body needs to get moving with plenty of outdoor play, even during chilly winter weather. Since kids get cold faster than adults, it’s important to dress them in layers.

Start with a close-fitting bottom layer made of material that wicks away moisture, such as nylon or silk. (Avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture.) Add comfortable layers that allow your child to move freely, and top with waterproof outerwear if the weather is wet.

Don’t forget a warm hat, scarf or neck gaiter, gloves or mittens, socks and nonskid boots.

Finally, protect their eyes and skin with sunglasses or goggles, plus sunscreen and lip balm. Check on your child often and swap out their wet items with gear that’s warm and dry.

When it comes to medicine safety, we must always have several safeguards in place. Always use child-resistant containers, but keep in mind they are not childproof; even a very young child may be able to open them. Always store medicines out of sight and reach of children — and ideally locked away. Medicines kept in purses and backpacks are a common source of poisoning for young kids. Keep medicines in their original, labeled packages; the risk of poisoning goes up when they’re put into another container. Never call medicine ‘candy’ to entice a child to take it; it’s dangerously confusing.

Finally, be sure that grandparents and other caregivers follow these safeguards, too.

TO LEARN MORE:

TO LEARN MORE:

Visit wapc.org/programs/education/

Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/CE1035.pdf.

Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/CE390.pdf.

Quick Tip If you think your child or teen may have a concussion, remove them from play and have them seen by a healthcare provider who is experienced in evaluating for concussion.

facebook.com/seattlechildrens instagram.com/seattlechildrens

twitter.com/seattlechildren youtube.com/seattlechildrens

TO LEARN MORE:

general-poison-prevention/medications.

Regional Clinic Locations

Online Resources

• Bellevue • Everett • Federal Way

Visit seattlechildrens.org for the following: • Child Health Advice • my Good Growing email newsletter • Doctor Finder • On The Pulse and Autism blogs • Medical condition information • Health & safety information • Ways to help Seattle Children’s • Research Institute information

• Olympia • Tri-Cities • Wenatchee

Primary Care Clinic • Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic

Main Hospital Numbers 206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (Toll-free)

Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can find Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2022 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.

Classes and Events As the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to adjust or postpone our classes and events to follow public health recommendations. We are offering some classes online while some are on pause. Please check our website for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar.

PARENTING CLASSES Autism 101 This free, 90-minute, on-demand session provides information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Topics include up-to-date, evidence-based information about ASD, behaviors associated with autism, autism prevalence, treatments available and resources for families.

View a past lecture, in English or Spanish, at seattlechildrens.org/autism101. Email Autism101@ seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.

Autism 200 Series Autism 200 is a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. Classes are taught by providers and faculty from Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington and other community stakeholders.

Each class features a different topic, such as early intervention, transition to adulthood, school support and more.

View dates, learn how to join the live stream or view past Autism 200 lectures at seattlechildrens.org/autism200. Email Autism200@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.

Babysafe

CPR and First Aid for Babysitters

Babysafe is a 4-hour class for new and expectant parents and others who care for babies. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and care of common injuries for infants from birth through 12 months of age. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced, but this is not a certification class.

For youth, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills.

Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED completion card, which is valid for two years.

This class is currently available virtually via Zoom.

The fee is $85 and each registration is good for two people from the same family. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.

Staying Close While Standing Back: The Art and Science of Parenting Adolescents For parents of preteens and teens looking for new ideas on everyday conversations. Expert Julie Metzger will give parents an opportunity to consider strategies to strengthen family communication.

This class will be offered online via Zoom on Thursday, January 27 at 7 p.m. Register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.

Youth Mental Health First Aid This free class is for adults who live or work in King County and regularly interact with adolescents ages 12 to 18. Youth Mental Health First Aid will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is now available as a two-part virtual series. The series includes a self-guided course and a live instructor-led course. The date you register for is the date of the live instructor-led course. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES Better Babysitters For youth, ages 11 to 14. Students learn about responsible babysitting, basic child development, infant and child care, safety, handling emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business tips and parent expectations.

This is currently a two-part class, with sessions taking place via Zoom on two consecutive weekend dates. Each session is two hours long.

The fee is $50. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

This class is offered as a two-part series. The series includes a virtual session as well as a short in-person skills check. The fee is $75. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

The Chat The Chat is a new online workshop series on puberty and sex that reflects the content from the in-person classes, For Boys and For Girls. Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 10 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult.

You may take any individual workshop or all five.

If you register for all five events, we recommend starting with BO, Pimples and Hair — Oh My! and ending with Being Connected: Sex, Love and Everything In Between. While families can choose to attend any combination of workshops, the information in earlier sessions provides a foundation for understanding later sessions.

The fee is $25 per workshop or the series of five for $100. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.

EVENTS Free Car-Seat Checks, March 26 in Seattle Learn how to safely secure your child in the car. Child passenger safety experts will check your child in a car seat, booster seat or the seat belt and answer any questions you may have. Car-seat checks are by appointment only and will follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

Learn more and register for an appointment at seattlechildrens.org/carseatchecks.

Free Virtual Car-Seat Checks King County Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car-seat check appointments via video-chat platforms.

For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura. miccile@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664.

South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County are offering free virtual car-seat classes.

Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.

Wellness

Mindfulness Matters Easy mindfulness practices for the whole family

By Sanya Pelini, Ph.D.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan has found that there is a link between mindfulness and making errors. In their article published in the journal Brain Sciences, the researchers explain that meditation can help people make fewer mistakes. The study was conducted with 206 participants who had no prior mindfulness training experience. After a 20-minute meditation exercise, participants’ brain activity was measured.

The study found that even those participants who did not mediate on a regular

basis (only one mediation session) showed a slight increase in their ability to detect errors. While the authors rightly state that further research is necessary to determine the actual impact of meditation, the study reinforces findings of similar research that has found that a meditation practice can positively impact behavior, performance and daily functioning.

Mindfulness is a powerful practice, but few studies have found conclusive results about the practices that work best for children. The problem is that most mind-

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W EL L N ES S

continued from page 27

fulness studies have focused on adults, and researchers are only now shifting their interest to the benefits of mindfulness in children. That said, the studies that have been undertaken to date suggest that mindfulness and meditation can reduce your child’s anxiety and stress, and boost their health, psychological well-being and creativity. Today, many classrooms, including Montessori-inspired classrooms, have incorporated mindfulness activities into their teaching programs.

We now know that mindfulness is beneficial for kids, but it’s almost an “unnatural” activity. In reality, this practice requires children to be still and focus — the opposite of what they are accustomed to doing most of the time. The good news is that there are easy ways to help your child develop mindfulness skills.

3 mindfulness practices that your child will love

Various types of mindfulness practices can have a different impact on your child’s behavior and well-being.

Mindfulness of breathing Many mindfulness programs and practices tailored for children incorporate breathing exercises as a highly beneficial way to help kids focus on the present moment. The easy tips that follow can help your child practice deep breathing.

1. Ask them to pick a comfortable spot.

2. Tell them that they can keep their eyes open or close them, whichever they feel most comfortable doing.

3. Explain to them that the breathing exercises are going to help them slow down their breathing.

4. Ask them to place one hand on their abdomen, at the top of their stomach.

5. Tell them that when they breathe in, they should feel their abdomen and hand rising, and when they breathe out, their abdomen and hand should fall back.

6. Let your child practice breathing in and out for a few moments.

7. Tell them that you are now going to count to four out loud as they inhale, followed by a count of four as they exhale.

8. Repeat the exercise for three–five minutes.

When working with young children, visual breathing exercises are especially helpful.

For example, a different breathing exercise could involve taking brightly colored feathers, placing them on a table and asking your child to move the feathers across the table using their breath.

Mindfulness of body parts The 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness exercise is one of the best-known mindfulness exercises that also works especially well with children. It is a grounding technique that requires people to practice breathing exercises and then acknowledge: • Five things that they see around them • Four things that they can touch around them • Three things that they can hear around them • Two things that they can smell around them • One thing that they can taste This mindfulness exercise is especially effective with children — and (bonus!) it also can help distract young kids when they start acting out.

Another easy mindfulness activity is to ask your child to stand on one leg while focusing their attention on a specific point just below their eye level. You can either decide to set a specific time during which they should hold the position or just see how long they can hold it. Once they are done with one leg, have them switch to the other.

Mindfulness of thoughts As its name suggests, mindfulness of thoughts is about helping your child pay

LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / CAM P S : ARTS + ACT I V I T I ES

attention to their thoughts. Here is an easy strategy for getting started: ART BY BRIANNA FECAROTTA

1. Ask your child to pick a comfortable spot.

2. Tell them that they can keep their eyes open or close them, whichever they feel most comfortable doing.

3. Ask them to think of someone they like who admires them in return (for example, a friend, grandparent, teacher).

4. Ask them how that person makes them feel.

5. Ask them to send that person a kind wish.

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If your child is comfortable with this practice, you can gradually move to thoughts about neutral people or even people they may be in conflict with.

Mindfulness in the moment The easiest and most effective way to introduce mindfulness practices to your family routine is to incorporate brief “mindfulness moments” on a regular basis. If you need more help, child-friendly books such as “Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere,” “Pengwee’s Breath” and “Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)” are great options for teaching your child about the importance of focusing on the present moment and how mindfulness can help them find calm.

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Family music classes for children ages birth through age 8 and the grownups who love them!

Sanya Pelini, Ph.D., transforms educational research into practical tools and resources on her blog Raising Independent Kids (raising-independent-kids.com).

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LO CAL R ES O UR CES / CAM P S : ARTS + ACT I V I T IES

6 Simple Snow-Day Crafts for Kids If the weather is too frightful to play outside, try one of these winning winterthemed activities for a lazy indoor “crafternoon.” Play with pretend snow, jazz up plain old play dough, make a sensory snow bin or create a three-dimensional painted snow globe to liven up a dreary winter afternoon.

Coffee filter snowflakes • chasingsaturdays.com There is no lovelier craft than paper snowflakes, and this version from the Chasing Saturdays blog is especially simple.

Flatten a white coffee filter into a circle.

Fold the filter in half, then into quarters, then eighths. It should look like a pie slice.

Cut shapes along the edges of the wedge, then open and smooth out the filter to reveal — ta-da! — a perfect snowflake! The great thing about this project is that kids can cut the folded coffee filter on any side and it will still open into a single, beautiful snowflake.

Play-dough snowman • earlylearningideas.com Just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean you can’t make a snowman! This simple idea for a winter play-dough tray from Early Learning Ideas will keep your little ones busy all afternoon. To extend the activity, you could even get them to help you hunt for all the bits and bobs to add to the tray.

This wonderful paint spreads like frosting and dries into beautiful 3D paintings. Made with equal parts white shaving cream and white liquid glue, this concoction is sure to be a hit with the kids. For some bling, give your masterpieces a sprinkling of glitter before they dry.

Coffee filter snowflakes Photo courtesy chasingsaturdays.com

Scented and sparkly play dough • playdoughtoplato.com This gorgeous homemade glitter play dough smells as good as it looks. Malia from Playdough to Plato adds fresh pine, peppermint extract and even hot chocolate powder to make her winter play dough extra special. Kids will have a blast making the play dough and playing with it afterward. Find the recipes and a step-by-step tutorial on her blog, along with suggestions on how to style the play dough.

Puffy-paint snow globe • simpleeverydaymom.com This cute paper snow globe from Simple Everyday Mom is made with DIY puffy paint.

Sensory snow bin • pre-kpages.com For a very simple toddler-pleasing activity, toss some snow into a large plastic tub.

Add some pine cones, plastic scoopers, fabric scraps, even some beach toys, such as a bucket and shovel, for fun and engaging play. This version from Pre-K Pages uses instant snow, but if you are lucky enough to have real snow outside, use that instead. Tip: Be sure to put a towel underneath the plastic tub.

Pretend snow • littlebinsforlittlehands.com When it’s dark or too cold outside and the kids still want to play with snow, why not try this recipe for pretend snow by Little Bins Little Hands?

To make this snowy concoction, you’ll need a large tray, some cornstarch, baking soda and water. This fake snow molds well and is heaps of fun for kids to dig into to create their own snowballs or snow people. It should last for 7–10 days in an airtight container.

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— ParentMap Editors

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FAM I LY F UN

January Play List New fun in the new year!

By Nancy Chaney

Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar.

Train Festival, back this winter at Tacoma’s Washington State History Museum. Admire five floors of amazingly detailed model train displays and chat with the expert enthusiasts operating them. Festival attendance is included with museum admission or membership and runs through Sunday, Jan. 2. washingtonhistory.org

January in the Pacific Northwest can be oh so dreary. We invite you to throw back the covers and brave the gray anyway. At parks, light shows, train shows and Lego shows, there is inspiration to be found, if only we’d put on our mittens and go find it. Here’s hoping for a healthy and normal 2022 for all! Happy New Year!

Important note: Some events now require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to attend.

� Frolic around the grounds Walking trail at Bloedel Reserve’s Winter in the Woods event

� Quick! Book your timed-entry tickets for one of the last two days of the marvelous Model

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of a nearby nature preserve searching for snow people, reindeer, mushrooms — and maybe a few real-life critters?

— during Bloedel Reserve’s Winter in the Woods event.

Book your timed-entry tickets

for select dates through Sunday, Jan. 9. Admission $5–$20; ages 4 and younger free. parentmap.com/bloedel

� Everything is awesome at this

winter’s “Awesome Exhibition: The Interactive Exhibition of Lego Models.” Book a time to cruise through Fisher Pavilion to admire some mega-size — and wonderfully intricate — Lego models. Build according to your own inspiration at handson building stations and add a section to the Lego snake.

Through Sunday, Jan. 16. Tickets $15.50–$24.50. parentmap.com/awesome

Highlighted Events for January

Jan. 8

|

Saturday

Jan. 17

Jan. 18

Monday

|

Tuesday

ParentMap’s Puget Sound Preschool Preview

Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally and march

ParentMap Live: In Praise of Learning Differences

Online parentmap.com/live

Garfield High School, Seattle seattlemlkcoalition.org

Online parentmap.com/live

Jan. 1 and 17, when you don’t need to display a Discover Pass to park. Fresh air, tall trees and winter wildlife await. parentmap.com/free-day

� If it’s time for preschool in

� Glide into your 2022 —

smooth as ice — at outdoor pop-up skating rinks. Take to the ice at Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink through Sunday, Jan. 9; at Oly on Ice in Olympia through Monday, Jan. 17; and at Pacific Ice in Everett through Monday, Jan. 31. Book your skate session online and plan to spend $12–$16 per person; admission price includes skate rental. parentmap.com/ice-skating

� Extend your holiday sparkle into January by walking the Tacoma Light Trail, a series of light-art installations set up around downtown Tacoma.

Artworks will illuminate the dark and dreary (and otherwise) nights Dec. 31–Jan. 16, with special 6 p.m. performances at Tollefson Plaza on Jan. 1, 7–8 and 15–16. Free. parentmap.com/light-trail

� It’s harder to get motivat-

|

ed to head out into the wild in winter, as opposed to summer, but the results are the same.

Washington State Parks entices your fam outdoors with two free-entry days this month,

your family, join ParentMap’s free Puget Sound Preschool Preview virtual event. “Visit” with dozens of local preschool providers to research the right fit for your family. Get tips from a session with local positive discipline expert Julietta Skoog and enter to win great prizes, too! Saturday, Jan. 8, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. parentmap.com/live

� Get your tots started early

on a steady diet of live music.

Book your tickets to one or both Kindie West Music Series shows in January. Dani and the Bee get buzzy on Sunday, Jan. 9, and The Not-Its! rock the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse on Sunday, Jan. 23. Tickets $5–$10. parentmap.com/kindie-west

Jr. Organizing Coalition for the annual rally and march Monday, Jan. 17, as well as workshops and other events at Garfield High School. Free. seattlemlkcoalition.org

� Join ParentMap and Dr. Ned

Hallowell for the virtual ParentMap Live talk “In Praise of Learning Differences: Focusing on Strengths and Abilities.” Hear insights and tips to help you harness your child’s strengths and employ creative outlets. Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.

Sliding-scale fee of $0–$15. parentmap.com/live

� Can you belly-laugh while

learning Newtonian physics?

You’ll want to book your tickets to find out. Science Circus employs some wacky props, such as bowling balls and unicycles, to illustrate the awesomeness of science. Your whole family will love it. Auburn Avenue Theater. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m. $10 per person. parentmap.com/science-circus

� Explore the beautifully

updated Seattle Asian Art Museum during free last Friday.

See if you can find the rabbits pounding mochi or the shiny red bull. Then check out the hands-on art lab. Tickets are free but must be booked online. Friday, Jan. 28. parentmap.com/SAAM-free

� Don’t miss the eye-pop-

ping action as the Harlem Globetrotters, that legendary team of basketball tricksters, dribble into town to perform at the Showare Center in Kent (Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.), Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett (Friday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.) and Climate Pledge Arena (showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29). Tickets start at $26 per person. harlemglobetrotters.com

� Marvel at the epic stunts

performed on four giant wheels during Monster Jam. Favorite drivers Grave Digger, Megalodon, Scooby-Doo and others compete by racing, spinning, hopping and standing on two wheels. Catch the action at the Tacoma Dome Jan. 14–16.

Tickets $20 and up. parentmap.com/monster-jam

� Honor the life and further the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. by joining the Seattle MLK

Bring your headlamps to spot crabs during an evening minus tide

� Bundle up for a free, outdoor

Science Circus

family date night, no registration required. Explore a Puget Sound beach alongside Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists during an evening minus tide.

What fascinating critters will you spot with your headlamps?

Saturday, Jan. 29, 7–9 p.m. parentmap.com/beach-walk

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Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s Out + About editor.

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Save money by renewing tabs early and order new plates!

When you purchase a Keep Kids Safe license plate, you help keep children of all ages healthy and safe.

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12/2/21 5:55 PM

Out + About Play It Forward in 2022 Resolve to add these fantastic new stops to your Puget Sound playground circuit this year

By Nancy Chaney

As we know all too well, the year 2020 delivered a big stink pie in terms of family fun, including no new playground openings — and even the existing ones were off-limits for a very long time! Thankfully, the pace of playground debuts picked up in 2021. We’ve gathered them all here, from incredible, one-of-a-kind play stops to quieter neighborhood park renovations. Make it your family’s New Year’s resolution to put these fabulous new (or like new) playgrounds on your route. Happy playing!

Battle Point Park. Photo by Natasha Dillinger

Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island • parentmap.com/battle-point If you live in the Seattle area, you’ll need to plan a bit of a day trip to visit the newly renovated KidsUp Playground at Bainbridge Island’s Battle Point Park. But it is so worth it!

The showstopper here is a 47-foot-long custom ferryboat play structure. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the world.

Forest Park Playground, Everett • parentmap.com/forest-park Everett’s popular Forest Park unveiled its new, accessible playground in late 2020, and it’s a winner. Kids can run or roll over the wide turf spaces, hide in the hidey-hole, play the chimes or roll onto the surface-level spinner. There are swings and slides here, among many other play elements. Don’t forget to say hello to Rosie the Elephant!

Forest Park Playground. Photo by Natasha Dillinger

Totem Lake Playground, Kirkland • parentmap.com/totem-lake The bright and inviting new playground at Kirkland’s Totem Lake Park is a must-visit play stop, but most Eastside families won’t have to go far out of their way to play. The Totem Lake area is an errand-running destination for many of these families, and the

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Totem Lake Playground. Photo by Natasha Dillinger

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Photo by Devon Hammer

continued from page 35

playground is conveniently located right by Trader Joe’s. Climbing is a focus here — good for developing those gross motor skills — and kids will find ladders, balance steps and a cone-shaped cargo climber. When the kids scramble up to the green structures resembling phone booths, explain to them what a telephone booth was.

North Kirkland Community Center Playground, Kirkland • parentmap.com/space-playground Space Force! The awesome new space-themed playground at North Kirkland Community Center especially appeals to young fans of the solar system, but all kids will blast off here. Stand commandingly atop a planet just as The Little Prince did and clamber aboard the space shuttle climbing structure. There’s a ropes-and-rings climber and small slides built into a slope. Officially, this playground opened at the end of 2020, but we couldn’t offer this list last year, so we’re including it here. Plus, it’s so worth the voyage!

Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland • parentmap.com/juanita-beach Lovely lakeside Juanita Beach Park opened its new playground to the cheers of Eastside families. This accessible playground features wide-open turf surfaces, adaptive swings, and play structures for the preschool and school-age sets. Sensory features include drums, steering wheels and spinning colored discs. Bring swimsuits on summer visits to take advantage of the beachfront location and swanky new bathhouse changing rooms.

West Fenwick Park Playground, Kent • parentmap.com/west-fenwick The colorful new playground at Kent’s West Fenwick Park will make you do a double take. It looks like some kind of life-size rainbow board game for kids; could it be real? Indeed, it is. This oneof-a-kind playground caused quite a stir when it opened last summer, attracting legions of families. This phenomenal playground is worth a visit from anywhere. Give yourselves ample time to spend

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at this playground paradise; your kids will never want to leave.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton

•

parentmap.com/gene-coulon The terrific new playground at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is the cherry on top of an already beloved park. This destination playground features 11 (!) slides and a dome-shaped rope climber that’s like something from an obstacle-course-based reality TV show. Kiddos will also find plenty of ways to spin, swing and explore.

The park’s grassy expanses abut the Lake Washington beachfront — convenient access for a dip when the weather is warm enough!

Sunset Neighborhood Park, Renton • parentmap.com/sunset The new playground at Sunset Neighborhood Park in Renton is one with a truly unique feature. Let us say right now: If you’re a parent or caregiver with a fear of heights, you may not love this place.

But, if you have trustworthy climbers or kids who love risky play,

Sunset Neighborhood Park’s new playground. Photo by Kate Missine

Suquamish Shores Natural Play Area. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel

Celebrating 80 years of Empowerment Advocacy Support Guidance Equity Resources Independence Hope

let ’em loose on the Neptun XXL pyramid. Holy cow, they are not kidding about the XXL! The climbing structures are the centerpiece of this new playground, but for tots, you’ll find fun and colorful play elements much closer to the ground. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the covered picnic tables for shelter from the drizzle.

Suquamish Shores Natural Play Area, Suquamish • parentmap.com/suquamish The unique Suquamish Shores Natural Play Area welcomes families to climb on its resident orcas and spend time learning about the first inhabitants of the region we call home. The Suquamish Museum (suquamishmuseum.org) and Chief Seattle’s gravesite prompt a discussion of the Suquamish Tribe’s culture and history, and a visit to the playground offers a glimpse of the Lushootseed language with posted signs. Kids will love climbing the giant boulder, sliding down the slide and taking a turn in the huge rope basket spinner.

Thanks to our families, staff, Board, volunteers, and philanthropic partners for eight decades of trust and partnership. You have helped us create an unwavering legacy of commitment to serving all families who need us.

Here’s to the next 80 years of caring for our community.

Together we will continue changing lives, one family at a time.

Loyal Heights Playfield, Seattle • parentmap.com/loyal-heights Scads of Ballard families live within walking distance of Loyal Heights Community Center and playfield, and the new playground there is a hit. It isn’t the biggest or flashiest on this list, but it’s perfect for families cruising through the neighborhood. Tons of youth sporting events take place at the adjacent playfield, and younger siblings brought along will appreciate this handy play spot. There’s also a small path for practicing fledgling biking or scootering skills, as well as a basketball hoop and restrooms at field level, which are often open even when the community center building isn’t.

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Heron Park. Photo by Natasha Dillinger continued from page 37

Heron Park, Mill Creek • parentmap.com/heron-park The play elements of Heron Park’s new nature-themed playground mimic its surroundings. Play equipment is in shades of green and brown, with tall trees and a heron or two to be spotted by sharp-eyed kids. The merry-go-round here lets kids propel themselves with a center steering wheel. Older kids who like climbing will find lots to scale. This smaller playground caters to Mill Creek families and those from surrounding areas.

!

N E P O W NO Lakewood Play Area. Photo by Natasha Dillinger

Lakewood Playground, Seattle • parentmap.com/lakewood Recently unveiled updates at this neighborhood park have combined new and existing elements in a super new playground design. Community members said they wanted to keep the stone wall and the sandpit, so designers joined a fun new play structure with those elements. A bridge connects the wall to the all-ages structure, and various steps and ladders lead up and over to a half-enclosed tube slide.

• Kids Track for Ages 6-10 • Fast Go-Karts for Ages 11-18 • Complete Party Packages Available • Drop-In Racing Available

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Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s Out + About editor.

7/31/21 11:48 AM

LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / BI RTHDAYS

6 Birthday Party Etiquette Tips All Parents Should Know Given that kids’ birthday parties are a big deal (and big business!), it’s understandable that parents want to get it right — particularly now that many birthday party venues are reopening to safely host vaccinated celebrants, family and friends.

While there’s no formula for the “perfect” party, avoiding these party-planning pitfalls keeps the focus where it belongs — on celebrating your not-so-little one’s big day.

1. Outline COVID-19 precautions and expectations.

First and foremost, keep your guests safe by adhering to CDC guidelines on social activities (cdc.org). Communicate clearly to all invitees what steps will be taken to ensure that exposure to the coronavirus is mitigated, including expected vaccination status of guests, adequate social distancing and sanitizing protocols, the wearing of masks, etc.

sibs can attend with a simple “Siblings welcome!” note on the invitation.

2. Always RSVP.

4. Go easy on the goodie bags.

Whether you can or can’t attend, respond to invitations — including online and text invites — within a week at the longest.

And if plans change and your child can’t attend, contact the host ASAP so that food, activities and party favors earmarked for your child can be repurposed.

3. To keep the gathering safer and smaller, skip the sibs.

As soon as invitations go out, the “Siblings welcome?” queries start pouring in.

And some parents will show up with their entire brood in tow. This stressful scenario stretches party budgets and hosts’ patience, because some parties are simply more enjoyable and manageable on a smaller scale.

Avoid this sticky subject by clearly addressing paper invitations to the invited child. On the other hand, “the more the merrier” parents can let guests know that

Goodie bags filled with dollar-store junk irk most parents, so consider skipping goodie bags entirely — most families won’t miss them.

If you just cannot bear to abandon giveaways, consider a copy of the birthday child’s favorite book, a packet of seeds or a bulb to plant, a single can of Play-Doh, crayons and a small notepad, or a takehome craft kit.

5. Keep it real.

A top parental pet peeve: supersize (or super-spendy) soirees that make your casual neighborhood cupcake-and-juice fete look ho-hum by comparison.

While the size of the budget and guest list are personal preferences, you can skip some stress (and save some green) by focusing on party details your child will notice and remember. One way to dial

down the crazy is to only include activities and entertainment that can reasonably fit into a 90-minute party — roughly the party attention span of a kindergartner — with enough scheduled time for cake and relaxed socializing. One or two “main event” activities, with a quieter option, such as crafting or coloring, for overstimulated kiddos, is festive without feeling forced.

6. Make it a party for everyone.

Parents of children with restricted diets often assume that party food will be off-limits to their child and may bring their own; if party fare will be allergen-free, let parents know on the invitation. Ask parents of children with special needs how you can make their child more comfortable.

Party locales that tend to be accessible to guests with mobility limitations include children’s museums, bookstores (some have party rooms or meeting rooms), libraries, craft stores, and accessible parks and playgrounds.

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— Malia Jacobson

PA R E N T M A P / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 / 3 9

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- Fionnuala Halligan, SCREEN DAILY

Just For Fun 15 Fascinating Science Facts for Kids Our kids are naturally curious creatures and they can absorb information like sponges.

Wow them with these interesting and fun tidbits of science. Your lunch box notes just got nerdy!

1. Earth’s inner core is 10,832 degrees

Fahrenheit, and its outer core is a mere 6,872 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. One hundred pounds is the weight

of: 412,375 bees, 5,465 party balloons and 1,600 human eyeballs. Want to know more? The Omni Calculator Project’s Weird Units Converter (omnicalculator.com) will provide you with oodles of entertainment!

You can enter in various weights, heights, distances and then learn the equivalent of random objects.

3. Apollo 14 astronaut Alan Shepard played golf on the moon in 1971! He brought two golf balls and a golf club with him on the voyage. The club is now on display at the USGA Golf Museum and Library in Liberty Corner, New Jersey. The two golf balls are still on the moon.

4. Scientists believe the Hercules bee-

tle (Dynastes hercules) can lift up to 850 times its own weight. On average, a Hercules beetle weighs .28–0.30 pound, which, in theory, means this beetle could lift 255 pounds.

5. The resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) can appear to come back to life: it can be completely dried out for as many as 100 years, but when watered, it will begin to grow again. (Zombie fern, anyone?)

6. The human body contains almost 100 trillion cells.

7. A rattlesnake’s fangs are actually hollow and inject the poison into their prey.

8. A 40-year-old tree can store 1 ton of carbon dioxide — that’s the equivalent of two grand pianos or one very large walrus.

13. The large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) is the largest bat on Earth and has a wingspan of up to 5 feet. But don’t worry, these big fruit bats don’t drink blood; they prefer to drink flower nectar and eat fruits.

9. In her lifetime, a female sunfish (Mola

14. The Great Lakes hold more than 20

mola) can lay as many as 300 million eggs.

10. Most scientists agree that dogs and

humans have been hunting partners and companions for more than 14,000 years.

11. In one hour, your heart beats 3,600 times.

12. The electric catfish (Malapteruridae)

has an organ that produces an electric force field, which will zap any predator that gets too close. The shock is enough to deter predators and kill smaller prey.

percent of the world’s surface freshwater (approximately 5,400 cubic miles of water).

15. Nearly all mammals, including humans, have two sets of teeth during their lifetime: baby teeth and adult teeth. But reptiles can have many more sets: a crocodile can go through 50 sets of teeth and regrow 3,000 teeth!

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Find more fun science facts at parentmap.com/science-rocks.

— Amber Guetebier

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Ages + Stages Childhood Depression Signs your child might be depressed, and how to help

By Sanya Pelini, Ph.D.

Child depression is not a subject many parents are comfortable talking about, but the terrible truth is that there are more kids than ever being diagnosed with depression today. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics on children’s mental health, 3.2 percent of children ages 3–17 (approximately 1.9 million) suffer from depression, and both depression and anxiety among children have increased over time.

Causes of depression in children There may be a number of factors behind your child’s depression. In many cases, depression in children often occurs because of several overlapping circumstances. Here are just a few of them: 1) Difficult family events, such as a separation or death in the family, can cause depression in children.

2) Family history: Children whose parents suffer from depression are more likely to experience depression themselves, and at an earlier age than other children.

3) Children undergoing difficult experiences (for example, bullying or any kind of abuse — sexual, emotional or physical) are also more likely to experience depression.

Signs your child is depressed While sad feelings are not uncommon in children, there may be occasions when

your child’s “blues” may actually indicate something more serious.

“minor” that happened weeks ago, that might be a symptom of depression.

Here are a few warning signs to watch for:

Major mood swings Mood swings are relatively common in children, but they are not normal if they are occurring every day or several times a day, or if they are intense or disproportionate to the event that elicited the shift in mood.

These mood swings may manifest as angry outbursts, irritability, crying, general crankiness, extreme clinginess and any other intense behavior.

Never-ending blues One of the most common signs of depression in children is an extended duration of feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Before they are able to manage their emotions effectively, most children experience certain situations intensely. It is perfectly normal for your child to feel sad because they did not get to sit next to a particular classmate at lunch, or perhaps because they felt that they had been left out of a game. But children are generally able to quickly overcome such feelings of sorrow and to turn to something else — except if they are suffering from depression. If your child is still sad because of something

A team of researchers analyzed the tantrum patterns of 279 3- to 6-year-olds and found that intense, regular and disproportionate tantrum behavior manifested more commonly in children who were experiencing clinical issues. Major behavioral problems at school may also be an indicator of depression.

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AGES + STAGES

continued from page 43

Signs of withdrawal Children suffering from depression are also more likely to display signs of social withdrawal. This may look like keeping away from friends or classmates during social activities. There is no need to worry if your child prefers solitude. Some children need their alone time and appreciate the time they spend removed from others.

But if your child seems to be struggling with mood swings and also appears to be socially withdrawn, then depression may be the cause.

Several studies suggest that social withdrawal may be a sign of social or emotional difficulties, and may be your child’s way of expressing internalized thoughts and feelings of social anxiety or depression.

Major behavioral changes Major changes in behavior should always trigger a parent’s concern about their child’s mental health. Significant fluctuations to watch for include changes in eating or sleeping habits; extreme fatigue; physical changes, such as headaches that do not seem to go away; among others.

Talk of death or suicide Statements made by children related to death or suicide are a red flag for depression.

Diagnosing depression is difficult, because not all children exhibit the same symptoms, and your child may react to situational factors differently depending on where they are and with whom.

What you need to keep in mind is the fact that significant changes in behavior, as well as persistent and intense feelings that interfere with everyday life (school, extracurricular activities, socializing with friends, etc.), are causes for concern.

If your child has been showing symptoms of depression for weeks, your family doctor may help you unearth the underlying reasons. To be diagnosed with depression, a child must have displayed several of these symptoms for at least two weeks.

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Practical tips to try at home if you think your child may be depressed Talk and listen Many children struggle with their emotions because they are unable at this point in their development to understand and effectively deal with difficult situations. Talking to your child about what may be causing them distress is important; treating their emotions as valid helps them understand that it is okay to have those emotions. Remember that they may not necessarily need a solution, but rather, an outlet to express themselves.

If your child is not open to communication, talking about your own feelings during difficult moments can help them understand that everyone has big emotions, even you.

Find someone your child can confide in Just because your child is unwilling to confide in you does not mean they will not be willing to confide in someone else. If this is the case, encourage them to confide in a family member, a friend or a trusted teacher.

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LO CAL R ES O UR CES / PEDI AT RIC DENT IST RY AG ES + STAG ES

continued from page 45

Help your child manage their anxiety Many children who experience depression also experience varying degrees of anxiety. Helping your child to better cope with anxiety can lessen their feelings of distress and give them important tools to deal with difficult, anxiety-provoking situations.

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Boost your child’s mental well-being Depression is a mental condition that requires professional intervention. That said, the more children feel good about themselves, the better their baseline mental health will be. Here are a few things that may help shore up your child’s emotional well-being: • Show them that they are safe enough to openly express their emotions.

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• Make sure that your child is getting enough sleep. Encourage them to take rests (quiet time) or naps if they need them.

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• Keep your child active; ensure that they are getting enough physical exercise every day.

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• Keep track of your child’s diet. After all, a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.

• Help your child understand that they are capable of success. This may mean encouraging them to participate in age-appropriate chores or activities that you know they are good at and enjoy.

Seek professional help, if needed Denying that your child has depression will not make it disappear. Depression, even in children, does not go away without treatment. The earlier your child gets the help they need, the easier it will be to tackle their depression. If you have any doubts about your child’s behavior, or if you are feeling overwhelmed, consult your general practitioner or child’s pediatrician. They will help you determine the next appropriate steps to take to ensure that your child gets the help they need.

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Sanya Pelini, Ph.D., transforms educational research into practical tools and resources on her blog Raising Independent Kids (raising-independent-kids.com).

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LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / P EDI ATRIC D EN T IST RY

‘S’milestones: From Milk Teeth to Molars While the developmental milestones from toothless infant gums to a mouthful of molars have not changed, dental best practices have evolved. Here are some expert tips for taking care of your child’s teeth at every age and stage.

kids in good technique until about age 9.

Sealants can help protect teeth during this transition when permanent teeth are replacing baby teeth and kids are learning good oral hygiene.

Orthodontics Nowadays, an orthodontic evaluation follows close on the heels of the first molars.

Major issues such as extreme crowding, bite problems or protruding teeth are easier to treat if they’re caught early.

First tooth A baby’s first tooth can emerge anywhere from 6 months to 9 months of age — and its arrival should also mark the beginning of dental care, even if an infant is still nursing exclusively.

“As soon as you see that first white tip of the tooth, you want to wipe it clean with a wet cloth. There are sugars in milk, and if you let it sit in the mouth for a long period of time without cleaning the teeth, milk can cause baby bottle tooth decay,” says Kim Trieu, DDS, a dentist in practice at North Everett Family Dental who also teaches at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and serves on a member advisory panel for Delta Dental of Washington.

The first tooth is also a good time to introduce your child to the dentist. At this first visit, you will learn how to care for your baby’s teeth and what problems to look for as teeth emerge. Your dentist can talk to you about diet and behaviors, such as thumb-sucking, that can affect tooth development.

As more of your child’s teeth emerge, graduate to a rubber or soft-bristled toothbrush,

and introduce toothpaste when the baby begins to eat solid foods. Start with nonfluorinated toothpaste; by age 2, when kids can spit, it’s okay to use fluoridated paste.

Orthodontics cause less pain and inflammation, and teeth move more easily before bones harden with age. Because kids are still growing when early braces come off, some tweaking may be required later, but overall, Trieu says, there can be less relapse than when teeth are moved later.

First molar It might be tempting to ignore cavities in baby teeth, since they are going to fall out in a couple of years anyway. But cavities in baby teeth can have long-term effects. Aside from causing pain, decayed baby teeth can cause problems with speech and even affect the development of permanent teeth.

Wisdom teeth Although they may appear much later or not at all, wisdom teeth commonly form between the ages of 16 and 18. To determine if removal is necessary, your dentist will look at how much room there is in your child’s mouth, how the teeth are erupting, and the risk of impaction.

The first permanent teeth are the “6-year molars.” These teeth have to last a lifetime, so it’s important to step up the oral hygiene game when they appear. Trieu recommends parents teach kids how to brush as soon as they can, and to continue to supervise tooth brushing and coach

Trieu says the most important step to maintaining oral health is to form a longterm relationship with the right dentist — one that begins with that first tooth and continues into adulthood.

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— Gemma Alexander

Your weekly parenting fuel Stay up to date with the latest family news, stories and adventures around Puget Sound — straight to your inbox.

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Good job keeping your child healthy.

Keep it up by seeing a pediatrician.

There’s no better way to keep your child healthy than by regular visits to your pediatrician, and there’s no better time than now.

Schedule an appointment today. marybridge.org/primarycare