ParentMap July 2023 Issue

Independence Play proponents agree: When adults step back, kids step up 20/ The Play List Fairs and farms and festivals — oh, July! JULY

Child’s play is more essential than ever

Jake Jacobson

With a mix of organized events (some of which you might want to book ahead of time) and casual, justshow-up summer play opportunities, we’ve got the goods. Here’s to a joyful July!

Cover photo by Ling Ling Zheng Photography (linglingzhengphotography.com) at JB Family Growers in Woodinville (jbfamilygrowers.com)

“Our culture accidentally has swapped out childhood freedom and responsibility for adult-directed activities. We thought we were eliminating risk, we thought we were making our kids happy. We went too far.” p. 8

Photo by JiaYing Grygiel

Photo courtesy of The Bellevue Collection

Play Rx for anxious parents, anxious kids

Ever since free-range parenting advocate and author Lenore Skenazy’s 2008 New York Sun column titled “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” sparked a media firestorm (and earned her national notoriety as the “World’s Worst Mom”), she has been declaring that our kids are far smarter and more competent than our fear-based culture gives them credit for. Skenazy contributes this month’s feature, The Easiest Rx for Kids’ Mental Health? More Independence (p. 8).

Citing an amassing body of research, the piece indicates that a major cause of the increase in anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among young people in recent decades is “correlated to the continuous decline in opportunities for children to play and roam independently from their parents and caregivers.” Gulp.

Skenazy’s op-ed made her a bona fide cause célèbre. A wakeup-call manifesto to a generation of overanxious parents, the follow-on publication of her 2010 book “Free-Range Kids” launched a groundswell parenting movement. The title winked humorously (Skenazy, a former writer for Mad Magazine, is hilarious), but the contention was serious: We live in a country where the rights of chickens to range freely are vigorously championed. Don’t our own kids deserve to be likewise liberated to roam and develop independently?

Skenazy’s crusade spurred her to cofound Let Grow (letgrow.org), the nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience that she helms today as president. Let Grow’s mission is to raise awareness of the negative outcomes of our culture’s hampering of independent play and age-appropriate agency in children, by developing grassroots advocacy, resources and programs to support the healthy development of children.

As Skenazy noted in a recent op-ed, “Our nation’s child protection laws and policies that determine at what age youngsters can do things on their own are often wildly out of whack with actual child development — and grossly underestimate children’s capabilities.” A country that investigates or arrests parents who let their 8-year-old walk the dog or play unsupervised in their own front yard is at odds with reams of biological, psychological and cross-cultural evidence indicating just how competent our children are.

What Skenazy would say is that if we endeavor to insulate a child from every possible risk or difficulty they might encounter in everyday life, that child is deprived of their rightful chance to grow up. The greatest risk of all perhaps lies in attempting to raise a child who never truly encounters “the mini milestones of independence” that mark the path to maturity. The result? Our overprotected, underestimated kids are stuck in baby mode, dependent, helpless — and feeling depressed and anxious as a result.

So, this summer, take a page from the “World’s Worst Mom” playbook: Let go to let grow. Counteract your urge to overprotect to give your kiddos the freedom to develop confidence and resilience the natural way: through unstructured, unsupervised, child-directed play.

— Patty Lindley, director of content + audience engagement

2023, VOL. 20, NO. 7

PUBLISHER

Alayne Sulkin

EDITORIAL

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT + AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Patty Lindley

MANAGING EDITOR

Allison Sutcliffe

OUT + ABOUT EDITOR

Nancy Chaney

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Nancy Chaney, Janelle Durham, Kate Missine, Linda Morgan, Lenore Skenazy

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JULY

My family’s favorite playday way to keep cool is …

Connecting Art with Aerospace History

Exhibit included with General Admission

A museum-wide, community-focused celebration exhibiting artwork in all mediums, plus guest speakers, a community mural project, music, dance and plenty of family activities.

Exhibit Now Open

Info, events, activities and more at artandflight.museumofflight.org

Out + About

Those Hot Summer (Date) Nights

From steals to splurges, three perfect pairings to rekindle the romance

By Kate Missine

Let’s get real, parents: When was your last date night? For too many of us, the answer is “Way too long ago” — if we can even remember what a date night is! Between chaotic schedules and ever-ballooning costs, it’s no wonder we keep punting romantic outings down the to-do list.

Fear not! We’ve got you covered with our handpicked trio of date-night ideas for every budget. Whether you’re prioritizing a daytime date, wanting to splurge just a little or hoping to go all out for a special occasion, these perfect activity pairings around downtown Bellevue will have you laughing, reconnecting and rekindling that romance. So, schedule the sitter and get ready for your summer date night!

‘Steal’ away

Who said date night needs to be at night? For a fun casual option that won’t break the bank — or interfere with bedtime routines — steal away for a daytime rendezvous on a romantic picnic for two in downtown Bellevue.

Your first stop for a packable yet date-worthy meal is Tavern Hall. Grab a

hearty flatbread and salad to share, along with a warm hearth-baked pretzel and dips (white cheddar–jalapeño and bacononion are our picks). On your way out, swing by Lady Yum to snag some light-asair macarons in flavors such as raspberry-chardonnay or honey-lavender — they’ll be a sweet finish to the meal yet won’t leave you weighed down for the afternoon.

With the essentials in hand, just hop across the street to Bellevue Downtown Park and choose your favorite shady spot. (Tip: This is your chance to stay away from the playground — use it!) Got extra time to stretch your legs after lunch? Head over to Bellevue Botanical Garden for a stroll down the pretty paths to check out what’s in bloom.

An affordable outing

Reconnecting over a playful activity makes for great bonding, and a low-key game of bowling fits the (not overly spendy) bill. Get on a roll at Lucky Strike Lanes & Power Play at Lincoln Square North, a glammedup entertainment mecca offering bowling and billiards along with snacks and drinks (don’t forget your socks for those

snazzy bowling shoes!). The alley switches to 21 and older after 8 p.m., so plan for late-night play to make it a truly kid-free experience.

Fuel up before your game at Central Bar + Restaurant, located at Lincoln Square South behind Bellevue Arts Museum (reservations are recommended). This restaurant serves up modern versions of familiar favorites, such as filet mignon, pastas and fresh seafood, in a vibrant space — we love the outdoor patio. Don’t miss out on the divine Dungeness crab cakes for your appetizer and a warm and gooey skillet cookie for dessert! For libations, hit up the bar and ask for the “Dealer’s Choice.” You call your partner’s favorite spirit, and the bartender will surprise them by creating a one-of-a-kind personalized cocktail!

The urge to splurge

Celebrating a special milestone, or just really need a lavish night out? Time to treat yourselves to a well-deserved date with major luxury factor. Start off with a dinner to remember at Water Grill, a swanky yet unfussy space that’s all about the seafood. Dig into the freshest seasonal catches

Photo courtesy of Lady Yum

Bellevue Downtown Park. Photo courtesy of The Bellevue Collection

Central Bar + Restaurant. Photo courtesy of The Bellevue Collection

CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

you’ll find in the area. We suggest a shareable iced shellfish platter, followed by a whole chargrilled fish. Toast to your time away with one of the restaurant’s inventive cocktails, such as the Campfire Sling, a yummy concoction flavored with chocolate bitters and scorched orange oil.

Follow up dinner with a night at the movies. You’ll find no kicked seats or sticky armrests at Lincoln Square South’s Cinemark Reserve, which is what movie theaters want to be when they grow up: an adults-only affair featuring massive screens, a full-service menu and luxe recliners to sink into as you watch. Choose your seat in advance when buying tickets for optimal viewing. Order drinks and dessert from the comfort of your lounger with seat-side service. We love the zesty Cranberry Ginger Paloma. All that’s left to do is agree on the movie choice!

Pick a date-night pairing that suits your pairing (and budget) and make downtown Bellevue the scene of your next romantic adventure! ■

Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and a girly girl raising two little boys. She lived up and down the West Coast before settling in beautiful Sammamish with her family.

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Counseling • Parenting Classes

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• Education Support

Jasmine McCarthy, LMHCA, provides counseling for kids ages 5 years and up, as well as adults of all ages, and family counseling. Jasmine offers her services online via telehealth throughout Washington state. Jasmine is also a yoga instructor and is available for one-on-one yoga therapy.

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• Evidence-based parenting classes offered online in group settings or in family’s home

• Classes for parents with kids of all ages

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Photo courtesy of Water Grill

The Easiest Rx for Kids’ Mental Health? MORE INDEPENDENCE

By Lenore Skenazy

Earlier this year, the Journal of Pediatrics (jpeds.com) published a commentary article titled “Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children’s Mental Well-Being.”

If that sounds like a headline that free-play advocates have been touting forever — it is. But now, it’s being published in a prestigious medical journal read by thousands of pediatricians. That’s groundbreaking!

The authors are three prominent researchers in child development: David Lancy, Ph.D., from the Department of Anthropology at Utah State University; David Bjorklund, Ph.D., from the Department of Psychology at Florida Atlantic University; and Let Grow (letgrow.org) cofounder Peter Gray, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College. Their headline?

Kids’ happiness in the long run — and short run — is on the line. The coauthors’ piece summarizes a wide swath of evidence indicating that a major (but not sole) cause of the increase in anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among young people over recent decades is correlated to the continuous decline in opportunities for children to play and roam independently from their parents and caregivers.

Reversing this trend — STAT! — is key, as “Children who have more opportunities for independent activities are not only happier in the short run, because the activities engender happiness and a sense of competence, but also happier in the long run, because independent activities promote the growth of capacities for coping with life’s inevitable stressors.”

The piece drew the attention of Emily Oster, Ph.D., the author of best-selling books on data-driven parenting, including “Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong — And What You Really Need to Know.” Oster addressed the commentary on her website (parentdata.org), noting that, indeed, it is indisputable that kids are less free and less trusted to be competent, responsible and resourceful young adults than youths were in the 1980s:

You can see this even in something like “The Baby-Sitters Club.” The seventh-graders in these books — published from 1986 to

2000 — are babysitting for young infants, including at night, making dinner, cleaning the house, and so on. The feel of the world is somewhat different than what many of us experience with our children now.

Why are trust, responsibility and independence so crucial to kids’ mental health?

Because that’s how they get a sense of what they can handle, a sense of who they are in the world: a competent, growing person — not a baby or a bonsai tree.

Stop taking away the mini milestones of independence. Think about a time when you were trusted by your parents or another adult to do something without them — come home by dinnertime, run an errand, walk your sister to school …

These are milestones we don’t see as milestones, because such actions seem so minor. But those are the milestones that mark the path to maturity. Take them away, and kids are stuck in baby mode, feeling helpless and needy.

And depressed and anxious.

The Journal of Pediatrics article talks about how important it is to have an “internal locus of control” — a sense that you can make things happen as well as deal with problems that arise. An “external locus of control” — as I think you can guess — is the feeling that someone or something else is in the driver’s seat. And you’re strapped into a 5-point harness.

Our culture accidentally has swapped out childhood freedom and responsibility for adult-directed activities. We thought we were eliminating risk, we thought we were making our kids happy.

We went too far.

These are the steps we can take now.

The Journal of Pediatrics article concludes that “concern for children’s safety and the value of adult guidance needs to be tempered by recognition that children need ever-increasing opportunity to manage their own activities.”

continued from page 9

FEATURE How?

Well, individual parents can reassess whether perhaps they are being almost “too helpful” when their kids are ready to do more themselves. Pediatricians can explain to parents that a risk-free life carries huge risks of its own. Schools can create more independent kids by assigning The Let Grow Project, in which kids get homework assignments such as “Go home and do something new, on your own.” Schools can also start Let Grow Play Clubs, where kids get free, unstructured, no-devices playtime back in their lives.

And anyone so inclined can help get more “Reasonable Childhood Independence” laws passed (find a toolkit at letgrow.org). These laws say that giving your kids some unsupervised time isn’t neglect unless you put them in obvious danger. Several states down — plenty more to go!

The message through all of this — including, now, presented clearly in a peer-reviewed journal — is simple: When adults step back, kids step up. ■

Lenore Skenazy is the president of Let Grow (letgrow.org), a nonprofit that promotes childhood independence and resilience, and provides free materials for schools and parents.

More from Lenore Skenazy

Lenore Skenazy believes that it is high time we stop making assumptions that our kids are incapable of clearing their own path in life. Watch her recent ParentEd Talks webinar to learn powerful ways anxious parents can counteract the urge to overprotect their children, move away from fear-based parenting, and give their bubble-wrapped children the freedom to develop confidence and resilience the natural way: through unstructured, child-directed play. parentmap.com/ independence

The Surprising Benefits of Multiage Programs

By Janelle Durham

In the United States, most education programs tend to be limited to children who are all close in age — for example, the children in a kindergarten class all turn 5 sometime between Sept. 1 of that year and Aug. 31 of the next year. But some programs (such as Montessori schools, church programs or scout organizations) are multiage. Here are just a few interesting benefits of multiage programs that you might not have considered.

Knowledge and skill development

Younger children love learning things from older children. Older children reinforce and deepen their own understanding of a topic or skill by teaching it to younger kids. This knowledge is passed on in a variety of ways:

• Unintentional modeling: When an older child is doing an activity that they want or need to do, such as drawing a picture of a dog, they may not even be aware that a younger child is observing and learning from them.

• Social play: Younger kids are exposed to things such as better emotional regulation and more sophisticated problem-solving, which helps them learn these skills earlier. Imaginary play is also richer, as the older children share ideas with the younger ones and have to figure out how to articulate those ideas so that the younger ones can play along.

• Casual mentoring: When an older child is slowed down by a younger one’s lack of knowledge, sometimes they move in to help rather than wait for an adult to lean in.

• Support desk: Younger children learn which classmates they can go to for help with various tasks, and may seek out their help before asking a teacher.

• Intentional teaching: Sometimes teachers will ask a child who has mastered a skill to teach it to a child who hasn’t yet mastered it. The learner benefits by gaining information in a way that may be more fun and more confidence-building than learning from an adult. The child who is teaching has the chance to review their own knowledge from a new perspective.

Individualized curriculum, tailored to children’s unique skills, not just their age

• Some kids are really advanced in some areas and a little behind in others. Being in a multiage classroom makes it more likely that they’ll find peers to fit in with, in both of those areas.

• There is a broader range of information being covered, so children are better able to learn at their own pace, making continuous progress rather than having to “wait until second grade, when we cover that.”

Learning with the same teacher for multiple years

• The teacher gets to know each child’s strengths and weaknesses, and can therefore better tailor the lesson plan to meet that child’s individual needs.

• For the child, there’s the benefit of consistency, as well as a sense of security in the classroom, which supports better learning.

Less competition and labeling

• In a mixed-age classroom, it may be clearer that there’s a normal range of development: The one who does best in math class may have the hardest time in music class, regardless of their age.

• A child who struggles more with social skills might be ostracized by peers of the same age but find companionship among younger kids in the classroom.

A more cooperative, caring learning environment

• Older kids learn to be patient, nurturing and responsible. (With guidance from adults!)

• Role models: Younger kids are better at sitting still and focusing in group settings, because they see the older kids doing so. The older kids like to demonstrate their knowledge and can often answer questions the younger ones ask — this builds confidence in the older ones and the younger ones can often be more inspired to learn things from the “big kids” than they are to learn from a teacher. ■

Janelle Durham teaches parent education and STEM enrichment for children ages 3–6 at Bellevue College. This article was first published on her website, gooddayswithkids.com.

Make

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Good Growing

Kids Thrive on Structure and Routines

Routines and rituals help kids feel safe and secure. From the day they’re born until they leave home, children benefit from structure and stability.

For babies, routines teach them to trust that their caregivers will respond to their needs. We soothe them when they’re upset and feed them when they’re hungry. We ensure they’re always clean and comfortable. We stick to a regular sleep schedule so they’re well rested. We provide lots of affection, one-onone play and fresh air so their brains and bodies develop properly.

For young children, structure and routines help them gain self-confidence. Plus, families run more smoothly with a morning breakfast ritual, a getting-toschool routine, age-appropriate chores, shared family dinners and regular bedtimes. Research confirms that when children have strong routines at home, they have an easier time in school with both learning and friendships. Kids who feel grounded in their home life can better regulate their emotions and cope with transitions. Growing up with structure also leads to greater resilience, which helps kids bounce back from sad or tough events and become even stronger.

For tweens and teens, solid routines make it easier for them to adjust to the major transition from childhood to adulthood. Sudden changes in hormones along with rapid growth can make things feel rocky. A stable home life can help everything feel smoother and steadier. And while limits on screen time are a must for kids of all ages, tweens and teens are extra vulnerable to the negative effects of social media. Though they may complain about

screen-time limits (such as no phones during family meals and sleeping hours) they’ll benefit from these and other rules. Ultimately, a stable foundation equips tweens and teens for more responsibilities and greater independence. While our job is to provide a safe ‘nest’ for our kids, at the same time we’re preparing them to fly!

It’s also important to note that while routines benefit everyone, they’re especially helpful for kids with autism, ADHD and anxiety. These children often need consistent daily schedules and comforting rituals to feel their best.

Parents also benefit from solid routines. Healthy patterns reduce stress levels and ease power struggles among family members.

Of course, family routines evolve as children get older. Schedules get busier,

kids develop their own social lives and life is often full of twists. But rather than giving up the structure and routines you’ve created, adjust them to meet your family’s needs. They’re too valuable to lose!

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Take a Pass on Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are advertised as being healthy, hydrating and energizing. But in truth, they’re often none of these things. While energy drinks seem to be everywhere, they’re not a wise beverage choice, especially for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children and teens should not consume any energy drinks. Besides sugar, these drinks can contain a lot of caffeine, which the AAP says children under 12 should completely avoid. Plus, many energy drinks contain other strong stimulants besides caffeine whose health effects on children are unknown.

It may take some extra effort to avoid energy drinks because they’re packaged and marketed to appeal to kids. And the culture of youth sports often includes drinking energy drinks before and during competitions. Remember that water is the best choice for quenching thirst and staying hydrated. Along with good nutrition, making water your go-to drink is a healthy habit for life!

Preventing Constipation

To feel their best, kids need to have healthy bowel movements (BMs). This means pooping easily every day or two without strain or pain. But sometimes, kids become constipated. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 1 in 20 pediatrician visits are because of constipation, which can cause belly discomfort.

It’s important to prevent constipation. Most kids can avoid getting backed up by drinking lots of water and eating plenty of fiber. Most fruits and vegetables contain fiber, as do whole grains. You can also limit foods known to cause constipation such as cheese (or too many dairy products), white rice, white flour and bananas.

It’s not unusual for kids to purposely hold back their stools (poop). During potty training, power struggles can develop, and kids may refuse to go. Or they might avoid going because they don’t want to stop playing. For some kids, constipation problems begin when they start school because they’re afraid or embarrassed to go poop in the school’s bathroom.

As they grow up, kids naturally become more private about their BM habits. So be sure your child knows to tell you if they’re not pooping often enough. And be sure your child knows that stools should be soft and easy to pass — not hard and painful. If there’s a problem, take them to see their doctor, who may suggest a fiber supplement, medicine or other treatment.

Heat Rash

A heat rash is a fine, pink rash caused by blocked sweat glands. Also known as ‘prickly heat,’ heat rashes are most common in hot and humid weather or after lots of sun. These rashes can also be caused by skin ointments or hard exercise. Heat rashes appear mainly on the neck, chest and upper back, and may feel itchy or prickly.

Heat rashes can be treated at home. Try a cool bath with no soap, then allow the skin to air dry. Or place a wet, cool washcloth on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes. If the rash is itchy, try calamine lotion or a 1% hydrocortisone cream. Keep your child cool by dressing them in lightweight clothing and running a fan inside.

A heat rash itself does not cause a fever. However, call your child’s doctor if a fever or another sign of infection develops, or if your child looks or acts sick.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Talking About Puberty

Before puberty begins, let your child know it’s always OK to come to you with questions about the physical and emotional changes that will happen. Think of puberty as a conversation topic that starts at an early age and continues over the years. Even if your child learns about puberty at school, talk about it at home, too. This shows you’re interested and available, and allows you to fill in any information gaps. Reassure your child that while the timing of puberty can vary a lot, everyone goes through it. Seattle Children’s partners with Great Conversations to offer ‘The Chat,’ a lively course on puberty for parents and kids. These class discussions are a great ‘roadmap’ to guide your family conversations.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Safety During Hot Weather

Hot weather can sometimes catch us off guard in the Pacific Northwest. Higher temperatures raise a child’s risk of injury and death from three hazards: window falls, hot cars and drowning.

Prevent Window Falls

Every year when the weather warms up, children (especially those under age 7) are injured or even killed when they fall out of windows. How does this happen? One common scenario occurs when screened windows are open. A child leans or pushes against the screen, popping it out of the window frame — and the child

Stay Vigilant with Water Safety

Drowning is the number-one cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4. Constant supervision is a must. Keep your full attention on young children when they’re in or near the water, staying within arm’s reach. For children of all ages, ensure that life jackets fit properly and are U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Swimming lessons are vital; be sure your child learns to swim as early as possible. And remember that drowning is a leading cause of death for older kids and teens, too. They must understand and follow strict water-safety rules.

falls out. For windows where there’s a fall risk, install child-safety window stops that prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches. Use stops designed to be easily removed by an adult in case of emergency.

Never Leave a Child Alone in a Car

Air temperatures inside a car can heat up to deadly levels within minutes. A child’s body heats up much faster than an adult’s does, and cracking a window isn’t enough to protect a child. Even if your child is sleeping, take them with you. Set up a reminder system so you never leave your child alone in the car by mistake. And if you see a child alone in a locked car, call 911.

Plan ahead, use safety gear and supervise closely to keep your child safe this summer — and all year around!

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Classes and Events

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

Watch the lecture, in English or Spanish, at seattlechildrens.org/autism101.

Conversations About Autism

Learn more or view past sessions at seattlechildrens.org/ conversationsaboutautism.

Babysafe

Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start

This class is available in English and Spanish. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

Legal Transitions to Adulthood Class

Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES

Better Babysitters

Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

CPR and First Aid for Babysitters

Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

The Chat Workshop Series (Is Puberty Weird?; Body Basics; More Body Basics; Crushes, Consent, and Other Conversations; Our Sexual Selves)

Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.

Sibshops for Siblings of Children with Special Health and Developmental Needs

Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

EVENTS

Free Online Mindfulness Groups for Parents and Caregivers

Join a culturally relevant mindfulness and compassion session by phone or with Zoom. Sessions are offered for Black parents, parents of a child with special needs, Spanish-speaking parents, as well as any other parents or caregivers. Take part in activities and mindfulness practices led by parents for parents, and share strategies to cope with challenges. Learn more and view dates and times at seattlechildrens.org/ clinics/odessa-brown/community-programs/ mindfulness-program.

Seattle Children’s Clinic Health and Safety Fairs

Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seattle Children’s South Clinic in Federal Way

34920 Enchanted Pkwy. S, Federal Way

Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seattle Children’s North Clinic in Everett 1815 13th St, Everett

Children ages 1 to 18 can be fit for a free life jacket or bike helmet. Learn about other health and injury-prevention topics, including safe firearm storage and child-passenger safety. Learn more at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

Free Firearm Storage Giveaway Events

Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seattle Children’s South Clinic in Federal Way 34920 Enchanted Pkwy. S, Federal Way

Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Quilcene Community Center

294952 Hwy. 101, Quilcene

Learn about the importance of safe firearm storage and get a free lock box or trigger lock, with hands-on training on proper use. Supplies are limited. One free lock box or trigger lock per person (maximum 2 items per household). Recipient must be 18 or older and present to receive a free item. No ID required. Learn more at seattlechildrens.org/firearmsafety.

Free Car-Seat Checks

Saturday, Sept. 23 in Seattle

Tuesdays in Bellevue

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. 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 offer free virtual car-seat classes. Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.

About Good Growing

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.

© 2023 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Wash.

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Primary Care Clinic

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Hospital Numbers

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(866) 987-2000 (Toll-free)

Online Resources

Visit seattlechildrens.org for:

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Good Growing newsletter

Doctor Finder

On the Pulse and The Autism Blog

Medical condition information

Health and safety information

Ways to help Seattle Children’s Research Institute information

Find us online

July Play List

Fairs and farms and festivals — oh, July!

By Nancy Chaney

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

With school going all the way until the end of June for many families — ouch — we are soooo ready to dive into the diversions of our glorious Northwest summer! Bring on the fairs, the farms, the festivals! Also, the beach and some memorable parades. With a mix of organized events (which you might want to book ahead of time) and casual, just-show-up summer play opportunities, we’ve got the goods. Here’s to a joyful July.

� Leave the screens behind and partake in a real-life history lesson — one that your kids will love. Visit Auburn’s charming Mary Olson Farm for a peek at what local family farm life was like in the late 1800s. Bring a picnic and meet the donkeys every Saturday and Sunday, July 1–Aug. 13, noon–4 p.m. Though admission is free, a $5 per person donation helps maintain the property. parentmap.com/mary-olson

� On a hot summer day, take part in a timeless treat for kids and families: a daytime movie in an air-conditioned theater. And it’s a budget wonder as well, thanks to cheap movies from Regal and Cinemark, happening Tuesdays and Wednesdays this

summer. Book your $1.50–$2 tickets online at a participating theater’s website. parentmap.com/cheap-flick

� It’s America’s birthday! Celebrate the Fourth of July with sparklers and booms raining down over almost every town around the sound. Lots of festivities take place during the day on July 4, if late-night fireworks shows are less compatible with your family’s bedtime routine. parentmap.com/fireworks

� Venture out into the quiet evening to learn about our most industrious wildlife neighbor: the beaver. Explore a local park with a guide to learn

how beaver families impact our urban wetland ecosystems. Meet at Meadowbrook Pond on Wednesday, July 5 or 12, or at Magnuson Park, on Wednesday, July 19 or 26. Walks are free, but preregister to reserve your spot.

parentmap.com/beaver-walk

� Feel the sand between your toes and wade and splash in the warm shallows at marvelous Jetty Island, opening for the summer season on Wednesday, July 5. Book your ferry ride in advance of your visit — reservations are required. Pay $3 for the short ferry ride (ages 2 and younger free) and play for a day at the beach. parentmap.com/jetty

Highlighted Events for July

� Treat your fam to a special outing to see the captivating Venardos Circus, featuring talented human performers displaying stunning feats of balance and daring. This is the kind of circus we can get behind: There are no animals. Shows take place Friday–Sunday, July 7–23. Tickets $28 for teens and adults; $17 for kids ages 1–12; babes in arms younger than 1 enter free. parentmap.com/venardos

� Arrrr! Gather ye mateys on Alki Beach to welcome our roguish friends in from the sea. The beloved Seafair Pirates will be coming ashore to greet young fans and share their pillaged bounty. Turn up on Saturday, July 8, in advance of the pirates’ estimated landing time of 1:30 p.m. parentmap.com/pirates

� Quick! Book your tix to the Island of Sodor (aka Snoqualmie’s Northwest Railway Museum) to catch a ride on a train car pulled by the “real” Thomas the Tank Engine. Dates are July 7–9, 14–16 and 22–23. Tickets cost $28–$30; babies younger than 1 ride free. parentmap.com/thomas

� Pack a lunch and your wiggly crew to spend the day at one of Kent’s fantastic newer playgrounds. In addition to the play equipment, enjoy kindie entertainment by The Not-Its! and more, at West Fenwick and Chestnut Ridge, Wednesdays at noon, July 12, 19 and 26. parentmap.com/west-fenwick

� It’s hard to beat the oldschool fair fun to be had at the King County Fair. It’s true, this fair is the oldest west of the Mississippi! Highlights include barrel racing, a youth livestock expo and monster truck rides. And we didn’t even get to the carnival rides. Find all this fun at the Enumclaw Fairgrounds, Thursday–Sunday, July 13–16. Tickets: $5–$10; ages 4 and younger free (some activities have an additional fee). parentmap.com/kcf

� It’s Redmond’s moment in the summer festival spotlight! Derby Days activities include parades, carnival rides, entertainment, a pancake breakfast, and, at the heart of this fest, bicycle racing at the velodrome, where kids get a chance to try out riding the track. Events take place Friday–Saturday, July 14–15.

parentmap.com/derby-days

� The annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow gathers local Indigenous tribes and those from across the continent to celebrate and showcase their varied traditions. The public is invited to experience Native food, music, arts and dancing. Events take place Friday–Sunday, July 21–23, at the Daybreak Star Center in Discovery Park. Free entry Friday; $5 admission Saturday and Sunday.

parentmap.com/powwow

� Spend the day along the scenic Snoqualmie River, where McCormick Park hosts Duvall’s SandBlast Festival of the Arts. You’ll find music, art and food — but the real star here is the sand sculpting. Join the free festivities Saturday–Sunday, July 22–23.

parentmap.com/sandblast

� Line the streets of Seattle’s Chinatown–International District for the annual Seafair Chinatown Parade. It’s an opportunity to celebrate — and protect — this vibrant

Seattle Chinatown SeaFair Parade, Sunday, July 23. Photo courtesy of The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce

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neighborhood. The parade takes place Sunday, July 23, 7–9 p.m. parentmap.com/chinatown-parade

� This one is the grandmommy of all Seafair parades and it celebrates all that is glorious about summer in Seattle. The Seafair Torchlight Parade takes place on Saturday, July 29, starting at 3 p.m. Stake out your chunk of the sidewalk in downtown Seattle, along Fourth Avenue or near Westlake Park. parentmap.com/torchlight ■

SPONSORED EVENTS

Through July

Free Health & Wellness Programs

Come to Pier 62 at Waterfront Park for FREE classes for all ages, including yoga, skateboarding, kickboxing, qigong, meditation and more! waterfrontparkseattle.org/ program/free-fitnessclasses-at-pier-62

July 11, 18, 25

Kirkland Summer Kids Concerts

Fun for all ages! Gather at Juanita Beach Park to sing along, or dance along to family-friendly beats by the beautiful beach! kirklanddowntown.org/events/ summer-concerts

July 15

Summer Celebration

Join the City of Mercer Island’s largest event! Enjoy the community parade, live entertainment, Touch-A-Truck, vendors and a fireworks show! mercerisland.gov/ summercelebration

Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s Out + About editor.

Seafair Torchlight Parade.

Photo by Sheri Putzke

Photos courtesy HKP Architects & Mike Penney Photographer

Voices

‘One Last Kiss’

By Linda Morgan

“So, when is this going to kill me?” I asked my son, the surgical oncologist. “It could be years,” he replied, with his signature optimism and more than a little high-spirited bravado, the kind only a family member who’s a medical professional could muster.

It has been several gut-wrenching, hard-hitting, life-changing years since I was diagnosed with cancer. And not the good kind of treatable, manageable cancer (really, is there a good cancer?), but the kind that has you thinking: Are my cousins coming out here from the East Coast just to enjoy the splendors of our beautiful city — or are they here to make sure they get to see me before things escalate? Are my brother and sister-in-law visiting again from San Mateo to see their beloved

nieces, or could they be checking on me?

I call these visits “One Last Kiss.” Private joke.

My children are grown-ups now, a crucial element that gives me comfort. Both married, they are successfully ensconced in meaningful and thriving careers, and happily parenting kids of their own. I’ve always leaned into issues surrounding health, reading articles published in MedlinePlus and The New England Journal of Medicine, as if I could fully comprehend peer-reviewed medical reports. So, it probably surprised no one that I fostered the kind of environment that would propel at least one of my children into the health-care field. My daughter, an attor-

ney, rounds out the balance you get when you’re parenting a doctor and a lawyer.

For the most part, my friends have supplied me with warmth and support, furnishing everything from the proverbial casseroles (no, but thanks) to what counts most: the ability to listen without giving advice, and the patience to share precious moments and memorable experiences.

It’s my grandchildren I worry about the most. Their ages range from 12 to 20, and when it comes to me, their emotions span from care and curiosity to distress and apprehension. My oldest granddaughter, much like her mother, draws on distraction and direction. Distraction can take shape as a video of her dancing beautifully in a

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VOICES college production she has choreographed; direction will typically include detailed instructions regarding an upcoming trip she and her parents have planned for the family. The voyages can be simple enough to mean long, leisurely strolls through the Ballard Farmers Market, or grand enough to materialize as a vacation in Italy or France.

My grandsons, ages 12 and 15, live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They both comforted their father the night he told them I was sick. As distressing as it was to hear that, I quietly took pleasure in the unmistakable fact that they, indeed, possess empathy.

All of them offer extra-tight hugs when they greet me or leave me. All of them make a point to relate anecdotes that crystallize their experiences in science class or fencing … or business analytics (whatever that is). And all of them will be distressed if I get worse, unless the brainiacs working on treatments and cures can come up with a Magic Bullet.

I would like to alleviate their angst, their worries and their anxiety. What grandparent wouldn’t?

But the truth is, I can’t. We can spend time together. Shopping for a prom dress, check. Playing with a drone on the beach, check. Watching “Schmigadoon!” — check, but what is this show about, anyway?

It’s a challenge to avoid feeling guilty that I’ve visited this particular anguish upon them, when they should be focusing only on all the good things in their young lives.

But sometimes, reality creeps in, and not always in a positive way. We call that life. Youth, hopes and dreams, and plans can divert what life can bring to the table. There’s a learning curve here somewhere, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Facing obstacles can build resilience. It can teach kids how to overcome hardship and help them emerge stronger — and with any luck, just a bit smarter. They learn “how to deal”; how to be a helper and protector; and most of all, how to love unconditionally.

And that is the silver lining. ■

Linda Morgan is a former managing editor of Seattle Magazine and ParentMap, an education contributor for KING 5 and the author of “Beyond Smart: Boosting Your Child’s Social, Emotional and Academic Potential.”

Where to Play Indoors When It’s Too Hot (or Smoky) Outside

12 stay-cool destinations for indoor summer fun

By Nancy Chaney

If your kids (let’s be real: … if you) are true Pacific Northwesterners — in other words, generally feeling too hot when the temp outside exceeds 72 degrees — head to one of these play spaces or museums equipped with stay-cool, stay-comfy air conditioning. Ahhhh ...

1. Explore the revamped Caring Cove play area at the Seattle Aquarium to check in on our favorite marine-dwelling neighbors. parentmap.com/caring-cove

2. Monster Mini Golf is a hoppin’ new indoor play destination on the Eastside that offers an all-ages, kid-friendly party vibe. parentmap.com/monster-golf

3. Visit the recently expanded and marvelous Imagine Children’s Museum — it’s an even bigger family favorite now. parentmap.com/imagine

4. Pacific Science Center is the place to get your kids’ hands on all kinds of scien-terrific fun. pacificsciencecenter.org

5. Another family favorite, Seattle Children’s Museum, debuted some fun new stuff last year. Have you been? parentmap.com/scm

6. For dino-mite good times with young kids, check out the fantastic Burke Museum. parentmap.com/burke

7. A hot day might be the ideal time to splurge on a visit to the interactive and unusual new WNDR Seattle Museum. parentmap.com/wndr

8. Discover a new play paradise on our long list of indoor play spaces around

Seattle. parentmap.com/play-inside

9. For the bookworms among us, why not visit a terrific new-to-you library (parentmap.com/libraries) or browse new reads at fab(led) local independent bookstores (parentmap.com/indie).

10. Why not visit a beautiful museum that is the perfect place for a quiet-ish game of I spy? parentmap.com/asian-art

11. Ice, ice, babies … Channel your inner  Brandon Tanev or Yanni Gourde while working on your skating skills at the Kraken Community Iceplex. parentmap.com/iceplex

12. The Harbor History Museum is just the kind of museum kids like — there’s so much to touch — and it’s free. parentmap.com/harbor-history ■

Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s Out + About editor.

July 7-11

MLB All-Star Week is Coming to Seattle!

Experience fun-filled events happening all week with something for the whole family!

T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field

Tickets for All-Star Week events available at allstargame.com.

Safari at Southcenter Mall. Photo by JiaYing Grygiel

MLB All-Star Week is coming to Seattle and has something for the whole family! Experience the fun-filled events happening every day July 7 through July 11. Tickets for several All-Star events are available now—visit allstargame.com to buy yours, or come out to the outdoor portion of Capital One PLAY BALL PARK free all week.