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Fear in the Age of AI 6 A psychologist explores the impact of this rapidly evolving technology on our kids

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38 But as with social media, AI can also be addictive, developmentally distorting, and sometimes even lethal. p. 6

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DE AR R E AD ER

What Deserves Our Fear?

JANUARY 2026, VOL. 23, NO. 1

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What’s your family’s vibe going into 2026 — summed up in a movie title?

EDITORIAL HEAD OF CONTENT + STRATEGY Kristen Russell

A few years ago, I let my daughter walk to a friend’s house by herself. She had done it before; it was right down the street, I reassured myself. I waved goodbye and off she went. Around dinner time, I texted the friend’s mom asking her to send my daughter home. My daughter wasn’t there. “That’s weird. She must have gone to a different friend’s house,” I reasoned. It wouldn’t be the first time. So I texted that mom. She wasn’t there either. I texted three other neighborhood moms before dashing to my car to look for her, desperately trying to remember what she had been wearing that day, just in case.

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Fighting back panic, I reminded myself the chances of a stranger kidnapping were infinitesimal; an accident would be more likely. I scanned the edges of the everdarkening streets for her pink jacket, as I pulled into one last driveway. If she wasn’t there, I had decided I would call the police. With my heart in my throat, I rang the doorbell.

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As parents, we have to manage fear on a daily basis, weighing what actually warrants our concern as we navigate our children’s safety. When they’re little, things like scraping a knee or falling off a bike are what we fear. As they grow older, we worry about our kids being bullied or getting into an accident. With the advent of AI, there’s a new, rapidly evolving technology we now have to factor into this equation. And we’ve been here before with smartphones, eagerly embracing a revolutionary new product because it promised connection and convenience. Little did we know they would quietly rewire childhood along the way. Dr. Laura Kaster argues we have a chance to stay ahead of the curve this time — to do better than we did with smartphones — in her feature article “Should Parents Fear AI?” (p. 6). It’s a question we’re all grappling with and it requires our attention. You’ll also find plenty of ways to keep the winter blues at bay. First with our monthly Play List (p. 38) and then with our glow-in-the-dark activity ideas (p. 33). Both are sure to keep your family entertained during January’s blustery days. As for what happened with my daughter, she was at that house, safe and sound, without a care in the world. – Allison Sutcliffe, managing editor

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FE ATURE

Should Parents Fear AI?

A psychologist’s take on kids using AI for mental health

By Laura Kastner, Ph.D. Should parents fear artificial intelligence? In one word: Yes. But maybe, just maybe, we’ll get our act together in time to prevent the doomsday scenarios. Like most psychologists, I’m both captivated and concerned by this brave new world. Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio — two of the granddaddies of AI — have repeatedly sounded alarms about the possibility that AI could one day surpass human control or even pose existential risks to humanity. That’s enough to make any parent (or psychologist) both AI-curious, and slightly terrified.

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But let’s talk about what parents need to know for their kids right now. Not about doomsday scenarios, job implications or even college majors, but what your child or teen is doing in their bedroom, with chatbots. So, where do we start? When people tell me, “Hey, it’s just a tool and the genie is out of the bottle,” I remind them cars were once new tools, too. But good governmental practices pushed for traffic lights, seat belts and driver’s education early on. With AI, the tool is

a rocket ship, and our kids are already boarding it and zooming off into uncharted emotional galaxies while parents are still reading the instruction manual. It mirrors the smartphone and social media revolution of the early 2010s. Kids are increasingly interacting with chatbots without adults fully grasping what’s happening. How many parents and teens regret how real-life interactions took a backseat to digital life? Don’t we all wish Big Tech had been regulated with age verification, restric-

tions for younger teens and government oversight?

topics). This balancing process is the foundation of effective therapy.

AI feels overwhelming for most parents; I get it. Learning how addictive smartphones are was mind-blowing too. But if kids are chatting with bots every day, parents can’t afford to bury their heads in the sand again.

I practice skills in therapy sessions and I give homework, while trying to stay fun, unpredictable and as supportive as any bot. But chatbots are available 24/7, can debate Dungeons & Dragons minutiae endlessly (or any other obsessive interest or trendy issue), and will avoid any mental health advice kids don’t want to, but may need to, hear. Their goal: to keep kids engaged for as many hours as possible. Rewarding dependency is built in.

It’s a familiar cautionary tale on the technology developer side, too. Companies are again driving the innovation, selling the public on the benefits while kids form all-purpose relationships with AI systems that can do homework, act as friends, and dispense romantic or mental-health advice. Sometimes it’s benign, even helpful. But as with social media, AI can also be addictive, developmentally distorting, and sometimes even lethal. With AI, the chatbot can appear like a helpful genie, benevolent and even wise. But the exponential rise of its reach and sophistication far outpaces our ability to protect kids from fake friends, sexualized chatmates and unregulated conversations that can mimic therapy. So yes, we should be fearful — but also hopeful that, collectively, we’ll rise to the challenge. And a confession: When I read many of the supportive, encouraging and helpful bot responses from uploaded conversations kids have with their bots, I must admit, they’re impressive. Patient, validating and very, very kind. But the downsides can be devastating. When kids use chatbots as therapists “Hey, can we review the CBT chart that you were going to complete this week?” I ask this gently, already knowing the answer. My teen patient smiles, shrugs and pivots to the latest school drama. Every therapist who works with adolescents knows the dance: balancing “doing the work” (mood logs, coping skills, exposure exercises and other types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy homework) with what teens actually want to talk about (friends, parents, breakups, social stress and other

So it didn’t surprise me when I began reading transcripts between teens and their online “friends” — chat tools that many young people now turn to for emotional connection and advice. The tone was familiar: casual, confessional, sometimes raw. These kids weren’t signing up for mental-health apps. They were just chatting, and, for some, finding unexpected comfort. On social platforms like Reddit, teens write about the emotional pull of their digital confidants: “It’s like having a virtual therapist in my pocket at all times. But I still prefer real-life human interaction.” — Reddit user, r/AskReddit thread “My AI friend just gets me. But when I told it I felt like hurting myself, it said, ‘You deserve to feel better 😊,’ and changed the topic.” — Teen user, Character.AI discussion board “If it’s free, they’re probably selling my data.” — 15-year-old participant, U.K. focus group, Liverpool John Moores University study (2023) These snapshots illustrate both the appeal and the peril: the warmth and availability of a “friend” that never tires — and the absence of accountability

when distress deepens. What the research says So what does the data actually show? Research confirms that this trend is widespread and complex. According to Common Sense Media’s 2025 Talk, Trust and Trade-Offs report, roughly three-quarters of U.S. teens have experimented with AI chatbots as companions, often seeking empathy, humor or privacy. Many use them when they feel lonely or misunderstood. Studies from Frontiers in Psychology, JMIR Formative Research and JMIR Mental Health reveal that teens find such tools helpful for everyday stress but “too impersonal for big problems.” Engagement often drops when the bot recommends reaching out for professional help. Safety audits show inconsistent crisis responses — some bots offer supportive messages, while others fail to move toward safety checks. Ultimately, clinicians are accountable to parents or guardians. Bots are not. Overall, researchers agree: While AI empathy is appealing, human oversight is irreplaceable. Why it’s different when therapists use apps It’s important to distinguish between therapist-supported mental-health apps and the unmonitored AI chatbot companion apps that have exploded in popularity. In clinical settings, therapists often assign apps as part of structured treatment (think of them as digital homework that reinforces skills learned in therapy). Tools like Calm and Headspace can help teens practice mindfulness and guided relaxation between sessions, while Woebot Health, a cognitive behavioral therapy-based chatbot developed by psychologists at Stanford University, prompts recording of daily thoughts or emotion tracking. When used this way, apps are supervised, evidence-based and goaldirected. The therapist monitors progress, interprets data and helps the PA R E N T M A P / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 / 7

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teen apply insights to real-life situations. That’s a far cry from an adolescent privately confiding in a free chatbot with unknown data practices, no clinical oversight, and algorithms optimized for engagement rather than well-being. In therapy, the app is a tool; outside therapy, the bot can become a substitute relationship.

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What worries clinicians When I read chat transcripts, what alarms me most is what happens after the bot detects risk. A teen confides suicidal thoughts; the bot briefly acknowledges concern, then pivots back to comforting emojis or casual banter. Because these systems are built to prioritize engagement — not safety — they may fawn or flatter rather than sustain a tough, necessary conversation about risk. Here’s the thing: AI doesn’t mobilize, conduct a risk assessment or make a safety plan involving family and a care team. It just tries to keep the user engaged. It’s like the well-meaning friend who says, “Don’t be sad!” instead of the peer who says, “It’s time we involve some adults. I insist. I’m just a kid, not a professional.” As a psychologist, I know how carefully I must walk that line, listening with empathy, but also pushing when safety is at stake. Even if AI systems encourage parent or adult involvement, they’re still bots. They can’t make it happen. Every AI chatbot should have a back-end monitoring system that alerts a professional or parent when danger escalates. Anything less is malpractice by design. If we can build cars that beep when you drift out of your lane, surely we can build AI that pings a parent when their kid says, “I don’t want to live anymore.” Should bots require mandatory consent for this emergency algorithm? Absolutely.

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The illusion of needing 100 percent confidentiality in child and teen therapy After 30 years of practice with thousands of families, I’ve seen the same pattern: When given a choice, teens often prefer to keep parents out of treatment. That’s understandable. And for much of therapy, privacy is crucial. But involving parents, guardians or even school counselors can be key to progress. Clinicians can keep sessions confi-

dential while still offering parenting guidance, psychoeducation and practical strategies that make a world of difference. Bots don’t do any of this! Research overwhelmingly shows that parent involvement in treatment improves outcomes for anxiety, depression and behavioral struggles. When a teen relies solely on an AI “friend,” that circle of care shrinks to a screen. Parents lose opportunities to model coping, validate emotions or change patterns at home, which are often the critical levers of healing.

® The appeal (and the trap) of AI chatbot companions Why teens love AI chats: • Always available, judgment-free, endlessly patient • No waitlists, no cost, no awkward first sessions • Privacy from parents and everyone else • Feels secret and intimate

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How parents can talk to their kids about AI chatbots • Get curious, not alarmed. Ask, “Have you ever talked to an AI or chatbot when you were upset?” Keep your tone neutral and genuinely interested. • Discuss digital boundaries. Agree on what’s okay to share online—and when a parent or trusted adult should be looped in. • Offer better options. If your teen likes chatting, introduce apps with proven safety and structure, such as Sparx2, Blueice or Mindshift CBT. • Teach discernment with humor. Tell them, “AI’s job is to keep you chatting. My job is to keep you safe. Guess which one loves you more?” • Reaffirm connection. The best buffer against anxiety and depression is still a strong bond with parents, prosocial peers and caring adults.

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FE ATUR E

continued from page 9

Broader worries from inside the field Even AI insiders share concerns about children using AI chatbots for companionship. Researchers and safety experts warn that one of the toughest challenges — alignment with expectations and intentions — still isn’t solved. Speaking plainly, that means we don’t yet know how to ensure AI systems reliably reflect human values or avoid harmful goals. In other words, the technology that feels so smart and helpful still doesn’t have the same kind of moral compass or safety rails that humans do. Bottom line AI companions can feel like warm, nonjudgmental friends, but they aren’t therapists and they aren’t family. Healing happens through human relationships that include accountability, empathy and growth. As parents, our job is to stay connected enough when our kids include us in real chatting, so that they’ll still turn to us when it really matters.

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Resources for parents Common Sense Media: Parent reviews of mental-health and AI companion apps, plus the Getting Help Online youth report. National Alliance on Mental Illness: Guides for recognizing depression and anxiety, helplines and parent resources. The Jed Foundation: Youth-driven education on mental-health safety and digital wellbeing. Therapist-recommended, evidence-based apps to try: • Calm – Mindfulness and meditation exercises for stress regulation • Headspace – Guided relaxation, focus and breathing tools • Woebot Health – CBT-based chatbot developed by psychologists teaches coping strategies • Sparx2 – Gamified CBT for teen depression • BlueIce – Self-harm prevention adjunct to therapy • MindShift CBT – Teen-friendly anxiety management tool

Laura Kastner, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, author and University of Washington faculty member. She writes and speaks on adolescent development and parenting for the ParentMap ParentEd Talk Series.

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Simple ideas get your family through a day off from school By Allison Sutcliffe

Once winter break is over, I think parents and schools should have a pact: no snow days and no random days off, for a few weeks anyway. But January, I know you better than that. Even if Martin Luther King Jr. Day wasn’t already circled on my calendar, I don’t trust your stormy, wintry weather one bit. My prediction? You’ll find yourself with a kid at home at least one random day this month. So whenever you find yourself looking for life beyond the living room, desperate to avoid the screen-time spiral that so often accompanies a day without school, pull out one of these ideas. They will get you out of the house and hopefully preserve your sanity too.

Park in Seattle, Bellevue Botanical Gardens and Coal Creek Trail in Bellevue. • Drop into a board game store near you and try a new game from their game closet. • Go tubing or skiing for the day. Or stop at a Sno-Park along Interstate 90 to build snowmen and enjoy the day. • Take a day trip and get to know a new part of the state.

• Find a no-school day camp. Lots of local camps and parks departments offer them, especially on federal or state holidays. • Find an indoor climbing gym and let the kids climb those walls for a while. • Go skating at an indoor rink — ice or roller, both work. • Visit your favorite indoor playground or trampoline park so kids can bounce around the room. • Play mini golf at an indoor course or take the kids bowling. • Drop in at a local art studio during open studio hours to create something together. • Go for a hike if it’s not too cold or too wet. Some of my favorite places to

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explore on a day off are Discovery

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• Play all day at one of our state’s fantastic children’s museums — they’re always a hit with kids. • Find outdoor art in Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle or Price Sculpture Forest on Whidbey Island. • Volunteer as a family. • Tuck in at a local coffee shop with books and games to play.

■

Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor.

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Shrink the Goal, Watch Them Grow Micro-steps parents can take to help kids stick with good habits and routines By Lisa Franz

Recently, my son swapped his braces for retainers. While he was thrilled, I foresaw a long stretch of nagging: constant reminders to put them in before bed, to wear them after meals, to keep track of the tiny plastic case, to clean them properly, and not to leave them on a napkin at a restaurant. A few days after he got them, I knocked on his bedroom door, a lecture ready on my lips. I paused. Solving this problem for him would steal his agency. Instead, we talked. He wanted three days to build a system. He was well-versed in the habit ladder, a behavior-building tool we use as a family and that I use with my cli-

ents, so he proposed a plan. He would start with a micro-goal — like wearing the retainers just at night; prompted by a rock-solid reminder such as placing the case on his pillow. He’d set his own pace for adding more hours, and use quick feedback and reflection — checking in each morning to determine how it went. I agreed with his plan. Truthfully, I was thrilled. If he figured it out, it would be a huge win. Routines aren’t just about making life easier for parents. They’re a training ground for kids, too. Each time children take responsibility, whether it’s unpacking a backpack or brushing teeth without a reminder, they’re strengthening skills

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that will serve them long past childhood. Parents, in turn, get a reprieve from constant reminders, shifting the household dynamic from nagging to shared responsibility. Why do new habits so often fail? There are several reasons: • The goals are too big. While brushing teeth might feel like a small goal, an even smaller goal for kids is meeting parents in the bathroom at 7 p.m. every night without reminders. • We don’t make the new goal fun. Sometimes there is nothing fun about brushing teeth. But racing to the bathroom by 7 p.m. and having a clear winner who collects points toward a prize is fun. • The habit floats in space. For kids, a habit without an anchor is easy to forget or skip because they don’t naturally track time. Tether a new habit to a crystal-clear reminder, such as an alarm going off, turning the TV off or putting pajamas on. That’s tricky if your evenings are already chaotic, or if fatigue wipes out cues. Our family’s retainer problem is the perfect example of a hard-to-build habit. My son had to pop his retainers in and out all day. How could he ever remember? I thought he never would, but his playbook proved me wrong. To start, he associated the new habit with his existing routine, in which he obsessively checks for his wallet, earbuds and phone before leaving any space — his rock-solid cue. Now he keeps the case in the same pocket as those items, adding it to his routine check. If the case rattles, he realizes his retainers are not in. If the case is not there, he knows to check his surroundings.

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Next, he set a tiny goal. His only job during the first week was to remember to wear them 50 percent of the day (an average of five out of 10 times). That was an easy day-one win and, more importantly, gave him proof he could succeed. If he reached a five at the end of his day, he treated himself to a hard candy, something he could not have with braces. Each day, he kept score informally. After one week, he checked his progress. Then he chose

between two options: stay steady for another week or increase the target by one point. He chose the increase — aiming for a six out of 10 average — because the goal felt close and the reward (candy) felt real. After two solid weeks succeeding at that level, he nudged himself to nine out of 10. Because this was a self-imposed goal, he wanted to succeed. He didn’t want to waste the 18 months he had spent in braces. Now we hardly mention the retainer: The pocket check provided the cue, the scorecard delivered instant feedback and the incremental ramp-up kept motivation flowing without a power struggle. Key steps to building a successful habit: • Start with a micro-goal that feels achievable.

• Set the mini‑goal. Shoot for seven parade laps after 10 meals this week. • Let them level up. Did they hit the target? If so, your child decides: stay at seven for more practice or aim for eight next week. • Sweeten the deal. Two victorious weeks unlock a prize they pick: an extra scoop of fruit, the power to pick the dinner music, whatever feels special.

• Link the new habit to an existing routine or cue. • Let your child participate in setting the pace and tracking progress. • Use immediate feedback and small, meaningful rewards. Habit-building strategies by age group Ages 3 to 5: The Plate Parade A playful family I know streamed a marching song on their smart speaker every night right after dinner. Their preschooler loved it so much they turned cleanup into a daily “plate parade,” realizing they could use this cue to lock in the habit they had been trying to build. Two weeks later, she was asking for the song, and the habit had taken hold. • Choose the cue. Use music or mini‑drawing at eye level on the child’s chair back.

Ages 6 to 10: Dinner Diva Duty Make a chore into playtime or theatrics for a child who still enjoys make-believe but won’t admit it. Set a timer. When the kitchen timer belts out its ding! the Dinner Diva steps onto the stage. A placemat becomes the stage, forks and cups line up like backup dancers and your smart speaker or child can provide the set list.

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• Choose the cue. Timer ding — that’s the diva’s cue to take the stage. • Just for fun, rate the performance. Using a scale of 1 to 10 (10 = flawless set or 1 = missed the show) give your child some fun feedback. • Set the goal. Average four nights of setting the table without an extra reminder. When the goal is met, decide to rehearse one more week or aim for five nights next week. • Round of applause. Two star‑quality weeks earn a perk of the diva’s choice: maybe headlining Friday’s take‑out pick or choosing the dinner playlist. Ages 9 to 12: DIY Deli Boss A friend’s son built his lunch-packing routine step-by-step. First he prepped the sandwich nightly. Then he gradually added more items, until he was packing a full lunch without reminders. This is an ideal age for habit-building because children’s executive functions, such as planning, sequencing and working memory, are strengthening, making it possible to take on multi-step routines with less parental prompting.

Logical + Imaginative + Intense + Verbal + Observant + Hands-on Although gifted children from all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds exhibit these qualities every day, they still may be overlooked in class. Not so at Seattle Country Day School. We offer all our students an environment where they can ask questions, create, and grow intellectually and emotionally. See if SCDS is right for your child. Reach out today to admissions@seattlecountryday.org. Seattle Country Day School For gifted children, K–8 seattlecountryday.org/admissions

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• Week 1: The night before school, lay out the lunchbox and ingredients; your child adds just one item (i.e., the sandwich) each evening until a five‑night streak is solid. • Week 2: Keep a simple checklist on the counter and have your child pack the sandwich plus one extra item (fruit or snack) while you give a quick reminder; after five smooth nights, let them choose to repeat or move up. • Week 3: Drop the verbal reminder but keep the checklist; your child now packs the full lunch — sandwich, fruit, snack and water — nightly. After two clean weeks they earn Friday “chef’s choice” (they pick a special treat to add). • Week 4 and beyond: Retire the checklist so the cue becomes placing the lunchbox on the counter after dinner. Once ten nights run flawlessly without prompts, making lunch is officially on autopilot. Ages 13 to 18: Sleep‑Mode Maestro One teen I work with negotiated a deal with her parents to reduce nagging about screen time at continued on page 23

A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Good Growing

Winter 2026

Celebrate Your Unique Child Take a moment to think about how your child is truly unique: their personality, temperament, behaviors, strengths, challenges, physical appearance and much more. Each child is a wonderful mix that’s all their own. Here’s some inspiration as you appreciate and celebrate your one-of-a-kind child. Honor their individuality. It’s normal for kids to feel they must conform to fit in with their peers. Help your child understand that their unique qualities are their strengths — point them out! Find video clips of their favorite celebrities talking about how insecure or ‘weird’ they were as kids. Talk with your child about people you both admire, and the qualities that make them unusual or special. Support their interests. Kids develop specific interests at a surprisingly young age. Whatever lights them up, go with it! Ask them to teach you their favorite game, visit a dinosaur museum, share in the music they love, take a train ride, learn the starting lineup of their favorite team, and attend their games, concerts and other events. Help them explore their passions through lessons — in music, dance, sports, language or handcrafts. Encourage and reward curiosity. Talk with your child in a way that opens them up and fuels their curiosity. Great conversations start with openers such as “What do you think about…” and “What would you do if…” and “I wonder why…”. Family meals and car trips are ideal for these explorations. Encourage them to ask their own questions and form their own opinions.

Focus on their efforts. Especially for kids, the effort is more important than the result. For kids to be willing to try new things, they must be confident enough to take risks and embrace their failures. Real progress often involves a steep learning curve and plenty of mistakes. Help them get comfortable with their discomfort. Avoid comparisons. Resist comparing a child to their siblings or friends. Some kids are love-to-stay-home bookworms and others are always-on-the-go extroverts. Also respect that your child is growing and changing; don’t compare them to their younger self. Avoid comments like “You used to be…”. or “I wish you were still…”. Model self-love. Your child is watching you more than you realize, and you’re their biggest influencer. Treat yourself well, both physically and emotionally.

Work toward a healthy, balanced life. Pursue your interests. Speak kindly about yourself and others. Let your child see you as the genuine person you are. Your child will face challenges all through their life. Embracing their own uniqueness is key to their self-esteem — and it will help them stay strong, optimistic and resilient. SCAN FOR PARENTING RESOURCES

A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Seizures in Kids About 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, a seizure involves a sudden change in a child’s consciousness (awareness), motor activity or physical sensation. We may think of seizures as being dramatic and involving many muscle groups. But they can also be subtle, causing a child to suddenly freeze and stare into space. A seizure can be an isolated, one-time event. When someone has more than one seizure without a clear trigger, this is called epilepsy.

Keep Moving, All Through Winter! Don’t let winter weather slow your child down — be sure they’re getting their daily dose of active play. Toddlers and preschoolers need at least 3 hours of physical activity every day, or about 15 minutes for every hour they’re awake. Kids 6 and older need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week. Dress for the weather (including waterproof footwear and warm socks) and go outside. Stomp in puddles, romp in the snow or take a family walk through a scenic park or neighborhood — or find a covered outdoor playground near you. Bring along hot drinks in a thermos, plus healthy snacks to keep everyone fueled. Seek out inside activities, too. Explore free or low-cost indoor play options like community centers and swimming pools. School sports, whether indoors or outdoors, are ideal for both exercise and social connection. Whatever you do, have fun and keep moving — it boosts both your physical and mental health! SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Different things can cause a seizure, and doctors can’t always pinpoint the exact cause. Brain tumors, strokes, genetic disorders and metabolic disorders — although uncommon — can be causes. Head injuries, including concussion, may cause seizures. Sometimes, seizures are triggered by a temporary problem such as a high fever, infection or exposure to poisons including alcohol or some medicines. Certain conditions can look like seizures but are not. Migraines, sleep disorders, stress, mental health issues or a sudden drop in blood pressure can all trigger symptoms that can be mistaken for seizures. For kids and their families, a seizure can be very scary to have and to witness. If a child has even one seizure, they need an evaluation by a pediatric specialist to decide if they need treatment — and if so, the right amount of treatment. Follow the QR code below for information on the First Seizure Clinic at Seattle Children’s. SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Chores for All Ages When kids do chores, it helps them develop important life skills while bonding them to the family. Age-appropriate chores help even the youngest children build their listening skills, motor skills, common sense, self-confidence, independence and much more. Very young children can put away their toys, books and clothes, and help with laundry, pet care and garden chores. As their strength and coordination improve, kids can advance into carrying in groceries and putting them away, helping with meal preparation and cleanup, caring for houseplants, vacuuming, doing their own laundry and tackling heavier yard work. Tweens and teens can take on adult chores and errands, especially once they’re driving. To help ensure a kid’s success, parents must be patient and hold realistic expectations. Parents can also offer clear instructions, positive reinforcement, and of course role modeling. When your child sees you do your own chores carefully and with a cheerful attitude, you’re setting an example that will serve them for the rest of their lives. SCAN TO LEARN MORE

A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Here’s Why Antibiotics Often Aren’t Needed When your child or teen is sick, you want them to feel better — fast! And when you take them to their doctor, it can be tempting to request antibiotics. It may feel like that’s the best way to help them. But often, antibiotics aren’t needed and shouldn’t be given.

Cold-Weather Car Seat Safety

Not all infections can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to help treat infections caused by bacteria.

cause pain and a fever. At least half of all ear infections go away on their own, without antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend that you simply treat the pain for a while; if things don’t improve, antibiotics may be given. Antibiotic resistance is a serious, growing problem. This happens when ‘bad’ bacteria mutate (change) and no longer respond to antibiotics. This can make it very

In cold weather, be sure your child’s clothing allows them to fit snugly and securely in their car seat. Kids should not wear bulky or puff y clothing, because it can make the harness straps fit improperly. In a crash, the material suddenly flattens from the force, creating extra space under the harness. A child can slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat. Instead, start with thin, warm layers (such as fleece and leggings) to be sure the harness fits snugly. Add a hat, gloves and coldweather footwear for warmth when needed. After your child is buckled in, you can then lay a coat or a blanket over the harness to keep them warm and safe. SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CAR SEAT SAFETY

If your child is sick from a virus (colds and stomach illnesses are usually caused by a virus) antibiotics won’t help. When do antibiotics help? For infections caused by certain bacteria — such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, certain skin infections and bacterial pneumonia — antibiotics are likely to be prescribed. Lab tests may be needed before antibiotics are given. Your child’s doctor may take samples of your child’s blood or urine, or other samples, to run lab tests that look for bacteria. These tests can show if your child needs an antibiotic at all — and if they do, which one will work best. Scan QR Code

Ear infections can be tricky. Ear infections can be caused by either viruses or bacteria, and either type can

diﬃcult and sometimes even impossible to treat some infections. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed, or taking them incorrectly, worsens this problem. Work with your child’s doctor. No matter what causes your child’s illness, talk with their doctor to find a solution. The best treatment may or may not include antibiotics. SCAN TO VISIT THE SYMPTOM CHECKER

A SEATTLE CHILDREN’S PUBLICATION

Classes and Events

About Good Growing

Please check seattlechildrens.org/classes 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 free, on-demand lecture, in English or Spanish, at seattlechildrens.org/autism101. Conversations About Autism View past sessions at seattlechildrens.org/conversationsaboutautism. Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start This free, on-demand, self-paced class is available in English and Spanish. Learn more and watch a recording at seattlechildrens.org/classes. Behavior Basics Learn more about this free, on-demand, selfpaced class for parents and caregivers of children ages 5 to 12 with disruptive behaviors at seattlechildrens.org/classes. Youth Mental Health First Aid Funded by the King County MIDD Behavioral Health Sales Tax, supporting behavioral health and recovery. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes. Your Child With Disabilities Is Turning 18 Learn more and watch this free class in English, Spanish or Vietnamese at seattlechildrens.org/classes.

CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center Classes and Outings Check out the lifelong learning opportunities for people 18 and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Visit seattlechildrens.org/clinics/alyssa-burnettadult-life-center. Better Babysitters Choose a virtual or in-person class in Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way or Seattle. 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) Choose virtual or in-person in Bellevue or Seattle. 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 Car-Seat Checks Seattle: Check dates online Bellevue: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month Federal Way: Second Thursday of every month 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 southsnoﬁ re.org/ community-programs/classes/car-seats. 2026 ParentEd Talks Seattle Children’s is the proud Presenting Sponsor of ParentMap’s ParentEd Talks series, providing expert guidance and heartfelt inspiration to help you on your parenting journey. Register for the series today at parentmap.com/ talks/parent-ed-virtual-parenting-speaker-series.

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. © 2026 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Wash.

SEATTLE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Regional Clinic Locations Bellevue Everett Federal Way Olympia Tri-Cities Wenatchee Primary Care Clinics Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic Richmond Pediatrics University Place Pediatric Clinic Hospital Numbers 206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (toll-free) Online Resources Visit seattlechildrens.org for: Child health advice Healthy Tides newsletter Doctor Finder The Autism Blog Medical condition information Health and safety information Giving to Seattle Children’s Research Institute information Find us online

RA I S I N G GR E AT K ID S

five minutes to the alarm to get your teen off the screen before bed at the time you wish.

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bedtime: after docking her phone before bedtime for 10 nights, she earned a weekend pass to sleep in. By month’s end, she regularly shut down her device and her grades improved with better sleep. Here’s how she did it. • Week 1: Set a phone alarm for 10 minutes before lights out and add a verbal “screens off” reminder. Dock the device every night until your teen hits a five‑night streak. • Week 2: Keep the 10‑minute alarm but drop the verbal cue. When five more nights go smoothly, let your child decide whether to repeat the week or to shut their device off even earlier before bed. Be careful as you add time; be sure to troubleshoot by having other activities cued up to occupy your screen-o-phile before bed. • Week 3 and beyond: Keep adding

Practice, play, repeat: How habits take root in the brain Whatever goal you pick, keep it fun and realistic. Biologically speaking, habits grow when the brain rewires itself through repetition — strengthening synapses and adding a fresh coat of myelin to the neural route so signals travel with less friction. Both intrinsic joy and small incentives can play a role in helping to build those new brain patterns. When a habit is new, the “spark” often comes from a small, tangible incentive: a sticker on a chart, 10 minutes of game time, a goofy family badge for being the Laundry Legend. That external boost buys enough repetitions for the brain to start wiring in its own payoff: the pride of indepen-

dence, the relief of a smoother morning, the thrill of competence. Think of the sticker as training wheels; once the ride feels fun, kids pedal for the wind in their face, not the sticker. Even adults need roughly 30 to 60 focused reps to make a habit routine, so the more painless (and playful) we make those reps, the likelier they are to stick. When the habit isn’t sticking, run this three‑step scan 1/ Shrink the task. If “pack the backpack” flops, start with gathering it all on the table or by the door. Celebrate that micro‑win for a week, then add the next piece, unzipping the bag and stuffing it all in. 2/ Check timing and state. Tired or hungry brains balk. Shift the routine to a fresher time slot (post‑snack, not pre‑bed) and pair it with a

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calming cue such as music, or stowing the snack plate in the sink. 3/ Find the snag. Ask, “What’s the hardest part?” Fix only that. If putting the shoes in the entryway feels too hard, move the shoe rack next to the couch for one week. By removing a single point of friction (in this case, distance), the routine could click without overhauling anything else. Red flag signals: When simple scaffolds aren’t enough Most kids balk at chores now and then. But consider a deeper look if your child: • Consistently forgets multistep tasks even after weeks of practice and visual aids. • Melts down or shuts down whenever a routine changes or a timer beeps. • Avoids basic self‑care far beyond age norms (e.g., a 10‑year‑old who can’t dress or pack without hands‑on help). These patterns can point to executive function delays or learning differences. The first step is to document what you see. Jot down specific examples — how often, which tasks and what triggers overwhelm. Then, talk to your child’s teacher, counselor or pediatrician to get another perspective. Pediatricians can help you decide if an executive function evaluation makes sense. Lastly, frame any outside help as teamwork. Tell your child, “We’re going to find tools that fit you, just like new shoes fit your feet.” Final thoughts Routines don’t happen overnight. Start with a single micro-goal and anchor it to an existing cue. Add a bit of fun. This way, your child feels empowered to steer the ramp-up and own their success. Coach patiently and remember you’re not just growing habits, you’re growing a young brain that can build its own habits long after you’re out of sight. That’s the real payoff, and it’s worth every sticker, timer beep and high‑five along the way.

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Lisa Franz is an educator and executive function coach with over two decades of experience helping parents navigate their children’s educational journeys.

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FAITH-FILLED, QUALITY EDUCATION RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

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Visit our Our schools in North, Central, website for and South Seattle will be more info! hosting open houses this coming winter.

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Everyday moments that count By Janeen Lewis

1/6/25 1:28 PM

Fun in your inbox

Grow Your Preschooler’s Math Brain We all cheer when our children sing the alphabet song for the first time or recite bedtime stories from memory. Parents understand how vital reading is to future school achievement. But did you know preschool math has just as big of an impact on preschool brains? Research shows that early math ability is just as strong a predictor of future academic success as reading skills. Fortunately, preschool math is everywhere young children live and play. Whether it’s counting goldfish during snack, sorting socks during chore time or identifying foam numbers in the bath, here are some ways to engage little learners in the world of math. Laundry lessons Sort the laundry by colors, family members or type of clothing (pants, skirts or shirts). Have your preschooler match the socks. If you have socks left over, introduce the concept of even and odd. Matches make even numbers; leftover socks make odd numbers. On a roll Card and dice games teach children how to subitize. Subitizing is the ability to look at small sets of numbers and quickly know how many numbers are in the set. An example of subitizing is automatically knowing the number when rolling dice without counting dots. This is an important skill that preschoolers will need later when they add and subtract. Not just fun and games The number line is a powerful visual model for

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

adding and subtracting, and Chutes and Ladders is an engaging way to use that model. Other preschooler board games that support early math skills are Hi Ho! Cherry-O and Feed the Wozzle. Math through movement Preschoolers love to be active, and physical exercise is a way for preschoolers to practice counting and learn directionality vocabulary. Have your preschooler count the number of jumping jacks, jump rope hops or toe touches he or she does. Play hopscotch and count the numbers as they jump. Math melodies Goofy songs and sayings help kids remember, and preschoolers are totally into silly. Sing math songs in the car, while you swing and when you are doing chores. “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” “The Ants Go Marching On” and “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” are good examples of catchy rhyming songs that get preschoolers’ attention. Numberock has fun math videos and songs for preschoolers and older children. If your child loves reading, many traditional math songs and rhymes are made into books. Block power Stacking blocks or building with Lego bricks is a powerful way to build early math skills with preschoolers. Counting, measurement, pattern recognition and critical thinking skills that promote STEM are a few of the benefits of building with blocks.

D I S C O V E R DISCOVER

THE DIFFERENCE

THE

DIFFERENCE

Bubble bath math Preschoolers often end each day in the bathtub, another place for preschool learning. Foam numerals stick to the tub walls when they are wet. Call out a number and have your child quickly identify the correct foam numeral and slap it to the tub wall. Have your preschooler practice ordering and counting the foam numerals. Math for preschoolers is foundational, but it can also be fun. Try some of these ideas and pave the way to future successes in school and beyond.

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Janeen Lewis is a mom, teacher and writer. She loves to see young learners get excited about math.

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2026 Speaker Lineup Hosted by Dr. Laura Kastner, Ph.D. ParentMap is honored to present Laura Kastner as series host, guiding each speaker in an engaging, audience-driven Q&A. Dr. Kastner is a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington and author of the acclaimed “Getting to Calm” book series.

Inside the ADHD Mind: Tools to Help Your Child Thrive With ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani Jan. 21, 2026

The Boyhood Crisis: Raising Thriving Young Men in a Changing World With author Richard Reeves April 22, 2026

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The Family Tech Reset: Hope and Help for Rebuilding Connection With Better Screen Time founder Andrea Davis May 12, 2026

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FAMI LY F UN

Out + About

Sky Zone Trampoline Park Glow. Photo courtesy skyzone.com

Light Up the Night With These After-Dark Activities By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

The first couple months of the year can feel a bit gloomy with shorter days, cooler weather and less sunlight. One way to survive the Big Dark is to lean into it by getting out and doing fun activities in the dark. Try Cosmic Bowling with the family under black lights and glowing colors, play glow-in-the-dark mini golf, jump around to energetic music under black lights at a glow-inthe-dark trampoline park, fight battles in laser tag or take a spin on light-up Ice Bumper Cars. If it’s dry outside, get your nature fix after sunset with night skiing, a twilight snowshoe walk or go

tubing on slopes lit up with rainbow lights. Indoor winter fun Sky Zone Trampoline Park Glow, Tukwila Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers more than trampolines. Attractions such as a zip line, trapeze, climbing wall, wall-to-wall trampolines, free jumps, parkour, jousting, their signature Ninja Warrior Course and more activities that will allow kids (and their parents) to jump, fly, push limits and have fun. If your kids enjoy bouncing around at Sky Zone, they can level up the experience in the dark with Glow. On Fridays and

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Saturdays, 8–10 p.m., the lights go out and the black lights and energetic music come on to add a glow-in-the-dark twist. Tickets include a Glow T-shirt, which must be worn while playing. Monster Mini Golf, Bellevue Monster Mini Golf in Bellevue offers a variety of glow-in-the-dark activities. The mini golf course, lit by black lights, is filled with neon monsters and fantastical creatures for a fun putting experience. After you get your holein-one, head over to the mini bowling lanes for cosmic, glow-in-the-dark bowling. This mini bowling alley offers shorter, elevated lanes as well as lighter-than-usual balls and pins, which makes bowling more accessible. Best of all, no special shoes are required! Additionally, the arcade offers cuttingedge games and virtual reality attractions promise immersive escapades.

Ice Bumper Cars, Tacoma For a unique and colorful bumper car experience, try out the Ice Bumper Cars at Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma. Drive bumper cars directly on an ice rink, where you’ll not only bump but also spin 360 degrees. Ages 6 and older can ride on their own and kiddos 3 and older and under 42 inches can ride on a parent’s lap (free with a parent’s ticket). The lights on the rink are dim and the cars have changing colorful lights to amp up the illuminated experience. You can add on ice skating for $7, which I would recommend since the bumper car session is only 15 minutes. Tickets are $12. Check website for availability. Laser tag Laser tag is a fun game that can be played by both kids and adults. Run around a battlefield arena filled with obstacles, mazes and barriers lit up with LED or neon lights. Play in teams or

Round 1 Bowling & Arcade. Photo courtesy round1usa.com

individually, and tag other players while avoiding getting tagged yourself. Some arenas even include fog machines, ramps and different levels to add to the excitement. When choosing an arena, check height/age requirements and if reservations are needed. Play laser tag at Spaceland in Tacoma, Bullwinkles Family Fun Center in Tukwila, or Arena Sports in Issaquah or Mill Creek.

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Cosmic and Vibe Bowling Cosmic Bowling means that when regular lights go down, the black lights come on! Some alleys also have music, smoke machines and other lights, but all are neon, glowing fun. Vibe (Video Interactive Bowling Experience) bowling is also a way to liven up the game: The ball interacts with images in the lane. Think bubbles or butterflies trailing behind the ball as it rolls, plus many other lively projected scenes. Many bowling alleys offer helpers for younger kids, such as bumpers, ramps and lightweight balls, making bowling fun even for preschoolers. Wear your white and or neon colors for extra glowing fun. • The Chalet Bowl in Tacoma offers glow bowling Saturday nights, 5–6:30 p.m. • Round 1 in Puyallup and Tukwila offers Cosmic bowling and Vibe bowling daily. • Bowlero in Tukwila offers Cosmic bowling daily. • Monster Mini Golf in Bellevue has a mini cosmic alley with shorter, elevated lanes and no need for special shoes. • West Seattle Bowl in Seattle offers Vibe bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. • Lynnwood Bowl and Skate offers Cosmic bowling Tuesday nights and Friday through Sunday nights.

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Night tubing. Photo by Meredith Charaba

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Snowy fun under the stars Just because it’s dark at 4:30 p.m. doesn’t mean fun in the snow has to stop. Skiing, snowshoeing and tubing are all fun during the day, but downright magical at night. Whether you go tubing under rainbow lights, hit the slopes after dark or walk a trail under the stars. Night tubing at The Summit at Snoqualmie My family’s favorite place to go tubing, The Summit at Snoqualmie, offers more than tubing lanes plus an awesome covered conveyor belt that takes you back up the hill while you sit comfortably in your tube. They also feature night tubing with the lanes lit with rainbow lights to turn up your tubing

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experience on Friday and Saturday nights during Sessions 5 (5:15–7 p.m.) and 6 (7:15–9 p.m.). Tickets start at $20 for children; adult tickets start at $45. Available online only. Twilight snowshoe tours, White Pass If you have active kids ages 12 and older, try exploring the White Pass Nordic Center at night on snowshoes. Guides lead groups through parts of the Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot National Forests at night, which are magical as you navigate under the stars by moonlight or headlamp. After the tour, relax in the Nordic Yurt with light appetizers and beverages. Prices include snowshoes, headlamps, guided tour, appetizers and beverages. Tours are Dec. 27– Feb. 21, Saturdays, 4:30–6 p.m.

Night skiing Skiing doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Most of the ski resorts in our area offer fully lit slopes for skiing under the stars. Skiing at night is not only fun, but also often less crowded after sunset. Just remember that it will be colder at night, so bundle up in an extra layer or two and schedule in a hot chocolate break to warm up in between runs. Night skiing is offered at The Summit at Snoqualmie (night tubing as well), Crystal Mountain Resort, White Pass and Stevens Pass. Check website for lift ticket prices and availability.

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Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is an essayist, book author, freelance writer, writing instructor and mixed media artist.

LO CAL R ES O UR C ES / BI RT HDAYS

4 Easy Birthday Parties for Toddlers Cue the cake, cuteness and chaos By Allison Sutcliffe When it comes to throwing kids’ birthday parties, I’ve found the toddler years to be the toughest. They don’t really have friends, and their interests are — well, limited. Shapes, colors, balls and Mom, not necessarily in that order. Since cupcakes with your face plastered all over them probably isn’t the party vibe you’re going for, I’ve got a few other ideas that will make your toddler feel special. 1/ Backyard party • Vibe: Kids roam, adults chat and no one’s the wiser if the schedule falls apart, or better yet, if there wasn’t one in the first place • Activities: Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, tag, sprinkler and a bouncy house for older siblings • Favors: Bubble wand, or crayons and coloring book 2/ Stuffie party • Vibe: Toddlers bring their favorite stuffies, pj’s optional • Activities: Stuffie parade, stuffie hide-and-seek, stuffie hospital with plenty of bandages • Favors: Bandanas or little blankets for their stuffies

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3/ Art party • Vibe: Every kid’s an artist if you believe Picasso, throw on old T-shirts and embrace the mess (for an afternoon at least) • Activities: Painting, drawing, stamp art, butcher paper, sticker stations, no glitter • Favors: Sketch pad with washable markers 4/ Train party • Vibe: Traditional train meets toddler play, dress-up encouraged • Activities: Wooden train tracks building, train tag, Red light/green light • Favors: Train whistle and a red bandana

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FAM I LY F UN

January Play List Kick-start your new year with a rock-solid plan for family fun Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar

By Julie Dodobara

Welcome the new year with new adventures that expand your family’s horizons and make 2026 a year to remember! It all starts on day one: Put on your mittens and embark on a First Day Hike, or take them off and leap into icy waters for an exhilarating Polar Bear Plunge. Catch a show, visit a museum or celebrate the arts — however you choose to plan your January, my list of 15 family activities will give you something to talk about.

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� Not ready to say goodbye to the cheery lights illuminating our dark nights? Walk the Tacoma Light Trail, a series of light-art installations throughout Tacoma and brighten your evenings into January. Head to downtown Tacoma as well as the Hilltop and South Tacoma Way neighborhoods and beyond where artwork will be alit. Dec. 31–Jan. 11. Free. � Speaking of extending the holiday sparkle, it’s not too late to visit WildLanterns, Woodland Park Zoo’s enchanting light show. Lingering into the new year, WildLanterns is open Thursday–Sunday, through Jan.

18. It’s a bit of a splurge at $28.45–$35.95 per person, but your ticket purchase supports the animals in the zoo’s care.

� Bundle up and work off those holiday treats! Washington State Parks entices your family outdoors with two free-entry days this month, Jan. 1 and 19, when you don’t need to display a Discover Pass to park. Fresh air, tall trees and winter wildlife await. If you plan an outing for New Year’s Day, take advantage of one of the many guided snowshoe or hiking excursions offered through the state’s First Day Hikes event.

� Brr! Make a memorable start to the New Year with a very cold dip into local waters. Recruit the bravest members of your crew and show up for one of the many Polar Bear Plunges making a splash around the Sound. You’ll find events on Thursday, Jan. 1, in Seattle, Renton, Issaquah and Tacoma, to name a few. Times and fees vary; some are free. � Dress for the weather and don’t forget your boots — more outdoor fun is on the way. Explore the beach by moonlight at Seahurst Park in Burien alongside naturalists from the Environmental Science Center during a low

Highlighted Events for January

tide evening, Jan. 2, 30 and 31. Times vary, but range from 7:30–10:30 p.m. What fascinating critters will you spot with your headlamps? Preregister. Free.

� Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to spend a Saturday in downtown Seattle at the Seattle Art Museum making art and listening to live music inspired by the museum’s permanent collections. Then, wander the galleries to explore these exhibitions. Turn up Saturday, Jan. 3, 10 or 17, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. � Use those eagle eyes to spot majestic flyers during the Skagit Eagle Festival. Visit the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center at Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, then join a free guided nature walk at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. during weekends this month, Jan. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25. � Join the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community (BIJAC) as they ring in the new year the traditional way, at a celebratory Mochi Tsuki, where rice is cooked over an open fire and mochi (or rice cake) is pounded by hand using wooden mallets. Sample the finished product and enjoy taiko drum performances at Woodward Middle School, Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

Dec. 31–Jan. 11

Jan. 17 | Saturday

Jan. 21 | Wednesday

Tacoma Light Trail

Kidstock!

Neighborhoods throughout Tacoma

Edmonds Center for the Arts

ParentEd Talks with Dr. Sasha Hamdani

� Winter is a good time to visit Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum when it celebrates our coolest season at the annual Ice Adventures fest. This January, join Penguin Palooza and skate in your socks, watch frigid science experiments, explore glowing ice formation and more. The fun takes place Jan. 17–18, with special activities honoring Martin Luther King Jr., on Jan. 19. Included with admission. � Sing and dance along to Kindie fave Recess Monkey, join a puppet-making workshop, create traditional Mexican art, try out line dancing and more at Kidstock!, the free, full-day arts celebration especially for families with kids of all ages. Head to Edmonds Center for the Arts, Saturday, Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and join the nonstop fun. � Young readers will surely recognize the plea, “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” from the popular children’s book with the same name. Now a spirited musical, join Pigeon and his friends for a fun and wild ride filled with catchy tunes, laughs and lovable characters at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17–18 and 24–25 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. � Honor the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by

joining with the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition for its annual community rally and march, starting at Garfield High School. Monday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. Free.

� Our ParentEd Talks series welcomes board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani for an insightful Zoom talk about how better understanding of the ADHD brain leads to better support of our children. Tune in live Wednesday, Jan. 21, from noon–1 p.m. or receive the recording to watch anytime. $10 or $50 for the entire eight-talk series. Members of partner schools join for free. � Do you have a fan of scaly, slithery or unusual critters? Head to the largest reptile and exotic animal show in the Pacific Northwest at the Washington State Fair and

Online

Event Center in Puyallup, and meet tons of amphibians, arachnids, insects and other fascinating creatures. You can even bring a new friend home. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24–25. $7 child; $15 adult; ages 5 and younger free.

� This year The Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 100 years of mind-blowing trick shots and gravitydefying antics. Join the legendary team of skilled basketballers on this historic tour, as they dribble into town to perform at Angels of the Winds Arena in Everett at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. Tickets start at $43 per person. Or, catch a second show at the Showare Center in Kent, Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. with tickets starting at $45.

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Julie Dodobara is ParentMap’s calendar editor.

S P O N S O RED E VEN T

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