ParentMap November 2025 Issue by ParentMap

Pacific Northwest Grown 17 unique gifts for kids and adults — made by local parents

38/ November to Remember Embrace cozy season with a cornucopia of family-friendly activities

November 2025

8 Schools + Preschools 23

Day Play 32 Camps, Arts + Activities 36

Parenting

HOLIDAYS

Parent-Powered Presents 6

Our editor’s curated list of 17 locally made gifts that will please kids and parents alike

Gobble, Giggle, Game On! 36 19 silly activities that will liven up any family gathering

RAISING GREAT KIDS

Practicing Gratitude as a Family 21

An expert’s tips for cultivating a giving mindset with kids that lasts

EDUCATION

When Fall Conferences Go Awry 24

Keep your parent-teacher conference on track so you can support your child

FAMILY FINANCE

A Gift That Grows With Kids 28 It may be hard to wrap, but a college savings account always makes a great gift

Feature

HelpCity Seattle 13

Meet an inspiring group of volunteers supporting single mothers and widows in need

Family Fun

OUT + ABOUT Dream On 31

Step into a virtual world that brings your kid’s favorite video games to life

Make it a month to remember with 15 weatherproof activities for families

As seductive as a last-minute Amazon purchase may be, Seattle’s local shopping scene is

Photos by JiaYing Grygiel

We often donate to the FISH Food Bank in Gig Harbor, and my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop has donated cookie decorating kits to them for years.

I’m an avid Bloodworks Northwest blood donor and have encouraged eligible family members to donate too.

We also regularly support a Little Free Pantry that our church built and maintains. It’s a great way for kids to see their donations being used firsthand!

Ballard Food Bank. I also support our Little Free Pantries around the neighborhood.

EDITORIAL

HEAD OF CONTENT + STRATEGY

Kristen Russell

MANAGING EDITOR Allison Sutcliffe

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kari Hanson

FAMILY FUN EDITOR

Meredith Charaba

CALENDAR EDITOR

Julie Dodobara

COPY EDITOR Alex Frost

CONTRIBUTORS

JiaYing Grygiel, Kellie Schmitt

DIGITAL MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR Lindsey Carter

MARKETING DESIGN SPECIALIST Angela Goodwin

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Devon Hammer

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Brooke Collins

ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS + ADVERTISING SALES

Jessica Collet

SENIOR ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Ida Wicklund

EVENTS + COMMUNITY

PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST Brenna McCown

ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES SPECIALIST

Mallory Dehbod

CLIENT SERVICES

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Bronwyn Jones

DIGITAL ADVERTISING + MARKETING SPECIALIST

Taryn Weiner

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Tamryn Nell

ART + PRODUCTION

SENIOR DESIGNER Amy Chinn

ADMINISTRATION

BUSINESS MANAGER

Carolyn Brendel

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT Erika Widjaja

Wild Grief, an organization that takes grieving children into the wilderness. There is a long waiting list because they’re under-resourced.

I’ve been giving to KUOW for about 25 years. Public radio is important!

Cocoon House. They partner with families and youth to help prevent the cycle of homelessness.

Planned Parenthood. I’ve donated ever since my college days when they helped my friends and me with sound birth control and cancer screenings.

KidVantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner) does wonderful things for local children in need. I have volunteered there and always donate kid items to them when I can.

— Devon Hammer, marketing communications specialist

NOVEMBER 2025, VOL. 22, NO. 11

PUBLISHER Alayne Sulkin

PARENTMAP EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

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

Joan Duffell RETIRED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN

John Gottman, Ph.D. THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Laura Kastner, Ph.D. PSYCHIATRY + BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Bea Kelleigh VICE PRESIDENT, DOVETAILING, LLC

Yaffa Maritz, M.A. FOUNDER, LISTENING MOTHERS + COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL PARENTING

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINDSIGHT INSTITUTE

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ParentMap is published monthly.

Images courtesy of Awamaki, Spir Candle, The Pastry Project, and Refugee Artisan Initiative

Locally Made Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Our editor’s curated picks for the holiday season, featuring parent-made products and parent-owned companies

By Allison Sutcliffe

The holiday shopping season is almost here, and as seductive as a last-minute Amazon purchase may be (don’t even get me started on the convenience of a Target drive-up), Seattle’s local shopping scene is worth the extra effort. I love wandering through the shops atop Queen Anne, or ducking into stores along Rainier Avenue South, while I’m waiting for a table at Geraldine’s Counter. And when I know that shop is parent-owned, it makes the experience that much better. So as you head out in search of the perfect gift for someone special on your list, support another parent with your purchase or by shopping one of these small businesses.

Just for kids

“Let’s Go To Seattle,” by Ayoko Bowles, illustrated by Jane Kusuma

While kids growing up around Seattle certainly don’t have a dearth of books detailing our fair city, Nosh and Nap’s adorable board book is one of my favorites (right up there with the Wheedle). Babies will be drawn to the playful, colorful images, while

toddlers can practice counting, and learn shapes and numbers as they flip through each page. You’ll have to head to your favorite Seattle-area book or gift store to find this gem. Cost: $11.99

Kids Adventure Suit

Parent-owned Zippy Zips’ colorful Kids Adventure Suits are the perfect dry-day companion to the ubiquitous Muddy Buddy beloved by Pacific Northwest parents. This cotton onesie keeps kids warm and cozy, whether they’re wandering the trails in Discovery Park or climbing to the top of the lookout tower at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. And like all good kids clothing, this one comes with pockets for all the treasures they collect along the trails. Cost: $49

“Good Night, Ninjas,” by Sinae Ishida Since reading “Little Kunoichi” to my first daughter many years ago, I’ve been a fan of local mom

Sinae Ishida’s kids books. Her latest dropped this summer, and it features Little Kunoichi in the fight of her life — against bedtime. Like all kids, she’s not quite ready to go to sleep. Will her ninja skills prevail? You’ll have to pick up the book at a local bookstore to find out. Cost: $14.99

Photo courtesy sasquatchbooks.com

Photo courtesy zippyzips.com

Photo courtesy noshandnap.com

Bug Crafts

The newest game from parent-run, Bellevue-based SimplyFun is an award-winning game reminiscent of Settlers of Catan. Recommended for kids ages 8 and older, it’s set in a bug market. Players collect and trade leaves, flowers, rocks and other raw materials to make crafts for bugs. It takes a lot of strategy to outmaneuver the other players and build the best crafts. But with mindful moves and lucky rolls, you can worm your way to the top. Cost: $38

Looking for a game for younger kids? Try Dance Like a Lemur ($36), a game designed to get preschoolers up and mooo--ving.

Priya dress

The muted vintage feel of this cotton twill dress from Beet World will leave your little one giggling with delight. It’s comfortable

enough to play in, but can just as easily be worn to the next birthday party or family brunch if you need to level up your kid’s typical everyday outfit. Cost: $56

Everything Sippy Cup

Morepeas’ popular sippies, plates, bowls and snack cups are a perfect example of what happens when parents come together to solve a problem. Moms Alli and Jess were tired of spills, messes and lugging a

slew of kid containers along to every outing. So they designed an interchangeable, stackable, sustainable system to simplify feeding and snacking. Start your collection this season with the Everything Sippy or choose another one of the colorful, BPAand plastic-free products. Cost: $24.99

Medium toy storage bag

Ok, so maybe this one is more for parents than it is for kids. But everyone appreciates

a clean room, right? Mom-owned Swoop has been a Seattle original since Sarah Kirk started the company in 2011. The bags come in a variety

of colors and in two different sizes. I’ve got three in my closet and they hold all the Legos we’ve collected over my 17 years of parenting.

Mushroom knit beanie

Keep your little one’s head warm with this snug neutralcolored beanie from Little Bipsy, whether you’re heading out to see WildLanterns at the zoo or just throwing rocks along Alki Beach on a sunny afternoon. It comes in two sizes: baby and toddler. Additional colors available. Cost: $22

Just for parents

Noir Luxe + Sip Solo bundles

Mother to two and Noir Luxe Candle Co. owner, Colina Bruce, has been teaching others to pour candles and making her own creative scents since the Belltown shop opened in early 2023. I’m loving this Noir Luxe Sip Solo collab that includes a candle and five single serve coffee flavoring packs — a surefire cure for the Big Dark. Comes in rose vanilla, pistachio coconut or lavender honey flavors. Cost: $45

Photo courtesy noirluxcandleco.com

Photo courtesy beet-world.com

Photos courtesy swoopbags.com

Photos courtesy littlebipsy.com

Photo courtesy morepeas.com

Photos courtesy simplyfun.com

FEATURE FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

continued from page 7

Virtue Cellars Réserve blends

Whether you’re bringing a hostess gift or need something to serve with a holiday dinner, grab a bottle of Virtue Cellars’ newest réserve and you’ll be the hit of the party. Owned by the Mueller and Edens families, the Shoreline-based compay is focused on producing single vineyard, single varietal wines, which makes them very unique. The new réserve wines just released last month. Cost: starting at $45

Cheese and charcuterie kit

I love this gift set that includes spreads, honey, olives and olive oil to complete a savory, seasonal charcuterie board. It’s one of many ways to package up the flavorful Moroccan spices that are the

heart of Villa Jerada. Cost: $54.99

Cross-body/sling bag

Pochette’s cute hand-sewn bags are made here in Seattle. And although there are a few different designs to choose from, the size of the cross body sling bag is ideal for moms who need a little extra room to pack kid treasures at a moment’s notice. Find the bag you’re looking for at Pike Place Market Tuesdays through Thursdays. Cost: $72

Starry Night coffee

Wrap up a pound of this fair-trade, organic coffee from Campfire Coffee for the season and you’ll keep coming back for more. Three different varieties available to purchase. Cost: $15.99

Photo courtesy villajerada.com

Photo courtesy

Photo courtesy welovecampfire.com

continued from page 8

Beard oil

Owned by South Sound parents the Sullivans, Shipwreck Honey has more than a few items that parents could use. But for dads who need a little TLC, this Fading Frontier Trading Co. beard oil blends argon, jojoba, vitamin E and almond oils with other essential oils to really get the job done for you and your beard. Cost: $18

Happy hands lotion bar gift set

Parent-owned Seattle Sundries has been handmaking soaps, lotions and other potions for more than 20 years, and they’re still going strong. Whether you’re shopping for a neighbor or want to send a little of Seattle’s creative energy to an out-of-town friend or relative, this sampler set will keep their hands soft and smooth through the winter. Scents include sweet almond, summer flower, citrus mint and herbal lemon. Cost: $34

Locally brewed beer and ciders

Sit back and relax amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a glass of something tasty from one of two parent-owned companies specializing in adult beverages. Both Reuben’s Brews and Locust Cider can be found in stores or at tasting rooms and taprooms around the Sound. ■

Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor.

Still have shopping to do?

These parent-owned stores carry every kind of delightful gift imaginable. Head in to find your holiday inspiration.

• Kurfunkle Kids Market: Hit up this kids store in Ballard that mixes nostalgia with modern play.

• My Three Little Birds: Head over the bridge to get to this West Seattle favorite that features new and gently used kids clothes, shoes, toys and gear.

• Thistle and Poppy: Capitol Hill is where you’ll find this parent-owned store stocked with everything families need to live a curated life.

• Bootyland Kids: Located inside Chophouse Row in Capitol Hill, this local favorite strives to bring sustainable goods to Seattle families. Plus, they’ve got great gift suggestions.

• Bella Vita: This new Ballard neighborhood shop should be your first stop for kids clothes, books and art.

• Paperboat Booksellers: Shop for books for everyone on your list after family reading time on Saturdays or toddler reading time on Wednesdays.

• Madrona Supply Company: This parent-owned shop on Whidbey Island has an array of Pacific Northwest-inspired gear that would look great on any parent.

• Eighth Generation: Owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe and run by mom Colleen Echohawk (Pawnee, Athabascan), gifters can find their pick of blankets, accessories and art made by Pacific Northwest Native artists.

• Paper Delights: Duck into this adorable Burien shop owned by a mother-daughter duo to find true originals, plus the paper to wrap them in.

Photo courtesy shipwreckhoney.com

Photo courtesy seattlesundries.com Photo

Fixing Homes, Lifting Spirits: How HelpCity Supports Single Moms and Widows

By Kari Hanson

Why showing up for neighbors matters more than ever

When my kids were little, sometimes as my husband walked through the door at the end of the day I would just say, “I need to leave for a minute,” and walk right out the open door. I was never gone long; I just needed a break, a few moments to breathe and be alone after a long day of parenting our young children.

On more than one occasion, I remember thinking that for many parents, there was no relief coming through the door at the end of the day. That they were responsible for it all, from breakfast to bedtime, as well as working, keeping up the house, going to the store and on and on and on.

Photos courtesy HelpCity

November 21-January 19

for some winter fun in Downtown Olympia! Hours, tickets, and more information at olyonice.com

Family Fun Calendar

continued from page 13

Sometimes it can just feel like too much. Because sometimes, it is.

Thankfully, there are organizations like HelpCity, a Seattle-based nonprofit with the mission of bringing relief to low-income single mothers and widows by dispatching volunteer groups to help with physically demanding tasks in their homes. Founded in 2021, HelpCity was inspired by founder Bryan Staab’s experience growing up with a single mom, and the struggles he witnessed her navigate.

“As a boy, it made me feel angry to see her have to solicit help from men in the neighborhood and in the church for simple repairs around the house,” recalls Stabb, “and helpless that I couldn’t do more.”

The need has only grown in recent years as the cost of living in Seattle continues to skyrocket. In fact, the cost of living in Seattle is 45 percent higher than the national average, according to September 2025 data from The Cost of Living Index. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,138 per month. Individuals need to make $41.11 per hour to afford that rent, double Seattle’s $20.76 per hour minimum wage. The cost of childcare follows the same trend — in Washington state, the average annual cost of childcare for a full-time infant is $21,348. To put that in perspective, annual day care costs now top annual college expenses: a year of in-state tuition at the University of Washington is $13,406.

It’s easy to see how expenses add up, and time is scarce for single moms. After working all day, taking care of kids and doing homework, who has the time, energy or financial resources for extra projects, no matter how badly they need to be done?

Thanks to HelpCity, single moms and widows in the Seattle area have a free resource to help provide some much-needed support.

On a mission

HelpCity’s vision is “to make Seattle a city of help and refuge for single mothers and widows in distress.” They send out small groups of volunteers to the homes of single moms who have reached out for help. Volunteers work for two hours on Saturdays on projects including yard work, deep indoor cleaning, building and moving furniture, painting, and other projects in or

around the home (they cannot do work such as electrical or plumbing, which require certification and expert knowledge). One mom who recently had HelpCity volunteers come to her home says, “volunteers came and tackled our ivy and overgrowth! Such a selfless and generous donation of their time.”

Women reach out to HelpCity directly through a form on their website or through Facebook, says Leighton Carter, who oversees HelpCity’s local programming. Carter says they work with 15 to 20 moms each year, though many more reach out. They often have a waitlist that they try to keep to two weeks (though sometimes waits can last up to a month). Women are also referred to HelpCity through a partnership with Mary’s Place, a Seattle nonprofit with a mission “to ensure that no child sleeps outside by centering equity and opportunity for women and families.”

When Mary’s Place clients move into permanent housing, they sometimes need help getting their new home in order (building or moving furniture, yard work, etc). HelpCity volunteers help meet that need.

“We were in transition for a little bit dealing with homelessness and I was looking for organizations to reach out to, and then I found one [HelpCity],” says a

continued from page 15 single mom who connected with HelpCity. “… I know it’s just up from here.”

Another mom, grateful for her experience with HelpCity says, “They are more than willing [to help] and so happy and so friendly and so personable, and it’s nice to have that support that single parents don’t always have. … That’s what it feels like: caught a break, won the lottery here.” She shares that it helps her and other single moms know it’s okay to let go, and to be able to say what you need and have those needs met.

Many women who have HelpCity volunteers come to their house reach out again and again. There is no limit to how many times they can request help, however the number of volunteers currently active with HelpCity does limit the amount of work

they can accomplish.

Carter says that Staab hopes to one day expand HelpCity beyond Seattle.

Get involved

Currently, HelpCity has fewer than twenty volunteers, and Carter says they would love to have more, especially volunteers who are looking for a regular gig.

Carter says that one of HelpCity’s main challenges is recruiting volunteers who come back for multiple projects. She says volunteer groups often are made of work colleagues, families or church groups. They tend to do a project or two, and then stop volunteering. While she is, of course, grateful for every single volunteer who has worked with HelpCity, Carter is working hard to help them form a real community, so they feel like they are truly part of a

larger team working together to support women and their kids in Seattle.

Carter says she is hoping to have more in-person volunteer get-togethers in the future, and encourages anyone interested to fill out HelpCity’s online contact form. There is no minimum time commitment, and while projects are all Seattle-based, volunteers can live anywhere in the area. A background check is required, and volunteers must be age 18 or older.

One volunteer says, “All those little things of having a clean place, an organized place makes it so much easier to focus on the things you need to focus on, and I think that can have a big impact on people who just otherwise don’t have the time or ability to do that.” ■

Kari Hanson is ParentMap’s associate editor.

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2025–2026 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.

Raising Future-Ready Kids: What Every Parent

Should Know About AI | Nov. 18, 2025

What will learning look like in five years — or even next fall?

Join Sal Khan, visionary educator and founder of Khan Academy, for an urgent and inspiring conversation about the way AI is transforming education, what that means for your child’s learning and how you can help them adapt in a rapidly changing world.

“I never viewed technology as a replacement for the human experience. I viewed it as something that could liberate the human experience.” – Sal Kahn

Inside the ADHD Mind: Tools to Help Your Child Thrive

Jan. 21, 2026

Better understanding leads to better support. Join Dr. Sasha Hamdani, board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, for an insightful talk to help you decipher what’s really going on in your child’s brain. Discover how to spot ADHD symptoms, choose the right treatments and confidently support their mental health through everyday challenges.

From Blowups to Breakthroughs: A New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids

Feb. 10, 2026

Breathing exercises only get you so far; real progress happens when you understand the root cause of anger. Renee Jain, founder of GoZen!, a widely used platform that helps kids build emotional strength, joins us to guide parents in understanding their child’s anger, what’s happening in the brain during outbursts and how to better respond in the moment.

COMING THIS MONTH!

The EdTech Dilemma: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids

March 10, 2026

Is educational technology really helping our kids learn? Neuroscientist and educator Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath reveals why parents and educators must push back against digital overreach and restore genuine, meaningful learning for kids — at home and in the classroom.

The Boyhood Crisis: Raising Thriving Young Men in a Changing World

April

22, 2026

Boys are struggling in school, in relationships and with mental health, and it may signal a deeper issue. In this eye-opening talk, bestselling author, expert and father of three Richard Reeves will share what’s behind the troubling trend and how parents can raise confident, thriving boys in today’s world.

The Family Tech Reset: Hope and Help for Rebuilding Connection

May 12, 2026

Technology has changed, but what kids need has not. Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time, joins us to guide caregivers on a slow-tech path that prioritizes family connection. Whether your family is already deeply entrenched in screen use or just starting to set boundaries, she offers hopeful, empowering strategies — and the reassurance that it’s never too late to turn things around.

Raising Great Kids

Instilling the Giving Spirit

Expert tips on raising empathetic and grateful kids from a Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital neuropsychologist

By Kellie Schmitt

Creating a family gratitude practice does not have to be a monumental undertaking. Brief conversations that highlight the day’s positive moments can be woven into everyday rituals, from dinnertime conversations to bedtime chats.

“It may sound overwhelming, but there is no magic: Build this into what works for your family,” advises Chris Ladish, Ph.D., a pediatric neuropsychologist and AVP of the Bessler Center at Mary Bridge Children’s.

The act may be simple, but the mental health benefits can be tremendous for children and parents alike. Like any other skill, though, acknowledging everyday gratitude requires practice and attention. The positive impact on the entire family’s dynamic makes this habit well worth the effort.

“Gratitude as a practice enhances wellbeing, internal joy and creates a sense of harmony,” Ladish says. “Focusing on what we can control and the small things we can attend to can have a huge influence on our emotional states.”

Identify the small moments

The first step in a family gratitude practice

may come from your own mindset shift. Parents can model simple moments of joy and appreciation that they, too, experience throughout the day such as an energizing phone call with a friend or a compliment from a colleague. Caregivers might also describe being thankful for a child’s simple but meaningful acts of service, from helping locate a lost set of car keys to taking the dog for a walk.

Pointing out these small moments of positivity can help children understand that gratitude can arise from everyday activities, not simply a large event or material gift. That makes it easier for them to identify those situations in their own lives.

While verbalizing these occasions alone can make an impact, families can also consider making a list or creating a gratitude journal. If someone did something kind for you, write a note expressing thanks and describing why the action mattered.

A “joy jar” can help families document and savor these moments of appreciation. Detail the experience on a small piece of paper and place it in a container.

“And, if you’re feeling ‘I just need a pick up,’ go to that jar, and pull a little slip and remind yourself of the small acts of kindness that can have a large impact,” she says.

Actions prompt gratitude, too Along with identifying moments of gratitude, children can also create those moments for others.

“Children inherently want to be helpful,” Ladish says.

Families can also incorporate these small acts of service into their daily life. For

The science of gratitude

The physical and mental impact of gratitude on adults’ wellbeing is well documented with studies connecting the practice to lower depression rates, better heart health and improved sleep quality. Acts of gratitude can increase positive feelings and emotions and boost moods.

These benefits translate for children’s mental health, too. In one study, researchers explored the impact of keeping a gratitude journal for a group of first graders. The effort had a positive impact on their feelings of gratitude and overall wellbeing, according to the study published in Early Childhood Education Journal. For

older children, focusing on gratitude can help combat materialism, and the mental health struggles that the emphasis could otherwise create.

For parents, too, a focus on being thankful can shift mindsets, which can lead to ripple effects for everyone. A daily family gratitude practice can improve parents’ wellbeing and overall family functioning, research has found.

Those powerful findings make intuitive sense when you consider what gratitude practice achieves, Ladish says. The very act of expressing appreciation replaces negative thoughts. After all, there’s less room to think about what we’re not doing well when we’re emphasizing what’s going right.

“In gratitude practice, we pause to think about what we’re grateful for, which enhances a sense of peace and joy,” she says.

Everyday questions to prompt gratitude

• Was there a moment at school today when you felt good?

• What friends or family members are you thankful for?

• Did you enjoy any books you read today?

• What are you looking forward to?

• Can you think of a kind comment someone shared with you today?

Tips for creating a family gratitude practice

• Weave gratitude questions into your everyday conversations.

• Share your own experiences of gratitude with your children.

• Create a gratitude jar where you put slips of paper identifying moments of joy.

• Use a gratitude journal to document positive moments.

• Write thank you notes to people who offer you kindness.

• Incorporate acts of service and kindness into your everyday interactions. ■

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

Note: The Bessler Center at Mary Bridge Children’s is a multi-sector community partnership with MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Network serving as the backbone agency of collective impact work to create an environment where all children thrive.

When Fall Conferences Take an Unexpected Turn

By Allison Sutcliffe

When my youngest was little, I could walk into a parent–teacher conference with a mental checklist. First I’d hear about my kid’s strengths and weaknesses. Then, the teacher and I would nod knowingly over test scores and examples of his school work. We’d chitchat before ending with a simultaneous “Thanks so much,” as I walked past the next set of parents on my way out the door. It was predictable.

But what if fall conferences don’t go the way you expect them to?

Even seasoned parents can be taken off guard by disappointing news during a conference. That doesn’t mean there’s cause for concern. Hopefully things will smooth out soon. But if the teacher thinks this is more than typical BTS growing pains, consider falling back on these helpful next steps.

• Step back and consider the new information. Take time to consider what concerns the teacher is actually sharing. Are they growth and/or milestone concerns? Are they social and/or emotional concerns? Consider whether you’ve noticed similar behaviors or issues at home, and work to pinpoint the source.

• Clarify concerns and get on the same page. Remember to ask clarifying questions so you can fully understand both your child’s strengths in the classroom and the new challenges they’re facing. Specific examples can help to clarify and make sure you and the teacher have the same understanding of the situation.

• Make a plan. If you don’t have time to make a plan with the teacher during the conference, schedule time to create one in the future — even if it’s through a simple

DISCOVER

email exchange. Plans can range from super simple to more complex, where school or outside resources are included to support your child.

• Follow-up with your child. When you get home, discuss how the conference went with your kid. Give them a chance to weigh in or add context to the teacher’s overall assessment. A post-conference debrief may open the door on a muchneeded discussion.

• Circle back with the teacher. Depending on the situation, you may want to check in with the teacher a few weeks later to see if the situation is improving. Regular check-ins may be part of the support plan that’s mapped out. ■

Allison Sutcliffe is ParentMap’s managing editor.

Money Matters

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Skip the toys and give your child something that will grow with them over the years

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for many families that means thinking about holiday traditions. Beyond making grandma’s treasured stuffing recipe, or sitting down to watch the big game, helping kids create a wish list is a favorite tradition for many families.

When kids are little, it’s fun to see the way their wish lists reflect their personalities, hobbies, interests and whatever this year’s trendiest (often hard to get) toys are. Over time, their simple requests for art supplies,

Sure, it’s not as epic as the newest smartphone or American Girl doll, but it’s a gift they can always use, even if they don’t realize it yet.

dolls and trinkets they’d find in the dollar bins turn into big-ticket items that usually revolve around the latest tech they just have to have.

As a parent, drilling down to what they really need — plus what fits your family’s budget — can be challenging. It’s hard trying to whittle down the list and balance it all.

A quick internet search proves there are dozens of different gift-giving strategies parents rely on when it comes to holiday gifting. Many rely on the simple “4 rule” guideline — four gifts for each kid that fall into these categories: something they want, something they need, something to

wear and something to read. Creative variations of this tried-and-true rule include adding to or trading out with something fun to do, something for the family or a special surprise.

Yet, no matter what the online experts advise, or what must-have gifts your kids have included on their own wish lists, including something that gives back over the years and grows with them for the holidays, like a college saving account, is a worthwhile option. Sure, it’s not as epic as the newest smartphone or American Girl doll, but it’s a gift they can always use, even if they don’t realize it yet. Plus, it has the potential to go a lot further than a gift card, or envelope with a crisp bill tucked inside. Parents can even encourage family and friends to join in this annual gifting tradition to grow your child’s savings over time.

Getting started

With as little as $25, families can start a Washington Education Savings Plan 529 (WA529) account. There are two stateadministered 529 plans through WA529:

• WA529 Invest is a 529 investment plan that allows families to choose from multiple investment options. Your savings can grow depending on market performance.

• GET is a 529 prepaid tuition plan that allows families to purchase tuition units at a set price today, and use them in the future to avoid long-term tuition inflation and stock market risk.

Once the account is set up, anyone can contribute any amount at any time for any occasion and have a positive, lasting impact on your child’s future. Not only does setting up a college savings account let your child know you support their dreams, but it also reduces their future reliance on student loans and models responsible investing. So much better than that flash-in-the-pan toy that’s flying off shelves this year.

Plan benefits and options

Just like all good gifts should, opening a 529 savings account offers flexibility in the future with college or career training choices. They can be used at nearly any college or university, trade or technical school, and many apprenticeships and study abroad programs in the state. Schools are eligible if they accept federal financial aid, and apprenticeships are eligible if they are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The earnings grow tax-free and remain tax-free when used for qualified educational expenses that include a wide range of costs such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, computers, supplies and costs associated with a registered apprenticeship.

Compare the plans online to learn more about the benefits of saving with GET and WA529 Invest. Both plans feature easy-to-use, secure online gifting platforms for sharing with family and friends.

Creative ways to wrap your gift

Because all good gifts should be wrapped, here are a few creative ways to package up a college savings account investment or similar option:

• Wrap it in any-sized box or create nesting boxes.

• Roll it up like a diploma with a ribbon around it.

• Hide it inside another gift (like a book).

• Seal it in an envelope and place it on the fireplace mantle, in a stocking or hide it in the tree.

It takes a village to raise a child, and the holiday season is the perfect time to actively build a plan for your child’s future education. It’s pretty great when your children graduate from high school and start using their education savings to pursue their dreams. Even better, it’s amazing to know that your children completed their higher education path with minimal student loan debt, partly due to your family’s generous gift traditions. ■

Article adapted from a November 2024 post on the WA529 blog. ParentMap’s managing editor, Allison Sutcliffe, contributed to this article.

Out + About

Adventure Unlocked

DreamPark brings video games to life

Story and photos by JiaYing Grygiel

Editor’s note: As of publication, DreamPark Seattle has closed and is planning a move to a new location. Find updates on their website.

What if you could enter a video game like Mario or Luigi? You’d jump over lava pits, smash bricks, grab gold coins.

Turns out you can at DreamPark, a new mixed-reality experience in Seattle. It’s a real-life video game tucked along the waterfront in North Queen Anne.

Cofounder Brent Bushnell opened DreamPark Seattle in July, and he’s grown up around the entertainment industry his whole life. He’s one of eight kids of Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese. Talk about a built-in test audience!

“I had a terrible childhood,” Bushnell says,

laughing. “Just kidding. My dad’s a big kid. He’s very creative.”

Bushnell moved to Bainbridge Island in 2021 to raise his young family. He’s been building virtual reality experiences for more than a decade, including the first VR attractions for Dave and Busters in 2012. At DreamPark, Bushnell is one of three cofounders. Three locations launched this year: Santa Monica, Long Island and, lucky for us, Seattle.

What we loved at DreamPark Seattle DreamPark is located in a cavernous, bare-bones 28,000-square-foot space. It is hilarious to watch people jumping around, clawing at empty air, but once you put on your headset, it makes sense. The

space around you magically becomes an interactive video game.

The tech is so, so cool. Look down at your arm! A wristwatch appears to help you keep track of your time. When I stepped over a lava pit, I caught myself lifting my headset to peek at the concrete for reassurance.

What I really liked about DreamPark is that there is no learning curve. You literally hold the headset up to your face and you’re ready to go. Each person gets their own headset, and each person goes at their own pace. This part is important: Kids of all abilities can play and have fun.

continued from page 31

It can even be a workout. My 10-year-old, who is super competitive, was flushed with excitement when he finished the game. Most parents want to get their kids off their devices and moving. Well, DreamPark makes both parties happy.

Stepping inside a real-life video game

The main space is dedicated to Super Adventureland, which looks something like the set of Mario Bros. You collect achievements and find magic weapons, with the ultimate goal of defeating Cannonsnout, the pirate in the sky. Or just run around collecting coins. If you get stuck, find an employee in a purple shirt and ask for a clue.

Super Adventureland takes up two enormous rooms and spills out onto the patio. Up to 50 people can play the game at a time without crowding each other.

A separate adjoining room holds a trike crash course. When you put on a headset, the room becomes a road where you try to knock down as many obstacles as possible. I was amazed at how the white walls were not scuffed; turns out there are virtual green bumpers to guide you.

On the trike course, my son raced over to tell me, “Mama, this one is even better! The other one is amazing. This one is super amazing.” (Honest opinions only here, DreamPark did not pay him for that review.)

Four trikes are allowed on the race course at a time. Have there been collisions? Just between family members, the college student on duty told me. Moments later, I watched my kids crash into each other, naturally.

DreamPark games are all built in-house. A wizard adventure is coming in December. What’s genius is that everyone can be in the same space, playing different games on their own headsets.

“This is the movie theater for interactive entertainment,” Bushnell says.

VR experiences tend to make me nauseous, but DreamPark is mixed-reality, meaning you see the real walls of the space and the players around you. “When you can see, it changes everything,” Bushnell says.

Planning your visit

DreamPark is a bit of a hidden gem. Put your trust in Google Maps, drive to an industrial area on the back of Queen Anne, cross the railroad tracks and turn right. You’ll pull in at the massive lot with free parking.

The building is a restored warehouse, and DreamPark is next-door neighbors with the swanky Traver Gallery. You’d never know it (or smell it), but the building was formerly used for fish processing. Bushnell loves to tell the story of how when they shut down the old freezer, the roof fell in. Turns out that ice was structural!

DreamPark is recommended for kids age 4 and older, with 7–14 as the age sweet spot. You might think the primary audience is kids, but visitors have been mixed, 50-50 adults and kids.

Each player gets a Quest 3 headset, and younger kids might need help from parents. Ask for a handle to make the headset easier to hold. What happens if you drop that $300 piece of tech?

Accidents happen, I was told. Just don’t throw it.

There are some snacks up front to purchase, and it’s fine to bring your own food. The back patio has tables and benches with a view of the Ship Canal. General admission costs $20 for up to 30 minutes; $10 to add on a 15-minute session on the trike course. ■

JiaYing Grygiel is a photographer and writer in Seattle. Find her on Instagram @photoj.seattle and at photoj.net.

Complex Kids & Teens

Still searching for the “why”?

If your child has multiple diagnoses, uneven skills, or doesn’t ﬁt neatly in any one box—you’re not alone.

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• 1:1 care with a board-certiﬁed pediatric neuropsychologist

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Family Activities to Liven Up Your Thanksgiving Celebration

By Kari Hanson

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get together with family and friends and share a meal. And while we adults might love the idea of sitting down together, and talking and connecting over food and drink, for many kids the thrill wears off rather quickly. So how do you fill the time during the day before and after the big meal, and keep the kids entertained? With games, of course! I’ve gathered up some fun ideas to breathe a little light and levity into your gathering this year.

• Thanksgiving scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt around your home or yard with Thanksgiving-themed clues and items to find, like a mini pumpkin or a turkey figurine.

• Mystery ingredient dinner: Have your guests bring one mystery ingredient to the meal that must be used in a dish. Trust me, it will result in some wacky culinary creations! Or, gather all the mystery ingredients together and make one crazy side dish using them all. Who will be brave enough to give it a try?

• Thanksgiving tic-tac-toe with a twist: Divide your guests into two teams and clear out the furniture for this one! Using painter’s tape mark out a large tic-tactoe board on the floor. The teams line up on the other side of the room, one holding paper plates the other with plastic cups. Someone yells “Go!” and one player from each team races to the tic-tac-toe board to put their item into a square. The first team to get three in a row wins! For extra slippery fun, play on a wooden floor and make sure everyone is wearing socks (be careful!).

• Thanksgiving Mad Libs: Create Thanksgiving-themed Mad Libs for everyone to fill out during (or after) dinner, leading to some laugh-out-loud stories. No time to make your own? Don’t worry, you can find printable

Thanksgiving Mad Libs online or turn to AI to generate some real gut-busters.

• Gratitude jar challenge: To play this game, each family member writes down something they’re thankful for on colorful paper. Now here’s the twist: Everyone also has to include their funniest holiday memory or a wacky Thanksgiving story. Older kids can act as scribes for younger siblings or cousins who might need some help.

• Thanksgiving karaoke: Break out the microphone for karaoke featuring Thanksgivingthemed songs or parodies of popular songs with lyrics about the holiday. Yes, Thanksgiving songs do exist. But even if they didn’t, creating them would be half the fun.

• Thankful talent show: Set up a stage and invite each guest to showcase a unique talent, but it must be related to gratitude or Thanksgiving in some way — sing a song about thankfulness, tell a joke or perform a skit. You might want to let folks know ahead of time about this one so they can prepare something for the big day.

• Thanksgiving around the world: Pick a different country’s Thanksgiving or harvest celebration and incorporate their traditions, food or games into your feast. This one requires a little planning ahead of time — it makes a great project for older kids.

• Turkey bowling: Set up a bowling game using empty plastic bottles decorated as

turkeys and a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. Strike!

• Thanksgiving movie marathon: Instead of the usual pre-dinner football game while the turkey cooks, gather everyone for a marathon of quirky fall-themed movies, complete with cozy blankets and popcorn.

• Turkey trivia night: Create a trivia game focused on Thanksgiving facts, history and pop culture references, and give out silly prizes for the winners.

• Thanksgiving wish tree: Have a small tree or branch where family members can hang paper leaves with their wishes or hopes for the coming year. Guests can write as many as they would like. Sharing or encouraging everyone to read each others is a fun option.

• Doodle Thanksgiving: Rather than a tablecloth, cover the dining table with butcher paper and provide art supplies so everyone can create their own turkey doodles or drawings during dinner. Display the masterpieces on the wall afterward for everyone to enjoy!

• Gratitude dance party: After dinner, turn up the music for an all-ages dance party where everyone can show off their best moves in a celebration of gratitude.

• Turkey time capsule: Have everyone write a letter to their future selves and put together a small time capsule. Make sure to open it and share over Thanksgiving dinner the following year.

• Thanksgiving bingo: Create bingo cards with Thanksgiving-themed items or activities (like “pumpkin pie” or “awkward family photo”) and play after dinner. If you don’t have time to make your own bingo cards you can find free, printable options online.

• Pinecone turkey crafting: Instead of traditional crafts, gather pinecones and craft supplies to make goofy turkey decorations to display on your table.

• Pumpkin spice taste test: Gather various pumpkin spice-flavored products (coffee, cookies, cereal and more) for a taste-testing competition. Or ask your guests to bring their favorites to share in the competition.

• Pumpkin launch: Get some Styrofoam balls at a craft store that are about the size of a small pumpkin. Decorate them anyway you’d like and head to a nearby open field (or your own backyard!). Load the Styrofoam pumpkins into a slingshot (a water balloon launcher will do the trick) and see whose can fly the farthest.■

Kari Hanson is ParentMap’s associate editor.

Add more laughs to the day with Thanskgiving-themed jokes.

November Play List

A flurry of fall activity awaits

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

By Julie Dodobara

My decimated secret stash of last month’s Halloween candy can only mean one thing — the holidays are nearly here! Time to dust off the old family cookie recipe cards and make plans to make merry. November activities start strong with chances to get outdoors, regardless of the weather, and end with holiday light displays. Fill in the gaps with family theater and fests of all kinds to make it a November to remember.

� Cat people unite! Whisk Whiskers into her carrier and head to the Sea-Meow Convention at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall for a purr–ific day with your feline friends. Touted as a “festival for all things cats,” come for cat cosplay, a cat video fest and of course, communing with other cat lovers. Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 1–2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; tickets $28 for adults, $16 kids; ages 5 and younger free.

� Celebrate the art, spirituality and traditions of Mexican and Spanish culture while remembering the lives of departed loved ones at Seattle Center’s Día de Muertos

Festival. All are welcome to check out the community altars, performances, sugar skull workshops, face painting and more at the Center’s Armory, on Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 1–2, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.

� Astra Lumina returns to the Seattle Chinese Garden this fall with a stunning display that takes visitors on a mile-long cosmic journey of light and sound that will surely enchant and stir up festive moods. The all-ages immersive experience incorporates 360-degree creations, thousands of dancing lights and an original out-of-this-world soundtrack. Select dates Nov. 6–Dec. 31. Prices start at $25.

� Nab your viewing spot along East Main Street in downtown Auburn to catch the marching bands, military vehicles, honor guards and more at Auburn’s annual Veterans Day parade, one of the largest in the U.S., now in its 60th year. It’s a great way to honor our country’s veterans and active-duty military. Saturday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m. Free.

� Get to it, girls! Ready your costume and book your passes to GeekGirlCon, the creative, inclusive (and family-friendly!) gathering for fans of game play, comics, STEM and design. Panels and workshops aim to highlight the participation of women and other underrepre-

Highlighted Events for November

Nov. 1–2 | Saturday–Sunday

Festal Series: Día de Muertos Festival

Seattle Center

sented groups in these fields. At the Seattle Convention Center, Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 8–9; tickets $40 for adults, $35, ages 13–17; $15, ages 6–12; ages 5 and younger free.

� Bask in the splendor of autumn surrounded by vibrant colors and crisp air while you tour the gorgeous grounds of the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way during the Fall Foliage Festival. There’s plenty for kids to do, including a scavenger hunt just for them. Plant lovers can shop the sale and bring some of the magic home. Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 8–9, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.

� All aboard! Live the magic of “The Polar Express” story of a child’s Christmas Eve train journey to the North Pole on a real live train trip with all the theatrical elements of the popular film, courtesy of the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum. Trains run multiple times Saturday and Sunday starting Nov. 15, and Friday–Sunday, Dec. 5–21. Bonus: Hot chocolate and treats are served! Tickets are $66; ages 2 and younger are free on laps.

� Make history come alive from Burke Museum experts during the museum’s Family Archaeology Day, Sunday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Aspiring scientists will be thrilled to get a front-row look at all the tools and techniques of the trade, identifying animal bones and sorting shells and other artifacts. Included with admission ($16–$24; ages 3 and younger

are free) or membership.

� As AI rapidly transforms the world, parents are left to wonder how to best help their children adapt. Join ParentMap on Tuesday, Nov. 18, for our next ParentEd Talks event with Sal Khan, educator and founder of Khan Academy. He will share insights on AI’s role in education and what parents should know about using it as a tool to support healthy, thoughtful learning. Join our webinar live, noon–1 p.m. or receive the recording to watch anytime. $10 for the individual event, or $50 for the eight-talk series. Members of partner schools join for free.

� Families are invited to this year’s Seattle Children’s Theatre holiday show with characters from beloved Mo Willems’ books getting together to deck the halls and celebrate. Join the Unlimited Squirrels, Elephant and Piggie and Pigeon in a brand-new musical with silly stories, catchy tunes and plenty of audience antics. “The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!” runs on select dates from Nov. 20–Jan. 4; Tickets start at $28.

� There’s a new seasonal ice-skating rink making its debut this November for frosty family fun. Located in Kirkland’s Peter Kirk Park, the rink is open from Nov. 20 through Jan. 11. Schedule and ticket prices are TBA.

� Become a salmon scientist! Join experts from the

Nov. 18 | Tuesday

ParentEd Talks: Raising FutureReady Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI Online

Environmental Science Center at Mary Olson Farm to welcome salmon back to our streams. Observe spawning salmon, test water and observe habitat at this event. Saturday, Nov. 22, noon–2 p.m. Free.

� Make plans to visit Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden, a dazzling, yet affordable family-favorite. Book your tix to enjoy this display of over half a million twinkling lights, opening Saturday, Nov. 29 and running through Wednesday, Dec. 31. Tickets $10; children ages 10 and younger, free.

Nov. 29 | Saturday

Magic in the Market

Pike Place Market

Discounted $5 entry is available during the first two weeks.

� Your whole crew is guaranteed to get into the holiday spirit with a visit to Magic in the Market at Pike Place Market. Meet Santa and his live reindeer, decorate cookies and catch a magic show, while surrounded by seasonal tunes sung by holiday choirs. All this is capped off by the Market Lighting Ceremony, Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.■

Julie Dodobara is ParentMap’s calendar editor.

Forecast: 100 percent chance of play

Halloween Hangover

Nov. 1 and Nov. 2

KidsQuest is the perfect place for rainy-day fun and hands-on learning. Stay dry, get inspired! Join the adventure, become a member today.

kidsquestmuseum.org

‘ELF - The Musical’

Nov. 28-Dec. 28

Laughter, dazzling tapdancing, and holiday cheer. See Buddy the Elf in a musical Nov. 28 through Dec. 28. 5thavenue.org

Families making up to $350k are eligible.

See how affordable it is samisfoundation.org/jewish-day-school-affordability-seattle/