RAK magazine January/February 2022

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

RaisingARIZONA Kids your partner on the parenting path

Journey to Parenthood

Editor, Monique Seleen and husband Chris, give an inside glimpse of their experience from trying to conceive to plans once baby arrives

5 big tips for BABY SLEEP PREGNANCY & ORAL CARE Expecting couples need a BABYMOON Parenting Your Newborn as a Team PLUS Tackling your New Year Resolutions with budgeting, meal planning, and parenting tips What to do when Your Child has ADHD Chris and Monique Seleen of Mesa.

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RaisingARIZONAKids

your partner on the parenting path

CONTENTS

January/February 2022

20 DEPARTMENTS 2 Dialogue New Year Resolutions

4 AZ Grown

• Looking forward to the future • Money Smart: Kick off a new year of saving • Games to teach financial responsibility • Budgeting Q&A for the new year • Financial tips for single parents • Buying groceries on a budget • Meal planning made easy

50 FEATURES 50 Journey to Parenthood

A personal look at Editor, Monique Seleen's pregnancy experience.

38 Pregnancy & Babies

• Courageous Co-Parenting: Co-parenting your baby: 3 guiding commitments • Healthy Love Habits: Parenting your newborn as a team • 5 tips that make a BIG difference for baby sleep • Common oral health issues during pregnancy • How to choose the right pediatrician for your new baby • Plan the perfect babymoon • Packing your hospital bag (from a mom of 3!)

• Discover winter tales • Local businesses spotlight • RAK Date Night: Luxury movie theatre experience in Scottsdale • Q&A with Nancy Parra-Quinlan: Arizona’s 2022 teacher of the year • Homeschooling on a whim • Using Common Sense: Getting closer to closing the digital divide — for good

28 Ages & Stages • When you think your child has ADHD…What next?

• Managing frustration at home • A better, calmer parenting method

60 Family Time!

Winter Top Events, Snow Places, Onstage and Martin Luther King Day Celebrations

• What to put on a baby registry

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

1

dialogue

January/February 2022 | Vol 32 | No 11 PUBLISHER Kate Reed

NEW YEAR…NEW ME. Or, that’s what I tell

myself each January for as long as I can remember.

This year is no different—except that for the first time I get to share some of these resolutions and resources from experts with other parents.

In this winter issue of Raising Arizona Kids, we’re sharing resources to help you budget better, manage your frustrations as a parent, and practice self-care—all personal resolutions of mine! We worked with local parenting coaches to help us raise well-adjusted kids, founder of Healthy Meals Made Easy to tackle meal planning, and a personal finance expert to advise on

A Child's New Year Resolutions Turns out, grown-ups aren’t the only ones who have New Year’s resolutions!

I asked my (almost) 9-year-old what his goals were and here are his thoughts!

• Be more organized with school • Get better at helping around the house • Earn money • Make more friends • Cook and bake more • Keep my room cleaner • Try new foods • Be kinder • Find a new hobby • Be more grateful • Pick up garbage in my neighborhood more often

keeping costs down at the grocery store.

THIS IS ALSO our pregnancy and baby issue

is here every step of the way. We’re excited

and editor, Monique Seleen is expecting

to continue bringing you the best resources,

her first baby (a boy!) this February.

expert advice, and parenting support.

She’s sharing a bit about her pregnancy journey, some tips for planning the perfect

ON THE HORIZON: RAISING ARIZONA KIDS

babymoon, and what she put on her baby

will be moving to quarterly printed issues

registry. Plus, I’m sharing what I’ve packed

in March and you’ll be able to find the

in my delivery bag for my three births.

magazine all over the valley or have it delivered right to your house! Make sure

more, we’ve rounded up some of the best

to sign up for our e-newsletter to get the

places to see snow this winter! Get some

details right to your inbox.

cold weather gear, check the forecast, and make some plans to spend the

Kate Reed, Publisher

day sledding, throwing snowballs, and

Do you have a topic you would love us to write about? Email publisher@rakmagazine.com

making snow angels.

No matter what goals and resolutions

2 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Aurit, Michael Aurit, Cara Dumaplin, Rachel Galvez, Deacon Hayes, Ilana Lowery, Jen McIntyre, Angelica Prescod, Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, Andrew Sampson, Dr. Heather Schneider, Alex Swartz Kerby Seminar Group Maricopa County Library District The Childhood Collective ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kate Reed MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2022 by R aising A rizona K ids , Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without

you’ve chosen for 2022, Raising Arizona Kids

If one of your resolutions is to travel

EDITOR Monique Seleen

written permission is prohibited. Content guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

CONTACT US editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 15508 W. Bell Rd., Suite 101-123, Surprise, AZ 85379 480–991–KIDS (5437) raisingarizonakids.com IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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az grown nonprofit

LOOKING FORWARD to the

FUTURE

MacKenzie Scott charitable gift helps Arizona early childhood nonprofit celebrate 40th anniversary

By RAK Staff

4 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

IN 1981, SOUTHWEST HUMAN

40 programs and services focus on child

DEVELOPMENT started with a single

development, mental health, Easterseals

program serving young children with

disabilities services, early literacy, Head

disabilities. This year, the organization

Start, family support and child welfare.

marked 40 years as a leader in early

“We have always prioritized identifying

childhood serving more than 140,000

critical gaps in services for young children

children and their families every year.

and families,” said Ginger Ward, CEO

Southwest Human Development,

of Southwest Human Development. “We

Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to

work hard to ensure children and families

early childhood development, works with

have equitable access to high-quality

young children and their families during

programs and services.”

their child’s earliest years to have the

During its first 40 years, Southwest

greatest impact on their future success

Human Development has successfully

and development. The organization’s

provided Arizona families with the

tools and resources they need to help

and frontlines of all types and sizes, day

elevates and expands our comprehensive

their children achieve their fullest

after day after day.” Scott said. “They

and transdisciplinary services for young

potential. Looking to the future, Ward

help by delivering vital services, and also

children and their families.”

says Southwest Human Development

through the profound encouragement felt

remains committed to strengthening the

each time a person is seen, valued, and

the expansion of the Southwest Human

foundation of Arizona’s children’s need for

trusted by another human being. This

Development’s Smooth Way Home

a great start in life.

kind of encouragement has a special power

program for premature, fragile infants and

when it comes from a stranger, and it

their families as they transition home from

works its magic on everyone.”

the NICU. The program offers families

“While the field of early childhood has evolved over the years, one thing remains true: the investments we make today in

developmental guidance, mental health

young children provide an important

the contribution, Southwest Human

foundation for their future development

Development launched its Birth to

and success in life,” says Ward.

Five Center of Excellence that provides

families across the state, including those

Author and philanthropist

comprehensive disabilities and mental

living in rural communities,” said Murch.

MacKenzie Scott recently made a

health services and support for young

“We’ve also partnered with Desert

significant investment in Southwest

children. The Birth to Five Center

Neonatal Associates to establish VINES,

Human Development which allowed the

of Excellence provides a continuum

a virtual, on-demand neonatal urgent care

organization to affect transformational

of support to an increased number of

support and consultation program that

changes.

children and families. It also serves as a

serves as a medical bridge for families as

resource for a wide range of community-

they return home from the NICU. The

of MacKenzie Scott for helping our

based programs that collaborate with the

VINES collaboration demonstrates the

organization realize a long-held dream,” said

Center’s team to supplement or enhance

power of community partnerships in

Ward. “With this gift, we’re focusing on

specialized consultation, assessment

delivering vital services to a vulnerable

scaling and enhancing current programs,

and intervention services tailored to

population at a critical time in their lives.”

leveraging new and existing resources,

each child’s, family’s and community

creating systems change, public policy

program’s needs.

To learn more about Southwest Human

“We’re grateful for the generosity

NENSURIA

With start-up resources provided by

Scott’s investment also facilitated

counseling and community resources.

“Smooth Way Home is able to reach

Development, visit swhd.org

and advocacy, conducting research, and

“This has been our vision for so many

expanding the number of highly-trained

years,“ said Trudi Murch, Ph.D., director

early childhood professionals in the field.”

of Services for Children with Disabilities

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest

When announcing her charitable

at Southwest Human Development. “Our

nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development.

gift, Scott noted the 384 nonprofits

disabilities and mental health staff have

Recognizing a child’s earliest experiences and

selected were chosen because of their high

routinely collaborated and coordinated

relationships establish the foundation for all future

potential for impact and demonstrated

with each other, but have remained

development, Southwest Human Development’s more

commitment to meeting the needs of

distinct entities. This reflected the long

than 40 comprehensive programs focus on young

their clients.

tradition of siloed developmental, medical

children—ages birth to 5—and their families in the

and mental health service systems. With

areas of child development, mental health, Easterseals

lives to helping others, working and

very young children, this separation is

disabilities services, Head Start, early literacy, family

volunteering and serving real people

artificial and often results in ineffective

support and child welfare, and professional development

face-to-face at bedsides and tables, in

and inefficient care. The gift from

and training. Founded in 1981, Southwest Human

prisons and courtrooms and classrooms,

Mackenzie Scott has allowed us to build a

Development serves 140,000 children and families each

on streets and hospital wards and hotlines

fully-integrated program that significantly

year. Learn more at swhd.org

“These teams have dedicated their

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

5

az grown finance MONEY SMART

Kick off a

NEW YEAR of SAVING

Map out your child’s financial journey with lessons for every age group

By Rachel Galvez

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share it to help others.

At age 5 or 6, start paying your child a weekly allowance for completing simple

how can you help your child build a solid

chores. Experts suggest starting at $1 per

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important lesson is to help your child adopt

Experts recommend starting a financial

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USE OUR KID-FRIENDLY worksheet to

income from the very beginning. Open a

preschool and continuing the discussion

savings account in your child’s name and

all the way through young adulthood. No

help them make regular deposits.

help your child set a savings goal (or two!), establish a budget, and track their progress. Go to arizonafederal. org/azkids to download your copies.

money milestones to cover along the way.

Ages 7 - 12 Put the focus on helping your kids

As kids get older, help them set savings

learn how to budget and save. Include

goals that require them to postpone short-

children in family budget discussions

term spending in order to gain something

and celebrate your achievements, such as

more fun or rewarding later, like a game

“needs” and “wants” is a basic money

reaching a vacation savings goal or paying

or special toy.

concept that’s much easier to learn when

off a car. Talking about budgets gives kids

you’re young! As you shop for groceries or

an understanding of what things cost and

pay bills, talk about how you spend money

how you make decisions between wants,

on needs, save it for things you want, and

needs, and unexpected costs.

Ages 3 – 6 Recognizing the difference between

6 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

5

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conversation with kids when they’re in

education journey, here are important

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a “spend, save, share” approach to their

matter where your child is on their financial

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foundation that sets them up for a lifetime

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financial education is well underway. So,

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Ages 13 – 17 When kids become teenagers, they have options beyond their allowances to

7

work, earn, and save money. This makes it the perfect time for them to take on increased responsibility for their expenses, such as entertainment, phone bills, or gas money. As their income expands, it’s also important to ensure part of their earnings goes toward long-term savings goals, such as college or a car.

When a teen begins to earn a regular paycheck, help them take their money management skills to the next level by opening a teen checking account that comes with tools such as a debit card,

PROSTOCK-STUDIO

digital payments, and ATM access.

Ages 18 – 20 With young adulthood comes credit

Games to teach financial responsibility Money Bags (ages 5-10)

card offers! Talk to your kids about how

In this board game, players collect, count, and exchange money as they learn all about

credit cards work and the importance of

how to use various coins and bills. Kids will be challenged to see if they can make 13 cents

establishing a good credit score by paying

without using dimes or perhaps how to make 32 cents without using quarters. Whoever

their bills on time, keeping balances

reaches the finish first receives a bonus. Those who earn more money than their fellow

low, and not taking on more credit than

‘’investors,’’ win the game!

needed. Opening a secured credit card tied to a savings account is a smart way to build

The Allowance Game (ages 5-11)

a strong credit rating because it ensures

In this fast-paced game, players race around the board doing various “chores’’ and collecting

new cardholders don’t spend more money

an allowance. They can then spend their earnings on the things they want: wash the car and

than they have.

earn $1.30, but forget your homework and lose a turn! This exciting game is a great way to teach kids about responsibility and real-life money-making scenarios.

For more insights to help you map out your child’s financial education journey,

CASHFLOW for Kids (ages 6+)

download Arizona Federal’s free Money

Turn your game nights into something fun and educational! In this newly refined CASHFLOW

Talks Guide and Money Milestones

for Kids game, young players will learn core principles of cash flow, capital gains, assets

Map for Parents or Grandparents.

and liabilities in a fun, easy-to-understand game.

ArizonaFederal.org/AzKids

The Game of Life (ages 8+) Rachel Galvez is the Marketing Partnerships Manager

This classic family board game takes players on a roller-coaster of adventure, family,

at Arizona Federal Credit Union. A mom of two,

unexpected surprises, and pets! Whether you choose the family path, start a career, or

Rachel is committed to empowering families with

venture down a risky road, players get to make their own exciting choices as they move

the information they need to make smart financial

through the twists and turns of life. Players can go to college, adopt pets, get married, have

decisions now and set their children on the path to

children, acure debt, and experience lots of more real-life situations. The player with the

financial success in the future.

most money at the end of the game wins!

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

7

az grown finance

Budgeting Q&A

FOR THE NEW YEAR

By Andrew Sampson

MONEY IS ONE of the most common

question to start a conversation is, “If

arguments for married couples so it’s

money was not a limiting factor, what

no surprise that it’s also a common

would your dreams, goals, and priorities

New Year’s resolution. Whether you’re

be?” When appropriate, allow kids to be a

saving for a big purchase, wanting to

part of the conversation.

save more, or want budget your money smarter, Andrew Sampson, an Investment

What are some benefits of setting

Advisor Representative at Wilde Wealth

up a household budget? My opinion

Management Group, has all the tips and

is that budgeting is a freeing exercise.

advice for you.

It allows you to spend money guiltfree. Understanding the amount of

Starting a budget is overwhelming.

discretionary income you have enables you

Where do we start? Thinking about

to enjoy your toys and hobbies much more.

budgeting can be overwhelming, but it is

You can buy those golf clubs knowing that

not that bad. Like many things, getting

all bills are paid and goals are funded.

going on something can be a chore. Once you start, however, it is very rewarding.

What are some easy financial goals for

There are two sides to budgeting: the

families? A few universal financial goals are:

financial side and the personal side. In

• Have an emergency fund with a

current times, the financial side has never

minimum of 3 months of family

been easier. I have tools as a financial

expenses.

advisor to help my clients with budgeting

Keep this apart from your checking,

and financial planning and most banks

ideally in a high yield money market or

have tools to help their clients.

savings account. I recommend keeping this at a separate financial institution

your past spending and categorize your

than your day-to-day checking.

expenses. Take extra care to classify

Consider saving more if you have high

each expense as discretionary or non-

deductible insurances.

discretionary. This gives a good idea of

• Pay off all high-interest debt.

where you are, so you can better project

• Take the time and ensure that you

into the future. One thing you can do is

have the proper insurance for your

start by unplugging from social media

family

and have some conversations with family

People often save money by scrimping

around the dinner table. My favorite

on insurance. A study by the American

8 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

RIDOFRANZ

Many apps can help you look at

Journal of Public Health found, 66.5% of all bankruptcies were due to medical issues.

• I know it is cliché, but spend less than you make.

I encourage you to treat saving for future goals as a bill. Know what your goals are and what you need to save monthly, then go ahead and fund your goals.

After these 4 points are met, any money left in the budget is available to spend, and you should do so guilt-free.

Is it better to use credit cards or debit cards when making daily purchases?

You would be surprised how controversial this question is but the math does not lie.

Credit cards are not all bad.With cashback rewards and other perks, like fraud protection, they are a tool that many use to their benefit. Credit card debt, however, is terrible. Credit Cards.com says, “The average interest rate for a credit card as of December 22, 2021, is 16.13%.” So, if you are a person that carries a balance, it may do you well not to use credit cards at all.

How can I track my spending and saving? What are some good budgeting tools? There are many great tools to help with budgeting. Many of them are free websites or apps. Use these with caution and make sure you understand the terms and conditions before linking your bank accounts. Often if it is free, you are the product. These apps may be selling your information or targeting you with ads. I would recommend you start with your bank, or even better, your financial advisor. Most have resources to help you

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

9

az grown finance

with budgeting and may help point out

spending problem and still cannot save,

and investment accounts serve two very

things you overlooked. A financial advisor

you have an income problem. Increase

different purposes. A high yield savings

will even help facilitate conversations

your income. That sounds easier said

account is best for an emergency fund.

around goals and help track your progress.

than done, but with the side jobs such as

Investments go up and down. You don’t

ride-sharing, food delivery, and freelance

want your emergency fund to be down

When we’re setting up our budget,

marketplaces, it is getting much easier

when you need it. Money you have saved

what types of categories should we

to find ways to fit extra work into your

for longer-term goals should be invested.

have? How much should we spend in

lifestyle. Some people find that getting

So neither is better, just two separate tools

each category? As mentioned, the most

additional income is easier than cutting

in your toolbox.

important categories are discretionary and

their discretionary spending.

How can I set aside money for savings

non-discretionary. Make subcategories for things like dining out and recreation

I’ve heard of some families using

when we’re living paycheck to paycheck?

under discretionary. Things like mortgage

‘cash envelope’ systems to prevent

Sean Covey said, “Saying ‘yes’ to one

and utilities would be non-discretionary.

overspending. But some places are

thing means saying ‘no’ to another. That’s

Spending per category will vary greatly

no longer accepting cash, so is there

why decisions can be hard sometimes.”

depending on where you are in your

a better way? I don’t think so. I also

Say yes to saving, so by default, say no

wealth journey. The best advice I have here

believe that we will continue to see fewer

to dining out. Say yes to saving, and in

is to sit down with your financial advisor

places accepting cash in the future. The

doing so, say no to impulse buying online.

to build a financial plan.

great thing about the envelope system is

Stop trying to have the willpower to say

that you must stop spending when the

no when saying yes is so much easier. The

It’s easy to save money if you’re

envelope is empty. Consider opening

best part about this is that you are not

spending it on non-necessities (coffee,

separate checking accounts in place of

truly saying no. What you are saying is

dining out, entertainment), but how

the envelopes. This may not be better,

not yet. If you do a good job saving, you

can we save when we’ve already

but it is the way things are headed.

will eventually have the money for things

cut all those out?!). If you have cut

you said no to.

discretionary spending and still cannot

What are some options for retirement

save, there are two things to do next.

savings? The most popular retirement

What are some other financial tips you

The first is to see if you can reduce the

vehicle is the 401k. Many companies even

have for families? According to Ramsey

cost of your non-discretionary spending.

offer to contribute to your retirement

solutions, 80% of millionaires are the

For example, having internet may be a

savings if you are willing to. 401(k)s are

first generation. Only 16% of millionaires

must, but if you have the fastest speed

even available to business owners and sole

inherited more than $100,000. So, in a

available, explore changing your service

proprietors. If an employer does not offer

relatively short time, you can save more,

to the slowest manageable speed. Due

a 401(K), other tax-advantaged accounts

earn more, invest more, and you can

to the appreciation of home prices,

like IRAs are available. I suggest you speak

become wealthy. It starts with a plan and

homeowners may also be able to refinance

with a financial advisor to see what options

ends with financial freedom.

at a lower interest rate and possibly

are suitable for you.

remove mortgage insurance. Delaying

Andrew Sampson is anInvestment Advisor

car purchases can also be a benefit.

Is it better to put money in savings

Representative at Wilde Wealth Management Group

Something I don’t think gets enough

accounts or invest it? Where should

in the Valley. wildewealth.com

attention is income. If you don’t have a

we invest our money? Savings accounts

10 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

az grown finance

Financial tips for SINGLE

By Angelica Prescod

PARENTS

1. What are the biggest financial challenges single mothers face?

of their income earnings. Single mothers

allows for them to have income during

traverse several obstacles that they uniquely

retirement that’s not only fueled by

Having enough to cover their children’s

encounter due to reduced income and

their own assets but is also helped by

needs and their own. Planning for

potentially limited child support.

their employer’s matching contribution.

retirement, college tuition and current financial stability can be a strain.

2. How can single moms budget successfully, especially if they have higher expenses for childcare, lower-income, etc.?

They also need to look at opportunities

3. What do single moms need to consider if they want to get ahead financially? Assessing their

to generate more income and/or receive

debts based on the amount of interest

earning incomes with a side hustle.

training to improve their income capacity with their current jobs or maximize

as being charged on those stats and

Every dollar needs to count. They not

debts need to be handled first. Taking

only need to save and budget but they also

advantage of 401(k) plans and their

4. What are some solutions for single moms who are struggling financially? Getting additional training

need to invest early so that their assets

employer and making sure they can

to improve salary earnings is critical for

can help their money grow independent

receive a match from the employer

moms who are struggling financially.

12 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

as important and prioritizing which

There may be scholarships available for single moms, foundations that are willing to donate to single moms to help them be able to improve their academics to be able to earn more income to suffice their family’s needs and their own.

5. Are there any financial tools that can help? There are online budgeting

Buying

GROCERIES on a BUDGET

By Deacon Hayes

tools available to help assess what needs

ISTOCK

are necessary and what needs or not.

ACCORDING TO THE USDA, the average

that you can redeem digitally when you are

monthly food costs for a family of four is

checking out.

6. How should single moms approach credit-building and debt repayment? Making sure that

$1,120.90 as of the latest data in 2021.

whatever is used on credit does not exceed

Another way to save money at the grocery

If you are trying to get ahead financially in

store is to check the weekly store ads for the

2022, then getting this part of your budget

store that you go to regularly to see what they

under control can be a huge help.

have on sale. For instance, if you need to buy

what is possible to be paid back in a timely

If you’re looking to buy groceries on a

a lot of chicken for the week, and your store

manner is critical. The moment that credit

budget here are some key tips to help you

is offering a low price per pound for chicken,

exceeds what is eligible to be earned then

make this possible. The first tip is to make

then you might want to stock up on it. In fact,

we end up in a slippery slope of bad credit

sure that you plan out all your meals for the

you should buy a few pounds more to freeze for

and credit remediation. Addressing that

week. This will help you know what you need

future meals, as long as it’s within your budget.

based on their interest rates can help them

to buy from the grocery store.

prioritize which debt to pay off first. Also,

Make sure to only get the items that are

One thing to consider is to make meals

on your list to avoid overspending when you

finding opportunities to improve salary

in bulk that you could eat over 2-3 days. An

are at the grocery store.

either through résumé reviews, new skill

example of this would be Chili with a side of

attainments within the current employer,

cornbread. You make the chili in a big pot on

easily save hundreds of dollars each month;

or mentorship and ambassadorship or

Sunday, and whatever you don’t eat you can

money that could go towards other goals

coaching from those in higher roles, can

refrigerate for future meals that week. You

like paying off debt, saving for retirement or

help single mothers prepare and achieve

can make the cornbread at the same time,

even that family vacation that you have been

higher income opportunities within their

however, just know it won’t taste as good

wanting to do for years. Here’s to 2022 being

corporation or other institutions.

reheated but it is still delicious.

a year where you make great financial gains

If you stick to a plan like this, you could

Once you have figured out what you are

and have more peace about your money

Angelica Prescod, Wealth Advisor at Edward Jones in

going to cook that week, make a list of all the

Scottsdale. She enjoys singing with her church worship

items needed to make those meals possible.

team, hiking, running and spending time with her

You can use a free app on your phone or just

Deacon Hayes is the Founder of WellKeptWallet.com

11 year-old daughter. Angelica has a drive to not only

plain old paper.

which helps people make money, save money, and

continue building wealth for those who have already

Now take that list and search for coupons

situation than ever before.

pay off debt. He has been a contributor for the US

built a considerable amount, but also open doors for

for items that are on your list. There are

News & World Report, Clark Howard and more.

individuals who never had a chance to learn how

many websites where you can find printable

He is also the author of the book, You Can Retire

to accumulate wealth themselves. edwardjones.com/

coupons to take with you to the store. There

Early! Everything You Need to Achieve Financial

us-en/financial-advisor/angelica-prescod

are also apps that will provide coupons

Independence When You Want It.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

13

az grown meals

Meal Planning Made Easy Story and photos by Jen McIntyre

LIFE CAN BE COMPLICATED, but meal

your best and helping your family live a

planning doesn’t have to be.

healthy lifestyle is important to you, then

would pick specific recipes for each day of

you’ll need to find an approach to meal

the week: Fettuccine Alfredo on Monday,

good food for our family, but many of us

planning that works for you. After all, the

Pulled Chicken Tacos on Tuesday, Beef &

are time-starved, scattered, and constantly

goal is to spend less time in the kitchen

Broccoli Stir Fry on Wednesday, and so on.

juggling multiple things—and so we

and more time making memories with

Now I’ve simplified this even more, and we

struggle to get healthy meals on the table

your family!

have daily themes that repeat every week:

As moms, we’re committed to making

When I first started meal planning, I

quickly. “What’s for dinner?” is a dreaded

In my food consulting business as

daily question. According to Food Genius,

well as in my home, I’ve come to rely on

breakfast-for-dinner (a kid favorite)

a foodservice data company, 80% of

SYSTEMS—simple ways to “Save Your

on Wednesdays, something Asian on

Americans don’t know what they’re going

Self Time, Energy, Money, and Sanity.”

Thursdays, personal pizzas and popcorn on

to make for dinner at 4 pm each day.

The meal planning system that I use and

Fridays (movie night!), burgers on Saturdays,

also teach to other busy mamas has four

and a sheet-pan dinner on Sundays.

The solution, of course, is meal planning.

But many people think that meal planning

steps: Plan, Purchase, Prep, and Practice.

is something difficult and mysterious, like the Holy Grail of home economics.

At its core, meal planning is simply

pasta on Mondays, tacos on Tuesdays,

Ask yourself, “what are our family favorites?” Start your weekly plan with the

Step 1: Plan

things your family loves, and then pick

The first step is selecting your meals

two meals a week to try out new recipes,

answering the “What’s for dinner?”

for the week. Dinner is the most important

like a science experiment. You’ll pick and

question once a week instead of every

meal from a “family time” perspective, so

choose the winners that might become

single day, and then buying and preparing

start by planning just your dinners. You

regular meals, but it takes a bit of time to

your ingredients in advance. There’s no

can expand to breakfast and lunch later,

figure that out.

one “right” way to do this. But if feeling

after you get the hang of things.

14 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Another important question to ask

when making your plan is, “what cooking

specific items you need. Keep your

creating new habits and new routines, it

method will I use for each meal?” There

planning and purchasing simple to start.

can be really hard to stay on track and

are only four different methods of cooking

Once you get into the rhythm of it, you

stick to your plan. Here are a few tips that

that I use on a regular basis. The first

can add more variety and mix things up.

will make this easier:

is quick cooking with microwavable silicone steamers, an Instant Pot, or an air

First, figure out when you’re going to Step 3: Prep

make your plan each week. I do mine on

fryer. The second is slow cooking with a

You’ve made a plan and purchased

either Sunday evening or Monday morning,

Crock-Pot or oven sheet pan. The third is

your ingredients, and now it’s time to prep

and it takes me about five minutes to write

stovetop cooking with pots, pans, wok, or

them in advance. There are many different

down my meals for the coming week. Next,

skillet. And the fourth is outdoor grilling,

ways to do this, and you need to figure out

figure out when you’re going to do your

which we can do year-round, thanks to our

what works for you. Some people really

shopping and prepping. Are you going to do

lovely Arizona weather.

like batch cooking or preparing a week’s

it once a week or twice a week? Block out

worth of meals on Sunday afternoon.

time in your calendar. Finally, schedule a

how you’re going to cook each one. Write

They’ll make big batches of their proteins,

time to start cooking dinner every day, and

down your plan (I use a small chalkboard),

carbohydrates, vegetables, etc, and pack

set an alarm to remind you. (This probably

and you’re set for the week.

them in smaller containers for the coming

sounds like the simplest thing, but it made a

week. That’s great if you want to do it—

world of difference for me personally. Try it

especially for lunches when you might have

and see if it helps you.)

So choose your meals and figure out

Step 2: Purchase Now that you have your meals written

limited time or fewer healthy options.

It’s important to think of meal planning

down, the next step is making a grocery

I personally don’t do a lot of batch

as a practice, like yoga is a practice. We’ve all

list. Simply go through your recipes and

cooking, because the majority of dinner

been told that “practice makes perfect,” but

write down a master list of ingredients

recipes I make are based on simple

I really want to emphasize that perfection

you’re going to need for the week. (I’m a

ingredients and whole-food seasonings

isn’t the goal here. When it comes to meal

little old school, and I like to write things

from Epicure that don’t require a lot of

planning, there’s really no right or wrong

down on paper, but you might use an app

prep time. I cook big batches of grains,

way to do it—just the way that Saves You

to keep track of your grocery list.)

like quinoa or rice, and also cut up

Time, Energy, Money, and Sanity!

Compare your list of ingredients to

some veggies, like carrots, celery, and

Yes, it’s important to put your plan into

what’s in your pantry and fridge, and

cucumbers, for healthy snacks throughout

practice, but give yourself the space and

cross out anything you already have on

the week. I also make a pot of marinara

grace to change it when you need to. It’s

hand. I also recommend organizing your

sauce once a week and keep it in a Mason

your plan, after all.

grocery list to match the layout of the

jar in the fridge.

store and the path you typically follow

“The more you prep ahead, the more

Jen McIntyre is a homeschooling

when you shop. Doing this beforehand

you get ahead” is the rule of thumb, but I

mama and food consultant who

will save time in the store, and it will save

keep it really simple. Just get started, and

teaches cooking classes for busy

money too because you’ll be focused on

you’ll soon discover what kind of meal

moms in Arizona and beyond.

the ingredients you actually need instead

prepping works best for you.

She is the founder of Healthy

of wandering aimlessly through the aisles, filling your cart with whatever catches your eye. (We’ve all been there!)

If you shop online, it’s even simpler.

You can just go through and click the

Meals Made Easy, a free

Step 4: Practice The final step is the most important,

online community of 1600+ members where she shares inspiration, recipes, and tips to save time in the kitchen

but perhaps the most challenging: putting

while making healthy meals the whole family will love.

your plan into action. Whenever you’re

Find her there at healthymealsmadeeasy.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

15

az grown books

Discover Winter Tales

By Maricopa County Library District

THERE’S SNOW PLACE like the library! This month, cozy up with Maricopa County Library

District’s winter-themed tales. Looking for more? Check out the library’s Discover Winter Tales Featured Collection at mcldaz.org for even more frozen fables!

PICTURE BOOKS Words to Make a Friend by Donna Jo Napoli

When a young Japanese girl moves into her new house, she is happy to see a girl her age playing in the snow just outside her window. The only problem is the Japanese girl doesn't speak English and the American girl doesn't speak Japanese. But each girl's love of the snow teaches them that they don't need to speak the same language to have fun!

A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zommer

Fox and Hare were born in the spring, but the seasons are changing and they hear snow is on the way. With heartfelt themes of friendship, curiosity, and the wonder of nature, this is a story families will love cozying up with together.

JUVENILE The Sea in Winter by Christine Day

After an injury sidelines her dreams of becoming a ballet star, Maisie is not excited for her blended family's midwinter road trip along the coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up. This evocative and heartwarming novel tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again.

Ice Dragon by Jordan Quinn

Ruskin and his friends travel to Flatfrost for the Winter Festival, which is extra special this year because the legendary, ancient ice dragon has appeared! In the sixth installment of the exciting Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series, Ruskin and his friends must uncover a secret and keep the ice dragon safe.

TEEN The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett

When all of her family succumbs to a magical illness, Ekata Avenko reluctantly assumes the throne.

While seeking a cure, Ekata must seize her family’s magic and power—and, if Ekata is to survive, she must quickly decide how she will wield them both.

16 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Maybe We’re Electric by Val Emmich

From the bestselling author of Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel, comes a deeply affecting story of two teens who find themselves thrown together overnight during a snowstorm and discover a surprising connection. Emotionally vivid and endlessly charming, Maybe We're Electric is an artfully woven meditation on how pain can connect us—we can carry it alone in darkness or share the burden and watch the world light up again.

ADULT The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman

After losing her job, Sonny is forced to move back to her hometown in Michigan. Not quite an outsider, but no longer a local, Sonny finds her past blindsiding her everywhere. In this story about second chances, Sonny must make peace with who she used to be and allow her heart to thaw.

The Winter Table by Lisa Lemke

Come in from the cold and celebrate with family and friends! Lisa Lemke's cookbook presents the comforting delights of hearty wintertime meals, with 75 recipes that showcase wintery ingredients.

Let Us Help You Enhance

[Your Well-Being.]

We are Your Healthcare Team.

Our clinic offers high-quality, affordable therapeutic services to promote well-being and alleviate concerns due to stress, anxiety, mood, life changes, or chronic pain. In-clinic or online telemedicine services are provided by Clinical Psychology graduate students under the supervision of our faculty psychologists.

Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000 Midwestern University Ther apy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

5815 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

17

az grown businesses

The Art House THIS FUN AND CREATIVE space in Gilbert

Face ‘n’ Earth

THIS LOCALLY OWNED online skincare

line features organic, natural, and safe ingredients in their unique products. Found by a happy accident when publisher, Kate Reed, needed to seek out some new products to help with tired eyes (helloooo parenthood!) and complexion and she stumbled on this brand…and it was locally owned! Owner, Soyna McLeod, hand crafts her serums, creams, face washes, toners, masks, and so much more! She’s passionate about ingredients and making sure her products are safe AND effective. If you’re worried about questionable ingredients in your skincare products from mainstream brands but still want results, then make sure to give Face ‘n’ Earth a try. Some of our favorite products are the Max Bright Toner, Pineapple Papaya Enzyme Face Cleanser, Fruit Acid Peel, Skin Tight Wrinkle Serum, Triple Action Eye Serum, and Spotless Mud Acne Treatment. You can try samples of nearly every product and Sonya is incredibly helpful if you’re not sure which product is right for your skin type. Currently, Face ‘n’ Earth does not have a storefront but you can find her products on her website, Amazon, and Etsy. Use the code FACE10 to get 10% your first order on the website! facenearth.com

18 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

hosts a variety of trendy arts and crafts classes such as painting, cookie decorating, charcuterie board workshops, and more! Whether you’re looking for something to do as a girls night out, a date night activity, or even something fun to do with the kids, you’ll likely find something unique and fun at The Art House. The venue space can also be rented out for bridal or baby showers, adult or kid birthday parties, or any type of celebration! In addition, you can even plan your own private Adult Paint Night perfect for a work team-building activity, bachelorette party, or birthday bash. Events include beer, wine, and soft drinks served from the bar inside The Art House and guests will leave with their very own painted masterpiece that can be customized unique to your party. arthouseclasses.com

Cream of the Crop Ice Cream NOT YOUR AVERAGE ice cream parlor! Cream of the Crop, located inside Agritopia’s

Barnone in Gilbert, is a small batch ice cream shop featuring unique flavors such as Shake and Fries, Cheese and Caramel, Maple Buttermilk Pancake, Barcelona Hot Chocolate, Strawberry and Cornbread, and Cucumber Lime Sorbet, just to name a few. Flavors rotate every few weeks with a couple standards such as Agritopia Mint Chip, Vegan Dark Chocolate, Cream of the Crop Vanilla, and Mythical Coffee, that always remain on the menu.

Whenever possible, fresh produce from the Agritopia farm, just steps away, are incorporated into the ice cream flavors including ingredients such as lavender mint, peaches, dates, apples, orange blossoms, and even smoked hay! It makes the perfect afternoon treat for kids but is also a great date night spot for parents who are looking to indulge in something sweet together. creamofthecrop-az.com

RAK DATE NIGHT

Luxury Movie Theatre Experience in Scottsdale IF DINNER AND A movie is your go-to date

happy to have a comfy recliner chair to

night, then you’ll want to add the newly

relax in. It allowed me to kick my feet up

see a kid’s movie (Sing 2), somehow the

opened Landmark Theatre in Scottsdale to

and adjust it to the level of incline that

ambiance of the twinkling lights in the

your rotation.

felt best.

Scottsdale Quarter area, combined with

This upscale movie theatre offers

It also was nice because the recliners

Even though we willingly chose to

the theatre’s upscale luxury atmosphere,

plush recliners and all the usual movie

offer more space so you aren’t cramped

concessions that you know and love,

up next to a stranger. We had a little cozy

including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.

section of the theatre to ourselves and

getting its Scottsdale location up and

it really felt like our own private movie

running having only been open since

full-service bar and lounge with modern

screening (even though there were other

mid-December, the company plans to

seating and dim lighting—making it the

people in the theatre, they felt far enough

eventually offer a larger selection of

perfect spot to hang out before or after the

away that I forgot they were even there!).

gourmet items in addition to its traditional

Of course, to me, it’s not a true movie

concessions. An extended menu is expected

In addition, the theatre also features a

movie with your special someone.

My husband and I had the chance to

still made it feel like a romantic date night.

While Landmark Theatre is still

experience unless there’s popcorn and

when the theatre’s kitchen is complete,

check out the theatre for ourselves on our

candy involved, so we ordered up some of

sometime in late January.

own date night and it was everything we

our favorites—Reese’s Pieces for me and

For more information, visit:

wanted in a movie-going experience.

M&Ms for my husband, and we shared a

landmarktheatres.com/phoenix/

large popcorn.

scottsdale-quarter-theatre

Being 8 months pregnant, I was so

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

19

az grown education Nancy Parra-Quinlan and Jeff Meshey, CEO of Desert Financial.

Q&A with Nancy Parra-Quinlan: Arizona’s 2022 Teacher of the Year

By Monique Seleen

NANCY PARRA-QUINLAN, Arizona’s 2022 Teacher of the Year,

is striving to make an impact on her students by teaching them important career-based skills through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related courses.

At Kino Junior High School in Mesa where Parra-Quinlan

level class where students learn the basics of technical drawing,

has taught for the last 15 years, many students have never been

3D software, and the design process. Projects that start out as

introduced to these types of jobs. But, through her unique classes,

a solution to a problem are sketched, built on CAD software

students are now given the opportunity to learn about robotics,

and 3D printed.

3D modeling software, flight and space, as well as forensic science through a medical detectives class.

We caught up with Parra-Quinlan about all the ways she is working to not only leave her mark on her students, but how she plans to continue collaborating with other educators to expand the STEM field for all students.

• Flight and Space- Students must pass one of the entry level classes to take Flight & Space. We learn about the principles of flight, make hot air balloons, build and test airfoils. We also build model rockets and launch them on the football field.

• Medical Detectives- Students must pass one of the entry level classes to take this class as well. We study diseases, both food borne and genetic. We extract our own DNA after learning

Explain a little bit about the STEM/CTE classes you teach. What type of unique projects do you get to do with your students? We started the STEM program at Kino

about cells. We study the parts of the brain and dissect sheep

under the direction of my former principal Susan O’Brien. We

scene observation and evidence collecting, ballistics, and

wanted to create something that would give our students new

blood spatter. I make mock crime scenes in the classroom and

opportunities to explore topics and careers they otherwise would

digitally for the students to solve. We dust for fingerprints on

not encounter. I took summer classes through Project Lead the

our campus to learn how CSI technicians do their jobs.

brains to do comparative anatomy. We also do a forensics unit where we study time of death, fingerprinting, crime

Way to learn the base curriculum that we have expanded on over

entry level class where students learn the basics of building

Why is STEM and CTE so important for this generation of students to learn and specifically for the population of students at Kino? STEM is the fastest growing area of

and programming robots. They learn how to use motors and

employment in the United States, according to the Bureau of

sensors to move the robot and complete tasks.

Labor Statistics. My goal is to prepare students for a future career

the years. I teach 4 different classes: • Intro to Engineering: Automation & Robotics- This is an

• Intro to Engineering: Design & Modeling- This is also an entry

20 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

without restrictions on what jobs they can attain. Women and

AZ on the Rocks Has it All! Sign Up for

KLIMBERZ AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES at kids@azontherocks.com

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az grown education

People of Color, like my students, are underrepresented in STEM

to a query, she would find out. I loved listening to her read aloud;

careers. They do not have an abundance of role models, so they do

she read with such inflection and used different voices for the

not realize what options they have for jobs. When they see women

characters. It instilled in me a love of reading.

and minorities in STEM roles, they realize they can achieve that same success. My students are given the opportunity to experience

What made you want to become a teacher? I always

hands-on STEM learning to help level the playing field. If they

loved helping others. Teaching makes me feel like I am making a

discover STEM subject areas that interest them while at the junior

difference for my students. If I can help prepare them for a good

high level, they can be better prepared for high school and choose

future then I know I chose the right profession. I always wanted

courses that help them achieve their goals, whether it is in college,

to be a teacher and even when I was discouraged by others from

the military, or a trade school.

being an educator, I still had the desire to teach. Nothing is more rewarding than watching a child have an “ah ha” moment after

What has been your proudest moment as an educator?

working through a challenge.

I am most proud of when my students come back to tell me that

on our competition robotics team who is now an engineering

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a teacher but feels discouraged by the demands, pressures, and little pay that teachers face?

student at Embry-Riddle in Prescott. Other students are getting

Teaching can be an isolating profession. Surround yourself with

pilot’s licenses and taking dual credit classes in high school. These

people who know and understand this. Teachers often burn out

students are why I do what I do.

and leave because they feel alone and unheard. Find others with

they have chosen a STEM career path and are following their dreams. I have a student who took my classes and participated

whom you can collaborate, vent, laugh, and learn. When you are

What does this award mean to you? How do you plan to use this experience to enhance your teaching practice? I am honored to be named the 2022 Arizona Teacher

part of a team, it makes the job more worthwhile. You don’t have

of the Year! Being recognized for the work I am doing keeps

your own oxygen mask before helping others.

to sacrifice your own health and well-being. Ask for help when you need it. Remember what they tell you on the plane: secure

me going. Teaching is not the easiest thing to do and many are difference. I hope I can inspire others to create new opportunities

What message do you hope to pass on to all of the students you teach and have taught? I hope my students

for their students by offering STEM clubs and programs at their

know that I love them and have only ever wanted the best for them.

schools. This experience gives me the opportunity to collaborate

Even though they may have felt I was strict or tough on them, it was

with teachers across Arizona and across the United States as well.

so their lives would be better. My students should know that they

I am always looking for new ways to reach my students. The

can do anything they set their minds to. I believe in them and hope

Teacher of the Year award has already opened doors for me to

they feel prepared for the bright future that is theirs.

leaving the profession. This award validates my efforts to make a

expand my knowledge as I connect with other professionals both in education and STEM professions.

Anything else you’d like to add? I would like to ask your readers to take a moment nd reach out to a teacher that made a

What teacher or educator inspired you when you were younger? My seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Mary Spillane was

difference in their lives. Send a note, make a phone call, or write

my favorite teacher. She was smart, patient, and kind. She always

affected them. It means so much to us to hear from former

answered my many questions and if she didn’t know the answer

students about their experiences.

22 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

an email to tell that teacher (or teachers) how they positively

NEW HERITAGE ACADEMY ELEMENTARY AT GATEWAY Now accepting enrollment for next Fall!

H e r i t a g e A c a d e my ex i s t s to promote personal greatness in our scholars . By s tudying the powerful lessons of our Founding Fathers and Mothers, Heritage scholars have answers for today’s problems.

Why choose Heritage • 4-day school week. Fridays off!

• Passionate, caring teachers • Friendly and supportive environment • Small class sizes • Wonderful administration • Tuition-FREE Meet Principal Shalisa Arnold

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Schedule a tour of one of our campuses!

• Gateway: Grades K-5 (starts 2022-23) Ellsworth & Germann Rd., Mesa • 480-461-4440 elementary@HeritageAcademyAZ.com

• Maricopa: Grades 6-12 • Tours Wed. 10 a.m.

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• Gateway: Grades 6-12, • Tours Wed. 10 a.m.

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32 S. Center, Mesa • 480-969-5641 info@heritageacademyaz.com

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4275 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen • 602-290-8546 laveencommunication@heritageacademyaz.com

Visit us online to learn more about Heritage Academy’s dedication to our youth, their growth and development!

az grown education

program, but he was still stifled in school. He was bored, his creativity squashed, and we felt that there weren’t any advancement opportunities for him.

After a few weeks of this, combined with COVID concerns, and weekly illnesses that would bring the entire house down, we decided enough was enough. Our family researched our options, spoke to other families who homeschooled, weighed the pros and cons, and ultimately withdrew our son from public school a few weeks after school started.

Since we have two other younger boys and both my husband and I work fulltime (I work from home) it made more sense to use a program with an accredited curriculum. We chose Abeka and love the platforms and curriculum they offer.

We’re also able to supplement his learning and make every day experiences a part of KATE REED

his education. He has discovered he loves to cook so he actively helps make all our

Homeschooling on a whim

By Kate Reed

meals and grocery shop!

We created a ‘learning center’ in his room but sometimes he works from the kitchen table with me, and we do our work together. He loves to tell me about

AS MY HUSBAND and I sat on the couch

be ‘that’ mom. But after a rough 18

some of the interesting material he’s

one evening I blurted out ‘I think we

months of pandemic public schooling,

covering in his lessons and we do a lot

should homeschool’ and I think it even

we decided to make a family change.

of research on topics he’s curious about!

shocked me a little bit. My husband sat

We felt our 8-year-old was getting lost

Other times I find him working outside

quietly for a moment, contemplating

in the school system and wasn’t being

or even under my bed (why do kids love

his words carefully. He was probably

challenged enough. He’d come home

that?). He loves the freedom to take

looking at my unwashed, disheveled

sad and was not motivated to go back to

breaks, have a snack, and mix up his

hair, dark circles under my eyes, spit up

school. His grades and comprehension

schedule to suit his mood that particular

on my shirt, and looking worse for wear

were excellent, but he wasn’t happy.

day. If you ask him, he mostly just likes

while bouncing a fussy 3-month-old.

We did our best to provide more work

that he can eat whatever he wants for

I would have never guessed I’d

at home and he tested into the gifted

lunch and eat more intuitively (i.e. eat

24 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

when he’s hungry). We also love that this allows us to have more spontaneous day trips without being absent from school.

He’s even able to take his laptop and spend a week with his grandparents.

We’ve completed our 2nd quarter and have plenty to figure out still, but our child is happier and thriving academically (and isn’t getting sick as often!). We were worried about his social needs but there are a lot of homeschool hubs in our area plus designated homeschool events at local venues. He’s also involved in city sports programs where he makes friends.

In full transparency, we have rough days where I think about whether it would be easier to send him back to school. We deal with issues like lack of focus, organization, and my son and I often butt heads (teachers do not get enough credit!). There are days where I struggle to be a mom AND a teacher, juggle the household responsibilities, help with projects, work full-time, and be the support my kids need all while I’m lacking in sleep and self-care. With a 3-year-old at home it’s also difficult to explain why his big brother can’t be

Homeschooling Resources that we enjoy!

• Abeka: Comprehensive, biblically-based curriculum, textbooks, teaching aids and more for Preschool–Grade 12, with a proven spiral learning approach. abeka.com • Highlights Magazine: A monthly magazine that inspire children to use their creativity and imagination; develops reading, thinking and reasoning skills; and teaches respect, kindness and sensitivity. highlightskids.com • The Week Junior: A magazine that inspires ages 8-14 to discuss the news of the week with their parents, teachers and friends. theweekjunior.com • stARTem: Integrating art into STEM through STEAM curriculum and subscription boxes. startem.org • Outschool: Over 140,000 interactive online classes and camps for kids ages 3-18. outschool.com • KiwiCo Boxes: Fun and enriching science and art projects, delivered to your home. kiwico.com • Khan Academy: A nonprofit that provides a free education for anyone, anywhere. khanacademy.org

• Raddish Kids: A monthly cooking club for kids, where culinary fun is delivered to your doorstep. raddishkids.com • Adventure Academy: A fully immersive virtual universe for kids with access to educational activities in math, language arts, science, social studies and much more. adventureacademy.com • Arizona Families for Home Education: A statewide non-profit 501(c)(3) educational, religious and charitable corporation that serves the needs and protects the rights of Arizona’s homeschooling families. afhe.org • Amazon Kids+: Unlimited access to kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps and games on compatible Fire, FireTV, Android, iOS and Kindle devices. amazon.com/ftu/home • The Preschool Box: Monthly preschool activities that encourage learning, reading and creativity in children ages 3-5.

Lil Readers: Monthly books, activities and themed crafts that encourage reading and comprehension in children ages 5-7. thepreschoolbox.com

bothered some parts of the day. It took us 3 solid months to get into a routine where I feel more comfortable with homeschooling, so I recommend you give yourself just as long—especially if you have toddlers and babies at home who also demand attention.

If you have some great homeschool tips, I’d love to hear them! Email publisher@ rakmagazine.com

National Geographic Kids World Atlas 6th Edition

Zeus the Mighty Book 3: The Trials of Hairy-Clees

Ultimate Book of African Animals

by National Geographic (ages 10 and older)

By Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12)

By Beverly and Dereck Joubert (ages 8-12)

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

25

az grown technology USING COMMON SENSE

Getting closer to closing the DIGITAL DIVIDE — for good

By Ilana Lowery

NO ONE KNOWS how the Covid-19

Latino or Native American.

pandemic — or the various iterations of

There is a persistent gap between

want to give her last name.

Access to robust home broadband

it — will impact in-person school going

students who have high-speed internet

service, appropriate and reliable learning

forward, but one thing is certain, at-home

and adequate devices at home and those

devices and digital citizenship tools that

learning for students and teachers is here

who do not, a gap that perpetuates

keep families and teachers connected,

to stay.

educational and economic inequality at a

are essential to the future of education.

time when accessing the internet at home

The next step to closing the digital divide

and that means teaching through the

is as important as having electricity and

is the recent investment in broadband

digital divide will continue to impact

running water.

infrastructure that families and businesses

We are in the age of distance learning,

communities across our state.

In Arizona, roughly 336,000 students

“Many of our students do not have

can afford and ensuring that digital

access to Wi-Fi or technology. Lack of

training and resources are available to

and 4,800 teachers lack adequate

technology only adds to the stress for us

those who need them.

internet access. Up to 220,600 students

and our families as we continue to try

and 1,500 teachers are without the

and support each other as we maintain a

switch to distance learning, it is imperative

technology and devices at home to

quality of education the best we can for

to provide essential tools and resources to

support distance learning. About 56% of

our students,” said Tina, an elementary

all our students, closing the digital divide

the students who lack access are Black,

school teacher in El Mirage, who didn’t

and increasing their chances for success,”

26 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

“Given the global pandemic, and the

said Lupita Hightower, superintendent of

themselves from exploitative and

program to fund the construction of

the Tolleson Elementary School District.

discriminatory business practices.

middle-mile infrastructure, which

According to Drew Garner, Common

will make it easier to build last-mile

Fortunately, President Biden recently signed into law the historic and long

Sense Media’s state broadband policy

connections and provide redundancy

overdue $1.2 trillion Infrastructure

fellow, the infrastructure law creates a first-

to our networks so that they have fewer

Investment and Jobs Act, the largest

of-its-kind digital inclusion program.

single points of failure. (In case you

investment in generations in America’s

don’t already know, “middle mile” is the

roads, bridges, ports, and water and energy

of the new law is the Digital Equity Act,

highway compared to the neighborhood

systems. Included in this new, bipartisan

which provides nearly $3 billion to create

streets of “last mile.” The more middle

law is $65 billion to help ensure that

and support digital inclusion programs,”

mile, the easier it is to connect dispersed

everyone in America is connected to high-

he said.

communities.)

speed internet, a monumental step toward

Digital inclusion refers to providing

The infrastructure law makes internet

one of Common Sense’s top priorities:

internet users with the skills, knowledge

access more affordable, too. The second-

closing the digital divide once and for all.

and technology they need to take full

largest broadband portion of the law

advantage of everything the internet has to

provides $14 billion to the Affordable

offer,” Garner added.

Connectivity Program (ACP) (formerly

It is also too soon to tell how much money will flow into Arizona from the infrastructure dollars, but more than $217

“Along with access and affordability,

the Emergency Broadband Benefit [EBB]).

million has been requested for equipment,

a lack of digital inclusion is one of the

The ACP helps lower-income consumers

such as computers, tablets and hotspots,

leading drivers of the digital divide. The

by providing up to $30/month for internet

and services, such as internet connection.

infrastructure law recognizes this fact and,

service and a one-time $100 to help

for the first time ever, provides funding

purchase a device.

This new law represents the singleISTOCK

“One of the most exciting components

largest investment ever made toward closing

for digital inclusion activities. This is an

the digital divide and ensures that every

enormous show of support for a previously

investment quadruples the size of the

home and business has access to broadband

underappreciated problem,” he said.

original EBB and demonstrates that

connectivity that is critical to thrive in today’s economy, in school, and in society.

Here is a breakdown for you to see exactly what it does for kids and families’

In addition, the infrastructure law will

According to Garner, this $14 billion

Congress truly recognizes affordability

deploy high-speed internet to communities

as one of the leading causes of the digital

that lack it.

divide. Moreover, the law also requires the

The largest portion of the law is a $42

FCC and companies that provide internet

ability to go online and why it is so

billion program dedicated to the creation

service (ISPs) to advertise the ACP to help

important. The broadband section of the

and expansion of high-speed internet

ensure that as many eligible people as

new infrastructure law accomplishes four

networks. This money is prioritized

possible apply for the benefit, he said.

key goals to close the digital divide.

for rural areas and states that rank low

• Deploys high-speed internet to

in terms of internet access, ensuring

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona

that it will be spent connecting our

director for Common Sense

least connected communities. It also

Media, an independent

prioritizes existing state projects and

nonprofit dedicated to

thereby supercharges the work that

helping kids thrive in a world

programs to help internet users take

communities are already doing to build the

of media and technology by

full advantage of online services

networks of the future.

empowering parents, teachers and policymakers. She

communities that lack it • Helps lower-income Americans afford internet service and devices • Establishes “digital inclusion”

• Empowers consumers to protect

The law also includes a $1 billion

can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

27

ages & stages health

When You Think Your Child has ADHD…What Next?

By Dr. Lori Long, Katie Severson, Dr. Mallory Yee

YOU’VE HAD QUESTIONS about your child’s behaviors for a while

(sometimes as early as 4 years), as the diagnosis requires that the

now. Maybe you have shared these concerns with others and were

child shows significant symptoms in more than one setting (e.g.,

met with dismissive comments like, “We’re all a little ADHD!”

school, home, or with friends).

Just remember, you know your child best and you are the best person to advocate for them.

If you start to notice that your child is not maturing out of these behaviors at the same rate as their peers, or these behaviors are having a negative impact on life at home or school, then an

How do I distinguish ADHD from “normal” kid behavior?

ADHD is one of the most common brain-based disorders in

ADHD evaluation can help you identify services to help your child thrive.

children. As a parent, you may notice concerns with your child’s ability to pay attention, focus on schoolwork, listen to directions,

I suspect it is ADHD… now what?

or control impulses. Your child might also hit others, have very big

Start with your pediatrician who can connect you with

tantrums, talk too much, have trouble staying seated, or blurt out/

other professionals who evaluate and treat ADHD. Your child’s

interrupt frequently.

pediatrician may have you fill out some behavior checklists, or

It is normal for children (especially young children!) to have difficulty paying attention or aggressive behaviors from time to

they may refer you to a specialist (such as a child psychologist, neuropsychologist, or developmental pediatrician).

time. It is really the frequency and degree to which you see these behaviors and whether your child starts to outgrow these patterns.

ADHD is usually diagnosed in children 5 years of age or older

28 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Where do I find support for my child with ADHD or suspected ADHD?

Once your evaluation is complete, you will be armed with

resources to help your child thrive. These might include referrals for behavioral therapy, medication, school accommodations/ interventions, and referrals to other specialists. One of the most important parts of this journey is connecting with parents who “get it”. Join your local CHADD group and find other parents who understand your experience.

We would love to support you as you raise a happy and independent child with ADHD. Grab a copy of our free ADHD parenting guide and check out our online course, Creating Calm,

KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ

at our website at thechildhoodcollective.com

From left: Dr. Mallory, child psychologist, mother to two boys.

Katie, speech language pathologist, mother to a girl and boy.

Dr. Lori, child psychologist, mama to two girls.

The Childhood Collective The Childhood Collective is a team of two child psychologists (Lori Long, Ph.D. and Mallory Yee, Ph.D.) and a speech language pathologist (Katie Severson, M.S., CCC-SLP). Most importantly, they are three moms who are dedicated to supporting parents of children with ADHD. With over 40 years of combined professional experience, they empower parents by teaching science-backed strategies to raise happy and confident children!

For more information, visit thechildhoodcollective.com, follow along on Instagram @thechildhoodcollective, or send them an email to hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

29

ages & stages health

30 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Managing FRUSTRATION at home

By Alex Swartz

PARENTING IS HARD. For many parents,

important for defining boundaries — have

the prolonged COVID-19 crisis has

time set aside for self-care, play, work,

made it even harder. Parents have been

school and other responsibilities.

stretched thin–worrying about finances,

“Children three and older are

Keeping others’ perspectives in mind can help us be more patient and create solutions to conflict. With the ongoing

their family’s health and their children’s

increasingly able to understand that the

pandemic, most everyone is stressed and

care and development. Children have

things they want may be at odds with

facing their own individual struggles.

been impacted too, as the pandemic’s far-

what others want,” says Dr. Alison Steier,

Parents can step out of parenting into

reaching effects have disrupted their daily

director of Mental Health Services and

their job or relationship, but children

life and development. With all the stress

the Harris Institute at Southwest Human

can’t step out of needing care. And

caused by the pandemic and families being

Development. “This is an important

remember: just as parents won’t always

cooped up together more often, tension in

cognitive and emotional development and

show up as our best selves, neither will

the household may be a bit higher.

gives parents the opportunity to support

our kids. We see a lot of our imperfections

such skills as waiting, finding a middle

and our kids’ imperfections during

with family members is understandable

ground (collaborating) and going with the

challenging times, so a little empathy will

during challenging times. When we

program (cooperating)—skills they will

go a long way.

start to feel overwhelmed, it can be

need in all relationships.”

Becoming more frustrated or annoyed

Managing anger during conflict

easy to lose our temper and argue with one another or behave rudely. These conflicts can make tensions even worse

Find time to focus on joy Enjoying positive experiences together

Conflict can’t always be avoided.

But when our child pushes our buttons,

if not resolved or managed. So what

helps relieve some of the frustrations or

allowing our anger to dictate our actions

can we do to create a more supportive

resentment that can build up. Spend time

can have negative results. In moments

environment for the whole family? Here

with your child doing interactive activities

of conflict, you can better manage your

are some recommendations from our early

that you both enjoy. Try reading with

anger by practicing mindfulness, using

childhood development experts:

them, crafting, or making a fort! And be

techniques to calm yourself, temporarily

sure to give time and attention to each

removing yourself from the situation or

person in your family so that they feel

finding support from a partner, friend, or

valued and loved.

family member. And as parents, we have

Set boundaries A child running and screaming in

ISTOCK

Perspective-taking

the background of a Zoom work meeting

“Setting aside worries and work

would irritate many parents. Likewise, a

responsibilities to immerse ourselves in

supportive relationship with our children

parent cutting a child’s playtime short to

play with our children can be very joyful

but also to model effective coping skills.

get to an appointment probably aggravates

for parents—reminding us of our child

the child. It’s crucial that family members

selves and giving us insight into how

developing communication skills, their

discuss clear boundaries so that everyone

our children are making sense of their

frustrations, anger or need for attention

is aware of each other’s wants and needs.

experiences,” says Steier.

can sometimes be expressed through

Creating structure together is also

a responsibility not only to maintain a

For young children who are

tantrums or other challenging behaviors.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

31

ages & stages health

Tips for reducing parenting stress Feeling stressed? Between working, cooking, cleaning, managing schedules, and

We may find ourselves wanting to yell or punish our children to put a stop to their behavior, but these harsh tactics can create unhealthy patterns in the

chauffeuring, parenting is a lot of work! Studies show that parents who report higher levels of

long term. Instead, try to stay calm

stress are more likely to be authoritarian, harsh, and negative in their interactions with their

and discuss and validate your child’s

child. Reducing stress can allow you to relish the time you have with your children and build a

feelings while still putting a limit on

happier, more positive relationship.

their behavior. Teaching your child how

If you’re a parent of a young child, check out our tips for managing stress:

Have more fun with your children

to express their feelings with words and practice self-regulation can help relieve heightened emotional states.

Find interactive activities that you and your child both enjoy. Try reading to them, crafting, or making a fort! By spending positive time together, you will create memories and build a relationship outside of your daily parental responsibilities.

Maintaining strong relationships after conflict When we hit “speed bumps’’ in

Live a balanced life

any relationship, the relationship

Don’t spread yourself too thin by signing yourself or your young children up for too many

can be damaged if the conflict is left

appointments and activities. Coordinating multiple packed schedules puts stress on both

unaddressed. Ignoring a conflict and

parents and children. Leave some time open on your calendar so you have time to unwind.

any hurt feelings it causes might work

Make time for yourself

temporarily, but it leaves the door open to the conflict returning and

When your life revolves around someone else, it can be hard to tend to your own needs.

builds resentment and distrust in the

Whether it’s exercising, watching TV, talking to a friend on the phone, or just taking a long nap,

relationship.

focusing on yourself can help you recharge! While some parents may feel guilty for having time

Conflict doesn’t have to be a negative

for themselves, it actually improves their relationships with their children. A less stressed parent

experience, though. Instead, we can view

is a more patient, energetic parent! And if you can’t seem to find time for yourself…

it as an opportunity to communicate our feelings and learn to better support

Ask for help

each other. By resolving conflict, we

Enlist the help of your partner, family, friends or a child care professional to care for your child. Even

build even stronger relationships. We

your older children can watch or play with your young child while you have some time for yourself.

can repair relationships after conflict by acknowledging the hurt we caused

Find support

and expressing remorse. And talking

Being able to talk about your struggles can be a major help with alleviating stress. Spend

with your child about strategies they

some time talking to your partner, friends, or therapist to take the weight off your shoulders.

can use in the future gives them a

Utilizing your support system is not only a form of self-care, but can also allow you to hear

more concrete understanding of how to

some new ideas for coping with parenting stress.

prevent or manage conflict.

If you’re feeling stressed, the Birth to Five Helpline is a free service open to all Arizona families with young children. Call or text the free helpline at 877-705-KIDS (5437), Monday

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest

– Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for free child development support, or visit swhd.org/helpline for

nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development.

more information.

Learn more at www.swhd.org

32 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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ages & stages parenting

A better, calmer PARENTING METHOD

By Kate Reed

34 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ever been at the end of your rope after a

What are the benefits of Love and Logic parenting?

long day, your patience worn thin and your

Love and Logic is a gentle parenting

kid looks you dead in the eye as he dumps

strategy. The tools and techniques from

second police officer, "cop B." This

out the box of animal crackers on your

"Love and Logic," dramatically up the

officer pulls you over and immediately

freshly vacuumed carpet…maybe you’ve

odds of raising responsible, confident,

shows you empathy. "Man, that is a

been there, too. And maybe after you yell

and happy children. Research shows that

bummer you were speeding. I totally

you also feel terrible, like me. Truthly, I’m

parents who maintain high expectations

get it, though. It is easy to speed in this

not proud of the parent I become when

while staying warm and responsive are

area. You were going 15 over, and I have

I snap at my kids. I often wonder what

more likely to raise children with better

to write you a ticket. Let me try and get

impact my reactions have on my kids as

mental health, develop good self-esteem,

you on your way as quickly as possible."

they grow. So this year I'm on a mission to

have higher academic success, be more

He comes back to the window and says,

yell less and empathize more. While I’ve

independent, and create relationships based

with empathy, "Here are a few options for

been making great strides at implementing

on healthy attachment.

you. You can attend traffic school if you

new strategies for being a more gentle parent

have not attended in the last 12 months.

I still have a lot of room for improvement.

You can pay the fine or contest the ticket.

How can I be a better parent, keep

What are the consequences of yelling at your children?

boundaries, and raise well-adjusted kids? I

While it's normal for parents to get

have a better day." As he hands you the

sought some insight from local parenting

frustrated with their children, studies

ticket, what do you probably say? "Thank

coaches, Larry and Kami Kerby, who

show that yelling makes misbehavior

you." That is right; you just thanked the

had a few tips for helping me keep my

worse in the long run. Those who practice

police officer for the ticket.

cool this year while still maintaining

gentle parenting techniques such as Love

boundaries with my kids. The Kerbys

and Logic understand that "the road to

arrive at the party? If you are like most,

spent years studying to be better and

wisdom is paved with mistakes." When

you may not even have an account

more effective parents and now they’re

a parent yells after a child misbehaves

because you are so focused on how you

sharing their knowledge with parents

or makes a mistake, a child usually goes

will fix the problem you just created for

through the Love and Logic seminars.

into fight or flight mode. When a child

yourself by getting a speeding ticket.

is in fight or flight, no learning occurs.

The consequence was the same

What is parenting the Love and Logic Way?

In this state, all of their focus is on the

between "Cop A" and "Cop B," both

parent's reaction, not their poor decision

issued a ticket; however, which one left

Love and Logic is about Loving your kids

or mistake.

you blaming the "authority figure" and

SOMETIMES I YELL at my kids. If you’ve

ISTOCK

so much that you are willing to set and

Let me better explain through the

ever." Your focus will probably be on the officer's poor behavior, not on your own.

Contrast that situation with the

Whatever works best for you. I hope you

Now, what is your story once you

which one left you blaming your choice?

enforce healthy boundaries with sincere

parable of two police officers. Let's say you

When we show empathy and

empathy and compassion. The "Logic"

are on your way to a party, and you get

connection before correction, we up the

in Love and Logic is founded in a growth

pulled over by a police officer. The first

odds dramatically that our kids will learn

mindset mentality, letting children make

officer, "Cop A," yells at you, tells you

from their mistakes.

decisions and affordable mistakes and then

what a horrible person you are, and then

allowing them to experience the natural or

throws you the ticket. You then go on to

logical consequences, not as a punishment

the party, and what is the first thing you

Does this approach work for every family?

but as an opportunity to learn.

say? "I got pulled over by the biggest jerk

Yes. The application will look different

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

35

ages & stages parenting

from family to family as every situation

the problem back. When your child hits

What does that look like?

is different. Disclaimer, these tools, and

their sibling, Ask, "what are you going to

"That was a sad choice that you made. I

techniques are not to replace counseling

do to make this right?" When they make a

am going to have to do something about

and mental health treatment.

mess, "what are you going to do to fix this

that. I will let you know after your father,

situation?" When they create a problem at

and I have discussed this."

How do I set boundaries with my kids without threats?

school, "I heard you created a problem for Mrs. Johnson today, that was a sad choice;

you try new skills, that is not a parenting

When we set limits based on things we

how are you going to make this right?"

issue. That is a marriage or co-parenting

can control, we are much less likely to

At that point, the parent will probably

If the other parent is demeaning you as

issue. As co-parents or partners, we bless

feel the need to threaten our children.

have to coach the child through some

our children's lives when we root for each

When a parent tells a strong-willed child

ideas of what they could do to make

other's success. Kerby Seminar Group

what to do, the strong-willed child often

it right. There may be cases where the

offers marriage courses or co-parenting

does the opposite. Wise parents focus on

child chooses not to make it right. Not

one-on-one coaching sessions if you need

setting boundaries based on the things a

a problem; this is when the parent steps

support in this area.

parent can control, such as ourselves, our

in giving a consequence with empathy

environment, and our schedule.

and connection before correction. A consequence will help them better

What are some resources you recommend for parents?

that tone of voice with me!" I am much

understand "cause and effect." When I

Nobody knows and loves your child like

more likely to follow up with a threat

choose not to fix the situation, my parents

you! While there are many parenting

because all my focus is on the thing I can't

do something.

experts and resources available, none are as

control, the child's tone of voice.

powerful as the confidence to know that you are the expert on your child.

is as calm as mine." There is no need

How can I implement these changes in Parenting when my partner doesn't agree?

for threats. The parent can now follow-

We often have just one parent show

behaviors in their cognitive development or

through, and talk to the child when the

up to our Love and Logic workshops.

ideas for more effective strategies than the

conditions of a calm voice are met.

Sometimes their spouse cannot attend,

ones your parents used on you.

For example, if I tell a child, "Don't use

In contrast, when a parent says, " I'm happy to you talk as soon as your voice

The love and logic program helps

but they are sometimes not willing to

As the expert on your child, you may need help understanding appropriate

Come discover new tools at a

parents set enforceable boundaries without

participate. I encourage those parents to

"Parenting the Love and Logic Way"

lectures and threats. Effective boundary

experiment with their new tools and skills

workshops. You can find schedules at

setting is a skill set that most have never

and examine the results. After seeing their

www.Parenting.Rocks and additional

seen modeled. It takes time and practice.

spouse achieve better results, some parents

books and resources can be found at www.

are more open to trying something new.

LoveandLogic.com.

What are some techniques I can implement today?

What doesn't work is nagging your spouse and telling them what they need to be

Learn more: Larry and Kami Kerby

When a child creates a problem, one of

doing differently. If the spouse disagrees on

are Parenting Coaches & Independent

the greatest gifts we can give them is to

the consequence, delay the consequence.

Facilitators of the Love and Logic

practice fixing the problem. That is a real-

Get on the same page, then give the

Curriculum. You may reach them at 480-

life skill that will serve them for the rest of

consequence to your child.

316-8383 or at parenting.rocks/contact

their lives. What does that look like? Hand

36 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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Pregnancy & Babies P

regnancy can be such a magical time but there's also a lot to prepare and figure out–what to put on a baby registry, deciding whether to take a babymoon, how to choose the right pediatrician, and what to pack in a hospital bag, just to name a few. Then come all the changes once the new baby arrives such as figuring out best parenting practices and getting your newborn to actually sleep.

It can all feel a bit overwhelming at times so we've compiled some expert advice and our own personal tips on how to tackle some of these concerns. We hope this helps guide you as you enter into one of the biggest adventures out there: PARENTHOOD. 38 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Pregnancy & Babies Careful the things you say.

Children will listen.

COURAGEOUS CO-PARENTING

Co-Parenting Your Baby:

Careful the things you do.

Children will see and learn.

– Stephen Sondheim

ISTOCK

3 GUIDING COMMITMENTS

By Michael Aurit, JD, MDR

RESEARCH CONFIRMS the accuracy of

Knowing you are both on “Team [your

who are equally invested in caregiving can

these poignant lyrics—even for newborns.

baby’s name]” can go a long way toward

share overnights. The key is to support

Here are three commitments separated

uniting as parents and reducing conflict.

one another as you work together to make

parents can make to best support the physical and emotional health of their

a plan that best meets your baby’s needs.

2. Commit to supporting each other.

new pride and joy.

Babies need both parents. Developing secure attachments to both parents is in an

3. Commit to creating a Parenting Plan.

All new parents need guidance. A

1. Commit to reducing conflict and

infant’s best interest. Leading psychologist

detailed Parenting Plan is your vital

creating a low-stress environment.

Dr. Richard Warshak’s research concludes

playbook. A professional family mediator

that parents’ consistent, frequent,

can help you develop a Parenting Plan,

exposed to conflict between their parents—

affectionate, and sensitive behavior is

which addresses parenting time, legal-

even during sleep time—show physical

essential to forming meaningful, secure,

decision making, and child support to

signs similar to people with severe stress

and healthy parent-child relationships.

keep conflict low and ensure successful

and emotional problems, including sleep

Likewise, Arizona law calls for

Infants sense conflict. Newborns

co-parenting now and long into the future.

disturbances, fear, anxiety, and distress. It

“substantial, frequent, meaningful,

can even disrupt early brain development.

and continuing parenting time with

Courageous Co-Parenting is Raising

Continued exposure can lead to emotional,

both parents.” Parents can commit to

Arizona Kids’s monthly column for separating

behavioral, and physical health problems

maximizing parenting time for both

or divorced parents to learn conflict

later in childhood. Infants suffer internally

parents. For some, this means the baby

resolution skills, strategies, and attitudes for

and may not show signs of stress.

resides at one parent’s home full-time,

healthy co-parenting. These concepts apply

while the other parent cares for their baby

to all parents. Please feel free to share the

multiple times per week. Other parents

column with your co-parent.

For years, child experts have known that it is not the divorce that will cause harm—it is continued conflict during and after divorce that causes emotional

Michael Aurit, JD, MDR, is a Professional Mediator and Co-Founder of The Aurit

harm. This truth can help co-parents

Center for Divorce Mediation in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is President of The Academy of

separate their conflict from their

Professional Family Mediators. He is also an Adjunct Professor at The Straus Institute for

co-parenting responsibilities.

Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and Arizona State University’s

Creative solution: Become a team

Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Michael is married to Karen Aurit, and they live in

focused solely on your baby. Use your

Phoenix, Arizona with their three and five-year-old daughters. Michael can be reached at

baby’s name as your ‘team name’.

michael@auritmediation.com. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com

40 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

CURIOSITY. CREATIVITY. CRITICAL THINKING. At Madison, your child will be immersed in future-focused learning, providing opportunities for inquiry and discovery.

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Pregnancy & Babies

HEALTHY LOVE HABITS

Parenting

RAWPIXEL

Your Newborn as a Team

By Karen Aurit, LAMFT

PARENTING A NEWBORN baby can unite

as a meaningful caregiver. Take a unified

Remaining best friends

parents in profound ways; however, it can

approach, ‘one feeds and the other burps,’

Connecting with your partner as best

also lead them further apart.

allowing you to become a stronger team.

friends is crucial. Hold a daily 15-minute

Sharing the roles of feeding, bathing, and

“team meeting” to focus solely on

that 67% of new parents felt dissatisfied

soothing may create the most unified

each other. Share a laugh, express

in their relationship during the first three

feeling for parents.

your love and gratitude, or daydream

Dr. John Gottman’s research shows

years of their baby’s life.

The key to strengthening your bond

about 8-hours of sleep.

Different parenting styles

Stay connected as you navigate

is to develop healthy habits that support

It is normal to have different parenting

disagreements and always support a

the development of a compassionate and

styles. You might disagree about sleep

compromise.

unified parenting team.

training, feeding schedules, or even the “right way” to hold the baby.

Initial Challenges

The key is to avoid communication

You’ve got this—together! Get into the groove of your new team and fall in love even more deeply as you become a family.

You will be challenged to work as a team as

breakdown. To do so, hold a brief “team

you both experience a lack of sleep, libido,

meeting” as needed to focus on problem-

Healthy Love Habits is Raising Arizona

and solitude. The key is to remain focused

solving together. Each of you should

Kids’s monthly relationship column for learning

on your partner first and address the baby’s

feel heard and understood as you find a

simple habits to create the healthy and loving

needs together. As a parenting team, it is

mutually-beneficial solution.

connection you desire and deserve.

much easier to laugh at things that might otherwise make you cry.

Karen Aurit, LAMFT, is Director and Co-Founder of The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Karen is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family

Involvement in your baby’s care

Therapist who specializes in mindfulness theory. She is also an Adjunct Professor at The Straus

Sharing in all aspects of childcare is

Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and at Arizona State

essential to remaining connected and

University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Karen is married to Michael Aurit, and

appreciative.

they live in Phoenix, Arizona, with their three and five-year-old daughters. Karen can be

Create space for each of you to function

42 January/February 2022

reached at karen@auritmediation.com. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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Pregnancy & Babies

5 TIPS

that make a BIG difference for

BABY SLEEP

By Cara Dumaplin

DO YOU HAVE a baby or toddler 0-24

months? Here are five ways you can help set your baby up for better sleep: ⁣ Aim for age-appropriate wake windows.⁣

“Wake window” is just a fancy term for how long your baby is awake between naps and before bedtime. How long your baby is awake directly impacts sleep.

a few degrees, make sure your baby is in

at bedtime, just offer full feedings all

Babies who are awake for too long OR

comfortable clothing, and ensure that the

throughout the day when your baby is

not long enough struggle to fall asleep

crib is completely safe.

hungry. Don’t exceed 4 hours between

⁣

and stay asleep. BUT the right amount of

daytime feedings. ⁣

active awake time for your baby helps set

Help your baby learn to fall asleep

your nights and naps up for success. Keep

independently at bedtime.⁣

Know that help is available if you need it!

in mind that the “right amount” is always

This helps them know how to fall BACK

Taking Cara Babies has online classes

a range and can vary a bit day to day.

to sleep when they awaken in the night.

that meet your baby right where he or she

We all awaken multiple times a night.

is developmentally. Each class will aim for

baby’s age: ⁣

The “trick” for consolidated sleep is being

great sleep and allows you to customize

• 0-4 Weeks: 35-60 minutes⁣

able to connect those sleep cycles. If we

a plan that fits your family’s values.

• 4-12 Weeks: 60-90 minutes⁣

know how to fall asleep at bedtime, it’s

Everything is taught using the expertise

• 3-4 Months: 75-120 minutes⁣

easier to do it during the night! ⁣

of a nurse and the heart of a mama.

Here are guidelines based on your

• 5-7 Months: 2-3 hours⁣

⁣

⁣

• 7-10 Months: 2.5-3.5 hours⁣

Offer feedings about every three hours

Cara Dumaplin is a baby

• 11-14 Months: 3-4 hours⁣

throughout the day according to hunger cues.

sleep expert, neonatal nurse,

• 14-24 Months: 4-6 hours⁣

No, that doesn’t mean we want a rigid

mom of four, and wife of a

feeding schedule. BUT offering good, full

pediatrician. Her passion

Set up an environment conducive to sleep.⁣

feedings rather than snacking helps your

is teaching parents how to

Babies sleep best when everything around

baby get the calories she needs during

help their babies sleep so they can reclaim the joy of

them says “It’s time to sleep.” How do we

the day. Being responsive to hunger cues

parenthood. With over 2 million followers on social

get the environment to say this? Make it

throughout the day helps get longer

media, Cara has truly been able to see her passion come to

completely dark, lower the temperature

stretches at night. No need to overstuff

life. You can discover more at takingcarababies.com

⁣

44 January/February 2022

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Pregnancy & Babies

Common Oral HEALTH ISSUES During Pregnancy

By Dr. Heather Schneider

IF YOU’RE PREGNANT – or planning to become pregnant

– chances are you know some of the basics about being healthy for you and your baby. Eat a balanced diet. Don’t smoke. Get enough rest. And the list goes on.

But did you know that your oral health becomes increasingly important when you’re planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy?

Pregnancy can intensify dental disease.

Minor dental problems you had before you became pregnant could worsen.

Common Dental Issues during Pregnancy Most moms-to-be experience cravings.

Additional snacking on sugary foods can lead to increased tooth decay. Try to limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only. If you do give into one of those Oreo cravings, drink a glass of water while you’re eating, perhaps even swish with it a bit. Then, wait and brush your teeth once 30 to 60 minutes later, which allows time for the acid/sugar buildup to neutralize. If you brush too soon, it can actually cause more harm than good with all that acid and sugar.

Beyond this, nausea and vomiting affects 80 percent of all pregnant women. Stomach acid from vomiting can erode

46 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

your teeth. If you’re one of the unlucky

A Less Common Dental Issue:

Oral Health Resources for Low-

ones who suffer from “morning sickness,”

Pregnancy Tumors

income or At-risk Pregnant Women

make sure to rinse your mouth out with

If you’re pregnant you’re probably

Outside of the $1,000 emergency

water and baking soda solution afterward.

aware of how your hormones are causing

dental services all AHCCS adults have,

The combination will neutralize the acid.

many changes in your body. A rise in

Medicaid-eligible mothers do not have

Also, brush your teeth gently – again after

estrogen and progesterone can cause

coverage for dental services in Arizona, so

30 to 60 minutes – and chew gum that

symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue,

often these moms have to suffer without

has Xylitol in it.

brain fog, and dizzy spells. But you

dental care because of these barriers.

might not realize they’re also at play

However, locally there are many resources

increased bleeding and tenderness of

when it comes to your oral health. A mix

for low-income or at-risk pregnant women

the gums, may affect women during

of plaque buildup and hormones can

to receive dental care, several of which

pregnancy due to increased hormones.

cause a pregnant woman’s gum tissue to

are supported by grants from the Delta

Great oral hygiene helps prevent this

inflame, resulting in something called a

Dental of Arizona Foundation:

“Pregnancy gingivitis,” which is

from occurring. To help prevent a build-up of plaque, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least daily, paying special

“pregnancy tumor.” These tumors, also known as pyogenic granulomas, are not

Center ensures patients in their

cancerous.

obstetrics department /

Pregnancy tumors occur in about

• Maggie’s Place offers housing, medical,

attention to cleaning along and

5% of pregnant women but because of

dental, and nutrition services for

just below the gum line.

hormonal changes in the body, they often

pregnant homeless women.

Many pregnant women

disappear after the baby is born.

avoid the dentist altogether

• Marana Healthcare’s dental clinic provides free cleanings and X-rays to

to avoid X-rays. However,

Tips for Scheduling Dental

pregnant women in their second and

dental X-rays are extremely

Appointments While Pregnant

third trimesters that are using the health

safe through the second

First, try to schedule a dental checkup

center’s obstetrician services or Women,

semester, emitting one

within the first trimester to assess your

Infants and Children (WIC) Programs.

of the lowest amounts of

oral health and determine whether you

And a final bit of advice: If you have

radiation—comparable to that

need a cleaning. If you need cavities

dental insurance, make sure to check if it

of a short airplane flight. No

filled or other necessary procedures, the

offers a third cleaning benefit. This will

single X-ray produces enough

second trimester is the best time. Elective

allow you to visit the dentist for a cleaning

radiation exposure to harm a

procedures like tooth whitening or other

three times in a calendar year if you are

developing fetus, according

cosmetic work should be delayed until

pregnant. Ideally, your first check-up and

to the American College of

after the baby is delivered.

cleaning should be within the first trimester.

Radiology.

An important note: while X-rays and fillings are safe, cosmetic dental work, like teeth whitening, should be avoided during pregnancy.

ANTONIO DIAZ

• Mountain Park Community Health

If a dental emergency arises, be sure to let your dentist know that you are

Dr. Heather Schneider is the dental director at Delta

pregnant. He or she will know what

Dental of Arizona and has more than 19 years of

precautions need to be taken to resolve

experience in dental administration, dental education,

your dental problem.

and clinical dentistry. For information, visit deltadentalazblog.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

47

Pregnancy & Babies

How to choose the RIGHT

PEDIATRICIAN

for your new baby

By Monique Seleen

AS EXPECTING PARENTS-TO-BE, choosing a pediatrician has been

on my to-do list for weeks now. With all the other tasks there have been to get ready for our baby, this one kept getting pushed aside but mainly because I didn’t quite know where to begin.

If you’re anything like me, and feeling overwhelmed on where to start when it comes selecting the right pediatrician for your child, here are some insights from a local pediatrician, Dr. Rajeev Agarwal from Agave Pediatrics who can help you navigate the process. Everything from when to begin your research, what questions to ask, and things to keep in mind when making your selection.

48 January/February 2022

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When to Look for a Pediatrician:

Other Practical Things to Consider:

It is recommended to start your search for a pediatrician at least

• Do you prefer a small practice or a larger practice, or a

during the second trimester of pregnancy. Before delivery at a

somewhere in the middle kind of practice?

hospital or birthing center, it is essential to have a pediatrician’s

• The distance to a pediatrician’s office from our home

office in mind to request medical records be sent to your regular

• Do you prefer to be seen at a multi-racial or cultural office,

provider. This way, there are no interruptions in the child’s care.

where the providers will understand your culture and may

After delivery, finding a pediatrician may be difficult as the

even be able to speak your language?

responsibilities of a new parent can seem overbearing at first. So it’s best to prepare early on!

Evaluating all these questions is essential, but a gut feeling is needed just as much as a conscious decision when choosing a pediatrician.

Questions to Ask When Meeting a Pediatrician:

If an office allows visits and interaction with staff, this is

• What are the practice’s office hours? It is vital that an office is

a great way to determine if a specific pediatrician’s office is

flexible with your schedule or accommodates your time as a

an excellent fit for you. Please reach out to an office if they

new parent.

offer this opportunity, and if not, request a tele-visit for more

• Does the office accept my insurance? Care should not be a financial burden and it is important if an office accepts your insurance for coverage.

insight and feel for the staff. Please be mindful that in-person interactions may be limited with COVID restrictions in place.

The feeling you get from visiting an office is important, but

• How much breastfeeding support is provided?

you can get equally good, if not better information from websites

• What is your childcare philosophy? Does your philosophy of

and reviews in the internet age. Always be wary of reviews, as they

care match with your pediatrician’s? Having someone who

tend to be written by unhappy patients and can skew perspectives.

understands and is open to your childcare philosophy is crucial to maintaining a positive patient-provider relationship.

GPOINTSTUDIO

• Does the office offer an after-hours service and/or is there a

What to Do if You End Up Unhappy with your Pediatrician: If you do not feel supported in your decision-making or

call-in policy? When your child needs care for a sick visit,

philosophy of care, it’s important to have an open discussion

there must be some flexibility scheduling in a timely manner

directly with the provider or practice manager regarding your

to be seen for said concerns.

negative experiences. Parents should consult with staff rather

• What is your vaccination policy? Some offices offer

than posting a negative review as it will improve the care of their

alternative schedules, and some do not. This is important

own child and other children that could be experiencing similar

to ask if a parent has strong beliefs regarding their child’s

situations. If you feel incorrect or outdated information is being

vaccination status.

provided, it is best to address this issue with the provider to

• Does the provider have extensive experience with newborns?

understand their reasoning.

Is the provider board certified? Providers should absolutely be board certified because it demonstrates that they know the

Dr. Rajeev Agarwal went to medical school at All India

latest advancements in their specialty and ensures the highest

Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, in New Delhi.

quality of care. As medical care advances, so should providers.

After which, he came to the United States for his Pediatric

Board certification also shows a provider’s commitment

Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at

to patient care and that he or she is adherent to rigorous

Galveston. He then join the Pediatric Nephrology fellowship

assessment standards.

at University of Florida at Gainesville. Under the program,

• Are you able to communicate with your provider effectively and openly?

he also conducted bench research at Ohio State University. Dr. Agarwal worked on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for eight years in general pediatrics before moving to Arizona to establish Agave Pediatrics in 2005. Learn more at agavepediatrics.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

49

A look at RAK Editor, Monique Seleen’s

JOURNEY to PARENTHOOD

By Monique Seleen

My husband and I are so excited to become first-time parents in 2022. Our little boy is due in February and we know we are in

transferred over to the midwife’s office.

Two weeks later, I found myself back in her office, only this

for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s a little inside glimpse at our

time it was because we had gotten a positive pregnancy test result.

journey—everything from our experience trying to conceive, what

Having known my prior pregnancy history, my midwife ordered

my pregnancy has been like, to our plans on how to manage it all

all sorts of tests to have things checked out right away to make sure

once baby arrives.

things were progressing like normal. Her concerning, yet calming approach, took away a bit of my anxiety and I allowed myself to just

Journey to Conceive

trust in her medical expertise and advice from there on out.

Our road to becoming pregnant was a bit bumpy. While we didn’t seem to have any trouble conceiving, having a viable, sustained

Pregnancy Journey

pregnancy was more difficult. We had a miscarriage in late 2020

Apart from the anxiety that comes with being pregnant after

followed by a chemical pregnancy (which is often considered an

two losses, I have had a very uneventful and smooth pregnancy.

early miscarriage) in spring of 2021.

I consider myself one of the “lucky ones” to have pretty much

This created a lot of confusion and I began questioning my ability to stay pregnant. But, as the saying goes, sometimes good

escaped morning sickness (although, sometimes my lack of symptoms created worry).

things happen out of bad situations. Because of our miscarriages, I

I did have some food aversions and found myself pretty

requested to have hormonal tests, blood work, and an ultrasound

much resorting to a diet consisting of carbs and cheese that first

done in order to ensure everything was functioning like it was

trimester. My biggest complaint early on was my overwhelming

supposed to. I was not pleased with how the OB’s office I was

fatigue and exhaustion. I wound up sleeping 11 to 12 hours a

going to at the time was treating me like just “another patient”. I

night and still needed one or two naps each day, just to function.

felt like my questions and concerns weren’t fully being addressed.

A friend of mine had told me about the midwife she had been

Eventually, that all seemed to clear up around week 13 and I felt back to normal—so much so that I would often forget I

seeing and recommended I see if I could get an appointment with

was even pregnant. I began feeling little tiny flutter sensations

her to get a second opinion on everything.

at 14 weeks which was the most exciting thing for me! The

That ended up being one of the best things to come out of all of this. The moment the midwife stepped into the room and

more movement I started to feel, the more my anxiety started to loosen up.

introduced herself, I immediately felt comforted and at ease. She

Around that time, as things started to feel a bit “safer”, we

listened attentively, did not rush me, addressed all of my worries

started announcing our pregnancy to our friends and family.

and concerns, and created an action plan for some next steps that

While I was nervous to do so, it also helped me relax a little bit

we could take—making sure I was comfortable with it all too.

and I started getting excited about it all, which I realized I hadn’t

My husband and I walked out of that appointment and found ourselves instantly calling to have all my medical records

fully allowed myself to do yet.

I spent a lot of the second trimester figuring out what exactly

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

51

we needed to do to start preparing. Which room would become the baby’s room?

What did we want the baby room to look like? What should we include on our registry? (Check out the article on this).

Where did we want to go on a babymoon?

(See my tips for planning the perfect babymoon).

Once I had that stuff figured out, my husband and I spent many days clearing out a space in one of our spare bedrooms that would become our nursery. We began painting, building our online registry, and took our babymoon trip at the start of the third trimester.

As I write this, I am currently 32 weeks along and feeling like time is just flying by! We still have so much to do—finishing the room, taking some basic “preparing for baby” classes, an upcoming baby shower, picking out a pediatrician, building a crib, stocking up on diapers and wipes, and packing our hospital bags—and only 8 weeks left to do it all!

The Journey Ahead While I know that we will never be “fully prepared”, I’m doing

full-time for his doctorate, I know I’m going to need lots of help

my best to prepare as much as I can because I know that things

when he’s busy.

will be hectic.

In between all the planning and preparation, we are also doing

My goal is to make and freeze some meals before baby’s due

our best to savor the present moment—sleeping in while we can,

date and I’ve also been researching some meal prep delivery

squeezing in a nap here or there, taking lots of little date nights,

services so we have some easy, yet healthy options when we’re

and just enjoying the calm before the storm—but mostly, we’re

too tired to cook. For Christmas, we also asked for and received

just excited to meet our son and officially become parents!

some gift cards to some of our favorite restaurants (with take-out options) and are keeping those tucked away until baby gets here.

Monique Seleen is the Editor for RAK. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from

My husband and I are lucky that both of our parents live

ASU and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from GCU. She spent 6 years as a

nearby and are willing to help with childcare so we are planning to

middle school English teacher where she shared her love for writing with her students.

arrange some set days and hours that they will be able to watch the

Monique and her husband live in Mesa and are excited to become parents for the first

baby for us. With my husband working full-time and in school

time to their baby boy, due in February.

52 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

5 First-Time Mom New Year’s Resolutions I love New Year’s resolutions. Every year,

Weekly date night with my husband

I write down my goals and place them

My husband and I have been so committed

somewhere I’ll see every day (usually my

to our once a week date night and want

bathroom mirror). On New Year’s Day,

to ensure we stick to that once baby

my husband, mom, and I have made it a

arrives, even if that means our date is just

tradition to make vision boards—cutting

watching a movie together on the couch.

out words and pictures from old magazines

Dates might look a little different, but we

and arranging them on a poster board to

want to continue making our relationship

represent our goals for the year.

a priority.

With our baby due in February, I know that things will radically change and the

Exercise (when cleared)

goals I once set out to accomplish in years

at least 2 times a week

past may not be so applicable this year.

As I’ve gotten bigger with pregnancy,

I took to Google for some help on

it’s gotten a little tougher to actually do

setting realistic goals as a first-time mom,

any real kind of workout, so I’ve resorted

and here are some ones I’ll be doing my

mainly to outdoor walks as my cardio. But

best to implement this year:

once I’m cleared to start exercising after delivery, I plan to start slowly working out

Ask for/accept help when needed

again and committing to at least 2 times

I’m not the best at asking for or accepting

per week.

help, even if I’m in dire need of it. But with a new baby and my husband’s busy

Read one book a month

schedule, I know I’m going to need it and

(audiobooks count too!)

will need to ask for and accept it when

I love reading and usually always have

others offer.

some sort of a book goal that I set for myself and I try to increase it every year.

Once a month self-care outing without

This year, I’m scaling it back a little

baby (pedicure, massage, lunch with a

because I’m not sure how much time I’ll

friend, etc.)

actually have to read. So instead, I’m

Almost all the seasoned moms I’ve talked

committing to one book a month (or

to, have emphasized how important it is

12 for the year). I also love listening to

that I don’t just get lost in taking care of

audiobooks and figured with all the late

my baby’s needs, but that I make time for

night feedings or walks with baby, I can

myself, too. With the help of my husband,

get some reading done that way.

parents, or in-laws, I’m going to schedule a once a month self-care date with myself and leave baby behind.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

53

Pregnancy & Babies

Chris and Monique Seleen of Gilbert in Sedona.

Plan the Perfect

BABYMOON

By Monique Seleen

My husband and I are expecting our first child in February and

Book a massage

are quickly realizing how different our lives are about to be.

My husband and I have a tradition of getting a couple’s massage

Spontaneous getaways with just the two of us are going to be

on almost every little getaway we plan so I knew this would be no

a lot fewer and farther between, at least for a while. So, we knew

exception! One of the first things I looked for was a resort with

we wanted to plan one last trip where we could unwind, relax,

a spa where we could indulge in a relaxing day together. Even if

and spend some quality time together: cue the babymoon.

you decide to stay at an Airbnb or smaller bed and breakfast, it’s

Babymoons have become a popular thing for expecting

worth looking into a local spa and booking a prenatal massage or a

couples to partake in. It’s basically like a mini honeymoon—

couple’s massage if your spouse is into it too! Definitely one of the

only it’s taken before the big event, not after. It gives the couple

best ways to relax together!

some alone time to soak in together before their new addition arrives, whether it’s their first child or second, third, etc.

Planning trips is one of my favorite things to do so I spent

Plan a romantic dinner Let’s face it: I know dinnertime is about to get a whole lot more

a lot of time researching and making reservations to create a

hectic so we planned a couple really nice dinners to enjoy together

memorable experience for us.

while on our trip. One night we dined at the resort and were

Here are some tips I learned along the way and hope they help you plan the perfect babymoon:

seated outside right next to a fire pit and heat lamp which created such a warm and romantic atmosphere. Another night we went to a place where they had live music playing while we dined. We

Take your babymoon in your second trimester

spent a couple hours there just enjoying the music together. I

or very early in the third trimester

highly recommend carving out at least one night where you can

We went when I was 28 weeks along—right at the start of the

make dinner reservations at a place that offers both good food and

third trimester. I wouldn’t recommend going much later than this

a romantic atmosphere—whatever that looks like to you!

as you might be too big or uncomfortable to walk around or really enjoy your time. Many women say they feel their best and have

Sleep!

the most energy in the second trimester so it’s a good idea to plan

All everyone keeps telling me is to get as much sleep as I can right

it for around then.

now and I am not going to pass that up! Whether this is your first child or your fourth, I’m sure we can all agree that sleep is going

Don’t go somewhere too far away

to greatly diminish once that new bundle of joy arrives. In Sedona,

I didn’t want to be too far away from home (or my midwife’s office)

everything closes pretty early so we were back in our hotel room

just in case. Plus, being in a car or on a plane for too long with my

by 9 p.m. at the latest. We also took advantage of sleeping in and

growing belly did not sound appealing. Fortunately, there are so

not having to rush in the morning. I would advise not staying out

many great destinations, right here in our own state! We chose to

super late or making plans too early in the morning so that you

go up to Sedona for a few days and I thought it was the perfect spot

can fully embrace an uninterrupted night of sleep.

with its beautiful scenery, tourist attractions, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Some other local options could include Prescott,

Whatever type of babymoon you have in mind, I hope these

Flagstaff, Tucson, or even Scottsdale. Southern California also isn’t

tips help you plan the perfect getaway for the two of you. Enjoy

too far of a drive if you’re seeking more of a beach vacation.

those precious moments together and soak it all in!

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

55

Pregnancy & Babies

PACKING YOUR HOSPITAL BAG (from a mom of 3!)

By Kate Reed

Whether you plan to deliver in a hospital

forgetting something in your bag. Unless

longer for c-sections or complications. With

or birthing center (I’ve done both) you’ll

you live far away, you can have your

a birthing center you’ll likely leave around 4

need to pack a bag for the birth. With

spouse run home (or to the store) for you!

hours later so you might not need as much.

each baby I was able to pack more of

Even if you are using a birthing center, I

the essentials and leave out the things I

Tip: Don’t install the car seat until closer to the

recommend packing like you might be

didn’t have a use for! Hopefully this helps

due date. In the unlikely case of even a minor

at the hospital in case you or baby have

you plan for your upcoming delivery. I

car accident, you might find yourself scrambling

complications and need to be transferred.

usually plan to pack my bag around 36

to replace it depending on the brand!

Tip: Have dad pack a bag as well with a

weeks, but you can start whenever you feel comfortable! I begin tossing in a few

With my first I delivered in a hospital and

bathing suit (for laboring in the shower/

things little by little until I feel prepared.

the last two were at a birthing center so

tub), a change of clothes, a toothbrush,

I just use a weekender bag because I

what you pack will vary a little depending

deodorant, phone charger, and some snacks.

tend to pack light, but feel free to use

on how long you’ll stay after the birth. With

He can leave it in the car if you don’t want

a suitcase. Don’t fret too much about

a hospital, it’s typically 24-48 hours, and

to bring it to your room.

56 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

For mom • Insurance paperwork and identification if you’re delivering in a hospital (pre-registration is helpful!)

• Labor gown (if you’re delivering in a hospital, you can use that one!)

• Swim top or soft bra to labor in if you’re using water • Socks with grips • Phone charger • Breast Pads (Cloth, or disposable works) • Sanitary pads (in a hospital you’ll likely be provided some) • Nursing bra if you wish to breastfeed. For overnight stays I recommend 2.

• Nipple cream if breastfeeding (I find I don’t need it right away, but you might!)

• Toiletries, if you wish. Personally—I didn’t care enough to use my own soaps but I did appreciate my toothbrush, deodorant, hand cream, hair ties, and brush!

• Cosmetics if you want to do your hair/make up for photos. Not essential!

NATALIA DERIABINA

• Lip balm • Eyeglasses, or contact lens solution and case.

• Candy (candies you can suck on really helped me when I was laboring!)

• Lightweight bathrobe, lounge wear, pajamas, or nursing nightgown plus a sweater for after the birth.

• Underwear (you might not care for the mesh undies) • Comfortable clothes for the drive home (you’ll be about the size you were at 6 months pregnant) • Essential oils & a diffuser if you use them. My birthing center had them already!

• Light snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, etc) in case you deliver in the middle of the night.

For baby • Car seat • Pediatrician contact information • Coming home outfit + an extra (those babies are unpredictable!) Make sure to bring a cozy hat.

• Photo props (swaddles, onesies, embroidered hats, name signs, etc) • Baby journal if you’re creating one • Baby blanket if you want to use a specific one, like we did. We chose a rainbow one.

Plus one for the ride home.

• Diapers (if you’re using cloth, like we did, you’ll need to bring them. Typically disposable

Things I skipped that you might find

diapers are provided in the hospital but it certainly doesn’t hurt to bring a couple along).

helpful: my own towels, pillow, slippers, food, music, reading material, nursing pillow, breast

Things I skipped that you might like: cord blood kit, clothes, pacifier, sound

pump, written birth plan

machine, baby mittens, baby clippers/nail file

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

57

Pregnancy & Babies

What to Put on a BABY REGISTRY

By Monique Seleen

I struggled A LOT with what to put on my baby registry. As a first time mom, I had absolutely no idea where to start.

I quickly became overwhelmed by all the baby products out there and felt an immense pressure that I “needed it all”. Thankfully, with the help of several friends who had recently had babies, I was able to use their recommendations to compile my registry.

While I don’t yet know which products and brands I’ll love the most, I hope by sharing my list of essentials, it can help some other first-time moms avoid the confusion and at least have a starting point.

Here’s a glimpse at what’s on my list: • Diapers (all different sizes– not just newborn)

• Baby play gym

• Diaper bag

• Wipes (water wipes came highly recommended)

• Baby swing

• Baby monitor

• Bassinet

• Burp cloths

• Bassinet sheets (again, was told to get multiple sets)

• Stroller fan

• Baby carrier

• Bibs

• Swaddles (various types so we can figure out what works best for our baby) • A crib (we want one that can convert and be used later on, too) • Crib mattress • Crib sheets (was told to get multiple sets for backup)

• Sound machine • Black out curtains • Baby bathtub • Baby thermometer • Baby gate

• Pack N Play

• Outlet plug covers

• Stroller/Car seat combo

• Diaper rash cream

• Extra car seat base

• Changing pad

• Bottles with different size nipples

• Diaper pail

• Bottle cleaning brush

• Highchair

• Bottle drying rack

• Baby nail trimmers

• Baby car mirrors (one for each of our cars)

• Stroller caddy

• Shopping cart cover

• Baby wash and washcloths • Teething toys (Sophie the Giraffe was highly recommended) • Baby hangers • Baby hamper • Sippy cups • Infant spoons • Toddler bowls/plates • Spill proof snack containers • Rocking chair • Nursery decorations • Baby books • Clothes (sleepers, onesies, socks)

Of course, you might be able to find a lot of this secondhand and for a lot cheaper, or perhaps you’ll have some friends and family who give you hand-me-downs of things they no longer need.

At the end of the day, I was reminded by several moms that as long as my baby has a place to sleep, some diapers, wipes, and a few clothes, I’m pretty much set–the rest is just extra!

58 January/February 2022

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

family time!

Pixel-by-Pixel: Interventions by Luke Murphy (through April 10, 2022) at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Pictured: CampFire.

60 January/February 2022 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Winter

TOP EVENTS Kick off the New Year with some fun and exciting activities for the whole family! Jump start your New Year’s resolutions to be more active by participating in a fun run event. Have a goal to help others more? Check out Peoria’s day of service in honor of MLK day. There will be all kinds of fun festivals to keep your family entertained including a multicultural celebration, dog-friendly festival, and a donut and ice cream event.

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites. Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/ calendar. Send calendar information to familytime@RAKmagazine.com

Dino Preschool Party (Jan. 8). This free event courtesy of First Things First provides a fun opportunity to nurture your young child’s love for all dinosaurs big and small while also providing resources to support their healthy development. The event will feature crafts, hands-on activities and community partners all geared towards early childhood development. 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Please note that there must be at least one child present who is 0-5 years old. Arizona ​​ Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald St., Mesa. 480 644 5662 or email ali.smurawa@mesaaz. gov or arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org

27th Annual Chandler Multicultural Festival (Jan. 15). This festival promotes the cultural diversity of the community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more. Come enjoy cultural performances, kids’ activities, unique vendors, and delicious food. It will be fun for the whole family. Also back by popular demand is the Asian Village where a wide range of Asian cultures will be showcased. Free. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-4329 or chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/chandler-multicultural-festival

Family Fun Action And Adventure Festival (Jan. 22). Meet your favorite action heroes (Batman, Captain America, Supergirl and Wonder Woman), scale giant rock walls, enjoy bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, face painting, live entertainment, family-friendly performances, prize giveaways/raffles and local vendors. Free Outdoor Event. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-951-2100 or azboardwalk.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

61

family time! WINTER TOP EVENTS 6th Annual Doggie Street Festival Phoenix (Jan. 29). Bring your friendly dog. This free not-to-be missed companion animal adopt-a-thon and fun celebration of our furry best friends presents fantastic pet products & services, yummy eats, vet tips, music, kids fun booth, auction prizes and much more! Become a SponsorVendor-Volunteer-Auction Prize Provider Today. 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. doggiestreetfestival.org

Jurassic Quest’s Epic Indoor Event (Feb. 4-6).

Come see the largest lifesize museum of dinosaurs.

Guests walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic Periods and experience for themselves what it was like to be among dinosaurs of all kinds. Jurassic Quest is the only interactive dinosaur event that has over 100 true to life-size animatronic dinosaurs in each of its indoor touring shows from the very small to the gigantic. 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets start at $19, advance sales required. Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa. jurassicquest.com

Touch-a-Truck (Feb. 5). Camp Patrick hosts its fourth annual event to help send children with spina bifida to summer camp at no cost. A family friendly event with 50 large trucks, 2 helicopters (that land and take off during the event), food trucks, vendors and interactive activities. Kids and adults can touch and explore these trucks. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 per person; $20 per family. North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. camppatrick.com

Arizona Donut and Ice Cream Festival and Bao and Dumpling Festival (Feb. 5-6). Enjoy local food from vendors, a curated anime marketplace with local artists.

Boba, desserts, and other Asian and Vegan dishes will be available too. $4 - $14, free ages 6 and younger.

Parking is free. 11 a.m. to 6: p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Chandler Park in front of Chandler Jurassic Quest’s Epic Indoor Event (Feb. 4-6) at Bell Bank Park in Mesa.

Public Library, 178 E Commonwealth Ave, Chandler. visitchandler.com

Arizona Ski and Snow Destinations

Tubing fun for the whole family this winter at Sunrise Park Resort.

We desert dwellers are lucky. We can visit

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL

SKI VALLEY

winter weather just a few hours north or

San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff

10300 Ski Run Rd., Mt. Lemmon

south of the Valley, get our fill of snow and

928-779-1951 • arizonasnowbowl.com

520-576-1321 • skithelemmon.com

then return home to sunshine and warmth.

Site: 40 trail runs (37 percent beginner, 42 percent

Site: 22 ski trails on more than 200 acres served by 3

Arizona Snowbowl and the Nordic

intermediate, 21 percent advanced; longest is 2 miles)

lifts located 25 miles north of Tucson.

Village Arizona (formerly the Flagstaff

served by 4 lifts and 2 surface conveyors on 777 skiable

Lodging: Summerhaven and Tucson.

Nordic Center) are about two and half hours

acres located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Sunset

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesdays and

away without traffic delays on Interstate

Terrain Park features obstacles, spines, rails, fun boxes

Wednesdays.

17. Consider leaving in the early morning

for snowboarders and skiers.

Activities: skiing, snowboarding, instruction for all ages

or Thursday evening — Flagstaff hotels

Lodging: Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins, hotels in Flagstaff

and levels, restaurant on site.

abound for every price range — to beat the

area.

weekend rush.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SUNRISE PARK RESORT

Activities: skiing, snowboarding, lessons, adaptive

White Mountains, 12 miles west of Greer

programs.

855-735-SNOW (7669) • sunriseskipark.com

Ski Valley on Mt. Lemmon (north of Tucson) is three-and-a-half hours south of

Site: 65 trails on 3 peaks served by 10 lifts; snowboard

the Valley.

NORDIC VILLAGE ARIZONA

terrain park and separate cross-country skiing area.

Mountains is approximately a four-hour

16848 US 180, Flagstaff

Lodging: Sunrise Park Resort, hotels in Pinetop and

drive, depending on whether you go through

928-220-0550 • arizonanordicvillage.com

Lakeside, bed-and-breakfast inns and cabins in White

Payson or take Interstate 40 from Flagstaff.

Site: 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails; more

Mountains.

than 9 miles of trails open to snow biking.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

from mid-December to mid-April, depending

Lodging: yurts and cabins, hotels in Flagstaff area.

Activities: skiing (and lessons), snowboarding, cross-

on snowfall. Here are details about Arizona

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

country skiing, tubing, sleigh rides.

ski and snow destinations. Visit websites for

Activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain

updates on snow conditions.

biking (snowbiking), ski lessons.

Sunrise Park Resort in the White

The Arizona snow season typically runs

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

63

family time! WINTER TOP EVENTS

Arizona Renaissance Festival (Feb. 5 - Aril 3).

Travel back in time to the 16th century at the 34th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. Families will experience a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and more. Mingle with more than 2,000 costumed characters, eat a giant roasted turkey leg, take part in games of chance and skill, cheer on your favorite knight, and browse more than 200 artisan shops. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Saturdays and Sundays through April 3. Located east of Apache Junction on U.S. 60.

520-463-2700 or arizona.renfestinfo.com

Monster Jam (Feb. 12). Featuring the ultimate mix of high-flying stunts and four-wheel excitement. With unbelievable action to unexpected thrills, this is full throttle family fun. 7 p.m. (Pit Party 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.).

Tickets $23-$149. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale. 800-745-3000 or monsterjam.com

ZuZu African Acrobats (Feb. 18-20). Originating from Tanzania, the ZuZu Acrobats performances are a blend of circus style acrobatics and popular dance, set to high energy beats. Their performances incorporate fast pyramid building, limbo, contortion, bottle balancing, tumbling, chair stacks, comedy and more. Tickets $19-$49. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. SaturdaySunday. Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 North 16th St., Phoenix. 602-664-7777 or themadison.org

I Love Science Day (Feb. 26). Mark the calendar for two hours of non-stop science fun at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. This will be the perfect family friendly event for science buffs of all ages to observe ongoing scientific experiments and participate in science-based activities and crafts. $13, $7 ages 3-12, free ages 2 years and younger. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arizona ZuZu African Acrobats (Feb. 18-20) at Madison Center for the Arts.

Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald St., Mesa.

480 644 5662 or arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org

AROUND ARIZONA

ON EXHIBIT

Downtown Jazz Fiesta (Jan. 17). The Downtown Jazz Fiesta, featuring Kendrick Scott this year, is a free

Pixel-by-Pixel: Interventions by Luke Murphy

outdoor concert with multiple stages, indoors and out. The Tucson Jazz Festival (Jan. 14-23) features world-

(through April 10, 2022). Dynamic LED sculptures

class ticketed acts, including Jon Bastste, Dianne Reeves, Herb Albert & Lani Hall, Spanish harlem Orchestra

that undermine and liberate technology from its

and more. Check for prices and times. The Downtown Jazz Fiesta is free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hotel Congress, 311

commercial form and function. $10, free ages 18

E. Congress. Tucson. 520-762-6260 or

and younger. Free every Thursday and every second

tucsonjazzfestival.org

Saturday of the month. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursdays. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. smoca.org

Imagine, Design, Build! (Jan. 21 – Aug 6). Featuring 40 artworks by 15 artists from four states and six countries. Artwork includes a variety of media including, paintings, sculpture, fiber works, digital videos, LED lighting, and digital photography. Plus, numerous interactive and artmaking activities will be in the gallery to allow visitors to act as an architect and design their own buildings using a variety of materials and techniques. $9, free ages 1 and younger. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. i.d.e.a.

Museum, 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa. 480-644-2468 or ideamuseum.org Get To Sesame Street: Become Your Best You In 2022 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31) virtual event.

Chihuly in the Desert (through- June 2022). Come see Dale Chihuly’s stunning, large-scale installations

FUN RUNS & WALKS

nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of

Get To Sesame Street: Become Your Best You In 2022 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). How far will you go in 2022? Run,

desert plants. Featuring installations on the Garden’s

walk, hike, swim, roll, cycle, paddle, or crawl and earn Sesame Street character pins as you reach milestones

trails complemented by a major indoor gallery in

along the way. Choose between the 100 and 500-mile options to customize your journey. All funds benefit the

Dorrance Hall, the dynamic exhibition includes never-

Sesame Workshop’s Yellow Feather Fund. This is a virtual event, where you log your mileage and earn prizes.

before-seen installations and is a must-see throughout

$85-$130. Registration required. 435-200-5456 or virtualrunningclub.com/events/get-to-sesame-street

the seasons. If you’re planning to see Chihuly in the Desert at the Garden, don’t miss out on the other half

5th Annual PANDA Prowl Fun Run & Block Party (Jan. 23). A kid’s fun run/walk by a block party with tons

of the experience. This exhibition spans two iconic

of family-friendly activities! The event supports PANDA and the Steele Children’s Research Center. The day is

Arizona locations, so plan your visit to Taliesin West

sponsored by The Karas Group and will include inflatables, face painting, a balloon artist, a game truck, crafts by

today! $29.95-$39.95, $14.95 - $18.95 ages 17-3.

the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, kids yoga by PLAY, Jumpbunch, Xavier cheerleaders, and a DJ. Food options

Reservations required. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Desert Botanical

will include Bahama Buck’s, Juice Core, JP’s Dog House, and What’s Poppin.$40 per person. 2 to 4 p.m. Prince

Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-

of Peace Lutheran Church, 3641 N 56th St., Phoenix. azpanda.org/panda-prowl

1225 or dbg.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

65

family time! onstage Small Island Big Song (Feb. 18) at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Jan.

with an interactive Fun Size Tour. Free, but registration

The Three Billy Goats Gruff puppet show (Jan.

7-9). Watch the Detour Company Theatre light up

is required. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Fun Size Tours 2 p.m.).

19 - Feb. 6). There’s a lot of audience participation and

the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA),

musical fun in this story of three very determined goats

Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Join Detour Company Theatre on

7374 E 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-874-4663 or smoca.org

and one very mean, very hungry troll! Ages 4 and older. 10

this chocolaty adventure as they celebrate the 50th

a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

anniversary of the classic film. This production is

National Geographic Live: Greenwood: A Century

$12, $8 ages 12 and younger; tickets must be purchased

double cast so you can enjoy a double dose of sweets

of Resilience (Jan. 19). A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma,

in advance. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham

and songs! Detour Company Theatre provides theatre

archaeologist Alicia Odewale is uncovering stories

St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

training and performance experience for adults with

of resilience in the hundred years since the attack

cognitive and physical disabilities. Tickets are “Pay-

on Black Wall Street in the city’s vibrant Greenwood

Cinderella: A Classic Fairytale Opera (Jan.

What-You-Wish.” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday;

district. Considered one of the worst episodes of racial

21-23). An opera designed for young audiences ages

3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Scottsdale Center

violence committed against Black people in American

5-11. With colorful characters and melodies, this

For The Performing Arts (Virginia G. Piper Theater),

history, the Tulsa Race Massacre left a devastating toll

classic fairytale story will teach the morals of kindness

7380 E. 2nd St, Scottsdale. detourcompanytheatre.org

on generations of survivors and their descendants and

toward all, forgiving others, and never letting a bad

or scottsdaleperformingarts.org

impacted the very footprint of the district itself. Join

thing ruin your heart. Performance run time is 35

her to discover how archaeology can be used as a tool

minutes with a Q & A afterwards. 11 a.m. Friday and

Second Saturdays @SMoCA (Jan. 8). Come for an

for recovering lost stories, reclaiming a narrative, and

Saturday; 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $20. $15 ages

afternoon of fun, and make contemporary art a family

pursuing restorative justice. 7:30 p.m. $31-$45. Mesa

12 and younger. Scottsdale Center for the Performing

tradition! Solve a mysterious puzzle, create your own

Arts Center (Ikea Theater), One East Main St., Mesa.

Arts (Stage 2), 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-499-

felt food cutie to take home, and explore the Museum

480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com

8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org

66 January/February 2022 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 17th this year. Here are a few activities and celebrations across the Valley that your family can attend.

Day of Service for MLK Day (Jan. 15). The City of Peoria will be hosting Peoria’s first MLK Day of Service by bringing the community S KO

together in service of others. This is the chance

S.

TR

I KO

for Peoria residents to connect, access needed N

services, celebrate diversity and help their MA

community. A variety of health and wellness

RI

organizations and local community assistance groups will be in attendance to showcase their

Committee to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King

National Geographic Live: Greenwood: A Century of Resilience (Jan. 19) Mesa Arts Center. Photo: Food distribution after Tulsa, Oklahoma, race massacre. Photo by Alvin C. Krupnick.

services for residents. The Franchise Band will

Jr. This year’s celebration theme is Tomorrow Is

be the featured entertainment, along with other

Today. The festivities will begin with a parade of

multicultural entertainment and activities. Chaz

community groups, organizations, businesses,

Jackson, the president of the Arizona Chapter

churches, dance groups, bands, and regional

Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The tour

of the Buffalo Soldiers of America, will kick off

cities. The parade starts on Center Street in

(Jan.23). Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa, the wildly

the event. There will be volunteer opportunities,

Downtown Mesa at Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

popular singer, dancer, entrepreneur, influencer and

food trucks, a storytime by First Things First,

The celebration will continue with a festival

creator of the Jojo bow, brings her positive message

free books for children, service providers and

featuring food, vendors, and fun activities located

and infectious fun to Gila River Arena. $1 will be

community resources. The onsite clinic will also

on Macdonald Street, just north of Main Street in

donated for every ticket sold to Dancers Against Cancer.

provide vaccines for COVID-19, flu, pneumonia,

Downtown Mesa. Free. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. mesaaz.

The foundation strives to create an alliance in the

and shingles vaccines for adults and children.

gov/things-to-do/martin-luther-king-jr-parade

dance community by providing financial support and

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Peoria Community Center,

inspiration to dance educators, choreographers, dancers

8335 W. Jefferson St., Peoria. 623-773-7436 or

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Art

and their family members who have been impacted by

peoriaaz.gov/events

Project (Jan. 15). Arizona-based artist, Tiesha

cancer. $44.50 - $64.50. VIP Packages are available. 7

Harrison, the Chandler Diversity, Equity, &

to 9:30 p.m. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March & Festival

Inclusion Division, and the Vision Gallery invite

Glendale. gilariverarena.com/events/detail/jojo-siwa

(Jan. 17). The MLK March culminates at Margaret

the public to learn more about the Civil Rights

T. Hance Park for a Festival where the life of Dr. King

leader by partaking in an interactive art game

Small Island Big Song (Feb. 18). A collaborative

and historical civil rights events are remembered

at the 27th Annual Chandler Multicultural

multi-platform project uniting indigenous musicians

and celebrated. Different cultures interact through

Festival (Jan. 15). After the event, Harrison

across the Pacific and Indian Oceans through song in the

numerous vendors, entertainment, cuisine and a

will collect all of the participatory parts to create

face of climate change and cultural loss. Spanning from

health fair. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance

a collaged portrait of the esteemed icon that

Taiwan to Aotearoa/New Zealand, from Madagascar to

Park (east), 1202 N 3rd St., Phoenix. phoenix.gov/

will be on display at the Vision Gallery through

Rapa Nui/Easter Island. Eight profile musicians across

parks/parks/hancepark.html

the month of February. Free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

the oceans unite on stage. Tickets $28 – $48. 8 to 10

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona

p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Virginia

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations

Ave., Chandler. 480-782-4329 or chandleraz.

G. Piper Theater), 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-499-

(Jan. 17). The community is invited to join the

gov/diversity-events/martin-luther-king-jr-

8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org

City of Mesa and the Mesa-East Valley MLK

community-art-project

RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022

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