Portland Parent Magazine Jan+Feb 2019

January+February 2019

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January+February 2019

contents

9 10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

22

5 8 9 10 37

Three Little Words: . . . and Not Just “I Love You” Compassion: Let Your Kids Catch You Being Generous Dip Into Romance: How to Host a Fondue Party

Family Chatter.......................................................................18 That’s Good to Know!........................................................20 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care..........21-22 Teach Your Kids Something New!................................24 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers............... 26 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids........................... 28

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Subtract Math Anxiety: 7 Quick Tips to Help Your Child Teen Talk Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

45

Get to know the people, places, and things that make the Emerald Coast special!

Seasonal | The Arts............................................................. 31 Runs, Walks, & More | Sounds Fun.............................. 32 Reoccurring Local...............................................................33

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

18

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit, and safe.

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

22 FamilyChatter

parent Emerald Coast

Editorial Director Tasha Williams info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Editorial Snacks & Crafts Coordinator Carol Eide info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Snacks and Crafts Contributing Authors Christa Melnyk Hines Lara Krupicka Jessica Fisher Cindy Hudson Heidi Smith Luedtke Gayla Grace Shannon Dean Calendar of Events and Resource Guide Suzanne Bratton info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Calendar Proofreader Jennifer Cullis

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4 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine

By Ellen Notbohm

. . . and not just “I love You” Another February 14 will come and go, marking thirty-something times I will not have received a Valentine from my husband. He has a long-standing allergy to what he calls commercially mandated holidays, declaring that he doesn’t “need Hallmark and FTD to tell me how and when to love my wife.”

And I really don’t care because 365 days a year, he shows his love in dozens of ways.

It isn’t that I don’t care about hearing those three little words. Who doesn’t?

When my son Bryce was young and only minimally verbal, I had my blue moments wondering if I might never hear “I love you” from him. But when the day finally did come—oh my! Those three little words weren’t whispered in my ear or crayoned on a card but announced at a school assembly. The students were to describe themselves as a dictionary entry with three definitions. The typical definitions were along the lines of soccer player, math whiz, loves to ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 5

Continued from page 5

draw. Bryce’s definition of himself included “someone who loves my parents.” It was, of course, a moment that completely redefined the word “unforgettable.”

When your child struggles with verbal language and social communication as so many of our children do, it gives new meaning to old clichés such as “actions speak louder than words” and “a picture is worth a thousand words.” We may shower our kids with the words “I love you,” but after all, the glory of love is its infinite abstraction. We can’t assume our concrete-thinking children will ascribe the same meaning to the word as we do, no matter how often they hear it.

The good thing about growing older is that your kids grow older too. One day they emerge from childhood and, rather than telling you all that you do wrong, they begin to tell you everything that you did right.

Connor is 25 now and Bryce is 21, and they tell me that although they heard “I love you” from me ad nauseam, it was a number of other three-word phrases and the actions that accompanied them that really imprinted the I-love-you message on their hearts.

“I’ll be there.”

At the hoary age of 11, Connor told a gathering of 200 people at his grandfather’s funeral that “Grandpa was all about devotion. He was at every baseball game, every birthday party.” He’ll be able to say the same thing about us when the time comes. To us it was the most natural thing in the world, not an imposition at all, that we would be at every ball game, every swim meet, every Halloween parade, every school performance, art show and parent conference—also for every nasty doctor appointment, call from the principal, broken window, and broken heart.

We put in thousands of hours being there, but those years flew by and what we are left with now are kids who may not remember their bygone teammates or birthday presents or illnesses, but who do remember that their parents were always, always there for them.

“I was wrong.”

Some people find it difficult to say these three little words, and yet nothing is more loving than giving your children the gift of being content with their own humanity. By

admitting when you are wrong, you model strength, grace and humility. These are learned skills. By freely admitting when I was wrong, my children learned that not only does the world not come to an end with such an admission, but that trying again or making amends can feel great.

“I am sorry.”

This cousin of “I was wrong” has been immortalized in music, film and print. Elton John got it right with his song “Sorry seems to be the hardest word…” and the movie Love Story got it wrong with its idiotic premise that “love means never having to say you’re sorry.” I once read a magazine article entitled “50 Things You Need to Know by 50.” One of them was how to apologize. OHMIGOSH!!

Isn’t this something everyone should know how to do by age 5, not 50? This skill most certainly will not drop out of the sky for your child as he struggles to learn social pragmatics. Teach him through your own actions and words that love means learning to say you are sorry when you have honestly wronged someone, intentionally or not.

“Let’s read together.”

We all parent from our own experience, whether we emulate our own parents or choose a different way. My parents read to me every night, so I did the same with my kids; it was like breathing to me. In my naivety, I assumed all parents read to their kids every night and, in my naivety, was stunned to find it was not so. But it’s one thing my kids refer to almost daily, endlessly quoting favorite lines from the books we read all those years. And how fondly they remember that good-nights were always said at bedside, never called up the stairs from the phone or the TV room.

6 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

“The good thing about growing older— your kids grow older too. One day they emerge from childhood and, rather than telling you all that you do wrong, they begin to tell you everything that you did right.”

Want to retire like a champ? Get on track with tips at

“I’m Connor’s mom.”

Connor swam varsity in high school for four years. Each year the kids and parents ordered team sweatshirts with customized printing on the back. Most chose clever nicknames, but I chose the three little words “I’m Connor’s mom.” I could never have imagined the response this would bring. People would walk up to me and say, “Hi! And how is Connor these days?” It took me awhile to figure out that these people were strangers; they didn’t know Connor or me. But they all told me they adored my walking I-love-you billboard of a sweatshirt. Even now, my son warns people not to mess with me because “she’s Connor’s mom!”

“Just be yourself.”

7.0 in.

Motion Picture Artwork © 2018 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

7.0 in.

“I’m so lucky.”

10.0 in.

10.0 in.

Connor and Bryce have both told me these three little words were the most important ones of all. As children grow older, they mingle with different kinds of families, and they place themselves in the context of the larger world. My kids heard “just be yourself” enough to learn that whatever their doubts about themselves and their various limitations, they have the power to decide whether to be their own best friend or their own worst enemy. That’s a power no super-hero can touch.

Three little words. We say them, we hear them, we live them, we re-live them. Writing this column has been a joy for me, recalling a lifetime of love expressed in so many three-little-word ways. But I saved the best for last, the three little words I whispered in my boys’ little ears at the end of each day:

Ellen Notbohm— Award-winning author and mother of sons with ADHD and autism, Ellen Notbohm’s books and articles have informed and delighted millions in more than nineteen languages. Her work has won a Silver Medal in the Independent Publishers Book Awards, ForeWord Book of Year Bronze medal, Honorable Mention and two finalist designations, two Mom’s Choice Gold Awards, Learning magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award, two iParenting Media awards, and an Eric Hoffer Book Award finalist designation. She is a contributor to numerous publications, classrooms, conferences and websites worldwide.

Take time to

be a dad today.

C a l l 8 7 7- 4 D A D 4 11 o r v i s i t w w w . f a t h e r h o o d . g o v

Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 7

COMPASSION: LET YOUR KIDS CATCH YOU BEING GENEROUS

By Christina Katz

We hear a lot about making sure our children have math skills and athletic skills, but what about skills such as compassion and empathy?

As parents, we can be as intentional about imparting these skills as we are about teaching our young children the alphabet or our older children how to put their laundry away.

What’s the best way to teach generosity? Live it. Let your kids catch you being kind so that they will have real-life memories to recollect later that remind them to be a positive force in the world today, no matter how others choose to behave.

Often children are better at compassion and kindness than adults.

When this is the case, we should follow their lead. Cultivating a spirit of generosity encourages us to see the humanity in any situation rather than defaulting to judgment or condemnation.

So, if you want to raise thoughtful, peace-loving kids, show them the way. Get some generosity going and keep it flowing.

Help Those Who Need It Most Grandmother and author Jessica Morrell likes to give her granddaughters a cool lesson in generosity when they are in the car stopped at highway ramps or intersections and see a homeless person: “I create little bags to pass out—a few dollars, a protein bar, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc. I change the items depending on the season—add cough drops in winter, try to give out water bottles on hot days.” If you don’t feel comfortable giving money, then give sturdy, healthy food items or even a nice cup of hot chocolate. Ask your kids what they would like to give and act on their ideas.

Give Nationally or Globally When a national or international tragedy strikes, get your kids involved in donating to the Red Cross (redcross.org) or other emergency organizations. Explain that when disasters happen, it helps to do a good deed, even if it’s just making a modest contribution.

If your child just had a Bar Mitzvah or a big birthday, encourage him to give a small amount to a cause he believes in and see how it makes him feel.

8 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued on page 19

By Lara Krupicka

Dip Into Romance: How to Host a Fondue Party

What is it about fondue that makes it so romantic? Perhaps the appeal comes from it being an exotic meal, or the intimacy of sharing food from a communal pot. Maybe the leisure required when eating a meal one bite and dip at a time adds a certain spice to the air. Whatever the cause, Swiss fondue makes for an undeniably romantic affair—good cause for hosting a fondue party this Valentine’s Day weekend.

We’re here to dish the details for holding your own couples’ fondue party, making it fun and easy for you and your spouse/significant other.

The Guests While you could create a romantic candlelit fondue dinner for two, it’s easier and just as much fun to invite several other couples to join you. We suggest three to four couples total, including the hosts, depending on how many courses you want to include in your meal. If you don’t mind hosting it potluck, asking each couple to bring ingredients for

one course not only disperses the food prep, it also adds variety, as each couple has the opportunity to select their favorite ingredients to share.

The Courses Oftentimes we think of fondues as strictly melted cheese or chocolate. But Webster’s

Dictionary defines fondue as both “a preparation of melted cheese usually flavored with white wine and kirsch” and “a dish that consists of small pieces of food (meat or fruit) cooked in or dipped into a hot liquid.” A menu with two cheese fondues, a hot oil or broth (oil cooks faster and more thoroughly) for cooking meats, and a chocolate fondue for dessert suits a Valentine’s couples party Continued on page 13

X=

Subtract Math Anxiety 7 Quick Tips to Help Your Child

1

By Jan Udlock

Of the various subjects children take in school,

0+1. Listen and Observe

math can be a challenge for some kids. It can

One of the biggest keys that a parent can use is to observe and listen to your child’s actions and words. Statements like “I hate math” or “I don’t want to do my math today” are perfect opportunities to ask your child questions. “What does it feel like when you can’t answer a math question?” Allow your child to think through their answer. “Ask probing questions that will help him come to solutions on his own and it will encourage good thinking skills,” says Laura Laing, author of Math for Grownups.

cause your student to dodge her homework or ask for too much of your help with it. Is your child bound to have problems in math forever?

Not necessarily. However, if this sounds too familiar to you, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind and use to help your child.

Common Math Problem Areas Math is one subject that is built on concept upon concept, and each concept has to be mastered before a student can go on to the next one. If your child didn’t fully learn a certain component, it will be more difficult to learn the next step. Unfortunately, as children progress in school, the difficulty can snowball unless you and your child take constructive action.

With each child being different, the most common stumbling areas that kids can run into include multiplication tables, fractions, and being messy with their work while working on math.

“I don’t want to do my math today.”

2

Talk with your child about his frustrations. “Studies have shown that when children can express their frustrations verbally, they can overcome their math anxiety,” says Laing.

1+1. Make Mistakes

Make sure your kids see you make mistakes and see that it’s not the end of the world. They need to see that it’s okay to make mistakes

10 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 10

in your daily living. Children need to see that working on math is a process.

Laing explains that children are too focused on getting the right answer. “When we allow our children to follow a process that leads to the incorrect answer, we’re helping them understand the process behind math, not just the final answer,” says Laing.

If you stress about math, be very careful not to pass it on to your child.

3 4

2+1. Keep It to Yourself

If you stress about math, be very careful not to pass it on to your child. When you give your child the impression that math is a struggle to learn or it’s okay to not be good at it, then you’re giving him the impression that he can give up before he even tries. You can discuss the fact that math was not your favorite subject but you know that you use math often in everyday life and so it’s important to have math skills.

3+1. Talk to the Teacher

If your child is having trouble with math, go and talk with her teacher.

You can discuss your concerns and evaluate different options for your child. Teachers often know helpful techniques that can help a student work on a concept. Your child may need to fully memorize his multiplication tables, and his teacher can offer you various ways to work on that task.

4+1. Check Out a Tutor

As a parent, it’s hard to see your child struggle with any subject. And depending on the age of your child and on both of your temperaments, a tutor can be an option because a tutor is an outside objective party that doesn’t have the emotional ties to your child as you do.

A trained math tutor can help your child with specific problems or use hands-on math manipulatives.

A trained math tutor knows the areas where kids have academic problems and can help your child with specific problems or use hands-on math manipulatives.

If you think it best for your child to just get some added math support, you could hire a college student as a math tutor. Many times your older student will respond differently to you than to the tutor, so your student can see that math is important to other people and not just Mom or Dad. As always, make sure the college student comes with recommendations that you can trust.

5

Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 11

Continued from page 12

6

5+1. Don’t Ignore It Don’t ignore the fact if your child has trouble in math. It won’t go away. Providing a variety of support for him will show that you have confidence that he can work hard and succeed.

6+1. Set Up for Success Set up regular time for your children to work on their homework.

And since each child is different, find what works as a motivator to work on his math homework. Would it work to set a certain amount of time to sit at the table to work on his homework before he can get up? Or to give him the opportunity to think up a game to play to work on adding fractions? Keep it fun and low key by asking your child his opinion.

Keep in mind that studies show that positive reinforcement has far more benefits than criticism or punishment.

Don’t support bad habits like allowing the television to be on while she does her homework. Eliminate any electronic distractions also if necessary.

Show your kids that math is part of life. Talk to younger kids about budgets and how you have to shop for the family’s food with only a certain amount of money. Talk to older kids about how they need to know about percentages when it comes to a sale of the latest DVD. How do you add fractions to double a cookie recipe?

Math doesn’t have to be your child’s favorite subject but there are various ways you can help your child strengthen his math skills to gain more confidence. v

7

12 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine

Jan Udlock is a freelance writer and mom of five. She can be contacted at Jan@JanUdlock.com.

Continued from page 9

quite well. If you choose to have two cheese fondues, try to ensure that they contain different cheeses—one sharp and one mild—or different seasonings.

The Dippers Add flavor to your fondue meal through the morsels you choose for dipping. Here are our favorite dippers for each type of fondue:

Cheese Fondue • French or Italian bread cubes • Blanched raw vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli • Apple slices • Pretzels • Smoked sausage slices

Hot Oil or Broth • • • •

Marinated beef cubes Marinated or breaded chicken bites Pork tenderloin pieces Shrimp

(You will also want to serve sauces with the meats. Some options include mustard sauce, barbecue, hoisin, curry, chimichurri, piquant, béarnaise, and chipotle mayo.)

Chocolate Fondue • Angel food, pound cake, or frozen cheesecake • Marshmallows • Fruit: strawberries, bananas, Mandarin orange slices, dried apricots, pineapple chunks • Pretzels • Doughnut holes • Oreo thins • Graham crackers

The Supplies Now is your chance to break out that fondue pot you received as a wedding gift! Don’t have one? You can always make do with a crockpot set on low (taking care to stir often) or a regular pot set over a heat source, such as chafing fuel, gel burner or electric burner.

Or borrow a fondue pot. You will want one pot for each course of the main meal, reusing one for dessert.

Fondue forks are highly recommended as well—particularly for use in cooking meats. The longer rod keeps your fingers safe, and heatproof handles make it possible for the fork to be left in the pot of oil or broth without heating up. Plus many fondue forks are color coded, allowing each guest to keep track of their fork in the pot.

Table forks can be used with cheese and chocolate fondues, although you’ll find it easier to stab and hold onto dippers using a fondue fork.

A Lazy Susan can also be quite handy for serving dippers or for sauces used on meats. One created for a fondue meal contains a stationary center platform for the fondue pot, surrounded by a rotating tray for sauce bowls.

The Romance As if the food weren’t enough to create an amorous atmosphere, there’s a tradition that accompanies the eating of fondue that might be the capstone on creating a very Valentine-y evening. It’s the tradition surrounding a lost morsel—that is, what one does upon discovering their fork has come out of the fondue pot empty, leaving their dipped bite behind. One version says that when a woman drops a bite in the pot, she has to kiss every man at the table, and when the offender is a man, he buys the table a bottle of wine. We prefer to follow the rule that the offending party must kiss their partner. You’ll be surprised at how often you and your guests will “lose” a piece in the fondue over the course of an evening!

So tuck the kids in bed early, cue up your favorite dinner music playlist, and gather some friends for an evening of dreamy dining. v

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mother of three. She and her husband have been hosting Valentine fondue parties for over ten years.

EVEN TEXTERS AND DRIVERS HATE TEXTERS AND DRIVERS. STOPTEXTSSTOPWRECKS.ORG

W H Y S H O U L D I PAY S O M E O N E T O

DO MY TAXES? One of the questions I am asked most frequently regarding taxes is “why should I pay someone to do my taxes when I can just do them myself?” My go-to response is usually “would you try to repair your car or fix your plumbing yourself?” Now I know that DIY is a big trend right now, and there is plenty of DIY tax software on the market. I also know there are plenty of books and videos showing you how to repair your own car and fix your own plumbing.

However, just because these things are available doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea to DIY. Let’s take a look at just a few reasons why you should pay someone to prepare your taxes.

Tax professionals stay updated on changing tax law. This is not just because we find tax law riveting reading; it’s also because we are required to do so in order to keep our professional licenses.

This is especially important this year as we have had some of the most significant tax reform since 1986. Keeping updated requires much more than just keeping up with news stories and articles that give a quick synopsis of tax law breakdown. In the event of an audit, the IRS truly does not care if you didn’t understand the tax laws and filed your own taxes; you will still owe them penalties, interest, and whatever money/credits you miscalculated in your return.

When you pay someone to do your taxes, you get someone with experience and expertise in their field. Even the lowest-level tax professional is required to do a minimum of 18 credit hours of continuing education per year. The majority of us get more than that, especially if we are trying to gain new skills in the industry to

offer more services to our clients. You are also getting an extra set of eyes to catch mistakes, which can be as simple as a misspelling or a wrong Federal ID number or as complex as clients claiming credits that they are not aware they are not entitled to claim. In either instance, the mistake can cost time and money.

One of my favorite reasons for paying a professional to do taxes is that we can find little-known deductions that can add up to big savings. Every day during tax season I hear, “I didn’t know I could deduct that” or “I had no idea about that tax credit.” Having a tax professional also gives you year-round tax guidance that is just a phone call away. I have clients calling all year round with tax questions and wanting advice, especially with the new tax law changes.

Another big reason to have a professional do your taxes is business strategy. We can help you with things like payroll, bookkeeping and budgets. Without these extra tools, you may have no idea of what the actual picture is until it is too late to do anything about it. Growing companies should be doing quarterly checkups on their business to see where they stand. Wouldn’t you rather adjust your spending throughout the year than send Uncle Sam extra money?

You can do things like prepay expenses for the next year or buy that big-ticket item you’ve been putting off.

Taxes and money are very personal, just like someone’s health.

However, unlike your health, for most people taxes are a once-a-year issue that has to be dealt with; so spend the money and have a professional prepare them. My final thought is this: the IRS is probably the most feared agency in America; they have the ability to bring anyone to their knees (just ask Al Capone). Why would you trust free software, operated by a layman, to prepare your legally binding financial statement to the most feared agency in America? v

14 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Support the success of every child and his or her family through quality early education and care. Enjoy these books and the activities chosen for this edition to support your child’s early literacy skills.

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LOVE FROM THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

By Eric Carle, ISBN-13: 978-0-448-48932-2

R esear ch sh o ws that c hildren who parti ci pate i n h i gh -qu al i ty pr e ki n de rgarten pr ograms ar e be tte r pr e pare fo r schhas oo l done and Ericd Carle de vel o p l i fe l o n g soci al an d e mo ti on al ski l l s.

it again! This is a sweet, simple book with colorful illustrations you can read to your child and tell them how much they are loved. As you wait for a doctor’s appointment, stand in line at the grocery store, or snuggle right before bed, this little book is the perfect read.

Th e Early Le arn g Coread alitio nthis of the Emebook, r al d Coast's miyour ssi on child’s i s to vocabulary. Name the shapes and colors as you ACTIVITY: Asinyou sweet expand su ppo th eillustrations su cce ss o f e ve chibook. l d andTalk the i rabout fami l ythe thr ough point tortthe inrythe foods and how they taste, smell and feel. The words you inqu ality e arly e du catio n an d car e . troduce to your child on a regular basis will be the words they use to communicate with the world around them.

Child Care Question s?

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ACT I V I TY: As you drive to school, to appointments or to the store, point out things around you. Instead

of saying, “Do you see the truck?” be specific and say, “Do you see the white and yellow garbage truck?” You are your child’s world and they experience life through what you do with them each day, so make it a point to support their language explosion.

TODAY I FEEL SILLY & OTHER MOODS THAT MAKE MY DAY

By Jamie Lee Curtis, ISBN-13: 978-0-06-024560-3

Understanding emotions can be a difficult thing to do. A preschool-aged child cannot control an emotion until they can name how they are feeling. As children grow so too does their vocabulary and the need for more specific words to name how they are feeling. This book by Jamie Lee Curtis introduces more specific feelings, such as discouraged, cranky and quiet. The book ends by reassuring the reader that whatever you are feeling inside is okay.

ACTIVITY: Create an emotions book and go beyond the basics of happy, sad or mad. Take pictures of different members of your family as they share what their face looks like when they are angry, happy, sad, even frustrated. Print these pictures out and place them in a simple photo album; then label the name of each feeling under the picture. This is a fun and creative activity for the entire family. Once you have completed your book, read and reread it to your child. Let them look in the mirror and mimic the faces as you name the emotion and describe how they may feel. The next time your child is having a difficult moment, bring out your emotions book and ask your child what they are feeling and add new vocabulary to explain their feelings.

15 • November+December 2018 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Youth Today it’s not uncommon to see both children and teens using laptops, handheld devices such as smart phones, tablets or gaming controllers on a daily basis. The exploding popularity of gaming systems and computer usage may be putting our youth at a greater risk of developing repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway of ligament and bones in the wrist that houses the median nerve and tendons.

Repetitive movements, such as typing on a computer or playing a video game or musical instrument for a long period of time, can cause the tendons in the carpal tunnel to swell and pinch the median nerve, causing CTS. Although CTS typically affects individuals age 30 and over, physicians are reporting complaints of CTS symptoms from younger individuals. Symptoms most commonly associated with CTS include burning, tingling or numbness in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Symptoms are most often noted in the thumb, index finger and two middle fingers, and may include loss of strength or coordination in the hands. Children and teenagers are spending hours at the computer every day, putting strain on their wrists and hands that formerly was only seen in adults. Both groups should follow these tips to avoid repetitive stress injuries:

If you or your child experience symptoms associated with CTS, please visit your physician to help prevent permanent damage to the median nerve.

Other activities and risk factors may also contribute to CTS, such as:

• Intensive racquet sports, such as tennis • Gymnastics • Trauma, such as breaks or sprains in the wrist that may cause swelling in the carpal tunnel

Mild cases of CTS are usually treated with the use of a brace or splint. These are typically worn at night to prevent the wrist from bending and help to open the carpal tunnel so that the median nerve has as much room as possible. Allowing the wrist to rest may help the swollen tendons to shrink. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may also help the swelling subside.

In more severe cases, a physician may recommend a cortisone shot or injection to help reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel. If neither of these treatments help, surgery may be suggested to help relieve the pressure on the median nerve. It is normally an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.

Fortunately, very few people are permanently injured by CTS and symptoms generally improve with proper exercises and treatment. Preventative measures are the key to keeping symptoms from surfacing or returning. v

• Use a chair that can be adjusted for your height to

avoid bending your wrists to type. For children, it may be wise to purchase special furniture and a special computer mouse and keyboard designed for smaller bodies and hands.

Place the keyboard at a level slightly lower than normal desk height.

When using handheld gaming devices or tablets, put a pillow in your lap and rest your arms on the pillow.

Make sure to take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks to give your body a rest.

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BUILDERS Strong Families Don’t Just Happen

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Spend a little time talking to each other every day—take our Family Chatter challenge. Have some messy fun in the kitchen or at a craft table making some of our featured Snacks & Crafts. Teach your children to worry less with our Teach Your Kids Something New. Lear how to conquer procrastinating in That’s Good to Know. ENJOY LIFE—TOGETHER!

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Our FamilyChatter Challenge is simple— just do your best. Here are some easy questions that will hopefully inspire your family to engage in great conversations when-ever, however, you can. Enjoy!

Live, Laugh, Love, and TALK TOGETHER! ,

Tell your family about an event where you felt really lucky to have had things go the way they did.

Are you a good friend to others?

What makes a person a good friend?

How do you define character? What are some ways in which you can demonstrate good character?

If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?

If you lost your sight today, what are some sights that you would miss the most?

What are the best things and worst things about the country we live in and why?

What do you appreciate the most about your mother, father, and siblings?

What lessons in life can young people learn from senior citizens?

Give three examples of how your family is different from other families.

What would you choose to save if your house caught on fire? Why?

At what age is a person considered an adult? Why do you think so?

What would be on the menu for your perfect Valentine’s Day dinner?

What are three fears you have in life that scare you the most?

Explain why.

Keep the Conversation Going with Follow-up Questions: Interesting. What else can you tell me about that? o Now what are you going to do? o No way! Can you tell me more? o Seriously? Then what happened? o How do you feel about what happened? o How does this make you feel? o What’s your next step? o

Continued from page 8

Catch Them in the Act If you notice your child going above and beyond, let him know you feel proud. I was wondering if I was nagging my daughter too much about extending kindness to the new girl in dance class. Then I met her mother at the fall mixer and she commented that her daughter always speaks highly of my daughter. Rather than mostly focusing on correcting negative behavior, I try to make a point of telling my daughter when she makes me proud. This was one of those times.

the pets for a neighbor on vacation. Small, selfless acts can boost kids’ self-esteem and make them feel like more integral members of the community. v

Books that

Encourage

Be a Good Tipper Let kids help you work out 15% for tips on restaurant meals, and then teach them how to tack on a little extra. The waitress at the restaurant works hard—so does your local barista, postal delivery person, and babysitter. Talk to kids about creating a holiday thankyou gift together to express your family’s appreciation, and then add in a small cash bonus or gift card.

Don’t Overlook the Little Things Hold doors open for those behind you. Teach kids to reply, “You’re welcome,” when someone thanks them for anything. Ask them to smile at seniors and say hello to folks who walk by with well-behaved pets. When a friend wears something pretty to school, teach your child how to offer a genuine compliment. Sincerity is important.

Make sure your kids know what it means and don’t try to use compliments to snow people.

Books that Encourage Children to Be Generous Reach Out and Give by Cheri J Meiners, M.Ed. Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Hope Fine The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving

by Mike and Jan Berenstain Books that Encourage Tweens to Be Generous The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving

by Ellen Sabin How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist

by Nicole Bouchard Boles The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects by Barbara A. Lewis One Good Deed a Day, a Journal from Chronicle Books

Sharing Close to Home Feed the birds around your home all year long. Get kids involved in taking stray pets to a local no-kill shelter if they are in need of a new home. Bring frozen meals or warm muffins to an ailing senior or to a neighbor who has just delivered her third baby. Get the kids to mow someone’s lawn a couple of times, bring in the mail, and feed

Christina Katz’s favorite memories are those times someone was compassionate or generous toward her during a tough time, so she knows that the way we behave makes a difference. She strives to cultivate generosity in her personal life and in her work life and hopes it rubs off on others. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms.

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 19

Seven Tips to Prod Your Child out of Procrastinating When I overheard a conversation with a parent discussing her child’s routine and the late hour the child completed her homework the night before, I thought about how easily we allow our kids to slip into procrastinating habits that result in disastrous consequences. Instead of encouraging behavior toward meeting their responsibilities, we allow distracted effort or inaction.

By Gayla Grace

that must be done? Be clear with your expectations. If your child doesn’t immediately start his task, make sure he understands why he’s allowed a break (so that he will be more productive later) and how much time he has before he must begin the task.

Consider the why.

If we teach our kids to overcome the temptation of procrastinating, we give them a valuable skill that reaches into adulthood. Here are a few tips to help your child complete required tasks without procrastinating.

Is there a legitimate reason your child hasn’t started his assignment?

Does he have the resources he needs? Is there a clear goal in mind?

Does he need some organizational help to get started? Does he have a quiet place to work? Every child has different needs, and as parents, we help our children succeed when we provide them with what they need to accomplish the task at hand. That doesn’t mean we dive in and tackle the assignment with them, but it might mean we take them to the store to buy necessary supplies to get started.

Determine your child’s most productive period.

Break it down.

Sometimes parents insist their children complete their homework immediately upon arriving home from school. However, it might not be the most productive time for your child, which encourages procrastinating his best effort. Talk with your child about how he feels when he comes home from school. Does he need a snack break? Does he want to shoot the basketball first? Does he want to immediately start his required tasks at home to allow more time to play later without having to think about the chores or homework

It’s easy to procrastinate a task that appears overwhelming. Our son had an assignment recently that required multiple tasks to complete the finished product. When he looked at the project all at once, he became overwhelmed with the amount of work to do. But as I helped him put together a step-by-step outline to proceed to the goal, it empowered him to tackle the assignment. Placing large projects into smaller assignments makes them more manageable to complete and, thus, less likely to be procrastinated.

Continued on page 23

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Cut out this page.

Then cut it down the middle.

He takes his half, she takes hers.

Keep it simple.

Don’t keep score.

Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!

Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

10 WAYS to sh w

R E H y u care Surprise her with something sweet and thank her for all she does.

Help her choose a New Year’s resolution—then, help her keep it.

Reaffirm her often—express your gratitude, love and commitment.

Encourage her to relax and have fun with her children.

Volunteer your help around the house with day-to-day chores.

Take her out for a mini-date (coffee, tea, donuts . . . and conversation).

Pick up after the children when she least expects it—surprise her.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Take your kids out for some fun and encourage her to enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

Wash the dishes when she cooks.

Send her a love note in the mail.

Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 21

Cut out this page.

Then cut it down the middle.

He takes his half, she takes hers.

Keep it simple.

Don’t keep score.

Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!

Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

10 WAYS to sh w

M I H y u care Plan a barbecue—invite friends he enjoys.

Surprise him with a coffee at work.

Tell him how much you appreciate his help around the house.

Help foster teachable moments with him and his children.

Encourage him to spend time with friends.

Take him on a movie date—let him choose the movie.

Bring him a snack while he is watching TV.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Encourage him to play with his kids!

Send him a love letter in the mail.

Ask him what some of his dreams are if the sky was the limit.

22 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine

Continued from page 20

Discourage perfectionism.

Model good habits.

Striving for perfection on every assignment and test leads to stress and encourages procrastinating habits. When a child thinks he must make a 100 on his assignment, he has less motivation to begin the assignment. Be realistic with your expectations, particularly in the early years as children are adjusting to new routines. We want our kids to enjoy school and the privilege of learning, not labor over perfect grades.

Avoid procrastination in your everyday routine. Our children are watching us and will emulate what we do. I love the poem by Edgar Guest that captures the importance of example. Here’s a portion of it: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.” If we want to raise young adults who will avoid procrastination, then we must avoid it ourselves.

Procrastinating habits become harder to break the longer they’re practiced. But through intentional effort, we can teach our children to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. v

Set a timer when necessary.

When our son is having a particularly hard time settling in to work on an assignment, we determine together how long he must sit and work and then set a timer. When he knows he gets a break after a predetermined time, he more easily commits to beginning the work.

A timer is a great tool to help kids develop consistent study habits as they get older and need to commit to longer periods of study.

Gayla Grace is an author and stepfamily coach with a his, hers and ours family. She loves helping nontraditional families learn to thrive.

Maintain a balanced routine.

If we allow our kids to participate in every sport, music, drama, and school activity that occurs, we create an unmanageable schedule with little time left over for responsibilities at home. When our children can’t visualize the satisfaction of completing a task when they begin, it’s likely they won’t want to start. So, ask your children what activities interest them most and prioritize their desires to create a schedule that allows time for starting and completing other tasks as well. Rearrange the schedule as necessary to maintain balance.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN. — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

Teach Your Kids Something New!

Worry Less in 3 Steps: A What-to-Do and When-to-Do It Guide Everybody worries. Grown-ups do it and kids do it too. But what should you do There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried. about it? Whether your worries are big or small, you can take these three steps:

• Try to figure out what you’re worried about.

• Think about ways to make the situation better.

• Ask for help.

1. Figure it out.

Sometimes, you will know exactly what you’re worried about. Other times, you might not know exactly what’s bugging you. Let’s say you’re worried about a teacher who seems mean. But maybe what’s really bothering you is that you’re having trouble with math. If you get some help with math, that teacher might seem just fine.

Some problems, like family problems, are big and have a lot of parts. That can make it tough to zero in on what the problem is or to pick one part of the problem to try to solve. But being able to focus on your problem—or at least part of it—is the first step to taking action. If you’re having trouble figuring out what worries you, skip to Step 3 and get some help from a parent or another person you trust.

2. Think of ways to make it better.

There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried. Sitting there worrying is no fun and it probably won’t solve your problem. But switching to action mode can help you feel more hopeful.

Grades at school are often a top worry for kids. If that’s your concern, ask yourself these questions:

• Why are grades important? What do they mean to me?

• How do I prepare for class? Do I review my notes even when there isn’t a test the next day?

• Do I have a good place to do my homework?

• Have I tried different ways of studying, such as

24 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

rewriting notes, using flashcards, and working with a study buddy?

Continued on page 25

Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better.

Continued from page 24

If your worry is about a fight you had with a friend, you might write down all the actions you could take—from writing the friend a note to inviting him or her over for a game of basketball. Should you apologize for whatever happened between the two of you? Once you have a list of possible actions, you can select the one you think is most likely to get your friendship back on track.

But what if you can’t think of anything to do to make your particular problem better? Then it’s time to jump to Step 3 (it’s the next step anyway) and ask someone for help.

3. Ask for help.

Worrying can make you feel lonely. When you’re worried, it can help to find someone to talk to. Sometimes people say, “Why should I bother? He/she can’t do anything about it.” But here are two reasons to give it a shot anyway:

1. You don’t know for sure that no one can help until you share your feelings and let the person try to help.

2. Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better. Afterward, you are no longer alone with your worries, and whoever you told (parent, sister, brother, friend, counselor) is now thinking about ways to help you.

A Final Word About Worry Did you know that worry is not all bad? If you weren’t worried (at least a little) about that test, then you might not study for it. And if you weren’t worried about getting sunburned, then you might not wear your sunscreen. But some kids worry so much that it keeps them from doing what they need and want to do. If that sounds like you, then you know what to do by now: Turn to good old Step 3 and ask someone for help. v © 1995- 2015. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD. Date reviewed: August 2013

Candy-filled Valentine Cookies YOU NEED 16.5 ounce tube of prepared sugar cookie dough ½ cup flour, plus extra flour for rolling surface Plastic wrap Rolling pin Heart-shaped cookie cutter and small round cookie cutter (a milk bottle top works well) Spatula

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• Baking sheet • 12 oz. bag of red candy melts • Squeeze bottle for candy making Waxed paper Microwaveable 2 cup measuring cup Spoon Tray

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DIRECTIONS With cookie dough at room temperature, remove it from the wrapper and knead in ½ cup more flour until evenly distributed.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼” thickness. Cut the dough with heart-shaped cookie cutter and place cookies on the baking sheet.

Use the small round cutter to cut a hole in the center of each cookie.

Bake the cookies according to the package instructions. Let cool.

Line the baking sheet with waxed paper. Place the cooled cookies on the waxed paper.

Place ½ of the candy melts in the microwaveable measuring cup and melt according to package instruction. Stir well.

Spoon the melted candy into the squeeze bottle.

Squeeze the melted candy into the hole in the heart until the hole is filled. Use the tip of the bottle to even out the surface of the squeezed candy.

Melt more candy and refill the bottle as needed and decorate the cookies by squeezing dots, swirls, or other shapes as desired.

Let the candy harden completely, then peel the cookies off of the waxed paper and place them on a tray. Serve.

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Mitten Sandwiches YOU NEED Mitten-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) Slices of sandwich bread Table knife

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• Cutting board • Spreadable sandwich fillings such as peanut butter, jelly, Nutella, cream cheese

DIRECTIONS Place the slices of bread on a cutting board and use the cookie cutter to cut shapes from the bread. You can make open-faced or two-slice sandwiches.

Use the knife to spread filling on one bread shape. If desired, place a second bread shape on top, matching the shape of the bottom piece.

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26 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Valentine’s day fun never tasted so good!

Cozy Fire Snack INGREDIENTS 3” round crackers Pretzel sticks

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• Nabisco Easy Cheese • Optional—paprika

DIRECTIONS Squeeze cheese to cover most of one side of a round cracker.

Use the pretzel sticks as logs to build a fire on the round cracker, using the cheese to hold them together.

Squeeze lines of Easy Cheese up the outside of your fire logs to form flames.

Optional—sprinkle a small amount of paprika on the flames to add a touch of color and flavor.

Eat immediately.

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These tasty, fire-side snacks make a great add-on to any family game night.

Enjoy spending time together in the kitchen and family room. Enjoy!

Topped Ice Cream Bars YOU NEED Klondike ice cream bar, any flavor Prepared blue cookie icing in a squeeze package White frosting in a filled pastry bag

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• Teddy Grahams • Sprinkles in blue, white, and/ or silver Table knife Dessert plate Bowls

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DIRECTIONS Ice cream bars should be well frozen. Follow the package instructions for opening the frosting bag and the icing.

Remove any wrapping from the bottle of sprinkles. Place the Teddy Grahams in a bowl.

Unwrap a Klondike bar and place it on a plate.

Use the blue cookie icing to outline a pond shape on the top of the ice cream bar. Fill in the outline with icing.

Pipe white frosting around the pond and cover any exposed areas of the top of the ice cream bar.

Shake sprinkles on the icing and frosting.

Place Teddy Grahams in and around the pond and frosting.

Eat immediately.

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ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 27

Presidential Bank MATERIALS Quart-sized wide-mouth canning jar with lid Paper play money Mod Podge surface sealer Sponge brush

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• Curling ribbon • Scissors • Optional:

permanent marker

INSTRUCTIONS Follow the package instructions for the Mod Podge and use the sponge brush to apply a layer of play paper money to the flat outside surfaces of the canning jar. Let dry.

Cut a circle from a piece of play money to fit on the top of the lid of the jar. Use the Mod Podge to apply the circle to the lid. Let it dry.

Cut two 2-foot lengths of curling ribbon. Tie the ribbon around the neck of the jar and knot securely. Use the scissors to curl the ends of the ribbon.

Optional: Use a permanent marker to write your name on the jar.

Encourage your children to learn about saving money using this jar. They can keep a list of deposits, and when the amount reaches a certain number, you can help them place the money in a bank account. You can also create additional banks that symbolize money to spend and money to give to charity. Your children can divide their money between these banks and use it accordingly.

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Personalized Water Bottle MATERIALS Colorful plastic water bottle with smooth sides and a lid with a handle or finger hole (often available at dollar stores) Variety of colors of electrical

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tape Scissors Permanent marker Key ring with wrist loop or carabiner clip

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INSTRUCTIONS Decorate the sides of your bottle with strips of electrical tape, using scissors to cut lengths.

Use the permanent marker to write your name on the side of your bottle.

Attach the key ring or carabiner to the handle of the bottle for easy carrying.

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28 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Comet Ball MATERIALS Tennis ball Tube sock Bright shoelace or string

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• Six 1-2-inch by 12-24-inch strips of bright and/or reflective fabric in a variety of colors

INSTRUCTIONS Place the ball inside the toe of the sock.

Use the shoelace or string to tie the strips of fabric around the sock just below the ball to create a comet.

Holding the comet by the tail, give it a throw! You can throw your comet toward targets (trees, shapes drawn with chalk), or to play a game similar to Frisbee golf.

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A couple comet balls and a large open space are all you need to get your children running around outside laughing and having a blast.

Glove Critters MATERIALS Knit glove Wiggle eyes Pom-poms Felt scraps

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• Scissors • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • Latex glove • Optional—jingle bells and chenille wires

INSTRUCTIONS Design a critter you want to create on your glove using the available materials. Wiggle eyes can be glued to pom-poms or felt shapes. Pom-poms can also be used as noses or toes. Felt can be rolled and glued to make antennae (or use chenille wires).

Cut any shapes from felt and assemble the parts you want to use.

Have a parent or friend help you hot glue the parts to your glove.

This works best if a hand is in the glove while gluing, so the hand in the glove should wear a latex glove to protect it from the heat of the glue. Use the glue sparingly.

Carry your critter with you—he or she will keep your hand warm and entertain you at the same time!

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These Thanksgiving napkin holders are a functional way to declare your thankfulness.

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 29

TEEN TALK dvice from Helpful A er! to Anoth One Teen

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! As we enter the new year, there is always a feeling of excitement. Though it is common for most people to make a list of resolutions they’ll never keep, the chance of renewal is something many enjoy. Aside from giant life changes, 2019 has the possibility of bringing brand-new experiences, emotions, and memories. This year will bring a lot of new moments for me, as I will be going to college and moving away from my family. My New Year’s resolutions are to live this year to its fullest, to say yes to new experiences, and to keep a positive mindset throughout.

It’s important for parents to note that just because we are entering a new year, their children will still be the same for the most part. We as kids sometimes feel as though there is pressure on us to somehow fix all of our issues and be better with every new year. However, the most important thing a parent can do is to let their kids know that all they should strive to do is to make each day better than the last and to make sure they are happy. Parents should tell their kids to use the next twelve months to truly get to know themselves and the things they want to accomplish. Parents should also let their kids know that they are there for whatever their kids need, because it’s a nice thing to hear from our parents. v

Nia

S ENIOR, AGE 17

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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!

Valentine’s Day with Smokey Robinson Thurs, Feb 14 – Portland

Motown legend Smokey Robinson will perform his greatest hits “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and many more at the Oregon Symphony. For more information, visit www.orsymphony.org.

Fertile Ground Art Festival

Thurs, Jan 24–Sun, Feb 3 – Portland Fertile Ground Art Festival will take place throughout Portland in different locations and will highlight new works in theater, music, dance, comedy, film, and visual art. For locations and more information, visit www.events12.com.

Mortified Doomed Valentine’s Day Fri, Feb 15 and Sat, Feb 16 – Portland

Head to the Alberta Rose Theatre for a Mortified Doomed Valentine’s Day! Adults will tell stories about their lives and share embarrassing childhood artifacts, such as diaries, letters, lyrics, poems, and home movies (for ages 18 and older).

For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Seasonal Winter Light Festival

Thurs, Feb 7–Sat, Feb 9 – Portland The 4th annual Portland Winter Light Festival is a citywide event showcasing illuminated art installations, vibrant performances, and stunning kinetic fire sculptures throughout the city.

This event is family-friendly and free to attend.

For more information, visit www.pdxwlf.com.

Valentine’s Day Storytellers

Fri, Feb 9 – Portland (7:00p.m.)

Looking for a different way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Look no further than “Kiss & Tell” at Portland Story Theater. The evening begins with jazz at 7:00p.m. and features stories of love and romance woven together in a funny, intimate way (for ages 21 and older). For more information, visit www.events12.com.

The Arts Jazz Festival

Thurs, Jan 24–Sat, Jan 26 – Portland The Clark College Jazz Festival has been host to one of the largest jazz festivals in Southwest Washington for over 50 years! The festival attracts over 60 middle school and high school instrumental jazz ensembles for the three-day competitive festival. On the final evening, find out who will win the coveted Sweepstakes trophy, a tradition that has been passed down since 1963.

For more information, visit www.clark.edu.

Short Musicals

Thurs, Jan 24–Sun, Jan 27 – Portland The Portland Mini Musical Festival is here and you don’t want to miss it! This festival presents six different musicals that run about 15 minutes each.

For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Ink & Drink

Wed, Jan 30 – Portland Ink & Drink is an experience like no other! Watch up to ten local artists and illustrators as they showcase their skills and draw for two hours. Once they’ve completed their artwork, the sketches will go on sale and half of the sale price will go to charity. For information, visit www.events12.com.

African Film Festival

Fri, Feb 1–Fri, March 1 – Portland The 28th annual Cascade Festival of African Films will celebrate Black History Month at

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run, enjoy an indoor pancake breakfast with friends and family! For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

PRC Winter 5K Race Series, Race #2 Sat, Jan 12 – Portland

Don’t let winter win! Keep those wheels turning and the fire burning all winter long when you join in this seasonal 5K series. This lowkey, high-yield trio of races will culminate in a prediction run/walk. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Oregon Winter Half Marathon Sat, Jan 19 – Portland

Portland Community College. The films celebrate Africa’s achievements, expose its failures, and reveal possibilities for a hopeful future. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

The Oregon Winter Half Marathon takes place on a golf club and vineyard, making this a unique course that is perfect for runners and spectators alike! This course is pretty flat, which also means it’s fast! Runners can choose between the half marathon, quarter, or 5K. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

20th Annual Portland Clowns Without Borders Benefit Show

Wed, Feb 20–Sun, March 3 – Portland

Thurs, Feb 28–Sun, March 3 – Portland POW Film Fest is Portland’s premiere film festival, showcasing films directed by women. In its 11th year, the festival will feature the work of some of today’s top directors, while honoring the true pioneers and recognizing the next generation of leading women filmmakers. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Runs, Walks & More ORRC Y2K Run

Sat, Jan 5 – Portland What better way to start your New Year than with a 10K or half marathon! This course travels rolling hills and rural roads with the Coast Range forming a beautiful backdrop. After the

My Muddy Valentine Sat, Feb 9 – Portland

Prepare to get muddy! This race travels over 5K and features over 21 obstacles, chip timing, music, bonfires, changing rooms, and a lot of mud! Toast the end of the race with either a mimosa, cider, or beer, and grab some lunch after all is said and done! For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Heart Breaker Half Marathon

PDX Jazz is a nonprofit cultural arts organization dedicated to curating jazz in Portland and fostering the growth of musical offerings in the Pacific Northwest. The PDX Jazz Festival is an extension of this and will feature 100 performances by local acts and jazz legends. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Women’s Film Festival

Don’t let winter win! Keep those wheels turning and the fire burning all winter long when you join in this seasonal 5K series. This lowkey, high-yield trio of races will culminate in a prediction run/walk. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

It’s time again to get muddy! This course gives runners a chance to run the trails around stunning Hagg Lake with two days of racing. Choose to run the 50K one day, the 25K on day two, or if you are feeling extra ambitious you can run both days! For information, visit www.runguides.com.

PDX Jazz Festival

A-Wol Dance Collective presents its spring show, featuring aerial dance in an industrial warehouse on Schuyler Street. The whimsical performances are sure to inspire! For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Sat, Feb 9 – Portland

Sat, Feb 16–Mon, Feb 18 – Portland

Many of the area’s finest circus performers will come together at the Alberta Rose Theater to present an amazing and hilarious circus variety show to benefit Clowns Without Borders-USA. For more information, visit www.albertarosetheatre.com.

Sat, Feb 23 – Portland

PRC Winter 5K Race Series, Race #3

ORRC Hagg Lake Mud Runs

Sat, Feb 9 – Portland (8:00p.m.)

Aerial Dance Show

chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, crushed nuts, marshmallows, peppermints, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, sprinkles, and of course lots of hot chocolate for a cool wintry day. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Sun, Feb 17 – Portland

The Heart Breaker Half Marathon run/walk, with the accompanying 10K and 5K run/walk, is an event designed for the whole family! The half marathon also features two-person team divisions that allow participants to share time. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Race for Warmth

Sun, Jan 27 – Portland The Race for Warmth is an event that supports Operation Warm Heart, a Clark Public Utilities customer-funded program to help families in financial crisis pay heating bills. The timed 10K run and 5K run/walk will start and finish at the Clark Public Utilities’ downtown location. A free race for kids ages 3-8 will kick off the event, and proceeds will benefit local neighbors in need.

For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Worst Day of the Year Run Sat, Feb 2 – Portland

Grab your best costume and get ready for the Worst Day of the Year Run! This run is a 5K that happens on what’s traditionally the worst weather day of the year. Get ready to dress up and run with thousands of other fun-loving people while you laugh at the elements. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Chocolatathon

Sat, Feb 9 – Portland This 5K or 10K run/walk is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Enjoy the hot chocolate bar after the run, which will include whipped cream,

32 • January+February 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Polar Plunge 5K Run/Walk Sat, Feb 23 – Portland

Lace up your shoes for this exhilarating 5K race to support Special Olympics Oregon athletes.

The route is a point-to-point course on the Marine Drive Trail along the beautiful Columbia River. The finish line is on Broughton Beach at the Gleason Boat Ramp. You will arrive just in time for Polar Plunge activities, with free food, hot beverages, and a Winter Beach Party with live music and more! Watch over 2,000 participants in their favorite costume take the plunge, or add a splash to your dash by signing up for the 5K Run & Plunge! All 5K participants receive a finisher’s medal and a free pair of Nike socks.

Run & Plunge racers also receive the official 2018 Polar Plunge long-sleeve shirt. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Sounds Fun Heroes & Villains Fan Fest

Sat, Jan 5 and Sun, Jan 6 – Portland Calling all fans of comics and sci-fi! The Heroes & Villains Fan Fest is back at the Oregon Convention Center! Enjoy special guests, panel

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discussions, costume contests, role-playing, vendors, and more! For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Zombie Convention

Sat, Jan 5 and Sun, Jan 6 – Portland Zombie lovers unite! Walker Stalker Con is back at the Oregon Convention Center and is sure to please with celebrity appearances, panel discussions, artists, and more! For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Reptile Show

Sat, Jan 12 – Portland Head on over to the Holiday Inn on Columbia Boulevard for the Portland Metro Reptile Expo!

See all of your favorite reptiles, such as frogs, snakes, geckos, and more! There will be educational tables and vendors as well. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Cat Show

Fri, Jan 25–Sun, Jan 27 – Portland The International Cat Show at the Portland Expo Center is the cat’s meow! Stop by and watch top cats compete for the number one spot. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Coffee Beer Tasting

Sat, Jan 26 – Portland (12:00p.m.)

If you love coffee and you love beer, then the NW Coffee Beer Invitational is for you! Pay at the door to taste a melding of beer and coffee from 20 breweries and enjoy live music and food! For more information, visit www. events12.com.

Model Train Show

Sat, Jan 26 and Sun, Jan 27 – Portland All aboard! The Great Train Show is making its way to the Portland Expo Center! Head on over to enjoy model train layouts and hundreds of vendors. For more information, visit www. events12.com.

Imagine Portland

Wed, Jan 30 – Portland (4:30p.m.)

Join the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce for Imagine Portland at Brick South for a night of networking, awards, and celebration of another year of promoting prosperity in the region. Last year more than 800 people attended, and more are expected this year!

Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, visit www.portlandregion.com.

Seafood and Wine Festival

Fri, Feb 1–Sun, Feb 3 – Portland Make sure to come hungry for the 14th annual Portland Seafood and Wine Festival! Taste some of Oregon’s best wines from over 65 wineries and try delicious, fresh seafood at the peak of Dungeness Crab season! There will also be face painting, balloon artists, and more. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

KidFest

Sat, Feb 16 and Sun, Feb 17 – Portland Don’t miss out on this year’s KidFest at the Portland Expo Center! There will be live entertainment, sports demos, inflatables, games, a petting zoo, food, and more. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Comic Book Convention Dog Show

Wed, Jan 16–Sun, Jan 20 – Portland Ready to see your favorite dogs walk the catwalk (or should I say “dogwalk”)? The Portland Expo Center has you covered as it is hosting the Rose City Classic. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Bull Riding

Sat, Jan 19 – Portland (7:00p.m.)

The Professional Bull Riders are headed back to Oregon for the fifth year and are ready to buck!

The Moda Center is hosting the Velocity Tour Portland Classic! For tickets and information, visit www.rosequarter.com.

Fri, Feb 22–Sun, Feb 24 – Portland Wizard World Portland Comic Con is headed to the Oregon Convention Center and is sure to entertain! This event brings together those who love comic books, science fiction, fantasy, film, horror, anime, card games, and more. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Beer & Spirits Festival Sat, Feb 23 – Portland

The Brewstillery Festival at StormBreaker Brewing is the perfect activity for any beer lover! Guests will sample ideal pairings of beer from 20 local breweries and spirits from 20 Oregon distilleries. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Reoccurring Local Micah & Me

First Monday of each month – Portland (10:00a.m.)

Visit Beanstalk, a children’s consignment store, every first Monday for an in-house dance party and music show for kids of all ages! Micah & Me have the ability to connect with youngsters of all ages while playing live, fun-filled music on the guitar and ukulele. For more information, visit www.micahandmerocks.com.

Storytimes in Milwaukie

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – Milwaukie (10:30a.m.)

Head to the library to enjoy story time with your kids! Every Monday at 10:30a.m., there will be story time for toddlers ages 1-3. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30a.m., story time will be for children ages 3-5. For more information, visit www.milwaukieoregon.gov.

Honeybee Hikes

Every Wednesday – Portland (10:00a.m.)

Leach Botanical Garden is hosting honeybee hikes! This activity is geared toward children ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult. You will get the chance to look for wildlife, listen to the wind and the creek, touch a thimble-berry leaf, water the Children’s Discovery Garden, and maybe even eat a raspberry right off the vine! The guides will then read a story and help children craft something fun. Each week is different with seasonal themes. For more information, visit www. leachgarden.org.

Portland Art Museum

Every Friday – Portland (5:00p.m.)

Every Friday evening, the Portland Art Museum offers a different museum experience for only $5 after 5:00p.m. This experience will be a much more relaxed, interactive, and social experience.

You can expect to see a pop-up pub, unique tours and games, photo booths, art guides, and more! For more information, visit www.portlandartmuseum.org.

Dragon Theater Puppet Show

Every Friday – Portland (6:30p.m.)

The Dragon Theater will have a free puppet show with paid admission to PlayDate PDX. These shows are fun for all ages and change weekly. For more information, visit www.playdatepdx.com.

Want to Feature Your Event?

Send your events information to: Andy Bauer Regional Sales Manager abauer@itsyourmagazine.com

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 33