Portland Parent Magazine March+April 2019 by Rob Williams

March+April 2019

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125,000 meals served! See page 18 for more information.

Think globally and learn locally!

Creating and Inspiring Champions of Sustainable Forestry

Visit www.worldforestry.org

March+April 2019

contents

5 13 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

5 8

10 13 37

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Dig This: 10 Big Benefits of Gardening with Kids Friends, Fun, Learning and Independence: Help your children decide if sleep-away camp is right for them 9 Ways to Help Support a Family: Friends Helping Friends in Need Get Outdoors: 8 Reasons to Spend Time in Nature Teen Talk Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

Family Chatter......................................................................20 That’s Good to Know!........................................................22 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 23-35 Teach Your Kids Something New!............................ 226 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers............... 28 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids............................30

Get to know the people, places, and things that make the Emerald Coast special! Seasonal | The Arts............................................................33 Runs, Walks, & More | Sounds Fun.............................. 34 Reoccurring Local...............................................................35

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

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

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

20 FamilyChatter

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 Sarah Lyons Myrna Beth Haskell Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Gayla Grace Shannon Dean Calendar of Events and Resource Guide Suzanne Bratton info@itsyourmagazine.com Subject Line: Calendar Proofreader Jennifer Cullis

In everything we do, we believe in inspiring families to live, laugh, love and enjoy life—TOGETHER! Director of Sales Nathan Wilson nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720

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Would you like to write for Emerald Coast Parent? Please contact our editorial director with your request. A submission does not guarantee publication. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. © 2019 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Portland Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Portland Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, publisher and designers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

DIG THIS 10 BIG BENEFITS OF GARDENING WITH KIDS By Janeen Lewis

Most parents want their children to get outside away from phones, TV, and video games, and gardening is a great way to achieve this goal. However, recent research shows that there are several other reasons to start a garden with kids. The benefits range from making kids smarter

to making them healthier. Here are 10 great reasons to get kids gardening:

1. Students who garden score higher on science tests. Gardening is full of science. Children learn about plant classification, weather, soil, and plant pests and disease. They are introduced to botany in a natural, hands-on way, and

recent research shows that students who had gardening experiences as part of their school curriculum did better on standardized science tests than students who were not exposed to gardening in school.

2. I f they grow it, they will eat it. As a teacher, I’ve taught STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and have served as a Junior Master Garden club leader. Continued on page 6

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 5

Continued from page 5

In these roles I witnessed the “if they grow it, they will eat it” phenomenon. Students love to dig up what they have grown, and then curiosity gets the better of them—they want to taste it.

CURIOSITY GETS THE BETTER OF THEM—THEY WANT TO TASTE IT.

4. Gardening strengthens emotional & social skills. Children who garden learn responsibility, patience, perseverance, and how to deal with disappointment if the garden doesn’t grow the way they expected. How do they collaborate with other siblings, friends, or schoolmates to get the garden work done? These are character-building skills that research shows children reap in the garden. I witnessed this one year at a school garden when we had a drought. Watering the plants and trying to keep them healthy was an arduous task, and the students and I learned about perseverance and team work.

5. Gardening connects children with nature. When children garden, they gain ownership in what they are cultivating. I have seen my own children grow attached to the plants in the containers on our patio garden. As children become more knowledgeable about all the living things in the garden, they are less likely to be afraid of touching the plants, getting soil on their hands, or being near bugs. They are no longer afraid of the unknown when they become familiar with what is in the garden.

Master Gardener Beth Tovi volunteered to mentor students in the garden for eight years at the elementary school where she served as a media specialist. She sees the nutritional and health benefits children gain from gardening.: “With the growing concerns about obesity, diabetes, and even high blood pressure in children, gardening gets them physically active and outdoors. And children will eat anything they grow—even if it’s green.” 6. Gardening helps relieve

3. Digging in the dirt can make kids healthier. Several studies show that children who were raised on farms don’t have as many respiratory allergies, asthma, or autoimmune disorders as children who were raised in urban areas, because they were exposed to more microbes and fungi in the dirt. Letting children dig in the dirt may actually make them healthier than keeping them tidy and clean.

stress for the whole family. A garden can be therapeutic. Not that your fourth-grader is battling traffic, raising children, and feeling the demands of a pressureridden job, but even kids can feel stress, and the garden is good for eliminating it. In fact, a study in the Netherlands showed that after 30 minutes of gardening, subjects who had shown stress before they gardened had a “fully restored” positive mood. And if the adults in the family are feeling stressed, and

6 • March+April 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

they garden with their children, it can help the whole family feel more harmonious.

7. Gardening teaches kids to problem-solve. “When they garden, children learn problemsolving skills,” Tovi says. “They say ‘This trellis doesn’t work very well. How can we make one that will better support this kind of plant?’” Children ask questions like “What is eating this plant?” or “Is this tree dying?”

“WHAT IS EATING THIS PLANT?” Once children become absorbed in solving the problems in a garden, they want to research to find the best answers. “They become sleuths, starting in the garden and heading into the computers,” Tovi says.

8. Gardening is a good workout. Gardening is good physical labor involving muscles that don’t always get a workout. Even the most seasoned gym-goer may admit to being sore the day after working in a garden. Gardening involves stretching, bending, digging, lifting, pulling, and raking. Gross and fine motor skills are used, and even the youngest gardener with simple tasks gets physical activity.

9. G ardening helps children become environmental stewards. When children start reaping the food and flowers that come from a garden, they realize

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

a garden’s impact on them and their impact on the garden. Once they have this tangible experience, it is much easier to teach them to care for the environment.

10. Gardening can lead to a longer life. Studies show that adults who garden in their later years live longer. Instead of living a sedentary life, gardeners get off the couch and are active in nature. Teaching children good habits when they are young will make them more likely to follow them through life.

GET OFF THE COUCH AND INTO NATURE. Sow the seeds of a garden with your child today, and see them reap the benefits for a lifetime. v Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mother of two. She loves to teach gardening to children.

EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 7

FRIENDS, FUN, LEARNING, AND INDEPENDENCE Help your children decide if sleep-away camp is right for them

Going to sleep-away camp is a summer- Different from Day Camp time tradition for many kids. It’s called Many kids go to day camps during the summer. They can be a lot of sleep-away camp because you stay over- fun, but the schedule is familiar. You start camp in the morning and go home in the afternoon. Sometimes a bus takes you or you might night there. Kids typically stay at sleep- get a ride from one of your parents or someone else’s parents. As with anything, it might take you a little while to get adjusted to the away camp for a week or longer. You might go to a traditional camp where kids swim, do crafts, put on plays, and sit around the campfire at night. Or maybe you’re going to a special-interest camp where you’ll work on your sports skills, or learn more about computers, outer space, or art. There are even camps that serve kids who have the same health problem, such as asthma or diabetes. No matter which kind of sleep-away camp you’re going to, you’re probably excited—and maybe a little nervous if it’s your first time. Be proud of yourself for being grown-up enough to go to camp. It’s a chance to try new things, like horseback riding, canoeing, playing tennis, or dancing in a dance contest! But camp is even more than just friends and fun. It’s also an opportunity to learn a little more about being independent. Read on to learn how to get prepared for a memorable camp experience.

8 • March+April 2019 • Portland Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

place, the camp counselors, and the kids. But you come home every night, just like you do during the school year.

It’s a kind of vacation, but without your parents. Sleep-away camp offers some additional excitement because you’ll be there all day and night, eating your meals there and sleeping over. It’s a kind of vacation, but without your parents. You’ll probably sleep in a cabin or dorm with other kids attending the camp. You’ll probably eat together in a large cafeteria and you’ll have to share the bathroom with the other kids.

Continued on page 17

Continued on page 9

By Sarah Lyons

to Help

WAYS

Support a Family When a friend is struggling through a difficult time, it is natural to want to lend a hand. Often the families that need the most help are reluctant to ask for it, which makes it hard to know exactly how to help a friend. Here are nine ideas to show your support: Bring a meal.

Friends Helping Friends in Need

This is an age-old idea. When a parent is not able to cook a meal for their family as usual, friends and family often send versatile casseroles, such as lasagna. Try thinking outside the 13x9 pan. Why not bring the family the fixings for breakfast and lunch rather than just dinner? Stock the freezer with easy, ready-to-make items such as pizza, pasta dishes, soups, and crockpot meals. Then the family can pull something out of the freezer when they are not up for cooking. Crunched for time or don’t feel like making an extra meal? Bring the family their favorite take-out, or send a gift card.

Set up a meal train. When one meal just doesn’t cover it, set up a meal train using websites like www.signupgenius.com or www.takethemameal.com. Discuss with the family the most convenient dates and times to deliver meals and solicit friends to fill all the open spots. Social media is a great place to recruit people you might not think to ask.

Social media is a great place to recruit people. Offer to babysit. Show support by offering to babysit, even if it’s just for a couple hours. If you are taking your own children to the park, swing by and 10 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine

pick up their children for the afternoon. This gets them out of the house and gives the parents a break. Driving the kids to school or activities is also a big help for a family that is dealing with change.

Give parents a break. Help with pets.

food to them. Bring homemade meals for them to warm up later or offer to sit at their loved one’s bedside while they take a walk and get some fresh air.

Listen. Sometimes a long talk is very therapeutic. When you visit, listen attentively and offer your support. Call and check on them, even if you just leave a voicemail. In these times of texts and emails,

Kids aren’t the only family members that need attention. If the family is making trips to the doctor or hospital, offer to feed the cat or walk the dog while they are out. This will help ease the mind of the family and give them peace of mind while they focus on what is important.

Clean the house. Sweep the floor, change laundry loads, vacuum, do dishes, or fold some laundry. Even a little bit of picking up can make a big difference. A clean house during chaos can bring some much-needed peace during a chaotic time.

A clean house during chaos can bring some much-needed peace during a chaotic time. Run errands. If you are on your way to the store anyway, why not send a quick text and ask if the family needs anything—toilet paper, diapers, or snacks? Does Mom want a coffee or some lunch? Many grocery stores offer drive-thru pick-up these days. Have the family order and pay for groceries online, then pick them up and deliver them. Offering to help put them away would be an extra bonus.

Leave a surprise on the doorstep. If the family is not up for visitors, leave a surprise on the doorstep for them. You can create a care package with special treats, magazines, snacks, and a card. A delivery of flowers is another great way to cheer them up without interrupting family time.

Take food to the hospital. It is common knowledge that hospital food is not gourmet. If someone is in the hospital supporting a family member, offer to deliver

receiving a phone call shows you will go the extra mile to support a friend. However, even an email or text shows you are offering support while leaving it in their hands to respond when the time is right.

Go the extra mile to support a friend. When a family is walking through a difficult time, it may be hard for them to ask for help or even recognize what would be helpful. These ideas are sure to make any family feel supported and loved. v

Sarah Lyons writes from her home in suburban Kansas City. After the birth of her triplets, family and friends showed their loving support for many months. She will forever be grateful and now enjoys helping others even more. ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 11

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

Get Outdoors! 8 Reasons to Spend Time in Nature By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.

As chilly winter weather gives way to the green of springtime, kids and parents alike are drawn to the great outdoors. And that’s a good thing, because loads of recent research show the benefits of spending time in nature. Here are some highlights:

sweat to get benefits from being outside. Even low-intensity outdoor activities, such as walking or gardening for 20 minutes, can be beneficial. In fact, the biggest increase in mood and self-esteem occurs in the first 5 minutes. So what are you waiting for? Putter around in the yard to feel instantly happier.

Better Health. Inactivity increases your

What are you waiting for?

risk for physical disability and disease, yet 28% of American adults and 19% of kids age 6 to 17 are inactive today. People who spend more time outdoors are more active on average than people who spend less time outside. Ride bikes or start jogging to jumpstart your fitness routine. Hills, uneven terrain, and wind resistance challenge your muscles and your mind.

Improved Mood. Research consistently shows that outdoor exposure improves mood and protects against depression. An analysis of 30 studies done in the last 26 years found that you don’t have to break a

Sunshine. Ultraviolet rays from the sun

cause the body to produce Vitamin D, a substance that is hard to get from food sources alone. This important nutrient is crucial for calcium absorption in the body, and low levels increase your risk of fracture and osteoporosis. Studies also link Vitamin D deficiency to asthma, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Soak up some rays to make more D. Experts say 5 to 30 minutes of sunshine two to three times a week should be enough for most people. Continued on page 14

Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 13

Continued from page 13

Body Image. If Zumba makes you feel more like a three-footed klutz than a Latin temptress, you’re not alone. Full-frontal mirrors and the presence of other people cause gym goers to focus on how they look while exercising instead of what they’re doing. In the natural environment, you’re better able to focus on how it feels to move your body and what your body can do. What’s not to like about that?

Does Zumba make you feel like a three-footed klutz? Renewed Focus. Research conducted

at the University of Michigan shows that the relaxed quiet of outdoor environments allows our brains to recharge. In nature— where we aren’t bombarded by text messages and to-do lists—we’re able to tune in to subtle details like budding leaves and animal paw prints. The shift in stimulation

increases people’s ability to focus attention on work-relevant technical details and improves memory.

Fewer Symptoms of ADHD.

A national survey of more than 400 parents of children with ADHD found that those who regularly played outdoors in unstructured green spaces like parks and woodlands had less severe symptoms than kids who played indoors or on outdoor playgrounds with man-made structures. A nature walk or trip to the beach may be just what the doctor ordered.

Enhanced Creativity. Researchers

from the University of Kansas found that backpackers who spent 4 days in nature— unplugged from electronics—scored a full 50 percent better on a creative problem-solving test. It’s not clear whether time in nature or time out from technology—or a combination of both—was responsible for this impressive result. Lesson for you? Leave your cell phone at home. Or at least turn it off.

Less Stress. Outdoor environments aren’t created equal. Studies show that a 50-minute walk in the park is more restorative than walking the same distance and duration on city streets. People who walked in nature reported feeling less time pressure and more positive feelings than urban walkers did. If a city stroll is your only option, take a friend. Those who walked with a buddy felt more invigorated after an urban outing. No matter what you do in the great outdoors, make sure to enjoy it with all your senses. Breathe deeply. Listen for birdsong. Look at cloud shapes. Smell the roses. Feel the ground beneath your feet and the wind in your hair. Claim your place in the big, wide world. Nature is always waiting. v

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a psychologist and mom who enjoys walking around the block while her kids ride scooters. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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30 Outdoor Activities to Do with Kids 1. Blow bubbles 2. Walk the dog 3. Scout for squirrels 4. Play catch 5. Use sidewalk chalk 6. Throw a Frisbee 7. Ride bikes 8. Sail toy boats on a pond at the park 9. Dig in the dirt for worms 10. Fly a kite 11. Run 12. Skip 13. Roller skate 14. Do cartwheels 15. Play hide-and-seek 16. Catch butterflies or lightning bugs 17. Plant flowers 18. Water the lawn 19. Play in the sprinklers 20. Have a relay race 21. Sleep under the stars 22. Look for beautiful birds 23. Listen to waterfalls or rushing rivers 24. Hike to a scenic spot 25. Watch wildlife 26. See the sunset 27. Take photographs 28. Fly paper airplanes 29. Collect feathers, leaves and rocks 30. Play hopscotch

Learn about Vitamin D recommendations and supplementation

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional

Get up-to-the-minute info on air quality and the UV index in your area https://enviroflash.epa.gov/core/Start.do

Locate bike trails and road-riding routes in your area http://www.mapmyride.com

• Skin Tags are a small flap of tissue that hangs off of

the skin. They are typically found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, or groin area. Benign and not dangerous, they occur at a higher rate in women. Removal is a common, and mostly painless, procedure.

• Lentigines. A lentigo (or plural, lentigines) is a spot that is darker than the surrounding skin. They are typically brown in color and are more common in Caucasians.

• Seborrheic Keratoses are brown or black growths most often found on the chest and back, but also on the head. As they develop, they can appear more warty.

• Cherry Angiomas are small, bright red dots, usu-

Moles and Freckles and Skin Tags, Oh My! The past two decades have brought us a significant amount of education on skin cancer: who is at risk, what it looks like, and how to avoid it. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., with more than 3 million people diagnosed each year. With increased awareness and screening habits, dermatologists are also seeing and treating patients concerned about more benign forms of skin lesions – either for medical reasons or vanity. As we grow older and are exposed to more sunlight and environmental factors, our skin changes in response to those exposures. Almost everyone has at least some presence of skin marks, such as freckles or moles, which may grow, multiply or change over time. While the vast majority of these marks are benign and will never be cancerous, it’s important to give them a closer look at least once every year. Below, we break down the list of the most common, non-cancerous skin marks and lesions, and which ones you should pay most attention to over time.

• Moles can appear almost anywhere on the skin,

either alone or in a group. They are typically brown or black in color, and first appear during childhood or the first 20 years of one’s life. The average adult has between 10 and 40 moles distributed across their body. Over time, moles can change slowly – becoming more raised and lighter in color, developing hairs, or even just disappearing entirely.

• Freckles are small brown spots usually found on the face and arms. They are extremely common, often hereditary, and not a health threat.

16 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

ally ranging in size from a pinpoint to a quarter inch in diameter. Some appear smooth and even with your skin, while others appear slightly raised. They most often grow on the torso, arms, legs and shoulders, and typically show up after age 30.

While moles are also often hereditary, they are more prone to structural changes as you age. Also, moles that are present at birth and ones that are atypical in size or shape (not perfectly round and flat) are more prone to developing cancerous cells in the future. If a dermatologist believes a mole needs to be evaluated or removed, he or she will first take a biopsy of it. This is a minor procedure resulting in a small tissue sample of the mole that will be examined under a microscope. If any cancerous cells are discovered, the entire mole will be removed along with the rim of normal skin surrounding it. Your physician will most likely want to follow up with you in a matter of weeks, to ensure the small wound is healing properly. Regardless of family history or a prior cancerous skin lesion, be mindful of all variations and changes in the status of your skin, across all areas of your body. At least every few months, with the help of a mirror and good lighting, examine your face, neck, chest, trunk, and the tops and undersides of your arms and hands. Check the front and back of your legs and feet, including the soles and areas between your toes. Also check your genital area and the area on and between your buttocks. Have someone help you check your scalp and behind your ears. See your primary care physician or dermatologist each year and expect them to do a thorough examination of your skin, exploring anything new, changed or irregular. v

PROVIDED BY

Packing What you need to pack for camp depends on the type of camp and how long you’ll be there. But remember that you won’t need 30 pairs of underwear, even if you’ll be there 30 days. If you’re going to have a long stay, your camp counselor will let you know how to handle laundry.

Some of the typical items that everyone needs for camp are:

Continued from page 8

Some sleep-away camps are coed, which means that there are both boys and girls at the camp. (They have separate cabins for sleeping, though.) Other camps are just for girls or just for boys, but often these all-girl and all-boy camps meet up for dances and parties. Usually, the camp mails out information to your family before you go, so you’ll know what to bring. You’ll also probably need to have your doctor fill out a health assessment for you so that the camp can be sure your shots are up-to-date and so that the camp counselors will know about any health problems you have. Just as with any vacation, you’ll need to pack a bag (or two) full of the clothes and other stuff you’ll need while you’re there. Food is generally provided, but you might need some extra money for snacks or other small expenses.

Who Takes Care of You at Camp? Camp counselors (who are usually grown-ups and older teens) will be on hand to lead activities and keep you safe, just like your parents would at home. For instance, if you scrape your knee, a camp counselor can help you get it cleaned up and bandaged. And if you get sick, a counselor could call a doctor and your parents. But best of all, camp counselors help kids have fun at camp. They organize the camp activities and set the schedule for days and evenings. Counselors and other grown-ups at camp are responsible for taking care of you, but campers can do a lot to take care of themselves. This means following the safety rules when it comes to activities, such as swimming and boating. You’ll want to take it seriously when a counselor tells you not to wander away from the group when you’re on a hike in the woods. Campers can do other smart things, such as remembering to put on sunscreen and bug spray. And camp counselors will be delighted if you make an effort to keep your cabin neat and throw trash in the trash can.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

sweatshirts and T-shirts shorts, jeans, and long pants swimsuits raincoat sneakers walking boots socks and underwear sheets and towels toothbrush and toothpaste shampoo, soap, and any other toiletries you may use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) bug spray (especially for mosquitoes) paper and pen to write to family and friends sports equipment (tennis racquet, swimming cap, goggles, etc.) • any medications you regularly take

It’s wise to label all your clothes and belongings because it’s easy to lose things at camp. If you leave something behind, it can be returned to you when your name is on it. And if you and your friend own the same beach towel, you’ll be able to tell which one is yours. It’s also nice to bring small reminders of home, such as photos of your family or your favorite pet. These will come in handy if you start to miss them.

Who Knew You’d Miss Home? With so much to do, it’s tough to be bored at camp. But you might find that you feel a little homesick. Homesickness is the feeling of missing your everyday familiar life, like your parents, your dog, your room, and maybe even your brother or sister. The good news is that you might be able to call home to talk with your family. There also may be a special day or weekend at camp when family members come to visit. In the meantime, email or text your family and friends. If you’re feeling down, it can help to talk with other campers or your counselors about your feelings. But it’s also okay if you don’t feel lonely because you’re too busy having fun. That’s the idea, after all. Have a great time at camp!. v

You can Help Feed the Hungry Feed the Hungry is a community-based, non-profit, non-denominational organization that provides a hearty meal every Sunday afternoon for as many as 85 people. Those who are homeless, hungry or simply looking for companionship, are received with understanding and respect. Please contact fthmilwaukie@gmail.com if interested in volunteering, donating or learning more about our worthwhile program.

More than 125,000 meals served!

PO Box 220352 Milwaukie, Oregon 97269

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FAMILY

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 how to deal with clutter with our Teach Your Kids Something New. Teach your teens to eat healty with 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 whenever, however, you can. Enjoy!

Live, Laugh, Love, and TALK TOGETHER! Do movies and TV shows influence your day-to-day thinking about life and social issues?

What is the grossest thing you can think of? Discuss why?

Parents: What are some of your biggest dreams for your children? Explain in detail why.

What is your favorite word? What do you like about it? When have you used it recently?

What is your favorite sport or game? If you could change one rule, what would you change? Why?

Is your family a dog or cat type of family? What are some other pets you’d like to own if you were allowed to?

Parents: Are you still friends with anyone from that time in your life?

What kinds of lies do your friends tell their parents? Why do you think they lie?

At what age do you think kids fall in love?

How would the world be different if animals could talk? What do you think your pets would say?

Parents: Do you plan on retiring? If so, when? How do you feel about it?

Name two things that would be fun to do as a family on the weekend. Pick one and do it. Have fun living life—together!

What is the hardest thing about being a kid? What do you look forward to about being an adult? Ask your parents questions about their childhoods. What did they love and hate about being a kid?

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

Th e Ear ly L e ar n in g Co alitio n o f th e Emer al d Coast's mi ssi on i s to su ppo rt th e su cce ss o f e ve r y ch ild an d th e i r fami l y thr ough qu ality ear ly edu catio n an d car e.

Enroll in Florida’s FREE VoluntaryCWhei lpdr Co vairdee Qf rueees trieosnosu? r c e a n d r e f e r r a l s e r v i c e s t o l o c a l f a m i l i e s regarding childcare. Prekindergarten Parent Line: (850) 833-9333 Edu ation Progra Ear ly L ear n in g Co aliti on of the Eme r al d Coa 113 0 N Eglin Par kway, Shal i mar , FL 32579 (8 5 0 ) 8 3 3 -3 6 2 7 www.el c-ec.o rg

Get ready, set a time, and read!

Voluntary Prekindergarten

Florida offe rs fr ee pr eki n der gar ten fo r all 4 -ye ar-o lds re gardle ss o f family income.

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.

Children must l i ve i n Fl o r i da an d be 4 ye ars o ld o n o r be fo re September 1 of th e cu r r en t year to be e ligible . If th e ir birth day falls from Fe bruary 2 th r o u gh S eptembe r 1, yo u may wait to e n ro ll yo u r child the followi n g year wh en th ey are 5 .

DUCK & GOOSE 1, 2, 3

Apply online by vi si ti n g: BymTad www.familyse r vi ces.fl o r i daear l yl e arn in g.co

Hills, ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85621-1

Taking time to read to your infant can be a special bonding moment and can create moments of learning at just the words that are on the pages, but it’s also how your you ask, even though they may not respond. This sturdy board book gives bright illustrations to help you and your infant count from one to ten.

R e se ar ch sh o ws that c hildren who parti cithe patesame i n h i gh -qu alWhen i ty time. you read to your infant, it’s not pr e kin de rgarten pr ograms ar e be tte r pr e pare d fo r sch oo the l andfaces you make, and the questions voice sounds, de ve l o p l i fe l o ng soci al an d e mo ti on al ski l l s.

ACTIVITY: As you explore this book together with your infant, take time to look at the illustrations as well e Early Le in arnorder in g Coto alitio of the Eme rIf al d Coast's mi ssi on inot s to respond, pause between asking and answering a as Th the words askn questions. your infant does su ppo rt th e su cce ss o f e ve ry chi l d and the i r fami l y thr ough question. By pausing, you are modeling what a conversation is and you are giving your infant time to think about qu ality e arly e du catio n an d car e . and process your words. Talk about how goose has one leg up and one leg down as you touch your infant’s leg and label it a leg. This will help expand your child’s vocabulary and understanding. Simple added moments when reading a book can make the time you spend with your infant even more rewarding and educational. Child Care Questions? We provide free resource and referral services to local families

r e g a r d iSMALL ng childcare. I AM

By Emma Dodd, ISBN-13: 978-0-545-68379-1 Parent Line: (850) 833-9333

Toddlers can be labeled as anyone from 1 year to 3 years of age. This amazing time frame in a child’s life is full of exploration, figuring out who they are and the world around them. This is a time for growing independence, even though assistance mayi tistill toddlers may know what they want but may not Early Le ar ni ng Coal on ofbe theneeded, Eme r al d and Coast 113 0 N Egl i n PThis ar kway, S hal i mar , FL us 32579 be able to verbalize their needs. book reminds that in a world that is big, fast, and hard at times to (8 5 0feel ) 833-3627 fit in, every child should that they are the most important thing to someone. www.el c-ec.o rg

ACTIVITY: Take time—two words that hold so much weight! Find time with your toddler daily to do an “I love you; you mean the world to me” ritual. This can be as simple as a short phrase you say in the morning, before you are going to be apart, and/or before bed. Be creative and add hand gestures or even butterfly kisses to have some fun. The most important thing is that, whatever you choose to do, you use it consistently with your toddler. You are their world; take time to remind them that they are your world too.

WHAT SHOULD DANNY DO?

By Ganit and Adir Levy, ISBN-13: 978-0-692-84838-8

This book introduces the power of choice to our preschool learners. This interactive book gives the reader a choice in what Danny should do throughout his day. With each choice there are positive and negative outcomes that Danny will enjoy or must overcome. Having the power of choice is a big responsibility, and understanding the consequences of a choice can be difficult to understand and own. This book is a great tool to help preschoolage children understand the power and outcomes of a choice.

ACTIVITY: As you read this book with your preschooler, ask questions starting with why, how, or what if. This will help your child reflect and problem solve about their choice and the consequence of that decision. Throughout your day, give your child acceptable choices. Acceptable choices are choices for which you are okay with whichever choice the child chooses. This could be as simple as asking, “Do you want to put your shoes on yourself or with my help?” Give acceptable choices for your preschooler multiple times each day and reflect on the consequences of their decisions. ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 21

By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.

Ten Tips for Clearing Out Clutter Start small, think outside the box, and get it done! Fall and winter encourage us to collect more stuff. We stock up on canned goods and firewood. We give and get mountains of holiday goodies and gifts. By the time spring arrives, we’re eager to feel a sense of openness and light in our homes once again. You don’t need an expensive whole-house makeover to refresh your emotional energy. Clearing out clutter offers a quick and inexpensive mood boost. Here’s how to do it.

Start small. I f just the thought of sorting and organizing

leaves you dizzy and short of breath, take baby steps. Tackle one drawer, corner, or closet at a time. You’ll gain momentum as your space opens up.

Sort smart. P ut like items together in one location so that

you can see how many you have. If you buy in bulk or hang on to practical items (like half-full bottles of shampoo), you probably have two, three, or more of the same thing. Get rid of worn-out items and duplicates. Use up or consolidate. If your most-loved objects are not the most-often-used, they should be. Toss threadbare towels and use the plush, luxury linens. Life is short.

Let go of guilt. D o you keep items only because you’d feel guilty if you got rid of them? I’m talking about your great-aunt’s Hummel figurine collection and the bridesmaid dress you wore to your sister’s wedding in 1998. Your loved ones wouldn’t want you to feel obligated to keep items that overcrowd your closets and stress you out. Give yourself permission to let go.

Test date. E ven if you have only one bread machine or tennis racquet, it may be time to give it up. Discard or donate items you haven’t used in more than a year. Next time you need a specialized gadget or one-time-only outfit, borrow or rent instead of buying. You’ll save money and avoid storing things you rarely use. Sell out. I f you don’t mind haggling, have a yard sale. Set reasonable prices and give discounts to customers who buy several items. Your goal is to get rid of things, not to get rich. Sell specialized, more expensive items online through Craigslist or eBay. Collectors and niche consumers spend more than yard-sale scavengers.

Donate discards. L ist unwanted items at Freecycle.org or take them to a local thrift shop. Many charities will pick up heavy Continued on page 25

22 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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 Spend time talking through family hardships. Remind her how much you care about her and your relationship. Set specific goals with her to achieve together for each year. Apologize when you’re wrong and be quick to forgive her as well. Try to find fun, new things you can do together. Gladly run errands for her when you’re able to. Remember anniversaries and other dates and events that are special. Show your love and affection for her—even in public.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Parent with her—be good examples for your children in what you do and say. Help clean up after dinner.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 23

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!

10 WAYS to sh w

M I H y u care Tell him you love him and still find him attractive. Give him a back or a shoulder rub after a long day at work. Don’t criticize him in front of others—keep his dignity intact. Help foster teachable moments with him and his children. Encourage him in his goals or hobbies when you see he needs it. Don’t expect him to do projects beyond his natural capabilities. Try to understand his feelings—even when you disagree with him.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Organize a romantic night! . lean out his car and leave him an C “I love you” note or candy. Have a long meaningful conversation.

24 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine

Continued from page 22

items, such as furniture, for free. Even obsolete electronics can be recycled. Go to Earth911.org to find recycling sites by zip code.

Pitch paper. P aper clutter can be overwhelming, especially if it represents decisions and actions you’ve delayed. Finish any unfinished business. Store phone numbers in your address book, pay bills, and file tax documents. Then get shredding. If you have too much to shred on your own, find a local document-destruction company. Most offer by-the-box or per-pound rates, and they are bonded and insured, so you don’t have to worry about identity theft. Think outside the box. D etermine what storage containers you need only after you’ve whittled down your belongings. Check your closets, cupboards and garage for bags, bins and boxes. Re-use old containers or raid the cardboard recycling bin behind the neighborhood strip mall. You don’t have to spend a fortune on decorative hatboxes to corral clutter.

Label well. Th e time you take to clearly label boxes and bins

will pay off later. Color code and write big so that it’s easy to identify contents at a glance. You should be able to find last year’s tax records without sifting through school supplies, family photos, and take-out menus. Bonus: If you label things right, other family members will be able to find what they need without your assistance.

Scrap it. D on’t throw out the memories with the mess. Take pictures of kids’ artwork and store them electronically. Put small mementos—like your tickets to The Lion King on Broadway or the program from your son’s sixth-grade graduation—in a scrapbook or memory box. Happy memories are the best treasures. v

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and reformed pack rat. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

By Myrna Beth Haskell

Heart-Healthy Eating for Teens General Guidelines for Training Your Children to Make Wise Food Choices It was the fall of 1978 when my fourteen-year-old friend and I decided to join America’s newfound fitness craze. We devised a plan during sixth-period lunch. We would bike clear across town without stopping. Here was the problem: fast-food restaurants galore along the way. My memory tells me we stopped at McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and a hotdog joint before landing at the Caldor parking lot. After twelve miles, a large order of fries, two Bavarian cream donuts, and an over-stuffed chili dog, we gave each other a high-five to celebrate our accomplishment. I get indigestion just thinking about it! For decades, teens have been devouring fast food and salty snacks as part of their daily diets. Let’s be honest. How many fourteenyear-olds do you know who opt for carrot sticks over a handful of salty fries? Is it hopeless, or can parents suggest healthy options that their teens will actually enjoy?

General Guidelines for Healthy Eating Howard M. Shapiro, M.D., a weight-loss specialist and New York Times best-selling author of the Picture Perfect Weight Loss series, urges teens to avoid certain foods: “Limit foods high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans-fat, such as fatty meats, egg yolks, and foods prepared with hydrogenated oils and shortenings.” Shapiro suggests that teens include some “good fat” in their diets: olives, avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive or canola oil. Healthy eating also includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and soy foods help to reduce the risk

of heart disease. Shapiro says, “Include a couple of servings a day of any of the following: tofu, soy milk, soy cheese, or soy yogurt.” Soy protein powder can be added to shakes or smoothies as well—an added health benefit for these popular teen drinks. Teens might also try veggie or turkey burgers (instead of beef) and veggie sausages (instead of pork). Healthy eating habits also have to do with eating schedules. Lauren Graf, RD, CDN, a nutritionist for the Department of Pediatric Nephrology and the Pediatric Heart Healthy Program at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, advises, “Teenagers should eat multiple, small meals throughout the day. They should also eat a good breakfast because it will help them do better on exams.” Graf also warns about eating heavy meals too close to bedtime, a problem for many teens who are involved in activities and return home late. Eating heavy meals late at night can lead to disrupted sleep and an inability to “work off” the calories.

Encourage the Good Stuff This all sounds reasonable, but how do parents actually get their teens to buy into all of this healthy eating when a bag of sour-creamand-onion chips is handy? Furthermore, if both parents are working outside the home and teens have evening activities, it’s hard to abide by healthy eating schedules and choices. Graf instructs parents to limit the amount of processed foods on hand. She suggests, “Stock up on frozen fruits. These won’t go bad, and teens can use them as toppings on frozen yogurt, for instance.” She continues, “Parents should be committed to having a healthy lifestyle themselves and should model healthy eating. Believe it or not, this will eventually click with your teenagers.” Continued on page 27

26 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Quick tips:

“I only keep healthy snacks at home. My daughter learned to like celery and peanut butter. She’ll also sprinkle cinnamon on apple slices.”

• If strapped for time, prepare healthy casseroles on weekends, then freeze for later in the week.

—Susan Cerulli

• Pack a snack. Don’t drive through and take out. • Opt for fresh or frozen foods over packaged and

School nurse at Haviland Middle School, Hyde Park, NY

canned.

Snacks for Active Teens

Strawberry Milk Smoothie Recipe*

The food has to look and taste good or your teen won’t eat it. Since many teens are constantly on the run, healthy snacks play an important role, and easy preparation is a must. Healthy snack alternatives suggested by Dr. Shapiro:

• 1 cup low-fat cold milk • 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen) • 1 Tbsp. sugar • 1/3 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt • 1 tsp lemon juice • ½ cup crushed ice (more if using fresh berries)

• Soy chips with guacamole or hummus instead of potato chips and sour-cream dip

• Whole grain crackers and peanut butter instead of a bagel with cream cheese

• Roasted pumpkin seeds instead of a bag of milk-

Blend all ingredients in a blender for 2 minutes. *Presented by Haviland Middle School “Life and Workforce Skills” class.

chocolate-covered pretzels

Graf says teens will be pleased to hear that “Dark chocolate is actually good for the heart. It provides antioxidants and doesn’t have the levels of sugar and fat found in milk or white chocolate.” Graf also suggests slathering hummus or mustard on sandwiches in lieu of mayonnaise.

Myrna Beth Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist, and feature writer. Her work has appeared in national and regional publications across the U.S. as well as internationally (www.myrnahaskell. com). She is also co-founder and senior editor of SANCTUARY magazine (www.sanctuary-magazine.com).

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

Dirt Cups YOU NEED Large box of instant chocolate pudding and ingredients to make pudding Oreo cookies Red Velvet cake mix and ingredients to bake the cake Chocolate sprinkles 18 gummy worms

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• Hand mixer • Mixing bowl • Cutting board and sharp

knife Measuring cup 9x13-inch cake pan 6 clear 9 oz. cups and spoons Spoon

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DIRECTIONS Bake the cake in a 9x13-inch pan according to package instructions. Make chocolate pudding according to package instructions. Use the knife and cutting board to roughly chop the Oreos into 1/2 inch pieces. Cut the cake into cubes—about 1/3 of the cake will make 6 dirt cups. Spoon 2 tablespoons of pudding into the bottom of each cup. Add a layer (about 2 tablespoons) chopped Oreos. Place 2 gummy worms down the inside wall of each cup—so that they are visible from the outside of the cup. Add a layer of cubed cake followed by another layer of Oreos and top with chocolate pudding. (Note: 3 cups of pudding should be enough for 6 dirt cups.) Top the pudding with chocolate sprinkles and a third gummy worm. Keep chilled until ready to eat.

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Apples and Dip YOU NEED Apples Nutella Marshmallow cream Sharp knife

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• Spoon • Small bowl • Plate

DIRECTIONS Spoon Nutella into the bowl (about ½ cup). Spoon 3-4 dollops of marshmallow cream on top of Nutella. Core the apples and cut into wedges. Arrange apple wedges on the plate. Dip a wedge of apple into the Nutella and cream and eat!

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Here’s a tasty way to get your children excited about eating more fruit!

28 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Peep Pops INGREDIENTS Bunny or egg Peeps Candy melts, any color or flavor—1-1 ½ cups for 12 Peeps Candy sprinkles

• •

• Plastic forks • Microwaveable measuring cup • Plastic knife • Paper plates

•

DIRECTIONS Push a plastic fork into the bottom of each Peep. Place the candy melts into the measuring cup and melt according to package instructions. Let the melted candy cool slightly until it is the consistency of peanut butter. (Note: if the melted candy is too hot, it will melt the Peep.) Use a plastic knife to spread melted candy over the Peep. Immediately hold the candy-covered Peep over a paper plate and cover with sprinkles. Place on another paper plate to cool and harden.

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It’s difficult to improve on Peeps, but we’re taking a stab at it with these Peep Pops!

Tic-Tac-Toe Snack YOU NEED Large carrot Cucumber Square bite-sized crackers Easy Cheese, any flavor

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• Large plate • Cutting board and sharp knife Potato peeler

•

DIRECTIONS Use the potato peeler to peel long strips from the carrot—4 strips for each serving. Cut the cucumber into circles—6 circles for each serving Using the Easy Cheese, draw an “X” on each cracker—6 crackers for each serving. Use the carrot strips to make on the plate lines for playing Tic-Tac-Toe. Play Tic-Tac-Toe using the cucumbers as “O”s and the crackers and cheese for “X”s. Eat as you play.

• • • • •

It seems like you can never really win in tic-tac-toe, but now—win, lose, or tie, you’ll enjoy playing more than ever!

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 29

April Fool’s Joke Jar MATERIALS 1-quart covered container Yellow adhesive-backed paper (such as shelf paper or Contact paper) Permanent markers Scissors

• • • •

• Colored paper or card stock • Pens or pencils • Circle template or 2- to 3-inch round lids Optional: joke book

•

INSTRUCTIONS Use a pen or pencil to draw 2-3 circles on the yellow adhesivebacked paper. Use permanent markers to turn the circles on yellow paper into laughing, silly emoji faces. Also write the words “Joke Jar” on the yellow paper. Cut out the circles and cut around the words. Decorate the covered container by peeling and sticking the adhesive-backed words and emojis to the container’s sides and lid. Cut the colored paper or card stock into pieces that are 2-3 inches square. Write jokes on the paper squares, fold them in half to hide the jokes, and place them in the jar. Place the jar on your dinner table or in an area where your family gathers. Take turns drawing a paper out of the jar and reading the jokes aloud.

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Garden Rocks MATERIALS Smooth 4- to 5-inch rock, washed and dried Variety of sizes of craft paint brushes Variety of colors of craft paint

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• Paper plates • Water and paper towels for clean-up Covered work surface

•

INSTRUCTIONS Place the rock on a paper plate. Using a 1- to 2-inch paint brush, paint a base coat to cover the rock. Let dry. Squeeze small quantities of paint onto a paper place and use paint brushes to decorate over the base coat on the rock. Simple shapes or words associated with a garden work great. Let dry. Place your rock in the garden as a decoration or to label plants that you have planted.

• • • •

Love your garden? Love to craft? Here’s a cute little craft that goes hand-in-hand with both.

30 • March+April 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Seed Starter Garden MATERIALS 12 2- to 3-inch plastic Easter eggs that open into halves Paper egg carton Seeds for growing herbs or flowers Potting soil

• • • •

• Spoon • Craft paint, any color • 1-inch sponge brush • Paper plate • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS Cut off the lid and flap for closing the lid from the paper egg carton. Squeeze craft paint onto a paper plate and use the sponge brush to paint the inside of the bottom of the egg carton. Let dry, then repeat to paint the outside of the bottom of the egg carton. Let dry completely. Separate the halves of the plastic eggs, and use the longer halves. Spoon potting soil into each egg half and plant a seed in each egg. Lightly water the seeds and soil. Place the potted seed in the painted egg carton. Set on a tray or plate in a sunny location and watch seeds grow.

• • • • •

Tote Bags MATERIALS Solid-colored tote bag (9x13inches or larger) Variety of colored scraps of cotton fabric Variety of colors of fabric paint

• • •

in paint-writer bottles Fabric and paper scissors Hot glue gun and glue sticks Pencil Scratch paper

• • • •

INSTRUCTIONS Draw a simple design on scratch paper. Ideas include food items you might purchase at a store, and basic shapes such as hearts or stars (cookie cutters make great templates). Cut out shapes from the paper. Use a pencil to draw around the shapes onto the wrong side of the fabric you want to use. Cut out shapes. Arrange the shapes on the outside of the tote bag. A couple inches at a time, hot glue the edges of the fabric shapes to the tote bag. To avoid contact with the hot glue, use the point of the paper scissors to press the surfaces together. Use the fabric paint writers to outline the edge of each shape and add any details, such as dots or lines. Let dry completely. Use your tote when shopping, going to the park, etc.

• • • • • •

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 31

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

SPRING BREAK Although it isn’t the same for everyone, spring break approaching is very scary for high school seniors. We are excited, don’t get me wrong. No one would protest having a week off from school. However, with all of the projects, tests, and assignments due before we go on break, there are times when I’ve wished that the break wouldn’t come so fast. One of the biggest problems teenagers have with their parents is that adults tend to believe that we do not have much in our lives to stress about. It is true that we are not stressing about the things our parents get stressed about, such as paying bills and taking care of us. However, we do feel pressure from our teachers, parents, and ourselves to perform at our best and maintain good grades in school. As I am in the IB program, it is much easier for my work to stress me out, considering there is so much of it all at once. It makes teenagers feel better when parents can sympathize with us instead of making it seem like it’s a competition of who has the

most stress—and we’re losing. Here are some tips for parents to help their teenagers: ask your kids if they need any help with their work, do a face mask with them, make their favorite meal, run them a bath, or do whatever you can to help ease some of the tension school can bring. Remind them that their grades aren’t the end of the world as long as they are trying their hardest; but understand that if they hold themselves to a higher standard, they will still worry. The best thing is to help them still have some wonderful moments while the weeks before break come and bring a lot of work. It means a lot to us to be able to rely on our parents to see our struggles and do little things for us. We appreciate and love our parents, even if we don’t always show it. v

Nia

S ENIOR, AGE 17

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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

4:30p.m. Enjoy Irish music, dancing, food vendors, a beer garden, and more! This event is free. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sat, March 16 – Hillsboro (11:00a.m.) This Hillsboro tradition is a local favorite and sure to please! Head over to Hare Field and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with spectacular floats! This event is free. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Sun, March 17 – Oregon City (7:00p.m.) Head over to Feckin Brewery in Oregon City for their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! Enjoy live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, Irish bar food, craft beer, and more! For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Seasonal Mardi Gras Ball

Sat, March 2 – Portland Get in the spirit of Mardi Gras and get ready for the 2019 Mardi Gras Ball! The goal of this event is to bring the exciting and unique Louisiana Mardi Gras culture to the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.portlandmardigras.com.

Portland’s Mardi Gras Day Parade Tues, March 5 – Portland (6:00p.m.)

It’s back and better than ever! Get ready for dazzling floats, moon pies, beads, beads, and more beads! This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival Sat, March 16 – Portland (12:00p.m.)

Put on your favorite green attire and head to Agatha Catholic School for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival! The family-friendly parade starts at noon, then head over to the carnival until

celebration of what makes us special. Honk! has winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions and has won many awards. This heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score. For information, visit www.journeytheater.org.

Portland International Film Festival

Thurs, March 7–Thurs March 21 – Portland Drawing an audience of 38,000, the Portland International Film Festival is the biggest film event in Oregon, premiering more than 140 international shorts and feature films to Portland audiences every year. Audiences can experience a variety of amazing films, parties, visiting artists, and more. For more information, visit www. nwfilm.org.

Code Orange Easter Egg Drop

Sat, April 13 – Milwaukie (10:00a.m.) This is an Easter celebration you don’t want to miss! Head over to Brentwood Park and get your Easter baskets ready because a helicopter will fly overhead and drop thousands of eggs over the park! You must pre-register to participate. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Rabbit Romp at the Zoo

Sat, April 20 – Portland (9:30a.m.) Candy hunts and coloring activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be two separate hunts on the concert lawn, one for children ages 3-10 and one for children ages 2 and under. The hunts for candy and prizes will take place every 15-20 minutes between 9:30a.m. and 3:00p.m. For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.com.

The Arts

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Honk!

Fri, March 1–Sun March 10 – Portland This award-winning adaptation of one of the world’s most beloved fables is a heartwarming

Thurs, March 7–Thurs March 21 – Portland Portland Actors Conservatory is showcasing an amazing adaptation of The Curious Incident of the

ItsYourMagazine.com • Portland Parent Magazine • March+April 2019 • 33

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iRun for Kids 5K, 10-miler & Leprechaun Dash Sat, March 16 – Portland

This race is for both walkers and runners, and participants will start in North Albany, go over the bridge, through historic downtown, and out to Bryant Park. This scenic race will be fun for the whole family! For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

CPRD Camellia Run

Sat, April 13 – Newberg This 5K/10K starts and finishes at the renowned Newberg Camellia Festival at the Chehalem Cultural Center. Finishers receive a one-gallon potted camellia, participant T-shirt, entry into the fitness festival, raffle prizes, virtual goody bag, and refreshments. The Newberg Camellia Festival is free to the public and includes food and beverage carts, live performances, and interactive activities. Proceeds from the CPRD Camellia Run & Walk 5K/10K benefit the Chehalem Park & Recreation Department Youth Sports Program. For information, visit www.runguides.com.

ORRC Vernonia Marathon & Half-Marathon Sun, April 14 – Banks

Dog in the Nighttime. This emotional play is about an extraordinary teenager out to solve the mysterious death of his neighbor’s dog. For tickets and more information, visit www.events12.com.

Imagine running a beautiful tree-lined course along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Both events feature a gentle 7-mile, 400-foot downhill trek into Banks. A pancake breakfast awaits all attendees. This Boston Marathon qualifier is run on a point-to-point course, with 23 miles closed to vehicular traffic. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

MAKANA – The Sunset Tour

Fri, March 22 – Portland (8:00p.m.) Virtuosic and versatile, Makana’s guitar mastery and engaging voice come together for an exhilarating ride through the breadth of Hawaiian slack key, folk, bluegrass, and more. This is the last tour Makana will undertake for the foreseeable future, so this is something you don’t want to miss! For more information, visit www.albertarosetheatre.com.

Ranky Tanky

Mon, April 1 – Portland (7:30p.m.) South Carolina quintet Ranky Tanky will be performing at Newmark Theatre, playing music rooted in Gullah culture. Gullah is a unique mix of African and English from descendants of enslaved Africans isolated on the southeast coast. For tickets and more information, visit www. events12.com.

Spring Concert 2019

Thurs, April 18–Sat April 20 – Portland The Jefferson Dancers are holding their spring concerts where they will showcase their creativity, skill and artistry. The dances are choreographed by Artistic Director Steve Gonzales and guest choreographers from around the world, many of whom are former Jefferson Dancers now working as professional dancers and choreographers. For information, visit www.events12.com.

Runs, Walks & More ORRC Y2K Run

Sat, Jan 5 – Portland

Adidas Shamrock Run

Fri, March 15–Sun, March 17 – Portland The Adidas Shamrock Run is the largest running and walking event in Portland and the third largest race in the Western United States. This race is one of the few in the Pacific Northwest to offer a complete variety of distance options to runners, including a 5K, 8K, 15K and a halfmarathon. For more information, visit www. runguides.com.

Bridge to Brews

Sun, April 14 – Portland

2019 Luckython

Sat, March 16 – Aloha The Portland Luckython will be held at the Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon. Luckythoners can run a 5K, 10K or 15K. Over 500 runners are expected to participate, and everyone will get a medal at the finish line! For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

The Dirty Leprechaun 2019 Sat, March 16 – Portland

You’re going to have to get dirty to find this Leprechaun’s pot of gold! This Terrapin Events obstacle course run features over 21 obstacles over a 5K distance. There will be music, bonfires, and lots and lots of mud! Participants get a Dirty Leprechaun commemorative shirt; one free mimosa, cider, or beer; food; and chip timing results. For information, visit www.runguides.com.

Tulip Trail Run

Sat, March 23 – Portland The Tulip Trail Run is an off-road run that takes you through the tulip fields! This run will benefit the Oregon City High School Track and Field and Cross-Country teams. Finisher medals will be awarded to the first 500 finishers. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Stoller Vineyard 5K & Kids’ Run Sat, April 6 – Dayton

This annual 5K is a fundraiser for the Dayton High School Track & Field team. The course meanders around the vineyard and winery, offering spectacular views of the valley. The Stoller Family Estate offers free wine tasting and discount wine purchases for participants. There will also be a Kids’ Run, which is an easy loop where parents can watch and cheer their kids on! For information, visit www.runguides.com.

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Bridge to Brews is an activity you don’t want to miss! The race starts and finishes near one of Portland’s original breweries, Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, and after the event participants will enjoy live music, food, and beer! For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Hop Hop Half

Sat, April 20 – Portland Portland finally has an Easter Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K to celebrate the holiday! This fun Easter-themed event features a gorgeous halfmarathon and 5K course that takes participants all along Marine Drive, with views of the beautiful Columbia River for the entire race! For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Rip City Race for the Roses Sun, April 28 – Portland

Join over 3,000 runners and walkers at the Rip City Race for the Roses half-marathon, 10K, 5K or 1K race. Fast and accurate courses wind over bridges, along the waterfront, and through the heart of downtown Portland. Participants will enjoy a tech T-shirt, finisher’s rose, and commemorative event photo. All proceeds benefit Albertina Kerr Centers. For more information, visit www.runguides.com.

Sounds Fun Savor Cannon Beach Wine and Culinary Festival

Thurs, March 7-Sun, March 10 – Cannon Beach Savor Cannon Beach Wine and Culinary Festival is sure to please with four days of wine tastings, culinary events, and a wine walk showcasing Northwest wineries in Cannon Beach, Oregon. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.savorcannonbeach.com.

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Rock and Mineral Show

Fri, March 8-Sun, March 10 – Forest Grove Check out amazing rocks, minerals, gems, jewelry, fossils, beads, and more at the Rock and Mineral Show of Tualatin Valley Gem Club! This event takes place at the Oregon Army National Guard in Forest Grove. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

TOAST: The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting Sat, March 9 – Portland

The 9th annual TOAST event is an opportunity to taste from a wide variety of over 120 spirits from across the Northwest. Whether your spirit preference is whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, brandy, or anything in between, the estimated 50 distillers and producers at TOAST will have it covered. TOAST allows small distillers and producers to showcase their handcrafted spirits, while providing an opportunity for the public to experience the diversity and quality of craft spirits from Oregon. For information, visit www.oregondistillerytrail.com.

exciting event will allow guests to taste from 20 Columbia Gorge wineries. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Hawaiian Luau

Sat, April 13 – Forest Grove Pacific University’s annual luau is a culmination of many hours of hard work and passion coming together to share a unique aspect of the students’ island heritage. This is the only completely student-run, student-directed luau in the Northwest, attracting over 2,000 people each year! This luau will include amazing performances and delicious food. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Soul Music Festival

Tues, April 16-Sun, April 21 – Portland “Soul’d Out” Music Festival is featuring nearly 50 artists this year and promises “the best in the world of music, jazz, funk, fusion, hip-hop, electronic, and more!” With headliners such as Buddy Guy, Roy Ayers, Bobby Caldwell, Eric B. & Rakim, and more, it is sure to be an entertaining night full of fun and amazing music! For more information, visit www.souldoutfestival.com.

82nd Avenue of Roses Parade Sat, April 27 – Portland

The 82nd annual Avenue of Roses Parade is back and will begin at Eastport Plaza, proceeding north on 82nd. Carnival Days at Eastport Plaza will also be taking place from 10:00a.m. until 3:00p.m. Those in attendance will enjoy pony rides, carnival rides, live music, clowns, face painting, food, and more! For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Winter Music Festival

Sat, March 9 – Milwaukie The Winter Music Festival is back with seven bands on two stages! It is sure to be an evening full of talented musicians, amazing music, good times, and more! For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Portland Grand Tasting

Thurs, April 11 – Portland Columbia Gorge Winegrowers are hosting the Portland Grand Tasting at Leftbank Annex. This

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.

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

Looking for a unique way to spend the afternoon? Look no further than the 45th annual Festival of Quilts at the Portland Expo Center! There will be over 300 quilts on display, vendors, food and beverages, and a treasure hunt for kids! For information, visit www.northwestquilters.org.

Imagine looking out into nature and gazing upon beautiful tulips as far as the eye can see. That image becomes a reality at the Wooden Show Tulip Farm in Woodburn. Guests will be able to see 40 acres of tulips and daffodils in bloom. Children ages 12 and younger are free. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Micah & Me

Every Friday – Portland (5:00p.m.)

Fri, March 22-Sat, March 23 – Portland

Sat, March 23-Mon, April 29 – Woodburn

Reoccurring Local

Portland Art Museum

A Festival of Quilts

Tulip Festival

taste wines from 50 small artisanal winemakers. This event is for ages 21 and older. Food and bottles will be available for sale. For more information, visit www.events12.com.

Dragon Theater Puppet Show

Every Friday – Portland (6:30p.m.)

Oregon Agricultural Festival

Sat, April 27-Sun, April 28 – Salem Oregon Agricultural Festival gives attendees the chance to experience what life on the farm would be like. Guests will get the opportunity to plant a seedling, ride a pony, watch chicks hatch, pet a rabbit, and dig for potatoes! This event is being held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. For information, visit www.events12.com.

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

Pour Oregon

Sun, April 28 – Portland If wine tasting is your thing, then Pour Oregon is for you! Head to the World Trade Center and

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