May 2019 Issue

Spend the day making memories, not plans

Download ’s app to discover local events, activities, classes, restaurants and our editor’s insider tips for every age, stage and season.

Explore our Family Fun Calendar in a new mobile-friendly format! Customize the app to fit your life. Filter by neighbourhood, activity type, ages and more.

photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

Seattle’sChild

May 2019 // Issue 473

“Seattle is my town. I know this city inside and out… or so I thought until I had kids.”

Seattle’s Child is your guide to getting to know your city all over again. Finding things to do, places to eat, and how to get around — it’s a whole new ballgame with kids in tow. We’re interested in how parents make homes in a space-challenged urban environment, how families create community, and what parents are really talking about. Seattle’s Child reflects real Puget Sound families and their broad range of parenting experiences.

ANN BERGMAN Publisher, Founder abergman@seattleschild.com

BOO DAVIS Art Director bdavis@seattleschild.com

SYDNEY PARKER Managing Editor sparker@seattleschild.com

JULIE HANSON Website Editor jhanson@seattleschild.com

JENNIFER MORTENSEN Calendar Editor calendar@seattleschild.com

MIKE MAHONEY Copy Editor

JEFF LEE, MD Columnist

CARLA BELL, ERIKA LEE BIGELOW, ERIKA ALMANZA BROWN, JIAYING GRYGIEL, BRETT HAMIL, DANIELLE HAYDEN, KATHERINE HOERSTER, JILLIAN O’CONNOR, JACKIE VARRIANO, KRISTEN MILLARES YOUNG Contributing Writers

ISSY BELZIL Marketing & Sales Coordinator

JANA WITT Accounting ADVERTISING

KIM LOVE Ad Production Manager klove@seattleschild.com

MELIA WILKINSON Advertising Sales Manager mwilkinson@seattleschild.com 774-253-2219

STEPHANIE KONAT Sales Account Manager skonat@seattleschild.com 425-770-4768

Seattle’s

Don’t miss these stories on seattleschild.com

Househusband blues Read a dad’s essay on parenting in the ’80s

Gardening with kids Guru Ciscoe Morris seeds fun ideas 1 2

Best books to read Local parents share story time favorites 3

»What Parents Are Talking About

Education, health, development and more

Motherhood: comedy gold

The Mama-logues makes light of parenthood, but this show is seriously funny by

SYDNEY PARKER / photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

When a woman becomes a mother, her sense of humor disappears. Sarcasm, irreverence and morbidity vanish the moment that precious bundle of joy enters the world. Our days are too full of dappled

sunshine, designer diaper bags, and light chuckles over baby farts to forget how #blessed we are, even for a moment. Yeah, right. Laurie Levy, for one, is still laughing. The local mom and doula has been writing, performing and producing The Mamalogues, a comedy show modeled after Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues for the past seven years. Pulling from mom blogs, books and original essays, and featuring choreographed musical numbers, The Mama-logues is billed as a show for “anyone

who is a mom, has a mom, or knows a mom.” Levy started the show to scratch her comedy itch and fundraise for local perinatal-centered nonprofit organizations WestSide Baby and Open Arms Perinatal Services. Last year, with the combined profits of ticket sales, a pre-event reception and underwriting of the venue by Windermere West Seattle, The Mama-logues raised a total of $11,000 for the two organizations.

Open Arms Donor Coordinator Rita

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

The cast of The Mama-logues perfects a musical comedy number at El Centro de la Raza.

Morningside Academy

NOW ENROLLING

Basic Skills Grades 1-8 Middle School Grades 6-9

Reading, Writing & Math Study & Organizational Skills Thinking, Reasoning & Problem Solving Daily Support Card Art, Wushu, Field Trips

901 Lenora St, Seattle • 206.709.9500 www.morningsideacademy.org

Challenging K-12 students in an intellectual community through early entrance, online, and outreach programs

Transition School • UW Academy Saturday Enrichment • Summer Programs Online Program • Professional Development

«What Parents Are Talking About

CONTINUED

Alcantara says proceeds from ticket sales help the small-staffed organization provide community-based support during pregnancy, birth and early parenting to families experiencing hardship. Alcantara is leaping out of her professional role at Open Arms and onto the stage this year to perform an original piece about “birth, life, death and my Filipino culture.”

The all-volunteer cast of local moms changes with each production, along with the material. “It is usually reflective of who is in the show that year,” says Levy. Monologue subjects include childrearing challenges of queer parents in polyamorous relationships, mothering after the death of a mother, single parenting, breastfeeding struggles and much more. One year, Janelle Durham, a parent educator who lost a leg to cancer as a child, performed a funny monologue about parenting her transgender son. Another year, a man gave a convincing performance bemoaning all the ill-advised comments that people make to pregnant women.

“There’s something for everyone,” says local mom and Mama-logues director Shelby Schill Skiena from the parking lot of an Old Navy where she took my call. Though this is her first year directing the show, Skeina has been participating for the past five. “It feeds my soul. I’m always excited when we’re creating and collaborating.”

Cast member Kristen Corning Bedford, a West Seattle mom of two boys, will be performing an adaptation of “Postcards from the Edge of a Snow Day,” a harrowing and hilarious tale of snowpocalypse survival written by local mom

blogger Katie Anthony:

“Today so far they have beaten each other with plastic dinosaurs, fought over a single veggie straw from the full Costco bag of identical veggie straws. Chicken turned on the keyboard to play a stock house beat, turned up the volume to 7, and then walked away, leaving me alone in the room with the glowing, squealing, pulsing machine. It is 9:30 am.”

Bedford says the piece made her laugh and struck a chord. “It’s a joy to watch the development and aspirations of a person from the beginning, and to be a guide and witness to their journey,” she says. “It’s also the hardest part, because you’re on a roller coaster of emotion and often have to drop whatever you’re doing to be present with them.”

With two kids and 17 years as a professional doula under her belt, Levy says she’s learned a thing or two about the right way to raise children. Primarily, that there is none. “The older I get, the less confident I feel that there’s a right way to do it, and the better I feel about that,” she says.

Levy plans to continue putting on the show for at least two more years, making it a solid 10. “The show just makes me so happy. I love acting, I love donating to the organizations, I love making other people laugh,” she says. “It is so amazing to me that every year people give all this time to make this little dream of mine a reality, and I really can’t thank them enough.”

q Catch The Mama-logues at West Seattle’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) on May 10 and 11. Open Arms Perinatal Services will host a pre-show reception on May 11 from 5-7 pm. Tickets available on brownpaper tickets.com. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Children 13 and up due to strong language and content; babes in arms are welcome.

» Dad Next Door

by JEFF LEE, MD

Desperate Houseparents

Have you heard about the recent college admissions scandal?

It turns out that rich and powerful parents are working hard to get their kids get into schools like Stanford, Harvard and Yale. And by “working hard” I mean bribing, cheating, scamming and committing felonies.

One in particular, actress Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives, has become the public face of the scandal — in part because she started a parenting website for hip, upscale moms. Now every blog post that ever appeared there has become a retweeted knife in her back.

For instance, there was the post that included photos of her husband and daughter as they visited college campuses. Then there was the one about letting kids fail, and how hard it is to stand back and let them learn from their mistakes. And who could forget the one about how teenagers try to get away with being sneaky but always get caught in the end? Some kinds of sneakiness get you grounded, and some land you in federal prison. Actions, as they say, have consequences.

What Huffman did was stupid, unethical and probably illegal. Still, it’s hard for me to take part in her public stoning, because my own house has more than a little glass. I may not have bribed college officials or doctored admissions tests, but I gave my kids advantages that many could never hope to have. I used my doctor’s income to pay

for sports teams and summer camps and educational programs abroad. I used my 23 years of formal education to help with homework and science fair projects and admissions essays. I used every resource at my disposal to give my kids an advantage, because I loved them — and because I could.

So when rich, famous parents use their considerable resources to bulldoze a path for their kids, I can judge their methods, but not their intent. The problem is not just the desperate, over-thetop actions of the parents, but also the system that goads them on. Corruption is rarely the product of moral failure alone. More often, it’s a combination of a system that can be gamed and people who’ve figured out how to game it.

Here’s the dirty little secret that Stanford, Harvard and Yale don’t want you to know: Most of the students who go there are no smarter than at any other college. How can I say that? Well, first of all, I went to two of those schools, and I can assure you that you’ll find just as many idiots there as anywhere else. The SAT scores are a little higher, but those don’t even correspond to success in school, much less in life. The average GPA of a student accepted to the University of Washington is 3.8. What’s the real difference between 3.8 and 4.0? For any given student, that’s within the range of statistical error.

But wait, you say, don’t the people who graduate from those schools end up being more successful? Perhaps, if you equate money with success

A Healthier Family

Pre-pregnancy thoughts

Planning a pregnancy is an exciting time and there are several topics worth considering when it comes to your health and that of your baby. These tips apply whether you are currently planning your pregnancy or if you are already pregnant!

GENERAL HEALTH

Exercise. We recommend 30 minutes, five times per week of moderate activity. If you are already in a good exercise program, continue it and if you haven’t started the habit, now is the time to start. Getting to a healthy weight increases your ability to conceive and lowers overall pregnancy risk.

Family history. Ask your family if there are any inheritable conditions that have affected your family. There are many tests (even prior to pregnancy) to check for genetically inherited disorders that could be passed along to your child. Diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders or obesity can impact your pregnancy health so be sure to have any of these conditions under control before you get pregnant.

TOXINS and HAZARDS

Alcohol. Avoid alcohol anytime you could possibly be pregnant — after ovulation (which usually happens around cycle day 12 to 14 but can vary) until your period comes. Alcohol intake is not considered safe during pregnancy.

Smoking. Smoking reduces your chances for conception and increases your risk for preterm birth, growth restriction and sudden infant death syndrome. Ask your provider if you need help quitting.

Marijuana. Many women wonder if marijuana is a good option for early pregnancy nausea and vomiting but currently it is not a good choice. Call your provider and get on safe medications for serious nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy.

Caffeine. Caffeine is OK, just limit yourself to two cups or less of coffee or equivalent during pregnancy.

Mercury. Certain fish contain high levels of mercury which can harm developing brains and should be avoided for several months prior to conception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The Department of Health has produced a list at www.doh.wa.gov/fish.

Chemicals. Chemicals or substances in your home or work can hurt your unborn baby. For example, people living in homes built prior to 1978 may have lead paint on their walls or woodwork which could be harmful to you and your baby. Plan now to remove these substances.

VACCINES and VITAMINS

Vaccines. The flu vaccine is strongly recommended if you are planning pregnancy or pregnant during the flu season. Pregnant women are more likely to get the flu and be very ill from it. Rubella and chicken pox vaccines are available before pregnancy and your provider can check to see if you are immune.

Vitamins. Folic acid (folate) is very important in preventing certain birth defects. Take the recommended dose of 800 mcg daily before getting pregnant. Most multivitamins and all prenatal vitamins contain adequate folic acid and any over the counter brand is fine. Taking Vitamin A from a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin is a good idea, but do not take more than 5000 IU per day.

TRAVEL

Traveling can be very safe and enjoyable throughout pregnancy but check to ensure that your destination doesn’t have risks like Zika virus or malaria. If you need to travel to such an area, talk to your provider to fully understand how to protect yourself.

by DORI MCLENNAN, MD The Everett Clinic

Dori McLennan, MD , is an Obstetrics & Gynecology physician with The Everett Clinic at Shoreline. Dr. McLennan strives to listen carefully, provide information and advice, and to engage each woman in her own health and outcomes. She feels it is a privilege to be involved in her patients’ lives throughout life. She is currently accepting new patients to her practice.

(a dubious claim at best) — but on average, they had more money before they ever set foot on campus. And don’t forget, people who win the lottery have more money, too. They must be really smart.

Americans like to believe that this is the land of equal opportunity. We have no caste system, no aristocracy, no dukes or earls or lords. You can pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, or so we tell ourselves. Undoubtedly, that’s more true here than in most countries.

My father went from immigrant child to teenage laundry worker to naval petty officer to successful dentist in a single lifetime. He used that success to put four sons through college and graduate school. Still, his chances of going to Harvard were about the same as mine of going to the moon.

The truth is, elite college admissions are a strange hybrid of meritocracy and class preservation. A few students get there through brilliance and determination. Others get there through power and connections. Many get there by leveraging wealth into privilege in ways that inflate test scores, boost grades and make résumés shine. Once admitted, few students are failed, because the school’s reputation now depends on their success. And once they graduate, the fancy name on their diplomas and their insider connections make success a self-fulfilling prophecy. Getting in is like winning the lottery, but there are only a few tickets — and they’re expensive.

If college admissions were a true meritocracy, there would be no point in gaming the system. Only the most worthy applicants would be admitted. Likewise, if it were simply a caste system, no one could cheat. You’d either belong to the club or you wouldn’t. But because the system purports to be based on merit while rewarding power and wealth, it can be manipulated.

Here’s a test: You have a pile of money which you can use to try and give your child a better future. Unanswered questions will be scored as incorrect. No. 2 pencil mandatory. Checkbook optional.

ABOUT OUR COLUMNIST

Jeff Lee does the occasional sneaky thing in Seattle.

5 things to do May the 4th be with you

Right under your nose!

Indigenous culture and kids

Celebrate foster children, and the families who support them in learning about their cultural heritage, at the Third Annual Youth & Family Mini Pow Wow presented by United Indians and partners. Enjoy crafts, traditional drumming, a photo booth and a free meal.

Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center (5011 Bernie Whitebear Way), Sat., May 18 from noon-4 pm. Free. RSVP to talfred@unitedindians.org

»Romp

Things to do with kids

Nature nurtured

water, buoyancy and density; today, they’re excited to test their handcrafted rafts made of fallen tree branches and rubber bands in the arboretum’s streams.

Sean Chan, Founder and Executive Director of Pinnacle Explorations Outdoor School, a nonprofit educational organization based in Seattle, leads a group of eager

students, ages 5 to 10, to the Washington Park Arboretum, less than a half-mile trek from their classroom in Madison Valley. His class has been conducting science experiments to learn about

As a child growing up in New York City, Chan viewed “nature” as something hours outside of the city, but after earning a Master of Arts in Environmental CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Star Wars carnival

Broadview Co-op

Preschool holds its spring carnival fundraiser on Saturday, May 4, complete with a droid building craft, Star Wars-themed photo booth, live music, a food truck and more. Kid-friendly Star Wars costumes welcome! 3 facebook.com/ broadviewcooppreschool

Fold the force

Kids 10+ and adults can learn how to create origami Star Wars characters like R2-D2 and the Millennium Falcon while the 5-and-older crowd can make their own foam lightsaber. 3 kcls.biblio commons.com/events

Shop geek crafts

Shop Puyallup’s Geek Craft Market on May 4, with more than 50 different handmade vendors and artists who celebrate geeky, pop-culture-themed items. Free admission and parking. 3 facebook. com/geekcraftmarket

Star Wars symphony

Purchase tickets to The Empire Strikes Back in Concert at Benaroya Hall, featuring the movie on a giant screen while the Seattle Symphony performs John Williams’ awardwinning score live. 3 seattlesymphony.org

1 2 3 4 5

Movie night

Rent a Star Wars DVD at your local library branch for a family movie night. Use your library card to place your choice on hold, ensuring it’s available upon checkout. 3 spl.org

by ERIKA ALMANZA BROWN / photos by JOSHUA HUSTON

Sean Chan, right, utilizes Seattle’s green spaces to promote environmental stewardship.

«Romp

Education and working as an urban park ranger, he gained a new appreciation for the ecosystems within city limits.

Today, his mission is to show urban youth and his own two young children that “the

environment” is inside cities. “When people don’t think about urban space, their community, or their neighborhood as part of ‘the environment,’ then they might not think it is worth keeping clean,” he explains.

To promote a sense of stewardship, Chan and his team of educators created a curriculum that utilizes Seattle’s public spaces and engages a child’s basic sense of adventure. This summer, Pinnacle Explorations will expand to Phinney Ridge, with camps including garden-to-table cooking, geocaching, animal safari and nature crafts. Explorers enrolled in the Pinnacle Sealab camp will kayak, fish, collect water samples, dissect specimens and study waterways, all made easier by the new location’s proximity to Green Lake, the Ballard Locks, Golden Gardens and Puget Sound.

Althea Chaivan, Pinnacle Explorations Board President and mother to Kealan, 12, and Jude, 7, writes, “Pinnacle’s

mission mirrors the conversations kids are starting to have about the environment on conservation,” referring to the Youth Climate Strike on March 15, when students and young adults skipped school worldwide, demanding action from leaders regarding climate change. “As kids learn about nature and science at Pinnacle, they can see how it applies to the changes they see in the world associated with pollution and global warming.”

But does this outdoor school appeal to children who might not like to get their hands dirty?

“Sure,” Chan says. “Pinnacle Explorations is for every child, because we’re all about finding a way for them to connect with nature, whether it’s going on a hike or making art with nature, not the way we want them to connect. Then, once kids learn what their connection to nature looks like, they’ll become lifelong stewards of the environment.”

q pinnacleexplorations.org

Prom Night

Gather your girlfriends (and your tot’s tiara) to dance the night away at the 10th Annual Seattle Mom Prom, the ultimate ladies’ night out with desserts and drinks, free photos, prize drawings, a silent auction, and hair and makeup primping. Proceeds benefit Perinatal Support Washington (perinatalsupport.org), a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder support chapter.

Fremont Abbey Arts Center, 4272 Fremont Ave. N., Sat., May 18, 8 pm-midnight. $25-$40. seattlemomprom.com

New in town

‘The

Cookie’ at the game

Forget peanuts and Cracker Jack: The next time you’re at T-Mobile Park to see the Mariners play, head to Section 132 for a warm chocolate chip cookie from Metropolitan Market. Yes, you can now get “The Cookie” at the ballpark. Crafted with two kinds of Belgian chocolate, walnuts, and a sprinkle of salt, it’s sure to get us through the seventh-inning stretch.

»Chomp

Eating with kids

your

Lines at Korean Fried Chicken specialists Bonchon (bonchon.com) have been steady since the popular South Korean chain opened on Capitol Hill in early March. Head there for incredibly crisp chicken and the soy garlic wings, or check out one of these other tasty spots the next time a craving hits: Ma’Ono: incredibly spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

4626 Ave. NE, 1610 12th Ave., 4437 California Ave. SW; maonoseattle.com

If the second Sunday in May had a morning soundtrack, it would probably be the sound of a thousand eggs cracking, followed by the sizzle of bacon and the pitter-patter of little feet as they

race to deliver their proudly made breakfast to moms everywhere.

Considering my baby is just 10 months old, I’ll be content with a snuggle and perhaps a morning out, but for Melissa Clauson, fried chicken awaits.

“My mom’s favorite food is fried chicken,” says 11-year-old Max. That, and potentially some fried asparagus or a salad, are a part of his menu for this upcoming Mother’s Day brunch.

“And maple pie, because she loves making that on Thanksgiving,” adds his sister Gracie, 13.

Max and Gracie — along with CONTINUED

Bok a Bok: Be sure to grab a side of kimchi cheese sauce and fries. 1427 10th Ave., 1521 SW 98th St., Suite D, 131 SW153rd St., Burien; bokabokchicken.com

The Wandering Goose: Don’t miss fried chicken Friday nights from 5 to 9. 403 15th Ave. E, thewanderinggoose.com

Chi Mac: Whole or half crispy fried chicken, in addition to wings. 4525 University Way NE, chimacseattle.com

by JACKIE VARRIANO / photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

Gracie and Max are planning fried chicken, macarons and maple pie for their Mother’s Day menu. Lucky mom, Melissa Clauson.

It’s so much more than a gift Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate

A portion of the proceeds from each birth certificate helps children grow, thrive and learn in safe and loving environments.

This official birth certificate is personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar.

Certificate is 8 1/2 x 11 and includes the name, date and place of birth, as well as the name and birthplace of the parent(s).

Framable keepsake

For each $40 purchase of an Heirloom Birth Certificate, $25 is tax deductible.

To find out more information on Children’s Trust and child abuse prevention in Washington State visit https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/ government-community/communityengagement or visit Department of Health to order your own Heirloom Birth Certificate.

their 15-year-old sister Dylan — aren’t your average egg crackers “helping” dad in the kitchen. Max’s favorite thing to make is spaghetti from scratch. Gracie’s a baker who loves to make macarons.

“Max, you make a cheese sauce that’s killer,” Gracie says when talking about their afterschool snack routine.

Unlike when I was a kid, Max’s cheese sauce isn’t melted Velveeta; instead, he quickly talks me through the steps: first melting a tablespoon of butter and mixing in two tablespoons of flour to make a roux, before whisking in milk, then slowly adding cheese.

“He makes an amazing cheese sauce,” affirms their mom, Melissa.

The kids first learned of their love of cooking after attending Deb Brownstein’s Kitchen Coach Cooking School at Mangia Bene in North Seattle. Although they had both spent time in the kitchen with their dad, Tom, before attending the kid-focused camp, it was there they both discovered a love for cooking.

“I was at first scared, because there’s all these videos of people on the internet burning themselves, but [Deb] taught us how to use knives and how not to burn ourselves with oil,” Max says.

“After the camp it was like, oh, a whole new world,” Gracie says with a smile.

They both try to cook or bake as often as they can, barring homework and other school commitments. And although Gracie has attended the camps at Mangia Bene for three years, Max for two, this is the first time they’ve cooked mom a special meal for Mother’s Day.

They both feel confident writing a menu and executing the entire plan. Max says he’s well-versed on how to make the chicken and keep it crispy, while Gracie adds they might also make some macarons with her special ganache filling.

“Ever since I was four I’ve wanted to make Mother’s Day special, and now I can,” Max says.

Gracie adds, “I am excited to cook my mom a meal for Mother’s Day because she is my role model and one of the strongest women I know. She cooks meals for me, so why not give her a day off?”

“I’ve been waiting for this my entire life,” Melissa says with a laugh.

Things we love

Q&A

Where do you love to shop in the city?

We have multiple kids. They grow fast and they are hard on clothes. We go to Goodwill every other week. There are color days where that color tag is half off. Other than that, we do Fred Meyer and shop the sales. In my dreams, I will get to shop somewhere super nice one day!

»Shop

Lively + locally made

Sew beautiful Commission a quilt from textile artist Lindsey Bartley for a baby blanket and family heirloom all in one. Bartley, who works out of her Magnolia studio, opens a few slots

for commissions each year. She can work from a pattern you love, or create a custom piece. From $500. 3 lbartley.com

Fort night

Little hats on the prairie

home. Her best-seller is the classic brimmed bonnet ($28), and she also makes a winter bonnet lined with flannel or cotton ($25). Sizes run from 0-3 months to 2-4T.

The summer her daughter was 1½, Nicole Suzette Vasquez looked for a sun hat but could only find dorky options. So she sewed her daughter a bonnet, and moms would stop her at parks to ask about it.

Vasquez’s business has grown from taking down phone numbers at the playground to an Etsy shop, SoSusette, where she sells vintage-inspired bonnets, bloomers and dresses. She creates everything by hand in her Ballard

Vasquez describes her style as prairie-inspired/Amish/old-fashioned stuff, and her Etsy shop reflects that aesthetic. Online, she carries bloomers from 0-3 months to 5T, in linen, seersucker and CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Host a magical sleepover party with a custom setup from Cozy Campers Sleepovers. The Gig Harbor-based party rental company will design, deliver and set up everything for you, then pick it up the next day. Owner Ashley Little launched the business last year, inspired by partyplanning for her daughter’s 8th birthday. From $250, plus mileage. 3 cozycamper sleepovers.com

Tami Beach, John Hay Elementary School principal and mother of 9

Ballard mom keeps a family sewing tradition alive with vintage-inspired bonnets, bloomers and dresses

by JIAYING GRYGIEL / photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

Nicole Suzette Vasquez fastens a handmade bonnet on her daughter, Lady Paloma.

•

•

•

• Summer,

• Prep

«Shop

CONTINUED

chambray ($20), and linen prairie dresses ($50), which start at 18-24 months because “It’s not fair to put a kid in a dress until they can walk. Crawling in a dress is really hard.”

Vasquez comes from a long line of quilters; sewing is in her genes. “We were not of means growing up,” she says. “My choice was to learn to sew my own clothes or wear my cousins’ hand-me-downs.” She learned to sew from her mom, and to embroider from her grandma. In keeping with family tradition, her daughter started hand-working classes at age 4, and sewed her own felt animal pillows.

“I’ve been sewing my whole life,” Vasquez says. “I got really excited when I found I was having a girl, so I could sew some super cute things.”

Her daughter, Lady Paloma, is now 5, and her mom still makes 97 percent of what she wears (basically everything except jeans, leggings, pajamas and underwear).

“She’s at a point where she still loves everything I make for her, which is awesome,” Vasquez says.

Vasquez spent her teenage years in Southern California, but never caught on to that laid-back, California casual style. She was used to wearing dresses, not jeans, and you won’t catch her out and about in yoga pants.

“I never felt like I fit in California, ever,” she says. “I grew up watching my friends in flip-flops. I really wanted shoes.”

Now she loves dressing her daughter in lots of black linen dresses, knee socks and Mary Janes. But that doesn’t mean glitzy Elsa costumes are off limits, either. Their house is known for its great dress-up collection. While Vasquez would have her daughter looking like a little Amish kid, Lady Paloma has her own ideas about fashion. When she wasn’t even 2 yet, she picked out two yards of sparkly, lime-green tulle at the fabric store. She’d wear it as a cape, or tie it on like a skirt.

“She definitely loves sparkles and nonsense, and she loves picking out her clothes every day,” Vasquez says. q etsy.com/shop/SoSuzette

» TheBookCorner

CELEBRATE ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE! This month, University Book Store highlights a selection of award-winning titles — including the Caldecott, John Newbery Medal, and Children’s Literature Award — by Asian-American and Pacific Islander authors, perfect for all young readers! — Nicholas Carr

A Different Pond

By Bao Phi and Thi Bui

Ages 6-8

A story about the relationship between father, son and their different cultures.

Every morning, Bao and his father wake up early to fish in a small pond in Minneapolis.

Bao’s father tells him about a different pond in Vietnam.

Where’s Halmoni?

By Julie Kim

Ages 5-9

Two young children visit Halmoni (grandmother in Korean), only to discover she’s missing. The siblings venture through a window into a fantastical world occupied by goblins, a greedy tiger, clever rabbit, and wily fox, all inspired by Korean folklore.

Sponsored by

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang Ages 8-12

Mia Tang lives in a motel and tends to its guests, including immigrants her parents hide in vacant rooms. Can Mia balance her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape mean Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?

Hello, Universe

By Erin Entrada Kelly and Isabel Roxas

Ages 8-12

A prank leaves Virgil and his pet guinea pig trapped at the bottom of a well, which leads Kaori, Gen and Valencia on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil, and along the way, their inner bayani (hero).

THE #1 STEM CAMP

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TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER

With our gloomy weather and affordable housing crisis, local experts say kids in Seattle may be more prone to depression. But how can you tell if your child’s big emotions and challenging behaviors are just a developmental stage or cause for serious concern? Here’s what to look out for and how to seek support.

Focus on Healthy families

When kids feel blue in the Emerald City

Depression can be hard to spot in children, especially in the Pacific Northwest

by DANIELLE HAYDEN /

photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

For Kristi Gunderson*, a Bremerton mom of two, the signs of depression in her children weren’t immediately obvious. Yes, both of her sons seemed a little down and escaped the world with hours of video games, but she had no idea that their mental health was in peril.

“It can be difficult [for parents] to sort out what’s normal and what’s not… there is a normal moodiness that happens,” says Dr. Carolyn McCarty, a research professor at Seattle Children’s Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development.

When Kristi’s 12-year-old son confessed that he no longer found pleasure in any of the activities that he used to enjoy, she took the kids to the doctor, where one son was diagnosed with depression and the other with bipolar disorder.

Gunderson regrets not intervening sooner: “As a mom, [I asked myself] what could I have done differently? Why didn’t I understand? I didn’t recognize what depression looks like in kids, because it’s so different for adults.”

An estimated 3.1 million people between ages 12 and 17 have had at least one major depressive episode, defined as “a period of at least two weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and had a majority of specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or selfworth,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Despite national efforts to reduce stigma, many young people still fear judgment and are reluctant to seek help. Because depression is also a risk factor for suicide, the consequences of bottling it all up inside can be fatal. Suicide attempts and ideation for youth under 18 years of age more than doubled between 2007 and 2015 nationwide, according to a recent study by JAMA Pediatrics. Even some very young children seem to be at risk of depression. For these children, it is likely a combination of genetic factors, temperament and difficulty getting involved and enjoying activities, according to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Marissa Fields* is worried about her 5-year-old daughter Olivia*, who she believes is depressed. The Kent mom says Olivia has been withdrawn and often angry, but won’t talk about what is bothering her.

“She doesn’t want to eat, wants to be alone all the time. She doesn’t want to hang out with the other kids or play like other kids… it’s hard to see,” says Fields. She suspects that Olivia may be having a hard time adjusting to shared custody between her parents, but isn’t sure if that is the cause for her daughter’s change in behavior.

“Talking to your children — and making sure that they can always talk to you — increases the chances of learning that your child is depressed. Think about prevention, or things you can do early, rather than waiting for it to get worse,” writes Dr. Liliana Lengua, psychology professor at the University of Washington and Director of the UW Center for Child and Family Well-Being. She also adds: “A parent’s mental health can impact a child’s mental health. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of our kids.”

Marissa, the mother of a 5-year-old daughter who she believes is struggling with depression, lives in Kent.

Marissa admits that she isn’t sure how to get her daughter to open up about what’s going on. In addition, Fields works long hours in a low-wage job, and her own stress, fatigue and economic burden take a toll — not to mention the fact that therapy can be quite expensive. Depression, then, is not simply an issue of mental health; here, it also becomes an issue of class. And with the Seattle metro area’s high cost of living, kids like Olivia can bear the brunt of this.

“The key gap here is access to services and getting kids into treatment who need it… there’s still a lot of teens and young people who meet criteria for depression who don’t ever get treatment,” says Dr. McCarty.

To address this disparity, she says, professionals are taking a more integral approach by increasing school-based mental health services and training primary care doctors to screen for depression during well-child visits.

Youth in the Emerald City could be more prone to feelings of sadness than children in other regions. Gloomy weather, like our overcast skies and downpours of rain, can correlate with feelings of melancholy. Seattle’s ongoing opioid and homelessness crises have hit our city hard — leaving plenty of kids devastated in their wake. Seattle is a melting pot of cultures, but despite it being home to the most diverse ZIP code in America, some families who have immigrated to the city may feel isolated or Othered, especially if they have experienced upheaval or displacement. And despite the city’s reputation as a progressive powerhouse, LGBTQ youth are still more vulnerable to depression than their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Marginalization can be a risk factor.

“If the responses of adults is read by the youth’s nervous system as ‘I am not accepted, I do not belong, and I am not what you want me to be,’ depression and anxiety symptoms are going to happen,” says Elliot Sweet, a child and family therapist at QTherapy, a Seattle-based clinic specializing in LGBTQ youth.

“Approach youth with the assumption that the way you treat them will shape the way they treat themselves.”

Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens: 833-303-5437

UW Center for Child and Family Well-Being: 206-221-1079

Evidence-based Treatment Center of Seattle: 206-374-0109

Youth Eastside Services: 425-747-4937

Grab a diaper bag

Easy baby outings

You could stare at your beautiful new baby for hours. Or you could get out of the house! Catch a Mommy Matinee every Friday at the Historic Admiral Theater in West Seattle (crying welcome).

Stroll around the Woodland Park Zoo. Feed your baby in the luxurious Nordstrom women’s lounge at Pacific Place. Snuggle at library story time. Visit the peaceful Nordic Heritage Museum. People-watch on a public park bench. Refuel at a local coffee shop and check out our complete list of baby outings at seattleschild.com

»Baby

Support for new parents

Focus on Healthy families

Support, multiplied

Seattle Families of Multiples helps new parents face the exponential challenges of life with twins

by JILLIAN O’CONNOR

When it comes to babies, doubling your fun can also mean doubling the workload. And the poopy diapers. And the feedings. And the wakings. And the crying. And, yeah, it can double the

we love Meditation playdates

On a meditation playdate, children ages 0 to 3 explore simple toys and interact with others in the room while

parents are guided through a 25-minute meditation.

Seattle mom Ela Compton created ParentsPause, a mindfulness practice to help parents be silently present and open to whatever unfolds within the sometimes chaotic environment that young children can create.

HUSTON

parental crying, too.

To address the unique needs of families facing the challenge of two or more babies arriving at once, Seattle Families of Multiples has developed the eightweek program PEMS (Providing

Early Multiples Support), closely modeled on Seattle’s extremely popular PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) groups. At weekly meetings, PEMS parents, who by necessity are often drawn from all over the metro area, can unload about all the challenges they’ve met in the past week: the highs and lows, as well as the funny observations.

She explains that this unique setting offers “a very different perspective than meditating on our own in some peaceful, secluded spot” by providing parents with real-life scenarios and “an opportunity to pause in the middle of the storm and … consciously respond, rather than just react, in a compassionate and constructive way.”

Seattle Mindfulness Center (6306 Phinney Ave. N.), every Wednesday in May, 10 to 10:45 am. $15 drop-in or fiveclass punch card for $70. Free introductory class available. parentspause.com — Erika Almanza Brown

/ photos by JOSHUA

A PEMS group in Maple Leaf shares the highs and lows of parenting multiples.

«Baby

PEMS CONTINUED

“One of the women in my PEMS group put it the best way: With a singleton pregnancy you have two parents per new baby. In a twin pregnancy and at birth you’ve got one parent per one baby, so basically you’re outnumbered,” said Emily Oliver of West Seattle, laughing.

“I think that probably scheduling is one of the biggest differences with a twin pregnancy and birth, especially as a firsttime momma,” said Oliver, who participated in a PEMS group with her infant boy and girl twins this year.

“Like, how do you breastfeed two babies? How do you leave the house with two babies? You know you can’t just strap one on and walk out the door. There’s a lot of logistics involved,” noted Elizabeth Knaster, a PEMS facilitator who lives in Maple Leaf. PEMS facilitator Lisa Dermer sees the program as an invaluable resource. Many twins and other multiples are born premature, which gives this set of new parents additional challenges. Multiple pregnancies are also automatically considered high-risk, noted Dermer, a Ballard resident. “I think what’s really hard is that our expectations as parents of multiples often really have to shift,” she said, explaining that twin moms can often have issues with breast-milk supply, too.

Twin mom Emily Hawkins of Madison Valley found PEMS very helpful this year, and raves about the Seattle Parents of Multiples resources as well, including the “preemie closet,” where members can borrow from the group’s collection of teensy clothes, which can be hard to find as well as expensive.

“It’s a really nice, supportive way of being able to dress your little babies, and do it in a way that’s economical,” explained Hawkins.

“I think it’s very important to build a village,” said coordinator and twin parent Marloes Koning, who oversees PEMS. “To connect with people, to have people that can support you, whether it be through PEPS or PEMS, as long as you reach out to people.”

“That’s very difficult for most moms — and maybe even dads as well: to reach out and ask for help.”

q Learn more about PEMS at seattlemultiples.org/pems

Where parents of color don’t have to hold back

parent programming

at local nonprofit

of

“For many moms of color, this is the first time they’re in an environment where other women and mothers of color are centered and regarded as an authority,” says Christine Tang, director of programs for Families of Color Seattle, a local, women-led nonprofit organization working to create community for families impacted by systemic oppression. This is meaningful for women of color who participate and their children who observe.

FOCS (pronounced FOH-ks) offers groups for parents of newborns and waddlers, for single moms and working moms, for dads and transracial adoptees — 13 affinity groups in all. FOCS group leaders have lived experience specific to the groups they lead.

Beginning this summer, FOCS will launch several new groups: Black Moms and Parents, Children with Disabilities/ Special Needs, and Queer Trans (QTFOCS); followed by Single Moms of Color and Native Moms/Parents in the fall. These eight-week programs are funded by King

County’s Best Starts for Kids, so parents and children can participate for free.

For families in need, the BSK funding will transportation costs to and from group gatherings. FOCS is building a resource toolkit to aid parents who register for the Children with Disabilities/Special Needs group.

Before joining FOCS last year, Tang was on the board of directors. Before that, she was a parent educator. But she’s always been a woman of Nigerian-Romanian descent, now a mother to multiracial boys. She’s in the unique position of having both contributed to and benefited from the work of the organization, and its goal to support every intersection within families of color.

“We talk about nursing, weaning, childcare, and all the ‘regular’ new parent stuff. We share resource ideas and we exchange experiences,” she says, “but it’s through our lens of racial equity and cultural heritage, through our discussions about race, being in multiracial families, struggling with how to maintain while bringing up children in the U.S., and

New

expands

Families

Color Seattle by CARLA BELL / photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

Families of Color Seattle facilitates a group discussion for new parents in Columbia City.

» Parent Dispatch

by KATHERINE HOERSTER,

letdown

New parents need comprehensive care, not just lactation

support

I wept with relief when my daughter was born healthy, and immediately took to breastfeeding. I now look back with deepened compassion to my first-born son’s challenges with breastfeeding, and the emotional toll it took on me. Despite countless visits to lactation consultants, we simply were unable to make breastfeeding happen. Exhausted and defeated, it took me six weeks to switch exclusively to bottle-feeding and several more months to find emotional acceptance.

I now know countless others who’ve suffered similarly as they struggle to square their own complex experiences with common, well-intentioned “breast is best” messages. Surely, clinicians and community groups should continue providing patient-centered infant feeding care. We received valuable lactation support for a painful latch when my daughter was two weeks old, and she’s still breastfeeding nine months later. But substantially more resources should be dedicated to helping parents navigate the myriad practical and emotional challenges of raising young children.

Fittingly, when my daughter cries, my son now comes running with a combination of peek-a-boo and a container of the formula she occasionally has; after all, he’s the one who taught me formula can deliver freedom and sanity. Let’s approach postnatal care like my preschooler: with compassion, openness, joy and comprehensive care.

First Years Matter; We Help Make the Most of Them

 Caregivers who focus on each child’s individual development

 Health and safety policies that offer peace of mind

 Daily updates that keep you informed

 Family partnerships to support you during the early years

» Parent Dispatch

Voices

from the local parenting community

< FOCS CONTINUED FROM 22

particularly in Seattle, that FOCS is distinguished from mainstream parenting groups.”

by KRISTEN MILLARES YOUNG

My birth story: An abridged entry

Local mom tells the story of her son’s entrance into the world

April 2, 2014

Dear Jack,

I am still healing, but I was happy to do it for you, my darling. Our first breathing event! Before, you hovered upside down in dark space, a jewel with cheeks hanging around your nose, now chin.

A week ago, I went into labor, a bank of deep waves of movement within. Perhaps for the first time, I had to surrender. The entire pregnancy doled out that knowledge, and a healthier appreciation for patience, but birthing compelled me to let go of any notion that I would control the process of your becoming, or my own.

I should not skim over so many hours laboring. I was overcome and overcame with a relentless response. I kept my head above it, relaxed into the surges. For many hours, I intoned vowels, mind benumbed to all but the most basic sounds. A – E – I – O – U. Again and again, I clung to breath and the letters of the languages I hold dear.

You were caught between my spine and a 12-centimeter fibroid tumor, a benign but pesky growth present in about one quarter of all women. There were five intramural fibroids in my uterus when you were conceived, fed by the same blood and hormones as you, even competing. I took extraordinary care of us. My doctor warned me that you could suffer from being growth-restricted due to the greed of the fibroids.

We were lucky your placenta attached away from the fibroids. So while they grew, you grew bigger — by the third trimester, she warned me you would be big enough to cause concern. As it turns out, fibroids may have been the culprits behind this laborious delay, not only for blocking your exit but also for dispersing the contractions’ force.

The journey began to stress you out. Throughout the day, the doctor had been

watching your heartbeat decelerate in the wake of my contractions, a normal reaction but for the delays which grew longer as the afternoon wore on. After 24 hours of unmedicated back labor, spasms of contractions every two minutes, my doctor, doula and nurse/midwife agreed an epidural was the best way to allow my cervix to calm down and unswell. The relief was immediate and astonishing. I was able to make eye contact. My modulated howls ceased. Your father and aunt laughed and joked and welcomed me back into the thinking world, as I had been beyond its reach.

If my description conjures a sense of hubbub and stress, I suppose that is true for everyone else. I was so focused on one thing — you! — that a complete calm enveloped me from start to finish, not only that day and night but from your conception to this echoing moment, as you breastfeed while I write in my journal. As often happens in life, things moved quickly once we made the decision to proceed. Decelerations worsening, my cervix still clenched against your exit. Despite my birth plan, a Caesarean, a hard choice endorsed by my doctor, doula and midwife. Within 20 minutes, Brian and I were in the surgical room, soon laughing and crying because you were crying, and I was repeating “My son! My son!”

They weighed you — 9 pounds, 14.5 ounces — and placed you on my chest, skin to skin. To think that it was you all along fills me with joy and wonder and gratitude beyond my powers of description. I love you, you who are reading this, and you upon whom this journal is now resting, rising and falling with your breath.

Love, Mamá

ABOUT THE WRITER

Currently serving as the Prose Writer-inResidence at Hugo House, Kristen Millares Young (kristenmyoung.com) is the author of Subduction, a novel forthcoming from Red Hen Press on April 14, 2020.

Like Tang, Moji Obiako is a member of FOCS Newborns and Growing Families. Even before her first group participation, Obiako, a Nigerian-American mother of two — a boy, 3, and a three-month-old girl — recalls her sense of confidence about FOCS, that it would meet her needs in ways that ‘regular’ parent support groups would not.

In FOCS groups, Tang says, “parents talk about things that a mom of color in mainstream circles might feel discomfort to bring forth.” There’s a sense of having let one’s hair down: “It’s where parents of color don’t have to hold back.”

“Just being able to talk with other parents about navigating the school system and matters of race,” and other conditions that weigh heavily on families of color, “it’s been really amazing,” says Obiako.

Both mothers agree that for parents of color, “It’s a safe space.” Liberating, too.

When Obiako joined FOCS, based on the unifying factor that all were parents of color, she had already anticipated what she calls a “mom tribe” of strong support, but “what I guess I didn’t realize was just how much I would need those women” beyond the initial eight weeks when they’d all met, into the years that followed.

Parents from Obiako’s newborns group have stayed in touch through the stages of their children’s growth. The kids are all turning 3 now, and “we still take moms-only trips.” Through FOCS, she says, she’s become more disciplined about prioritizing self-care as a mother.

In addition to parent support groups, FOCS programming includes workshops, racial equity consulting, and events. Mother Wisdom and Matriarchy, QTFOCS Potluck, Families Summer Gathering I for soccer and Families Summer Gathering II for hiking are planned for May, June, July and August, respectively.

Browse the website for more information about FOCS affinity groups, the new eight-week groups coming soon, and more. q Learn more about FOCS at focseattle.org

Our picks for May

by ERIKA LEE BIGELOW

May 10-11

Northwest Paddling Festival

Try out canoeing, kayaking and standup paddleboarding at Sunset Beach in Issaquah, then stay to watch races and demonstrations. Kids can try out aqua paddlers or build a toy boat.

May 11

Seattle Maritime Festival

Family Fun Day

Learn about our city’s vibrant marine industries at the annual festival in Ballard. Join a ship or harbor tour, take part in kids’ activities, and listen to live music and storytelling.

May 17

Syttende Mai: 17th of May Festival

Head to Ballard for a celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day: Visit the Nordic Heritage Museum for free, enjoy entertainment with a Nordic flair at Bergen Place. Stick around for the 17th of May Parade.

May 18-19

University District StreetFair

The country’s longest-running street fair is back and bigger than ever with hundreds of craft, food and information booths, multiple entertainment stages, street performers, kids’ area and more.

May 25

The Phantom Tollbooth What happens when a boy is who is bored enters a world of words and numbers?

The tale of Milo, a dog named Tock, and a magic tollbooth is brought to life on stage by Redmond’s SecondStory Repertory.

»Calendar

What’s happening around town

5/19

by JENNIFER MORTENSEN

Wednesday, May 1

SEATTLE AREA

Spring Treasure Hunt. Pick up a treasure hunt map and look for and learn about plants. Find and photograph all the times on the map and win a prize. 9 am to 5 pm, all month long. FREE. Swansons Nursery, Seattle (Blue Ridge). www.swansonsnursery.com

Thursday, May 2

SEATTLE AREA

5th Ave Theatre: Northwest

Bookshelf Take a musical journey, meet zany characters, explore the world from new points of view, and discover the rich history and cultural diversity of the Pacific Northwest. 6 to 7:15 pm. FREE. MOHAI, Seattle (South Lake Union). www.mohai.org

Free First Thursdays. Most museums in Seattle are free today, and many have children’s story times and crafts. Check museum websites for event details and admission hours. Various locations. www.seattleschild.com

Friday, May 3

SEATTLE AREA

Birthday Dreams 10th Birthday Celebration. Help Birthday Dreams celebrate 10 years of giving more than 7,400 local homeless children the birthday parties they deserve. Carnival games, cake competition and more family fun. 11 am to 2 pm. $$-$$$. Renton Pavilion Event Center. www.birthdaydreams.org

Curiosity Days: Engineer It. Local STEM experts lead hands-on activities that explore the way we design, develop and innovate solutions for our everyday lives pm through Sun. $$. Pacific Science Center, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.pacificsciencecenter.org

The Diary of Anne Frank. Watch a sobering, true story about WWII, told through the eyes of a 13-year-old girl. Recommended for ages 9 and older.

„

7 pm tonight, various times through May 19. $$$. Seattle Children’s Theatre (Lower Queen Anne). www.sct.org

Paint Me a Story. Preschool-aged children listen to a story and paint along. 10 am. FREE. Snapdoodle Toys, Kenmore. www.snapdoodletoys.com

Taco Trivia. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food and fun activities including a piñata and trivia. Preregister. 6 to 7:30 pm. $. Loyal Heights

THIS ISN’T SUMMER CAMP, IT’S COLLEGE.

Community Center, Seattle. www.seattle.gov/parks

BIG KID PICK

Teen Night Out at SAM. For teens, by teens! High schoolaged kids showcase creativity and learn about culture. DJ, art tours, art making and more. 7 to 10 pm. FREE. Seattle Art Museum, Downtown Seattle. www.seattleartmuseum.org

EASTSIDE

Bobby’s World of Adventure. Watch a play about a boy who wakes up to find himself in a new world filled with strange characters. All ages. 7 pm tonight, various times through May 11. $$. Bellevue Youth Theater, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov

Saturday, May 4

SEATTLE AREA

Aesop’s Fables. Watch Thistle Theatre bring Aesop’s Fables to life in this fun, Japanese-style puppetry production. 1 and 3 pm today and Mon. $$. Magnuson Park Theatre. www.thistletheater.org

Birding for Beginners. Learn about the birds who make Discovery Park their home (and those just passing through). For ages 7 and older. Preregister. 9 am to noon. Discovery Park, Seattle. www.seattle.gov/parks

Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Traditional Mexican food for sale, children’s activities, arts and crafts from local vendors, performances and more. 11 am to 5 pm. FREE. Centilia Cultural Center & Outdoor Plaza, Seattle (Beacon Hill). www elcentrodelaraza.org

Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals. Imagine swimming like a swan, hopping like a kangaroo, or strutting like a lion after experiencing a wild musical adventure. Designed for ages 6 to 12. Instrument petting zoo 1 hour before the performance. 11 am. $$. Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.seattlesymphony.org

BIG KID PICK

Girls’ Night Out. Girls from grades 5 to 8 engage with female professionals from different STEM fields through demonstrations, one-on-one interactions and hands-on activities. 4 to 7 pm. $$$. Pre-register. Pacific Science Museum, Seattle (Lower Queen Anne). www.pacificsciencecenter.org

iFest – Indie Game Festival. See what’s new in indie gaming. Play more than 50 games from local Seattle developers, featuring PC, tabletop, console and AR/ VR experiences. 10:30 am to 4 pm. FREE. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne). www.facebook.com/ifestgames

Windermere Cup and Opening Boat Day Parade. The official opening of Seattle’s boating season features regatta crew races (10 am) followed by a decorated boat parade. Food trucks, family activities and free giveaways. Parking available in the UW lots. 10 am to 1 pm. FREE. Montlake Cut, University of Washington. www.windermerecup.com

EASTSIDE

A Festival for May. Maypole dancing, craft demonstrations, games and entertainment. Medieval clothing optional (greens and yellows preferred). Noon to 5 pm today and Sun. $ to $$. Feast at 5 pm by reservation only ($$$). Camlann Medieval Village, Carnation. www.camlann.org

May Day. Celebrate Spring with games, food trucks, hayrides, and a maypole. 11 am to 2 pm. FREE. Jubilee Farm, Carnation. www.jubileefarm.org

The Princess and the Pea. What defines a real princess? Beauty? Kindness? Courage? Find out in this not-so-traditional performance by StoryBook Theater. Best for ages 3 and older. 11 am, 1 and 3:30 pm today; various times through May 12. $$. Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland. www.kpcenter.org

NORTH SOUND

Everett Rock and Gem Club Show. Hourly door prizes, kids’ activities, demonstrations, displays, vendors, refreshments and more. 10 am to 6 pm today, 10 am to 5 pm Sun. FREE. Everett Community College Student Fitness Center, Everett. www.everettrockclub.com

Kids’ Fishing Derby. Bring your own gear or use the equipment provided. Door prizes and grand prizes are determined by a random drawing of all participants. Limit one fish per child. No pets. 8 to 11 am. FREE, bring canned food donation. Optional pancake breakfast ($). Kiwanis Pond in Jennings Park, Marysville. www.marysvillewa.gov

Powwow. One of the largest powwows in Washington, a celebration of Native American singing, drumming, dancing, and arts and crafts. Grand entries 1 and 7 pm today, 1 pm Sun. FREE. Edmonds Community College’s Seaview Gym, Lynnwood. www.edcc.edu/powwow

Watershed Fun Fair. Guided nature walks, nature crafts and kids’ activities, plus information on conservation topics. 11 am to 3 pm. FREE. Edmonds Wildlife Habitat and Native Plant Garden at Willow Creek, Edmonds. www.edmondswa.gov

Youth & Family Wellness Fair. Fourth annual event features resources and education on topics including mental health, bullying, suicide prevention, LGBTQ issues, music therapy and parenting. Also enjoy live entertainment, face painting, a bike rodeo, games, family photos and more. 10 am to 3 pm. FREE. Evergreen Middle School, Everett. www.snohomishcountywa.gov

SOUTH SOUND

Lacey S.T.E.M. Fair. Meet with school clubs and teams who will showcase their science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects. 10 am to 3 pm. FREE. Huntamer Park, Lacey. www.ci.lacey.wa.us

May the Fourth Be With You 5K. Dress as your favorite Star Wars character for this chiptimed race. Dogs on leash are welcome. 9 am. $$$. Wapato Park, Tacoma. www.metroparkstacoma.org

Youth Fishing Derby. Kids ages 14 and younger can fish for trout. Bring your own gear, limited gear available to borrow. 8:30 am to noon. FREE. Mill Pond Park, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

Sunday, May 5

SEATTLE AREA

Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration. Song, dance, music and art celebrate the diverse cultures of the AsianPacific Islander communities. Watch youth drill teams, dance performances, a hum bow eating contest and more. 11:45 am to 5 pm. FREE. Seattle Center Armory (Lower Queen Anne). www.apiheritage.com

Fiesta 5K Olé! Run or walk a 5K, then celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a food truck festival and live music. 8 am registration, 9:30 am race, 10 am to 5 pm festival. $$$. Volunteer Park, Seattle (Capitol Hill). www.fiesta5kole.com

Kodomo no Hi – Japanese Children’s Day Festival. Explore and learn about Japanese art, culture, food and music. Japanese-style dancing performances, Yukata dress-up, taiko, martial arts, kids’ tea ceremonies and more. 11 am to 5 pm. FREE. Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington, Seattle (International District). www.jcccw.org

EASTSIDE

Growing Musicians Stroll the gardens and hear music from students with Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra at stations throughout the grounds. 2:30 to 4 pm. FREE; donations welcomed. Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue. www.byso.org

SOUTH SOUND

Mini Maestros: Peter and the Wolf. Each instrument represents a different character in this classic Russian folktale. 2:30 to 3:30 pm. $ to $$. Schneebeck Hall at the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma. www.symphonytacoma.org

Wednesday, May 8

Walk and Bike to School Day. Join the thousands of students, families, community partners, and elected officials all around the country who will be walking or biking today. Check website for local events. www.walkbiketoschool.org

SOUTH SOUND

Snow White. Talking animals and silliness abound with Snow White and all her forest friends. Part of the “Let’s Play” series: short, interactive shows perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. 10 am today through Sun. $. Olympia Family Theater, Olympia. www.olyft.org

Friday, May 10

SEATTLE AREA

Kaleidoscope Spring Concert. See youth showcasing the work of choreographers from Seattle and around the world. 7:30 pm tonight; various times through Sun. $ to $$$. Broadway Performance Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.creativedance.org

PhinneyWood Art Walk – The Big One. See work from 150-plus artists in more than 75 Phinney/Greenwood locations and enjoy food, music, kids’ activities and more. 6 to 9 pm today, noon to 5 pm Sat. FREE. Greenwood/ Phinney Ridge business district, Seattle. www.artupphinneywood.com

EASTSIDE

Northwest Paddling Festival. Try out canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding ($), watch races and demonstrations, visit vendors and more. Kids can try out aqua paddlers or build a toy boat. 2 to 7 pm today, 9 am to 5 pm Sat. FREE, parking $10 or free with Discover Pass. Sunset Beach at Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah. www.northwestpaddlingfestival.com

Secret Lives of Stars. Learn about the night sky at this IMAX-style planetarium show presented by the Science and Math Institute and the Bellevue College Astronomy Department. Pre-register. 7 and 8 pm. FREE. Bellevue College, Bellevue. www.bellevuecollege.edu

SOUTH SOUND

Go, Dog! Go! Watch this beloved children’s book by P.D. Eastman come to life in a playful, musical production that’s fun for all ages. 7 pm tonight; various times through June 2. $$. Olympia Family Theater, Olympia. www.olyft.org

ONE WEEK SUMMER CAMPS JUNE 24 - JULY 19

All levels, ages 7-14 $295 per camp

Register by June 1st and save $50!

DUSTY STRINGS MUSIC SCHOOL

3406 Fremont Ave N (206) 634-1662

Saturday, May 11

Family Saturday: Koi Day. Koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are awake from their winter hibernation and ready to eat. Feed the fish and learn 11 am to 1 pm, $, FREE garden entry for children 12 and younger. www.seattlejapanesegarden.org

Pike Place Flower Festival. More than 40 blossom-filled tents line the market, featuring flower farmers from King, Snohomish and Whatcom 8 am to 5 pm today and Sun. FREE. Pike Place Market, Seattle. www.pikeplacemarket.org

Richmond Beach Strawberry Festival. Food, arts and crafts, car show and more. Kids Parade with a fairy-tale theme (no bikes or pets) for ages 8 and younger at 11:45 am. Shuttle available from Richmond Beach Congregational Church. Noon to 5 pm. FREE. Richmond Beach Community Park, Shoreline. www.richmondbeachwa.org

Saturday Family Concert: Recess Monkey. Town Hall Seattle invites you to sing and dance along to Recess Monkey’s indie-rock tunes. Pre-register. 11 am. $. Venue TBD. www.townhallseattle.org

Seattle Maritime Festival Family Fun Day. Ship tours, harbor tours, kids’ activities, live music, storytelling, food and more. 11 am to 4 pm. FREE. Seattle Maritime Academy, Seattle (Ballard). www.seattlemaritime101.com

S.O.S. 5k. Join World Concern in a 5K to seek out and stop human trafficking. Awareness raising 8 to 11 am, 5k at 9 am. $$$ race entry; free kids’ activities. World Concern Headquarters, Seattle (Fremont). www.worldconcern.org

EASTSIDE

Mommy and Me Tea Time. Dress up in your favorite party attire and have fun making art, nibbling on snacks and enjoying storytime. For moms and their children ages 2 to 5. Preregister. 10 to 11:30 am. $$$. Northwest Arts Center, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov

World Migratory Bird Day Bash. Flock to the park for drop-in programs throughout the morning. Browse for birds during a ranger-led hike, play a fun migration game, and create crafts for bird-friendly communities. 8 to 10 am. FREE. Lewis Creek Park Visitors Center, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov

NORTH SOUND

Kids Fish-In. Kids can get tips from experts as they try their hand at fishing. Bring your own rod, bait and tackle. Ages 4 to 14. Space is limited, preregistration required. 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. FREE. Thornton A. Sullivan Park at Silver Lake, Everett. www.everettwa.gov

Kids Plant for Mom’s Day. Young gardeners can decorate and plant a Mother’s Day flowerpot. Join the Children’s Parade from the Edmonds Library (noon, FREE). 9 am to 2 pm. $$. Edmonds Farmers Market, Edmonds. www.edmondsinbloom.com

Mother’s Day Saturday Sail. Enjoy a free boat ride (sailing, rowing, paddling or motor) and build a toy boat while you wait for your turn. Sign-ups fill early for rides throughout the day. 10 am to 4 pm.

FREE, Discover Pass required for parking. Cama Beach State Park, Camano Island. www.whidbeycamanoislands.com

Reptile Expo. See a large variety of reptiles, along with educational booths, art, hands-on activities and more. 10 am to 5 pm. $ to $$, free ages 5 and younger. Evergreen State Fairground, Monroe. www.nwreptileexpos.com

SOUTH SOUND

Half-Price for Moms at the Zoo. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma is offering moms half-price admission today. 9:30 am to 5 pm. $ to $$, free ages 2 and younger. www.pdza.org

Inaugural Tacoma-South Sound Mini Maker Faire. Gather with curious people who enjoy learning and doing – from engineers to artists to scientists to crafters – at this family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. 10:30 am to 3 pm. FREE. UW Tacoma. www. tacomasouthsound.makerfaire.com

Olympia Wooden Boat Fair. Kids can build their own small wooden boat today. The fair features wooden boats of all types, ages and sizes on display, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. 10 am to 6 pm today, 11 am to 5 pm Sun. FREE. Character’s Corner, Olympia. www.olywoodenboat.org

Sunday, May 12

SEATTLE AREA

Bicycle Sundays. The four-mile stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard between Mount Baker Beach and Seward Park is closed to motorized traffic.10 am to 6 pm today, May 19 and 26 and several Sundays through September. FREE. Lake Washington Boulevard, Seattle (Mt. Baker). www.parkways.seattle.gov

The Color Run. Wear white and get doused in nontoxic colored powder at each kilometer of this 5K fun run. 8 am. $$$. Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne). www.thecolorrun.com

Family Pond Exploration. Join a naturalist to look for and learn about pond life. Preregister.1 to 3 pm. $$. Camp Long, West Seattle. www.seattle.gov/parks

Lullaby Project Celebration Concert

This moving event features songs created by parents at Mary’s Place (an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness) and performed by Seattle Symphony musicians. Pre-register. 11 am to noon. FREE. Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.seattlesymphony.org

Mother’s Day Celebration. Moms accompanied by a child/children of any age get free general admission passes today, plus hands-on family activities. 10 am to 5 pm. $$. Museum of Flight, Renton. www.museumofflight.org

EASTSIDE

Mother’s Day at the Garden. Bring mom to the garden for live music, posymaking, ballroom dancing demos, art, refreshments and shopping. 11 am to 4 pm. FREE. Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue. www.parks.bellevuewa.gov

Mother’s Day Half Marathon and 5K. Half marathon run/walk (7:30 am, Northwest University), 5K run/walk (8 am, Juanita Beach Park), and free kids’ dash for ages 10 and younger

(10 am). $$$. Kirkland. www.halfmarathons.net

SOUTH SOUND

Mother’s Day 5K. Run/walk and a free 1-mile kids’ dash (ages 12 and younger). 8:30 am kids’ run, 8:45 am 5K. $$ to $$$. Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia. www.fscss.org

Tuesday, May 14

SEATTLE AREA

The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Join Theater for Young Children for two classic tales from Britain to celebrate spring: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Fairy Tulips. 11 am. FREE, donations appreciated. Van Asselt Community Center, Seattle. www.seattle.gov/parks

Thursday, May 16

SEATTLE AREA

Pixar in Concert. Experience video montages and clips from favorite children’s movies, from Toy Story to The Incredibles, accompanied by the live Seattle Symphony. 7:30 pm tonight and 2 pm Sat. $$$. Benaroya Hall, Downtown Seattle. www.seattlesymphony.org

Friday, May 17

SEATTLE AREA

Everfree Northwest. Seattle’s only My Little Pony fan convention

with discussion panels, games, live music, kids activities and costumed characters. Today through Sun. $$$, free ages 12 and younger. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport, SeaTac. www.everfreenw.com

Syttende Mai: 17th of May Festival. Day-long celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Events are FREE, food and merchandise available for purchase. Visit the Nordic Heritage Museum for FREE, plus enjoy entertainment with a Nordic flair at Bergen Place, 2 to 5 pm. From 6 to 8 pm, it’s the 17th of May Parade, starting at NW 62nd Street and 24th Avenue NW. www.17thofmay.org

Saturday, May 18

SEATTLE AREA

Aesop’s Fables. Watch Thistle Theatre bring Aesop’s Fables to life in this fun Japanese-style puppetry production. 1 and 3 pm today and Sun. $$. Sunset Hill Community Club, Seattle (Ballard). www.thistletheater.org

Kids to Parks Day. This national event celebrates spring and the outdoors with educational booths, crafts, outdoor activities, face painting, fire trucks, pop-up story walks and more. 11 am to 3 pm. FREE, Discovery Pass required to park onsite. Saint Edwards

State Park, Kenmore. www.parktrust.org

BIG KID PICK Living Voices: La Causa. Learn about the 1960s movement that changed the lives of Latin American farm workers who fought for civil rights. Living Voices combines live theatrical performances with archival film. Performance suitable for ages 11 and older. 1 and 2 pm. $$. MOHAI, Seattle (South Lake Union). www.mohai.org.

Seattle Mineral Market. Mineral, gem and fossil displays and vendors, plus free minerals for kids. 10 am to 5 pm through Sun. FREE. Lake City Community Center, Seattle (Lake City). www. seattlesmineralmarket.com

University District StreetFair. The longest-running street fair in the country features hundreds of craft, food and information booths, entertainment stages, street performers, a kids’ area and more. 10 am to 7 pm today, 10 am to 6 pm Sun. FREE. University Way Northeast, Seattle (U District). www.udistrictstreetfair.org

UW Bothell Husky 5K. Run/walk benefits student scholarships. Pups & Cubs Crawl 1K for young kids (10 am). Leashed dogs welcome. 9 am. $ to $$$. UW Bothell Campus, Bothell. www.uwb.edu

West Seattle Bee Festival. Fun run (9 am), kids’ and pet parade (11 am),

Mon-Fri from 9am-2pm with a live performance each Friday

LAKE CITY July 8th - August 19th

GEORGETOWN July 15th - August 12th

COST $395 for students enrolled in lessons at SDS $450 for students not enrolled SEATTLEDRUMSCHOOL.COM

or info@seattledrumschool.com

games, crafts, beehive demo (noon), food and live music. 9:30 am to 3 pm. FREE. High Point Commons Park, West Seattle. www.westseattlebeegarden.com

Zoo for All: Celebrating our Cultures. Celebrate diverse cultures with special programming and entertainment. Partners include El Centro de la Raza, Chief Seattle Club and others. Programming TBD. 9:30 am to 6 pm. $$. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle (Phinney Ridge). www.zoo.org

SOUTH SOUND

5K for Abilities. Celebrate all abilities in this 5K on a flat, scenic course. Wheelchairs and strollers welcomed. $-$$, free for kids 6 and younger. 9 to 11 am. Roegner Park, Auburn. www.skillsinc.com

Armed Forces Day. Military vehicles on display, historic battle reenactments, music, roving entertainers, rides, food, crafts and more. 11 am to 7 pm FREE. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, I-5 exit 119. www.jblmmwr.com/armedforcesday

Capital City Marathon Kids Run 1.2-mile race just for kids (8th graders and younger). 4 pm. FREE. Heritage Park, Olympia. www.capitalcitymarathon.org

Lacey Spring Fun Fair. Annual celebration features games, face painting, a train, inflatables, pony rides, crafts, live entertainment and more. 10 am to 6 pm today, 11 am to 5 pm Sun. FREE. Saint Martin’s University, Lacey. www.laceyspringfunfair.com

Petpalooza. Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run (9:30 am, $$$), live entertainment, vendors, pet contests, petting area, kids’ activities, pony rides, agility areas and more. Leashed, licensed, well-behaved pets welcome. 10 am to 5 pm. FREE. Game Farm Park, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

Spring Fairy Festival. Music, dancing, juggling and other live entertainment, artisan market, workshops and more. Costumes encouraged. 11 am to 7 pm. FREE. Crescent Moon Gifts, Tacoma. www.springfairyfestival.com

Touch-a-Truck. Explore vehicles that build, serve and protect communities. Also enjoy giveaways and food trucks. 11 am to 2 pm. FREE. Parking lot adjacent to Performing Arts and Event Center of Federal Way, Federal Way. www.itallhappenshere.org

NORTH SOUND

Health & Fitness Expo. Explore booths and activities highlighting sports, healthy eating and more. 9 am to noon. FREE. Edmonds School District Stadium, Edmonds. www.hfexpo.edmondswa.gov

FARTHER AFIELD

Armed Forces Day Parade. See the largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day parade in the country, featuring all branches of the military, police and firefighters, youth organizations, dignitaries and more. 10 am. FREE. Downtown Bremerton. www.bremertonchamber.org

Sunday, May 19

SEATTLE AREA

Beat the Bridge. Run benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 8 am 3-mile family walk (strollers and baby joggers allowed), 8:15 am 1-mile fun run, 8:30 am 8K race, 9:50 am diaper derby (free, ages 3 and younger). $$$. Husky Stadium, Seattle (Montlake). www.beatthebridge.org

Girls on the Run 5K. Run a flat, fast course around Boeing Field to help support Girls on the

Run afterschool program graduates. 9 to 11 am. $$-$$$. Renton Memorial Stadium, Renton. www.girlsrun.org

Touch-a-Truck. Explore construction trucks, emergency vehicles, vintage trucks and more. Quiet, horn-free hour (9 to 10 am). Also enjoy food, games, and crafts. 10 am to 1 pm. $. Magnuson Park, Seattle (Sand Point). www.jrleagueseattle.org

EASTSIDE

Interactive Farm Animal Tour. Children ages 3 and older can meet goats, cats, pigs, chickens, baby chicks and turkeys. Learn how to interact with animals and understand animal behavior. Pre-register. 10:30 am. $$. Keep It Simple Farm, Redmond. www.kisfarm.com

JazzED Jamboree. Hear a lineup of young musicians play jazz. See complete schedule online. 10 to 4:30 pm. FREE. Carlson Theatre Bellevue College. www.seattlejazzed.org

NORTH SOUND

The Princess and the Pea. What defines a real princess? Beauty? Kindness? Courage? Find out in this not-so-traditional performance by StoryBook Theater. Best for ages 3 and older. 11 am and 1 pm. $$. Everett PUD Auditorium, Everett. www.storybooktheater.org

Friday, May 24

SEATTLE AREA

Northwest Folklife Festival. Hundreds of acts on dozens of stages, participatory dances, workshops, crafts, food and more. No pets. 11 am to 10 pm through Sun., 11 am to 9 pm Mon. Discovery Zone for kids (11 am to 6 pm daily) on the Next 50 Plaza. $$ suggested donation. Seattle

Center (Lower Queen Anne). www.nwfolklife.org

Saturday, May 25

SEATTLE AREA

Maker Day. Tinker, experiment and create alongside some of Seattle’s most innovative makers. For ages 14 and younger. 10 am to 5 pm. $$-$$$. MOHAI, Seattle (South Lake Union). www.mohai.org

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Grand Opening. This new park features a B-52G Stratofortress, memorial statue and a tribute wall with personalized plaques from people honoring the veterans in their lives. Aircraft flyovers, color guard presentation and pinning ceremony. 11 am. FREE today, free museum admission for veterans plus one adult and children 17 and younger through Mon. Museum of Flight, Burien. www.museumofflight.org

Memorial Day Weekend Run. Magnuson Series fun runs including 5K, 10K, 15K and a Kids Dash. Kids Dash at 9:45 am, all other events at 10 am. $ to $$$. Magnuson Park, Seattle (Sand Point). www.magnusonseries.org

EASTSIDE

The Phantom Tollbooth. The exceptional tale of Milo, Tock and a certain magic tollbooth is brought to life on stage in this Theater for Young Audiences production. 1 pm today; various times through June 15. $$. $$. SecondStory Repertory, Redmond. www.secondstoryrep.org

Memorial Day Weekend Steam Train Rides. Northwest Railway Museum’s scenic 70-minute round trip departs from Snoqualmie or North Bend depots. Special weekday train ride on Monday, with $5 round-trip price today through Mon. for military with I.D. and their dependent family members. See schedule online. $$ to $$$, free younger than age 2. www.trainmuseum.org

NORTH SOUND

TankFest Northwest. See restored tanks, military vehicles and artillery weapons, plus driving and firing demonstrations, scale models and more. The event also includes food and kids’ activities. 9 am to 4 pm. Included with admission. $$ to $$$, free ages 5 and younger, free admission today for veterans and active duty. Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field, Everett. www.flyingheritage.com

SOUTH SOUND

Gig Harbor Street Scramble. See how many checkpoints you can find within 90 minutes or 3 hours, on foot or bicycle. 8:30 am registration, 9:30 am maps distributed, 10 am start. FREE. Skansie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor. www. streetscramble.com

Hidden in Hood Canal. Enjoy a hands-on learning experience about the weird and wonderful creatures hidden beneath the surface of Hood Canal’s waters. 8 pm. Potlatch State Park, Shelton. www.parks.state.wa

Sunday, May 26

SEATTLE AREA

Emerald City Ride. Choose from a 12mile (7 am) or 3-mile (9:15 am) bike ride on closed SR-99 and I-5 express lanes. 7 am. $$$ for ages 13 and older, $$ for ages 1 to 12. Pyramid Ale House, Seattle (SoDo). www.cascade.org