Although gifted children from all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds exhibit these qualities every day, they still may be overlooked in class. Not so at Seattle Country Day School. We offer all our students an environment where they can ask questions, create, and grow intellectually and emotionally. See if SCDS is right for your child at our open house on 11/13, or on one of our tours. Reach out today to admissions@seattlecountryday.org.
Seattle Country Day School For gifted children, K–8 seattlecountryday.org/admissions
September/October 2025 // Issue 513
“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 Washington families and their broad range of parenting experiences.
Don’t miss these stories on 3seattleschild.com
What pregnancy taught me about ancestral connection
»What Parents Are Talking About
Education, health, development and more
Reclaiming kid's health
Dr. Elizabeth Meade on turning worrisome trends around
by CHERYL MURFIN / photograph by MIKE KANE
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published a new study that found children are more likely to have obesity, chronic diseases, and mental health problems like depression today than they were nearly two decades ago.
“The surprising part of the study wasn’t with any single statistic; it was that there’s 170 indicators, eight data sources, all
showing the same thing: a generalized decline in kids’ health,” said Dr. Christopher Forrest, one of the authors of the study. Among the study findings:
• The percentage of U.S. children with chronic conditions rose from approximately 40% in 2011 to about 46% in 2023.
• Childhood obesity rates increased from 17% in 20072008 to 21% in 2021-2023.
• A U.S. child in 2023 was 15%
to 20% more likely than a U.S. child in 2011 to have a chronic condition such as anxiety, depression or sleep apnea, according to data reported by parents and doctors.
• In the U.S., prematurity and sudden death among U.S. babies is more likely than in other high-income countries, and American kids were around 1.8 times more likely to die than kids in other high-income countries between 2007 and 2022.
We asked Dr. Elizabeth Meade,
Medical Director of Quality for Pediatrics at Providence Swedish in Seattle, what the findings mean and what parents can do to help turn the declines around.
Seattle’s Child: Were you surprised by the findings?
Dr. Meade: Sadly, I don’t think most of us in pediatrics are necessarily surprised by this, though we are saddened by it. For kids and adults, things like economic hardship, food insecurity, loss of safety-net programs, increased
Providence Swedish Pediatric Hospital Medicine specialist Elizabeth Meade, M.D., interacts with a young patient at the First Hill Campus in Seattle.
October 4th & 5th, 2025 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The family farms of Skagit Valley open their barns to you and your family for this one-of-a-kind event.
weekend FUN!
«What Parents Are Talking About
time on screens, decreased time outdoors and being active, and ultra-processed food intake continue to grow at a rapid pace. But the unanimity of these findings serves as a call to action for all of us — physicians, parents, community members — to do better for our children.
Seattle’s Child: What are you seeing at Providence and in Washington?
Dr. Meade: In our Providence Swedish Emergency Rooms in 2019, we had 74 ER visits for patients under 18 for mental health reasons. In 2023, we had 564. Washington and Swedish certainly align with [this study]. We see children getting sicker, dealing with more chronic illness and mental health issues, and with fewer resources to support them.
Seattle’s Child: What are the solutions for turning the decline in children’s health around?
Dr. Meade: One extremely important thing to understand is the causes behind the death rates. For infants under 12 months, the biggest differences are in prematurity and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. For 1- to 19-year-olds, the biggest differences are in firearm-related deaths and motor vehicle crashes. All of these things are results of our federal and state policies around public health issues.
So much of this is in the hands of our legislators and government leaders, which is also why voting for candidates who understand and value child and family health is critical.
Seattle’s Child: Will the U.S. health secretary’s “Make America Healthy Again” exacerbate these declines?
Dr. Meade: This is a classic case of throw-
ing the baby out with the bathwater. While some of this administration’s actions may benefit child health — work on ultra-processed foods and food dyes, for example — the undoing of decades of progress in fundamental areas of health care like vaccine-preventable diseases, Medicaid and other child health programs will make those advancements completely moot for many children.
Seattle’s Child: What steps can parents take to protect their kids from preventable diseases?
Dr. Meade: So many of these things have the same solutions: move more, eat more whole foods, sleep better, create community, cultivate a family culture that values health and connection. Much of it comes back to modeling what we wish for our kids — moving our bodies every day in some way, eating less processed foods, drinking water, putting devices away in the evening, and practicing good sleep habits. Talk openly and often about how your children’s mental health is doing and how to improve it — and seek help early if there are signs of trouble. And, it can’t be understated, keeping up with routine childhood vaccines. We now have the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. in over 30 years. At least two children in the U.S. have died. This is something we should never see in our country.
Seattle’s Child: Any final thoughts?
Dr. Meade: The answers above sound simple, but if they were easy, none of us would be overweight or obese, depressed or anxious, or with poor sleep. I am a fulltime working parent of three kids, often surviving, not thriving. Despite being an expert in pediatric health, I am far from perfect when it comes to these things because life is hard, messy, and it is asking a lot of us right now.
Focus on two or three things you can make routine right now, and work from there.
» Dad Next Door A little encouragement from across the fence
by JEFF LEE, MD
Cultivating failure
I once read about an Arkansas mother who sued her son’s high school because he was cut from the basketball team. She wasn’t alleging discrimination or unfairness — she simply claimed that he was deprived of his rights because he wasn’t allowed to take part in school athletics.
I don’t remember all the details, and there may have been extenuating circumstances. But I do remember that the story got some national exposure because it struck a nerve. Many people, myself included, wondered how we got to a place where children are being told they have a right to something just because they want it.
Over my 30-plus years as a parent, I’ve noticed a clear shift toward protective parenting. That includes physical protection, which is generally a good thing, unless taken too far. But mainly, I’m referring to emotional protection. Somehow, it’s become part of a parent’s job to protect our children not only from emotional trauma, but from any kind of emotional distress. We try to shield our kids from even the mildest disappointment or failure, and start pointing fingers when that isn’t possible.
I’m guessing this is part of the natural pendulum swing that parenting styles go through. Our own parents probably weren’t the most emotionally supportive or clued-in, and that caused many of us plenty of pain. But when we react to that pain by trying to shield our kids from every setback, we do them a disservice.
Kids learn to overcome failure by failing. I think that’s why the Arkansas story irked me — I consider sports one of the last remaining settings for exposing our kids to constructive failure. In sports, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. You have to assess your skills honestly, then you have to figure out ways to get better. If we rig the game, those lessons are lost, and it becomes another exercise in empty affirmation.
As parents, we play a critical role in helping our kids fail well. We can put them in situations where some degree of failure is probable, but where improvement and eventual success are well within their reach. We can help them process and manage their emotions when failure does come. And finally, we can help them find
ways to improve, and acquire the skills and strategies to do so.
This last part is tricky. When I coached Little League, I saw a lot of well-meaning parents give their kids feedback in incredibly unhelpful ways. Even now, when I’m working as a leadership development consultant or as an executive coach, I meet many people in positions of power who have no idea how to give skillful feedback. Here are a few tips:
1. Pick the right time and place. That’s not in the dugout after they strike out or as you drive home from a piano recital that went off the rails. In a day or two find a time and place that feels calm and private.
2. Check your ego at the door. We all do it: we live through our kids’ accomplishments, and bask a little in their success. I wouldn’t begrudge any parent a little of that. But when they fail, don’t take it personally. The goal isn't trophies and blue ribbons for your wall, it's for them to grow. Failure is a part of that process.
3. Start by asking your kid what their experience was. How are they feeling? What do they think they did well? Did they give their best effort? What do they wish they’d done differently? Start where they are to get somewhere useful.
4. Help them adopt a growth mindset. Mistakes or failures aren’t who we are, they’re something we all do. The point is to get better through focus, practice and determination. Success and failure, in the short term, are not under our control. Work and improvement are.
5. Use the magic words. Frame your feedback not as criticism but as your faith in them: “I’m saying this because I know you have high expectations, and I know you can reach them.”
These are just suggestions — you’ll find your own way. But get started. Children are not hothouse orchids. We don’t want their thriving to depend on a pristine, climate-controlled environment. We want them to be dandelions: tough, resilient, and ready to grow like crazy, even after lawn-mowing days.
ABOUT OUR COLUMNIST
Jeff Lee fails frequently and productively in Seattle, WA.
»ToolBox
What every parent needs to have on hand
Talking to kids about disabilities
One in five, or more than 4.5 million children in the U.S., have special health care needs — it's a diverse group, encompassing learning differences, mental, behavioral and physical special health needs. I invited a wonderful parent to talk about connecting with children like her daughter with special needs. If your child has run up and blurted out a blunt question or expressed curiosity, read on:
Meet Sophia Grace
Stacey Sunde’s 16-year-old daughter, Sophia Grace, adores sparkles, has a sweet tooth and is full of love. Sophia Grace also uses a wheelchair and a ventilator and doesn’t talk. Stacey and Sophia share a deep, profound joy in life while navigating the effects of a rare neurological disorder. All of these things are true simultaneously. Here, Stacey tackles some uncomfortable questions and offers her experiences and tips for navigating connections with children who are different.
Dr. Susanna Block: What would you like people to know about children with special needs?
Stacey Sunde: First and foremost — treat our kids like kids! Every child wants to have friends, to play and be included. Every child is different in how they do that. Every kid has their own special needs — ours are often more visible.
Dr. Block: Is it OK to approach you and ask questions?
Stacey Sunde: In most cases, yes. My ABCs of connecting with children who have special needs are: Approach us, be kind and let curiosity lead.
Approach: It’s OK to approach us, ask if questions are OK and just say hello. If someone doesn’t know what to say, I will often find a connection, like “You have pink shoes. Sophia loves pink too.”
Offer your child questions that normalize differences, “Do you notice anything different about Sophia that you’re curious about? Do you want to ask about her wheelchair?” It’s helpful to not ask only questions about disabilities, medical challenges and enabling devices, as it “medicalizes” the child. Some of those questions are OK because those things are clearly part of our life experience. When in doubt, find similarities to talk about.
Be kind: Seeing the child as a human first is a sign of respect for the person with a disability. If questions have kindness behind them, it is going to be OK. Offer your child kind language: “How did you get those cool
sparkly wheels for your wheelchair and why do you use it?”
Older kids may want to know if Sophia feels ok. That curiosity is from a kind intention, and we receive it that way.
Curiosity: When kids are allowed to be together, natural curiosity takes care of itself. When Sophia was a preschooler, kids would walk up to her and figure out how to play together with no guidance. As a parent, you may worry that a child’s curiosity or questions reflect poorly on you. You don’t want someone angry at your child for inappropriate questions, so you might pull your child away when they approach someone with special needs. [That] can send a “caution” message and that they shouldn’t be curious or connect with this child.
Dr. Block: Should we invite you to activities, even if your child can’t fully participate?
Stacey Sunde: Invite us anyway. Trust our ability to problem solve and know the invitation is meaningful. You don’t have to be the one to find the solution that lets my child participate. Yes, it is good to recognize limitations and let us know if there are accommodations, but parents of kids with special needs usually have the knowledge and the resources to make it happen. Often enough, kids figure out how to include everyone themselves.
Dr. Block: How can I talk to my kids about special needs?
Stacey Sunde: If your child has questions, talk to them about it. You don’t have to know the person’s specifics or explain every last detail of adaptive equipment, like hearing aids, to help your child understand that some people hear differently. One of my own go-to answers for questions about Sophia’s movement is not complex: “It’s hard for her brain to make her muscles work so she uses a wheelchair to get around.” Don’t let it be a mystery, just model a positive, inclusive attitude and answer how you can.
Role play with your child on how to make friendships with kids who are different from them. Practice asking another child, “I see you use a wheelchair. Does it go fast? Did you get to pick the color?”
Inclusion is an act, not a thought. We can connect directly with people who are different and lead with kindness and curiosity. We can also protect funding and services for children with special needs.
ABOUT OUR COLUMNIST
Dr. Susanna Block, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Seattle and lives with her family in Queen Anne.
SPONSORED BY
A mom shares her experience and tips by DR. SUSANNA BLOCK
Stacey Sunde and her daughter Sophia Grace
3
Jack Block Park: Seattle’s hidden gem for port views and play
»Romp
Things to do with kids
Animal sanctuaries
An opportunity to grow compassion and empathy
On our recent visit to The Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary in Maple Valley, my kids and I met dozens of animals — goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, cats, chickens, and ducks. The kids picked apples from the farm’s trees, then fed them directly to (very grateful) cows.
The stories we heard about the sheep as we brushed their wool were heartwarming, and we were struck by the hilarious antics of the “velociraptors” (in fact, they
were chickens, with prehistoric attitudes).
Nothing says fall like a visit to a farm, and there’s nothing better than a farm visit with a purpose.
Animal sanctuaries like The Muddy Pug offer an ideal farm experience that blends fun and education, and fosters empathy.
What’s a sanctuary?
Animal sanctuaries exist to provide a permanent home for animals that have been neglected
or abandoned. Unlike zoos that primarily focus on entertainment and conservation or animal refuges that seek to rehabilitate and release animals, animal sanctuaries offer rescued animals a haven where they can live out their lives.
The greater Seattle area is home to several sanctuaries, many of which allow visitors and provide an educational experience for the whole family. Some offer kids and grownups hands-on experience with farm skills and animal care, but the most essential thing animal sanctuaries do is to foster compasCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >
Hauntings, costumes, and candy are already emerging. Go beyond the door-to-door trick-ortreat tradition with these unique Halloween events.
Trolloween
OCTOBER 31 AT 7 P.M. North 36th St. at Troll Ave. N
Celebrate the Fremont Troll’s birthday with music and a costumed procession. FREE. 3fremontartscouncil.org/ trolloween
Capitol Hill Historical Ghost Tour
OCTOBER 4-25
Starts at The Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave.
Hear ghost stories along a 90-minute walk for ages 8 and up. Donation. Call (206)523-6348 or 3seattlemysterymuseum@ gmail.com
Monster Dash
OCTOBER 25 AT 9 A.M.
Lincoln Park Shelter #1, 8611 Fauntleroy Way SW
Costumed 5k trail run/ walk and kids’ dash. Kids dash $20. 3runsignup. com/Race/WA/Seattle/ WestSeattleMonsterDash
Zombie dances
OCTOBER 25 AT 3 P.M. 1901 1st Ave. W in Seattle & 232 Front St. N in Issaquah Watch zombies dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at 3 p.m. followed by a costume contest. OR, take the Issaquah Zombie Walk starting at 4:30 p.m. Stop to Zombie dance 5 p.m. Both are Free.
3 2 1 4 5
Halloween Train
OCTOBER 11-12, 18-19, & 25-26
Northwest Railway Museum 38625 SE King St., Snoqualmie It’s bound to be a fun and spooky 90-minute ride on the decorated train. Adults/$32, Seniors and ages 2-12/$28. Under age 2/free. 3trainmuseum.org
—Cheryl Murfin
by ALLISON PETERSON / photograph by JOSHUA HUSTON
Feeding the goats at The Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary.
«Romp
sion for living creatures. Our visit left my kids with a newfound love and respect for animals, and a desire to continue caring for others they encounter.
I found that our visit to the animal sanctuary — where visitors interact with previously-harmed animals and learn about their stories of recovery — helped to instill the values of responsibility, respect, and advocacy. It was impactful for all of us, and we already have plans to visit other places.
Know before you go
Here are some tips, garnered from our experience, for making the most of a sanctuary visit:
• Before you go, contact the sanctuary to learn how to schedule a tour. Animal sanctuaries are working farms, so plan accordingly.
• Wear appropriate clothing that can (and will) get dirty, including long pants and
Where to go
What are your kids’ favorite animals? There may be a sanctuary just for them. If not, check out these sanctuaries in our region:
Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary
3muddypugfarm.com
Where: Maple Valley
Focus: Farm animals and muddy pugs! "Ambassador Animals greet visitors.
Hours: Tours by appointment only
Cost: Suggested donation $35 per person
Pasado’s Safe Haven
3pasadosafehaven.org
Where: Sultan (near Monroe)
Focus: Farm animals, dogs, cats and birds. Staff here investigate animal cruelty.
Hours: Seasonal public and private tours
Cost: $18 child, $25 adult
close-toed shoes.
• It is also a good idea to bring clean clothes and shoes for the drive home, especially if you visit on a muddy day!
• Use the restroom before arriving: Many animal sanctuaries have rustic restroom
School meet the
Annie
Wright Schools
aw.org
827 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma 98403 (253) 272-2216
admission@aw.org
Grades Preschool (age 3+) – 12
About our school
Possibilities are endless at Annie Wright Schools, where each student’s unique strengths, learning styles, and passions are known and celebrated. Annie Wright Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool through Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and 5- or 7-day boarding options in Grades 9 through 12.
Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools are nestled in the beautiful North End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. Annie Wright is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division. We offer rich, thoughtful and internationally-recognized programs that welcome students from around the country and world.
What kids love...
Vibrant, joyful, globally-minded community
Opportunities to travel and study abroad
Wide range of arts, athletics, and co-curricular activities
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary
3sammamishanimalsanctuary.com
Where: Renton
Focus: Farm animals, including a cow with a "bionic leg."
Hours: Scheduled visits only, Tuesdays-Sundays
Cost: Donations suggested Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington
3wildfelids.org
Where: Shelton (Harstine Island)
Focus: Big cats — tigers, cougars, bobcats, lynx, leopards. Some of the animal residents are endangered species.
Hours: Tours by appointment only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Cost: $25-$125 per person
facilities and no running water.
• Be prepared to do lots of walking through various terrains, and know that most animal sanctuaries can’t accommodate wheeled devices like strollers or wagons.
Pigs Peace Sanctuary
3pigspeace.org
Where: Stanwood
Focus: Pigs. They even enjoy daily social outings in the woods.
Most animal sanctuaries are small nonprofits where caring for injured or rejected animals is a labor of love. They rely on volunteers and public support to provide care for their animals. Be prepared to make donations.
What parents love...
School meet the
Bellevue Children’s Academy
bcacademy.com
14640 NE 24th St., Bellevue 98007 (425) 649-0791 Option 2
admissions@bcacademy.com
Grades Preschool – 4
Bellevue Children’s Academy, an International Baccalaureate World School serving preschool through 4th grade, embraces a whole-child approach, nurturing academic and developmental growth while attending to students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being. Small classes, hands-on learning, and inquiry-based instruction spark curiosity, empowering students to grow as compassionate, creative, and confident global citizens.
What kids love...
• Project-based curriculum keeps students engaged
• Specialty classes—art, music, Spanish, P.E., computers, library, and drama
• Small classes with individualized attention
What parents love...
• Nurturing, student-centered environment
• Collaborative, rigorous learning with a global perspective
The Meridian School cultivates a balance of mind and heart in PreK-5th Grade learners. Located in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood adjacent to a 6.5-acre park, our program extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to build strong academic foundations while learning to care for themselves, others, and our place.
What kids love...
• Student-Centered Education
• 30+ Field Trips & Overnight Adventures
• Integrated Specialist Classes
What parents love...
• Data-Driven Curriculum
• Authentic Sense of Community
• 20% of Families Receive Tuition Assistance
• Committed to DEIB
KapKa Cooperative Elementary
kapkaschool.org
510 N. 49th St., Seattle 98103 (206) 522-0350
registrar@kapkaschool.org
Grades K – 5
KapKa kids grow-up learning that they are writers, they are mathematicians, they are artists, they are scientists - they are team players, strong leaders, and members of a community. KapKa teachers see and support them for who they are, and who they are becoming. That is powerful—that is KapKa.
“Being at school makes me feel safe, happy, and warm.” - 3rd Grader
“KapKa is playful, inclusive, and amazing!” - 5th Grader
What parents love...
• Small class sizes, 8:1 ratio
• Community connections and ability to be involved
• Intentionally no-tech project-based learning
Seattle Waldorf School
seattlewaldorf.org
2728 NE 100th Street, Seattle 98125 (206) 524-5320
admissions@seattlewaldorf.org
Grades Preschool-8
The Waldorf curriculum develops the human capacities needed to navigate the demands of an ever-changing global environment. Through our innovative educational approach, SWS equips students with powers for critical thinking, synthesis, collaboration, and creativity — enabling them to develop into thoughtful, engaged, and articulate moral citizens.
What kids love...
Outdoor education, project-based curriculum, collaborative learning with students and teachers, sports and movement, and a sense of belonging
What parents love...
Joyful community, parent/ caregiver education opportunities, volunteering at festivals, and that their children love to go to school and learn!
What kids love...
Villa Academy
thevilla.org
5001 NE 50th St., Seattle 98105 (206) 527-9388
enrollment@thevilla.org
Grade PreK - 8
Villa is the only independent school in the city nurturing the holistic development of children: mind, body, and spirit. Dedicated to inquiry-driven, student-centered academic excellence, Villa tends to whole child growth and integrated health, informed by clear and compelling research on the powerful influence of nature, spirituality, and social-emotional intelligence on academic thriving. Our students become stewards of their lives, caretakers of their mental and social wellbeing, and custodians of the environment. Our community is intentionally diverse and inclusive, and our exceptional faculty work to personalize educational experiences and provide leadership opportunities that allow every student to grow and thrive.
What kids love...
Exploring and discovering the wonders of our campus forest, orchard, trails, gardens, and Lake Washington waterfront
No-cut competitive sports, exceptional coaches, a multipurpose athletic field, and multiple playgrounds
Art, music, PE, and world language built into a daily schedule
Soundview School
About our school What
soundview.org 6515 196th St. SW, Lynnwood 98036 (425) 778-8572
contact@soundview.org
Grades Preschool – 8
We know that every child deserves a school that is ethical, rigorous, and compassionate. That is what we provide and how we can help your child be ready for this world. Soundview is a small, independent, International Baccalaureate school in Lynnwood. We are ready to talk about your child’s education.
What parents love...
Small classes and highly educated and supportive faculty
Outstanding, inquiry-based academics that feature STEAM, project-based learning, and outdoor education
A connected community that facilitates self-reflection and wholechild growth
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging
Every child is safe and secure. Teachers foster a warm and caring relationship with each student and their family.
Willows Preparatory School empowers students in grades 5–12 to grow as global thinkers and compassionate leaders. With small classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes, and rich extracurricular activities, we nurture curiosity, confidence, and ongoing academic, social, and personal growth—preparing students for college, career, and a life of meaningful impact.
What kids love...
• Project-based curriculum that keeps students engaged
• Specialty classes like visual art, performing arts, and design
• Small classes
What parents love...
• Global perspective through collaborative, rigorous IB framework
• Advanced curriculum
• Emphasis on understanding and real-world application over memorization
»Shop
The new cool: Tin Can phone
Seattle startup brings back the landline for a new generation
by CANDICE MCMILLAN
The landline, once a staple of youth culture, has become utterly obsolete in American households. Back in the day, the home phone was the only outlet many kids had to get help with homework, gossip with friends, coordinate play dates and prank-call their crushes at sleepovers. The landline’s absence may be a detriment to young, impressionable kids most of all.
Chet Kittleson, father of three and co-founder of Seattle-based company Tin Can, is turning back the clock, reinventing communication that predates the digital age. By rejecting flashy, highly addictive technology, Tin Can is simplifying childhood and reintroducing families to the irreplaceable utility of the home phone. From playground chat to product launch: How Tin Can was born
The founding of Tin Can will sound familiar to anyone with elementary-age kids. Kittleson was chatting with other parents at a park meet-up when a common gripe echoed throughout the group, peppered with resounding frustration and resentment: they were tired of serving as “executive assistants” to their kids.
“[School-age kids] don’t have a social network,” Kittleson said of the lightning-bolt thought that struck him. “Every single person around the circle was like, ‘I totally forgot that the landline was how I operated as a kid.’ We remember it as a utility for an adult and forget that the kids are a massive beneficiary of it.”
Why a retro landline works better Tin Can was dreamed up at Kittleson’s kitchen table with business partners
Aesthetically
Graeme Davies and Max Blumen. Together, they fleshed out the details of what would become the first retro phone for kids, appropriately called the Tin Can Flashback.
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internet router, in-wall ethernet port, or extender. A modern landline for kids was born.
The trio started simply, using off-the-shelf hardware to stitch together a product and secure service. They built enough phones for their own kids as a trial, and the result was staggering. They noted that their kids’ sudden autonomy “changed their behavior.” Their children’s friends were then brought into the budding social experiment. It was a small operation, and Kittleson personally installed every single phone in those early days, fielding texts from interested friends of friends until it was very quickly “eight degrees removed.”
“There’s a virality to our product,” Kittleson said. “When one person gets it, their friends want it. When someone sees it in a house, they do kind of lose their mind.”
Modern features parents love — without the screen
What sets Tin Can apart from the traditional landline? Modern features for tech-savvy parents, but with retro safeguards that previous generations took for granted.
It’s a safe phone for kids without internet access, designed to let them connect while avoiding the distractions and risks of today’s
2025-2026 Open Houses
devices. There is no battery in the unit, which plugs into a wall outlet, forcing users to remain stationary to operate. The app allows caregivers control over some basic features, like callable hours, limiting when kids can use their phones.
The “Do Not Disturb” toggle is a handy way to turn on and off functionality. There’s no screen. There are no games. There are no special features, like gag noises or filters. Gone
Check school websites for more detailed information and registration.
Annie Wright Schools
Grades Pre-K–12
827 N Tacoma Ave., Tacoma 98403 aw.org/annie-wright-schools-virtual-previews
Virtual Previews October 7, November 5, December 4
are the chaotic FaceTime sessions with long distance family.
“Our ethos is voice connection,” Kittleson said. “It does take a behavior change […] over time, the kid builds a muscle, and the grandparent builds a muscle. Once people do it, it’s a very special connection.”
How Tin Can phones keep kids safe Every Tin Can has a unique five-digit code. Tin Can users can call one another for free; there is a monthly subscription called the Party Line Plan, currently in the works, that will allow Tin Cans to dial outside numbers. Every contact must be pre-approved in the app before calls can be placed in or out.
There is no chance of spam, robocalls, or strangers getting through. The next iteration — simply called the Tin Can — will connect to Wi-Fi for easy access and feature a colorful, funky design kids will love.
Get on the list
Tin Can has users across North America. The third batch of the redesigned Tin Can is backordered until December. Parents say they want the childhood independence pendulum to swing away from sophisticated tech and dangerous, addictive devices.
“I think we’re clearly differentiated from a standard landline, but we want people to feel like this is a club,” Kittleson said. “I want everyone to feel like Tin Can is the safest, most fun club.”
Tin Can’s kid-friendly home phone is proof that independence for kids and peace of mind for parents can go hand in hand. A growing number of parents say they want a new “cool” for kids — a cool not connected to more sophisticated devices.
Tin Can is leading that charge. Check it out at 3tincan.kids.
The founders of Tin Can: (left to right) Graeme Davies, Chet Kittleson, and Max Blumen.
The Light Collective »Care
by MELODY IP
For the past two days, a cardboard box has been sitting in the Dunbar family’s living room.
Daughters 8-year-old Skyler and 11-year-old Mackenzie shake the box carefully, listening for clues about what’s inside. During dinner, they discuss its possible contents with parents Ben and Jessica. The box will consume their thoughts and conversations for the next few days until they — along with dozens of other families around the Pacific Northwest — get the “open” go ahead.
The anticipation feels like Christmas, but thanks to The Light Collective (TLC), a nonprofit organization that serves families of children with cancer, this excitement doesn’t happen just once a year.
Since December 2020, TLC has been sending themed activity boxes to families each month, with everything recipients need — activities, snacks, and a DoorDash voucher — for a fun-filled afternoon. They are part of what TLC calls “Matchbox Day,” which includes Zoom calls allowing families to connect. To date, 113 families are on the recipient list, with 90 to 95 boxes being sent each month.
“Our mission is to create a hope-oriented community
where families can build resilience and share delight,” says J. J. Kissinger, founder of The Light Collective. “We can’t pay off everybody’s medical bills or cure cancer, but if we can create one day each month that gives these families a chance to make some fun memories as a family — maybe get to know others on the same journey and feel a little less alone — then we feel like we’ve done the right thing.”
Several times a year, TLC
also organizes Out of the Box Days, which are one-day in-person gatherings in the Seattle area. The events are always held in private spaces, allowing TLC to ensure that all attendees have undergone medical screenings and to provide a safe, healthy environment for families.
When the Dunbars attended their first Out of the Box Day in October 2024 — more than a year after Mackenzie was diagnosed with T-cell leuke-
mia — they didn’t know what to expect. They arrived at the event and saw “tables full of people just like us, in various stages of the whole [cancer] process,” Jessica says. “There were the kindest volunteers who were nice and helpful, and spoke ‘kid’ really well.”
Each family is assigned to an enthusiastic volunteer who serves as the family’s host for the day. The main events are
Journeying together through childhood cancer
Creating communities where kids flourish
Mackenzie and Skyler Dunbar at an Out of the Box Day organized by The Light Collective.
«Care
always different — carnival, variety show, silly relay games — and are designed to include all family members. But while the activities are entertaining, engaging, and wholesome fun, being in an environment that builds solidarity and normalizes what people are experiencing is even more valuable.
Music from the 'frontline'
Seattle singer-songwriter Anna Palfreeman knows how important connection can be during a child’s cancer treatment. Her young son was diagnosed two years ago. The Light Collective recently hosted a release event for Palfreeman’s newest album ‘Frontline.’ The songs on the
album come from the artist’s own experience and offer understanding and comfort to listeners experiencing difficulty in their lives. Read more about Anna’s experience and the music — “‘Too Much’: A mother’s grief becomes a healing album” — online at 3Seattleschild.com
At one event, the parents of a pre-teen girl were surprised that their daughter had removed her hat, uncovering her bald head — something she hadn’t done even with her grandparents or close friends. When the mother expressed her surprise, her daughter replied, “Mom, these are my people” (despite having just met them).
At the start of Mackenzie’s cancer treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital, she and Jessica stayed at the Ronald McDonald house in Seattle. But since moving to their home in
North Bend, Jessica says the journey has become more isolating. “People who don’t have kids in this experience can’t relate,” she says. “And that’s OK, but it makes it hard when you’re having a hard moment — who do you talk to that really understands?”
In those moments, it’s essential to have individuals to reach out to, who know exactly what you’re talking about — and those connections are what the Dunbars and other families have found through TLC’s events. The organization has also added another virtual meet-up for parents, recognizing the lifeline that such
It’s so much more than a gift!
Washington State Heirloom Birth Certificate
A portion of the proceeds from each birth certificate benefits the Children’s Trust Fund of Washington, administered by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families Strengthening Families Program.
• This official birth certificate is personally signed by the Governor and State Registrar.
connections provide.
“I heard it once said that a beautiful life is a life free of explanation, where you can just feel understood,” Kissinger said. “That’s what happens in these gatherings.”
TLC is currently exploring how to expand the regional borders so families beyond Seattle can gather. The organization also is planning a family retreat weekend in March 2026.
“To be able to be a part of giving to a family, just that community of understanding, I’ll never get over it,” Kissinger said. “It feels like such an honor and a privilege to set the table for those things.”
Pitch In Jump in at Giving Garden
• Frameable keepsake.
• For each $45 purchase of an Heirloom Birth Certificate, $20 is tax deductible.
To find out more information on Children’s Trust and child abuse prevention in Washington State visit: www.dcyf.wa.gov/about/governmentcommunity/community-engagement or visit the Department of Health to order your own Heirloom Birth Certificate.
DCYF FS_0010 (09-19)
• 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).
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty at the Giving Garden at Marra Farm, located on 8.7 acres of preserved farmland in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. As volunteers, your whole family can help to build soil, prepare vegetable beds, plant vegetable starts and seeds, weed, compost, water, harvest, wash produce, and distribute produce to local food banks. Don’t know a whole lot about gardening? No worries, you’ll all learn as you go. All levels of gardening skills and knowledge are welcome. Drop in Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more at 3solid-
The Dunbar sisters opening a themed activity box.
»Inclusion
Supporting families with disabilities
The ASL dilemma
by MELODY IP
Laura Gramer, a Seattle-based mother of two deaf children in sixth and ninth grades, remembers when her oldest son, a fifth grader at the time, began the school year without a sign language interpreter.
He was attending TOPS K-8, one of two schools — the other
being Roosevelt High School — in Seattle Public Schools (SPS) with a self-contained program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). A statewide shortage of American Sign Language interpreters meant Gramer’s son went without an interpreter for most of the year.
Gramer, who also is deaf, told the school they needed to find one. In subsequent years, Gramer says, “They had to find one from out of state and fly them in.”
The interpreter shortage is
still impacting DHH students and family members who need American Sign Language (ASL) support. A child or parent who is deaf has the right to a district-provided interpreter at extracurricular activities, school events, and parent-teacher conferences. The issue made news earlier this year when the Seattle School Board failed to secure an interpreter for an important public hearing, leaving some parents unable to participate. Deaf parents have had to rely on spouses for parent-teacher
conferences and parents say requests for interpreters at school events like concerts and plays often aren’t met.
While it’s hard to pin down how many SPS parents rely on ASL, there are approximately 180,000 DHH adults living in the Greater Seattle area. After the May kerfuffle, SPS Board President Gina Topp apologized to the DHH community:
“We understand this is not just a single incident, but part of a longer history in Seattle Public
Schools where decision making has been inaccessible to the DHH community,” Topp wrote.
Statewide, 1,310 DHH students were enrolled in school during the 2022-23 school year. According to Ann Curry, Student Support Services Supervisor for SPS’ Special Education Program, SPS has more than 420 students with diagnosed hearing impairment, ranging from minimal loss to deafness. Approximately 10% of these students use sign language. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 10% of DHH kids have at least one parent who is also deaf or hard of hearing.
Some students have a hearing impairment combined with other disabilities.
“Our job as educators and evaluators is to determine what is the diagnosis of a disability that needs the fastest and most
support so that we can remediate any loss of time of learning and access to language,” says Curry. Classroom support may include captioning, sign language interpretation, or assistive listening devices.
The district also prioritizes the family’s language modality, whether signed or spoken language. If an interpreter is needed, Curry will try to match the student with someone for the entire school year. However, as with all school positions, interpreters may call in sick or need time off, leaving schools scrambling to find replacements.
for students now, two months before [school] starts.”
Gramer says school interpreters really need an educational interpreting background.
“There were three deaf boys, including my son, and the interpreter was interpreting really fast because he’s trying to keep up with the teacher.
“All of us are arm wrestling for the same interpreters.”
—ANN CURRY
Student Support Services Supervisor for SPS' Special Education Program
School interpreters with an educational background know they need to look at the kid for cues, because sometimes kids don’t know how to self-advocate yet with a stranger.”
now, Spokane Falls Community College is the only interpreter training program in the state. Additional programs are needed, “plus more sign language programs in our schools to inspire kids to go into that field,” Curry said. “We’re trying to create the infrastructure to feed the pipeline, but it is a slow iceberg to move.”
Find
The challenge isn’t unique to SPS. Curry hears the same woes from DHH program leaders in Tacoma, Puyallup, Edmonds, and other districts.
“All of us are arm wrestling for the same interpreters,” Curry says. “I have to put in my request
Diana Fitzgerald, a Tacoma mom of an eighth grader and a high school junior who rely on ASL interpreters, wants Tacoma School District to hire highly qualified, competitively paid, on-staff interpreters rather than contract workers.
That may be tough to do, given the current shortage. Right
Imagine Children’s Museum
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Get ready for a Spooktacular! evening at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett! On October 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., the museum will transform with science shows, carnival games, and not-too-scary surprises. Explore the Haunted Hall of Imagination, build a monster in the Monster Maker Lab, and join the Commander of Curiosity’s Costume Parade. Complete a spooky passport quest. Costumes encouraged! Made possible in part by assistance from the Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Tax Fund.
Meanwhile, advocates continue to push initiatives to better serve DHH families. In July, a new state law kicked in, tightening the qualifications and standards for ASL interpreters in public schools. SPS has also implemented a policy giving enrollment priority at TOPS K-8 and Roosevelt High to families whose home language is ASL, and not just to DHH students.
“The ability to enroll as a convenience for parents who are deaf or hard of hearing [and have hearing kids] is very new,” said Curry. “The ink isn’t even dry yet. This is a big movement for Seattle to make this inclusive decision.”
Meeting their needs
Lights, camera…too much action! If you have a child with sensory sensitivity, then you know all too well how overwhelming public outings can feel to children sensitive to lights, noise, and chaos. Seattle mom Allison Peterson’s “Guide to sensory-friendly outings around the Seattle area” showcases top resources and activities. Check it out online at 3seattles child.com/ outingsaroundseattle-withspecialneeds-kids
Sponsored Content
Should my child be talking?
What parents should know about speech development in kids
BY JULIE HANSON
wwww, those first words from your child. “Mama.” “Dada” “Kitty.” “Airplane.”
They’re a milestone we cherish and to which we probably assign a significance beyond what they warrant. But still… your baby is talking, and who can blame a parent for being excited about that?
On the other hand: What if your baby isn’t talking, or doesn’t seem to be talking at quite the right level? What is cause for concern, and what can a parent do?
We went to the source, talking about milestones and tips with an expert: Carson Pyatt, a certified speech language pathologist with Mary Bridge Children’s:
Typical milestones
Around 1 year: Your child should say something that you recognize as a word. (If your child was born prematurely, go by their adjusted age, not their chronological age.)
About 2 years: A child should have a vocabulary of around 50 words and should be putting two words together. But know this: It will be basic, Pyatt explains. It won’t be grammatical. It might sound like: “Daddy up.” “Mommy cup.” “Go please.” “More bubble.” These are good early statements, Pyatt says. The pattern is usually a noun combined with an action word (“up”) or a request/desire (“please”). As Pyatt explains, at this age kids are motivated by asking for something, describing something, greeting someone or simply getting attention. You’re not going to have a sophisticated conversation, but if these key elements are present, you’ll know the child is headed in the right direction.
After age 2: The vocabulary should continue to increase, and a child’s statements will keep evolving: Expect a kid to sometimes add “ing” to
verbs or to express some things as possessives (“my toy,” “his ball,” “Fluffy’s bed.”)
During these years, a child also will develop the ability to answer questions and – this is a big one – when a child starts school, both their pronunciation and their message should be thoroughly understandable.
When to be worried
Every child develops differently, but Pyatt gave a few potential red flags:
• If your child isn’t expressing themself with either words or signs by 12 to 18 months.
• If they aren’t putting two words together by 24 months.
• If, around the ages of 2 to 3, the child is difficult to understand or becoming frustrated trying to make themself understood.
Then it’s probably time to be evaluated for potential speech/language therapy. This is generally done by getting a referral from a primary care provider.
Don’t be alarmed by the label “speech/language therapy,” because guess what? It’s chill, it’s fun, your kid probably will have no idea that they’re “learning” something – and parents will learn, too.
“A lot of it does look like play,” says Pyatt, who should know because she works with kids all day, every day. “Play-based therapy is the most effective.”
And in the process of all of this “playing,” the therapist is giving parents strategies that they can use at home to help develop their child’s language abilities.
As Pyatt explains: “I often tell parents: I don’t do anything magical for your child. I want to teach you how to help them.”
Tips we all can use
“It is never too early to start reading to your child.” This is from a therapist who even visits
babies in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
“Even at birth, aim for a book a day,” Pyatt says. “Reading together is one of the best ways to boost language development and instill a love of books.”
This one might be counterintuitive, but hear us out: Resist the urge to quiz your child. If you’re always asking, “What is that?” you are likely to get short, one- or two-word answers. A better strategy is to narrate the world for your child: “Look at the dog chasing the red ball.” They will hear you and learn from you – and eventually, they’ll mimic that type of statement. “The more you practice, the easier it gets,” Pyatt says.
Limit screen time. Pyatt realizes that the “no screen time” advice, while sound, might be impossible to put into practice. Her more achievable idea: “Limit it to one hour a day,” and then: content that is soothing and not overstimulating. “CoComelon”? Too much going on. And why the limit? While kids’ shows might appear to promote vocabulary development, here’s the problem: “It’s one-sided. All the kid does is watch,” Pyatt says. Kids are more likely to learn in a more dynamic setting, a conversation with another person that involves back-and-forth, give-and-take.
Also, know that challenges with speech and self-expression can be symptoms of something like autism, and a speech/language evaluation through Mary Bridge Children’s can be a step toward that diagnosis.
For now: Keep talking – and reading – to your child. And be ready to get an earful in return.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
In an era where fake news and misinformation are as prevalent as factual, evidence-based reporting and information sharing, raising critical thinkers has never been more important. A child’s ability to discern fact from fiction in the news, on websites, or social media may be the difference not only between parsing reality from fantasy, but between good mental health and bad, life and death. In this issue, we look at programs that are teaching kids the critical thinking skills they need to survive and thrive in a digital world: Student journalism programs, media literacy education, and the annual Misinfo Day. And, you’ll discover ways to help your kids navigate the fast-changing digital
STUDENTS CRITICALLY thinking STUDENT journalism
Learning critical thinking skills for high-standard reporting by DONNA BLANKINSHIP photograph by JOSHUA
HUSTON
Remember your high school newspaper’s gossip-filled pages and the yearbook staff’s valiant effort to include at least one photo of every student in addition to their mugshot?
Yearbooks and student journalism have changed in the years since then.
While many of us bemoan the crumbling state of American journalism, student reporters and editors today aim for the highest journalistic standards. At Washington schools, students are producing print and broadcast media that more closely mirror professional media than did the basic sports and activities coverage of yesteryear.
Consider the front page of the April 29, 2025 issue of “The Roosevelt News,” including stories about ICE deportations and chemicals in food. Turn the pages of this student paper (in print for more than 100 years) and you’ll read an article about school funding under threat from the Trump administration, a column about whether celebrities should speak up in politics, a debate over whether college is worth pursuing, and a discussion about trans athletes. Engaged students, real journalism
Students across Washington are engaged in the
political discourse of the day and actively participating in debates on controversial topics. While parents may wish they could protect kids from the news for a few more years, students stress that it’s too late: They lived through the pandemic, witnessed the past few elections, and live on social media. Their eyes are wide open.
On a recent visit to Roosevelt High School, I expected to be giving the newspaper and yearbook students a pep talk about being brave and covering issues their classmates were passionate about — from the war in Gaza to the actions of the Trump administration.
No pep talk was required.
“With all the news happening, it’s important to cover it all so then we can remember,” said sophomore Gus Self.
Classmate Charlotte Louvier, a senior who worked on the yearbook’s 2024 election spread, said student staff did their best to capture a variety of opinions, even though Roosevelt is a mostly liberal school in a decidedly blue neighborhood and city.
“A lot of people are scared to speak about their political views if they disagree with the majority,” Louvier said.
News by the numbers
Washington has at least 24 student newspapers at public and private high schools, plus four in the middle grades — College Place Middle School in Lynnwood, Washington Middle School in Olympia, Nisqually Middle School in Lacey and Snoqualmie Middle School. Students at other schools publish less formal or regular papers, including Talbot Hill Elementary in Renton. Some schools also have TV and radio stations.
Washington student journalists have had more
freedom to express themselves since 2018 when the legislature passed the New Voices Act. After a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court decision curtailing student press freedom, the Washington Legislature handed back their First Amendment rights by making students and not the administration responsible for what is published in school media. Taking their responsibility seriously Charlotte Swapp, another Roosevelt senior, demonstrated how the law has given students both freedom and responsibility. She recalled a decision students had to make regarding publishing a controversial comment about what students planned to do after turning 18. One student replied that they planned to be in a three-person relationship.
Because yearbooks last forever and are often seen by readers outside of school — including parents — the students decided they didn’t want one controversial comment to draw attention away from the interesting and impactful stories in the rest of the yearbook. They did some soul searching, debated the pros and cons and even consulted the principal before deciding to pull it.
Swapp said they decided to take a more careful approach on this relatively innocuous part of the 2024-25 yearbook to make “space” for their election coverage and other potentially controversial sections, including pages on the war in Gaza and Luigi Mangione, the young man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Kathy Schrier, executive director of the Washington Journalism Education Association (WJEA), noted that enlightened administrators understand that student journalism enhances the student learning experience. There are principals
Why student journalism matters in a democracy
by KATHY SCHRIER, M.ED and ANNE HAYMAN, M.S. Washington Journalism Education Association (WJEA)
The expectation is that public schools educate our students on how a democratic society works and the benefits of our Constitution — including the First Amendment. We hope that when students graduate, they will become active and informed citizens who make ethical choices. Toward that end, student journalists and their publications, newspapers, yearbooks, news websites and broadcasts, are important to the promise of free speech and a free press in the U.S.
The value of journalism is frequently questioned and the sustainability of its delivery systems (local papers, in particular) is in doubt. We, however, believe that true, objective, wellsourced reporting is needed now more than ever, especially in our schools.
Student media allow students to experience the power of the First Amendment first hand. A vibrant student press provides students a voice and strengthens involvement in the school community. It offsets misinformation spread by social media, replacing rumors with accurate information from reliable sources. It enhances the possibility of open minds and fosters civil discussions with people of differing perspectives.
Student journalists provide a voice to the voiceless. They tell the stories that need to be shared, teaching [students] to ask difficult questions and demand explanations.
Whether or not they become professional journalists, students “raised” with a strong student journalism program become adults who seek out quality journalism and know the importance of protecting First Amendment rights.
READ THE FULL ESSAY ONLINE
Anne Hayman, M.S.
Kathy Schrier, M.ED
Paul Reese, Roosevelt High School's newspaper advisor, reviews the front page of the newspaper with his class.
Morningside Academy
who believe students shouldn’t write or broadcast about certain issues, Schrier said. WJEA aims to move them out of that mindset while providing training for newspaper and yearbook advisers and their staff.
She stresses that student journalists gain skills in communications, writing, design and photography, while also building civic engagement skills. “There’s this one room in their building where democracy is actually happening,” Schrier said.
Complaints will happen
Anne Hayman, who is a journalism adviser at Arlington High School as well as an officer of the WJEA, advises parents to first talk to their kids when they have concerns about student publications, then to the program adviser before knocking on the principal’s door. (The principal will likely refer them back to the newspaper staff.)
“THERE'S THIS ONE ROOM IN THEIR BUILDING WHERE DEMOCRACY IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING."
-KATHY SCHRIER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE WASHINGTON JOURNALISM EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (WJEA)
Even when complaints end up in court, the New Voices law means students will likely be the ones testifying about how they reported and wrote their story. About a decade ago, when Roosevelt students defended a story in court, the judge decided they were just doing their journalism jobs.
Hayman believes the New Voices law brings journalism ethics rules to life: “When you treat them like professional journalists, they are more likely to behave as such.”
Legal aid on the rise
Washington is one of 18 states with New Voices laws protecting student journalism from administrative censorship. Mike Hiestand, senior legal counsel with the national Student Press Law Center and a resident of Ferndale, says the New Voices laws have helped revitalize student journalism programs.
Hiestand says calls for legal help have been on the rise in the past few years, perhaps because the issues students are tackling are increasingly controversial.
“Because the biggest issues of the day are pr [public relations] unfriendly, the principal is going to field some phone calls,” Hiestand said.
News deserts — communities with limited access to credible and comprehensive local news and information — are another reason students are tackling big stories they may have ignored in the past. “High school students are kind of picking up the slack, filling in the gaps,” Hiestand said.
He encourages parents to read student papers. He offers one caveat, however: Recognize you’re not reading The Seattle Times; this is student journalism. Students do amazing work, but they also make mistakes.
Mistakes are part of the learning.
literacy MEDIA
School librarians leading the charge on teaching kids to decode media story and photograph by MEG BUTTERWORTH
Digital media’s grip on our daily lives is undeniable. Consider findings from the nonprofit advocacy group Media Literacy Now about the amount of time kids and teens engage with digital media, including social media, movies, and video games.
According to the group, “Children ages 2 to 8 spend an average of two hours per day, children between 8 and 12 spend four to six hours, and adolescents over 12 years old spend an average of seven to nine hours per day.”
And that is why states and school districts
across the U.S. have adopted policies in recent years to ensure students’ safe use of technology and responsible online behavior.
The policy push for media literacy
In 2016, Washington became the first state in the nation to pass media literacy education legislation, aimed at teaching kids to think critically about media messages and assess their influence and purpose. “Digital citizenship” is taught to help kids understand appropriate and legal use of technology. While all teachers play a role in integrating these lessons in the classroom, much of the responsibility falls on school librarians.
“The role of a school librarian has evolved a lot to incorporate these kinds of lessons,” said Erin O’Conner, a teacher librarian at Kellogg Middle School in Shoreline. In the Shoreline
Public School District, each school has a fulltime teacher librarian, someone who has both a teaching certificate and either a Masters in Library and Information Science or an endorsement in Library Media.
Time constraints are a challenge for O’Conner. The district doesn’t have a set media literacy curriculum, so she is responsible for finding resources to guide instruction, such as the American Association of School Librarians and Common-Sense Media. She also seeks specialized training like the annual Misinfo Day.
Typically, O’Conner has 50 minutes with students per class period, and integrates media literacy lessons — identifying credible resources, and rooting out AI-generated content meant to spread disinformation — into her overall work. Overall, O’Connor said, Gen Z gets it.
“I CAN START THE CONVERSATION, BUT THEY REALLY NEED TO BE CONVERSATIONS THAT FAMILIES HAVE WITH THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME.”
-KRISTI LELAND LIBRARIAN AT OLYMPIC VIEW AND WEDGWOOD ELEMENTARIES
“They’ll make fun of their parents or grandparents who are posting things that are very clearly AI.”
Kristi Leland is an elementary school teacher librarian at Olympic View and Wedgwood elementaries in Seattle. Each year, Leland said, the number of 4th and 5th graders with phones and access to social media increases. Since the teacher librarian position in SPS elementaries is half-time, Leland is pressed for time to guide kids toward appropriate use. Leland has 30 minutes a week with the K-3 students. Fourth and 5th grades come bi-weekly for 45 minutes. And promoting books takes priority, especially for older kids for whom, Leland says, “reading doesn’t carry the same excitement that a phone does.”
Leland weaves media literacy and digital citizenship into all her work, but she also has specific lesson plans. She works with 5th graders on identifying altered images and appropriate online commentary. For K-2, she talks about healthy screen time and finding a balance. She believes parents and caregivers also need to be involved: “I can start the conversation,” she says, “but they really need to be conversations that families have with their children at home.”
Commitment despite challenges
Shoreline and SPS are struggling with budget deficits, and O’Connor and Leland are working with limited resources to help kids adapt to a rapidly changing world. Along with limited time and the loss of library teaching assistants, finding funding for training that helps librarians track digital media’s evolving landscape and develop effective teaching practices is a challenge. In spite of the challenges, however, O’Connor and Leland love their jobs and are committed to ensuring students have the skills they need to use media safely and responsibly.
Erin O'Conner, the librarian at Kellogg Middle School in Shoreline, teaches media literacy.
'Critically, creatively and WITH PURPOSE'
Expert tips on helping your kids navigate the digital world
by CHERYL MURFIN
In the last decade, a new world of misinformation, marketing, propaganda, and fake news has become part and parcel of our increasingly digital world. Like schools, parents have a big role to play in helping kids navigate this world.
The resources at MisinfoDay, the annual media literacy event for students and educators, are a good place to start. The event is co-hosted by the University of Washington (UW) Center for an Informed Public and Washington State University (WSU) Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.
We asked MisinfoDay leaders to share their thoughts on how parents can help hone media literacy skills at home. Professor Jevin West is the co-founder of the UW Center for an Informed Public. Professor Katie Davis is co-director of UW Digital Youth Lab. Caroline Pitt is a post-doctoral
raise thoughtful, engaged young people who can participate meaningfully in their world. What matters is how we guide children to use [technology] critically, creatively, and with a sense of purpose.”
Seattle’s Child: Why do parents need to participate in teaching media literacy?
Katie Davis: Kids are much more likely to internalize important messages — such as how to tell fact from fiction — when they hear them from multiple trusted sources and in a variety of everyday contexts. Parents bring something uniquely powerful to the table: they know their children best. They can tailor conversations to their child’s prior knowledge, interests, and lived experiences.
In earlier years, children are constantly observing how the adults
lines, whether we pause to question. Modeling thoughtful engagement with digital content [helps] to build habits of mind kids will carry with them.
Seattle’s Child: How do you help your own kids navigate fact from fiction?
Jevin West: I am learning every day as a researcher and as a parent. There are a few principles that I regularly turn to:
First, ask [kids] about their sources. Ask them: Who told you this? What makes them an expert? What do they have to gain from it? I want my kids to spend as much time, if not more, considering the source than trying to parse the validity of a claim.
Second, encourage kids to read laterally. If my kids run into a claim about an erupting volcano with blue lava, I want them to immediately move from that tab laterally in their web
browser and see if others are reporting on blue lava. If other major news outlets are not reporting it, [it’s likely] a false claim.
Third, find opportunities to teach how the internet works and the role of attention-grabbing algorithms. Making them aware of the addictive qualities of the internet can be a useful way for them to reflect and be attuned to falsehoods spread online.
Katie Davis: With my 8-year-old son, my main goal is to help him see that digital tools such as Google, Alexa, and ChatGPT aren’t all-knowing or all-powerful. I try to break that illusion by wondering aloud where the information is coming from and how it compares to what we already know or believe.
I also look for age-appropriate ways to introduce the idea that the content we see online isn’t random —
it’s curated, often based on what grabs the most attention. We look at views, likes, and comments together and talk about how those features can influence what rises to the top of a search or feed — not because it’s true, but because it’s popular or provocative.
Want to help kids exercise critical thinking skills? Help them practice and encourage them to ask the questions on the Global Digital Citizenship Foundation's "Ultimate Cheatsheet for Critical Thinking" whenever they discover or discuss new information.
3 tinyurl.com/ 4ts58fk6
participating in MisinfoDay 2024.
Do
• Start early. Even young children can understand that not everything online is true.
• Model curiosity and doubt. Speak aloud when you check a source or spot something questionable.
• Ask questions. Encourage kids to consider both source and possible intent.
• Watch, read, and talk about digital content together. Misinformation is complex and even adults fall for it.
• Discuss digital design. Help kids understand how algorithms and “likes” influence what they see.
Don’t
• Diversify information sources. Show kids how different outlets may frame the same event differently.
• Stay calm. If your child falls for something false, use it as a teaching moment.
• Set an example. Let your kids see you checking sources before reposting things or questioning a headline.
• Celebrate uncertainty. It’s okay not to know — teach them how to find reliable answers.
• Keep communication channels open. Discuss kids’ interests regularly, as springboards to discussing misinformation.
• Don’t shame kids for believing something that turns out to be untrue.
• Don’t assume they already know. Even savvy teens need guidance.
• Don’t treat media literacy as a one-time lesson. Make it an ongoing conversation.
• Don’t rely on filters or parental controls alone.
• Be silly. Playful examples help kids remember. (Check out Loki’s Loop es-
cape rooms and Starbound Secrets.)
• Don’t take the completely offline approach. Children need to build media literacy and critical thinking skills.
• Don’t panic. If you don’t know something, model reflection. Ask teachers and librarians to help you find resources.
These lists include input from
Katie Davis and Caroline Pitt
Students
Look, Listen & LEARN TV
Award-winning local PBS children’s program celebrates being BIPOC by ELIZABETH
“
LHUNTER portrait by JOSHUA HUSTON
ook, Listen and Learn” (LL+L) opens with a catchy theme song and two enthusiastic cohosts: Auntie Lena and Possum, an inquisitive marsupial puppet.
Together they laugh, talk, and entertain young viewers. Sometimes they discuss tough topics, like changing schools or teasing, offering evidence-based coping strategies for kids and parents to use in real life. There are read-alongs, artmaking, music, and recipes for kids to try at home.
Most importantly, in accordance with its mission, almost everyone who appears on “Look, Listen and Learn” is a person of color.
Community pride and inspiration
Like “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the stoops of “Sesame Street,” “Look, Listen and Learn” shows young viewers they are part of a community full of fascinating and inspiring people.
As Auntie Lena, show Executive Producer Val Thomas-Matson draws from her own experience growing up in the Central District and Rainier Valley. Both of her
parents worked to support four kids, two of whom were terminally ill with sickle cell anemia. Even amid that heartbreak, Thomas-Matson felt the warmth of her community.
Back then, Thomas-Matson says, the Central District was “a whole world of Black people doing both ordinary and exceptional things — things white folks said we couldn’t do, like becoming the first Black State Supreme Court Justice or a world-famous opera singer.”
A village raised Thomas-Matson. But today she worries that the kind of inspiration afforded by a tight community is fading.
“Fewer of those villages exist today,” she says. “Families who can provide for their children can do well, but those who
are poor, melanated, or disadvantaged don’t have those opportunities, and are often dismissed.”
A show informed by research Research plays a huge role in “Look, Listen and Learn.” For example, puppets like Zane Exactly’s Possum have proven effective in helping kids work out difficult subjects, according to a 2025 study published in The Arts in Psychotherapy. Show producers point out that children of color watch more media than white children, making positive BIPOC representation even more powerful.
Victoria Mendez, associate producer, grew up watching PBS Kids shows like “WordGirl” and “Martha Speaks.” By the
A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Look, Listen and Learn.
Val Thomas-Matson, the executive producer of Look, Listen and Learn.
early 2000s, children’s television started featuring more female leads.
“But,” says Mendez, “it’s important to see culturally different characters. Our show is entirely focused on kids of color.”
That’s not lip service. In addition to an all-BIPOC cast, the show’s tiny production team consists mostly of people of color. Media research shows the biggest gaps in popular media aren’t in front of the camera, but behind it. From small TV shows to blockbuster movies, women, BIPOC, and queer folks are vastly underrepresented in production. That’s partly why Communications Lead Amari Cash stays involved — despite having another full-time job.
“I’d drop everything for ‘Look, Listen and Learn,’” she says.
An uncertain future
This year, “Look, Listen and Learn” won its first Emmy award — the latest in a string of honors that includes three Telly Awards. Unfortunately, says Cash, “Awards don’t always translate to funding.”
“WE ARE USING THIS AS FUEL TO REMIND PEOPLE HOW IMPORTANT FREE EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION IS.”
-VICTORIA MENDEZ ASSOCIATE PRODUCER OF LL+L
Like so much public television, the show is grappling for financial support. The “Look, Listen and Learn” commitment to free, high-quality educational programming aimed at kids of color is also, frustratingly, making it harder for them to get grants. Fearing reprisal from the current presidential administration, big corporations that offered grants to shows aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion are pulling back, says Cash.
In July, Congress clawed back $1.1 billion in federal funding for public media. Then in August, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nearly 60-year-old public media grant writing entity, announced it would close at the end of this year after lawmakers left it out of the federal spending bill. Member stations all over the country are in the heartbreaking process of cutting staff and shutting down productions.
“It’s devastating,” said Mendez. “But we are using this as fuel to remind people how important free educational television is.”
She’s not the only one fired up. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has led the company in an algorithm shift, prioritizing free, educational kids' shows. After Mohan adjusted YouTube’s algorithm, viewership for LL+L exploded.
“We were seeing 500, maybe 1,000 monthly views per episode,” said Cash.
Hopefully recent successes will help close funding gaps. Right now, “Look, Listen and Learn” has five full seasons available on demand.
Look, Listen and Learn airs on Seattle Channel (channel 21) on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. It's available on YouTube at the LL+L channel. 3looklistenandlearn.org
»Enrich
Whether it’s the arts, science, sports or technology, there’s something to spark the interest of every young learner! Check out these after-school and weekend enrichment opportunities:
ACADEMIC
Art of Problem Solving Academy
Grades 1-12
1750 112th Ave NE Suite B-100, Bellevue 98004 17875 Redmond Way Ste 110, Redmond 98052 425-777-7550, bellevue@aopsacademy.org 425-380-2878, redmond@aopsacademy.org aopsacademy.org
Art of Problem Solving Academies in Bellevue and Redmond offer after-school and weekend math and language arts enrichment. In the AoPS classroom, our scholars (1st-12th grade) do the heavy lifting. Driven by rigor, creativity, and collaboration, we're committed to empowering
the next generation of problem solvers.
Frog Hollow School
Ages 8+
West Seattle, Carnation, and online 425-765-5060, froghollowschool@gmail.com froghollowschool.com
Now in its 16th year, Frog Hollow School is a children's writing program offering immersive language arts classes for homeschoolers and online after-school creative writing workshops. Our classes respect young writers as artists, humans, and children, giving them powerful voices, the skills to be articulate, and sparking
Try a free class! Ages 8 to Adult
Scan here to see our beginner class schedule and learn how to receive a free trial lesson.
their love of writing.
Russian School of Mathematics
Grade K-12
Multiple locations in Bellevue and Redmond mathschool.com
Recently featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked one of the best schools in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Roaring Mouse
Creative Arts Studio
Ages 2.5+
7526 20th Avenue NE, Seattle 98115 507-400-7526
director@roaringmouse.org roaringmouse.org
Nestled in the heart of Ravenna, our colorful, light-filled studio has been a home for joyful and creative experiences for children for over 28 years. We offer play-based preschool programs, birthday parties, weekend and after-school classes, holiday gift-making workshops, summer camps, and more! Now registering for Fall 2025.
Splashing Cat Studio offers creative art camps, after-school classes, optional after-care, weekend workshops, and parent date nights for kids ages 6-18. They’ll paint, draw, sculpt, and more! Use code SIBLING25 for a 5% sibling discount, or code MULTI25 for a 5% discount when booking 2+ camps/classes together.
Melinda Caluori helps families find flexible, reliable, and surprisingly affordable live-in childcare. As a mom of three (including twins!) and a former host, she’s spent 15 years connecting families with au pairs. Many assume it’s too expensive, but it’s often more practical than daycare or a nanny. Reach out to Melinda to learn more.
SJCC J Kids
Grades PreK-12
3801 W. Mercer Way, Mercer Island 98040 206-232-7115, info@sjcc.org sjcc.org/J-Kids
From after-school care to enrichment classes to sports leagues, at Stroum Jewish Community Center, kids participate and have fun in engaging activities all year long. Whether building robots, playing soccer, splashing in our pool, or exploring their Jewish roots, kids and teens will explore, create, and make great friends in a warm and welcoming environment.
Strengthening Families Washington is a program within the Department of Children, Youth & Families whose primary focus is helping families become stronger together through various tactics. We also assist with several public-awareness campaigns, including Every Feeling Matters: Recognizing Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), Have A Plan: Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Infant Safe Sleep: Safe Sleep for Your Baby.
Eastside Play Therapy is a group practice dedicated to encouraging children's and families' developmental and emotional growth. Our mission is to provide hope and healing through play-based, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed interventions.
As a Girl Scout, she won’t just earn badges. She’ll earn belief in herself. Because in a world that tells girls to shrink, this is where she expands into who she’ll become: a leader, a friend, a builder, a force. What she’ll
become starts here — and we’re just getting started.
PERFORMING ARTS: DANCE
All That Dance
Ages 18 months-18 years
3012 NE Blakeley St., Seattle 98105 206-524-8944
info@all-that-dance.com allthatdanceseattle.com
With dance classes, camps, and more, All That Dance has been Seattle’s home for dance for 30 years. Explore ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pop styles (formerly hip hop), modern, and more in our welcoming community.
Creative Dance Center
Ages 2 months and older 12577 Densmore Ave. N, Seattle 98133 206-363-7281 info@creativedance.org creativedance.org
Creative Dance Center sparks joy and learning through movement! From Nurturing Baby and Caregiver/Child to Creative Dance, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Adaptive BrainDance, we welcome all ages, including adults. Year-round classes cultivate creativity, confidence, and connection in a welcoming, family-centered environment, where dance is a playful, powerful part of life.
Oly's DanceSport Studio
3-18 years
2831 Bond St., Everett 98201 425-257-0102
olysdancesportstudio@gmail.com olysdancesport.com
Your child has access to everything — from sports to art to endless after-school clubs. But how many of these activities truly transform? At Oly’s Dance Studio, children don’t just move, they grow resilient bodies, curious minds, steady spirits, and the confidence to influence their world. They learn to stand tall in every room, listen, lead, and shine. Oly’s isn’t just dance. It’s training for life.
PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC
Chickadee Music Together
Ages Newborn-5 years (Mixed-Age Classes)
Locations in Ballard and Phinney Ridge 206-334-8002 chickadeemt@gmail.com chickadeemusic.com
Sing, dance, play and learn! Chickadee Music Together offers engaging, research-based family music classes for young children and the grown-ups who love them. Nine song collections span a rich variety of tonalities, meters, and musical styles — year-round classes on weekdays and Saturdays in Ballard
and Phinney Ridge.
Sunshine Music Together
Ages Newborn–8 years
Queen Anne, Magnolia, West Seattle, Green Lake & Capitol Hill 206-281-1111 info@sunshinemusictogether.com sunshinemusictogether.com
Sunshine Music Together offers award-winning, research-based classes where families sing, dance, and play together in a joyful, welcoming community. Serving children from birth to age eight, our program nurtures every area of development through the power of music. Parents and caregivers join the fun, building connections that last a lifetime.
Studio East offers theater education for ages 4 to 19, led by professional teaching artists. Registration is open for Fall classes, Macbeth, and our Homeschool Musical. Auditions for Studio Intensive and 13: The Musical are in early September. Discover the magic of live performance and build confidence, creativity, and community.
SPORTS & MOVEMENT
Parkour Visions
Ages 5-15
10+ Parks around Seattle 206-923-8864 classes@parkourvisions.org parkourvisions.org
Parkour Visions offers after-school and weekend parkour classes across Seattle for ages 5-15. Kids build strength, confidence, and creativity through movement and outdoor play. Programs emphasize mentorship, creative problem-solving, and safe risk-taking. Classes run in West Seattle, Shoreline, Downtown, UW, and Tukwila. No screens — just movement, mentorship, and fun.
Rain City Fencing Center
Ages 8 to Adult
1776 136th Place NE, Bellevue 98005 425-747-6300 info@raincityfencing.com raincityfencing.com
How do you score touches on your opponent without getting hit yourself? It takes fast thinking, dynamic footwork, and a good strategy. The Olympic sport of fencing is safe, exciting, and fun! We have classes and summer camps for ages 8 to adult. All fencing equipment is provided. Think. Fast. Fencing!
