Michigan Parent Winter 2023-24

Winter 2024

Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative

Dedicated to the Children!

Winter Birthday Parties 15 Seriously Fun Ideas!

Finding Faith and Hope Grieving the Loss of a Child

10 Outstanding Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks in Michigan

Kids in the Kitchen Pets & Children Boy Mom Dressing Warm for Winter Kids Party Recipes And More!

MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

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from the publisher Marlanea McGraw

It’s hard to believe, but this issue of Michigan Parent winds up our FIFTH year of publishing this magazine! After wanting for quite a while to start a parenting magazine, I’m amazed that we are now five years into it.

We’re now in the thick of the holiday season!

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We had a house full of family and it was wonderful.

Family, food, and football—what else do you need?

Our cover feature for this issue is the Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative, and we focused on their commitment to promoting literacy for young children throughout the county. Read about the great initiatives and events that this agency runs to encourage a love of reading.

We also have some ideas for winter birthday parties that cover both indoor and outdoor celebrations, a list of outdoor skating rinks across the state, and tips for how to dress kids to help them stay warm when playing outdoors during our cold months.

You’ll find our regular features of book recommendations and recipes, and we’ve included a list of “boredom buster” ideas for those days—especially during the long Christmas school break—when a change of pace is really needed!

Please browse the ads along with the articles, as we would not be able to bring you this magazine without our wonderful advertisers! Remember to use local businesses whenever you can to help keep our communities strong.

Wishing you safe and happy holidays and a great start to the new year!

Marlanea

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take a look at what's inside...

WINTER 2024

the regulars

the cover

12 Live Fit! 16 Let's Read!

18 Amazing Kids!

22 Boy Mom 34 Pinterest Picks 36 Pet Parents 44 Puzzle Fun How Parents Keep Up

Book Recommendations

Kids in the Kitchen

Male-Dominanted Village

Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative Loves Literacy!

by Melissa McCance The Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative (HCGSC) is dedicated to ensuring that Hillsdale County children from birth to age eight have “access to a universal, comprehensive, and collaborative system of communitybased early childhood programs, services, and supports.” The collaborative brings together family service agencies, parents, and other partners to achieve this goal.

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the features

10 Winter Birthday Parties 14 Finding Faith and Hope 24 Kids’ Clothing 30 Ice Skating 32 Bored Indoors?

40 Recipes 47 PSA 15 Fun Ideas

the mp staff graphic design editor

Grieving the Loss of a Child

Melissa McCance

Dakota Harding

Dressing for the WInter

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10 Outstanding Outdoor Arenas

Heidi Lanius Cyndi Young Hannah Sayles Sherry Sheffer

Kendra Zieman Melissa McCance Elyse Apel

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T

he Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative (HCGSC) is dedicated to ensuring that Hillsdale County children from birth to age eight have “access to a universal, comprehensive, and collaborative system of community-based early childhood programs, services, and supports.”

The collaborative brings together family service agencies, parents, and other partners to achieve this goal.

A multi-dimensional approach is utilized in the HCGSC’s work. They: • Ask parents what they need and want • Engage community partners in the planning • • • •

By Melissa McCance

•

Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative Loves Literacy!

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and coordination of services Address the factors that influence a child’s success in school and life Promote community awareness of early childhood issues Advocate for quality early childhood programs and services Invite parents into decision-making conversations Collaborate with partner agencies to implement changes that will help families

Director Stefanie Rathburn and Family Liaison Wendy Playford are especially passionate about the readingrelated initiatives and events the HCGSC provides. They want young children in Hillsdale County not only to have their own books but to be exposed to fun activities that will encourage them to be lifelong readers.

Although most people acknowledge that reading is a valuable activity, many do not realize the enormous difference early exposure to books and reading can make in the life of a child.

Studies have revealed that “the more words that are in a child’s language world, the more words they will learn, and the stronger their language skills are when they reach kindergarten, the more prepared they are to be able to read, and the

better they read, the more likely they will graduate from high school” (PBS.org).

One reading initiative is the Little Free Library (LFL). These small “book houses” contain used books that are free to take. This resource is international in scope, with over 150,000 LFLs in 120 countries. The program slogan is, “Take a book, share a book,” because the idea is that people who take books will donate one or more in return.

There are currently seven LFLs in Hillsdale County, but the collaborative has received funding to double that number.

Camden, Waldron, Litchfield, and Pittsford are the priority areas for the new libraries. Parent volunteers from the HCGSC’s Family Coalition steward the LFLs to ensure there’s a good selection of children’s books available. In addition, there are some units not connected with HCGSC that are maintained by private individuals.

Another literacy initiative is the Books for Babies bags. These are cooler bags containing a crinkle book, a board book, information about the Little Free Libraries and the county public libraries, a flip book with tips for parents on promoting literacy, and a Talking is Teaching burp cloth. The bags are given to all babies delivered at Hillsdale Hospital and are distributed through the WIC program.

Talking is Teaching became part of the HCGSC’s programs a few years ago. This is a national campaign that emphasizes the importance of talking, reading, and singing to children. The group has a number of great items that help parents implement this principle including book marks, placemats, burp cloths, bibs, towels, and blankets that are printed with ideas to start conversations with children. The idea is to make small moments meaningful and to give parents information about how important it is to interact verbally with their children to help make them ready for school.

Stefanie and Wendy want to spread the word about another initiative called Hillsdale County Kids Read. This is an opportunity for local businesses or agencies that have areas like waiting rooms where children might be spending some time. Free books are provided twice a year to the businesses which can then utilize them as they choose. A business might set up a reading area or give the books to children to take home. The program was launched last year and currently has 10 businesses participating; this year’s goal is to double that number.

One exciting and inventive reading event is the Storywalk which is held every August in conjunction with the farmers market in downtown Hillsdale. Each one is based around a single book, and families visit different stations to hear a portion of the book read aloud. Every child receives a book, a take-home activity, and a snack. Families are also given a free token worth $5.00 for fresh produce at the farmers market. (At the 2023 event, tokens were limited to the first 150 families who attended.)

Twice a year—spring and fall—there are literacy pop-ups.

In 2023, one was held at The Udder Side in Jonesville and another at Reading Pizza Barn in Reading. The events run for two hours, but families can come and go as needed. Wendy says they are based around a book and the story is read several times during the event.

“There are different tables with agencies that have activities and those usually go along with the theme ofthe book. So that’s another event where they can pick out a free book to take home and they hear a story read.”

All the literacy events held by the HCGSC include an opportunity to select a new book to take home. The events are free and there are no eligibility requirements. The only stipulation is that children must live in Hillsdale County.

Stefanie emphasizes that she and Wendy may be the only staff at HCGSC, but there is enormous support and help given by community agencies that partner with them.

“For events like Storywalk, it’s not unusual to have a dozen different agencies that are partnering with us,” she explains.

You can learn more about the Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative and get the latest on programs and events by visiting their website at greatstarthillsdale.com and by following them on Facebook: Great Start Hillsdale County.

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15 Winter Birthday Party Ideas That Are Seriously Fun THE COOLEST COLD-WEATHER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, WHETHER YOU WANT TO EMBRACE THE SEASON OR COZY UP INDOORS If you’re planning a birthday party when the weather outside is frightful, you can forget about the park, pool, and beach.

Don’t despair, though—it’s very possible to throw a memorable fete during the cold months, and our roundup of winter birthday party ideas is proof. From outdoor fun (like ice skating and skiing) to indoor activities (like laser tag and escape rooms), read on for your cold-weather celebration inspiration and get ready for some fun.

1. Go Ice Skating When it comes to winter birthday party ideas, you can either seek shelter at a warm, cozy venue or opt instead to embrace the frosty weather. If you’re leaning towards the latter, set up shop at the local skating rink. Aside from covering the cost of rental skates for kiddos who don’t have their own, all you really have to do is make a big batch of hot cocoa to bring along, order a pizza for the lunch and cake break, and maybe organize a relay race as an ice breaker (pun intended).

2. Do a Ski Trip This one will cost you a pretty penny—lift tickets and ski rentals aren’t cheap—so you’ll probably want to limit the guest list to just a couple of your kid’s very close friends. That said, if you can swing a weekend ski trip complete with cozy lodging (jacuzzi recommended), you’re guaranteed a truly memorable birthday celebration…and a great excuse for a family vacation, too.

3. Check Out an Indoor Playground Nobody’s enjoying those frosty metal monkey bars in the dead of winter, but your kid and all the peer-aged partygoers have plenty of energy to spare. The solution? A wild birthday bash at a climate-controlled indoor playground or trampoline park. Not only do these kid-friendly venues serve up tons of entertainment, they also typically cover the party food for you, too, so you just need to pony up the cash and bring the cake. Bonus points if you find an indoor playground with a giant foam pit, ‘cause those are just plain awesome.

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4. Try Laser Tag Round up the gang for a day of fast-paced, exhilarating fun at a local laser tag arena. This winter birthday party idea is super low-prep, which means all you have to do is drive to the place, let ‘em loose, and relax. Plus, the days are already short and dreary, so some indoor fun in an underlit space just makes sense. (Right?)

5. Visit an Arcade Ideal for gaming enthusiasts, the arcade is a lively, energetic birthday party venue that boasts built-in entertainment, kid-friendly food, and the promise of prizes. (So, yeah, feel free to skip the goody bags.)

6. Go to a Movie Theater For the social butterfly with a long guestlist, take the celebration to the movies. Nearly all venues allow you to reserve a theater for a private viewing party, which can typically accommodate 20 people or more with deliciously buttery popcorn and drinks included.

Best of all, the adult hosts needn’t worry about wrangling a rowdy group of kids, since this party idea is fun, easy, and blessedly lowkey.

7. Do a Hotel Party The tween or teen in your life is dying to be all grown-up. Indulge the sentiment for a sec with a fancy hotel birthday party that involves a couple close friends, a heated pool and all the room service food they desire. And because the novelty factor is so high, the main event can simply be a couple face masks and a movie marathon.

Psst: When it comes to winter birthday party ideas, this one has sweet sixteen written all over it.

8. Hire a Limo and Go Out to Dinner Birthdays are all about feeling special, so why not give a little celebrity treatment to the guest of

honor and a few friends with a limo ride to and from a favorite restaurant? Make it a ‘dress your best’ event and, for a little extra flourish, be sure to serve some fancy non-alcoholic cocktails on the commute.

9. Make It a Spa Day You don’t have to shell out at a resort to treat the birthday kid to a day of pampering. Stock up on some sheet masks, luxurious body lotions and a variety of nail polish in trendy colors and you’ve got the makings of a successful spa party.

For a little entertainment before the self-care fiesta, a makeup competition will do the trick.

13. Have a Pottery Painting Party If there’s a pottery painting place nearby, you can host a small group of kids or inquire into rates for a larger crowd. Attendees will have a chance to pick out a piece of pottery (think: mug, pasta bowl, piggy bank) and then get artsy customizing it with paint. When the process is done (and the mess cleared with the help of the staff ), serve some pizza and cake and call it a day. The hand-painted creations will have to hang behind to hit the kiln, but the fact that every kid in attendance will get to take home a special keepsake a few days later is part of what makes this winter birthday party idea so memorable.

14. Host a Winter-Themed Movie Marathon

10. Make Your Own Pizza Party Pizza is the go-to birthday party food, but don’t rush for the takeout menu just yet. Instead, score some pre-made pizza dough and set out a wide selection of toppings so kids can make their own pies. It’s a fun, hands-on activity with a mighty tasty reward.

11. Do an Escape Room Party Rent out a real-life escape room and get ready for a fun-filled hour of solving challenging puzzles and playing games in order to break free from the space. The activity is a thrilling race against the clock that promises lots of fun for the whole group—provided you sandwich the main event between lunch and cake, so everyone is fed and firing on all cylinders, that is.

12. Host a Tea Party Throw an Alice in Wonderland-themed, Mad Hatter tea party for a whimsical celebration that features a theatrical host, a lavish spread of bite-sized delicacies and plenty of wacky party games including minute-to-win-it challenges, pin the tail on the Cheshire cat, and tea cup pong (it’s like beer pong without the booze). To make it a true Mad Hatter tea party, guests should arrive with zany headwear, so be sure to specify the dress code on the invitations for best results.

The theater is great but tickets for a gaggle of kids can cost a pretty penny. Save a buck and host a home movie marathon instead for a double feature that includes unlimited popcorn and snacks and plenty of viewing pleasure. It’s not necessary, but a theme is always welcome here—so why not lean into the season with some festive wintry picks? (Balto, Happy Feet, and Ice Age come to mind for the younger crowd, while teens who are allowed to watch R-rated movies might go for The Shining or Fargo.)

15. Have a Knitting Party The weather outside is frightful, which is why a winter birthday party idea that yields a cozy new scarf (or the start of one, at least) for every kid is just kind of genius. Head to a local yarn store that hosts such events so everyone in attendance can learn a new skill and leave with a cold weather DIY project they can continue at home. www.purewow.com

Scan the QR codes with your phone to check out local birthday party activities!

Joystick Mobile Video Gaming & Foam Parties

Adventure Zone

Midway Lanes

Jaxon’s Playhouse LLC

Skate Ranch

Lenawee Recreation Bowling Center

Allskate Fun Center

Maple City Gymnastics

Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run

Optimist Ice Arena

Silos Fun Park

Toasted Mud

Wild World Adventure and Pony Rides

Hillsdale Gymnastics Center

Children’s Museum of Branch County MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

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Live Fit!

The Busy Parent’s Exercise Schedule We all know that getting some exercise is critical for better physical, mental, and emotional health. But, when your life is packed and you have children at home, it can be hard. This is the first of a two-part article in which five parents share how they fit it in!

www.parents.com

Real parents dish on how they find time to work out with hectic schedules, clingy toddlers, tight budgets, chronic sleep deprivation, and zero athletic talent.

When it comes to reading advice about staying fit as a parent, the best experts are the parents making it happen.

These fit parents find a way to work out even when it seems impossible.

Read on to learn their secrets and best exercise tips.

Exercise at the Office Eliza Belle is a mom to Marley, 4, and Avery, 2. “The commute to my office is an hour and a half each way, and once I’m there, I’m always at my desk or in a meeting,” says Belle.

“Sitting all day is exhausting, but I found it was impossible to fit in exercise before or afterward, especially because my husband is out of town for two weeks each month.”

Why I make time “These days, if I don’t get up and move away from my desk, I feel sluggish during the day. Exercising at work also helps me sleep better,” says Belle.

How I worked it out “At least three days each week, I exercise at work. In the midafternoon, when my phone alarm starts to play “I Like to Move It,” off comes my blazer, and on go my tennis shoes. My office is on the sixth floor, so I go up and down the stairs, walk around my floor, or do squats and push-ups with my office door closed for ten minutes,” says Belle.

“I love that I don’t have to get up even earlier than I already do and that I have time to spend with my little ones once I get home. If I count the evening walks we take around our neighborhood, I’m fitting in four to six hours of exercise each week.”

Her top tips: • Be prepared: “I keep deodorant, a change of clothes, hair products, and a towel at work so I can get my workout in, yet still present myself professionally.”

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•

Make new opportunities: “On long days when I can’t fit in my usual workout routine, I do squats or calf raises while on conference calls, or I sit up straight and squeeze in my core during meetings.”

•

Forgive yourself: “I know I wasn’t born with a workout gene! I give myself permission to miss a day every once in a while,” she says. She keeps her eye on the greater reward—feeling good and being stronger.

Make Kids Your Workout Buddies Chrissa Benson is a mom to Brockston, 4, and Maddix, 2. “My husband is a Marine serving in Afghanistan. When he was home, I could go to an early-morning barre class or out for a run, but after he was deployed, my workouts lost all structure. We don’t have family nearby, so I’m really raising our two kids solo,” she says.

Why I make time “The deployments are hard, and exercise helps my anxiety tremendously.

Even if there’s a lot on my plate, I’ll commit to five minutes of movement, and it almost always leads to more,” says Benson.

“When I’m strong on the outside, I feel like Wonder Woman on the inside.

That mentality has gotten me through days when I wanted to curl up and cry.”

How I worked it out “I can’t do 30 to 60 minutes like I used to. Instead, I move my body when I’m with my kids. I do squats at the park, planks when we play trains, and triceps dips while we chalk up the driveway. I’ll even squeeze in a lower-body barre sequence at the bathroom counter while the boys take a bath,” she says.

“They also love when I turn up Bruno Mars, and we have a dance party in our living room. It’s a great cardio blast!”

Her top tips: • Don’t psych yourself out: “Before you think about the reasons not to be active today, just do it.”

•

No equipment? No problem: “Stationary exercises like push-ups, planks, or crunches are easy to throw in throughout the day.”

Bring the baby along: “Buy a jogging stroller. You can also do walking lunges and squats while wearing your baby.”

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Finding Faith and Hope in the Midst of Holiday Grief: Navigating the Loss of a Child written by Hospice of Hillsdale County

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”— Unknown The loss of a child is an unimaginable pain that truly feels unbearable. Even to imagine such a loss can be too much to think about for some. Child loss is felt every day without relief. Then the holidays come, and that grief only intensifies.

Although it may seem impossible to navigate through the season, there may be some keys that can help.

It is important and okay to acknowledge the pain of losing one’s child. Parents suffer such tremendous grief when a child dies, and that grief comes with issues of its own. There may be other children involved who need grief support and parents may need to continue working. Life continues, but self-care should be a part of the grieving process.

It is estimated that up to 20% of parents experience symptoms of clinical depression after the loss of a child.

Child loss can place significant stress on a marriage. Parents who experience the loss of a child may be at a higher risk of developing physical health issues such as heart disease due to the emotional toll of grief. Suicidal ideation can be increased after the loss of a child. Many parents who have lost a child require psychological support, including therapy and counseling, to help them cope with their grief. That support is very important in the grief journey.

There is a role for faith to play when parents lose a child.

Faith in God or a Higher Power can provide comfort and hope during difficult times.

“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.”—Rabindranath Tagore.

To have something greater than ourselves to hold onto oftentimes is what enables parents to take the next step and even the next breath sometimes. The Bible says in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those 14 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

who are crushed in spirit.” To know that God is near to both parent and child after the loss brings a connection that transcends life.

Connecting with others is another key for parents. The holidays bring much-needed opportunities to visit with others. Parents want to hear about their child and although there may be some tears, it can be cathartic to share stories and smiles with others who also shared their love.

Creating meaningful holiday traditions in the memory of a child can help with healing. Honoring and remembering one’s child through memorial activities or rituals can help to celebrate the child’s life instead of solely mourning their loss. These events can work to bring connectedness and a sense of community to those who are grieving the same loss.

Readers should be encouraged to reach out to parents who have lost a child. Whether the loss is recent or long past, the pain of grief can be strong during the holiday season. Although it may seem daunting, it doesn’t take much to support grieving parents. Sitting down for a cup of coffee or cocoa with the sole intent of listening to stories of the child is a great gift to give a parent. Another suggestion is to send a thoughtful message of encouragement or by offering to help with everyday tasks. Offering comfort to others is something that we can all do, and it brings us great rewards.

The holidays can be difficult to navigate for parents who have lost a child, but, by having some simple keys and a good support system, it can be done. Holding on to faith, seeking support, and finding ways to honor the lost child are all positive ways of navigating the holidays following such a difficult loss.

For further support, please feel free to reach out to Hospice of Hillsdale County. The local nonprofit offers grief support groups and individual counseling to community members who have suffered losses and the services are free.

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let's read!

written by Melissa McCance

the more that you READ the more things you’ll KNOW A cozy spot, a favorite beverage, and a wonderful book—the perfect combination for a cold day! Here are some book suggestions that can provide your children with some quiet entertainment during our late fall and winter months. Although these books are highly rated by parents, educators, and readers, you know your children best. We recommend reading (or at least skimming) the books for younger children to see if they’re appropriate for your child. Online reviews are available for the longer books to help you decide if they’re a good fit.

the more that you LEARN the more PLACES you’ll go. ` Dr. Seuss

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GRADES K-2 Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Spunky little Owl has dreamed of becoming a true knight since he was hatched. He’s small, but he’s brave and he’s clever. When Owl faces a challenge to the safety of the castle, he comes through!

Parents praised this one for its wonderful illustrations as well as for the story.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Having an idea and thinking you know just how to make it happen is exciting. When you try and fail—more than once—it can be frustrating and discouraging. The little girl in this book wants to make a “most magnificent thing,” but it doesn’t go well. Children will not only see her understandable response of anger but also how she handles it by taking a break and trying again!

GRADES 3-5 The BFG by Roald Dahl

The Big Friendly Giant isn’t like the others of his kind. He and young Sophie team up to find way to protect the other “human beans” from the giants whose interest in people has nothing to do with making friends! A beloved classic from the gifted Roald Dahl.

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

When a book is still popular almost 80 years after its initial publication, you know it has something going for it! This tale relates the curiosity of a group of woodland animals about the new people who have moved into a house that’s been unoccupied for some time. They’re especially interested when they see that the New Folks are putting in a garden! This book has humor, suspense, and lovely ending.

GRADES 6-8 The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

What happens when you put the most difficult kids in school in one room and assign the most burned-out teacher to teach them?

Initially, there’s just as much mayhem as you’d imagine. But then, some good things start to emerge from this crazy pairing.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue by Christina Soontornvat

In June 2018, twelve members of a Thai boys’ soccer team and their assistant coach hiked into an underground cave and became trapped when the cave flooded. The author, who is Thai American, was visiting relatives in Thailand when the event happened. Her narration of the rescue includes information about caverns, sump diving, and other scientific details that help us understand what the victims and the rescuers endured. The world watched and rejoiced when all thirteen were rescued 10 days after becoming trapped.

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Amazing Kids!

Kids in the Kitchen Your kitchen is an experiential learning laboratory for your kids. It’s where they learn about food shopping, cooking, and cleanup. These are skills that will help them become self-sufficient later in life.

Ways That Children Learn Best Children learn best when they are interested in what they are doing and are actively involved. Kids learn by activating their senses – touch, taste, feel, smell, and sound. They are naturally curious about food and cooking, and food preparation allows them to use all these senses in unison.

When they are mixing, stirring, kneading, spreading, tossing, squeezing, and pouring, they are learning without realizing it.

Benefits of Cooking with Children Cooking allows kids to feel good about themselves. Children have a sense of pride when they prepare foods to eat and share with others. Kids who help with the planning and preparation of meals also are more likely to try a greater variety of new foods.

However, cooking with kids takes time and patience and can be messy. Remember that the food may not taste or look as good as you think it should, but many experts think it is well worth the effort.

Let kids help with the full process – from shopping to setting the table to cooking. Start at the grocery store. Let your child pick out the vegetable you’re going to cook together for dinner tonight. Talk to them about why foods like fruits and vegetables are important to our health. Teach them what to look for on nutrition labels. Show them what is low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Help them find out how much sugar or salt is in processed foods and talk to them about why it is important to limit these foods. Whether they realize it or not, they’re learning about important nutrients and a variety of foods at the same time.

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Teach older kids to read a recipe all the way through, clean the counters and their hands, set up the work area with all utensils that will be needed, and gather all ingredients before starting to cook.

They should prepare all ingredients that must be chopped, peeled, toasted, etc. so that the cooking process goes smoothly and quickly. Being organized in the kitchen will help garner success and will ultimately help them feel good about themselves.

Kids are eager to lend a hand. Letting them help you out in the kitchen says, “You are a big help, you can do this, and you are important!” This far outweighs any drawbacks. For example, small children may not be able to lift heavy pots, pans, and bowls to clean them, but that can be part of the fun! Nonetheless, there is a kitchen activity fit for kids of all ages. It is just a matter of having some fun and learning together.

Here are some of the short-term and long-term payoffs of cooking with kids.

Short-term Benefits: •

Kids are encouraged to try healthy foods at which they might normally turn up their noses.

•

Kids feel a sense of accomplishment and feel that they are contributing to the family.

•

Kids are more likely to sit down to a family meal that they helped prepare.

•

Kids spend time cooking rather than watching TV or sitting in front of the computer.

•

Kids generally skip junk food when they cook a meal at home.

•

Kids spend quality time with their parents.

Long-term Benefits: •

Kids learn a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.

•

Kids learn to eat well and may be more likely to eat healthfully as adults.

•

Kids gain self-confidence through positive cooking experiences.

•

Kids who cook with their parents may be less likely to abuse drugs.

Food Preparation is Practical Science Cooking involves many learning skills besides how to handle and prepare foods and how to keep food safe to eat. It also teaches children: •

vocabulary words and reading skills, while the recipe is read, followed, and prepared.

•

math skills when counting, measuring, using fractions to double or halve a recipe, and following step-by-step directions.

•

science—seeing how food changes during cooking. (e.g., dough rising, sugar dissolving in water, and eggs coagulating.)

•

decision-making skills when choosing and eating nutritious foods.

•

similarities and differences in foods of other cultures as they prepare dishes from a variety of cultural groups.

•

comparisons and associations in food preparation—adding too much flour results in dry, hard cookies, and doubling the ingredients in a cookie recipe yields twice as many cookies.

•

social skills when working together with others, taking turns, and solving problems boost self-esteem.

they enjoy being with their parents or caregiver and experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the kitchen. Talk to them about what you are doing as you move around the kitchen. Tell them about the foods you’re preparing and the utensils you’re using.

Leave babies in their highchairs or another safe place, even after they begin to crawl. Give them a separate bowl and spoon, and let them mix foods that are safe for them to eat.

Allow babies to explore different foods you are cooking through touch and taste by placing small pieces of cooked ingredients on their high-chair tray. This gives them the opportunity to practice self-feeding using the development of fine motor skills such as the palmar and pincer grasps while also exploring new tastes and textures for a meal that will be prepared for the whole family.

Age-appropriate Kitchen Jobs Food preparation activities help kids develop small-muscle movement and hand-eye coordination.

Always consider the age of the child and assign jobs they can safely do. Every child is different and possesses a unique set of skills, so consider the developmental level and abilities when assigning kitchen duties. Then, choose foods and recipes that match their abilities. Here are some age-appropriate kitchen jobs for children.

Babies: Although babies can’t help with the cooking,

MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

19

Kids in the Kitchen Continued...

Age 2: Two-year-olds are learning to use the large muscles in their arms and can help with these activities:

•

rolling bananas in cereal for a snack.

•

forming round shapes with hands.

•

measuring dry and liquid ingredients.

•

wiping tabletops.

•

peeling loose-skinned oranges and hard-cooked eggs.

•

moving premeasured ingredients from one place to another.

•

beating eggs with an eggbeater or whisk.

•

•

playing with utensils.

cutting parsley, green onions, or dried fruits with dull scissors.

•

snapping fresh beans.

•

cutting with a blunt knife (e.g., fruit on a cutting board).

•

breaking cauliflower or bread for stuffing.

•

clearing the dinner table

•

rinsing and tearing lettuce and salad greens.

•

scrubbing and dipping vegetables and fruits.

•

taking unbreakable items to the dinner table

•

cleaning surfaces before and after use.

Age 3: This age level is learning to use their hands and can manage all of the above, plus jobs such as:

•

gathering utensils and ingredients.

•

greasing or spraying baking pans.

•

light chopping.

•

peeling onions and garlic.

•

grating cheese.

•

opening cans.

•

whisking ingredients.

•

washing fruits and vegetables.

•

pouring liquids into a batter.

•

mixing ingredients such as muffin batter. (Use an extralarge bowl to contain the mess.)

•

shaking a milk drink in a covered container.

•

spreading soft spreads, such as peanut butter on firm bread. (This may be messy!)

•

kneading dough and simple shaping.

•

wrapping potatoes in foil for baking.

•

putting trash in the garbage can.

•

cutting with a cookie cutter

Ages 4 – 5: Kids in this age group are learning to control smaller muscles in their fingers, so offer experiences such as: •

setting the table.

•

mashing soft fruits (bananas) and cooked vegetables with a fork.

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Ages 6 – 8: This age level has mastered all of the previous jobs and is ready to learn tasks such as:

•

advanced measuring (e.g., measuring liquids and spooning dry ingredients into measuring cup and leveling off ).

•

kneading dough.

•

breaking eggs.

•

melting butter.

•• crushing crackers in ainbag with crushing crackers a bag with a rolling a rolling pin.pin.

••

washing dishes and putting away ingredients and utensils.

• washing dishes and putting • away ingredients and utensils.

Ages 9 – 12: Children at this age level still need adult supervision, but they can manage jobs such as:

•

Use pot holders when handling hot pans, pots, and dishes.

•

Follow the rules set by parents or caregivers, even if they are not present. For example, don’t use the oven when at home alone.

•

Learn how to use a microwave oven safely. If you are too young to read the controls on the front, then you’re too young to operate a microwave oven without adult supervision.

•

Never leave a hot stove unattended. When using the stove, be careful so that long hair and large, loose-fitting clothes don’t catch fire. It’s safer not to wear loose-fitting clothes in the kitchen and to pin up long hair.

•

planning and preparing simple meals and snacks.

•

following a recipe, measuring accurately, and preparing a product.

•

reading and interpreting ingredient and food labels.

•

operating small appliances like blenders, minichoppers, juicers, and microwave ovens.

•

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, and cook on back burners whenever possible.

•

begin developing safe knife skills through moderate chopping, dicing, and cutting.

•

Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables.

•

•

using a peeler.

In case of fire, “stop, drop and roll” to smother the flames. Learn how to use the fire extinguisher.

•

sautéing and pan frying.

•

•

steaming, broiling, boiling, and baking.

If you must climb to get food and utensils that are stored out of reach, always use a sturdy stool. Never climb on the counters, on a wobbling stool, or on a chair.

•

handling and storing ingredients and finished products safely.

•

Use the kitchen first-aid kit for minor cooking injuries.

•

•

cleaning up, knowing how and what to hand wash or wash in the dishwasher.

Call 911 or emergency numbers such as the family doctor, fire department, poison control center, police, a neighbor, or a relative.

These important phone numbers should be posted in the kitchen in plain view.

•

Learn ways to avoid choking. Practice the Heimlich maneuver, which could save the life of someone who is choking.

Teens: By adolescence, kids are making most of their own decisions about food and are capable of: •

performing tasks that require multiple preparation steps or close timing.

•

creating new flavor combinations, shapes, or decoration.

•

planning and preparing whole menus for meals or entertaining.

•

making shopping lists and shopping for ingredients.

•

helping younger children learn about food and how to prepare it.

•

enjoying cooking with peers.

hgic.clemson.edu

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Kitchen Safety Tips Teach kids how to handle food to keep it clean and safe from spoilage and foodborne illness. For example, show them how to clean up as they are cooking using clean dish towels and paper towels. Teach them how to store food properly for food safety.

Cooking is fun and safe if kids know these basic kitchen safety tips.

•

Wash hands with soap and water before, during, and after handling food, and then dry them well.

•

Clean all counter tops and utensils after every use.

•

Use clean utensils for different foods, especially items like cutting boards and knives that have come in contact with raw meats, poultry, fish, or eggs. Use a meat thermometer, also.

•

Always have adult supervision when working with hot liquids, knives, the stove, and other potentially dangerous equipment.

If you are under the age of 10, you should not handle the stove, electrical appliances, sharp utensils, or hot dishes.

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21

Boy Mom

Male-Dominanted Village written by Kendra Zieman

Sometimes life gets so busy that when you actually have alone time and slow down it’s pretty interesting where your thoughts take you.

I was raking leaves this fall and randomly started thinking about raising our boys and our future ahead. My husband and I have three boys together so it’s no secret that I am outnumbered and the only girl in our house. But I told my husband that it really hit me hard when I realized I am the primary female influence in our boys’ lives. It might sound kind of silly (duh, I am their mom), but I was thinking even deeper than that. They have so much “guy time” between hanging out with their dad (my husband), their friends, their grandpas, their uncles, and each other—there is not a lot of female time besides with me.

Our three boys are naturally competitive, rough, adventurous, loud, and busy. Over the years, I have noticed that I personally have changed a little to fit into this “boy world” I’m living in. I am less girly than I used to be, I’ve relaxed my standards on certain things, I enjoy all the typical boy activities, we get dirty, and have a lot of fun. I guess being surrounded by all boys makes boyish things come very easy to them and has changed me.

My responsibility as their mom and female influence is to make sure all the things that don’t come so naturally are still learned as well. Like the fact that it’s OK to talk about our feelings or show our emotions towards people. To teach them that we can use our words to talk something through instead of just putting your brother in a headlock. It is my job to show them how a woman should act, how women are different than men and how sometimes they require different things emotionally.

Thankfully, my husband can show them how to treat and respect women. He can raise them so they will be great husbands and dads one day but it’s my job to show them how a mom and wife should 22 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

act/ treat them back. My husband is a great example of a man for them but, let’s be honest, he also is an example that even big boys can be crazy and have fun (haha). He always reminds them that some things are only ok during “guy time” and not to say or do them in front of ladies.

They say it takes a village to raise kids and that is very true, but when I realized our village is very male-dominant, I felt a little extra pressure as their mom. I take my job seriously, and it’s my role to make sure these boys know just how important the women in their lives will be. Having a special mother-son relationship with each of my boys is the greatest blessing I could ever have.

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Tips for keeping your children warm this winter

Kids’ Clothingwritten by Elyse Apel

For children and adults alike, winter is filled with snowball fights, skiing, and many other fun outdoor activities.

While being outside is a great way to meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, it is also important to remember that children are particularly at risk for frostbite or hypothermia if they are not kept dry and warm. Below are a few tips to keep your children happy, safe, and healthy this winter.

Layers, layers, layers According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), layers are especially important when determining how best to dress your children. In general, it recommends that children should have one more layer than adults. It is helpful to remember that it is not just adding layers on layers, but it is good to also consider the types of material and order of each layer.

How to layer The layers closest to the skin should be a material like polyester or wool to help to keep the child dry and warm.

“Start with the snugger layers on the bottom, like longsleeved bodysuits or long underwear,” the AAP says.

This layer should be tight, but not restricting.

If the temperature is over freezing, thick pants and a shirt like a sweater are next. If below freezing, you could consider adding another layer like cotton for extra warmth. This should then be followed by the outer layers of winter accessories.

Outer layers and winter accessories Picking good winter accessories like coats, boots, hats, etc. is all very helpful in keeping your children warm this winter. One aspect to consider when buying outer layers is if they are waterproof or not. Snow pants and snow jackets are perfect for a snowball fight for any other winter activities.

According to kidshealth. org, your child’s head, face,

24 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

ears, hands, and feet are most prone to cold exposure and frostbite. So don’t forget their hats, scarfs, and earmuffs!

Socks and shoes are some of the most important accessories to think about. Socks should be wool, if possible, and layered.

Waterproof winter boots are also a must to keep your children’s feet nice and warm.

Outsideandactive.com recommends foot warmers and heated insoles for your children’s shoes. “You can get them very cheap from Home Bargains and they stay warm for eight hours,” it said.

You can do the same with hands and gloves. Layer one set of gloves on another with hand warmers stuffed in between. That will ensure fingers are kept as warm as possible.

General tips • Even as you layer, remember how important it is to still have fun. Your children shouldn’t be so stifled that they are unable to move freely and play. On that note, make sure to not try to squeeze them into their winter clothes from last year if they have out-grown them. Doing so could lessen circulation and lead to colder limbs.

• As you head out into the cold, consider bringing a bag of spare clothing items like extra mittens, socks, hand warmers, etc. That way, even if a layer gets wet, you can just replace it and continue enjoying the outdoors.

• Especially depending on the age of the child, it is always good to take breaks from outdoor time. Babies and young children do not have the same tolerance to the cold and regular breaks will prevent the risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Also remember that sometimes it is just too cold to play outside (and be sure to check the wind chill)!

Hopefully, these tips will help keep you and your families warm and safe this winter. One last one—don’t forget to make sure to also have the hot cocoa ready to go. There’s nothing like a hot drink to warm yourself up after spending the day outside!

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10 Outstanding Outdoor IceSkating Rinks in Michigan In the Great Lakes State, cold winter weather is ideal for the beloved and timeless seasonal activity of ice skating. Head to one of these popular outdoor ice rinks to test out your skills and enjoy the winter season.

1. Campus Martius Park – Detroit

For a unique experience in downtown Detroit, visit The Rink at Campus Martius Park. The skating season begins with the official lighting of the Christmas tree in November and extends through mid-March! After skating, warm up with a hot chocolate in the Cadillac Square Lounge and take a peek in the boutique shops throughout the area.

2. Greenfield Village – Dearborn

During the annual Holiday Nights, visitors can mingle around bonfires to the sounds of carolers and sleigh bells while they snack on warm food and drink, take an historical tour around the grounds, or lace up some skates and hit the ice.

3. Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena – Ann Arbor

Buhr Park Ice Arena is an Ann Arbor winter staple that offers fun for the whole family! Stop by for open skating, drop-in hockey, or rent the arena for a party. The rink is outside, but a covering and a cooled subfloor make this ice arena ideal even on slightly above freezing days.

4. University of Michigan-Flint Ice Rink – Flint

This rink is not only an on-campus attraction, but also a festive and family-fun atmosphere.

It is free to the public on Wednesday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

5. Valley Court Park – East Lansing

The Valley Court ice rink is pops up for a few weeks in February as a community outreach activity. The rink is free to the public, but you need to bring your own skates. When you’re done skating, a Biggby is located across the street welcoming you to warm up with a yummy hot drink!

6. Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids

Concerts are held here on summer evenings, but, in the winter, ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle is the perfect holiday outing. Every year this public space is filled with skaters of all ages eager to enjoy the beauty and charm of downtown Grand Rapids.

7. Muskegon Winter Sports Complex – Muskegon

Pretend you’re an Olympic athlete at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex. With two acres of ice skating and an ice path through the woods, this complex has some of the best ice skating opportunities in West Michigan. The Winter Sports Complex is also outfitted with an ice luge, cross-country skiing paths, snowshoeing trails, and a sledding hill.

Welcome to a true winter wonderland.

8. Petoskey Winter Sports Park – Petoskey Area

For over 80 years, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park has been the hot spot for winter family fun. With a skating rink the size of a football field, the Winter Sports Park has one of the largest rinks in Michigan. Featuring a ski hill, sledding, two ice rinks, and a warming building, the Petoskey Winter Sports Park is like a throwback to a Norman Rockwell painting.

9. Marquette Commons – Marquette

Bundle up and grab your skates for an afternoon of free family fun. Marquette can be extremely cold in the winter, but that doesn’t stop everyone from getting outside to have some fun. After spending plenty of time twirling on the ice, head to the warming hut for a break. Marquette Commons hosts ice skating Thursdays through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

30 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

10. Moran Bay – St. Ignace It’s not every day that you get to skate on one of the Great Lakes! Skating on Moran Bay in Lake Huron is a true Pure Michigan experience. During the winter, little league hockey teams use the ice as a practice rink and the bay is free for the public to use. If you end up in St. Ignace during February, be sure to check out the Labatt Blue U.P. Pond Hockey Championships.

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INGREDIENTS Liquid food coloring Cold water Squeeze bottles INSTRUCTIONS 1. Take the lids off your squeeze bottles and squeeze several drops of each food coloring in a different bottle.

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3. Tightly place the lids back on and wipe down the bottles.

4. Carefully take the tops off and use to paint in the snow.

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34 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

MICHIGAN PARENT SUMMER 2023

35

Pet Parents

Pets & Children Pets are part of many children’s lives. Parental involvement, open discussion, and planning are necessary to help make pet ownership a positive experience for everyone. A child who learns to care for an animal and treat it kindly and patiently may get invaluable training in learning to treat people the same way. Careless treatment of animals is unhealthy for both the pet and the child involved.

Caring for a Pet Taking care of a pet can help children develop social skills.

However, certain guidelines apply: •

• • • • • •

Since very young children (under the age of 3-4 years) do not have the maturity to control their aggressive and angry impulses, they should be monitored with pets at all times.

Young children (under 10 years) are unable to care for a large animal, a cat or a dog, on their own.

Parents must oversee the pet’s care even if they believe their child is old enough to care for a pet.

If children become lax in caring for a pet, parents may have to take over the responsibility on their own.

Children should be reminded in a gentle, not scolding, way that animals, like people, need food, water, and exercise.

If a child continues to neglect a pet, a new home may have to be found for the animal.

Parents serve as role models. Children learn responsible pet ownership by observing their parents’ behavior.

36 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

Children raised with pets show many benefits. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s selfesteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy. Pets can serve different purposes for children: • • • • •

They can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts—children often talk to their pets like they do to their stuffed animals.

They provide lessons about life, including reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement.

They can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.

They provide a connection to nature.

They can teach respect for other living things.

Other physical and emotional needs fulfilled by pet ownership include: • • • •

Physical activity Comfort contact Love, loyalty, and affection Experience with loss if a pet is lost or dies.

Although most children are gentle and appropriate with pets, some may be overly rough or even abusive. If such behavior persists, it may be a sign of significant emotional problems. Any child who abuses, tortures, or kills animals should be referred to a child and adolescent psychiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry www.aacap.org

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Looking for a New Year’s resolution?

2024 is almost here and it’s time to start thinking about those new year’s resolutions. Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community and help children in foster care?

Consider becoming a CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates work with children in foster care and advocate for their best interests in court. Our next new volunteer training will start in January/February and we are now accepting applications.

Requirements: You must be 21 or older, dependable, be able to pass multiple background checks and take the 5 week training.

For more information or an application, visit our website at www.hillsdalecasa.org or contact Heather Upton at director@hillsdalecasa.org

You can change a Childs life too! VOLUNTEER TODAY! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers who work with kids in foster care and advocate for their best 38 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024 interests in court.

As a nonprofit CASA runs completely off of grants & donations.To make a donation scan here.

For more information contact Heather Upton at 517-425-4145 or email director@hillsdalecasa.org Change a child’s story. Change a child’s life. Volunteer today. #changeachildsstory

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Mental Health Services Crisis Services Children + Family Services Substance Use Disorder Services Intellectual/Developmental Disability Services And More

Carry Out & Delivery Available! (517) 439-9191 -

Soup, Salad, & Breadsticks!

We have house-made soups. Buffet open Monday thru Friday 11 am to 1:30 pM. We have catering packages available & brochure can be picked up at the store. Any of those packages are available for eat in, carry out or delivery.

3883 W. Carleton Road | Hillsdale 46 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024

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THE CttILDQEN

HILLSDALE CASA IS LOSING ITS PRIMARY FUNDING Due to State budget cuts, we are losing our primary source of funding, but there are many ways that you can help keep our program in the community!

Providing New Winter Clothing for Local Children in Need

HILLSDALE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION is offering a donor match program! The foundation will match donations made through them, up to $10,000! Donations can be dropped off at the Foundation or mailed to them at P.O. Box 276 Hillsdale, MI 49242. Online gifts can be made at their website https://abouthccf.org/

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KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS Visit the Kroger website to link your plus card with Hillsdale CASA and a percentage of quarterly sales Action are donated directly back to Community Agency in Hillsdale us.

County partners with Hillsdale County

Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center (HHPRC), formerly

Community Foundation, The Beth Ann AMAZON SMILE known as Alpha Omega Care Center is located at 46 South Howell We are a registered charity withis Amazon Blanchard Children’s Memorial Street, Hillsdale, MI. Our mission toFund, empower men and women Smile.

Select ustoassponsor your charity of choice andand sexuality and Walmart the “Warm the to make life-affirming decisions about pregnancy athrough percentage of sales will be donated back Christ-centered compassion, resources, Children” campaign to buy new, warm and education. to us. clothing Established in 1987for under the nameCounty of “Alpha Omega Women’s winter Hillsdale Care Center”, we are the only Crisis Pregnancy Care Center in

children in need.

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS Hillsdale County.

We are a non-profit agency; all our services Talk with your financial or and accountant are provided at no cost to advisor our clients are received through about Qualified Charitable Distributions How it works: Applications are businesses, takenfrom and churches generous donations from individuals, your IRA, the gifting appreciated assets, and throughout Hillsdale County.enrollment (during application donation of real property. period) and families and children are

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SERVICES INCLUDE:

served as donated become availDESIGNER PURSE funds BINGO able.While Volunteers then gobe shopping with“baby bucks” Earn You Bingo Learn (EWYL): Moms earn Designer Purse will held September while learning through parenting classes.

A wide array of topfamilies.

Children must bebusinesses, 16 and under 25th and we are looking for ics span prenatal care through the toddler years, parenting and organizations, or individuals to sponsor at time of sign up. Families may particistep-parenting, life skills, as well as special circumstances such as purses.

Please contact pate every other year.Heather Upton for adoption. “Baby Bucks” can be spent in our Blessing Store on new more info. 517-425-4145 or baby/toddler clothing as well as baby tubs, pack ‘n plays, new cribs casaofhillsdale@gmail.com 100% of all donations and mattresses, high chairs,are etc.used to pur-

Material Assistance: Help for parents who choose life. Once a month, parents can come in for diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, and clothing at no cost.

Pregnancy Tests: No cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests are offered at Helping Hands.

Ultrasounds: Coming soon! Fundraising is complete! We hope to offer this service at no cost in early Autumn, 2021 and provide an amazing opportunity to save babies and affirm life.

Numbers: According to our 2019 records, we saw 419 clients. We provided 5,111 diapers and 4,267 items of clothing. Thirty-nine parents attended parenting classes, 303 clients came to our center for material assistance. Fifty-eight potential parents came in for no-cost pregnancy tests. Helping Hands volunteers logged in 1,846 hours.

chase clothingatfor the children!

Find us warm on Facebook Vitally Important Parent (VIP): Dads are important, too! These Hillsdale CASA, Inc - Child Advocates

Name and Logo Change: “Alpha Omega” has special and significant meaning to many in the Hillsdale County community, so WHY did we change our name? We chose a name that clearly and simply represents our mission and services to those who need our help.

Hillsdale —in517-437-3346. earned and County: can be spent the Blessing Store, as well.

Visit Helping Hands at www.helpinghandsprc.org and follow them at facebook.com/hhprchillsdale

classes are just like EWYL, but are focused on the important

For more information contact CAA in role fathers play in the lives of their children. “Dad Dollars” are #changeachildsstory

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