What an enormous privilege to step into the role of Editorin-Chief here at Wilmington Parent Magazine. How did I ever become so fortunate?
My name is Phina Pipia, and I’m a professional performer, writer, and educator with a deep-held passion for the magic and importance of family.
I’ve spent years touring around the world performing in illusion, music, and theater shows, frequently alongside my family; my father, a professional magician, and my mother and sister, professional musicians.
My career in the arts grew simultaneously to my career as a writer and manager, and after more than a decade working as a senior level copywriter, I spent several years in management at Microsoft, where I led teams of creatives and engineers to build big, innovative projects in the education space.
After all this, arriving at Wilmington Parent feels like a homecoming. At last, a place where my managerial expertise can be used to continue creating a world-class publication and invaluable resource for North Carolina families.
I’m entering this role with a responsibility to carry on an incredibly beautiful legacy, and I take that responsibility seriously. From me, you’ll get a true commitment to bring you engaging and valuable editorial every single month that informs and inspires your family experience.
Wilmington Parent is a celebration of what it means to be family. Here’s to the celebration ahead.
We value our reader’s opinionshelp us to serve you better! You can email us at brad@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
Wilmington Parent is published 12 times a year. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication's standards. All contents of Wilmington Parent are protected under copyright. Reproduction of any content requires permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
Complimentary copies of Wilmington Parent are available to the public at various locations in the greater Wilmington area. One copy per family is permitted. Additional copies require the written permission of the Publisher.
A New Chapter for Wilmington Parent Magazine
Wilmington has a special way of capturing hearts. It certainly captured ours.
Two years ago, we moved to this beautiful city, expecting a fresh start—but we never could have imagined just how much this community would mean to us. The people, the hospitality, the deep sense of connection—it didn’t take long before Wilmington felt like home. And as we settled in, one thing became abundantly clear: we are meant to impact the community in which we live.
That belief has guided every step we’ve taken since arriving here. It’s what led us to launch Equip 210, a Christ-centered K-8 education program. It’s what fuels Brad’s passion for coaching flag football and his 12 years of serving in Kids Ministry. And now, it’s what brings us to Wilmington Parent Magazine—a place where families have come for years to find encouragement, resources, and community.
For over two decades, Wilmington Parent has been a trusted companion for parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising children in this vibrant city. We are incredibly honored to step into this legacy and continue the mission of equipping families with inspiration, information, and the connections that make parenting a little bit easier (and a lot more joyful).
What’s Ahead?
As we step into this new season, we want you—our readers—to know this: we are committed to growing and evolving Wilmington Parent to serve your needs even better. You can expect:
• A stronger digital presence with more ways to connect and engage.
• More mature, interactive social media communities where parents can share experiences, ask questions, and build real friendships.
• Fresh, relevant content that celebrates family life in Wilmington while offering valuable resources to help you thrive as a parent.
At the heart of it all, Wilmington Parent will remain what it has always been: a magazine created for parents, by parents, with the Wilmington community at its core.
Join Us on This Journey.
We invite you to be part of this new chapter! Follow us online, connect with us on social media, and share your stories. What do you love about Wilmington Parent? What would you love to see more of? Your voices matter, and we want to hear from you.
To all the parents, caregivers, and families who have made Wilmington Parent part of your lives—thank you. Thank you for trusting this publication, for supporting its mission, and for allowing us to be part of your parenting journey. We are beyond excited for what’s ahead, and we can’t wait to walk this path with you.
With gratitude, Brad & Marissa McCrory
Not-to-BeMissed Events for This Month
There’s no doubt about it, Wilmington is bursting with magical, educational, and immersive events for the whole family. Here are our favorite picks for this month, hand-selected for you and your kiddos by our in-house team.
Don’t Miss the Fun at the Wilmington Earth Day Festival!
Come on out starting at 12 pm on April 26th for the 35th annual Wilmington Earth Day Festival. “This is my favorite festival of the year,” says Valerie Robertson, publisher of Cape Fear’s Going Green Magazine. “Good music, good food, and the biggest gathering of environmental groups in Wilmington.
The Earth Day Festival will overflow with hands-on kids’ activities, a parade, children’s music, and the whole family is invited to celebrate together. At the Kids’ EcoZone, young learners and their families will find some best-loved local organizations hosting crafts, book giveaways, and science projects. Browse through 70 different exhibitors, vendors, and food trucks, and enjoy a full day’s lineup of toe-tapping music that will keep both youngsters and their parents engaged.
When: April 26, 12:00 - 6:00 pm. Where: Long Leaf Park. Ages: All ages Cost: Free! [food and beverages available for purchase]
Earth Day Festival Kids’ Event Highlights:
Kidz EcoZone: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Hands-on craft and earth day activities abound in the kids’ EcoZone. Be wowed by the amphibian interpretive display hosted by the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, or receive a used book from the New Hanover County Public Library’s recycling booth. DREAMS of Wilmington will organize a scavenger hunt and coloring activities, and kids will also be invited to participate in art projects hosted by New Hanover County 4-H, Airlie Gardens, and Three Pines Project.
Flora + Fauna Costume-Making: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Imaginations take flight in this not-tobe-missed costume hour, where all local kids and their families are invited to make their very own costume for the afternoon Nature Brigade Parade. No preparation or materials necessary, just show up with your willingness to get creative!
Nature Brigade Parade: 1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Children and their families are invited to dress up as their favorite flora or fauna and join in this super fun, totally creative, earth-focused parade! Participants will gather near the Port City Art Booth, and then follow beloved local musician The Rapping Red Oak around the perimeter of the performance area.
Kids’ Music by Mark Herbert (a.k.a. The Rapping Red Oak): 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Wilmington’s own musician, artist, puppet maker and founder of Broccoli Brothers Circus, Mark Herbert has entertained young audiences with his smart, educational lyrics and impossibleto-resist rhythms for decades. Don’t miss this captivating concert that will keep children of all ages dancing and clapping from the first moment.
Science and Nature Events
From spotting planets and constellations to building rockets and race cars, this month’s science and nature-themed events will spark your child’s joy of discovery and exploration.
Star Party: Your Place in Space
The Cape Fear Astronomy Society will have telescopes set up for viewing the night sky, and participants of all ages can experience the wonder of the universe… close up! Located right down the street at Carolina Beach State Park, this evening event will be sure to ignite youngsters’ interest in science and astronomy, and promises a magical evening out for the whole family.
When: April 25, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: Carolina Beach State Park
Ages: All Ages
Cost: Free!
Science All Around: A NC Science Festival Event
“Science: Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone,” is the theme of the upcoming NC Children’s Museum’s morning packed with fun, immersive science projects for kids. Drop by to explore the exciting world of science through engaging, hands-on activities; from racing cars to rockets, and color-changing lemonade, this not-to-be-missed experience is designed to spark curiosity and inspire future scientists of all ages.
When: April 26, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: NC Children’s Museum
Cost: Free!
Ages: All Ages
Egg Hunts for Everyone!
If easter egg hunts are your cup of tea (or your child’s) this month promises a whole myriad of easterrelated festivities to choose from.
Eggcellent Storytime
25 minutes of spring-themed stories, songs, and movement are followed by an outdoor egg hunt. The Library staff will incorporate five essential early literacy practices, including singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing. Bring a blanket to sit on and your willingness to sing along.
When: April 16, 10:00 - 10:30 am
Age: 5 and younger
Cost: Free!
Spring Egg-Venture at Halyburton
Back for the first time since 2019, the popular Halyburton easter egg hunt will promise old traditions and new surprises.
When: April 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Halyburton Park
Ages: 2 - 9 yrs
Cost: $5 per child
Turtle-y Awesome Egg Hunt
Kids get to meet a real, live turtle and then learn all about these fascinating animals. As part of the event, young learners create their own turtle egg basket and then search for candy-filled “turtle eggs”.
When: April 18, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach
Eggstravaganza with the YMCA in the Swimming Pool
Experience an egg hunt… in the family pool! This not-to-be-missed adventure will overflow with kid-friendly games, hands-on crafts, and more easter-time adventures.
When: April 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Nir Family YMCA, 2710 Market St.
Cost: $5 for members/$10 for non-members
Out and About in April
Art Events
If you have children who love to get creative and dive into color and collage, these hands-on programs will be sure to delight.
Messy Hands Art @ Main Library
A child-driven, process-based art program where children ages 2-5 are encouraged to explore their creativity using a variety of different art mediums.
When: April 17, 10:30 - 11:00 am
Where: Story Port, Main Library
Ages: 2 - 5
Cost: Free!
Mary Art Explorers: Lines that Wiggle
Ideal for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, April’s storytime book is Lines That Wiggle, by Candace Whitman and illustrated by Steve Wilson. Storytime is followed by a hands-on craft. And don’t forget, registration includes admission to the museum for the whole day, so you and your children can explore and get inspired by the extensive collection.
When: April 26, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Where: Cameron Art Museum
Cost: $5 members/$10 non members per child/ adults + children under 2 are free
Kids at CAM: Creative Collage
This month, local artist Marcus Dawson invites families to experience the transformative power of collage art. Young learners will get to make their own collage and also be welcome to participate in making a community collage. Reminder that this even happens simultaneously with the Art Explorers event geared towards younger learners. Bring the whole family to experience a day at the museum, or take both workshops.
When: April 26, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Where: Cameron Art Museum
Cost: $5 members/$10 non members per child/ adults + children under 2 are free
Stella & Marigold
By Sophie Blackall and Annie Barrows
New from the creators of the beloved Ivy & Bean series, creators Sophie Blackall and Annie Barrows bring us the tale of Stella & Marigold, which is easily our young reader pick-of-the-month. This story introduces two sisters whose strong sibling bond and incredible adventures seem to leap off the page. This is a great read for newly independent book lovers who are ready to take their love of stories to the next level.
BookLovers Corner!
A monthly showcase of great books young readers absolutely love, handpicked by tutoring experts, librarians, children’s authors, and of course, parents like you! With special recommendations for toddlers, early readers, middle grades, and teens, this section is jam-packed each month with books that will capture your child’s imagination and ignite a lifelong love of literature.
1. AIRLIE GARDEN 0.9 mi
Birds, tulips, and beauty galore!
Clocking in at just under a mile, what it lacks in length this gorgeous Wilmington trailer offers in local beauty and history. Set on 67-acres of blooming, landscaped bliss, this trail makes for the perfect springtime outing for parents with little ones of any age.
2. STANLEY REHDER
CARNIVOROUS PLANT
GARDEN PATH 0.5 mi
Captivate your kiddos’ curiosity with plants that… eat insects! This easy path features those everfascinating Venus Flytraps native to our beautiful North Carolina wetlands. Watch them munch insects and arachnids with their jaw-like clamping structure, an awesome opportunity for exploration and discovery.
3. SMITH CREEK PARK 1.3 mi
Relax on the parks’ floating dock, launch a kayak, or stroll the 1.3-mile paved, multipurpose trail circumnavigating this beautiful freshwater lake. If fishing tickles your fancy, catch-and-release is allowed with a valid NC fishing permit.
4. FLYTRAP TRAIL
CAROLINA BEACH
STATE PARKS TRAIL 0.5 mi
Just 12 miles south of Wilmington, tucked in Carolina Beach State Park, you’ll find the 0.5 mile, ADA-accessible Flytrap Trail looping through the pocosin wetlands, longleaf pine forests, and wiregrass savanna communities. Catch the springtime explosion of wildflowers that are an explosion of color this time of year.
5. KIDS IN PARKS TRACK TRAIL
CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARKS TRAIL 0.25 mi
We love this trail not just because it packs all of Wilmington’s natural beauty into one, quick, quarter-mile loop, but because of its downloadable educational materials that make it engaging for little ones and grown ups alike. If you have time, make a day of it and pair the Kids in Parks trail with the Flytrap Trail or any of the other kid-friendly treks in Carolina Beach State Park.
6. OGDEN PARK LOOP 1.0 mi
Check out the turtles, play ball, have a picnic, or find a new read in the park’s little free library. With a bit of everything, Ogden Park’s 1 mile loop is easy, and its varied offerings mean it’s not just a great urban hike, but a great place to wile away a weekend afternoon.
7. LONG LEAF PARK LOOP 2.6 mi
A local fave, the Long Leaf Park Loop has a little something for everyone in the family, including a duck pond, a dog park, a playground, and starting in May, the ever popular splash pad. With a longer, paved 2.6 mile loop, this is a great exercise path for pushing a stroller while chatting with friends, or bringing a picnic while the kiddos swing on the swingset.
8. BLUETHENTHAL WILDFLOWER PRESERVE 0.7 mi
A magical woodland wonderland that explodes with wildflowers in the springtime and songbirds galore, this short, accessible hike is perfect for the whole family. Set on 10 acres against the backdrop of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington campus, this beautiful sanctuary is a place to roam and recharge.
Outdoor Adventures
Family Hiking Tips
Even for the most seasoned adventurers among us, getting out on the trail with kids can feel daunting at first. It’s hard enough to get yourself out there rambling amongst the trees, but get the whole family out on the open trail together? Luckily, with a little planning, hiking can be fun, safe, magical, and most importantly, a part of your family traditions. It can spark a lifelong love of nature, promote your child’s physical and mental health, and create time for you to bond as a family. Here are a few hiking tips we find to be game-changers when out on the trail with kids.
Time is Your Friend
There are thousands of things your child will discover out on the trail, and many of them aren’t things you’ll notice yourself. Unusual insects, amazing plants, bizarre birds, and tall tall trees will enchant very young children in particular. Remember that for them, the journey is definitely the destination, and allow time for them to ramble and explore
Dress Right
Springtime in Wilmington tends to be temperate, with warm weather and the occasional bout of rain. But even in our mild corner of the globe, it’s important to prepare for anything. From lightweight under layers to plenty of sweaters, changes of socks to hats, hats, hats, and more hats for sun, rain, and the unexpected chill. It’s amazing how quickly the weather can change, how rapidly your child might get covered in mud, and how grateful you’ll be to have packed a change of clothes.
Leave No Trace
As future stewards of our public lands, kids are empowered by the sense of responsibility they learn on the trail. Together, make sure you look behind you and that the area you spent the afternoon in appears untouched. Pack it in, pack it out is a valuable life lesson that’s best to learn early but will last a lifetime.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
It’s amazing how much energy you burn when you’re out on the trail, and kids seem to burn at least twice that. Packing plenty of high-protein snacks can be the difference between a grumpy youngster and an energetic explorer. Trail mix, cheese sticks, apple slices, and energy bars will go a long way when the whole family gets the munchies.
Hydrate
Even us grown ups forget to drink enough water, but youngsters will need frequent reminders. Bring plenty of water, whatever the weather and whatever time of day you strike out on the trail. And make sure you remind your kiddo to take frequent sips, before they get thirsty.
Adventure Plan… Together!
Kids love adventure, and getting to be a part of that adventure can be exhilarating. Pull out those trail maps and let your youngster be a part of the decision making process. Where will we go this weekend? The sky’s the limit!
Hike Often
Whether in an urban park or on a wilderness trail, heading out on frequent hikes is healthy for kids’ bodies, minds, and imagination, and it’s a great way to build and deepen your connection to one another as a family. The more you hike, the more resilient, creative, and energized you’ll be around this healthy, happy habit.
Outdoor Adventures
4 Hiking Activities to Spark Your Child’s Love of Nature
1 Map Making
A great post-hike activity or engaging craft to tackle at a picnic table en-route. Bring colored pencils, crayons, and markers, and encourage your kids to create their own maps of the trail you’ve taken. Youngsters may add all kinds of interesting landmarks and memories to their maps. The tree where we found the bird’s nest! The rock where we stopped for a snack and told silly jokes! Make sure to compare your maps afterwards, ask lots of questions, and discover each child’ s different perspective.
2 Scavenger Hunts
This hiking-focused take on an old classic is a winner for families with kids across the spectrum of ages. Make a list of items everyone has to find, and the first to find them all wins the game. For a leave-no-trace approach, be sure to add that everyone’s feet need to stay on the trail while they spot the items on the list. Your list can be different each time you play, and don’t be afraid to get creative: A heart-shaped rock! A leaf with three points! Something made by humans! A bird in flight! The sky’s the limit. For an extra bonus, have your youngsters contribute to the list before you head off on the trail.
3
Close Ups
Have someone run ahead on the trail with a camera or phone, and take a photo of a natural object they find. It can be a leaf, tree root, insect, rock, moss, or any of the myriad other amazing things you’ll discover in the natural world, but it should be something that you can spot right from on the trail. When the other players catch up to look at the photo, it’s their job to discover what it’s a picture of. This game is an exercise in awareness, and will train participants both old and young to see the world around them anew.
4 Urban Sketching
Bring art supplies along with you and take a break on a bench or in a meadow to draw your surroundings; whether that’s a tiny ladybug, the passersby on the trail, or the big blue sky. You can use colored pencils, pens, crayons, or for older children, find a picnic table and set up watercolor paints and paper. It’s amazing how much time you may end up wiling away as you reinterpret the world around you in your art.
Where to Go With Your Sweetie This Month
As parents, we know that date nights are precious. No matter what age your kids are, getting a few hours with your sweetie is important, and you want those few hours to count. In this section, we’re highlighting our favorite local haunts. Places that promise a great setting to unwind, recharge, and reconnect
Molly Pitcher’s American Grill
ALocal Must-Try Local Favorite With a Historical Twist
With its cozy, wood interior and a tangible warmth that embraces you with positivity from the moment you step through the door, Molly Pitcher’s is our April destination-ofthe-month for couples looking for a night out together, knockyour-socks off eats, and cold beers that make the perfect finale after a long week of parenting.
Five years into its success as a beloved destination for locals, this family-owned restaurant is co-owned and operated by husband and wife restaurateurs, Chris and Suze Graham. The duo emphasizes that their goal has always been to create a place where locals can come, relax, and feel like they’re at home, a place where everyone is welcome to stop by and break bread together. Try their all-too-popular shrimp and grits, mouthwatering fried green tomatoes, and not-to-be-missed pulled pork sandwiches, or indulge in a Crabby Patty or Po Boy sandwich.
Historical Inspiration + a Modern-Day Message.
The restaurant gets its name from the legendary figure “Molly Pitcher” a folkloric, revolutionary war-era woman who is said to have spent time at the camp at Valley Forget in 1777, and after her husband’s fall in battle, took his place swabbing and loading cannons during the Battle of Monmouth.
Today, the name Molly Pitcher is regarded as a composite image inspired by the actions of many war-era women. It’s the local restaurant’s way of celebrating women’s bravery and perseverance in the face of opposition, and immeasurable contributions to the country we call home.
“We loved the idea of supporting women in business and in the founding of our nation,” says co-owner Suze Graham. With menu items named after groundbreaking women throughout our nation’s history (The Betsy Ross sandwich is a BLT with pecan pimiento cheese) the restaurant seeks to nourish diners with both unbelievably delicious food and a dash of inspiration.
Looking for Other Date Night Options?
Adate night can mean a whole lot of things, and everyone has a unique idea of “the perfect night out”. For some, a day browsing an art or science museum is pure heaven, for others, a gourmet dinner hits the spot. For others still, a coastal hike spotting birds is the very pinnacle of romance. Here are a few other options to plan for.
Live! At CAM Café
Every Thursday evening, the Cameron Art Museum features dinner, cocktails, and live acoustic music by a phenomenal local artist against a backdrop of incredible artwork. A romantic destination for foodies and art lovers alike, Live! At CAM Café is an excellent weeknight date option, whether you make it only once in a blue moon, or create a weekly or monthly tradition out of this beautiful local haunt.
When: Every Thursday Night, 5:008:00 pm (reservations recommended)
Where: Cameron Art Museum
Wild Under the Stars @ Animal Park at the Conservators Center
For those who love the great outdoors, there may be nothing better than the Animal Park at the Conservator’s Center’s inspired astronomical events. With some of the darkest skies in the greater Triangle and Triad area, the park offers unparalleled viewing conditions for astronomical phenomena. Join the park and other visitors for the Lyriad Meteor Shower on April 19th and experience incredible viewing opportunities of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and binary star systems. Participants are invited to pitch a tent and set up a telescope in the early evening at 5:30 pm, and participate in the park’s 6:30 pm twilight tour. A romantic evening for intrepid couples!
When: April 19, starting at 5:30 pm
Where: Animal Park at the Conservators Center, Burlington, NC
Cost: $30 (reservations required)
Making
Magic Happen
Hands-on art, science, and nature projects that are fun for parents and kids, and that engage young learners, ignite curiosity, and inspire a life-long love of creativity.
CWildflower Seeds Creations
elebrate Earth Day by planting wildflower seeds in your community! Seed balls were first introduced in New York City in the 1970s as a way of greening vacant city lots. This new take on the idea uses cookie cutters to create fun shapes that you can plant in your own garden, in your community, or give to friends and family as gifts to plant themselves.
Use this craft as an opportunity to learn about urban gardening and the role of native plants in our Wilmington environment.
MATERIALS TO GATHER:
• Soil
• Water (as needed)
• Clay Recommended: Powdered kaolin clay or red clay
• Native wildflower seeds
Visit the North Carolina Native Plant Society website to learn what wildflower varieties are local to the area: https://ncwildflower.org/
EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED:
• Medium bowl
• Tablespoon
• Measuring cup
• Cookie cutters
DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix 2 parts of powdered clay to 1 part of soil in a mixing bowl.
2. Add water one tablespoon at a time as needed and knead the mixture until it begins to come together.
3. Break off one small piece at a time, pat it down on a hard surface until it is flat, then sprinkle a few seeds on top. Cover with another flattened piece of the clay/soil mixture, then use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shape, or form into a ball by hand. Repeat until you have used all of the mixture.
4. Allow to dry.
5. Plant your seeds! You can help your wildflowers grow by planting them after the last frost and watering them regularly. If you are planting your seeds in your community, make sure to get permission from private property owners before planting and never plant them in public parks or gardens.
Keep learning with these engaging books about urban gardening!
Miss Rumphius
By Barbara Cooney
A A classic picture book about each persons’ indi-
vidual opportunities to make the world more beautiful, and winner of the American Book Award, this must-read story from author Barbara Cooney provides spectacular illustrations, and a message that your young child will take with them for a lifetime.
Jayden’s Impossible Garden
By Mélina Mangal
A feelgood book about the importance of nature, the power of community, and the unstoppable force of a young child’s imagination, Jayden’s Impossible Garden will empower young readers and ignite their love for the natural world and their ability to see opportunities for growth in the most unexpected places.
Our Recipeof-the-Month
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for those magical, hard-to-spot recipes that our youngsters will not only eat, but ask for again and again. Our recipe-of-the-month is always quick and easy to prepare, knockyour-socks-off yummy, and packs a nutritious punch that keeps your hungry kiddos healthy, strong, and yes, coming back for seconds.
Hi! I’m Natalie Archer, and I am honored to share some of my favorite family-friendly recipes with all of you!
My journey with health and wellness through food began about a decade ago, when I was faced with a life-threatening illness. The experience completely changed the way I looked at food, and I began to see food as something to truly fuel, nourish, and heal my body.
Now, as a mom of two little ones, I aim to do the same for them. This comes as quite a challenge seeing as my six year old son might be one of the pickiest eaters there is! My goal is to share recipes that your whole family can enjoy and be nourished by. Recipes that are easy to create, and of course, that will win over even the pickiest of eaters.
I’ll start with something simple, and a true classic: Rice Crispy Treats. These Rice Crispy Treats however are much healthier than what you might be used to, and they’re made with only 5 ingredients. These have become a sweet treat staple in our household because of their ease and deliciousness.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, and I can’t wait to share more fun and delicious eats with you!
Vegan Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats
By Natalie Archer
Ready to Get Started? Rice Crispy Goodness is Just a Few Steps Away!
(Makes 16-20 Servings)
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups crispy brown rice cereal
1/2 cup brown rice syrup 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or sub with nut/seed butter of choice)
2 Tbs coconut oil a pinch of sea salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a saucepan, add brown rice syrup, coconut oil, peanut butter (or nut butter of choice), and sea salt and let melt. Then, whisk together.
2. Next, add crispy brown rice cereal, one cup at a time, until the cereal is completely covered and all ingredients are combined.
3. Lightly grease an 8x8 pan and line with parchment paper, then spread the rice crispy mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down with a rubber spatula or with your hands using a piece of parchment paper as a divider.
4. Let cool at room temperature, then cut into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Call for Submissions
Next Month’s Theme: “Everything is Blooming!”
Do you have a child at home who’s a prolific painter? Are your kiddos creating mini-masterpieces faster than you can blink?
At Wilmington Parent, we’re inviting local youth to submit their artwork to be showcased in our May magazine issue. Deadline: April 25. In celebration of springtime, the gallery theme for this month is “everything is blooming!”. Artwork can be submitted by email, and will be showcased in the youth gallery of our upcoming issue. Some artwork may also be showcased in our emails and on social media.
Please email submissions with the name and age of the artist and the title of the artwork to phina@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
Parenting Notes from the Voyage
Every step along the parenting adventure brings new wonders, challenges, magic, headaches, and lots and lots of realizations. It truly is an epic voyage, and that’s why we’ve created this new, special section: the Captain’s Log. Here, we’ll bring you notes from real parents at different stages on their parenting journey, from moments amidst calm, tranquil waves to moments amid tumultuous waters.
We’re inviting local parentsthat’s you! - to share your current parenting experiences to be showcased in each issue of the magazine. We’re calling this section the “Captain’s Log” because it will be jampacked with notes from along the path of your parenting adventure.
This section will give real parents a format to share their stories and advice, and for others to learn from their ideas and expertise. Each month we’ll ask a different set of questions. For our upcoming issue, the submission dead-
line is April 25. We’re interested in your answers to the following questions, and of course, your stories in your own words and unique voice.
• How many children do you have and how old are they?
• What is the most joyful part of parenting your child/children at this age?
• What about this parenting stage have you found particularly challenging?
• What parenting hack or hacks have you found along the way that you’d like to share with others?
Please email your answers to phina@wilmingtonfamilymedia.com
K-12: CENTRAL WILMINGTON + 4-DAY OPTION FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL + 2-DAY OPTION FOR HOME SCHOOL SCAN THE QR CODE, CALL OR TEXT US FOR A TOUR
