October 2020

VOLUME 37, #8 OCTOBER 2020

FREE!

COVID Friendly Ways To Celebrate

HALLOWEEN How This “Problematic” School Year Can Prepare Kids for The Future JOURNEY INTO FATHERHOOD

Nearing The Finish Line INSIDE:

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2 WNY Family October 2020

October 2020 • Volume 37 • Issue 8

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Michele Miller GENERAL MANAGER Paul Kline SALES REPRESENTATIVES Jennifer Staebell Paul Kline

Where It’s At! Happy Halloween!

Features:

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Karen Wawszczyk Melanie Schroeder

6n

COVID-Friendly Ways To Celebrate Halloween This Year

by Sandi Schwartz

CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Blackburn • Donna Phillips Richard De Fino • Deborah Williams Kathy Lundquist • Myrna Beth Haskell Mike Daugherty

7n

More Socially Distant Halloween Ideas

by Jill Morgenstern

8n

Spooktacular Halloween Games

by Tania Cowling

10 n

Scary Good! Take the Fear Out of Trying Unfamiliar Produce

by Family Features

12 n

This “Problematic” School Year is Actually an Opportunity to Prepare for the Future

14 n

Get Your Kids Outside During the Pandemic

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FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

A Special Pull-Out Section 19 n

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The Family Pet

Directories: 55 n Let’s Party

Regulars: 5 n Web Finds / What’s New In The Kid Biz 16 n Family Travel Letchworth State Park

by Deborah Williams 18 n Dear Teacher

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts 40 n Pick of the Literature

by Dr. Donna Phillips 42 n Raising Digital Kids Filtering/Limiting Your Home Internet

by Mike Daugherty 44 n Journey Into Fatherhood Nearing the Finish Line

by Richard De Fino 45 n Parent Previews Family Halloween Movies

by Kirsten Hawkes 46 n Tweens and Teens What Inquiring Parents of Teens Want to Know

by Christa Melnyk Hines 48 n Special Needs Hygiene Hang Ups

by Julia Garstecki 50 n Single Parenting Three Positive Ways to View Single Parenting

by Diane Dierks, LMFT 54 n The Kid Friendly Kitchen

by Kathy Lundquist 55 n The Kiddie Gourmet La Hacienda Brighton

by Barbara Blackburn

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4 WNY Family October 2020

web.finds If you’re keeping your kids close to home this Halloween, here are some simple ways to add some “spooktacular” fun!

DIY FEEL BOXES

Ghoulish touch-and-feel games can be made by covering and decorating cube-sized tissue boxes with felt, craft paper, googley eyes, elastic for bandages, plastic bugs, and anything else you can think of to add to the “creep” factor. Cover the box top with a piece of felt with an X-shaped cut in it to hide what’s inside but allow for hands to reach in to feel anything that seems icky or squishy enough to make kids squeamish. Check out these samples at: https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-greatest-haunted-house-you-could-ever-diy-48123

GOBLIN PEEPERS

Believe it or not, this little guy is made from a flanged gourd, which you can find at most farm markets where pumpkins are sold.

Look for one that has a downturned stem.

Modeling clay forms the eyeballs, which have black paper circles in the center for pupils. Roll four little “snakes” of clay for each paw’s claws. Find a place higher up and slightly hidden, such as a bookcase, flower pot, plate rack, and balance your goblin so it looks like he’s looking out — and wait for others to squeal when they find him! A photo tutorial can be found at: https://www.instructables. com/id/Make-a-House-Goblin-Peeker/

HANGING GHOSTS

Ashley, over at Simply Designing, saw hanging ghosts at Pottery Barn for $59 and decided she could make her own for less. She used 8-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch Styrofoam® balls for the heads, black craft paint for the eyes, and cheesecloth for the ghost’s bodies. Eye screws glued into the top of the heads allow the ghosts to hang, indoors or out. Check out all the details at: https://simplydesigning.porch.com/pb-knock-off-hanging-ghosts/

TWINKIE MUMMY TREATS

Who knew that a Twinkie could be turned into so many characters! These mummies are made by being coated with white chocolate melting chips. Add two edible eyes, place on wax paper, and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Then add “bandages” by drizzling the white chocolate from a piping bag (or plastic bag with a corner cut off). Let harden before serving. Let your imagination run wild — color the chocolate, add licorice features and other accents to make different characters. You can even add sticks to make “Twinkie Pops.” You’ll find the mummy details here: https://www.ohmy-creative.com/ holiday-crafts/halloween/twinkie-mummy-halloweentreats-for-party/

What’s New...

IN THE KIDBIZ 4 TIPS FOR REMOTE LEARNING “This back to school season is unlike any other,” says Darla DeMorrow, author of “The Upbeat, Organized Home Office.”

“Parents are trying to make sense of it all and help our kids the best we can. If you haven’t gotten the memo, we are definitely over perfectionism in parenting, and survival parenting has gone viral. We are making adjustments, building our flexibility muscles, finding and inventing shortcuts and doing our best one day at a time. Here are Darla’s tips: It’s easier to talk than type. Give your kid (or yourself) a break and introduce them to a dictation app, or the built-in dictation tool in their word-processing program (most have them). This can make in-school writing work or homework flow more smoothly. They’ll still have to edit a bit, but it sure beats staring at a blank screen! Give dictation a try and save yourself some valuable time.

Give yourself work boundaries at home. Work-from-home time and space is constantly being invaded with kid-sized interruptions. Toddlers still need constant supervision, but kids who are in upper elementary school (about 8+ years old) should be able to stay out of your home office for an hour at a time. Try literally spelling it out and post a sign on your home office door with your “do not disturb” rules.

Communication is key. During each mealtime, list the things you need from each other on a whiteboard. A kitchen wall calendar is still reserved for appointments, but this is just for the things you need to know right now. Also, list which parent is going to be “on duty” for the day. Writing things down makes them real, much more than just saying them.

Headphones are essential. Make sure all family members have headphones that fit comfortably, include a microphone, and are tested with their devices. A $20 version can work great; you don’t need an expensive pair. Headphones keep the overall noise level in the house down and can help kids focus on their classes. Have a spare set of headphones or earbuds on hand to reduce fatigue, discomfort, and headaches.

October 2020 WNY Family 5

— by Sandi Schwartz

other as they made their way through the community. This can easily be done for Halloween as well. A car parade would also be a hit since all the cars could be decorated in a spooky way.

Dig into Some DIY

COVID-Friendly Ways To Celebrate Halloween This Year

F

all has arrived, which means Halloween will be here before we know it. Of course, it will not look or feel exactly as it has in the past due to COVID. But with a little bit of creative out-of-the-box thinking, we can still make this holiday extra special for our kids. Now is the perfect time to start planning your safe —yet still super fun — Halloween celebration that your family will look back on in a few years and smile.

Here are a few ideas to get you started on Halloween plans for your family.

The goal is to keep kids socially distanced and prevent them from all touching the same candy, which seemed so normal just last year. It is also a wonderful chance to start new family traditions and try celebrating in a way you never even considered.

Say Boo on Zoom.

When my daughter’s eighth birthday rolled around in April, we had to think fast to make sure she did not miss out on an enjoyable party with her friends. We had planned to have an animal-themed birthday at a local na6 WNY Family October 2020

ture center, so we took the party online.

The kids absolutely loved seeing all the creatures on their computer screens and asked tons of questions. For Halloween, you can set up an online party with family and friends and play lots of games.

Some ideas include trying to guess who everyone is in their costumes, having a costume contest, doing a quiz like name that tune, and playing Halloween Bingo.

Parade Safely

We have seen many families over the past several months celebrate special occasions like birthdays a n d graduations with a socially distanced parade either on foot or from their cars.

My neighborhood held a meaningful parade for all the graduates in May. All the kids wore matching grad shirts and stayed the recommended six feet apart from one an-

Take the focus off your kids missing the trick-or-treating by working on several creative projects together as a family. Let this be the year you plan ahead and make all of your costumes from scratch. This will be such a rewarding experience for your kids as they get to choose exactly who they want to be and wear what they worked so hard on. You can also fill the day with many enjoyable arts and crafts projects that you typically do not have time for if you are running around your neighborhood and off to Halloween parties.

Focus on Fall Foods

We can so easily get sucked into all the sugary sweets during Halloween.

In my house, that candy ends up sitting in the pantry for months anyway. Plus, so many kids these days have bad reactions to junk food. This can be the year we focus more on all the wonderful fall foods that go along with Halloween time. Stock up on apples, pumpkins, and different types of squash and turn them into tasty dishes. We always love toasting our own fresh pumpkin seeds after we finish carving our jack-o’-lanterns.

If you feel comfortable and live in an area near an apple orchard or farm with pumpkins, you can head over and pick your own.

Have A Haunted House at Home

Many kids look forward to walking through a haunted house at school or in their neighborhood. With social distancing being an issue, this just will not be possible this year. A great project for your kids is to set up their own haunted house. Not only will this be a creative endeavor, it will also take up lots of time and keep them very busy for a while.

Depending on your own family’s COVID rules, maybe you can invite grandparents or cousins over for a fright night.

Make It A Movie Night

Another wonderful way to distract your kids from missing out on typical activities like trick-or-treating is to set up the big screen to scare them silly.

Well, we don’t really want to scare our kids too much. Look for age-appropriate movies for Halloween that they will love, such as The Addams Family, Ghostbusters, Hocus Pocus, Hotel Transylvania, Beetlejuice, and of course It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Go Against the Grain

With so much upside down in 2020, this might just be the best year to go contrarian and ditch all the sugar and spook.

Why not make it a healthy family night by putting together colorful, delicious treats out of fruits and veggies? Just hop on Pinterest for endless ideas to turn fresh produce into incredible creations that your kids will love.

I know this year feels different, but there are so many ways to make it even better than before. Take advantage of this opportunity to spark some creativity for your family and you all may be thrilled with the memories you make that will be cherished forever.

Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/ blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. You can find her at www.happysciencemom.com.

More Socially Distant Halloween Ideas

W

— by Jill Morgenstern

ith the impact COVID has on children still relatively unknown, parents have mixed feelings about whether or not Halloween traditions should change for this year. Angie Wierzbiki, mother to 5 and 6 year old girls says, “I think I would be okay trick or treating in our neighborhood, but not attending one of the numerous community Halloween events.” Rachael Hutchinson is another mother who will let her children trick or treat. “Since they’ll be wearing masks like everyone is supposed to, I don’t see the issue!”

Other parents still see it as risky or want to do their part in social distancing efforts. “I just don’t see how anything is going to be the same this year, so instead of staying home and being disappointed, we booked a little getaway for the weekend” says Megan Wildgoose of her family’s plans.

Whether or not you choose to let your children trick or treat, here are some great ways to celebrate Halloween this year while maintaining social distance:

Face Painting Kids love to paint their own faces.

Buy a set of face paints, set the kids in front of a mirror, and let their artistic talents shine!

Hand Out Candy From Afar This is the perfect year to sit outside in a lawn chair with candy on a table and let kids take their own. (Editor’s Note: Wash your own hands well before opening a bag of individually packaged candies, then place single items spread apart on the table. Instruct each trickor-treater that he should only touch the candy item he wants, and no others.)

Candy Scavenger Hunt Hide candy around the yard or house for little ones to find.

Hold an Outdoor Pumpkin Carving Party Gather up the safety knives and patterns and head outdoors (six feet apart of course) to carve pumpkins together!

Cleanup is a breeze when pumpkins are

carved outside and, of course, younger children could paint theirs instead.

Play With Slime Make your own or buy some. Add plastic spiders for a creepy effect!

Make Caramel Apples or Halloween Themed Treats If your cooking skill levels are low, there are kits available at many grocery stores around Halloween to help you make traditional caramel apples. A graveyard “dirt cake” made from Oreos is a lot of fun and can be embellished with Nabisco Nutter Butter cookies for ghosts and Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies for gravestones. Or use a donut hole, a Life Saver gummy candy and a chocolate chip to make edible eyeballs!

Tell Ghost Stories or Read Scary Library Books Family members can take turns telling scary stories. Alternately, check out some Halloween themed books from the library like The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams. Older kids might enjoy starting the Bunnicula chapter book series

by James Howe or the My Undead Life series by Emma T. Graves.

Play “And Then the Boiler Burst” In this spooky game, players take turns telling a spooky story, either making it up or using a familiar story. A close by object serves as “base.” At the spookiest part of the story, the storyteller shouts out, “And then the boiler burst!”

The first player tagged before reaching base tells the next story.

Bob for Apples You can use a wading pool, large bucket, or tub filled with apples and a bandana to cover the eyes for this healthy and fun activity for your own family.

Jill Morgenstern has written for many regional parenting magazines such as Parenting Plus, Houston Family, & Staten Island Parent. Her writing has been featured on web pages such as Ten to Twenty Parenting & TODAY Show Parenting Team.

October 2020 WNY Family 7

— by Tania Cowling

markers to make the eye color, pupils and bloodshot eye veins on each ball.

You will need about five balls per team.

To play the game, set a chair across the room from each team. Have the first player cup her hands and fill them with the eyeballs. She then needs to race over to the chair and sit down. She then gets up and races back to the team without dropping any of the eyeballs. If any fall, she must retrieve them before handing them over to the next player. The first team who finishes the entire course wins the game.

Halloween Flashlight Dancing

Spooktacular Halloween Games

T

imes have changed and more families will be staying indoors on Halloween night.

I truly enjoy the house parties where I too can dress up and enjoy the festivities with my children and grandchildren.

Games have always been part of party entertainment, so I would like to share a few of my favorites. While your party may be limited to your own children and close family members this year due to COVID, the games will still add fun to your gathering.

Getting To Know You This Halloween game is perfect as an ice breaker. Begin by cutting out five orange witch hats, five white ghosts and five black cats. On each of the five hats write a letter to spell “WITCH” and do the same for GHOST and BLACK. Hide these shapes in the party room before your guests arrive. Prepare name tags for your attendees using equal numbers of hat, ghost and cat shapes. Form three teams where the witches search for the hats, ghosts for ghost and cats search for the black cat shapes. The first team to find all five shapes wins. This game is good for 15 people. For larger parties in the future, think of adding the words “monster,” “pumpkin,” and “costume.”

Who Am I? This is a fun game and also an ice breaker. For this game you will need index cards and safety pins. Write the 8 WNY Family October 2020

names of characters on the index cards.

Make sure the characters are ones that the kids are familiar with. They could be popular movie, story, cartoon and Halloween characters. Think about Frankenstein, The Mummy, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and such. Pin one on the back of each guest. Then walk around and tap a person. Give them a clue or ask questions to see if that person can guess which character they are.

Bat Cave Toss Game Bats are sure to be out on Halloween night and looking to find their caves. This game requires three cardboard box containers.

Spray paint these black.

Have various sizes and distances from a tape line where the players stand. Make three bats from black felt fabric — sew them and fill with dried beans.

Players try to toss the bats into the caves and receive points or prizes for their accomplishments. You may also consider tossing pumpkins into the pumpkin patch or monsters into the haunted castles or whatever is appropriate to your Halloween party theme.

Eyeball Relay Race Prior to the party, make eyeballs from Ping-pong balls. Use permanent

Cut circles from orange construction paper to cover the end of flashlights.

Make jack-o-lantern faces on each circle and cut out the pieces. Tape these onto the ends of each flashlight. Give one to each child, dim the lights and let them dance around shining their jack-olantern faces on the ceiling and walls.

Adding fun Halloween music makes the dancing even more entertaining.

Play Musical Brooms Your children will love this game, which is a basically variation of the classic game “Hot Potato.” Have everyone stand in a circle. As you play music, have the players pass a broom around the circle. When the music stops, the player holding the broom is out and takes a seat outside the circle. Continue playing until only one player is left.

Shave “Old Jack” Inflate and tie the end of an orange balloon. Use a black permanent marker to draw on a jack-o-lantern face. Cover the balloon with shaving cream. One child holds the balloon, while another child shaves “old Jack” with a Popsicle stick “razor.”

Take turns and repeat the process. Be careful not to break the balloon!

Tania Cowling is an author, former teacher, mother and grandmother. She lives in Sanford, Florida. Read more about Tania on her blog – kiddoblogger.com

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October 2020 WNY Family 9

characters in a beloved film, you can’t judge a fruit or vegetable by its appearance; nature’s true beauty often lies within.

The campaign offers characterinspired recipes, serving suggestions, digital and social activations, familyfriendly activities, fun trivia and influencer partnerships that celebrate the not-so-scary world of the planet’s more unusual fresh bounty.

! d o o G y r Sca Take the fear out of trying unfamiliar produce

I

(Family Features)

ntroducing kids to unfamiliar flavors doesn’t have to be a frightful experience. Getting creative and taking cues from some beloved characters may be all it takes for families to explore produce in a new way and discover how delicious, satisfying and enjoyable fresh fruits and vegetables can be.

A passion for produce may begin with America’s favorites, like bananas, apples, citrus, celery, carrots and broccoli, but that’s just the beginning.

Whether it’s their angry names and tough exteriors, or simply a fear of the unknown about taste and preparation, dozens more diverse and exotic fruits and vegetables like dragon fruit, horned melon and Brussels sprouts are often the sources of produce paranoia.

An initiative from Dole, in collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., is helping to take the scare out of specialty fruits and vegetables and widen America’s produce horizons.

That’s because, like a good book or the

One easy way to introduce new flavors is by trying a variation of a familiar fruit or veggie. For example, there are more than 500 edible banana varieties in the world. You might sample a red banana or a Manzano, or even an ice cream banana, with a taste resembling vanilla custard.

These fun and kid-friendly Green Slime Nacho Cups feature plantains, for example, a member of the banana family with a different taste and texture than everyday yellow bananas – more firm and starchy like a potato. Increase your family’s produce intake even further with a Slippery Slimy Smoothie and Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads, which call for green grapes, celery, avocados, strawberries and blueberries.

Find more recipes and other not-soscary fun at dole.com/Disney, and follow #Dole and #DoleRecipes.

Green Slime Nacho Cups

Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

1 green starting to turn yellow DOLE® Plantain, peeled and thinly sliced on bias 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided 1 Dole Avocado, halved, pitted and peeled 1 Tablespoon lime juice 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup thinly shredded Dole Purple Cabbage Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss plantain slices with canola oil and season with pinch of salt. On parchment paper-lined baking sheet, arrange slices in single layer with no overlapping. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden. Cool completely and set aside.

10 WNY Family October 2020

Using spoon, scoop flesh of avocado into small bowl and mash, reserving one half avocado shell. Stir mashed avocado with lime juice, garlic, and remaining salt. Stir in slaw, reserving some for garnish. Scoop into reserved avocado shell and smooth top with back of spoon. Stick reserved cabbage shreds out of avocado mixture to look like hair. Serve slime nacho cups with plantain chips.

Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads Prep time: 15 minutes • Servings: 3 1 cup cubed, cooked chicken breast 1/2 cup DOLE® Green Grapes, halved 1/4 cup chopped Dole Celery 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 1/2 Dole Avocados, halved, pitted and peeled 6 whole-wheat pretzel twists 18 whole-wheat pretzel sticks 1 Dole Strawberry, sliced 3 dried, sweetened blueberries

In bowl, stir together chicken, grapes, celery, yogurt, salt and pepper. Scoop three equal portions onto serving plate. Shape each into oval. Top each with upside down avocado half.

Decorate each avocado half to resemble Roz’s face. Using sharp paring knife, trim each pretzel twist to create a horn-rimmed glasses lens by cutting off double loop section of each pretzel twist and discarding or enjoying as snack, keeping single loop portion, which will become one lens. Two lenses are needed per Roz Head.

Place two pretzel lenses on each avocado to form glasses. Add pretzel stick to each side of avocado to form arms of glasses.

Push four pretzel sticks into top of each avocado to form hair. Add strawberry slice, trimmed to look like lips for her mouth, and place blueberry on lower left side of face to form mole.

Slippery Slimy Smoothie Prep time: 10 minutes • Servings: 2 (8 ounces each) 1/2 cup DOLE® Spinach 1 Dole Banana, peeled and frozen 1/2 cup Dole Green Grapes, frozen 1/3 cup cucumber, diced 1/2 cup Dole Pineapple 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 5 ice cubes In blender, blend spinach, banana, grapes, cucumber, pineapple, almond milk, Greek yogurt and ice cubes until smooth. Pour smoothie into two glasses and serve.

October 2020 WNY Family 11

This “Problematic” School Year Is Actually an Opportunity to Prepare for the Future

S

chools across America are either open or still preparing to reopen. What the 202021 school year looks like (in-person, all virtual, or a mix of both) varies by state, and in many cases by school district. But, regardless of what their local school system is doing, parents are deeply worried. They fear learning will be scaled back, teachers will struggle to impart even the basics, extracurriculars will be canceled (or at least curtailed)… and in the long run, kids will be the ones who suffer.

Ed Hess, author of Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, September 2020, $29.95, edhess.org) has a different perspective. Parents, he says, should look at this school year not as an obstacle but as an opportunity.

“This year will be your big chance to help your kids master the attitudes and skills they will need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” says Hess. “They may have a little more time and, depending on your work situation, you may be around more to do it with them.”

The world is changing so rapidly that, for quite some time, it has outpaced schools’ capacity to equip students with the skills they’ll need to compete, asserts Hess. The Digital Age is fundamentally 12 WNY Family October 2020

changing the way we work. As technology becomes ever-smarter, it’s predicted that almost half of U.S. jobs will be automated in the next ten years or so.

That means your kids will have to be able to “outsmart” technology. They’ll need to be masters at the things computers can’t do: thinking innovatively and critically, emotionally connecting and engaging with other people, and solving complex problems where there is little data. They’ll need to be able to make decisions in the midst of uncertainty.

They’ll need to work well as a member of diverse teams.

“Preparing for a meaningful career in the Digital Age is not about knowing content,” asserts Hess. “It’s impossible for a human to know more than a computer. In fact, your children will need to excel at not knowing. They need to become enthusiastic lifelong learners so they can keep upgrading their skills as the world advances and constantly reinvent themselves.”

der, but there are a lot of simple things you can do over the upcoming school year to get your kids headed in that direction. For instance: “Assign” older kids a quick video to watch or article to read daily. There’s lots of free material out there, from TED Talks to webinars to lectures to documentaries to virtual tours of museums, national parks, and faraway countries.

Send them the link and find a few minutes each day (perhaps at lunch or dinner) to have them “teach” you about it.

(If daily seems too much, adjust to a frequency that feels right for your child.)

“The idea is not so much to teach them content but to make learning a daily habit and to show them how much fun learning really is,” says Hess. “You’re helping your child become a lifelong learner.”

Register them for online courses and activities.

These exist for kids of all ages at, for example, Khan Academy, the Smithsonian, NASA, Google, National Geographic, and many gamification sites designed to teach learning skills. It is amazing how your children can reach out to the world through technology.

“Encourage them to choose subjects that interest them, as people learn best when they have autonomy and choice,” says Hess. “But also, urge them to seek out novelty and the different, rather than only going deeper into subjects they’ve already explored. Being willing to go into the unknown and learn is one of the key skills your children will need in the future.”

Help them create minicourses on specific subjects.

So, parents, your job is to create kids who find learning exciting and meaningful… kids who are open-minded and resilient… kids who have the courage of explorers… kids who are able to “think” like scientists, “make” like engineers, and “create” like artists.

If your child is drawn to, say, ocean conservation, guide them in tracking down videos and articles on the subject.

Likewise, if there’s a topic you want them to absorb — ethics in business or community engagement, for instance — challenge them to find news stories, blog posts, presentations, etc. around the subject.

This may sound like a tall or-

“Don’t do the work for them,” says

Hess. “Send them off on a quest to find these stories or videos and ask probing questions on what they’ve learned and what opinions they’ve formed.”

If possible, incorporate a “real-world” piece.

If your child is exploring ocean conservation, you might arrange a saltwater marsh kayaking trip or have them fundraise for an ocean clean-up nonprofit. If you’ve “assigned” a community engagement mini-course, have the child attend a town council meeting (even if it has to be virtual right now). While options might be more limited during COVID, there are a lot of options to supplement with real-world learning. The good news is that the opportunities for virtual learning are limitless.

See what your community offers in terms of experiential learning.

Some communities have innovation labs or maker spaces that can be avenues to “learn by doing” (which is the best way to learn). Take full advantage of such resources. (Much of this will have to be done virtually now, and many of these labs have good plans for virtual learning.)

Pair kids up with a mentor.

There are lots of professionals out there who want to give back (many of whom are retired and have free time).

Mentoring is a great way to do it. Have your child reach out to someone in a field that interests them and ask if they are willing to virtually connect.

“Personalized, frequent, real-time feedback from teammates, teachers, coaches, and facilitators really helps people learn,” notes Hess. “Plus, working with a mentor helps your child gain much-needed relationship skills.”

Join a homeschooling group.

Depending on how much classroom time your kids are getting, they may need more social interaction. Meeting up virtually with a homeschooling group will help them get to know new people.

Teach them the scientific method and have them design experiments around it.

1) First, they create a hypothesis (e.g., I believe if I do X, person Y will do Z. Or, if I do X, Z will happen).

2) They then ask themselves: •

What must be true for that to occur?

•

What would make my hypothesis false?

3) They then design an experiment to test the hypothesis, looking for confirming and disconfirming results.

4) They then find relevant data (e.g., through interviews or research) to test the hypothesis.

5) They ask themselves: What did I learn?

“An experiment can be anything that they want to try to do,” Hess clarifies. “Ask them: What is the goal? What are you trying to do? Build something?

Cook something? Solve a problem?

How do you propose to do that? Okay, try it. What happened? What did you learn? What do you need to do differently to achieve your goal?”

Encourage older children to find on the Internet an organization that is bringing together people to solve a problem or learn a new skill together.

Learning how to build relationships with new people will be an important Digital Age skill. So, help your kids learn how to connect with others and work as part of a team.

Hold dinner table conversations around all that kids have learned.

Focus the discussion on emotions.

Ask your kids, “How are you feeling?” regarding a particular topic and share what you are feeling as well. Ask them, “Who did you thank today?” and discuss why thanking others is important. Ask, “How do you get ‘unmad’

when you’re upset about something?”

Discuss various ways to do this.

“Kids need to be able to connect and engage in positive ways with other human beings,” says Hess. “That will require both high emotional intelligence and ‘Otherness’—the ability to build caring, trusting, and compassionate relationships. These dinner table conversations can help them understand their emotions and how to manage them, and the effect they can have on other people’s emotions also.”

These are just a few ways to take full advantage of a school year that promises to be different from any preceding it. But remember: In terms of preparing kids for the future, “different” is a good thing.

“Kids need to be comfortable navigating the unknown, and, frankly, the unknown is unfolding around us,” notes Hess. “In a strange way, this may turn out to be a meaningful and highly productive year, if only parents will help kids frame it in a positive way.”

About The Author: Edward D. Hess is professor of business administration, Batten Fellow, and Batten Executivein-Residence at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Professor Hess spent 20 years in the business world as a senior executive and has spent the last 18 years in academia. He is the author of 13 books, over 140 articles, and 60 Darden case studies. His work has appeared in over 400 global media outlets including Fortune, European Business Review, HBR, SHRM, Fast Company, WIRED, Forbes, Inc., Huffington Post, Washington Post, Business Week, Financial Times, CNBC Squawk Box, Fox Business News with Maria Bartiroma, Big Think, WSJ Radio, Bloomberg Radio with Kathleen Hays, Dow Jones Radio, MSNBC Radio, Business Insider, and Wharton Radio. His recent books and research have focused on Human Excellence in the Digital Age: A New Way of Being; A New Way of Working; Humanizing the Workplace; and Hyper-Learning.

October 2020 WNY Family 13

C

incinnati, Ohio based Jeff Alt, adventurer, teacher, and author of Get Your Kids Hiking and the young adult national park time travel series, The Adventures of Bubba Jones, is on a mission to help parents and kids of all ages get outside and stay in shape having fun safely during the pandemic.

Researchers agree that the risk of COVID transmission is lower with outdoor recreation activities.

Scientific evidence proves that time spent in nature increases your creativity, helps prevent depression, improves your overall health, and is a great way to spend time together.

Bundle Up for the Season and Stay Dry: Make sure everyone is wearing layered non-cotton clothing. Pack along hats, mittens, and a waterproof outer shell.

Map, Compass & GPS: Bring a topographical map, compass and GPS (if you have GPS) and know how to use them. Know how to signal for help if you’re lost (three loud whistle bursts, bright colored clothing item placed in open clearing; etc.).

Get Your Kids Outside During the Pandemic!

Why are walking, hiking and camping among the best activities you can do during the COVID19 Pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, students, parents, and teachers are having to study and work remotely indoors this fall and maybe into the winter. But excessive screen time is being associated with increased childhood obesity, mental health issues, and even social skill problems.

On top of that, many sport activities have been cancelled this fall due to the COVID pandemic.

All of this points to the importance and the advantages of walking, hiking and camping as a great way to stay healthy physically and mentally.

How do you stay safe from COVID19 exposure while camping and hiking?

Stay local! Explore your local area. Avoid popular trails and destinations. Take the trail less traveled. Hike and camp at times and days when the park is not busy.

Be prepared! Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer and travel wipes. Restroom facilities 14 WNY Family October 2020

Bring a hiking stove and some Cocoa: Pack along a hiking stove, hot cocoa, and soup packets. Most kids never turn down a cup of piping hot cocoa after a cold romp in the snow and this will also help warm your inner core.

may not be open and this will allow you to be self-sufficient and sanitary.

Keep your distance! When you encounter others, step off the trail and let them pass. Make sure to stay six feet apart and don a mask during the close encounter. Turn your face away from others and don’t stop and chat!

Be extra cautious in public restrooms. Wear your mask if you go in a park restroom. If you touch a surface, wash and sanitize, and keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands and use your travel wipes and hand sanitizer frequently.

Planning for Outdoor Recreation and Fall Family Hikes A big part of making a fall hiking and camping adventure fun and safe is to stay warm, dry, hydrated and fed. Fall can offer some brilliant leaf peeping opportunities, but you may also experience adverse weather conditions. Here are a few tips: Plan ahead. Study your area and identify the best places to go in advance.

Pack Extra Snacks & Enough Water. You burn more calories in cold weather and the added snacks will keep your kids energized. Be sure to bring your kids favorite foods to encourage everyone to eat. Stop often for water breaks.

Start’em Young: Ergonomically

designed baby carriers make it easy and fun to carry your infant and toddler with you wherever you hike. Walk to your favorite park or beach. Stop often and let your little one explore. Make your hike a routine your kids will look forward to.

Let the Kids Lead! Follow the

leader! Hike at your child’s pace and distance. Whatever your child takes interest in, stop and explore that bug, leaf, or rock with them. Tell them about the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Getting to the destination is less important than making sure your kids have so much fun, they will want to go again and again.

Count Down to the Adventure: Psych the kids up with

pictures, videos, and highlights of the places they will go and the things they will see. Use books, magazines, maps, and the Internet, especially park websites and videos showing the spectacular wildlife and locations they will see.

Bring Water and Food Kids Love: Hand out needed extra

energy snacks and water as needed on the trail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty of water. Stop often for a drink and a snack.

Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill their adventure

pack with a bug catcher, magnifying glass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass, whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer take ownership and pack a few items of his own; even if it’s not hiking-related.

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Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play I Spy using your surroundings as you walk along. Create your own scavenger hunt in search of animals, plants, and views along the way.

Make up rhymes and sing songs as you walk. Pack a plant and animal identification guide for your older child. Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parental permission. Intrigue your computer-savvy child with the high-tech hiking gadgets like a GPS, headlamp, flashlights, and pedometers. Use your GPS and take your kids on a geocaching adventure.

Tell them you saw their ad in

Suit Up in Comfort, Style, and the Latest Technology Footwear: Make sure everyone is wearing trail shoes or boots with a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with a waterproof breathable liner is preferred. Wear non-cotton, moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks.

Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool & fleece clothes and dress in layers.

Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with roll-up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Dress for the season with a fleece hat & gloves or a hat with a wide brim for sun protection.

Packs: Get age- and size-appropriate backpacks that fit each hiker comfortably with hydration hose capability.

Trekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle for each person.

Fresh, Clean Water: You can get a hydration hose system for your pack or just use bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-tech portable treatment water systems such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter.

Communication: Bring a smartphone so you can take lots of pictures and if there’s connectivity, email to family or upload to your online blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPS unit to keep you located on the trail and for geocaching. continued on page 47

Learn

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CALL 553-3448 www.fencingbuffalo.com October 2020 WNY Family 15

FAMILY TRAVEL — by Deborah Williams

One of Nature’s Gems Is Nearby

L

etchworth State Park is one of the crown jewels of the park system and has been voted the country’s best state park. It beckons visitors year-round but there is no better time to visit than October when the hillsides and forests are ablaze with color.

The park is named after William Pryor Letchworth, a Buffalo industrialist and ardent conservationist who rescued and preserved the area. He would be proud that his park and other state parks remained open throughout the pandemic, offering visitors an escape, outdoor adventures, nature therapy and the park’s unique beauty.

It is an easy 90-minute drive southeast of Buffalo. Be sure to arrive early because capacity is limited, and some parking areas may fill up.

Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East” it is considered one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the East. It is here that the Genesee River runs fast and deep between towering rock walls, forming a 17-mile gorge with three major waterfalls. There are 66 miles of hiking trails throughout the more than 14,000-acre park.

Letchworth first spotted the area while returning from a trip to New York on the Erie Railway in 1858. A newsboy came through the cars with handbills touting an upcoming bridge as “the longest and highest wooden bridge in the United States, if not in the world and one of the grandest views on the Western continent.”

16 WNY Family October 2020

He reportedly was overcome by the scene as a perfect rainbow arched over the waterfall. Letchworth saw the beauty in spite of lumber operations that had scarred the riverbanks and all but devastated the area.

He soon set about buying a large house he had seen near the gorge and as much land as he could. Letchworth liked the word “iris,” a synonym for rainbow and named his estate Glen Iris. He transformed the landscape into a place of unspoiled beauty. Thanks to him, nearly every species of North American tree is growing in the park.

He shared the beauty of Glen Iris with family, friends, and the public who jour-

neyed here by train. During the summer, he brought children from Buffalo orphanages for two week stays in the fresh air.

Letchworth deeded his land and home to the state in 1906, four years before he died at his beloved home. In 2006, the park celebrated its centennial.

The $2 million Lower Falls Recreation Area opened in July and is the park’s newest attraction. Look for the signs to the Lower Falls and Adventure Calls.

Construction involved the removal of an unused swimming pool and restoration of a historic bathhouse that is used by the whitewater rafting concessionaire, Adventure Calls Outfitters. It provides table games, badminton and pickle ball courts, bocce and shuffleboard, as well as a fitness loop.

The rafting and kayaking adventures are dependent upon rainfall to keep the Genesee River at a sufficient level. Check to see if excursions are operating before you go because of our dry summer. There were a number of days in August when trips were canceled.

The $6.75 million Humphrey Nature Center opened in 2016 and is another must-see for visitors. This 5,000 square foot educational facility focuses on sustainability and environmental education. It includes meeting space, classrooms, a butterfly garden and interactive exhibits that promote activity within the park.

We arrived just as Mike Landowski, a park staffer, released some monarch butterflies that had been raised inside. They seemed happy in the garden and even posed for photos.

Earlier, he had led a walking tour of the old growth forest in the park.

“Our programs are limited this year but still have a variety of walking tours and other programs,” he explained. “Visitors should be sure to go on the website and make a reservation for a program before coming to the park.”

He also said that children are encouraged to become New York State Junior Naturalists by completing an activity booklet. They are available in the Nature Center where badges are awarded for completion of the activities.

An exciting new project will break ground this fall just behind the Nature Center. It is the mile-long Autism Nature Trail, the first of its kind in the country and the world. After six years of planning and fund-raising, volunteers are thrilled that the innovative project is slated for completion by next spring.

“This is designed for everyone because it will be ADA compliant as well as wheelchair and walker friendly,” ex-

plained Loren Penman, one of three cochairs of the project. “The state agreed to provide the space, but all the funding is coming from private resources. We have already raised $2.6 million toward a total goal of $3.7 million that will provide an endowment for ongoing maintenance and programming.”

This will be much more than a trail.

There will be a Trailhead Pavilion that will mark the entrance and exit with orientation materials. There will be eight stations along the trail with activities using natural materials. At the Sensory Station there will be a collection of leaves, moss, acorns, pinecones, bark, vines, seed pods, even animal fur and fossils that will be available for close-up inspection.

At the end of the trail the Celebration Station encourages visitors to express their thoughts and feelings about the trail by writing or drawing.

Letchworth retired early from business and became devoted to social reform, focusing his efforts on the poor, juvenile

delinquents, prisoners, epileptics, the blind and mentally ill.

“We think that Letchworth would be proud of this newest development in his park,” Penman said.

He also was determined to preserve the region’s rich Native American lore. In 1871 he relocated the last remaining Genesee Valley Seneca council house near Glen Iris. Letchworth conducted the Last Council of the Genesee to rededicate the Council House on Oct. 1, 1872. It was the first in 70 years and none has been held since.

Spectators included former president Millard Fillmore and a descendant of the famed Native American leader, Red Jacket. The Native Americans surprised Letchworth by adopting him into the Seneca Nation, their highest honor. They named him Hai-wa-ye-is-ta, “the man who always does the right thing.”

Letchworth had the remains of Mary Jemison, the legendary White Woman of the Genesee moved from a cemetery in Buffalo to the council house grounds. As a young girl she had been kidnapped by a Shawnee war party and was later adopted by the Senecas. She lived out her long life as a Seneca in the shadow of the gorge. continued on page 39

October 2020 WNY Family 17

DEAR TEACHER – by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

Helping all parents make their children’s educational experience as successful as possible

Understanding Addition and Subtraction Concepts

Q

uestion: My third grader was still having problems with basic addition and subtraction at the end of second grade even though he had extra assistance at school. Is there any way I can help him now? — Math Problem Answer: Children need to be able to recall basic facts quickly and automatically. Usually by the end of second grade, most students have automatic recall of not only the addition facts but also the subtraction facts that they are expected to know. Mastery of a fact means giving the response in less than 3 seconds or 30 correct per minute. However, this is for an oral response, and more-time may be needed by young children. Being able to complete 50 problems in 3 minutes is definitely a reasonable goal.

Fortunately, you can help your child adopt strategies to help him learn the basic facts fairly easily. Work on this now whether he is in regular or online school.

Before you begin teaching number strategies, observe which numbers your child cannot add automatically. These are the ones you want to help him learn.

Don’t confine teaching a strategy to just flash cards; use dice, spinners, coins, markers and simple games. Move slowly. Begin by working with the “onemore-than” (3+1). Then go on to (2 +2) and (3+3). For example, for the problem (3+1), he can lay out three items and then add a fourth. Having him use a strategy like this ensures that he is solving the 18 WNY Family October 2020

problem. Doing this repeatedly will help him learn each fact rather than telling him or showing him an answer.

Here’s another way for you to help your child learn the basic facts; it’s enjoyable because it involves playing games.

Since ten is the basis of our number system, it is very important for children to become familiar with all the number combinations that make ten when added together (5+5, 8+2, and so on). Our “Bean Game” will help them do this.

Color one side of ten beans (coins or counters) with marking pens, nail polish, or paint. Place the beans in a container that can be used as a shaker. Two or more players can enjoy this game. The first player shakes the container and dumps out the beans; he or she then counts the number of painted and unpainted beans, states the combination, i.e., four painted plus six unpainted equals ten, and writes down the number of painted and unpainted beans on a chart. The player continues until he or she hits a previously rolled combination. Then it’s the other player’s turn. The winner is the player who shakes the largest number of different combinations in his or her turn.

In “Take Away Game,” items are being removed from a group. You’ll want to use flash cards with simple facts like 2-1, 4-2, 5-3, and 5-4. Have your child draw a card at random, then you need to make up a story. For example, for 3-1 you could say, “I have three nickels; if I take away one, how many would I have left? Your child should lay out three counters and take away one to show how many are left. Then he or she should make up stories for the remaining

flash cards and use counters to illustrate how “take away” works.

Finally, go on our website at dearteacher.com and look at the Math Skill Builders and the Math Learning Activities for more ideas on teaching the basic facts.

Free Books to Assist Learning Disabled Parents: Here is a good source for children and adults, as well, who cannot read traditional print books because they have a visual impairment, physical disability, or severe learning disability.

The source is Bookshare.org, an ebook library of more than 800,000 books, that makes reading easier. Individuals with reading barriers can customize their experience and read in ways that work for them. With Bookshare, books become accessible because they can be read by: 

Listening to books with high quality text-to-speech voices.



Hearing and seeing highlighted words on screen.



Reading with digital braille or enlarged fonts.



Reading directly from your Internet browser.

This great program is totally FREE; however, individuals must qualify to participate in it. Children who struggle with reading and have an IEP or a 504 plan can be signed up for Bookshare, providing a competent authority confirms that the learning disability significantly interferes with reading. Children and adults with low vision blindness and some physical disabilities can also participate providing a competent authority confirms that their disability interferes with reading.

On the bookshare.org website, you can access a number of brochures and flyers to learn more about the many ways to read Bookshare books. There are also helpful video tutorials as well as additional resources for parents and students.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website.

In Print and Online at wnyfamilymagazine.com

OCTOBER 2020 PULL-OUT & SAVE

A Time-Saving Tool for Busy Families Get “up close and personal” with WNY businesses & organizations that cater to the needs of growing families!

BESTSELF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

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ENDEAVOR HEALTH SERVICES

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1526 Walden Ave., Suite 400 Cheektowaga, NY 14225 716-895-6700 www.ehsny.org Endeavor provides outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services.

SPECTRUM HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

227 Thorn Ave., Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-539-5500 www.shswny.org Helping families throughout WNY with mental health & addiction needs for 45+ years.

6035 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221

Breastfeeding:

BABY’S SWEET BEGINNINGS

231 Aurora St., Lancaster, NY 14086 716-681-8100 www.babyssweetbeginnings.com WNY’s Leading Breastfeeding & Maternity Boutique, breastpump sales and rentals. IBCLC owned/ operated.

THE CARE CONNECTION

3991 Harlem Rd., Amherst, NY 14226 716-725-6370 www.careconnectiononline.com Spectra® & Medela® breastpumps, replacement parts, supplies, consultations, classes, nursing tanks & bras. Insurance Reimbursement.

Butcher Shop:

FEDERAL MEATS

With 9 WNY Locations to Serve You 716-633-1390 E-mail: info@federalmeats.com www.federalmeats.com WNY’s trusted source for the freshest products available.

Knowledgeable service since 1930.

This handy resource guide appears twice a year, in WNY Family’s May & October issues Call 716-836-3486 ext. 104 to learn how your business or organization can participate

Open 7 Days A Week

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Hearts & Hands

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 2003

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 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  20

Addiction Treatment & Mental Health Services:

Hearts and Hands is a volunteer program serving the elderly, caregivers and persons with disability communities throughout Western New York. The focus of our supportive services is to provide transportation free of charge. Transportation is crucial to the quality of life, health, and wellness of seniors. There are no restrictions on where you can go in our program. Our program matches care receivers with volunteers that are carefully screened and trained which enables us to provide transportation for free. Our neighbor serving neighbor volunteer approach provides additional benefits such as making social connections.

In addition to transportation, we provide in-home services to empower adults to age in place as they receive help with day-to-day activities such as help with the laundry, meal preparation, yard word, grocery and personal shopping, and minor household repairs. These crucial services provided by volunteers at no cost help our senior and disabled communities preserve their dignity and maintain a good quality of life.

Caregiver Support Services is an emerging need within the WNY community. Hearts and Hands has

responded by providing temporary relief for transportation, friendly visits with our volunteers in the home or taking their loved one out for coffee and conversation while the caregiver gets some R&R. We also offer friendly visits with trained canine caregivers.

Make a difference today and volunteer by completing an application on www.hnhcares.org or by calling (716) 406-8311.

Know of someone who can benefit from our services? Enroll today by calling (716) 406-8311.

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(Also See PRESCHOOLS/MONTESSORI)

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2640 North Forest Rd. Getzville, NY 14068 • 716-688-4033 787 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14209 • 716-886-3145 www.jccbuffalo.org Infants to pre-K, full & part-time options available Mon.-Fri., 7:30am - 6:00pm. Values-based & developmentally appropriate curriculum including learning to swim.

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MUNROE CHIROPRACTIC, P.C. 6035 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-4476 www.munroechiropractic.com Dedicated to you 7 days a week with Experience, Quality, and Compassion.

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Give us a call to be linked with a therapist at (716) 895-6701 or visit ehsny.org for more information.

The Jewish CommuniTy CenTer of GreaTer Buffalo

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Everything for Children All in One Place at the JCC!

The JCC’s NAEYC accredited Early Childhood Centers have bright, spacious classrooms filled with developmentally appropriate toys and play equipment that encourage curiosity and creativity. Your child will enjoy all of the added features that make the Jewish Community Center special including instructional swim and pool safety classes, dance/ creative movement, music, and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Infants, toddlers and preschool children learn through play and develop “life” skills in a safe, clean, nurturing

environment where they build the self-confidence and skills necessary to prepare them for Kindergarten.

Children in Grades K-6 love Kids Place, our after school program that runs 2:306:00pm Monday-Friday as well as full days for remote learners.

Mature, highly trained staff work closely with children to encourage and teach creativity, cooperation and fun. Children enjoy a healthy snack, receive homework help and form friendships with children from all over the district. Children get help with digital learning, free wifi is offered. With two state-of-theart fitness facilities, two indoor pools, an outdoor pool, summer day camps, and free parking, there is nowhere better to prepare your child for living their best life. We now offer virtual tours to see everything the JCC

offers! Located in Getzville behind UB near Audubon Parkway and in Buffalo at the corner of Summer Street and Delaware Avenue, they are conveniently located near you. Visit www.jccbuffalo.org or call 688-4033 for Getzville or 886-3145 for Buffalo. The JCC welcomes everyone!

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 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide 

JUST FOR KIDS

21

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

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Dance Instruction: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF BALLET & DANCE

491 W. Klein Road (Dash’s Plaza) Williamsville, NY 14221 716-688-4774 www.aab-buffalo.com Offering Ballet (6yrs.-adult), Fairytale Dance (3 yr. olds), Broadway Dance, Pre-Ballet (4 & 5 yr. olds), Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Acro & Lyrical.

JuSt4Me pediatric dentiStry See What Kids Are Smiling About!

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 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  22

Pottery Painting, Glass Fusing & Silver Clay.

At “JUST 4 ME” Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that eating healthy foods and keeping good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining a healthy smile.

As parents, we know it is difficult to control what food is given to your child at daycare or school, BUT you can control what is given to them at home. Setting a good example of healthy habits NOW will help your child in many years to come.

Make grocery shopping or visiting a farmers market an adventure by giving your child a list of healthy food choices to buy. Let your child pick a new fruit or vegetable each week to taste-test at home. Keeping the kids involved in their food choices will help them eat healthier! It is important to keep in mind that although some foods appear healthy to eat they may NOT be healthy for your teeth. Foods like raisins and fruit snacks are NOT healthy choices for your teeth due to the sticky sugar that can cause cavities.

The #1 cause of cavities in children today are the gummy vitamins. Each gummy vitamin contains 2-3gm of sugar that sticks in the grooves of your teeth, which is the equivalent to skittles

candy. Most local pediatricians agree that CHEWABLE vitamins are a better choice. Here are a few chewable vitamins that are available in local stores: Flintstones, Nature’s Way “Alive”, Big Friends Natural Factors and Natures Plus Animal parade.

Call “Just 4 Me” Pediatric Dentistry to keep those smiles healthy!!

160 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14201 716-436-2130 1660 Hopkins Rd. Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-7721 www.just4mepediatricdentistry.com Paid Advertisement

SPEZIO’S DANCE DYNAMICS

ELITE DANCE COMPANY

ZPAC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, LLC

4837 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 716-634-3395 www.CSDS.dance Encouragement and positive reinforcement though dance to reach ones personal best.

FACEBOOK | VIDEO

5360 Genesee St., Bowmansville, NY 14026 716-288-7868 www.EliteDanceWNY.com Where every dancer counts so that each dancer can reach their fullest potential.

EUGENIA’S DANCE STUDIO

730 Orchard Park Rd. West Seneca, NY 14224 716-675-3128 www.eugeniasdancestudio.com Outstanding classes from Mommy & Me to Award-Winning Advanced Classes.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

1639 N. French Road • Suite 300 Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-9590 www.speziosdancedynamics.com Offering quality classical dance instruction for all ages and levels since 1993.

See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

See Listing Under “Performing Arts”

Dentists (Family):

TAMMY PERISON, DDS

425 Main St., West Seneca, NY 14224 716-674-5256 www.perisondental.com Afraid of seeing the dentist?

We can help! Call now for an appointment.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

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Spezio’S Dance DynamicS

Spotlight on

Instilling Passion & Building Character One Step At A Time!

Spezio’s Dance Dynamics, Amherst’s premier dance training center, has been educating young artists from beginner to pre-professional since 1993, while enhancing each dancer’s creativity, physical fitness and passion for the art of dance.

Director and Owner Michelle Spezio holds extensive teaching background in all genres and aspects of training enhances opportunities for all students whether they intend to pursue a

career in the arts or are dancing for enjoyment. The professional staff of degreed teachers is dedicated to providing students a well-rounded dance education to all. SDD offers a professional studio with 4 class rooms, many amenities and versatile subjects of study as well as high level ballet training for dancers to discover their personal talents.

“Dancer’s TurnOut Better,” that’s what we believe.

Research shows that students who study dance are disciplined, goal oriented and selfmotivated. Dancers are expressive in their communication of emotions, likely to excel, creative, imaginative and able to critically analyze and problem solve.

Educating dancers to use these life skills in pursuing goals, overcoming obstacles and staying physi-

cally fit throughout their lives is our goal.

Dance Dynamics Students have won significant awards for proper training/choreography all through the USA. Dancers have attended many prestigious summer intensives and awarded scholarships. SDD is committed to helping every dancer experience the joy of dance! Spezio’s Dance Dynamics is a proud member of Dance Master’s of America, International Dance Entrepreneurs Association, NDEO, Award winning faculty and director, and has had the pleasure of training so many talented dancers. SDD dancers are going places!

1639 N. French Road, Amherst, NY 716-688-9590

www.speziosdancedynamics.com Paid Advertisement

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CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO

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MAUREEN J. CASEY, DDS

GYMNASTICS Re On gistr go atio i Fal ng fo n r l!

4017 Legion Dr., Hamburg, NY 14075 716-648-4035 www.drmcaseypediatricdds.com Pediatric Dentistry. Dental Care for Infants, Children, and Young Adults.

ACTIVE Children are HEALTHY Children

OUR PROGRAM FEATURES:

www.childreninactiongym.com

>> >>

JUST 4 ME

1660 Hopkins Rd., Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-7721 160 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201 716-436-2130 www.just4mepediatricdentistry.com Gentle, Caring Dentistry for your child. Most insurances accepted including Medicaid/Healthplex.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

• Gymnastics • Birthday Parties • Tumbling for children Call 12 months to 12 years old 662-6886 • Parent and Tot Classes • Exciting Circuit 75 Mid County Drive, Orchard Park • Scaled down equipment (Located in the for younger children Southtowns Tennis Center)

Educational Services: SLC THERAPY OF WNY

Enjoy all the Buffalo fare that’s as famous as our history ... wings, beef on weck, fish fry & more.

5544 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-580-3976 www.slcwny.com We believe in the potential of every child. Come see the difference.

Just a short walk from the Darwin Martin House and across the street from the Buffalo Zoo. Kids Menu Full Bar

>> >>

HOURS: Wed - Sat: 4pm - 8pm 2 Russell Street Buffalo, NY 14214

716.834.8348

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ParksideMeadow.com

THE SUMMIT CENTER

150 Stahl Rd., Getzville, NY 14068 General Information: 716-629-3400 www.thesummitcenter.org Developmental evaluations, therapeutic and clinical services, family support services, feeding clinic, behavioral health services, summer programs, respite, & school programs for children from birth to adult.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

Farms & Farm Markets: BECKER FARMS & VIZCARRA VINEYARDS

3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport, NY 14067 716-772-2211 www.beckerfarms.com U-Pick Fruits and Vegetables; Farm Market; CSA; Pies, Ice Cream; Animals; Educational Tours; A 126Year Family Tradition! Visit Vizcarra Vineyards & Becker Brewing Co.!

Fencing Instruction:

FENCING CENTER OF BUFFALO

485 Cayuga Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225 716-553-3448 www.fencingbuffalo.com Learn to fence. Instruction in classical fencing. Kids, teens, adults.

Equipment provided.

The SummiT CenTer

Offering Programs & Services for Children with Autism

SpoTlighT on

 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  24

Dentists (Pediatric):

Children In Action

The Summit Center provides educational, behavioral health, adult & community programs & services to children and adults with developmental, social and behavioral challenges. We accomplish this goal by using evidence-based practices and carefully monitoring progress.

Summit employs more than 500 staff members including special education teachers, behavior specialists, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and respite providers. Most professional staff have Master’s degrees and many members of Summit’s leadership team have Doctoral

degrees and advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

These professionals work closely with parents to help your child achieve the highest level of independence.

Following are the various programs we offer for your child and family: • Evaluations • Early Autism Program • ABA Services • Adult Programs • Summit Academy • Summer Programs • Respite Programs • Parent Training Programs Including Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) • Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic • Pediatric Feeding Clinic

To find out more about how Summit may be able to help your child, please call us at 629-3400 or visit our website at www.

TheSummitCenter. org.

150 Stahl Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-629-3400

www.TheSummitCenter.org Paid Advertisement

Experiencing Back to School & Back to Work Stress?

PARKSIDE MEADOW RESTAURANT

2 Russell St., (corner of Parkside) Buffalo, NY 14214 • 716-834-8348 www.parksidemeadow.com Neighborhood restaurant combines old Buffalo Museum with home cooked menu. Wed. - Sat. 4pm-8pm.

Indoor, bar and take-out.

Gymnastics:

BUFFALO TURNERS

3200 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217 716-877-2700 www.buffaloturnersgymnastics.com Gymnastics instruction for girls and boys, 3 - 18 years.

CHILDREN IN ACTION

75 Mid County Dr., Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-662-6886 Email: ciagym@aol.com www.childreninactiongym.com Gymnastics, Boys & Girls 12 months and up. Parent-Tot, Preschool Program, Tumbling, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Playgroups.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

You are NOT alone GYMNASTICS UNLIMITED

70 Weiss Ave. Orchard Park/West Seneca, NY 14224 716-677-0338 www.gymnastics-unlimited.net Infant-18 yrs., Tramp/Tumble, Learning in Motion, Open Time.

No Face Masks N e e de d Face to Fa !

Vir tu l ce Counsea ling

ROLLY POLLIES

9630 Transit Road, Suite 100 East Amherst, NY 14051 716-689-6151 4058 N. Buffalo Rd. Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-662-7424 1669 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-833-3318 www.RPWNY.com Children’s gym classes, school year camp, birthday parties, open play & more for ages 4 months - 10 years old!

See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

When you call or visit an advertiser, please tell them “I SAW YOU IN WNY FAMILY!”

Specializing in ...

• Anxiety & Depression • Grief & Loss • Parenting & Relationships • Infidelity • Infertility

716-725-7158 | 716-689-3110 Ext. 1 1660 Hopkins Road, Suite 103 Amherst, NY 14068

www.auduboncounseling.com

Rolly Pollies

sPotlight on

WNY’s Largest Locally and Family Owned Kid’s Gym!

Rolly Pollies is WNY’s only gym for kids with a bouncehouse, trampoline, foam pit and more! For 15 years, Rolly Pollies has offered play with a purpose, through classes, open play, birthday parties, summer camps and more!

Why Classes?

Rolly Pollies’s class schedule accommodates every family’s schedule with evening, daytime and weekend classes. Families are encouraged to have fun together with equipment built for everyone! A full session of classes gives children the opportunity to develop gross motor

skills and friendships, learn socialization skills, take directions from “Roll Models”, and see the same friends each week.

Party With Us! Rolly Pollies offers WNYs best birthday parties, hosting only one party at a time: yours! Everyone is invited to play, no charge for adults, and the birthday child and their siblings are free too! This allows all families the ability to invite just as many friends. After all, it’s the people that make a party!

Schoolyear Camp Homeschool? Virtual? Hybrid?

No matter your school choice this year, we have just the program to ensure your child is getting enough physical education and fun! Schoolyear Camp runs through the 2020-2021 schoolyear. Children ages 4 – 10 can join us any Tuesday – Friday from 12:30-3:00pm for a camp that focuses on the physical, social, and emotional well-being of your child.

Open Play and Playgroups Check our website for Open Play availability and schedules.

Use Your Health Insurance Wellness Cards Raising heathly children is Rolly Pollies mission! Because of this, most area health insurances will help pay for

your Rolly Pollies classes and events. Simply give your insurance company a call to see if they will cover your child’s programs at Rolly Pollies.

Three great locations: East Amherst, Orchard Park, and North Buffalo www. RPWNY.com Keep the learning going at home with our YouTube Channel; RollyPolliesWNY.

Funtastic Fitness For Kids

Three great locations: 9630 Transit Road East Amherst, NY 14051

716-689-6151

4058 North Buffalo Road Orchard Park, NY 14127

716-662-7424

1669 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216

716-833-3318

www.RPWNY.com Paid Advertisement

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Food & Restaurants:

25

On Display

Historic Aircraft, Helicopters, Airplane and Rocket Engines, Rocket Belts, Aerospace Artifacts and so much more!

NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 9990 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY

716.297.1323 NiagaraAerospaceMuseum.org

Horseback Riding S TIE PARAges 6-12

Hair Salons (Children’s): SHEAR MADNESS

3316 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, NY 14226 716-248-1455 3455 Amelia Dr., Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-322-5332 www.shearmadnesskids.com Specializing in haircuts for kids, ear piercing, birthday parties and our unique toy store.

Health Care & Wellness: GREAT LAKES MEDICAL IMAGING

199 Park Club Lane, Suite 300 Williamsville, NY 14221 716-836-4646 www.greatlakesmedicalimaging.com Open MRI, Low Dose CT, Mammography, Bone Density, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT, Ultrasound, and now introducing Interventional Radiology.

Horeseback Riding:

Memories for Life!

Trail Rides • Lessons • Group Events Holland/East Aurora Area

Call 716-479-2020

BUFFALO EQUESTRIAN CENTER 950 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-877-9295 www.buffaloequestriancenter.org Private and group lessons; ages 5 and up; year round; beginner to advanced.

GREENDALE FARM

East Aurora/Holland Area 716-479-2020 www.horserentals.com/ greendalefarm.html Trail Rides, Birthday Parties & Lessons. Lighted Indoor Arena.

Human Services:

PINNACLE COMMUNITY SERVICES

1522 Main St., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 57 Canal St., Suite 102, Lockport, NY 14094 716-285-6984 www.pinnaclecs.org Domestic Violence, Youth, Parenting and Care Management Services.

See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

sasi

960 West Maple Ct., Elma, NY 14059 716-805-1555 www.sasinc.org Transforming lives through creative opportunities and excellent supports for people with disabilities and special needs.

Pinnacle community ServiceS Here to Assist You at Every Stage of the Life Cycle

SPotlight on

 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  26

niagara aerospace museum

Pinnacle Community Services provides a wide range of inter-related services to the residents of the Niagara region. Our services assist people at every stage of the life cycle: expectant parents to parenting the young child; family help during the teen years; and help for youth and adults dealing with mental health or other chronic illness, domestic violence or the everyday stress of life.

As a family service agency, we recognize that help and healing for each individual occur within this personal network of relationships. Our job is to help people help themselves. We provide a

positive relationship with a caring professional to help people strengthen connections to others, fix what is broken and repair what is damaged, leading to a healthier life for the individual and a healthier community.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

We have been providing a broad range of domestic violence services for over thirty years. We provide services to victims of abuse and their children. 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 7 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime. The frequency and

severity of the violence may vary dramatically, but the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other. Our goal is to work with the whole family to STOP domestic violence. Whether you need emergency shelter or counseling, we are ready to answer your call.

Niagara Falls Office: 1522 Main Street 716-285-6984 Lockport Office: 57 Canal Street, Suite 102 Domestic Violence Hotline 716-299-0909 www.pinnaclecs.org Paid Advertisement

NIAGARA CLIMBING CENTER

1333 Strad Ave., North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1248 www.niagaraclimbingcenter.com Enjoy family-friendly fun in our indoor climbing center. Any age, no experience necessary.

Martial Arts:

MASTER GORINO’S TAE KWON-DO

839 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14226 716-836-KICK www.gorinotaekwondo.com Anti-Bullying, Self-Confidence, Focus, Become Better Together as a Family.

ROMNEY TAYLOR’S WORLD FIGHTING ARTS

97 North Park Ave. (Corner of Hertel) Buffalo, NY 14216 • 716-446-0447 Email: lisatayloracademy@gmail.com www.lrtaylorstudio.com Authentic Isshin Ryu Karate, since 1993. Children, teens, adults.

Developmentally appropriate, educational training emphasis.

THE BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS

2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY 14218 716-827-1584 www.buffalogardens.com A tropical paradise featuring exotic horticulture treasures & so much more!

NIAGARA AEROSPACE MUSEUM 9990 Porter Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304 716-297-1323 NiagaraAerospaceMuseum.org Exciting collection of rockets, historical airplanes and helicopters.

Check website for hours.

Music Instruction/ Instruments:

Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts

Specializing in Cecchetti Method Graded Ballet Syllabi Director - Lisa Taylor, FCCA

CLASSES IN-PERSON AND VIA ZOOM • Ballet • Pointe • Creative Movement Ages 3 - 4 • Modern • Jazz • Pre-Ballet • Pilates • Yoga • Classes for Children & Adults Also Offering

BETTY’S MUSIC TOGETHER

716-239-9144 www.BettysMusicTogether.com Join our community of families for online classes this fall! Sing, dance, play and learn from the safety of your home.

Tuition includes CD, beautiful 4-color songbook, coloring and activity pages, videos and more. Register today!

Find this section ONLINE in our digital issue at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com

Romney Taylor’s

Karate

446-0447

www.lrtaylorstudio.com lisataylorballet@hotmail.com

97 North Park Avenue (Corner of Hertel Ave. in North Buffalo)

TapesTry CharTer sChool

spoTlighT on

A Vibrant Community of Learners and Leaders

Tapestry Charter School is an artsintegrated, K-12, tuition-free, public school. Tapestry provides a challenging and rigorous public education for students K-12, an environment that emphasizes diversity, compassion, collaboration, community, creativity, and leadership. Students are academically and socially prepared to meet the demands of further education, while maturing into productive and caring adults with a lifelong passion for learning. Each day all students engage in daily Crew sessions, an Expeditionary Learning structure that focuses on: high quality work, character development and social emotional learning.

Tapestry Charter School has become a name that is synonymous with student engagement, faculty and

administrative innovation, and parent involvement. Students and teachers alike enjoy the freedom to pursue excellence through meaningful, active learning.

Engagement inspires success.

Our campus is housed in two buildings on Great Arrow in Buffalo. Last September we opened a brand new K through 5th grade building with a state of the art dance studio, gymnasium, art, music, theatre classrooms and a S.T.E.A.M. laboratory.

Tapestry Charter School provides its students with a robust curriculum that is aligned to NYS standards and prepares students with the fundamental knowledge they need for success in school and life. Students explore the arts, dance and study a foreign language.

Tapestry has a variety of programs to meet all of our students’ needs, including students having the ability to take accelerated course work so that middle schoolers can complete two high school Regents courses while in 8th grade and high schoolers can complete dual enrollment college courses and AP courses to further them for success in college. For more information, visit our website or call to find out about Public Information Sessions.

We are crew.

65 and 111 Great Arrow Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216 K-5 Office (716) 332-0754 Middle School Office (716) 332-0755 High School Office (716) 204-5883

www.tapestryschool.org Facebook: Tapestry-Charter-School Twitter: @tapestrycharter Paid Advertisement

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Museums & Attractions:

Indoor Recreation:

27

Tot H Parent & Preschool Age H School Classes Trampoline

H & Tumbling H Team program Boys & Girls all levels Open Workouts: Fri & Sat nights

Learni ng ‘N’ MOTION Preschool with a Twist!

716-677-0338

70 Weiss Ave • West Seneca, NY 14224

www.gymnastics-unlimited.net

TERRY’S

Photo S tudio

Occupational Therapy:

Parenting Resources:

11390 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051 716-580-3040 Email: info@abctherapeutics.com www.abctherapeutics.com Occupational & physical therapy.

Clinical specialists, individualized programs & family-friendly care.

1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212 716-332-4100 www.epicforchildren.org Register for our FREE Baby Expo, October 12-15! Parenting, Family Engagement, Youth Services.

ABC THERAPEUTICS

Orthodontists:

OWL ORTHODONTICS

Matthew Walla, DDS & ASSOCIATES 716-832-1550 www.owlortho.com 6 Convenient Locations: Amherst, Buffalo, Clarence, Depew/Lancaster, Grand Island & Williamsville.

Paint Your Own Pottery:

• Family Photos • Pets

• Events & Birthday Parties, with onsite printing • Business Photos • Photo Restoration • Destination portrait sessions

DESIGNING DISH

138 Grey St., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-655-4456 www.designingdish.com Where everyone is creative. Pottery, glass, silver and much more!!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

• Classes & individual instruction

Serving all of WNY and beyond!

716-208-7132

www.terrysphotostudio.com

EPIC - EVERY PERSON INFLUENCES CHILDREN

Party Resources: SHEAR MADNESS

See Listing Under “Hair Salons (Children’s)”

TERRY’S PHOTO STUDIO

See Listing Under “Photography”

Pediatricians:

PURELY PEDIATRICS

700 Center St., Lewiston, NY 14092 716-205-3282 www.purelypediatrics.com A membership-based direct pediatric primary care clinic located in Lewiston, NY. This handy resource guide appears twice a year, in WNY Family’s May & October issues Call 716-836-3486 ext. 104 to learn how your business or organization can participate

AcAdemy of TheATre ArTs Giving Students the Opportunity to Shine

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 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  28

Girls & Boys Gymnastics

Winner of New York Theatre Guide’s “Best Theatre Program for Young Artists”; Academy of Theatre Arts is the only full-time, year-round theatre venue in Western New York created for the development and training of children and young adults in acting, vocal performance, and musical theatre dance. ATA provides an extensive year-long program for anyone between the ages of 3 and 18 who has an interest and passion for theatre arts. But beyond its excellent theatrical training, ATA uses theatre as a platform to teach and promote excellence in public speaking, self-esteem, confidence, and personal skills.

Each year, the students of ATA perform a major school showcase, which gives them the opportunity to shine on our ATA Theatre stage. ATA creates entertaining, professional shows consisting of smaller student casts and providing each child with more stage time in a much shorter show. In addition to regular classes, ATA offers special audition-only student companies where students get the opportunity to perform in their own musical, attend workshops, work with Broadway performers, and compete in festivals.

In addition to their year-round program, Academy of Theatre Arts offers summer programs to provide students with the opportunity to learn and perform in a full-blown musical in just 1-2 short weeks. While youngest students begin by learning about public speaking and how to feel comfortable on stage, older students learn about all aspects of a theatrical production: what it takes to put on a musical not only on stage but off stage as well.

4231 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221 (716) 810-0551 www.academyoftheatrearts.com Paid Advertisement

Preschools/Montessori:

4231 Transit Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-810-0551 www.academyoftheatrearts.com Nationally award winning ATA; offering theatre, dance and voice classes to ages 4-18.

See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

104 New Amsterdam Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 • 716-877-5035 www.elmwoodfranklin.org Independent school serving students 3 years old through eighth grade. Our dedicated teachers deliver a challenging, comprehensive academic program paired with citizenship, character, and creativity. Students are given the opportunity to learn and to lead in a child-centered environment, promoting small class sizes, individual attention, and a wide range of programming.

ACADEMY OF THEATRE ARTS

ZPAC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, LLC

Southgate Plaza - 954A Union Rd., Ste 3 West Seneca, NY 14224 716-608-1010 www.zpac.biz A unique performing arts center with dancing, singing, acting and creating art.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Photography:

TERRY’S PHOTO STUDIO

716-208-7132 www.terrysphotostudio.com Family, pets, events, businesses, photo restoration. Photography for all occasions.

Physical Therapy: ABC THERAPEUTICS

See Listing Under “Occupational Therapy”

ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL

FOUNDATIONS

6445 West Quaker, Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-667-9377 www.foundationspreschool.net A private preschool offering an enhanced curriculum with progressive programs for 2-5 year olds.

LEARNING IN MOTION/ GYMNASTICS UNLIMITED

The road to a healthy smile runs through busy lives—ones that are changing every day.

From braces to Invisalign aligners, we deliver modern orthodontic treatment for kids, teens, and adults that does more than straighten teeth. It moves and aligns with your life. OwlOrtho.com

See Listing Under “Gymnastics”

MAYFAIR GARDENS MONTESSORI 20 Milton St., Williamsville, NY 14221 www.mayfairgardensmontessori.org A premier early childhood Montessori experience for children ages 3-6.

COMING UP IN DECEMBER 2021

Exploring Educa tion A Special Pull-Out Section

SNYDER | CLARENCE WILLIAMSVILLE | GRAND ISLAND LANCASTER | BUFFALO

Want to reach local parents who VALUE the EDUCATION of their children?

We reach 55,000 of them each month!

Showcase your school, organization or education-related business to tens of thousands of WNY parents in this annual pull-out section. Editorial content focuses on various aspects of education in WNY, targeted to elementary grades and higher, including college.

EXPLORIN

WNY FAM ILY MAGAZIN

G EDUC AT IO

N

E • DECEMBER 2020 • PULL -OUT & SAVE December

2020 WNY Family 19

DEADLINES: Space Reservation: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Copy & Materials: Thursday, November 11, 2021

For more information, call your account rep directly or call our Advertising Department at

716-836-3486 ext. 104.

 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide 

Performing Arts:

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 Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  Family Resource Guide  30

ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL

A Program of The Center For Handicapped Children, Inc. • Providing educational and therapeutic services to students with multiple disabilities, birth to 21 years of age • No tuition or transportation costs to families 1085 Eggert Road Amherst, NY 14226

(716) 831-8422

Learn More: www.CHCLearningCenter.org

Exceptional School Exceptional Students Life Changing Opportunities A STREAM School STEM + Religion + Art

Preschools/Montessori cont.: NORTHMORE NURSERY SCHOOL

ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL

ROOTS OF THE FUTURE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

ST. MARY’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2771 Delaware Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217 716-876-6282 www.northmorenurseryschool.org Classes available for 3, 4, and +4 year olds.

8970 Main St., Clarence, NY 14031 716-545-8048 www.rootsofthefuture.com An education that understands and nurtures your child’s natural curiosity for knowledge.

Schools:

CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES Full day Pre-K 3 & 4 Grades K - 8 2 St. Mary’s Hill Lancaster NY 14086

716-683-2112

www.smeschool.com

Purely Pediatrics

2303 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14207 716-710-3068 www.csat-k12.org Serving grades K-12, open to all residents, no entrance exams.

CHC LEARNING CENTER

1085 Eggert Rd., Amherst, NY 14226 716-831-8422 www.chclearningcenter.org Quality educational, therapeutic & health services for students with multiple disabilities, 0-21 years.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

700 Center St . Lewiston, NY 14092

716-205-3282

Mandala School Grades K-8 rolling admissions

H Individualized, hands-on learning H Foreign language & recess for all ages H Student involvement in community & global affairs

kind creative personal safe 738 Main Street • East Aurora, NY 14052

716-374-0678

www.mandalaschool.org

2 St. Mary’s Hill, Lancaster, NY 14086 716-683-2112 www.smeschool.com St. Mary’s has a history of academic excellence and strong family values.

TAPESTRY CHARTER SCHOOL

65 & 111 Great Arrow Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-204-5883 www.tapestryschool.org A vibrant community of learners and leaders. See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

Pull out and save this section for future reference.

These great resources are available all year long!

Senior Housing:

PEOPLE INC. SENIOR LIVING

716-817-9090 www.people-inc.org People Inc. operates 19 Senior Living apartment complexes throughout Western New York.

HEARTS & HANDS

www.PurelyPediatrics.com

The way learning should be

250 St. Gregory Ct., Willliamsville, NY 14221 716-688-5323 Email: info@stgregsschool.org www.stgregsschool.org Pre-school 3 and 4, early kindergarten to grade 8.

Senior Transportation Services:

Dr. Susan Wiepert

Newborn Home Visits A Unique Membership Model of Pediatric Care

3980 Main St., Amherst, NY 14226 716-835-2518 www.stbenschool.org High academic achievement in a rich spiritual environment. PK3-8th grade.

ELMWOOD FRANKLIN SCHOOL

104 New Amsterdam Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 • 716-877-5035 www.elmwoodfranklin.org Independent school serving students 3 years old through eighth grade. Our dedicated teachers deliver a challenging, comprehensive academic program paired with citizenship, character, and creativity. Students are given the opportunity to learn and to lead in a child-centered environment, promoting small class sizes, individual attention, and a wide range of programming.

MANDALA SCHOOL

738 Main St., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-374-0678 www.mandalaschool.org The way learning should be. K-8 creative, individualized education.

1412 Sweet Home Rd., Suite 12 Amherst, NY 14228 716-406-8311 www.hnhcares.org Supporting seniors and caregivers with volunteer transportation, in-home services, and social connections.

See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

Skating Lessons (Ice): SKATE GREAT

2982 Lakeview Rd., Hamburg, NY 14075 3465 Broadway, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 75 Weiss Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224 41 Riley St., East Aurora, NY 14052 Canalside, 44 Prime St., Buffalo, NY 14202 716-580-3458 Email: sk8gr8info@gmail.com www.sk8gr8.com #1 Learn-To-Skate Program in WNY. Over 20 classes per week.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Toy Store:

716-572-4276 Email: lynn@goodnightsleepsite.com www.goodnightsleepsite.com/lynn Infant and toddler sleep consultant.

Custom sleep plan with individual support. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

636 Girard Ave., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-687-3300 www.fisherpricetoystore.com We carry Fisher-Price® and Mattel® products. Ask about our weekly specials.

GOOD NIGHT SLEEP SITE LYNN

Special Needs Services: THE CHILDREN’S LEAGUE

393 North St., Springville, NY 14141 716-592-9331 www.tclny.org Center & home-based educational & therapeutic programming. EI & CPSE Evaluations. Serving children birth-8 years of age.

COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR EVERY1

180 Oak St., Buffalo, NY 14203 716-883-8888 Email: info@csevery1.com www.csevery1.com Helping people of all abilities reach their fullest potential.

HIGH HURDLES

sasi - 13339 Route 39 - PO Box 526 Sardinia, NY 14141 • 716-496-5551 www.sasinc.org/high-hurdles Therapeutic horsemanship program serving individuals with disabilities.

The next Family Resource Guide will appear in our May 2021 issue.

MOVING MIRACLES DANCE STUDIO

sasi - 954 Union Road, Suite 1 West Seneca, NY 14224 • 716-656-1321 www.movingmiracles.org Therapeutic dance/movement program for individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs.

PEOPLE INC.

1219 North Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-887-3700 www.people-inc.org People Inc. is Western New York’s leading non-profit human services agency, providing services to people with special needs, their families and older adults to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. Services include: Residential, vocational and supported employment, respite, senior services, health care and community outreach.

PERSONAL TRAINING BY sasi

sasi - 954 Union Road, Suite 1 West Seneca, NY 14224 • 716-656-1321 www.sasinc.org/adaptive-fitness An adaptive, small group personal training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

FISHER-PRICE® TOY STORE

RAFF AND FRIENDS

4545 Transit Rd., Eastern Hills Mall Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-4202 www.raffandfriends.com Toy Store and Playland. Games, puzzles, books, science, crafts, plush, educational toys.

Tutoring:

CENTER FOR LITERACY AND READING INSTRUCTION (CLaRI) 17 Baldy Hall, University at Buffalo Amherst, NY 14260 • 716-645-2470 www.buffalo.edu/clari CLaRI provides diagnostic reading evaluations and individualized oneto-one literacy tutoring.

Urgent Care:

WNY IMMEDIATE CARE

2099 Niagara Falls Boulevard Amherst, NY 14228 • 716-564-2273 2497 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216 • 716-874-2273 5014 Transit Road Cheektowaga, NY 14043 • 716-684-2273 3050 Orchard Park Road Orchard Park, NY 14224 • 716-675-3700 7616 Transit Road Williamsville, NY 14221 • 716-204-2273 www.wnyimmediatecare.com For quick, quality treatment in an hour or less, 365 days a year visit WNY Immediate Care. On-site physicians and advanced practice clinicians provide cost effective treatment of coughs, colds, flu, allergies, and other non-life threatening injuries. With five convenient locations, we help you Get In. Get Out. Feel Better!™

WNY’s Original Rock Climbing Center!

Fun ~ Safe Distanced Activity

DAY PASSES AVAILABLE COME CLIMB OUR WALLS!

1333 Strad Ave., N. Tonawanda 695-1248 www.niagaraclimbingcenter.com

FOUR SEASONS CHILDCARE CENTER & PRESCHOOL AGES 6 WEEKS TO 12 YEARS

• Programs for Infants, Toddlers, 2 & 3 Year Olds • 4 Year Old Pre-K Program

ENROLL TODAY!

Call 568-1140

FULL D SCHOOL AY A PROGRA GE M

1639 N. French Rd. • Getzville, NY 14068

www.fourseasonsfamily.com

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Sleep Consultant:

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 Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE n New York State Office of Children & Family Services https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/ prevention/ State Hotline: 1-800-342-3720 Report abuse/neglect of children. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. n New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence https://opdv.ny.gov/aboutopdv New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence 24 hour Hotline: 1-800-942-6906 According to Safe Horizon, a New York victims’ services agency, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence; more than 3 million children each year witness domestic violence at home; without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse, and boys are more likely to become abusers of their partners and children as adults, continuing a cycle of violence seen in families all too often. n Haven House Child & Family Services 24-Hour Hotline: 716-884-6000 (for HELP & Shelter) For over 35 years, Haven House has been working to prevent domestic violence/intimate partner violence and promote peace in the home.

Services are based on a continuum of care ranging from a fully-inclusive emergency shelter in a confidential location to long-term transitional housing. The continuum of care includes an extensive counseling and advocacy program for all individuals regardless of gender that includes many satellite locations throughout Erie County.

Who Should Call? Anyone involved in an intimate partner violence or family violence situation, including: domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, those in same-sex relationships, those with disabilities, male survivors, senior citizens, and immigrant and refugee victims of

Grand Island Satellite 1801 Grand Island Blvd. Suite 3 Grand Island 716-507-0764 (Mon. & Wed.; 8:30am-5pm)

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

MY FAMILY domestic violence. Friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, or professionals with questions about domestic violence operates safe and secure emergency housing in a confidential location for women and their children, single women, and transgendered individuals identifying as female. Shelter supportive services include: Safety Planning, Individual Counseling, Support groups (including Art Empowerment), Advocacy. Referrals can call the hotline for information.

Haven House housing assistance, Referrals to transitional housing, Food, Clothing, Crisis Intervention, and Children’s Programs. n Family Justice Center of Erie County 716-558-SAFE (7233) www.fjcsafe.org Offers free services for domestic violence victims and their children through an extensive collaboration with 13 partner agencies, all located at one secured, comfortable location, where victims can get all the services they need to safely escape abuse. They currently have the following locations: Buffalo 438 Main St., Suite 201, Buffalo 716-558-7233 (Monday-Friday; 8:30am-5pm) Southtowns Satellite 4383 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park 716-662-0259 (Wed. & Fri; 8:30am-5pm) Northtowns Satellite 330 North Forest Rd., Amherst 716-634-4309 (Mon. & Tues.; 8:30am-5pm)

n For a very comprehensive list of more than 100 after school care programs in Erie County visit www.211wny.org and enter “after school” in the search box.

Information on programs in Niagara and other counties is also available through this site. If you do not have access to the Internet, call 1-888-696-9211.

BREASTFEEDING n La Leche League International www.lllusa.org La Leche League has several groups meeting in WNY as well as leaders who are available to answer your questions about breastfeeding. If you are unable to find a leader in your area, call 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324).

Amherst • Cynthia, 716-989-7070; Cindy, 716-835-7504.

East Aurora • Karen, 716-652-0225.

Hamburg/West Seneca • Kimberly, 716-997-4662; Amanda, 716-220-1597 Niagara Falls • Christine, 716-523-1143.

CHILD SUPPORT ASSISTANCE n Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Erie Co. Dept. of Social Services Rath Building, 7th Floor Buffalo, NY 14202 Helpline: 888-208-4485 (8am-7pm) CSE can help locate the noncustodial parent, help parents establish paternity if either has any doubt about the identity of a child’s biological father, help the custodial parent file a petition in Family Court for an order of support, and enforces a child support order when the noncustodial parent does not pay.

The child support enforcement program has legislative authority to

collect overdue child support (arrears) and to obtain medical coverage through a variety of administrative procedures. Some administrative procedures can be put into action without going to court.

Noncustodial parents who fail to pay child support can be subject to having the funds automatically deducted from their wages; unemployment payments, federal and/or state tax refunds, and lottery winnings can be intercepted; financial assets, including bank accounts, can be seized. Delinquent noncustodial parents can also have their NY State drivers license suspended and can be prevented from obtaining or renewing their passports.

For further information about Child Support Services in New York State visit www.newyorkchildsupport.com.

DIVORCE SUPPORT

n NY State Parent Education & Awareness Program http://www.nycourts.gov/ip/ parent-ed/ Launched in 2005, and offered under the auspices of Catholic Charities of Buffalo here in WNY, this program is designed to educate divorcing or separating parents about the impact of their breakup on their children. The primary goal is to teach parents ways they can reduce the stress of family changes and protect their children from the negative effects of ongoing parental conflict in order to foster and promote their children’s healthy adjustment and development.

Four topics are addressed in the Parenting & Child Well-Being portion of the curriculum: 1) Creating and Maintaining Supportive Parent-Child Relationships 2) Providing a Stable, Supportive Home Environment 3) Maintaining Healthy Parental Functioning & Psychological WellBeing 4) Protecting Children from Ongoing Conflict Between Parents.

An overview of the Legal Process is

also included.

In Erie County, there are “Our Kids: A Parent Education & Awareness Program” class locations in Amherst, Buffalo, and Hamburg; contact Amy Morris, 716-896-6390 ext. 3105 or email amy.morris@ccwny.org.

In Niagara County, there are class locations in Niagara Falls and Lockport; contact Marie Ross, 716-282-2351 or email marie.ross@ccwny.org.

If you live in any other county, visit the web site for a list of providers. n New York State Council on Divorce Mediation http://nysmediate.org/ Divorce mediation is a voluntary, cooperative settlement process in which a neutral professional helps you make practical, informed decisions to resolve your differences. It is used frequently and successfully by separating and divorcing couples who want to plan their futures rationally, in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.

With the guidance of a trained mediator, you work together through a series of orderly steps to create a fair and reasonable agreement. Visit their web site to find accredited mediators in your area, or call 516-227-2595.

DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE n Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Get Help via text, email or by scheduling a call with their trained specialists by visiting www.drugfree.org.

Drug use remains a significant problem in the United States, however adolescent drug use is particularly damaging as such use can affect the physical and mental development of younger people and can impact their opportunities

later in life. In 2018, approximately 30.4 percent of those in school grades 8, 10, and 12 had used illicit drugs at some point in their lives.

More than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2018, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. For the first time in history, a person is more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than from a motor vehicle crash.

This national organization helps parents take effective action before their child’s drug use or drinking reaches a point where treatment is required. Research has shown that substance abuse problems can be reduced by intervening early.

Encouraging parents to take immediate action is therefore a main goal of the helpline’s team of parent support specialists who offer expert advice to help parents plan a course of action and can supply a list of local resources or treatment facilities.

Their website is an excellent one-stop resource where you can educate yourself about specific drugs, teen behavior, and ways to talk to your kids to prevent abuse from ever happening in the first place. n UNDERAGE DRINKING TIPLINE 1-800-851-1932 Erie County Sheriff’s Office anonymous, confidential, and free hotline. Concerned adults, teachers, students and friends now have a number to call 24 hours a day, to report planned underage drinking parties; underage drinking parties taking place or other activities that may be harmful to the health, safety and welfare of young people.

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FOOD ALLERGIC FAMILIES n Greater Buffalo Food Allergy Alliance www.gbfoodallergy.org The mission of this local support group is to share information, tips, and experiences to ease the challenges of living with food allergies, as well as raise the awareness in the community; meets at the Orchard Park Library, 4570 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park.

You can find more details on their website or Facebook page.

KINSHIP CAREGIVERS

Among the many changes in society today is the growing incidence of grandparents raising their grandchildren, or other relatives or family friends taking on the primary role or raising a child in the absence of biological parents. Check with your church, your town’s senior services center, or your county’s mental health association for currently active support groups or counseling services. Here are several area resources: n Catholic Charities of Buffalo Kinship Preventive Services 412 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY 14201 Contact: Emily Mehltretter 716- 854-3622 A specialized unit serving families involved with the Child Welfare system with kinship placements, that is, children being cared for by a relative in Erie County. n Child & Family Services 330 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202 716-842-2750 www.cfsbny.org Child and Family Services’ Residential Program has the capacity to serve 46 children in four different programs. Their staff provides treatment in smallgroup settings to help children and families overcome the obstacles and traumatic experiences that prevent them from living at home. Through

dedicated care, treatment, and supervision, children and families learn the skills needed to prepare for discharge back home or to another type of residence. n Gateway-Longview, Inc. KinCARES Family Support Program 716-783-3100 ext. 3181 www.gateway-longview.org KinCARES is a voluntary support service that helps the growing number of families who step forward to care for their kin full-time. A caseworker helps you navigate legal support & resources, permanency & long-term options for the child(ren), mentoring and skill-building, parenting skills, school advocacy, mental health & substance abuse resources and more. Services are available for families within Erie County and are offered at no cost to relatives providing care for TANF-eligible (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) children. n KFACT: Kinship Families and Children Together Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth 975 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-462-1722 KFACT will provide preventive services to bolster kinship family funcitoning, prevent placement, or achieve a quicker, successful permanency for those in formal care. n Grandparents Advocating Support Program Inc. (GASP) 716-204-8677 www.grandparentsadvocating supportprogram.com GASP has been in existence since 1995 in Niagara County NY. GASP services Erie and Niagara Counties with support meetings, educational seminars, case management, legal guidance, supervised visitations and safe exchanges, assistance with back to school and holidays.

When you call or visit an advertiser, please tell them “I SAW YOU IN WNY FAMILY!”

n Non-Parent Caregivers: NY State & Erie County Department of Social Services Programs Non-parent caregivers — grandparents, other relatives, friends — who are caring for children without a parent living in their home, may be eligible for Temporary Assistance.

Temporary Assistance for children not living with a parent is often referred to as “nonparent caregiver” or “child-only” grants, and includes Medical Assistance (MA). If the non-parent caregiver wants assistance only for the children, the non-parent caregiver’s income is not used to determine eligibility and there are no Temporary Assistance work requirements for the non-parent caregiver.

Non-parent caregivers may apply for temporary assistance at their local social services office.

In addition to financial assistance, non-parent caregivers (also called kinship caregivers) often have a need for information and assistance related to food stamps, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), custody, guardianship, foster care, adoption, schooling, school enrollment, and other forms of assistance such as child care, social security, respite, case management and service programs.

For information about services and assistance programs visit: www. nysnavigator.org - The NYS Kinship Navigator’s website offers legal fact sheets, state and local kinship resources, and other information.

In addition, the Navigator operates a 24 hour toll free phone line at 1-877-454- 6463.

LEAD POISONING SERVICES n Lead Poisoning Prevention Resource Center of WNY 716-768-7624 The center serves eight counties in WNY and was established in 1993. It currently operates through

Children’s Hospital and Niagara Street Pediatrics.

guidelines below, AND • Live in New York State

MISSING PERSONS

You can also call NY State’s Growing Up Healthy Hotline tollfree at 1-800-522-5006 for further information about eligibility, etc.

n New York State Division of Criminal Justice Missing Persons Clearinghouse 1-800-346-3543 or 1-800-FIND-KID Call local law enforcement first to report a missing child or adult.

Call the hotline for case intake or to provide lead information.

Electronically distributes missing child or missing college student alerts statewide and assists in investigation.

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE n WIC - Women, Infants & Children https://www.ccwny.org/wic Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that supports pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of five to live a healthier life. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, prenatal and postpartum support, referrals and supplemental food vouchers. All of our services are free of charge.

WIC is for all kinds of families married or single parents, working or not working. Fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents or other legal guardians of a child under five can apply for the child to receive WIC. WIC does not require US citizenship, social security number, green card or legal residency to receive benefits.

Catholic Charities operates the program locally through a variety of locations. To reach any of the sites serving Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties, call (716) 2181484. Not all of their locations are open every day, please call for site schedules.

You may be eligible for WIC if you: • Are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum, OR • Have an infant or child under 5 years old, AND • Receive SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance (TANF) or Medicaid or meet the income

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS Moms, we know how it is. We manage the house, the schedules, the lunch packing and dinner making. We’re there for homework, the big game, the school play, and we make it happen with a smile. Where’s that little dose of “me” time? Thankfully, there are some helpful organizations in our community just for moms. Whether you’re a new mom or a veteran mom, there’s a special place for you to connect, refresh and relax.

In addition to their meetings which feature “meet and mingle” sessions, they organize activities such as moms’ nights out, toy/clothing sales, and a great vareity of other mom-oriented and family events.

Download membership forms on their website. n Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) www.mops.org MOPS is an international organization for pregnant women and moms of infants through pre-schoolers. MOPS meetings give moms and moms-to-be the opportunity to meet other moms and share the journey of motherhood.

Here is a sampling of Western New York groups. A complete listing is available on the MOPS web site.

Amherst Alliance Church 3915 Millersport Hwy., Amherst 2nd & 4th Thurs.; 9:30-11:30am Resurrection Life 2145 Old Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1st & 3rd Thurs.; 9:30-11:30am

n MOMS Club www.momsclub.org The MOMS Club is an international non-profit organization, started by a California mom. Several local chapters have formed which offer monthly meetings with speakers and discussions, park play dates, holiday family parties, outings for mothers and their children, and activity groups like playgroups, arts ‘n crafts, and a monthly MOMS Night Out. They also do community service projects. Find a local chapter through their web site. n WNY Mothers Of Multiples formerly Mothers of Twins Club of Buffalo www.wnymultiples.org This support group for expectant and current mothers of twins (and more!) meets on the 2nd Wednesday of most months at 7pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2669 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda.

Fellowship Wesleyan Church 1645 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca 1st & 3rd Mondays (Sept-May); 6:15pm-8:15pm Winchester Community Church 909 Harlem Rd., West Seneca 1st & 3rd Thurs., 6:30pm-8pm Zion Lutheran Church 9535 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Ctr. 1st & 3rd Wed.; 9:30-11:15am Faith Lutheran Church 1230 Bowen Rd., Elma 3rd Tuesday of the Month; 6:30pm Lockport Alliance Church 555 Davison Rd., Lockport 1st & 3rd Wed.; 9:30-11:15am The Tabernacle 3210 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park 2nd & 4th Wed.; 9:30-11:30am – continued next page

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 Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Watermark Wesleyan Church 4999 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg 2 Fridays a month; 9:15am-11:45am n MOMSNEXT is a relatively new type of group, created by MOPS International for mothers of schoolage children. You can check for a program in your area at www.mops. org. Here are some examples: Fellowship Wesleyan Church MOMSnext meets every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month at 6:15pm, beginning in September, at 1645 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca.

Zion Lutheran Church MOMSnext meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday from 6:30-8:15pm, at 9535 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center.

The Tabernacle MOMSnext meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 9:30am-11:30am, at 3210 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park.

Call 716-675-2888.

Watermark Wesleyan MOMSnext meets at 4999 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg. Get in touch for schedule.

POISON EMERGENCY n Upstate New York Poison Center 24 Hours A Day, 365 Days A Year 1-800-222-1222 http://www.upstate.edu/poison/ Calls are answered by Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs), registered nurses, and pharmacists trained in toxicology. Specialists provide the most efficient and up-to-date poison information available.

Physicians and toxicologists are on-call 24 hours a day for consultation purposes.

SPECIAL NEEDS

For a complete listing of special needs organizations, visit the DD Info Link at http://www.211wny. org/search/ddinfolink/ which provides a multitude of resources related to developmental disabilities. The resources can be broken down by age group, and then by service types, such as daily living, education, in-home services, recreation, respite and more. If you do not have access to the Internet, call 1-888-696-9211.

n Parent Network of WNY 1000 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14202 Information & Referral: 716-332-4170 www.parentnetworkwny.org This community resource provides all the tools necessary for parents and professionals to take an active role in the education of children and young adults with special needs.

They offer a wealth of seminars, workshops, information and referral services, a newsletter, family training services, all FREE of charge.

If you’ve struggled to find the right services for your child, or are lost in the maze of rules and regulations in the Special Education System, these are the folks who can help. n Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York 716-832-9334 www.dspgwny.org Provides support to persons with Down Syndrome and their families through information on educational programs and community services.

A Parent Support Program connects new parents with volunteers who can share their experiences and provide support. A phone call, hospital or home visit is available upon request by calling Barbara at 716-983-2140. They host activities throughout the year. n Support Group for Parents of Children with Autism 7 Community Drive (Aspire), Cheektowaga www.wchob.org/autism Provides a welcoming environment for parents and other caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders to meet, share experiences, ask questions, and receive support. The groups meets once a month, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Contact Jana Mertz, jmertz@kaleidahealth.org or call 716-323-6435.

A Niagara County group meets in Niagara Falls. To learn more, call 716-408-2589 or email ecdc@kaleidahealth.org.

AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE? n Family Help Center (formerly Joan A. Male Family Support Center)

24-Hour Parent Help Line 716-892-2172 www.familyhelpcenter.net Did you ever get the feeling that being a parent is a bigger job than you expected? The stress continues every day! Raising a family is a big job and sometimes it’s an overwhelming one! Since 1973, the Family Help Center has been providing services to families raising children and gives the support you can’t always get from family, neighbors, or even parents. They operate the only 24-hour, 365 day a year family crisis intervention and support service in Erie County, and offer immediate assistance with no application procedures, no eligibility requirements, and no waiting period. They provide in-home support services to all of Erie County, as well as a NY State licensed daycare facility. Their Family Help Center Daycare, at 60 Dingens St., Buffalo, offers full day, before, and after school care, and school-age summer programs. n Crisis Services Serving Buffalo & Erie County www.crisisservices.org 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 716-834-3131 24-hour Addiction Hotline: 716-831-7007 24-Hour Erie County Domestic Violence Hotline: 716-862-HELP For Shelter: 716-884-6000 Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling to all callers in Erie County. Provides immediate assistance for people who are in acute emotional distress; who are or perceive themselves to be in life-threatening situations; who are a danger to themselves or to others; or who are hysterical, frightened or otherwise unable to cope with a problem that requires immediate attention. n Crisis Services Kids Helpline: 716-834-1144 The Kids helpline is a part of the Crisis Services Counseling Program and is dedicated to serving school aged children, adolescents and parents by providing immediate and confidential support 24 hours a day, on a variety of issues related to youth and their families.

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It’s As Easy As

Therapeutics!

Help with Motor Development Help with Sensory Skills Help with Handwriting 716.580.3040

Help with Social Skills Support & Education for Parents

11390 Transit Road., East Amherst | www.abctherapeutics.com

FAMILY TRAVEL continued...

Letchworth had a statue erected marking Jemison’s final resting place.

Her cabin, the council house, and statue are near the Glen Iris. Just behind the inn is a small stone museum with exhibits telling his story and the natural history of the area. There is also an exhibit honoring the more 3,000 Civilian Conservation Corps members who lived at the park during the depression and built the roads, stone walls, trails, and stone picnic tables.

It is often possible to see the rainbow that enchanted Letchworth just beyond Middle Falls. The Falls are in front of the inn. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here on the wide porch, the lush lawn, and inside. There is also a casual restaurant at the Lower Falls and picnic tables are everywhere. Rooms are available upstairs. Rooms in the inn are often booked a year or two in advance for fall weekends. The Glen Iris Inn, Letchworth’s home, has been operating as a country inn since 1914.

Travel Tip of the Month: For information on the park go to parks. ny.gov or call 585-493-3600. Campsites, cabins and houses need to be booked in advance and some are open year-round.

For the Autism Nature Trail go to autismnaturetrail.com.

The Glen Iris Inn is open through the end of October. Visit glenirisinn.com or call 585-493-2622. For information on rafting and kayaking visit adventurecalls.com or call 888-270-2410. Balloons over Letchworth (balloonsoverletchworth.com or 585-493-3340) offers a breathtaking view of the park in a hot air balloon but at press time they could not launch balloons from the park because of state COVID restrictions. However, they are operating from the nearby National Warplane Museum in Geneseo.

Deborah Williams is a veteran travel writer who lives in Holland, NY. Her work has appeared in national and international publications and she is the recipient of the Society of American Travel Writers Lowell Thomas Gold Travel Writing Award.

October 2020 WNY Family 39

PICK OF THE LITERATURE — by Dr. Donna Phillips

R

emember when masks were for Halloween? Things sure have changed in a year. This time of COVID and uncertainty are what horror stories are made of — but this is a reality! Only time will tell if Trick-or-Treating will be allowed this year.

As we begin this fall celebration, it is comforting to know though, that some things have not changed. The things that reassure us are often found in holiday food and activities. Books are also a way to help take us back to our old “normal.” If you are looking for a way to usher in Halloween, there are many new books that will not disappoint.

40 WNY Family October 2020

This may well be your child’s first Halloween experience, so why not introduce them to this fun holiday with a little board book that is perfect for little hands to handle? Fisher Price Little People Trick or Treat (Printers Row Publishing, San Diego, 2020, $5.99), written by Gina Gold and illustrated by Pixel Mouse House, is a colorful little book with tabs that help to make page turning easier. The reader can choose from a pumpkin, a bat, a witch’s hat, a spider, an owl, or a mouse to select a page that shares a Halloween activity. From pumpkin selecting to carving and party preparations to the

party itself, this book will delight little hands and get little minds ready for the fun to come.

If your young one enjoys lift-theflap board books, Who Said Boo? (Silver Dolphin Books, San Diego, 2020, $8.99), written by Becky Davies and illustrated by Yi Hsuan Wu, complete with sparkles, textures, and a mirror, is for you! This colorful “guess who” book will delight and surprise the reader with sounds of seasonal characters and holiday fun while helping to develop fine motor skills.

Even oldsters will love a fun, interactive board book so how about a creepy lift-the-flap board book for older readers? The Scary Book ( P re s t e l / R a n d o m House, New York, 2020, $12.95) by Dedieu was first published in French in 2019. The holiday characters of a ghost, a frog, a spider, a snake, and other assorted creatures start off innocently enough, but once you lift the flap… Look Out! These creatures are really Halloween scary!

Your oldest will certainly enjoy Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe (Canterbury Classics/Printers Row, San Diego, 2020, $14.99), edited by April Graham Farr. This collection of some

of Poe’s most famous works is a great way to introduce older children to this genre.

Shared as a read-aloud or read to oneself, this is certain to bring spookiness back into Halloween. It includes titles you probably know like: The Fall of the House of Usher, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Tell-Tale Heart, and more obscure ones like: Ligiea, The Gold Bug, and MS. Found in a Bottle. (The MS. Stands for “manuscript,” in case you were wondering.) This book will remind (or introduce) parents to these classic tales while exposing adolescents to the power of imagination and the darkness of 24 short stories that are short enough and dark enough to hold everyone’s attention. It also includes 19 of Poe’s most famous poems.

The best thing we can do for our children and ourselves right now is to try to settle into some family and friend holiday time. With a little imagination and tweaking, you can joyfully celebrate in safety. Hopefully, the scariness of the events of this year will fade into the background as we confirm our support for each other through our festivities and traditions.

Dr. Donna Phillips is an associate professor in the College of Education at Niagara University where her specialty is literacy and children’s literature. She lives on Grand Island, NY and is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of one.

October 2020 WNY Family 41

RAISING DIGITAL KIDS — by Mike Daugherty

for parents. Circle Mobile Management provides parents with similar functionality for older children with their smartphones. Circle costs $129 per year or $299 for a lifetime subscription.

Wireless Router

Filtering / Limiting Your Home Internet

H

ouston, we have a problem (two problems actually).

During the stay at home orders and the summer months, screen time limits were non-existent in many households as parents allowed their children extra time on the Xbox or iPad for everyone’s sanity. Summer is over now, the 2020-21 school year has officially begun, but the pandemic continues.

Schools across the country purchased additional devices to provide to students for remote learning. Many parents bought computers for students to use at home in the last few months as well. Reinstating those screen time limits after months of freedom will be difficult enough (problem #1). When you add extra technology and the required use for academic purposes (problem #2), keeping your student on task can become overwhelming very quickly.

Here are several options for parents looking to control technology use in their household.

Circle

Circle allows parents to take better control of the Internet at home. It is the only device on this list that was specifically designed for parents.

One primary advantage Circle has over other similar tools is 42 WNY Family October 2020

that it does not require parents to install anything on the computer. This makes it easier to get set up and allows parents to filter school-issued devices as well.

The setup is simple. Plug it in, connect it to your home WiFi, and then all the configuration is done through an easy to use app. Parents can choose to set time limits for usage, and those limits can be different for each child. Content filtering (blocking out websites) can also be done on a per-child basis. For example, parents can choose to block YouTube for younger children and allow it for older ones.

The “Pause” and “Offtime” features are incredible options for parents who have children attending school remotely.

Parents can choose to turn the Internet off for a set amount of time for a group of devices. Imagine being able to block the Xbox/ Playstation/Switch from using the Internet until your student has their work completed. You can then turn the Internet back on with a simple swipe of your finger, even if you’re not at home.

Other features such as Bedtime and Rewards make Circle one of my favorite devices

One of the more recent trends in the last few years is for wireless routers to come with built-in software for filtering the Internet. The wireless router is the physical device that sends out the Wifi signal to your home. Every wireless router is different, though. They all have various features and different levels of difficulty to get configured.

Eero is my recommendation due to its ease of use, scalability, and features.

Eero is incredibly easy to get set up. An app on a smartphone or tablet will guide you through the setup. It took less than ten minutes to complete the process in my home.

Parents can set up profiles for a group of devices to do things like pause Internet access during dinner or enable Internet content filtering to help keep children safe online. A pro subscription includes additional options such as threat detection and automatic ad blocking across all your devices.

Eero also lets you expand the wireless coverage in your house. The Eero system uses a scalable model to ensure you get the coverage you need, regardless of your home’s size. Smaller homeowners can get by on a single Eero base station while larger homes can utilize additional beacon units to carry the wireless signal throughout.

Aside from Eero, Google Nest Wifi and Netgear Orbi are two different options to explore. Expanding your home wireless network and adding built-in safety features might be the perfect solution for parents this school year.

OpenDNS The two options above use a physical piece of equipment to lock down various aspects of the Internet. OpenDNS uses software to prevent devices from accessing unwanted content, but it does not require you to install software to work. This makes OpenDNS a fantastic option because you can block content for all your wireless devices in one place. Oh, and it’s free.

There are a few downsides here, though. It can be a bit tricky to set up. You may need to reach out to your local IT expert to get this set up. It also lacks some of the features of other options such as time limits, pausing the Internet, or blocking an app altogether. While it’s not as full-featured as the first two options, OpenDNS is a free solution that parents can use to filter out sites or entire categories of sites from all household devices.

Bark

Bark takes a different approach to content filtering. Bark monitors texts, email, and more than thirty of the most popular apps for inappropriate content. The Bark system alerts parents based on the content it monitors.

Parents can be alerted when the system sees activity of predatory behavior, suicidal ideation, and cyberbullying. Bark does not monitor things in realtime, though. The machine learning algorithm system needs time to review the content it scans for potential threats. Suggestions are given as to the best course of action going forward based on what the system sees. Bark provides tools to limit screen time and filter out websites as well.

While I have not personally used this product, I have heard good things about it from those who have. Parents can choose from Bark Jr and Bark. Bark Jr handles blocking out bad websites and runs $5 per month. At $14 a month or $99 annually, Bark will tackle the list of things mentioned above.

The tools listed above can be so much more than a way to limit or restrict your kids. They can provide parents with a better idea of how their children are spending their time online. The knowledge of what they are doing online can lead to some phenomenal conversations. If you decide to use one of these tools, I will encourage you to consider all the positive ways you might connect with your kids based on what you see. Have a conversation about the crazy YouTube videos they watch or pause the Internet from all devices during dinner so you can eat distraction-free.

Mike Daugherty is a husband, father of three young children, author, speaker, Google Innovator, and possible Starbucks addict. He is a certified educational technology leader who has served in a variety of roles through his twenty-year career in public education. Currently, Mike is the Director of Technology for the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School district in Northeast Ohio. As an IT director he has developed creative, well thought out solutions that positively impact teaching and learning.

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October 2020 WNY Family 43

mance was perfect because I would be handing out the next 18 doses at home at 4:30 in the morning before work, with no guidance, other than muscle memory, and YouTube video for encouragement.

Nearing The Finish Line I finished writing this month’s column exactly one day before Andrea’s 39th week of pregnancy, which means that our little one officially made it to full term and that the wait is almost over. And, what a long wait it’s been. But, of course, worth it.

T

he moment my wife received a positive read on her pregnancy test, and on the fifth and sixth pregnancy test, I immediately started rehearsing all of my forthcoming parental responsibilities; just to get a head start on things, I thought. A few of those responsibilities included the obvious, such as being an outstanding role model, showing unconditional love and support, and guiding our baby aimfully throughout life, along with many others. But, out of everything that I came up with, there was one responsibility I never saw coming.

When we started to explore the idea of having another baby and the measures that we would have to take, we learned about a drug called Mekena that would hopefully change our lives by changing the outcome of our pregnancy. Mekena, or progesterone as it’s more commonly called, is a man-made form of the female hormone, progestin, and it’s prescribed to women with a history of preterm birth. Its sole purpose is to lower the risk of having another preterm baby.

In March, Andrea’s doctor told us that 44 WNY Family October 2020

she was a perfect candidate to receive Mekena.

Cue in my new parental responsibility: Mekena can only be administered by injection; either by a healthcare professional or at home, just as long as you have a partner who’s willing to play nurse. When we learned about the option of giving the weekly shots at home, we really didn’t need to put much thought into it. We were both comfortable with the idea and I vowed to her that I would do everything in my power to keep our baby safe. Not to mention, the thought of driving to the hospital once a week for five months seemed scarier than sticking my wife with a needle.

Andrea would end up needing 20 shots altogether, with the first two to be given at the hospital under the guidance of a nurse; and with zero medical experience myself, I would need all the guidance I could get.

For the first shot, I watched the nurse closely, taking mental notes as she methodically went through all the steps for me, twice. And I want to tell you that I retained everything she said, but when the following week came and it was my turn to wield the needle, my mind went blank. Luckily, I wasn’t the first absentminded partner she had ever worked with. She patiently walked me through the process a couple more times until I felt confident enough to give Andrea the shot on my own. I had to make sure my perfor-

I have to admit, the first few shots at home were shaky, literally. I don’t know if it was my nerves, a lack of sleep, or the two cups of coffee I would drink beforehand, but after a few black and blue injection-sites, and a small puddle of blood on the kitchen floor one morning, I found myself pretty crafty with the needle. And I say that respectfully, of course, because I wasn’t on the receiving end of the pain.

Andrea’s last shot fell on the same day she turned 36 weeks pregnant, which made the day even more special for us. When we dropped the last needle into an old tin can of Cafe Bustelo that we were using as a discarded sharps container, we smiled at the graveyard of used needles and empty vials of progesterone. We knew at that moment how close we were, and it felt great.

The week after her last shot would also be monumental for us, as it was a date neither one of us thought we would reach. It was the scheduled date for her cerclage removal, or, as it’s called in the online cerclage-community, D.T.S. (Ditch The Stitch). And with the stitch removed and the Makena shots finished, all that’s left now is the proverbial final push.

Okay reader, the next time we meet, I’m going to want to introduce you to someone!

Richard De Fino, a freelance writer by night, first became a father at age 34. After losing his first-born at birth, he was determined to keep his memory alive the best way he knew how; through words. And with another baby on the way, he plans on capturing what it means to be a parent to a rainbow baby. Richard and his wife, Andrea, live in Western New York with their memories of Louis, and their dog Zeke, and two cats, Bebe and Georgie.

Making Media Entertainment An Easier Choice For Families

Family Halloween Movies

PARENT PREVIEWS

things that go bump in the night and others get nightmares from Disney

— by Kirsten Hawkes

here are our top recommendations, ranked from least to most frightening.

Our families all have different “fear factors.” Some of our kids like

villains. To help you find the best Halloween movie for family movie night,

Monsters, Inc. (2001, G)

So you thought monsters were scary? What if that were all a ruse, part of a system designed to make children scream so as to power the monster world’s electrical grid? Sulley and Mike Wazowski are the most successful scare team until the day they accidentally return to Monstropolis with a stowaway, a little girl they’ve named Boo. Sweet and silly, this movie will only scare the most sensitive of children and will give adults plenty to laugh about.

OVERALL RATING: A-

VIOLENCE: (B) LANGUAGE: (A-)

SEXUAL CONTENT: (A-­) ALCOHOL / DRUG USE: (A)

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018, PG)

Hired to clean out a dilapidated house, three kids find a ventriloquist’s dummy named Slappy. At first, Slappy is helpful, using his magical powers to benefit his friends. But when they won’t allow him to control them, Slappy combines his powers with those of the local power plant to make Halloween come to life. With mild jump scares and some violent scenes, this film is too frightening for little ones, but older kids and tweens will have fun with it.

OVERALL RATING: A-

VIOLENCE: (B+) LANGUAGE: (A)

SEXUAL CONTENT: (A­) ALCOHOL / DRUG USE: (A)

Hotel Transylvania (2012, PG)

Who knew that Dracula was really just an overprotective father? The fearsome fanged nobleman has been running a secret resort for monsters while doing everything he can to protect his daughter from humans. Then the worst happens – a human shows up in his hotel. Spooky scenes and animated violence render this movie unsuitable for preschoolers, but kids who enjoy mildly scary content will have fun with this family-friendly flick.

OVERALL RATING: B

VIOLENCE: (C+) LANGUAGE: (A-)

SEXUAL CONTENT: (B-­) ALCOHOL / DRUG USE: (B+)

The House with a Clock in its Walls (2018, PG)

Lewis, orphaned and sent to live with his uncle, discovers two things - Uncle Jonathan is a warlock and a clock ticking inside the walls of his house marks down the time to a terrifying event.

Determined to help save the world, ten-year-old Lewis trains as a warlock, but can’t manage to obey his uncle’s single command to not open a mysterious cabinet. Too terrifying for little ones, this film provides lots of jump scares, frights, and laugh out loud jokes for older kids and tweens.

OVERALL RATING: B+

VIOLENCE: (B-) LANGUAGE: (B+)

SEXUAL CONTENT: (A­) ALCOHOL / DRUG USE: (A)

October 2020 WNY Family 45

TWEENS & TEENS — by Christa Melnyk Hines

What Inquiring Parents of Teens Want to Know

F

rom pandemic concerns to wise decision-making, we turned to experts for answers to parents of teens most pressing questions.

LIVING IN A PANDEMIC WORLD How do I support my teen who is anxious and worried that their senior year will be negatively impacted by a possible resurgence of the pandemic?

Reducing uncertainty is one of the most effective techniques we can use to manage anxiety. We can do this by asking questions and educating ourselves.

For teens worried about how their senior year may be impacted by COVID-19: 

Stay up to date on what is happening locally and with your school.



Educate yourself and use accurate, appropriate sources of information (school websites) in a balanced way.



Avoid spending large amounts of time on social media and other forms of media, which can exacerbate anxiety.



Avoid planning for the worst, which is just another way to focus on uncertainty.



Focus on what you know and what you can do.

46 WNY Family October 2020



Realize that no matter what happens, you will graduate and many people are working to adapt activities and schedules as necessary to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.

COVID-19 should not be allowed to define our teens’ lives. Help your teen find balance and joy each day in their activities. Encourage them to get outside, connect with peers, stay busy with hobbies, find a new hobby, or start a fun project. All of these kinds of activities will decrease anxiety and increase positive emotions.

— Stephen Lassen, Ph.D., pediatric psychologist How do I get my teen to unplug from Zoom chats and other technology when it’s the only way to socialize?

This is a great time to engage your teen in family social activities. You may choose how often family activities will occur and your teen can help decide the what and the when. Also consider creating realistic limits for live, interactive screen time such as Zoom chats to promote safe socializing. Giving your teen more freedom supervised in the home

may prevent socializing in an unsafe manner.

Consider creating separate limits for other technology such as social media, video games, and television. Ask them how much time they want, compromise, and hold them accountable! Help your teen create a list of non-screen time activities to remind them of alternative ways to fill their time.

— Simone Moody, Ph.D., child & adolescent psychologist

RESPECTING OTHERS How can I make sure I’m teaching my sons to respect women and minorities?

The most important way to teach our children to respect women and minorities is through modeling this respect in our own words and behavior. This includes demonstrating respect consistently, but also includes labeling disrespect, prejudice, etc., when you and they observe it in others in daily life, in current events and in entertainment.

Biases are ingrained in our culture and therefore can be invisible unless specifically called out. Be aware and label your own bias as well. Are you more nervous if the person walking down the street behind you is an ethnic minority? Consider why this might be and work to challenge these reactions.

— Sara Gould, Ph.D., child & adolescent psychologist

PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES How can I help my teen better manage stress?

Help your teen see how challenges can be opportunities for growth and personal enhancement, not simply something to endure or try to escape. Encourage flexible thinking by asking them to consider questions like: “What are some other reasons why this happened?” or “How can this benefit you?”

As teens begin to think more accurately and flexibly about situations they encounter, they will experience less

stress. The situations don’t change, but how they respond to them will help decrease the subjective experience of stress.

Physical activity, good nutrition, and high quality sleep are particularly important to help teens more effectively manage challenging situations. Other ideas to help your teen maintain good balance in their lives: 

Stay connected to peers who are a positive influence.



Maintain a regular daily schedule.



Focus on accomplishing developmentally appropriate tasks such as getting a job and getting their driver’s license.



Engage in proactive and healthy habits.



As a parent, role model healthy habits around how you manage stress.

Stress can be detrimental to our health at high and consistent levels, but it can also lead to strength and growth in our lives if we let it work for our benefit. An old English saying teaches, “A smooth sea does not make a skilled mariner.” Similarly, lives devoid of stress do not make strong, capable human beings.

— Stephen Lassen, Ph.D., pediatric psychologist How do I create a safe space for my teen to express his or her feelings?

One of the best ways to help you connect with your teenager and make them feel safe and understood is to carefully listen and validate their feelings when they talk to you. So often when teenagers come to us, we as parents are quick to offer advice and let them know the reasons why what they’re thinking isn’t right in some way. Validating your teen’s feelings has nothing to do with whether their feelings are right or wrong or you agree with them. It’s just un-

derstanding and showing them, “Okay, I get it.”

By listening, validating, and withholding advice unless requested, your teen will learn to trust their own feelings and emotions, which helps them learn to problem-solve and connect to that inner wisdom to make decisions.

— Julie Gettings MSW-LSCSW, professional therapist

THE DEVELOPING TEEN BRAIN Why does my teen make unwise choices?

Teens often make unwise choices because of adolescent cognitive development. Teens’ brains aren’t done yet.

Independence is growing rapidly, but the brain’s control centers are not yet fully online. Teens are often impulsive and short-term gain (or cost) is a greater influence than long-term gain (or cost).

Decision-making skills and abstract thinking skills are still developing and are inconsistent and easily overridden by emotion.

That’s why parenting a teen is so tricky.

GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE continued...

Other Must Haves: Suntan lotion and bug repellent containing Deet or Picaridin; First aid kit that accommodates the whole group and first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring a compass & map and brush up on how to use them. Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry. Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm.

Carry a whistle and a signal mirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with a locking blade. Bring a headlamp flashlight, extra batteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair.

Jeff Alt’s newest book “The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park” was just released on August 3, 2020. It is the fourth book in time traveling national park series designed for young adults ages 8 to 12, which combines education with entertainment in a thrill packed journey through time loaded with fun facts about history, ecology and science about the park and its inhabitants.

The goal is to allow as much independence as your teen has demonstrated they can manage responsibly — and decrease independence if your teen’s behavior shows they aren’t quite ready.

All teens develop differently so this may result in you setting different limits and expectations than your teen’s friends have.

— Sara Gould, Ph.D., child & adolescent psychologist Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance journalist. She and her husband are in the midst of raising two teens.

October 2020 WNY Family 47

T

he smell of a new baby is heavenly. The smell of a teenager is less so. Convincing kids to brush and wash can be an exercise of patience, persistence, and at times, bribery. For kids and adults with special needs, hygiene can often be an area of concern. There are many reasons why basic hygiene is a struggle. For some, a physical limitation can be a challenge. For others, it’s sensory. Below are some tips and tricks to try should you be caring for a person with a special need in assisting with their hygiene habits.

Showering/ Bathing

The steps it takes to pick up a wet bottle of soap or shampoo, turn it upside down, pour some out, set the bottle back down, rub hands together, and finally rub on the body can be difficult with those having coordination issues. One simple solution is finding bottles with hand pumps that can stay on the side of the bathtub or sink. Another possibility is a motion activated pump that adheres to the wall.

If a physical limitation makes it difficult to shower, many hair washing assistive devices are available. Inflatable basins can be set on tables or beds, though the person still needs to be able to tilt their head back. If this isn’t possible, other devices include a ramp to catch and guide water to an alternate location. Many dry shampoos are also available for day-to-day use.

Hair washing assistive devices are available at https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/c-headhair-wash.html 48 WNY Family October 2020

Empower

Ability Inspire Advocate

Special Needs Potential Thri

Growth Strategies — by Julia Garstecki

If the sensation of soap is the issue, one can try foam. Desensitization takes patience, but does work in many cases.

This means placing a small amount of soap on the person’s hand several times a day. The rationale is the more the person feels the soap, the more likely they will grow to tolerate it. Another option is to place the soap on a washcloth first, then soap the body first before getting in the bath or shower. However, age can become a factor here. If the smell of the product is the problem, consider yourself lucky, as there are dozens of scents (including unscented) soaps to choose from.

Teeth

Derek, a 15-year-old with ASD, cannot stand brushing his teeth. “I hate how the brush feels in my mouth. I hate scrubbing my teeth.” His parents have had more luck with an electric toothbrush, but Derek insists on the same flavor of toothpaste every time.

Derek’s mom adds, “If we have the wrong toothpaste, it becomes a fight. And the dentist is traumatic. For both of us.”

Derek has a phobia of the dentist, though his parents have been taking him since he was a toddler. They have tried multiple dentists and recently had the most luck with University Pediatric Dentistry.

“They have multiple offices. Derek was able to take a tour of their different locations and chose East Aurora because of their Xboxes. We go every month, hoping one day he’ll sit in the chair. At his last visit the dental assistant sat in the waiting room with him and gave him a massage while looking at his teeth.

She counted to ten while she looked in his mouth. While she wasn’t able to do much more, she seemed to understand him, and is gaining his trust.”

Many new developments have been created that assist people that either cannot or will not use a toothbrush. The AutoBrush is a mouthpiece that promises a dental level cleaning, without the need for hand brushing. It looks like a mouth guard and has bristles that move back and forth.

Learn more about tooth brushing devices at https://www.spinalcord.com/ blog/top-4-hands-free-toothbrushes-forquadriplegics.

Toilet Training

Toilet training is rarely easy but people with special needs can really struggle in this area. Poor muscle tone can result in not feeling the urge to go.

Others may find the act disgusting and refuse to use the bathroom. Wiping isn’t easy and it certainly has an ick factor attached. It isn’t surprising that parents of children with special needs are still buying diapers at eight and nine years old.

Heidi has a seven-year-old son with autism and an intellectual disability. He is afraid to have a bowel movement on the toilet and will hold it for days at a time. Heidi has tried potty alarms, suppositories, bells and charts, and even enemas. After seeing several experts without success, Heidi is still searching for a way to help her son.

She’s not alone. Families of those with special needs around the world empathize with Heidi. In some cases, a child might be eleven or twelve before toilet training is finally complete. Sometimes, there is no identifiable reason for the sudden acceptance of success.

Puberty

Oh dear. Just the word puberty can send a parent to a tizzy.

It can be challenging even under the best circumstances, but a child with a special need can make it even more… interesting. For both genders, it’s important to talk about body changes early on. Using correct terminology is important for when the child becomes older. Whatever words used as a child may last through to adulthood, and adults using childish words for their bodies isn’t ideal.

For young women, menstruation can be scary, painful, and messy. Discussing how to use sanitary pads, relieving cramps, and showering all need to be addressed. For this reason, daily showers are an important habit to develop before a girl gets her period. In most schools, teachers are not allowed in bathrooms to help students, so this is something that needs to be discussed beforehand.

For young men, understanding erections is important. As awkward as it may be, it is important to have a conversation about what to do should an erection happen in public or if company is present. One parent told his son to stay seated or tie his sweatshirt around his waist if he is in public. Buying thicker sweatpants or shorts is better than buying the thin athletic shorts as well.

For both genders, talking about sex is critical. But that’s a whole different article!

None of these issues are easy. Many parents of special needs children know these “simple” tasks of washing, brushing, and toileting leave them exhausted and stressed. Another problem is the importance of making sure hygiene habits stay consistent. For many caregivers that means twice a day fights over teeth brushing, toileting, or hand washing.

It’s important to give yourself a break. Reward yourself with a cup of coffee, a quiet moment, or a quiet shower. If the fight becomes too stressful, consider talking to your care provider or school for support. The more different people are working together to help healthy habits develop the more likely they will eventually stick. Or at least become tolerable.

Julia Garstecki is a special educator and the parent of a child with special needs. She works at Daemen College in the Student Success Center. She is available for speaking engagements and author visits. Contact her at julia@juliagarstecki.com and follow her on twitter @juliagarstecki.

We take a look at topics important to parents of children with special needs not just in April, but in each and every issue of WNY Family Magazine with our monthly column.

Empower

Ability Inspire Advocate

Special Needs Potential Thri

Growth Strategies

Featuring Topical Editorial Content, Including: • Feeding Challenges – When Does “Picky” Eating Cross the Line?

• The Transition from School to Adulthood • Advocacy Skills Can Make A Huge Difference • Yoga Yields Benefits for Kids with Disabilities • Steps in the Special Education Process • The Importance of Keeping Records • Assistive Technology • Accessible Activities in Winter

Does your business, agency or organization serve children with special needs in our community?

Their parents are looking for your services all year long.

Advertise in conjunction with this informative column and let our readership of nearly 60,000 WNY parents know about your important programs and services each and every month.

For more information, call you Ad Rep directly or call 716-836-3486 ext. 104 October 2020 WNY Family 49

SINGLE PARENTING — by Diane C. Dierks, LMFT

Three Positive Ways to View Single Parenting

I

t’s easy for new single parents to feel discouraged and a little hopeless about raising children alone, especially if finances are tight and time is scarce. Both single moms and dads struggle with whether or not they can give their children what is needed for them to be healthy. Half the battle is gained by looking at the situation in a positive light, rather than giving in to negative thoughts. There are three positive ways parents can view their singleness so they can be proud of their roles:

1) I am responsible for my actions and attitude.

For many people, this one brings a negative response because it’s much easier to go through life placing blame on other people for our misfortune, but it is so much more enriching to know that our successes and failures depend on our choices. I am always encouraged when I see single parents emerge from a bad relationship break-up with a renewed sense of self-determination.

There is absolutely no better motivator than the love we have for our children to jump-start us into a new life, even if it requires taking risks or engaging in extremely hard work.

Parents, more than any other group of people, will do amazing things for the 50 WNY Family October 2020

sake of their children, even if they have been unwilling in the past to make the same changes for themselves.

So, embrace your singleness because possibly for the first time in your life, you have the opportunity to orchestrate how the rest of your life will play out.

2) I can parent the way I want to!

Many parents break up or divorce because they failed to merge their separate values into some kind of manageable system. Once there is a divorce, parents are free to live out their own value system in front of their children without interference from the other parent.

That’s not to say that divorced parents won’t try to control or influence each other’s styles, but basically, the legal system takes care of that through a court-ordered custody and parenting plan. As long as each are following that, both parents are free to engage in the parenting style they choose. The only exceptions are behaviors that would be seen as abusive or neglectful. In that case, it is up to the local authorities to decide. Unless you can call protective services about a certain behavior, each parent must live and let live when it comes to how parenting is carried out in

the other home.

There is a certain liberation in that when parents understand that kids need at least one parent to do the right things in order for them to truly succeed. So, the only person you are in charge of controlling is yourself. Keep your own porch clean and then you don’t have to worry about sweeping up anyone else’s.

Now, that’s freedom.

3) I have opportunities to foster appreciation in my children.

Single parents often lament the fact that they have to work so much harder just to put food on the table or provide basics for their kids. Long hours, slim paychecks, fatigue, and anxiety can really put a damper on a person’s ability to excel as a parent. Although this reality is far too common, there is a positive side to living a life that is characterized by frugality and hard work.

Our society today is riddled with what some experts call “Affluenza” and

children are the sad beneficiaries. Over and over, I hear stories of children who have come to expect parents to provide everything from weekly spa treatments to expensive designer handbags. And what’s with the need to spend thousands of dollars on the prom?

The problem lies in the fact that parents give in to these requests, creating expectations for even more material goods. This lifestyle is not better than one characterized by a parent balancing work and love for kids. Saying “no” is part of parenting and should be exercised by all parents, regardless of income.

In addition, when single parents work hard, but are also able to see the benefit of making time spent with kids a priority, children typically respond positively and tend to be more appreciative of the effort. Time spent with children does not have to include any cash outlay. It can be as simple as playing a boardgame or coloring. When my teenagers would get stressed out, I would often make them sit down with

me and color in a coloring book, which was always a great opportunity to talk with them. Those are special times that no designer handbag or prom outfit can replace.

Diane C. Dierks is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Atlanta, Georgia.

She is also author of “The Co-Parent Toolbox” (2014 Aha! Publishing) and “Solo Parenting: Raising Strong & Happy Families” (1997 Fairview Press). For more information visit her website is www.dianedierks.com.

October 2020 WNY Family 51

You, Your Pets, Your Home, Your Office – Happy Together

T

he Corona virus has changed the way and place many people work. The pandemic also has vastly increased the number of pets that have become part of the family. This combination has led to a new world of work, family, and relationships.

THE FAMILY PET

It can be challenging and rewarding to work at home with your pet.

Sometimes it’s not easy to stay productive and work-focused. Here are a few tips to keep you and your pets happy and healthy.

Address Pet Needs Before Starting Your Workday

Continue the pet care routine you had when you were at the office before you start your workday at home. Make sure the dog and cat are fed, receive some affection, go for a walk, etc.

Use the time you’re saving by not commuting to provide extra exercise for your pet so that they are tired and will need rest while you work. By sticking to a routine, similar to what you previously did, your pet will be less likely to seek attention from you once you are on the clock at your home office.

Define Your Workspace

Having a designated workspace at home can help with your work-life balance while also making you feel like you aren’t living at your office. Decide 52 WNY Family October 2020

how much access your pets will have to you, especially when you interact with others via phone or virtual meetings.

While cats walking in front of you or your dog pawing at the keyboard may be cute to you, it is very distracting for those with whom you are connecting.

Animals constantly waltzing into frame during Zoom-type calls can undermine your professionalism.

Try to be consistent with where and when you work. You should train pets that when you are in your workspace, it is not a time to visit. This is an opportunity to distract them with a favorite toy or puzzle treats to keep them occupied for an extended period of time. Use a separate space to keep your dog or cat comfortable and engaged independently from you.

Baby gates, playpens, and crate training are all useful options to help restrict your dog’s access to you. This will enable you to remain more focused since you won’t have to worry about what mischief they may be getting into elsewhere.

Office Manners

If you decide to allow your dog to stay in your office space, make sure he or she will be quiet. Decide in advance how you will react if your dog decides to participate in a conference call with his own barking. Hopefully, other participants will be understanding, but if your dog’s behavior is unreliable, it may be best to remove them from the situation until they receive further training.

You might also consider doggie day

care or a dog walker during important meetings. If you have an important call or meeting, try taking the dog for a long walk beforehand or have an energetic play session to help tire him out and rest while you’re otherwise engaged.

If you decide to let Fido stay, place a dog bed nearby where they can see you and you can give non-verbal commands for them to stay in place or stop barking, though hopefully they will be sleeping most of the time anyway. Have distractions at the ready for unexpected calls such as a favorite toy or treat. Use food rewards to reinforce calm, quiet behavior throughout the day.

While you love that you are the center of your dog’s world, nudging or pawing at you, whining or barking are not acceptable behaviors while you are working. It is important that they understand your work routine. It’s best to totally ignore your pet when they engage in these attention-seeking behaviors. If you have a break, and your pet is resting quietly, then you can seek them out to pet them, but they should not be rewarded for bothering you while you work!

Pretend your pet doesn’t exist while you are working. They may try harder at first to get your attention, but will soon learn that it doesn’t work and find a place to relax if you are consistent.

Cats can be entertained with food puzzles and distracted by setting up a place for them to view the outside world. Watching birds and squirrels moving outside can be riveting for many cats, others may prefer catnip.

You may need to confine your cat in another room as they don’t really care that you asked them to politely refrain from interrupting you every other minute. Sometimes it is easier to close the home office door, and sometimes it is easier to confine kitty to another room with her food, water, and litter.

Watch the Diet

Pets love treats and since you’re home, they have the potential to receive more treats depending on how you handle it. Since the pandemic began in March, pets are increasingly becoming overweight. While a pound or two on you isn’t a big deal, an extra 2 pounds on a 10-pound dog is equivalent to a 150 pound person gaining 30 pounds! Not good.

The extra walks and play time with you are a help but limiting food and treats needs to be considered.

One solution is to measure out your pet’s dry food

portion and use that as their treats throughout the day. Vegetables can serve as safe and healthy dog treats. Cats can be spoiled with petting, brushing, and catnip instead of extra food. You could try freezing a portion of canned food to let them work on it slowly throughout the day, or try a timed feeder set to dispense a small amount of food at desired intervals.

Take Regular Pet Breaks

Working from home demands good time management. Use the time you would spend at the water cooler or on a long lunch for a quick walk, playing fetch with the dog or a belly rub for the cat. Get away from your desk and enjoy the benefits of having your furry friends close at hand. This also is a great stress reducer for you. The ability to take a break with our pets is a wonderful benefit of working from home.

The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society is comprised of more than 75 small animal hospitals and more than 200 practitioners in Erie and Niagara Counties. It exists to advance public awareness and understanding of proper pet health care, veterinary services and the veterinary profession. Learn more at www.nfveterinarysociety.org October 2020 WNY Family 53

J

ust in time for Halloween, we’re introducing you to two new products you are sure to enjoy.

They’re delicious, free from the top allergens, vegan and gluten free. They also passed the taste test of my hubby. He usually tries new products grudgingly. But these? Oh, he really likes them! I’m hiding them from him so our son with food allergies can enjoy some, too.

First up, free2b sunbutter cups, like peanut butter cups without the peanut butter, and chocolate mint cups — think peppermint patty! They’re free from peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, gluten, egg, fish, shellfish, corn, sesame, coconut and mustard. The entire line is Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan, and Kosher Pareve. They’re lower in sugar than other commercial brands, giving them a balanced flavor I prefer. They come in several varieties including chocolate, dark chocolate, and dark chocolate mint — and are available in two sizes: regular and mini.

From the free2b website: https:// free2bfoods.com/ free2b isn’t just our name. It’s our delicious way of life. We’re committed to crafting delicious snacking solutions free from common allergens. Sourcing highest quality ingredients, our snacks are made in small batches with all of us in mind and without compromise.

Additionally, our snacks are free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils because food should be fun, delicious, safe and compassionate. We believe everyone deserves to eat fearlessly and live bril54 WNY Family October 2020

liantly. Now you’re free to enjoy and free to share with everyone! All free2b snacks are free from common allergens in our dedicated facility.

The free2b Bag O’ Treats are an online exclusive, only at free2bfoods.com.

They should be available on the web site by the end of September, and then for all of October the webstore will be 30% off!

Next are Crunchsters. Crunchy, flavor-packed savory snacks, these are super addictive. They come in four varieties: Sea Salt, Barbeque, Smokey Balsamic and Beyond Bacon. They’re vegan, free from the top 8 allergens, and gluten free. The small bags are the perfect take along size protein snack.

The barbeque flavor reminds me of barbecue potato chips.

The bacon flavor (or any of them) would be great sprinkled on a salad too.

From the Crunchsters website: https://www.crunchsters. com/ Like no snack you’ve had before. At Crunchsters, we know the importance of having a delicious snack on hand. We also know that feeding yourself and your family nutrient-dense foods is a great way to feel good. Luckily, with our versatile products, you’ll find the flavor and the feel good ingredients to fuel your adventures!

Crunchsters are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and free from common food allergies so

all eaters can take part in enjoying our savory snacks.

Video review posted on Youtube: https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=GkPH8Wm9U48 It’s not me and my husband but they sure sound like we did when we tasted them.

Visit the free2b and Crunchsters websites for additional information, including ingredients, recipes and where to buy locally and online. No tricks, just treats!

If you have any questions about our column, e-mail Kathy at allergy@ roadrunner.com. For further information about food allergies, contact FARE www. foodallergy.org, or call 1-800-929-4040.

Kathy Lundquist is a Western New York parent whose son, now an adult, was born with severe food allergies. Over the last two decades, she has worked tirelessly in a variety of capacities to increase community awareness about food allergies.

THE KIDDIE GOURMET

L

— by Barbara Blackburn

a Hacienda Brighton is a home for kids and adults with a penchant for Buffalo foods, in particular pizza. To me, the crust was medium, neither too thick nor too thin.

The sauce was up to Western New York standards.

La Hacienda Brighton 900 Brighton Rd. Tonawanda

716-832-3026

lahaciendabrighton.com

~ SPOONS ~ FOOD 4.5/5

some culinary “aloha” of ham, pineapple, and Mozarella cheese. I took my leftovers home to reinvent into a breakfast pizza with some baked eggs.

Dad’s Bleu Cheese Pizza sported a bleu cheese sauce, spinach, fresh mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and romano cheese. Flavorful it was, although we anticipated more of a bleu cheese taste and not such a quiet taste. Those whose taste buds or health require special needs can order the 10-inch Gluten Free Pizza ($10.99)

Kids 12 and under have plenty of choices, mostly SERVICE 4/5 $5.75. These include Spaghetti and small fries, Chicken Fingers and small fries, FAMILY FRIENDLY 4/5 Chicken wings with Bleu Cheese and Celery, Cheese Ravioli with bread and butter, Grilled Cheese and Chips, Hot Dog and small fries, Pizza If vou have the Logs and Dipping courage “to tame the Sauce, and Hamburger beast,” you can order served with chips. The the Brighton Beast Pizza Bar (also $5.75) ($69.99) a 36-inch operates from 10am pizza challenge. to 3pm. Moving up On my menu I counted 23 subs, in slightly in price, we have a four ounce whole and half sizes. Meat eaters might Cheeseburger and Chips ($6.25) and the favor the Royal ($10.19 or $5.80), conKids Fish Fry, with one side ($8.59). structed with link sausage, cappicola, Parents, check the online menu for daily specials. On Saturday it’s Sit Down Dinner for Two ($29.99), which includes one glass of wine or beer per person.

However, both must order the same entree, with a choice of soup or salad. The Saturday we visited, it was 21 Shrimp in the Basket (usually $9.25 alone).

and mozzarella cheese, baked with red sauce.

Having a Spanish/Mexican name, you would expect this restaurant to offer some tacos and quesadillas. You’ll find them in a variety of styles; however, you’ll find more Italian-based dishes.

Although there is entertainment provided for kids, the restaurant is welcoming. We sat in an indoor-outdoors patio type of room, wearing our masks when not seated. You can sit down, take out, or order for delivery. Of the numerous eateries in our fair city specializing in pizza and wings, La Hacienda Brighton rates favorably.

Seventeen specialty pizzas come in four sizes: personal, small, large, and sheet, ranging from $9.75 to $41.00. A word about our personal pizzas — they were a lot larger than we expected.

The award winning cheese and pepperoni pizza goes for $8.50 to $29.00.

Our choice was to order two specialty pizzas. My Hawaiian Pizza offered up

Another award winner is the new Cannoli Pizza (call for price), fashioned of cannoli cream, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce and chocolate chips. A regular cannoli is $3.75. as are the other desserts, except the Apple Logs for $5.50.

Let’s

y t r Pa

One of the Nicest Things 5C8A0L-L0745 You Can Give Your Child TODAY! Is HAPPY MEMORIES! Invite Skiddles the Clown to Entertain at Your Child’s Next Birthday!

Barbara Blackburn has written about food for decades. Check out her blogs at frontierfare.wordpress.com culinarrations.wordpress.com.

October 2020 WNY Family 55

56 WNY Family October 2020