Download - MetroFamily Magazine August 2012
August 2012
metrofamilymagazine.com
Back to School10 ways to make this school year the best ever
How to manage school, homework & activities
Find over 35 programs in our
BIG After-School Activities Guide!
Special Advertising Section
+Over 159 ways
to celebrate summer's last
hurrah!
Exploring Tulsa for a fun family
weekend
4 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Clickwhat’s new at metrofamilymagazine.com
• CALENDAR DIRECTORIES BLOGS CONTESTS SAVE MONEY
Join the MetroFamily community of active local parents at:
You could WIN big!Sign up to be eligible for great prizes at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.• Enteryour300-wordstoryintoour
Summer Stories Contestandifchosenasthebestentrybyourjudges,youwillwinanewKindle Fire.DeadlineisAugust10.
• RegistertowinabackpackandotherschoolsuppliesfromMead/5 Starvaluedover$120.DeadlineAugust15.
• StartingAugust10,registerfortwofamilyfour-packstotheKellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions,scheduledforOctober4atChesapeakeArena.Prizepackageincludesameetandgreetwithsomeofthegymnasts!DeadlineSeptember10.
• TheStateFairiscoming(September13–18)andstartingsoon,therewillbecontestsforbothDisney on IceticketsandOklahoma State Fairadmission&parkingpasses.DeadlineSeptember1(DisneyonIce)andSeptember3(StateFairtickets).
• FollowusonFacebooktolearnaboutourProblem Solving GiveawayinconjunctionwithourmorningsegmentthismonthonFOX25.
You could SAVE big!Find coupons to the businesses listed below at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/okc-family-discounts.• TheVintagePearl• ClubZ!In-HomeTutoring• MuseumofOsteology• SkillsforLiving• Bouncin’Craze• DawntoDuskInflatables• RandyColemanPhotography• HairCarebyKellyHaines• PlayNationplaygroundsets• Jump!Zone• StudioJSchoolofDance• Gaylord-PickensOklahomaHeritageMuseum
•Mathnasium• Dr.MarkYoungker,orthodontist• SoonerBowling•WyndhamHotel,OKC• JustBetweenFriendsConsignmentSale• GreenGoodiesbyTiffany(good August
23-31)PLUS,save big bucks with theKids Pass for 2012-2013 thatincludesover30couponstolocalandstatewideattractions!Downloadittodayatwww.metrofamily-magazine.com/kids-pass.
Top picks & finds on our website this month
Make the back-to-school (and back-to-activities) rush easier with the great resources at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/top-picks:•Alistoflocalschools’back-to-school dates.• School supply events and projects—andwhere to donateschoolsuppliestovariouslocalcharities.
• InadditiontotheAfter-SchoolActivitiesGuideonpage24ofthisissue,findmorelistingsinouronline directoryatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/after-school-activities.
Not one but TWO huge projects start this month for MetroFamily readers. EnteryourchildintoourCover Kids Search!For$25,youcanenterafavoritesnapshotphotoofyourchildinoneofsixagecategories.EveryparticipantreceivesaFall Fun Packwhichin-cludesadmissionticketstofunlocalattractions.AnotherfeatureoftheprojectistheopportunitytobringyourchildinpersontoourCover Kids Search/Fashion Rules eventatQuailSpringsMallonSeptember29th,11am–3pm.ThisentertainingeventwillalsoallowyourfamilytomeetMagnaTalentAgencyrepresentatives,whowillbeselectingthefinalistsineachcategory.ApopularvoteinOctoberwilldecidethewinnerswhowillappearonourcoversin2013!Findthedetailsandanentryformatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids-search.DeadlineforonlineentryisSeptember25.
Plus,you'vebeenaskingforitandhereitis:MetroFamily’s Family Favorites!Helpdeterminetheawardsforthebestfamily-friendlybusinessesandservicesintheOKCareabyvotinginouronlineballot!Justforvoting,you’llbeeligibleforagreatholidaygetawaytotheGaylordTexanResortinGrapevine,Texas.Thankstocorporatesponsor,OklahomaEmployeesCreditUnion(OECU),forhelpingmakethisprojectpossible.Voting starts August 9thatwww.metrofamily-magazine.com/family-favorites.
Would your child like to be a MetroFamily Cover Kid? Now's your chance! MetroFamily's Cover Kids Search starts NOW! Find all details and enter at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids-search.
MF
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August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 5
Back to School & After-School Activities
6 Dear MetroFamilyEditor’sNote.
8 Family ShortsCommunitynews,resources&otherfamily-friendlyinformation.
16 Oklahoma ReadsGreatreadsforallages.
18 Exploring Oklahoma Celebratesummer’slasthurrahwithaweekendinTulsa.
20 Ask the Expert Backtoschoolnutritiontips.
22 Real Moms of the MetroMeetjournalistRachelCalderon.
28 Focus on EducationExperttipsforasuccessfulschoolyear.
30 Problem-Solving Products
31 Character CornerTakingresponsibility.
32 Your Healthy FamilyCankersores:whattheyareandtipsfortreatment.
35 CalendarFunevents,activitiesandclasses.
46 Photo Gallery Readerssharefunfirstdayofschoolphotos.
School,sports,tutoringandmorearehere.Howtotellifyourchildisover-scheduledandifso,whattodoaboutit.
ON OUR COVER: Julius Ejike-Charles, age 6, is the son of Kara Rose Didier of Oklahoma City. He will be a 1st grader at Quail Creek Elementary. PHOTO BY: Randy Coleman, randycolemanphotography.com.
ContentsAugust 2012
Whyafter-schoolactivitiesareimportantforyourchild'sdevelopmentandtipsforchoosingtherightonesforyourchildandyourfamily.
1426
6 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Jennifer Geary Exploring OklahomaAsahomeschoolingmom,Itrytobeawareofnewbooksandnewmethodsthatcanhelpmykidsthemost.
Shannon Fields Your Healthy FamilyItrytokeepupwiththeclassroomandtheworldaroundus,sowealwayshavesomethingtodiscuss.
Brooke Barnett Assistant EditorIspendasmuchtimeintheclassroomasIcan,workingwiththeteacher.
Info And Questions:405-601-2081
To submit events to our [email protected]
Publisher SarahL.Taylor
EditorMariM.Farthing
Art DirectorKathryneTaylor
Advertising SalesAthenaDelceDanaPrice
Office and Distribution ManagerKathyAlberty
Assistant Editor & Online Content ManagerBrookeBarnett
Calendar EditorSaraRiester
Contributing WritersBrookeBarnett,JenniferBonn,ShannonFields,JenniferGeary,TiffanyGuerzon,SarahHolmes,
SarahKendall,HeideSmithLuedtke,JeremyG.Schneider
Circulation35,000–OKC,Edmond,NicholsHills,Norman,Moore,MidwestCity,YukonAlso available as a digital edition at
MetroFamilyMagazine.com.
ArticlesandadvertisementsinMetroFamilydonotnecessarilyreflecttheopinionsofthemagazineorInprintPublishing,Inc.Wedonotassumeresponsibilityfor
statementsmadebyadvertisersoreditorialcontributors.TheacceptanceofadvertisingbyMetroFamilydoesnotconstituteanendorsementoftheproducts,services,or
information.Wedonotknowinglypresentanyproductorservicewhichisfraudulentormisleadinginnature.
MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly byInprintPublishing,Inc.
725NW11th,Suite204•OklahomaCity,OK73103Fax:405-445-7509
E-mail:[email protected]
©InprintPublishing,Inc.2012,AllRightsReserved.Volume15,Number8
DearMetroFamily,
WhenIthinkbacktoback-to-schooltimeasakid,thereareafewthingsthatstickoutinmymemory:jarsofpastewiththeapplicatorinthelid,areturntothedampblue-textedpagesprintedbymimeograph(Icanstillsmellthem)andfall.Irememberbacktoschoolclothesassweatersandjeans,anewpairofsturdyshoes.
NowasIplanforbacktoschoolformykids(whowilllikelybewearingshorts—notjeansandsweaters),we’realsofacingaheatwavethelikesofwhichwehaven’tseensince…well,lastyear.Thetemperaturesintheimmediatescheduleinclude“hot,”“reallyhot”and“stillhot.”Idon’tknowaboutyou,butit’stoughformetogetintotheback-to-schoolmindframewhenI’msofocusedonhowtostaycool!Idon’tthinkwe’llbepullingout
sweatersuntilprobablyThanksgivingthisyear.AndIwon’tbuyjeansuntiltheweatherturnsatleastalittle,lesttheyoutgrowthembeforetheyhaveachancetobeworn.
ButitisAugust,anditisback-to-school,nomatterwhatthethermometertellsus.Andthisisourback-to-schoolissuetogetyouintothespirit!We’vegottipsfromexpertsonhealthyeating,eveninthecafeteria(page20),tipsfromteachersonhowtohaveasuccessfulschoolyear(page28),lotsofgreatideasforextracurricularactivities(page24)andwaystomakesureyouandyourkidsdon’ttrytopacktoomuchinandgetoverwhelmed(page14)!
Anewschoolyearpresentsanewopportunityforparentstofindnewwaystostayactiveinourchildren’seducation.Howdoyoumakeapositiveimpactforyourchild?Weaskedourstaffmembersandtheyprovideduswithsomegreatresponses,below.Besuretocheckthemout—andhaveawonderfulschoolyear!
Cheers,
P.S. Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/mari to read my blog, “Keeping it Real,” about my personal adventures in the ups and downs of parenting.
Weaskedourcontributors:How do you make a positive impact on your child’s education?
Sarah Taylor PublisherImakesureheknowsI’minterestedinwhatheislearning.Wehavemanylivelyandfundebates.
Bragging on my boy! Spencer won a silver for his form and a bronze for sparring at his first
tae kwon do tournament in July.
8 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Mari Farthing
Ten Dorm-Friendly ProductsAreyourkidsheadingofftocollegethisfall?Helpthembepreparedwiththesehelpfulproducts.1. The Master Lock Safe
Space isaportablecombinationsafethatkeepssmallvaluablessafe.Lockitupandstrapitdowntokeepyourvaluablesinplace.($20,www.masterlock.com)
2. TheVerilux ReadyLight solarflashlightislightweightwithbatteriesthatrechargewithexposuretodirectsunlight.Abuilt-inclipkeepsithandy.($30,www.verilux.com)
3. SendleftoversinWean Green Glass Containers,whicharesmalltofithandilyindorm-sizerefrigeratorsandcanbereusedforlunchesandsnacksonthego.($11+,www.weangreen.com)
4. Quirky’sTotem Cups stackupwithbuilt-inbumpsthatallowthemtoair-dry,greatforsmallspaces.($13/4,www.quirky.com)
5. DefendagainstsnoringroommateswithSleepPhones,asoftheadbandwithbuilt-inheadphonesforcomfortableusewhilesleeping.($40,www.sleepphones.com)
6. PackitallupintheiSafe Bags backpack,adurableandstylishbagwithabuilt-inalarmincaseofemergency.($60,www.isafebags.com)
7. TaketheickoutoftapwaterwiththeBobbleJug,whichfitsinsmallfridgesandcomeswithabuilt-infilter.($25,www.waterbobble.com)
8. HelpthemkeeptheiriPhoneschargedwiththeEton Mobius solar phone charger.($80,etoncorp.com)
9. Bambooee paper towels arereusable,soarollof20sheetslastsaslongas60regularpapertowelrolls.($13,www.bambooee.com)
10. HelpthemlivestylishlywiththeHarperDesignbookLiving in a Nutshell,packedwithdesignideasperfectforsmallapartmentordormroom.($25,www.harpercollins.com)
Emergency Help: Learning How to Call 911By Sara Kendall
Knowinghowtomakea9-1-1callcouldbethemostcrucialskillaparentcouldteachtheirchildren,especiallyatayoungage.Preschool-agechildren(ages3andup)needtoknowwhattodoincaseofemergency,andwhenit’sappropriatetocall9-1-1.Discusswithyourchildwhenyouwouldmakethislife-savingcall—whenthereisafire,anintruderorunconsciousfamilymembersinyourhome.Justasimportant,letthemknowthisisnotacalltomakelightof;amissingpet,askinnedelboworalosttoyarenotgoodreasonstomakeanemergencycall.Role-playingwithyourchildusingaplayphoneoranoldcellphoneisveryeffectivetopreparethemforanemergency.Youplaythedispatcherandyourchildplaysthepersoninneed.Askyourchildquestionslikewhat’stheemergency?,what’syourname?,andwhatisyouraddressandtelephonenumber?Itmaynotbeeasyorpleasant,butcouldbethemostimportantgameyoueverplaywithyourchild.
School Bus Safety TipsBack-to-schoolmeansbacktobusystreets.ReviewthesebussafetytipsfromtheNationalHighwaySafetyAdministrationwithyourkidstohelpthemstaysafe:• Getting on the bus: walkwithanadulttothebusstop,waitfivegiantstepsbackfrom
theroadandwaituntilthedrivertellsyouit’ssafetoboardthebus.• On the bus: gostraighttoyourseat,faceforwardandlistentothedriver.• Getting off the bus: watchforcars,takefivegiantstepsawayfromthebus,lookleft-
right-leftforoncomingcarsbeforecrossingthestreet.Waitforthedrivertosignalthatit’ssafetocross.
Visitwww.nhtsa.gov/parents/parents-bus.htmlformoretipsonback-to-schooltrafficsafety.
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 9
Top 10 Reader Picks: Must-See in OKCWhenyouthinkofOklahomaCity,whatplacestrulydefineourgreatcity?Wheredoyougotoenjoyfamilyfun,andwheredoyoulovetotakeout-of-towngueststoshowcaseourarea?Wepolledourreadersfortheirfavoritemetroareaplacesandhere,inrandomorder,aretheirrecommendations:•Pop’s66(660WHighway66,Arcadia;seephotoabove)•Bricktown(eastofdowntownOKC)•FrontierCity(11501NEExpressway)•OklahomaHistoryCenter(800NazihZuhdiDr)•Cattleman’sSteakhouse(1309SAgnew)•MyriadBotanicalGardens(301WReno)•NationalCowboy&WesternHistoryMuseum(1700NE63rdSt)•OklahomaCityZoologicalPark&BotanicalGarden(2101NE50thSt)•StateCapitolBuilding(2300NLincoln)•OklahomaCityNationalMemorial&Museum(620NHarveyAve)ThankstoKevinR.,JessicaH.,CassidyT.,KristenS.,JenniferM.,AmyF.,SheliaB.,AnnY.andJulieH.forcontributingtothislist.Visitwww.facebook.com/metrofamilytoshareyourthoughtsonnextmonth’slist.Haveaplacethatyou’dliketosuggest?Commentonourwebsiteatwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/favorite-okc-places.
Ready? Get Set. GO! Taming Morning Chaos
By Tiffany Guerzon
Doesyourmorningroutineneedapick-me-upbeforetheschoolbellrings?Get Ready:Doasmuchaspossiblethenightbefore.Layoutclothesandmakepackedlunches.Eatbreakfastinpajamassoaspillwon’tmeanchangingclothes.Usetheclocktohelpyourkidstostayontaskinsteadoflingeringovertheircereal.Get Set:Havekidsplaceeverythingtheywillbetakingtoschoolordaycareinadesignatedspot,fromcellphonestolunchboxes.Packbackpacks,andmakesurethatshoes,hatsandcoatsarebythedoor,readytogo.Go: Byestablishingaroutineandpreppingthenightbefore,weekdaymorningscanbepleasantinsteadofharrowing.Andwhoknows?Bysavingtime,youmightevenbeabletofitinastoryoranextracuddlebeforethekidsleavefortheday.
Back-To-School With Food AllergiesFoodallergiesinchildrenareincreasing,accordingtotheAmericanAcademyofAllergyAsthmaandImmunology.Whilethereisnocure,foodallergiescanbemanagedthroughavoidanceandprevention—whichmaynotbeeasyasyourchildreturnstoschool.AccordingtotheFoodAllergyandAnaphylaxisNetwork(FAAN),90percentofallallergicfoodreactionsarecausedbyeightcommonfoods:peanuts,treenuts,milk,eggs,gluten,soy,fishandshellfish.Symptomscommonlyincludehives,tinglinginthemouth,swellingofthetongueandthroat,difficultybreathing,abdominalcramps,vomitingordiarrhea,eczemaorrash,coughingorwheezing,dizzinessandlossofconsciousness.Howcanyouhelpyourchildnavigatefoodallergieswhenhereturnstoschool?1. Talk about it. Tellhimtonevertotradefoodfromlunches
oreatanythingwithunknowningredients.Encouragehimorhertobevigilantaboutwashinghandsandfindfood-allergy-friendlysnacksthatcansubstituteforunsafefoods.
2. Have a plan. DownloadtheFAAN’sFoodAllergyActionPlan(www.foodallergy.org/files/faap.pdf)andcustomizeitforyourchild’sneeds.
3. Find support. Seekoutasupportgroupofotherparentsgoingthroughthesamesituation.
4. Volunteer at school. Wheneveroutsidefoodisinvolved,itneverhurtstovolunteeryourtimeandoffertobringallergen-freesnacksfortheclassorgroup.
5. Get involved. Currentlythereareseveralbillsinlegislationthatcouldhelpexpandaccesstolife-savingepinephrine,specificallytheSchoolAccesstoEmergencyEpinephrineAct.Reachouttolocalrepresentativesandencouragethemtosupportthisbilltomakeepinephrinemandatoryinschools.
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10 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Additions to Oklahoma A+ Schools NetworkCesarChavezandGatewoodElementarySchoolsinOklahomaCityandLincolnandReaganElementarySchoolsinNormanarethenewestadditionstotheOklahomaA+networkofschools.Currently,thenetworkincludesmorethan70schoolsacrossthestateandhasatrackrecordofimprovingtestscores,reducingbehavioralproblemsandcreatingmoreengagedstudents.“Wearecreatinglifelonglearners,andwelookforwardtoextendingourmissiontothesefournewschools,”saidJeanHendrickson,executivedirectorofOklahomaA+Schools.“Wefocusonreachingstudentsinthewaystheylearnbest…wehelpourschoolsbetterengagestudentsbypresentingcurriculuminacollaborative,hands-onway.”BasedattheUniversityofCentralOklahoma,OklahomaA+Schoolsprovidesregulartrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforteachersandprincipals,networkingopportunitieswithotherschools,andaccesstoresourcematerials.SchoolsinOklahomamustapplytotheprogram,whichisfreeforthoseselected.Formoreinformation,call405-974-3779orvisitwww.aplusok.org.
Q & A with Chasing JamesThereisanewlocalkidsbandthatyouneedtomeet.OKC-areamusiciansLisaCurlandLauraFranklinhavecometogethertoformChasingJamesandhereiswhyyourkidswilllovethem:MFM: WhatledyoutostartChasingJames?Laura: LisaandIhavebeenplayingmusictogetherforeightyears.Whenweeachhadourkids,itwasanaturaltransitiontoplaymorekid-focusedshows.Ourlittleboyswithacommonmiddlename(James)andsinceweareusually“chasing”themabout,itseemedliketheperfectnameforournewgroup.MFM:Whatdoyouhopetobringtoyouraudience?Lisa: Fun!Confidence!Wewanteveryonetoknowthattheyarecreativeandcapable.Ourshowsandsongsaregearedtowardscrowdparticipation.MFM:Whatisthebestpartaboutplayingmusicforkids?Lisa: There’snothingmorejoyfulthanseeingachildsmile,singanddancealongtomusic.MFM: WhatareyoumostexcitedaboutwiththenewCD?Laura: Wewantedtocreateanalbumwithtraditionalsongsthatkidswerefamiliarwith.LisaandIalsoincludedafewsongsthatwewrotewhilesingingtoourownkiddos.Learnmoreatwww.facebook.com/chasingjames.
Synthetic Drugs: What You Need To KnowSyntheticdrugs,soldunderthenamesK2orSpiceatconveniencestores,arebecomingapopularwayforchildrentogethigh.Theseproductscontainherbssprayedwithchemicalsthatmimictheeffectsofdrugslikemarijuana.Otherproductssoldasbathsaltscontainchemicalsthatreplicatetheeffectsofcocaineormethamphetamine.“Theseproductsaretypicallysoldingasstations,soteensandadultsoftenwrongfullyassumetheseproductsaresafer,lessharmfulthanstreetdrugs,”warnsMarkWoodwardoftheOklahomaBureauofNarcotics.“Butoverthepastfouryears,theBureauhasseenasharpincreaseinhospitaladmissionsanddeathsfromthesesyntheticproducts,whichcanincreasetheheartrate,bloodpressure,causehallucinationsandproduceothereffectsthatcanleadtoinjuryordeath.”TheBureauencouragesparentstobeawareofsuspiciousbehaviorfromtheirteensthatmightindicatetheyareabusingthesesyntheticdrugs,includingparanoia,sleepingforlongperiodsoftime,unprovokedmoodswingsandagitation.Woodwardurgesparentstolookatwebsitebrowsinghistory(thesedrugsareoftensoldonline)andpayattentiontostorereceiptsforunknownproductnames.Parentscancall1-800-522-8031orvisitwww.ok.gov/obnddtolearnmoreortoreportconveniencestoresintheircommunitiesthattheysuspectareillegallysellingsyntheticdrugs.
Kids Crave Fun in Youth SportsInanewnationalsurveyofchildrenages8–14whoplayteamsports,84percentsaytheysometimeswishtheyhadmorefunwhileplayingand31percentwishedadultsweren’twatchingtheirgames.Thesurveyof300childrenwascommissionedbythenon-profitarmofi9Sports,thenation’sfastestgrowingyouthsportsfranchise.Oftheyoungathleteswhoparticipatedinthesurvey,47percentsaytheyquitateamorwantedtoquitplayingbecauseitwasnolongerfun,29percentsaidteammatesweremeanand23percentsaythatpracticesthatinterferewithotheractivities.Andwhydon’ttheywantadultstowatchtheirgames?Mostlybecauseadultsyelltoomuch,aretoodistracting,andputpressureonthemtoplaybetterandwin.Thesurveyalsoreveals:• 63percentsaytheyhavefuneveniftheirteamloses.• 42percentsaytheywouldratherplayvideogamesthansports.
Why?74percentsaygamingismorefun,28percentsaysportscanbetoocompetitive,20percentsaytheircoachdoesn’tletthemplayasmuchastheywant,and17percentsaytheyfeeltoomuchpressuretowin.
“ThissurveyclearlyshowsthatAmericaneedstoreevaluateyouthsports,whichhavebecometoocutthroatandcompetitive,”saysBrianSanders,COOandPresidentofi9Sports.“Weforgetsportsareteachingtoolsforlife.Kidsarelearningbehaviorspickedupbyteammates,coachesandparents.Weneedtobebetterteachers.Weneedtoletkidshavefun.”
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 11
MF
s’Enter today!
Details and entry form at metrofamilymagazine.com/
cover-kids-search
Is Your Child Over-Scheduled?3 Ways to Know, 3 Ways to Help
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 15
AlvinRosenfeld,M.D.,achildpsychiatristandauthorofThe Over-Scheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap said“Parentsfeelremissthatthey’renotbeinggoodparentsiftheirkidsaren’tinallkindsofactivities.Childrenareunderpressuretoachieve,tobecompetitive.Iknowsixth-graderswhoarealreadyworkingontheirresumessothey’llhaveanedgewhentheyapplyforcollege.”Withmorestandardizedtestingforkidseveninelementaryschool,manykidsalreadyfeelstressandpressureatayoungage.Asparents,wetrytogiveourchildrenthebestopportunitiestorealizetheirpotential,whilekeepingthemsafeandallowingthemtodothingsthattheyenjoy.Buttherecomesapointofdiminishingreturns,whentoomanyactivitiesandresponsibilitiesweighonourchildren,causingstress,pressureandanxiety.Evenifeachactivityonitsownseemsworthwhile,herearesomesignsthatyourchildisdoingtoomuch.
Issue One: Sleep ProblemsKidswhoarerushedfromoneactivitytoanotherwithoutanydowntimewilloftenhavetroublefallingasleepatnightbecausetheycan’twinddown.Theadrenalinecreatedbyconstantlybeingonthegomakesitveryhardtorelaxandfallasleep.Sometimes,childrenwillwakeupearlierthannecessary,feelingthattheyhavesomuchtodothattheytrytosleepless.Conversely,theymaybesoexhaustedfromtheiractivitiesthattheystruggletowakeupinthemorning.Nightmares,whichmayaffectnotonlyyourchild’ssleepbutyoursaswell,maybecomemoreprevalentasachild’sbrainworkstoprocessthechaos.Youmayalsoseeincreasedsleepissuesduringtheholidays,whenholidaypartiesandfamilycelebrationsareaddedtotheiralreadybusyschedules,keepingthemoutlateratnight.
Issue Two: Emotional Outbursts, Frustration and Anxiety. Kidswhodon’thavedowntimedon’thavetimetoprocessemotions.Whetherconsciouslyornot,weallusedowntimetoprocessourfeelingsabouttheday’sexperiences.Hurryingfromoneactivitytoanotherwithoutfreetimetoprocesscausesabuild-upofemotionalenergythatneedsanoutlet.Thiswouldbesimilartousingacolandertostrainthewaterfromyourpasta,andnotcleaningitafterwards.Afterafewuses,thestrainerwillgetcloggedandwon’tallowanymorewatertopassthrough.Ourbrains—andourkids’brains—workinmuchthesameway.Whenkidsdon’thavetimetoprocesstheeventsoftheirday,emotionsbecomecloggedandfeelingsbuildup.Thismaycausechildrentohaveemotionaloutbursts,throwtantrums,orshoutangryretorts.Pent-upemotionmayalsocausekidstobecomefrustratedwhenthingsdon’tgosmoothly,becausetheydon’thavetimetotryagain.Finally,non-stopschedulingcanpresentanoverloadofchallengesormakechildrenfeeltheyhavetoomuchtohandle,whichcancausestressandanxiety.Stressandanxietycanbedisplayedindifferentways:ifkidscan’texpresshowthey’refeelingverbally,youmayseemoreworriesaboutgoingtoschool,expressionsofdoubtrelatedtotheirperformance,orfeararoundtryingtosleep.Stressandanxietyalsocanbemanifestedinheadachesorstomachaches.
Issue Three: Declining School Performance. Insomecases,therejustisn’tenoughtimetogethomeworkfinishedbetweenalloftheactivities.Inaddition,externalactivitiescandemandsignificantamountsofmentalandphysicalenergy,reducingtheamountofenergyandcreativitythatyourchildcanapplytolearningandcompletingschoolassignments.Thedeclinemightbe
dramaticoritmightbegradualasthelackoftimeforhomework,thelackofsleepandotherissuescomeintoplayaffectingtheirabilitytodowellatschool.
Three Ways to Reverse the Pattern1. Prioritize activities. Ifyoususpectyourchildisoverbooked,
talkwithhertogetasenseofhowsheisfeeling.Askifshelikesheractivities,onebyone.Findoutwhatshelikesabouteach;askalsowhethershemissesanythingfromthetimebeforeshehadeachactivity.Thegoalistounderstandherexperiencesaroundeachactivityandwheresheisbenefittingthemostandtheleast—thiswillhelpyoutoprioritizewhattokeepandwhattocancel,whichisthenextstep.
Next,makeaprioritylistofhercommitments,basedonwhat’smostimportanttoyourfamilyandwhat’smostimportanttoher.Theolderthechild,themoreinvolvedshecanbeinthisprocess.Forinstance,areligiousschoolactivitymighttakepriorityoverdrama.Scoutingmaywinoutoverlacrosse.Tohelphertofeelmorecontroloverherschedule,aswellastounderstandthedifficultyandrewardsofdecision-making,includeherinthedecisionofwhichactivitytodrop.Again,theoldersheis,themoreactivelytheycanparticipateinthesedecisions.
2. Discuss before joining.It’smucheasier—andlessstressfulforeveryone—ifyoucanpreventover-schedulinginthefirstplace.Parentsandkidsshouldhaveadiscussionbeforejoininganynewactivitytomakesureitisn’ttoomuchforyourchildrenorfamily.
It’simportanttorememberthatjustbecauseachildwantstodoanactivityisn’treasonenoughtodoit.Manyparentsareafraidtosetlimitswhenitcomestoactivities.Youmayfindyourselfthinking,“Buthereallywantstoplaybaseball,eventhoughheisalreadydoingfootball,guitaranddramaclubwhichmeetsafterschool.”Atsomepoint,parentshavetorememberthatweneedtosay“no”toourchildren.Weneedtomakeroomforourkidstohaveunscheduledtime—toplay,torest,tojustbeakid.
3. Plan ahead. Duringtheschoolyear,allowingkidstosignupforScouts,soccer,swimmingandacomputerlabinasingleseasonmaybesettingthestageforburnout.Considerallactivitiesonherschedulebeforedecidingtoaddsomethingnew;itmightbebesttopostponeanactivityforaseasonwhentherearen’tasmanyactivitiesplanned.
Therearesomebasicthingstoconsiderwhendetermininghowmuchistoomuch.Havingplannedactivitiesandnofreetimeeverydayistoomuchforanyone.Whenyourkidsstarthavingsomethingeverydayoftheweek—orevenmostdays—theyareprobablyoverbooked.Oneortwohoursofactivitiesaweekforatoddlerorpreschoolerisusuallyenough,whileyoumaysuccessfullyaddoneortwomorehoursforkidsinelementaryschool.Teenswillbeabletodoalittlemore,butfactorinmoreresponsibilitywhenitcomestoschool.Ifyoufeelyourchildisoverbooked,remembertherearesomeactivitiesthatareeasiertocancelthanothers.Whilewedon’twanttoteachourkidstobailonacommitment,wedowantthemtoknowiftheyhavetakenontoomuch,theycanscalebacktheircommitmentstobetteraccomplishtheonestheyalreadyhaveandfeelbetterintheprocess.Thisisalifelessonforallofus.
Jeremy G. Schneider, MFT is a syndicated columnist and therapist specializing in parenting and relationships, involved fatherhood, building strong modern families and overcoming depression. Find more at www.jgs.net.
Backtoschool!Andactivities.Andhomework.Youmaystartseeingsignsthatyourchildistoobusy.Howdoyouknowifyou’vepassedthetippingpointintoover-scheduled?Whatcanyoudoaboutit,ifso?
16 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Oklahoma Reads Great Reads for All
Reviews by Mari Farthing.
Grades 1+Liking MyselfByPatPalmer,Ed.D.,IllustratedbySueRamá($13,BouldenPublishing,softcover)Aworkbookforelementary-agechildrentohelpthemdeveloppositiveself-esteem,understandtheirfeelingsandbuildemotionalliteracy.
DoodlepediaEditedbyAlexanderCoxandElizabethYates($13,DKpublishing,softcover)Kidscanhavehands-onlearningfunwiththistitlethatfeaturesdifferentfunfactsoneachpagewithopportunitiestocreate,drawandusetheirimaginationtocompletethebook.
Grades 3+The World in Your LunchboxByClaireEamer,ArtworkbySaBoothroyd($23,AnnickPress,softcover)Aweek’sworthoffunfoodfactsforkids,withinformationonfoodsfromhamtochocolateandallthingsinbetween.Kidswilllearnthehistoryoftheirfavorite(ornot-so-favorite!)foodsandhowtomakehealthychoices.
The Book of TimeByAdamHart-Davis(FireflyBooks,$30,softcover)Whydoestimeseemtoslowdownwhensomethingawfulishappening?Stopwhenyou’reanticipatingsomething?Speedupwhenyou’rehavingfun?Findtheanswerstothesequestionsandmoreinthisfun,time-centricsciencebook.
More Interesting Than Your TeacherByStuartWright(BlackDogPublishing,$15,softcover)AccessibleandfunanswerstopressingquestionslikewhodecideswhenEasteris(page77)andwhatarethesevenwondersoftheworld(originalandmodern:page101).
The PresidentsByDennisGaffney&PeterGaffney(Hyperion,$25,hardcover)Anewwaytostudytheofficeofthepresident,thehistoryofourcountryandtheeventsthathavepavedthewaytopresentday.Thebookisdividedinto47weeksofstudy,startingwiththefoundersandendingwiththebestandworstmoments.
The Totally Awesome Book of Useless InformationByNoelBotham,illustratedbyTravisNichols(Penguin,$13,softcover)Whenkidsgetoverwhelmedbythenewinformationbarrageatschool,thisbookoffersafunbreak,includinginformationthatyoudon’tnecessarilyneed,butisfuntohave.
AdultsDomestic CommandoByToniGarciaCarpenter(WolfCreekPublishing,$12,softcover)Makingthechoicetostayhometoraiseyourkids?Goodforyou!Thisbookisyourpositivemanifestofortakingchargeathome.
Let’s Play and Learn TogetherByRoniCohenLeiderman,Ph.D.&WendyS.Masi,Ph.D.(FairWindsPress,$19,softcover)Babiesandtoddlersarelearningthrougheverymomentofeveryday.Helpmakethosemomentsmorefunwithactivitiesthatwillentertainandenhancedevelopment.
The Muffin Tin Cookbook ByBretteSemberwithMelindaBoyd,MPH,MHR,RD(AdamsMedia,$18,softcover)Portioncontrolisahotnutritiontopic,anditcanbemadeeasywhencookinginmuffintins.Afun,easywaytocreatemealsfrombreakfastthroughdesserts.
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 17
Details and voting atwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-favorites
SponSoreD by:
We want your opinions!Starting August 9th, vote for your favorite
family-friendly, local businesses in the oKC area!
18 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Exploring OklahomaYour Guide to a Fun Family Weekend in Tulsa
Lookingforaweekendgetawaythatofferssomethingforeveryoneinthefamilyandwon’tbustyourbudget?
HeaduptheTurnerTurnpiketoTulsa!
Tulsahasarichhistorydatingbacktothefirstoilboomintheearly1900s.Aswealthybusinessmenmovedtotown,TulsabecameanamazingexampleofArtDecoarchitecture.TheTulsa Historical Society isawonderfulplacetovisittolearnmoreaboutTulsa’shistoryandtheyofferwalkingtoursofthedowntownareaonthelastFridayofeachmonth.Ifyoucan’tmakeoneoftheirtours,checkoutwww.visittulsa.comandclickonmapstoprintaself-guidedwalkingtour.
Enjoy the Great OutdoorsDoyouhavenatureloversinyourfamily?Tulsahassomegorgeousplacestoenjoytheoutdoors.Oxley Nature Center,locatedinMohawk Park,willalwaysbeoneofmyson’sfavoritenaturecentersbecauseofthedeerwesawupcloseonourveryfirstvisit.Therearealmostninemilesoftrailsyoucanhike,andmostofthemarewheelchairandstrollerfriendly.TheInterpretiveCenterisagreatplacetotakeabreakafteryourhiketoexploreinteractiveexhibitsabouttheareawildlife.
The River Parks (1) arethebestplaceintownifyouenjoyspendingtimeoutdoors.PavedtrailsextendalongtheeastbankoftheArkansasRiver(from11thStreetto101stStreet)withseveralplaygroundsandsplashpadsalongtheway.Ourfavoriteisthe41st Street Plaza,whichhasseveralfountainsforsplashingandauniqueplaygroundfullofequipmentthatmoves.Myfavoritethingabouttheareaisthatbothofmychildren(3and8yearsold)canentertainthemselvesforhoursandeverythingiscloseenoughthattheycandowhattheywantwhileIsitunderneathoneofthehugetreesandkeepaneyeonbothofthem.Thiswaterareaalsostaysopenlaterintheseason,whichisgreatsinceweallknowthatOklahoma’ssummerweathercanlastwellintothefall.
Watch Some WildlifeTheTulsa Zoo (2) isalwaysafunplacetovisitandit’sevenbetternowwiththeadditionoftheHelmerichSeaLionCove.OnLaborDayweekend,thezoowillbehavingan“Elebration,”acelebrationoftheirelephantswithdifferent“missions”forgueststocompleteandearntheirownelephantears!TheOklahoma Aquarium (3)isthebestattractioninthestatetoseeaquaticanimals
ofeveryshapeandsize.Ifyouhaven’tvisitedbefore,youdefinitelyneedtomaketimeforit.Exhibitsrangefromsealifetolocalriversandlakes.OurfavoriteisOzarkStreamroom,whereyoucangetupcloseandpersonalwiththeotters.Severaldifferentareashavetouchtanks(free)orfeedingtanks(foranextracost)thataregreatfun,too.IfyouvisitbeforeLaborDay,checkouttheaquariumwebsiteforalinktotheExtreme Water Parkontheaquariumgroundsforalimitedtime.
Admire the ArtThe Philbrook Museum of Art (3) andGilcrease Museum (4) arewellknownfortheirwonderfulanddiversecollectionsandexhibits,butyoumaynotbeawareofalltheprogramstheyofferforfamilies.OnthesecondSaturdayofeachmonth,Philbrookadmissionisfreeandtheyofferfreeartprojectsforfamilies.Ifyou’renotabletomakeitthen,enjoyscavengerhuntsandactivitybackpackstailoredtospecificpartsofthemuseumavailableanytimeyouvisit.Don’tforgettosignyourkidsupforaMyMuseumprogram,wherekidsgetafreeartsupplyeachmonthwhentheyreturnwiththeirMyMuseumkit.Thegardensandoutdoorsculpturesareenjoyable
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August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 19
Find It
Tulsa Historical Society2445SouthPeoria918-712-9484;www.tulsahistory.orgAdmission$5adults;$3seniors;childrenandstudentsfree.
Oxley Nature Center5701East36thStreetNorth918-669-6644;www.oxleynaturecenter.orgFreeadmission;specificprogramsmayhaveasmallcharge.MohawkParkchargesa$2fee(cashonly)percaronweekendsandholidaysAprilthroughOctober.
Tulsa River ParksRiversideDrivefrom11thStreetto101stStreet918-596-2001;www.riverparks.org
Tulsa Zoo5701East36thStreetNorth918-669-6600;www.tulsazoo.orgAdmission$8adults;$6seniors;$4ages3–11;age2&underfree.MohawkParkchargesa$2fee(cashonly)percaronweekendsandholidaysAprilthroughOctober.
Oklahoma Aquarium300AquariumDrive,Jenks918-296-3474;www.okaquarium.orgAdmission$13.95adults;$11.95seniors&military;$9.95ages3–12;age2&underfree.
Philbrook Museum of Art2727S.RockfordRoad800-324-7941;www.philbrook.orgAdmission$9adults;$7seniors;ages18&underfree.FreeadmissionforallvisitorsthesecondSaturdayofeachmonth.
Gilcrease Museum1400GilcreaseMuseumRoad888-655-2278;www.gilcrease.orgAdmission$8adults;$6seniors&military;$5collegestudents;ages18&underfree.FreeadmissionforallvisitorsthefirstTuesdayofeachmonth.
Utica SquareUticaand21stStreet918-742-5531;www.uticasquare.comCherry Street District15thStreetbetweenPeoriaandUticaThe Wyndham Hotel, Tulsa10918E.41stStreet918-627-5000;www.wyndham.com
throughouttheyear.Therearemanysteps,whichcanmakestrollersorwheelchairschallenging,buttherearerampsinmostpartstoalloweveryonetoexplore.GilcreaseoffersfreeadmissiontoallvisitorsonthefirstTuesdayofeachmonthandalsohasseveralfamily-friendlywaystoexplorethemuseum.YoucancheckoutaTrailblazerBag,whichhasartandartistinformationandactivities,orexplorethecollectionswithSmARTCards(whicharelikeart-themedtradingcards).Thereisalsoaterrificchildren’sroomwithmanyhands-onactivities,art,andbooks.PhotographyisnotallowedinsideGilcrease,soleaveyourcamerabehindandjustenjoytheexperience.
Shop ‘Til You DropIfyouhaveshopaholicsinyourfamily,Utica Square andCherry Street offerinterestingshopsthatyoulikelywon’tfindanywhereelse.UticaSquarehasamixoflocalandnationalretailersandseveralupscalerestaurants.Thisbeautifulshoppingcenteralsohasdifferenteventsthroughouttheyear,suchastheupcomingArtintheSquare
onSaturday,October6from10am–5pm,wherelocalartistswilldisplaytheirworksalongthesidewalks.TheCherryStreetDistricthasavarietyofboutiques,artgalleries,andrestaurants,plusagreatfarmer’smarketeachSaturdaymorningthroughOctober.
Where to StayOurfavoriteplacetostayinTulsaistheWyndham Hotel,hometoLeapin’Louie’sLagoon,anindoorpoolandplayareawithsomethingfromtoddlerstobigkidsandanoutdoorpool.Theroomsarenice,thelocationisgreatandyouaresuretohavefun.TheonlytrickythingaboutthishotelistryingtogetyoukidsoutofthewatertogotourTulsa!
Jennifer Geary is a homeschooling mom from Broken Arrow, formerly of OKC, who loves to have adventures with her family. Read her blog at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/adventures-in-homeschooling.
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Ask the ExpertsBack to School: Healthy Lunch Choices
Thismonth’squestion:Back to school and back to cafeteria food means that my kids may not be presented with the healthiest options. How can I help them make good food choices for their school lunches?
Whenyoucan’tsendlunchtoschoolwithyourkids,itcanbeachallengetomakesuretheypickouthealthyoptionsfromthecafeteria.Onewaytohelpthemistoteachtheminafunwayabouthealthyfoodsandhowtheyfuelthebody.Therearesomegreatnewappsthatcanhelpteachnutritioninanengaging,entertainingwaythatkidscaneasilyretain.*Ofcoursetherearealsoofflinewaystoteachyourchildhealthynutrition,suchasbooksandprograms,evencurrentdocumentariesabouthealthynutrition.Whicheverwayyouchoose,ifyoumakesmartfoodchoicesfun,yourchildwillbemorelikelytorememberitnexttimetheyhavetodecidewhattoputontheircafeteriatray.*visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/food-apps for a list of fun food apps.Tamara Walker RN is a talk show host and speaker in Edmond. www.momrn.com.
Takingtheirownlunchisalwaysaverypositivealternative.Buyhealthybutfunfoodsandgivekidsplentyofchoices.Talkwithyourkidsabouttheirlunchchoiceswhentheyaregoingtoeatatschool.Encouragethemtomakepositiveandresponsiblechoices.Itmightalsobefuntocomeupwithasystemtotracktheirenergylevelsbywhattheyeateachday.Somethinglike;A“10”meansIcouldplayallday,rememberedallthequestionsonthetestandwasableto
controlmymouth.A“1”meansIfellasleepinclass,hadnoenergyontheplaygroundanddidn’tremembermyspellingwordsthatwestudiedlastnight.Anyopportunitiestoeducateandpossiblyrewardyourkidsforhealthychoicesisalwaysaplusandit’sanextrabenefitwhenit’sfunaswell.Donnie Van Curen, M.A., LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist with Counseling 1820, LLC. 405-823-4302, www.counseling1820.com.
Thereareseveraltoolsthatparentscanusetotrytohelpchildrentoeatbetter.Ifthecafeteriafoodisnothealthy,getactiveatschoolthroughtheParentTeacherOrganizationortheschool’sHealthyandFitSchoolAdvisoryCommittee—iftheydon'thaveone,findoutwhy.Theseorganizationsmakethingshappenatthepolicylevelandneedyourinput.Trytopackyourchild’slunchsoyouknowhe’sgettinghealthyfoodmoreoftenthennot.Athome,modelgoodfoodchoicesandeatwell-balancedmealstogetheratthetable.Strivetoserveahealthybreakfastanddinnersoyouknowyourchildisgettingeffectivefuelatleasttwiceaday.Matt Jacobs, MA, RD, LD, NSCA-CPT is a Sports Dietitian and Fitness Consultant in private practice. Contact him at 405-550-7540, [email protected] or oksportsrd.weebly.com.
Asapersonwhohasstruggledwithweightloss,foodisabigissueforme.Weallfeelbetterphysicallyandmentallywhenweeatnutritiously,sooneofthefirstquestionsIaskparentswhentheytalktomeabouttheirchild’spoorbehavioris“whatareyoufeedingyourchild?”Foodisanimportantcomponentforchildren,theirbehavior,theirmoodsandtheirlearningability.Iwouldencourageyoutouseyourmealtimestoteachyourchildrenhowtomakegoodnutritionchoices;allowthemtoeatsweets,butinmoderation,andteachthemthatwhentheydohaveasugarytreat,theyneedtocouplethatwithaprotein(tohelpstabilizethesugarsintheirbodies).Eatingatschoolisagreatopportunityforkidstohavesomefreedomandmaketheirownchoices.Ifyoufeedthemwellandmodelgoodchoicesforthemwhenyouaretogether,theywillmakebetterchoiceswhentheyareontheirown.Devonne Carter, LCSW, is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Edmond. 405-326-3923, www.carterscounseling.com.
Our Readers Respond:• Makesureyourkidsknowthatcolorful
foodsareoftenhealthier.Havethemloaduponred,yellowandgreenoptionsandmimimizethebrown,whiteorbeige.
• Letyourkidsgotothegrocerystorewithyou.Notonlycantheychoosethingstogointheirlunch,youcantalkaboutwhatfoodsarehealthyandwhatfoodsarenot.Hopefullytheywillremembernexttimetheyeatatschool.
• Askyourkidseverydaywhattheyateforlunchandthencomeupwithapointsystemfordecidinghowhealthyeachfoodchoicewas.Iftheygetenoughpointsforchoosinghealthyduringtheschoolweek,planafuntreatforthefamilyontheweekend.
• Practicinggoodlunchchoicesathomeequalskidsknowingwhattochooseatschool.
ThankstoMaryR.,@TheMomOnTheGo,SamanthaL.andSarahT.foryourfeedback.
Have a question for our experts? Email it to [email protected].
22 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Real Moms of the MetroMeet Rachel Calderon: Broadcast Journalist and Mother
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comRachelCalderonadmitstoreceiving
highmarksonherkindergartenreportcardineveryareabutone—under
“selfcontrol,”herteacherwrote“likestotalk.”Afittingcommentforayounggirlwhogrewuptobecomeabroadcastjournalistandwho,asanadult,strivestobeasourceofinformationandinspirationforthosearoundher.HavingworkedatnewsstationsinWyoming,MichiganandCalifornia,Rachelspent19monthsasastay-at-homemomtosonTyson(now2yearsold)beforereturningtothenewslastyear.
Dedicatedtolivinglifewithapurpose,RachelrecentlyjoinedtheTeaminTraining(TNT)programfortheLeukemiaandLymphomaSociety,raisedover$7,500andcompletedherfirstenduranceruninhonorofhermother’ssuccessfulbattleagainstmultiplemyeloma.“Whatstartedoutasawaytoshowgratitudeandhonormymomturnedintosomuchmore,”Rachelexplains.“ImadesomeamazingfriendsthroughTNT,raisedmoneyforaworthycause,andeducatedmorepeopleaboutbloodcancers.”Here’smoreaboutwhatkeepsthismotherofoneworkingtomakeadifference:
What are you passionate about?I’mpassionateaboutlivingalifeofpurpose.It’simportanttospendtimedoingwhatyoulovebecause,ifnot,youarewastingtime—andmomsknowhowvaluabletimeis.
How has motherhood changed you?Becomingamotherhasrealignedmy
purposeandmademevaluemyself.IwantmysontobeproudofthepersonIamandIwanttoprovidehimwithinspiration.
How do you banish stress?There’snothingbetterthanamani-pedi.
What inspires you?MyhusbandJustinmanagesafulltimejob,abuddingmusiccareer,MBAcoursesand,ofcourse,thedemandsofmarriageandatoddler.I’minaweandinspiredbyhisoptimismandperseverance!
Along with your job as a mom, what do you do? Ihavebeenabroadcastjournalistformorethan12years.Currently,IamtheTrafficAnchorandGeneralAssignmentReporterforKOCOEyewitnessNewsFiveintheMorning.
What do you like most about your job?Nodayispredictable.JustwhenIthinkIcanplanoutmydayatwork,abreakingnewsstorymighthappen.Thatconstant“onyourtoes”feelingisexciting.
What is on your wish list?Ihavetraveledto40ofthe50USstatesanddozensofcountriesinEuropeandAsia,butIwanttoaddAustraliaandSouthAmericatothatlist!
What are you most proud of?IstartedagratitudejournalseveralyearsagoandIwritedownwhatI'mgratefulforeverydayandputthingsintoaction.
What motivates you?It’seasyformetobemotivatedwhenIhaveaspecificgoal.It’snotenoughformetosay“Ijustwanttobehappy;”Ihavetofigureoutwhathappyfeelsorlookslike.
How do you find balance in your life?It’saconstantchallengebutInevergiveuptrying.IchosemyschedulebecauseitoffersmetheoptiontodowhatIlove,andbehomefordinnerwithmyhusbandandson.Igrewupwithbothmyparentsatthedinnertable,sowhenIdecidedtoreturntowork,beinghomefordinnerwasmypriority.
Advice for other moms?KnowthatYOUMATTER.Weoftenputourownneedslast,soit’seasytofallintothattrapoffeelinglikewhatwedoorwhowearedoesn’tmatter.
Where are you from originally? What brought you to Oklahoma?IgrewupinSt.Clair,MichiganandgotmyjournalismdegreefromtheUniversityofSouthernCalifornia.ImovedtoOklahomain2011whenmyhusband’sjobwastransferredhere.
What’s the biggest challenge in your life?IsometimesfeelinsecuritiesabouthowIamdoingwithmyfamilyandwork,butIjusthavetoknowI'mdoingmybest.
How do you help others?Iusemyjobasajournalisttotellstoriesofpeoplewhomayteachusallsomething.
What is your parenting style?I’mnotayeller,butI'msternwhenIneedtobe.Ialsoshowhimlotsofaffectionand“Iloveyou”issaidmanytimeseachday.
Follow Rachel on Twitter at @RachelTRAFFIC
Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.
Quick Facts About Rachel1. What are five words that
describe you? Talkative, loyal, passionate, adventurous, purposeful.
2. How do you spend time alone? Organizing photographs, reading or going for a run.
3. What’s your favorite family outing? A quick breakfast at Jimmy's Egg, then the OKC Zoo or the Orr Family Farm.
4. What’s always in your handbag? My cell phone, hand sanitizer, sunglasses and digital camera—just in case breaking news happens, I'm prepared!
5. Coffee or tea? Coffee! Can't go a day without it since I'm at work at 3:30am!
The Calderon family: Justin, Tyson (age 2) and Rachel.
24 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details
Academy of Dance Arts
718 S Mustang Road, Mustang
405-324-7600, www.academydanceartsok.com
Classes begin 8/6
Varies Instruction in ballet, jazz, pointe, tap, modern, pom, creative movement & Zumba for ages 2+.
Alliance Française d'OKC
Oklahoma City 405-748-0868, www.afdokc.org
Late September
$125–$150 / session
French instruction for grades preschool–5 held in 8-week sessions.
Be Wild for Art 1006 24th Avenue NW, Norman
405-307-9971, www.bewildforart.com
Fall program beings 9/5
$35–$125
Art After School Program includes pottery and clay, mixed media, painting, fused glass and fiber art. Single session and four week session activities. Ages 6+.
Bouncin Craze 14901 N Lincoln Boulevard, Edmond
405-607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com
Ongoing $7.50 / child
Drop-in, indoor active play for ages 2+.
Can Do Kids and Spectrum Therapy
15 E Ayers, Edmond 405-513-8186, www.spectrumtherapycenter.org
Ongoing Varies Occupational and speech therapy programs for all ages.
City Arts Center 3000 General Pershing Drive, OKC
405-951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org
Ongoing Varies Art camps and activities for ages 5+.
Club Z! Tutoring 3200 E Memorial Road, Edmond
405-478-3515, www.clubztutoring.com/okc
Ongoing Varies One-on-one tutoring with certified teachers for preschool and up at your home or alternative location.
College Nannies & Tutors of Edmond
1333 N Santa Fe Avenue, Edmond
405-513-6060, www.collegenannies.com/edmondok
Ongoing Varies Certified, screened, responsible nannies for before/after care needs and one-on-one tutoring and college prep.
Creative Adventures
10455 N May Avenue, OKC
405-751-1002, www. creativeadventuresour childrenarespecial.webs.com
Ongoing Varies Offering Ballet/Creative Movement (ages 2-6); Piano (ages 4-6); Guitar (ages 6-18); Art Classes and more.
The Dance Department
1110 S Air Depot, OKC
405-732-7722, www.thedancedepartmentokc.com
Classes begin 8/20
$35–$40 / class
Multi-class discount available. Instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop and creative movement for ages 3+.
Edmond Parks & Recreation
2733 Marilyn Williams Drive, Edmond
405-359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec
Various $8–$30 Sewing, bisque painting, acrylic painting, Halloween & Thanksgiving crafts plus special teen classes. Activities for all ages including parent-child preschool classes.
Edmond Parks & Recreation Archery
2733 Marilyn Williams Drive, Edmond
405-359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec
Ongoing $30 After school archery program for ages 8–17.
Fine Arts Institute of Edmond
27 East Edwards, Edmond
405-340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com
Fall session 8/27–10/6
$28–$165
Art, theater and music classes for all ages.
Guitar for Kids & Adults
201 E Campbell # 102, Edmond
405-340-8294, www.guitarforcoolkids.com
Ongoing $100–$120/ month
Electric and acoustic guitar lessons for ages 6+. Students learn to read music, understand rhythms and play songs solo or in a band. Parent participation program available.
Gymboree Play & Music of OKC
11928 N May Avenue, OKC (Northpark Mall)
405-755-3445, www.gymboreeclasses.com
current session 8/1–10/31
$49–$99 Play, music, art and family classes for children up to age 5 plus open play times.
Key:Sports/Early-learning/preschool/Arts/Enrichment/Drop-in
After-School Activities GuideTimeforback-to-schooldoesn’tmeantheendoffun!Thereareaplethoraofchoicesforafter-schoolactivitiesforyourfamily,whetheryouarelookingforarts,sportsorenrichment.Usethecolor-codedkeytofindtheactivitiesthatarerightforyourchildandbesuretotellthemthatyoufounditinMetroFamily!Alsovisitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/after-school-activitiesformoreinformation.
Special Advertising Section
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 25
Special Advertising Section
Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details
i9 Sports Edmond (practice & game field located near Santa Fe & Danforth)
405-225-7048, www.i9sports.com
Fall season 9/24–11/17
$100–$119
Youth sports leagues, camps, clinics and after school programs with a focus on fun, safety and convenience. Includes flag football, soccer, basketball, t-ball and cheerleading. For ages 3–14.
Kumon Math and Reading
Edmond 405-216-9800; Edmond North 405-715-1111; Mustang 405-376-6400; Norman 405-364-1600; OKC North 405-752-2000; OKC Northwest 405-721-7323; OKC South 405-691-8900; Yukon 405-494-3010, www.kumon.com
Ongoing Varies Systematic and individualized method to help students in grades preschool+ develop solid math and reading skills.
Mad Science of Central Oklahoma
14020 North Western Avenue, Edmond
405-285-9643, www.madscience.org/okc
Ongoing $48+ / month
After-school programs with hands-on activities that instill a clearer understanding of science and how it affects the world around us. For preschool–grade 8.
Mathnasium of North OKC
14101 North May, OKC
405-241-6284, www.mathnasium.com/northokc
Ongoing $209+ / month
Personalized, individual tutoring in math for grades 2+. Homework and test prep assistance available.
OCU Community Dance Center
2501 N Blackwelder, OKC
405-208-5508, www.okcu.edu/communitydance
Classes begin 8/27
$45–$100
Dance classes for ages 3+ include tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and creative movement. Scholarships available. Open house 8/25, 10am–noon.
OCU Performing Arts Academy
2501 N Blackwelder, OKC
405-208-5410, www.okcu.edu/music/academy
Classes begin 8/6
$250–$600 / 16-week session
Programs in Kindermusik (beginning 9/4), music theater, acting and private lessons for instruments and voice for all ages. Sibling discounts & financial aid available.
OKC RIVERSPORT
725 S Lincoln Blvd, OKC
405-552-4040, www.riversportokc.org
Season starts in September.
Contact for details.
Co-ed Junior Canoe/Kayak Team for ages 11+, Chesapeake Junior Crew for age 13+. Practice at Oklahoma River or Lake Overholser, after school & weekends.
Oklahoma Children's Theatre
2501 N Blackwelder, OKC
405-606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre. org
Classes begin 9/8
$150–$250
After-school, weekend, seasonal camps and acting classes for ages 4+.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
415 Couch Drive, OKC
405-236-3100, www.okcmoa.com
Ongoing Varies Classes in visual art techniques for all ages plus regularly scheduled free drop-in art activities.
Oklahoma Rock Academy
8932 South Western Avenue, OKC
405-582-0773, www.oklahomarockacademy.com
Beginning 8/6
$145–$175
Oklahoma's first 100% performance-based music program for musicians ages 8+. Lessons on guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals.
OU Sooner Flight Academy
1928 Goddard Avenue, Norman
405-325-1635, www.flightcamp.ou.edu, [email protected]
September through May 2013
Varies Programs for grades kindergarten+ including airport field trips, day camps, customized mobile aviation programs & Sooner Kids’ Science Club.
Paint Your Art Out
10 S Broadway, Edmond
405-513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net
Ongoing $20 + After-school open studio painting held Tuesday–Friday until 5:00pm.
Paint' N Station 7906 N May, OKC 405-842-7770, www.paintnstation.com
Ongoing $7 + Drop-in hands-on art activities for all ages.
Poteet Theatre Arts Education
222 NW 15th Street, OKC
405-609-1026, www.poteettheatre.com
Register in person, 8/30 5–7:30pm
$35 / month per class
$25 fee per class registration. Performance classes, acting, musical theatre, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern and Irish dance. Private lessons in voice, acting and instruments available. For ages 4+.
Sensational Kids, Inc.
14715 Bristol Park Boulevard, OKC
405-840-1686, www.sensationalkidsokc.com
Ongoing $65–$120
Occupational and speech therapy related to social interactions, handwriting, dressing, coordination, speech and more held weekly, bi-weekly or bi-monthly. All ages. Fees may be covered by individual insurance.
Skills For Living, Inc.
330 W Gray, Norman
405-360-5552, www.skillsforliving.net
Ongoing Varies Occupational therapy for all ages with sensory processing disorder. Programs address homework (handwriting, focus, fatigue), social skills, self help skills, feeding issues and gross and fine motor challenges.
Key:Sports/Early-learning/preschool/Arts/Enrichment/Drop-in
26 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Venue Address Contact Dates Fees Details
SoccerCity OKC 4520 Old Farm Rd, OKC
405-748-3888, www.soccercityokcity.com
Free open house held 9/8, 10am–noon
$28+ Lil’ Kickers Child Development Program for 18 months–9 years. 50 minute age appropriate sessions teach technical skills and mastery.
SPARK After School Program
1001 NW 25th Street, OKC
405-525-0018, www.fpcokc.org/spark
Ongoing $30 for am; $70 for pm
Before/after care plus tutoring and programs working with OKC Arts Council. Full day programs offered during school breaks. Enrollment $35.
Studio J School of Dance
16614 N Western, Edmond
405-348-3377, www.studiojdanceok.com
Classes begin 8/27
$48+ / month
After-school dance classes for ages 3-18 include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and pointe.
TSW Theater Group
700 West Street, Edmond
405-471-7470, www.metrofamilymagazine.com/tsw
Class begins 9/11
$100/month
Theater classes for students ages 11–17. Students will learn the art of acting while preparing a show.
Twist and Shout Training Center
14801 N Lincoln Boulevard, Edmond
405-775-9491, www.shouterspirit.com
Classes begin mid-August
$85–$220 / 8-week session
Recreational and Competitive Cheer and Tumbling held at 3 locations (Midwest City, Edmond & Tulsa). For ages 3+. First class is free.
Unpluggits Playstudio
575 Enterprise Drive, Edmond
405-340-7584, www.unpluggits.com
Ongoing $7–$20 Drop-in Paint'n Play for all ages held Tuesday–Sunday until 6pm or later. Includes painting, stamping, stencils, indoor playground, air hockey, sand table, train table and hands-on fun for children.
Velocity Dance Center
11122 N Rockwell Ave, OKC
405-721-8807, www.velocitydancecenterokc.com
Classes begin 9/22
$33+ Dance classes for ages 2+ include ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop. Open house held every Tuesday & Thursday in August, 4:30–7:30pm.
Victory Dance 4401 N MacArthur Boulevard, OKC
405-717-1250, www.victorydance.tv
Classes begin 9/4
$45–$65 Classes in preschool dance, ballet, jazz, tap, acro, contemporary, Broadway and hip hop for ages 3+.
YMCA of Greater OKC
500 N Broadway, OKC
405-297-7777,www.ymcaokc.org
Fall & Spring sessions
$40–$70/ month
Programs in arts, character development, health & wellness, fitness, science, and conflict resolution. Kids in Action program at some locations for children in half-day school.
Key:Sports/Early-learning/preschool/Arts/Enrichment/Drop-in
Special Advertising Section
Kidswhoparticipateinafter-schoolprogramshavebetterschoolattendance,highergradesandloftieraspirationsaboutgraduationandcollegeattendance,accordingtoTheAfterschoolAlliance,aninformationclearinghouseandadvocacygroup.They’relesslikelytousedrugsorgetintotroublewithpolice,and—becausetheyloglessscreentime—kidsinafter-schoolprogramsareatlowerriskofobesity.Kidsalsodevelopsocialandleadershipskillsinafter-schoolprograms,astheyinteractwithpeersincooperativeroles.
What to ConsiderBeforesigningup,doyourhomework.Theseguidelineswillhelpyousortthebestfromtherest.• Content. Letkidschooseactivitiesbasedontheirpersonalinterests,
saysSusanKuczmarski,Ed.D.,authorofThe Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A Parent’s Guide to Stepping Back and Letting Go.Helpthemfindactivitiesthatreflectwhotheyareandwhattheywanttolearn,insteadofimposingyourpreferencesonthem.Kidsflourishwhenthey’redeeplyengaged.
• Quality. Discipline-basedactivitiesthatallowkidstocreateaqualityproductoveraperiodoftimearebest,saysSaraHill,Ph.D.,SeniorConsultantfortheNationalInstituteonOut-of-SchoolTime.Forinstance,kidsmightlearnmathandsciencebybuildingaboatorpracticeartandleadershipbyputtingonaplayormusical.
• Staffing.Staffmembersshouldhavelegitimateskillsandexperience.Programswithstrongcommunityconnectionsusuallyhavethebestresources,Hillsays.Kidsmaygettoworkwithtalentedartists,scientistsandathletesfromlocalorganizations.
• Movement. After-schoolsportsencouragepersistence,provideexerciseandmore.JohnRatey,M.D.,AssociateClinicalProfessorofPsychiatryatHarvardMedicalSchoolandauthorofSpark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,prescribesexerciseforkidswithADHD(andeveryoneelse)becauseexerciseboostsmood,improveslearningandmemoryandrelievesstress.
• Leadership. Extracurricularactivities,includingsportsandclubs,areidealplacesforkidstoexploreandpracticewhatitmeanstobeagroupleader,saysKuczmarski.
• Logistics. After-schoolactivitiescanprovidebalancetoaclassschedulethatisoverlyacademic,Kuczmarskisays,iflocationsandtimingfityourlifestyle.Andrememberthatgoodprogramsdon’tnecessarilycostbigbucks.
Asyouweightheoptions,keepinmindthisgoal:Youwantyourchildtobeawell-roundedcitizenandahealthy,happyperson,saysHill.After-schoolactivitiescanprovideenrichment,adventureandvariety.Theyshouldn’tbedrivenbyhigh-stakestestingandtheyshouldn’tbebox-fillersforcollegeapplications.Innovativeprogramspromotelearningwithoutroteorrepetition.Ifyoucan’tfindqualityafter-schoolactivitiesnearyou,contactyourschooldistricttoadvocateforprogramsyou’dliketosee.Out-of-schoolshouldn’tmeanout-of-opportunities.
Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist, mother of two, and former educator. www.heidiluedtke.com/blog.
Tips for Choosing After-School Activities
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 27
Enter MetroFamily’s Cover Kids Search today!
Submit a quality, snapshot photo of your child through our website, www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids-search, by September 25th.
Entry fee is $25 per child and the first 200 participants will receive a Fall Fun Pack that includes tickets to fun local attractions.
Finalists in each category will be chosen by Magna Talent Agency then the public will determine each category’s winner via online voting. Each of the six winners will be professionally photographed and featured on one of our covers in 2013!
Plan to attend our fun Cover Kids Search event sponsored in conjunction with Quail Springs Mall’s event, Fashion Rules, on September 29, 11am-3pm (attendance not required to enter contest). At this event, entrants will enjoy stage entertainment, hands-on activities and more. Entrants will meet representatives from Magna Talent Agency and have their photo taken by Glamour Shots, with a mock-up of their child on a MetroFamily cover being provided to the family a few weeks after the event.
Categories include: Ages 0-18mos • 19 mos-3 years • 4-7 years • 8-11 years •
12-18 years • Special Needs (All ages, 0-18)
See website for all rules, details and entry form.
www.metrofamilymagazine.com/cover-kids-search
405-601-2081 • [email protected]
MF
s’
SPONSORS:
The search is on to find fresh faces and bright smiles to light up our covers in 2013!
Reach over80,000readers. Connect withmoms ofcentral Oklahoma.
Call Today!405-601-2081
28 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Focus on EducationTen Ways to Make This School Year Great
Allparentshopeforagreatschoolyearfortheirchildren.Therearedreamsforateacherwhowillinspirethem,
friendswhowillbringthemjoyandactivitiesthatigniteapassion.Everyoneknowsthateachyearcomeswithpotentialchallengesaswell.Here,localexpertsweighintoprovideuswithwaystomakesurethepositivesoutweighthenegatives.
1. Open lines of communication. Makesuretheschoolhasyourcorrectcontactinformationandthatyouhavetheteacher’semailaddress.Therearemanytimesduringtheyearwhentheschoolmayneedtogetintouchwithyouquickly(andyouwantthemtoreachyoueasily),especiallyincaseofillness.Andwhenyouneedtoreachyourchild'steacher,emailistypicallythebestformofcommunication.
2. Know the rules. Readthroughthehandbookandhighlightimportantinformationsuchasrulesforcheckingoutyourchildfordoctor’sappointments.
3. Work smarter. Createaclean,distraction-freeworkareaforyourchild.
Shewillbeabletofocusbetterifshecanworkinanicecleanarea.
JulieDill,motheroftwoelementary-agechildrenandaMoorePublicSchoolkindergartenteacher,alsorecommendskeepingbasichomeworksuppliessuchaspencils,paper,crayons,glueandscissorshandytohelpfacilitatehomeworkcompletion.
4. Be organized. Whenimportantpaperworkcomeshome,putitinadesignatedspot.
“Alotofmystudentsstruggledwithorganizationalskills,especiallytransitioningfromelementarytomiddleschool,”saysStephanieHigley,formerseventhgradereadingteacherinMoorePublicSchools.“Modelorganizationforyourchild,requireyourchildtouseaplannerandshowherhowyoukeeptrackofimportantinformation.Goodorganizationneedstobelearnedandoftenresultsindramaticallyimprovedgrades.”
DustyCrabtree,ahighschoolteacherinYukon,recommendsmakingorganizationapriorityfromthebeginningoftheyear.“Settimeasideeacheveningtogothroughallpaperwork,syllabi,formsthatneedsignatures,etc.,withyourchild.Makesuresheputsallpapersintheappropriateclassfolderstotaketoschoolthenextday.”
Dilladds,“Althoughparentsshouldconsistentlycheckforcompletionofassignments,astudentagendaplannerorcalendarwillhelpencourageorganizationalindependence,”saysJulie.
5. Write it down. Keepacalendarofimportantschooldates.Itissoeasytoforgetaboutanearly-releaseday,forexample,ifitisn’twrittenonyourfamilyplanner.
6. Help but don’t take over. Guideyoungerchildrenthroughtheirhomeworkwithoutdoingitforthem.Offerassistancetoolderchildrenifneededandcheckhomeworkuponcompletion.“You’renothelpingthemifyoudoitforthem,”saysStephanie.“Andteacherscantotallytell.Idid,however,LOVEthehandfulofparentswhotookadvantageofmysuggestiontoreadourclassnovelsalongwithus.Itwassocooltohearwhattheythoughtofitandhowtheconversationandcriticalthinkingcontinuedathome.”
7. Set a consistent bed time. Childrenreallyneedconsistentschedulesandtheyneedplentyofrestevenmore.Eventeenagersneedtohaveabedtime.“Theirbrainsaredevelopingsomuchatthatageandsleepisanincrediblyimportantpartofthisdevelopment,”saysStephanie.
8. Eat dinner together. Thiswillbethetimewhenyourchildletsyouknowwhathappenedatschool.“Askthemabouttheirday—whatthey'velearned,theirteachers,thefunniestmoment,whatthey'rereading,schoolactivities,theirfriends,”saysStephanie.Dinnertimeisagreattimetofindoutwhat’smakingyourchildtick.
9. Communicate with teachers. Ittakesateamefforttoensureyourchild’ssuccess,sowhenyouhaveinformationthattheteachershouldknoworyouhavequestionsfortheteacher,lethimorherknow.Bereasonableaboutthefrequencyofcommunicationthough.Anexpectationforadailyemailwouldbeinappropriate.Teachersreallydonothavealotofdowntimesolimityourcommunicationtowhenit’sreallynecessary.“Buildingabridgebetweenhomeandschoolensuressuccess,”saysJulie.
KristenHoyt,AssistantProfessorintheSchoolofTeacherEducationatMid-AmericaChristianUniversity,recommendsaskingtheteacherforherplanningtimessoyouknowwhenitisbesttocontactherduringtheschoolday.Stephanieagrees.“Establishcontactwhentheschoolyearstartsandbuildrapportthroughouttheyear.”
10. Think ahead. Organizeeverythingthenightbeforeforthenextday.Yourmorningwillrunmuchmoresmoothlyifyoudonothavetorunaroundpreparingthings.Startingoffonacalmnotecangiveyourchildagoodstarttotheday.
“Puttingbasketsandhooksbytheexitdoorforbackpacks,umbrellasandlunchboxesishelpful,”recommendsKristen.
Withanemphasisonplanning,organizationandcommunication,youcanhelpyourchild'sschoolyeargetstartedwell—andfinishsuccessfully,too.
By Jennifer Bonn with additional contributions by Mari Farthing.
30 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Problem SolversHelpful Family Products
Problem: Science is boring!
Solution: Notwhenit’stheWallace & Gromit’s World of Invention DVD,featuringfunandinterestinglessonsinscience.($15,www.wallaceandgromit.com)
Problem: You need a sturdy container to send lunch from home.
Solution: TheGood Bites Sandwich Box isasturdyandstylishwaytosendlunchtoschool.($6,www.ginsey.com)
Problem:Your brave little explorer is afraid of the dark.
Solution:TheCoghlin’s Bug Eye Headlight fitsonhisforeheadprovidinghands-freelightindarkspaces.($15;www.coghlans.com)
Problem: The kids are on the computer and you can’t always monitor them.
Solution: TheChatman PC Friend connectstotheUSBportandprovidesfuninteractionforkidswhileconnectingtosafewebsites.($70,www.mychatman.com)
Problem:Back to school with food allergies turns sweet treats into a pitfall
Solution:Gimbal’s candies areallergen-free(nopeanuts,treenuts,dairy,eggs,gluten,trans-fats,shellfishorsoy),kosherandbestofall,delicious.($1+;www.gimbalscandy.com)
Whenwehearaboutneworhelpfulproducts,weliketoletourreadersknow!Hereareafewofthemoreinterestingitemswe’verecentlydiscovered.Visittheproductwebsiteforalistoflocalretailers.
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 31
Character CornerEncouraging ResonsibilityInthebookHow To Have Kids with Character,authorNadineM.Browncitesastudywheresuccessfulmenandwomenhadonetraitincommon—theyhadbeengivenresponsibilityatayoungage.Itcanbediificult(andsometimesmessy)toteachkidsresponsibility,especiallywhenit’softeneasiertodoityourself,buthelpingthemtobecomesuccessfulandcontributingmembersofsocietymakesitworthwhile.
Help Your Family to be ResponsibleHerearesomeideasfromBrown’sbookonwaystoovercomethemostcommonchallengeswhenteachingresponsibility:1. Attitude is everything! Makeworkasfunaspossible,rename
chores“actsofservice”anddiscouragewhining.2. Don’t expect perfection,orrequirethatyourkidsdothings
exactlyhowyouwoulddoit.Trynottoredotheirworkifit’snotdonehowyouwoulddoit.
3. Reward and praisesmallefforts,andthenrewardandpraisesomemore.
4. Start small withasimplesystemforyourfamilygivingsetdeadlinesforspecifictasks.
5. Don’t give up. Kidswilleventuallylearnwithenoughrepetition,consistency,anddetermination.Thinklongterm;theearlierkidslearntoberesponsiblewithoutcomplainingthebetteritwillbeforeveryone.
Game:ResponsibilityCharades.Taketurnsactingouthouseholdtasksoroccupations(doctor,fireman,policeman,mom).Discusswaystoberesponsibleintheseoccupations.Resources:The Super Red Racer, Junior Discovers Work byDaveRamsey;The New Baby (alsocalledBaby Dear) byEstherWilkin;Berenstain Bears: A Job Well Done byStanandJanBerenstain;Arthur’s Pet BusinessbyMarcBrown.“I will” statements. Encourageresponsibilityinyourfamilybycommittingtothefollowingstatements.Saythese“Iwill”statementsaloudwithyourchildren,andencouragethemtoapplythemtosituationsintheireverydaylife.
Sarah Holmes specializes in family character consulting and has three young children. Find her at www.theparentingmom.com.
I Will statements courtesy of Character First, www.characterfirst.com.
Editor’s note: This is Sarah’s last column for MetroFamily; we extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah for her contributions.
I will: keep my promises • not make excuses • do my work to the best of my ability • correct my mistakes
• know and do my duty.
If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibilities on their
shoulders.
~ Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby)
32 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Your Healthy FamilyCanker Sores: Causes and Treatments
Mouthulcers(Aphthous stomatitis)areaverycommon,oftenpainfulproblem.Alsoknownascanker
sores,mouthulcersareshallowsoresfoundontheinnercheeks,lipsorgums;arewhite,yelloworredincolor;andoccurinclusters.Around20percentofthepopulationmayexperiencerecurrentmouthulcers,withthesore(s)occurringinoneareaofthemouthandreappearingshortlyafterinitiallyhealing.
Mouthulcersarenotgenerallycausedbyinfection,andthereforearenotcontagious.Mosthealwithouttreatmentinonetotwoweeks,butcanbeverypainful,causingdiscomfortwheneating,speakingorswallowing.Inmanycases,acausecanbeidentifiedthatwillpreventtheoccurrenceofcankersores.
Types and CausesTherearethreetypesofRecurrentAphthousStomatitis(RAS):minor,majorandherpetiform.• Minor aphthae accountfor75–85percent
ofallcases.Theyaresmall—usually10mmorless—andround,foundinsidethecheeksorlips,onorunderthetongue,oronthegums,ofteninclusters.
• Major aphthae aregenerallydeeperandlarger,makingup10–15percentofcases.Theymayexceedonecentimeterindiameter,andusuallyoccursingly.
• Herpetiform lesionsaretheleastcommon,mayoccurinlargenumbersandareusuallyone–threemillimetersindiameter.
Whiletheexactcauseisunknown,severalfactorsappeartotriggerRAS.Inmanycases,thesefactorsmaybeidentifiedandavoidedtopreventorreduceoutbreaks,thoughrarely,RASiscausedbyadiseaseorconditionoutsidethepatient’scontrol.FactorsaffectingRASinclude:• Lowlevelsofcertainnutrients,particularly
iron,B12,zinc,folicacidandvitaminC.• Hormonalchanges(suchasmenstrual
cycle).• Stress.• Foodsensitivities,especiallyhighacid
contentorcertainpreservatives.• Mouthtrauma,suchasasharptoothor
dentalappliance.• Bechetsdisease,anauto-immune
condition.• BoweldiseasessuchasCrohn’sor
ulcerativecolitis• SkindiseasessuchasLichenPlanusor
HerpesSimplex.
Treatment and PreventionTreatmentistypicallyreducingdiscomfort,thoughtherearemeasuresthatmaypreventoutbreaks.Mouthtraumaappearstobethemostcommoncauseofmouthulcers.Manykidsandadultssuddenlystartdevelopingcankersoreswhentheybeginorthodontictreatments.Bracesandotherappliancescanrubatthinskin,causingirritation,whichcaneventuallyleadtomouthulcers.Insomecases,yourorthodontistcanmakeadjustmentstopreventtheappliancefromrubbingagainstyourgums.It’salsoimportanttouseasoft-bristledtoothbrushtoavoidcausingabrasions.Certaindietarytriggersmayalsocausemouthulcers.Foodswithahighacidcontent,suchascitrusfruitshavebeencloselylinkedtothedevelopmentofmouthulcers,andstudiesshowtheremaybeastrongcorrelationtocertainfoodallergiesorsensitivities.Nutritionaldeficienciesmayalsoplayarolesoifyousufferfromfrequentoutbreaks,avisittothedoctormayhelpruleoutthosepossibilities.Supplementingthedeficientnutrientswillhelppreventmouthulcers.Intheeventofanoutbreak,thereareseveraltreatmentsusingcommonover-the-countermedicationsorhouseholditems,whichmayofferpainrelief:• Salt water solution. Rinsemouthas
neededwithasolutionof½teaspoonsaltdissolvedineightounces(1cup)ofwater.
• Maalox/Diphenhydramine solution.Combine1–2tablespoonsofMaalox(oranequivalentproduct)with½tablespoonofDiphenhydramine(Benadryl)liquid.Swish1-2teaspoonsforoneminuteandspititout.Thismaybedoneeveryfourtosixhours.
• Over-the-counter numbing medications suchasAnbesolorOrabasemaybeusedasdirected.
Incertaincases,adentistordoctormayprescribeanantibioticmouthwash,atopicalsteroidoranacidsolutionthatcancauterizeanddryupthesore.Besuretocontactyourproviderifsoresrecurfrequently,lastlongerthantwoweeksorifpainisintolerable.
Shannon Fields is a freelance writer from Edmond and a Certified Pharmacy Technician at Innovative Pharmacy Solutions.
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 35
Arts Festival OklahomaThe 34th annual Arts Festival Oklahoma will be held September 1–3 and features 160 handcrafted art booths, performances by local and internationally-recognized musicians and a variety of specialty food. The event also features a children’s tent to help young artists create their own masterpieces. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic provides entertainment on Sunday, September 2 at 8pm, followed by a fireworks display at sundown. The festival takes place on the north end of the Oklahoma City Community College campus, located at SW 74 and May Ave. Festival hours are 10am–9pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 10am–5pm Monday. Admission is free; parking is $5 per vehicle. For more information, call 405-682-7576 or visit www.occc.edu/afo.
Photo courtesy of Oklahoma City Community College.
Martin Park Nature CenterButterflies! Butterflies! will be held on Saturday, August 11 at 10am at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Butterflies play an important role in our ecosystem, and families can learn about the surprising habits of these winged wonders from nature photographer and national butterfly expert Bryan Reynolds of the Butterflies of World Foundation. Learn about their biology, behavior and how you can help ensure their longevity in our world. Martin Park Nature Center is also offering a Herpetology Camp on August 18 and Mother Nature’s Rx program on August 25. Call 755-0676 to register, or visit www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park for more information.
Image courtesy of Bryan Reynolds, www.botwf.org.
Rush Springs Watermelon Festival The 68th Annual Rush Springs Watermelon Festival will be held on Saturday, August 11 in Rush Springs. Located approximately 1 hour southwest of the OKC metro, this popular festival entertains approximately 25,000 visitors each year and serves up over 50,000 pounds of watermelons from area melon growers. Ongoing entertainment includes exhibits, stage shows, arts & crafts fair, seed spitting contest, coronation of the 2012 Watermelon Queen & carnival. Admission to the festival is free, and watermelon slices are free beginning at 4pm. For more information, call 580-476-3745 or visit www.rushspringswatermelonfestival.com
Photo courtesy of Redstone Images Photography, Charla Gilleland.
Myriad GardensThe Family Classroom youth classes at the Myriad Botanical Gardens include activities involving natural materials for ages 7–12 (or younger with parent). Held from 10am-noon, upcoming class topics include Solar Cooking (August 11), a Water Balloon Throwing Contest (August 18) and a flower scavenger hunt (August 25). The family-friendly film series Movies Under the Stars will be held every Wednesday at 9pm through August 29. Storytimes in the Garden held Wednesdays & Fridays at 10am for ages 2–4. On Saturdays & Sundays from 11am–5pm, you can also rent interactive games and remote control sailboats for a nominal charge. Call 405-297-3611 or visit www.myriadgardens.org for details and pricing.
Photo courtesy of the Myriad Gardens.
AUGUST 11th
ALL MONTH
SEPTEMBER
1st–3rd
ALL MONTH
36 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
August 2–5Crazy for You at the Sooner Theatre (101 E Main, Norman) features the musical by George & Ira Gershwin performed by a teenage cast. Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. 321-9600, www.soonertheatre.org.
August 3Parents’ Night Out at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features crafts, playground & pizza for ages 5+. $25, add a sibling or friend for $20 more. Preregister. 6:30-10pm. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com.
August 3–4Edmond Quilt Festival 2012 at the UCO Fieldhouse in Edmond features a juried show with vendors, door prizes, demos & raffle quilt drawing. $5. 9am-5pm. www.eqg.us.
August 3–28Art Gone Wild: Paintings by OKC Zoo Animals at In Your Eye Studio & Gallery (3005 Paseo) features works created by the Zoo’s animals. Profits support the Zoo’s conservation projects. Opening Night on August 3 from 6-10pm. Thursday-Friday, noon-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5pm. 425-0298, www.inyoureyegallery.com.
August 4 • SaturdayFREE Arcadia Lake Sweep at Spring Creek Park (7200 E 15, Edmond). Participants are invited to help clean up the park. Includes FREE t-shirt & hot dog while supplies last. Bring own gloves. 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com.
FREE Feeding 5000 & More at OKC Faith Church (I-40 & Portland) offers burritos to the first 5,000 attendees as well as backpacks full of school supplies for children in grades K-12, OKC Thunder’s Rumble the Bison & America’s Got Talent’s Acrosdunk. 9am-noon (or while supplies last). 948-7100, www.okcfaith.com.
Defensive Driver Safety Course at the Choctaw Library for drivers ages 16 & up to learn skills for safer driving. Certificate of completion can provide auto insurance discount. $14, $5 for school employees. 9:30am-3:30pm.
FREE Hooked on Fishing Class at Edwards Park Lake (1515 N Bryant) for ages 5-15 with parent to learn casting, knot-tying, fish identification, angler etiquette & fishing regulations. No license required during class hours. Equipment provided. 8-10am. 316-FISH, www.okc.gov/parks. Also held: 8/11 & 18.
Spaghetti Eddie Live Popsicle Party at Science Museum Oklahoma invites guests to enjoy a FREE popsicle & rock out as Spaghetti Eddie performs live in the SMO gardens. 10:30am.
Volunteer Recruitment at the OKC Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center seeks dependable individuals 18 & older to become Animal Area, Education & Horticulture volunteers. Orientation & paperwork begins at 10am. 425-0275.
Gospel Concert at Inspiration Hill (880669 S 3330, Wellston) features The Punches Family & David Allen 7pm. 356-4051.
August 4–5Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market in the Modern Living Building at State Fair Park features a large selection of quality antiques & collectibles. $5 adults, FREE children under 12. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. www.buchananmarkets.com.
August 5 • SundayFREE Summer Breeze Concert Series in Norman features live performances in the park. 7:30pm. 307-9320, www.pasnorman.org/programs/summerbreeze. Also held: 8/26. See website for performance schedule and locations.
Lighthouse Triathlon (333 W Hefner) features a USAT sanctioned event including a 500yd swim, 13m bike & 5K run. $12. 7am. 751-3344, www.okclighthouse.com.
August 6 • MondayFREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.
August 7 • TuesdayMessy Monogram Painting at the Edmond MAC & Senior Center (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for children ages 2-5 with parent to use their hands to create a masterpiece. Preregister. $11. 11am-noon. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.
FREE Family Night Out at Quail Springs Mall (2501 W Memorial) features family-friendly activities & themes in the Food Court. 5:30-7:30pm. 755-6530, www.quailspringsmall.com.
FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store for ages 6-14 includes a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities limited. 5pm. 840-9993, www.Stores.Lego.com.
August 7–11Chita Rivera: My Broadway presented by Lyric Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall features the two-time Tony Award winner. $33 & up. Tuesday-Thursday,
American Banjo Museum9 E Sheridan Ave, OKC604-2793, www.banjomuseum.org
City Arts CenterFair Park, 3000 Pershing Blvd, OKC951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org
Fine Arts Institute of Edmond27 E Edwards, Edmond340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com
Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art555 Elm Ave, Norman325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma
Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum13th & Shartel, OKC235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com
Museum of Osteology10301 S. Sunnylane Rd, OKC814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org
Myriad Botanical Gardens301 W Reno, OKC297-3995, www.myriadgardens.com
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum1700 NE 63rd St, OKC478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org
Oklahoma Aquarium300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org
OKC Museum of Art415 Couch Dr, OKC236-3100, www.okcmoa.com
OKC National Memorial620 N Harvey, OKC235-3313, www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org
OKC Zoo2101 NE 50th St, OKC424-3344, www.okczoo.com
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre2501 N Blackwelder, OKC606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org
Oklahoma History Center800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC522-0765, www.oklahomahistorycenter.org
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu
Science Museum Oklahoma2100 NE 52nd St, OKC602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org
Do you have an event for our calendar? Email [email protected]
All phone numbers are area code 405 unless otherwise noted. Information should be verified before attending events as details can change after press date.
Quick Reference
August 2012
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 37
7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm. 524-9312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.
August 8 • WednesdayFREE Pizza & Plots Teen Book Club at the Choctaw Library for teens who can enjoy pizza, snacks & drinks while talking about books. 4:30-5:30pm.
August 9 • ThursdayOpen Studio Bisque: Families at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for families to paint bisque pieces to be picked up at a later date. Preregister by 8/8. $20. 3-5pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec. Also held: 8/23.
Oklahoma City Metro Literacy Coalition Network Meeting at the United Way office (1444 NW 27) for anyone interested in volunteering to help literacy efforts. Preregister, lunch provided. 11:20am-1:00pm. 830-2790.
August 9–12Anastasia Workshop at the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) based on the legend claiming the youngest daughter of Nicholas II survived the execution of her family. Appropriate for all ages. $10. Thursday-Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm & 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. 609-1023, www.poteettheatre.com.
August 10 • FridayOKC Redhawks vs. Sacramento River Cats baseball at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 8/11-17, 27-31.
Music Time at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln, Edmond) features 15-30 minutes of sing-a-long and dancing. FREE with paid admission. 11-11:30am. 607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com.
FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner. Trolley service between venues available at minimal cost. 6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.
FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art provides live music, short films & an art activity in connection with Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art. 6-9pm.
FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org.
August 10–11Women of Faith Conference at the Chesapeake Energy Arena celebrates with worship, Bible teaching, concerts & more. $99 & up. Friday, 7-10pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm. 888-493-2484, www.chesapeakearena.com.
August 11• SaturdayFREE Butterflies! Butterflies! at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial, OKC) 1-hour presentation by the Butterflies of the World Foundation. 10am. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park/index.html.
FREE Advanced Couponing at the Moore Library features Patsy Smith of ConsumerQueen.com. For adults 18 & older. 1-3pm.
Dancing for a Miracle at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum benefits the Children’s Hospital Foundation and features local celebrities taking the stage to raise money for Oklahoma children. $150. 6-10pm. 271-8430, www.okchf.org.
St. Yootz Day & Toby Mac in Concert at Frontier City (11501 NE Expressway) is an event for church groups from around the state to come together for a day of fun & music. Advanced tickets available only through UMC at 530-2199 or www.okumcministries.org. Concert gates open at 6pm. 478-2140, www.frontiercity.com.
FREE Crafts for Kids “Garden Collage” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) for ages 3+ to turn colorful craft materials into a lush garden. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
FREE Storytime with Mr. Steve at Barnes & Noble (540 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman) features classic books read by a very silly storyteller. 11am. 579-8800, www.barnesandnoble.com. Also held: 8/25.
5th Anniversary Dancing for a Miracle Gala at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum benefits the Children’s Hospital Foundation and features local celebrities in a dance competition. $150. 6pm. www.okchf.org.
Oklahoma Victory Dolls Roller Derby at the State Fairgrounds Centennial Building. $13 advance, $15 at door. 6-9pm. www.oklahomavictorydolls.com.
Midnight Streak at the City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) is an annual 5K run & 1-mile fun run that benefits free public visual arts exhibitions & supports arts programming during the year. $30. 9pm. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.
Cha-Cha for Children fundraiser at Regional Physical Therapy (9309 E Reno, Midwest City) benefits the Children’s Center. 7–10:30pm. Tickets, $25. 732-3353, www.regionalpt.com.
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AUGUST S M T W T F S
Metropolitan Library Systemwww.metrolibrary.org
Belle Isle ................5501 N Villa ..........843-9601 Bethany ...............3510 N Mueller ........789-8363 Capitol Hill ........... 334 SW 26th ..........634-6308Choctaw ................2525 Muzzy........... 390-8418Del City .................4509 SE 15th ..........672-1377 Downtown ............300 Park Ave ......... 231-8650Edmond .............. 10 S Boulevard ........ 341-9282Midwest City ........ 8143 E Reno .......... 732-4828Ralph Ellison ...... 2000 NE 23rd ..........424-1437Southern Oaks ...6900 S Walker ........ 631-4468The Village .......... 10307 N Penn ......... 755-0710Warr Acres ..........5901 NW 63rd ..........721-2616 Harrah ..............1930 N Church Ave..... 454-2001 Jones ......................111 E Main ........... 399-5471Luther .....................310 NE 3rd ........... 277-9967 Nicoma Park ..... 2240 Overholser .......769-9452Northwest .........5600 NW 122nd .......606-3580Wright Library ... 2101 Exchange ........235-5035
Pioneer Library Systemwww.pls.lib.ok.us
Blanchard .............. 300 N Main ........... 485-2275McLoud ...................133 N Main ...........964-2960Moore ................... 225 S Howard ......... 793-5100Newcastle ............ 705 NW Tenth ......... 387-5076Noble .......................204 N 5th .............872-5713Norman ................225 N Webster ........ 701-2600Purcell ................... 919 N Ninth ........... 527-5546Shawnee ...........101 N Philadelphia .....275-6353SW OKC .............. 2201 SW 134th ........ 979-2200Tecumseh ...........114 N Broadway .......598-5955
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August 11–12FREE Lowes Build & Grow Clinic “Shrek Dragon Ride” at participating Lowe's Stores invites children to complete a wooden project with a parent/guardian. Participants receive a FREE apron, goggles, certificate & project patch. Preregister. Saturday, 10-11am; Sunday, 2-3pm. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.
World Series of Team Roping at the Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E, Guthrie). 9am daily. www.wstroping.com.
August 12 • SundayArcadia Lake Triathlon & AquaBike at Edmond Park at Lake Arcadia features a Sprint Triathlon including a 500-meter swim, 12-mile bike & 3.1-mile run & an AQUABike including a 500-meter swim & 12 mile bike. 8am. www.triokc.org.
9th Annual Parent & Child Golf Championship at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) is a tournament for 2-person parent-child teams in a Scramble Tee Shot-Alternate Shot Approach-Scramble Putt format. $85 per team. 1pm. 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com.
Pooches in the Pool at City Splash (2200 S Holly, Yukon) is a swim party for the dogs. Pooches will parade around the pool with contests for Best Trick, Best Costume & more. $3 per dog. 5:30-7pm. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov.
August 14 • TuesdayBack to School Event at Bouncin Craze (14901 N Lincoln, Edmond) features indoor & outdoor inflatables.
$7.50 indoor only, $15 both. 10am-8pm. 607-2020, www.bouncincraze.com.
My Art Box at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for ages 2-5 with parent includes painting & decorating a box to store art projects. Preregister by 8/13. $15. 11am-noon & 4-5pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.
Storytime Science at Science Museum Oklahoma presents Shannon Sommers reading “Doodle Cook” by Herve Tullet then leading guests to paint their very own potluck or doodle a dinner. 10am & 2pm.
FREE Girls’ Night DIY Bedroom Overhaul at the Ralph Ellison Library invites girls of all ages to create t-shirt pillowcases. First in the DIY Bedroom Overhaul series. Preregister. 5-6:30pm.
INTEGRIS Back-to-School FREE Hearing Screenings at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute (5911 W Memorial) offers free hearing screenings by appointment only. 5:30-7pm. 951-2277.
August 15 • WednesdayYanni at the Civic Center Music Hall performs his greatest instrumental hits. $45 & up. 7:30pm. 297-2264, www.okciviccenter.com.
August 16–19Cyndi The Story: A Cabaret at the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) features an evening of stories & song with Cyndi Steele-Harrod & friends. Benefits the Poteet Theatre Arts Education Program. Appropriate for ages 12 & up. $25. Thursday-Sunday, 8pm. 609-1023, www.poteettheatre.com.
August 17 • FridayFriday Night 5K at Regatta Park features a 5K race followed by food & fun. Preregister. $25. 919-9587, www.dgroadracing.com.
Bright Night of CSI: Museum Style at Science Museum Oklahoma. Participants will use real, hands-on CSI science to solve a mystery. One adult required per six children. Includes overnight stay in exhibit halls with museum staff, breakfast & concessions open for late-night snacking. $45 child/adult participant, $35 member participant, $20 adult non-participant. 6pm-8:30am.
FREE Heitz Movie Nitez at Marc Heitz Chevrolet (I-35 & Lindsay, Norman) features a family-friendly movie under the stars on the 3rd Friday of every month. Movie at dusk, title TBA. Playground closed during movies. 488-7971, www.facebook.com/kcoyote.1Force.
August 18 • SaturdayHerpetology Art Camp with Patrick Riley at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial, OKC) allows children ages 6-16 to create drawings, masks & sculptures of the snakes & turtles living at the center. $25. 10am-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park/index.html.
Family Fun Night at KickingBird Golf Club (1600 E Danforth, Edmond) invites families to play 9 holes from special junior tees. Tee times required one week in advance. $6 green fees, tee times start at 5pm. 5-8pm. 341-5350, www.kickingbirdgolf.com.
FREE Movie Night at the Park at Little River Park (700 SW 4, Moore) screens Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. 8:45pm. www.cityofmoore.com.
Weekly EventsFREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. See website for complete list & details.
FREE Art Moves weekdays (Monday-Friday) in downtown OKC (various locations). Performances, demonstrations, short films & discussions. Noon-1pm. 270-4892, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.
Toddler Time playtime at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang). $2 or FREE with Town Center membership. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-noon. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.
FREE Admission at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on Tuesdays. 10am-5pm. Activities include Art Adventures for children ages 3-5 with adult (10:30am).
FREE Sooner Mall Outreach Storytime is an interactive story time held outside Sears at Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.
Family Fun Night at JumpZone (SW 104th & Western) includes 2 adults, 2 children, 1 large pizza, 2 liter pop for $25. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-8pm. 200-1691, www.jumpzoneparty.com.
Way Back Wednesdays at the OKC Zoo features $1 admission, concession & ride deals. Children 2 & under FREE. Wednesdays through August.
FREE Children’s Storytime at Quail Springs Barnes
& Noble (13800 N May), Wednesday & Saturday, 11am. 755-1155, www.barnesandnoble.com.
FREE Wacky Wednesdays at the Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) presents a carnival, sports activities & fishing. 10am-noon. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov.
FREE Wednesday Night at the Movies at the Downtown Library. Held every Wednesday, 6-8pm. 231-8650.
Story Time at Be Wild For Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman) includes story & activity. See website for details. Thursday, 11am. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.
FREE Lower Bricktown Live Summer Concert Series in front of the fountain just South of Mickey Mantel & Reno Thursdays through August 16. 7:30-9:30pm. www.lowerbricktown.com.
FREE Story Time in the Garden at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden for children 2-4 years with parent to enjoy a variety of nature-inspired books. Wednesdays & Fridays through the summer, 10am. 297-3611, www.myriadgardens.org.
FREE Summer Movie Nights at the Myriad Gardens invites guests to bring snacks & lawn chairs to enjoy a movie on the Great Lawn. See website for titles. Wednesdays through August, 9pm. www.myriadgardens.org.
FREE Melody Hounds Music Class at the Norman
Library for children 3-7 with parent develops musical literacy. Thursdays, 7-7:30pm; Fridays, 10:30-11am.
FREE Thursday Noon Tunes at the Downtown Library, 11:30-1pm.
Family Fun Day at Celebration Station (509 Westline) features unlimited rides & a pizza buffet for $15.99 per person. Thursdays, 4-9pm. 942-7888, www.celebrationstation.com.
Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. Cash bar, complimentary snacks & live music. See website for details. Thursdays through October 11, 5-10:30pm.
FREE Concerts in the Park at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) features music Thursdays through August 16. 7-9pm. www.cityofyukonok.gov.
FREE Outdoor Concerts in the Park at Hafer Park Stage (1034 S Bryant, Edmond) offer live music outdoors each Thursday at 7:15pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.
FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects in Martin Park. Fridays, 9:30am-12:30pm during the summer months. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.
The UCO Jazz Lab features performances each Friday & Saturday at 8pm. $7 adults, $5 age 12 & under. 359-7989, www.ucojazzlab.com.
8 to 8 at the OKC Zoo invites guests to stay & play from sun up to sun down. The Zoo will be open from
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 39
FREE Crafts for Kids “Crawly Caterpillar” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids ages 3 &up use a little craftiness to create their own tree-climbing caterpillar mid crawl. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
FREE Puppy Palooza at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) invites pet owners to bring furry friends for an evening of music, pet adoptions, food & booths.4-8:30pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.
gloRUN at Stars & Stripes Park at Lake Hefner benefits the Referral Center and features a 5K & 1-mile Fun Run on a course lined with tunnels of artwork & black lights. $40+ 5K, $15 Fun Run (fees increase on 8/10). Fun Run, 7:30pm; 5K 8pm. 918-406-4055, www.glorunokc.com.
Fort Reno Ghost Tours at Historic Fort Reno (7107 W Cheyenne, El Reno) features tales on the 3rd Saturday of the month through November. Includes tours of the fort & presentations by paranormal research teams. Preregister. $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children ages 5-12. 7:30pm. 262-3987, www.fortreno.org.
August 19 • SundayNational Aviation Day at Science Museum Oklahoma honors America’s great aviation history & the science of flight. 11am-6pm.
“The Power and Purpose of the Family Blessing" presented by author Bob Strand at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S. Boulevard, Edmond) includes Biblical concepts to help implement new behavior patterns and make family holidays more meaningful. Pizza provided. 5pm. 562-3200, www.ncovenant.org.
FREE Forever. For Real. Marriage Strenghtening Workshop at the Oklahoma History Center focuses on real-life skills that married couples can use right now to strengthen relationships. Preregister, lunch provided. 9:30am-4pm. www.foreverforreal.com.
August 20 • MondayWho?? at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for children 2-5 with parent to learn about Pablo Picasso & Salvador Dali & then create art. Preregister. $8. 10-11am. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec. Also held: 8/27.
August 20–25Just Between Friends Children Consignment Sale at the State Fairgrounds features new & gently used children’s clothing, toys & equipment. Monday-Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm. www.okc.jbfsale.com.
August 23–25FREE 98th Annual Oklahoma County Free Fair at State Fair Park offers livestock shows, food & gardening competitions, events for kids, livestock shows & more. 713-1125, http://oces.okstate.edu/oklahoma.
August 24 • FridayMake Your Own Music at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for ages 2-5 to celebrate Strange Music Day by creating & learning to play their own musical instruments. Preregister. $10. 10-11am. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.
8am-8pm on Saturdays through August 26.
Train Rides at the Oklahoma Railway Museum leave the Oakwood Depot at 10am, 11am, noon, 1:30pm & 2:30pm on the first & third Saturday of the month. $10 ages 15 & up, $5 ages 3-14, FREE under 3. 424-8222, www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.
FREE Children’s Storytime at Full Circle Bookstore (1900 NW Expressway) each Saturday, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.
FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books, Saturdays, 11am. 340-9202, www.bestofbooksedmond.com.
FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) for beginner, intermediate, advanced & featured styles. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com.
All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email [email protected] to verify schedule. 354-2516.
Live Banjo Performance at the American Banjo Museum (9 E Sheridan) invites guests to enjoy a live banjo performance. FREE with paid admission. 3-5pm. 604-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com. Contact to confirm schedule.
Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art features hands-on art activities. FREE with paid admission. Saturdays, 1-4pm.
History Cruises (Saturdays) & Shakespeare Cruises (Sundays) on the Oklahoma River depart Regatta Park & Exchange landings. Adults $6+, children $3+, FREE under age 6. Through August, noon & 12:45pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.
FREE Open House at techJOYnt (8328 Glade) provides information about this hands-on, technology-based after-school education academy. Sundays, 2-4pm. 345-5010, www.techjoynt.org.
The Family Classroom on Saturdays at the Myriad Botanical Gardens includes fun activities including natural materials for kids ages 7-12 , or younger with adult. Upcoming topics include Solar Cooking (8/11), Water Balloons (8/18) & Scavenger Hunt (8/25.) Fees vary, see website for cost information.
FREE Sunday Twilight Concert Series at the Great Lawn Stage in the Myriad Gardens. Sundays through August, 7:30-9pm. www.artscouncilokc.com.
Luau Cruise departs from Regatta Park Landing & features a night of dancing, Hawaiian-themed cocktails & appetizers. Must be 21 & older. Preregister. $29. Saturdays in August, 7:30-9pm. 702-7755, www.okrivercruises.com.
FREE Sunset Cinemas at Charles J Johnson Park (7209 SE 29, Midwest City) features outdoor movies shown Sunday nights through August 12. Movies begin 20 minutes after sundown. www.visitmidwestcity.com.
40 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
FREE Chasing James performs at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). 7:30pm. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com.
FREE Art After Hours: Peter Schmidt & Brian Eno, Oblique Strategies at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a 45-minute discussion featuring work by contemporary visual artists who incorporate text in their imagery. 6-7pm.
August 24–25Annual OCA Range Round-Up at the State Fair Arena features six events including saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, team branding & wild horse race. 7:30pm. 235-4391, www.okcattlemen.org.
August 24–26The Oklahoma Black Museum’s First Annual Performing Arts Festival includes art, food vendors and entertainment. Memorial Park (36th & Classen) Friday 2-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-9pm. Details, 213-8077.
August 25 • Saturday5K to Monet at the Fine Arts Institute (27 E Edwards, Edmond) features a timed 5K & 1-mile Family Fun run/walk. $18 Family Fun Run, $30 5K. 8am. 413-5439, www.edmondfinearts.com.
Moore War Run at Moore High School (300 N Eastern) is a 5K sanctioned race beginning at Moore High School & ending at Old Town Moore Downtown. Preregister. $25. 7:30am. www.moorewarrun.com.
Mother Nature’s Rx at Martin Park Nature Center is a origami program in the Martin Park woods. $2 per person. Preregister. 10am. 755-0676, ww.okc.gov/parks/martin_park.
FREE Crafts for Kids “Fun-to-Make Bookmark” at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) invites kids 3+ to create a personalized bookmark. Ages 3 & up. 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.
Spirit Sprint 5K Run & Fun Walk at Chisholm Trail Park (500 W Vandament, Yukon) benefits special needs recreation in Yukon. 8-10am. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov.
4th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Arcadia Lake in Edmond for participants to build a cardboard boat to race on the lake. Categories for youth, teens and adults. Applications due on 8/17. Boat registration, $35 & up; Spectators, $5 per vehicle. 9am-noon. 216-7635, www.edmondok.com.
FREE Hands on Learning: Klutz at the Quail Springs Barnes & Noble (13800 N May) for children of all ages. 11:30am. 755-1155, www.barnesandnoble.com.
OU Stream Ecology at Science Museum Oklahoma for guests to learn the science that makes up Oklahoma's streams & get hands on with the OU Stream Ecology Club. 11:30am-2pm.
Symphony by the Sea at the Oklahoma Aquarium features members of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in an evening of dining tank side followed by a concert in the Aquarium Great Hall. Proceeds benefit the educational programs of both organizations. 6:30pm.
August 25–26FREE Lowes Build & Grow Clinic “Shrek Onion Carriage” at participating Lowe’s Stores for children to complete a wooden project with a guardian. FREE apron, goggles, certificate & project patch. Preregister. Saturday, 10-11am; Sunday, 2-3pm. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com.
FREE Remote Area Medical/Bricktown Rotary Health Care Weekend at the State Fairgrounds Expo Hall provides dental care, eye exams, women’s health care & general medical referrals for the general public. 8am-8pm. www.ramok.org.
FREE Dental & Vision Screenings provided by Remote Area Medical Oklahoma in the Oklahoma Expo Hall at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Patients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis with the first patient served at 6 a.m. each day. Volunteer opportunities available. www.ramok.org.
August 26 • SundayFREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art provides free museum admission and hands-on art activities. 1-4pm. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.
August 28 • TuesdayFREE Substance Abuse and Mental Health Statewide Conference at Crossings Community Church (2208 W. Hefner) for individuals and groups working with faith-based substance abuse and mental health prevention and service providers.9am-3:30pm. Preregister. www.faithlinksok.org
August 29 • WednesdayFREE ABC Animal Jamboree at the Belle Isle Library for Pre-K kids to enjoy stories that emphasize the letters of the alphabet followed by playtime with letter recognition activities. Preregister. 10-10:45am.
Atom Day at Science Museum Oklahoma for guests to come learn the science that makes up a single Atom & learn just how complex they are. 11:30am-2pm.
August 30 • ThursdayHanging Clay Birdfeeder at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) for ages 2-5 with parent to learn basic techniques to build a hanging birdfeeder. Preregister. $12. 11am-noon. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.
Ladies Night Out at Be Wild for Art (1006 24th Ave NW, Norman) invites ladies to bring their favorite beverages & snacks while enjoying an evening of painting. $4 discounted studio fee. 6-9pm. 307-9971, www.bewildforart.com.
August 2012 | www.metrofamilymagazine.com 41
August 30–September 1Monkey Business Children’s Consignment Sale at the Shawnee Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) features new & gently used items relating to children & teens. Many items half-price on Saturday. Thursday-Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-2pm. 740-9357, http://shawnee.monkeybusinessok.com.
August 31–September 2Oktoberfest at Choctaw’s Creek Park features homemade German food, genuine German beers & wine & continuous live entertainment for all ages, plus German dance groups, crafts & activities for children. 390-8647, www.choctawfestival.org. Also held 9/5-8.
September 1 • SaturdayOSU Football vs. Savannah State at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. 6pm. www.okstate.com. Other home games this month: 9/15 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette & 9/29 vs. Texas.
27th Annual Brookhaven 5K Run at Brookhaven Village (36th Ave NW & Robinson, Norman) includes 5K, 1-mile Fun Run & children’s races. $22 in advance, $25 race day, FREE children’s races ages 11 & under. 8am. www.brookhavenrun.com.
FREE Loose Caboose Festival on Main Street in Purcell is a family event featuring antiques, collectibles, crafts, art, children’s activities, wine tasting, food & live entertainment throughout the day. 9am-4pm. www.loosecaboosefestival.com.
OKC Redhawks vs. Round Rock Express baseball at the Bricktown Ballpark. 7:05pm. $5 & up. 218-1000, www.okcredhawks.com. Other home games this month: 9/2-3.
September 1–2Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market in the Modern Living Building at State Fair Park features a large selection of quality antiques & collectibles. $5 adults, FREE children under 12. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. www.buchananmarkets.com.
September 1–3FREE Arts Festival Oklahoma at Oklahoma City Community College is a is a three day event highlighting a wide variety of fine art, crafts, children’s activities, culinary specialties & live entertainment. $5 parking. Saturday-Sunday, 10am-9pm; Monday, 10am-5pm. 682-7576, www.occc.edu/afo.
September 1–October 20FREE Line Drives & Lipstick: the Untold Story of Women’s Baseball at the Edmond Historical Society (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) celebrates the legends & landmarks of the dedicated women athletes who
hit, fielded, slid & caught with passion. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org.
September 3 • MondayFREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm.
Scout Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium invites scouts to take a trip through the Arctic Zone & learn how animals survive in the harsh conditions. Scouts can earn the Oklahoma Aquarium’s own Junior Biologist Badge and enjoy discounted admission rate. 10am-6pm.
September 2012Visit metrofamilymagazine.
com/calendar for more family-friendly events!
42 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
Ongoing Events
Through August 5Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in an annual exhibition featuring more than 300 works by the finest contemporary Western artists.
Through August 10Summer Movie Fun at Harkins Bricktown Cinemas 16 (150 E Reno) kid-friendly movies held Monday–Friday, 9:45am. $5 admission to one movie per week for the series. 231-4747, www.harkinstheatres.com/smf.
Through August 17Citizens Caring for Children Back to School Event at CCC Resource Center (730 W Wilshire Creek) matches children in foster care with a personal shopper to help them find new clothes, backpack and school supplies for the first day of school. Uniforms also available. Must provide valid driver's license & placement paperwork indicating DHS custody. Monday-Friday, 9am-noon & 1-5pm. 753-4099, www.citizenscaringforchildren.org.
Through August 25Soaring Voices: Recent Ceramics by Women from Japan at City Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) features ceramic works by 25 women artists. 951-0000, www.cityartscenter.org.
Through August 26Morning Zoo Rise at the OKC Zoo features an early opening at 8am daily to allow guests to enjoy the Zoo during the cooler morning hours. 8am-5pm.
Through August 31FREE Admission at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee) through August. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.
OBI & OKC Zoo Summer Partnership offers FREE zoo tickets, t-shirt & health screenings when you donate blood at any OBI drive. www.obi.org.
Through September 2FREE Of Our Land Exhibit at the Oklahoma State Capitol North Gallery is Cody Lee Dopps’ photography of old houses & buildings set against vast landscapes. Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm. 521-2931, www.arts.ok.gov.
Through September 3Blue Star Museums provides FREE admission to participating museums. Available to military ID holder & five immediate family members. See website for details & full list of participating locations. www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
Through September 9Fusion: A New Century of Glass at the OKC Museum of Art features glass sculptures & installations from the twenty-first century that embrace the diversity & depth of the human experience.
Vernet to Villon: Nineteenth Century French Master Drawings from the National Gallery of Art at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features drawings & watercolors representing each of the major 19th-century movements.
Red Earth Invitational Sculpture Exhibit at the Myriad Botanical Gardens features Native American sculptures installed in the Meinders Garden & the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory's South entrance visitors' center.
Through September 16The Cult of Personality: Andy Warhol, Harold Stevenson & Portraiture at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features portraits by Andy Warhol with a special focus on the Polaroids he used as preparatory studies for the portraits he produced.
Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Discoveries from China at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History features a dozen rare cast dinosaurs as well as fossil dinosaur eggs, nests & bones.
Through October 7The Art of Golf at the OKC Museum of Art explores the history of the sport through 90 works from artists such as Rembrandt, Charles Lees, Norman Rockwell & Andy Warhol.
Through October 27Generation Next: Chapter Two at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum showcases paintings & ceramics by former Oklahoma City Thunder player Desmond Mason.
Through December 9Oklahoma & Infamy at the Oklahoma History Center marks the 70th anniversary of the United States’ entrance into WWII with artifacts, uniforms, interviews with veterans & personal letters. FREE admission to veterans & active duty military.
Through 2012Oklahoma at the Movies at the Oklahoma History Center showcases the creativity & innovation of Oklahomans & their legacy of creating, starring in & watching motion pictures.
Through August 2013Pablo Picasso’s Woman in the Studio at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features works by Picasso from the museum’s permanent collection and on loan from the St. Louis Art Museum.
46 www.metrofamilymagazine.com | August 2012
For September, we want to see photos of your child's best funny faces and silly expressions. Photos are due by Saturday, August 18. Guidelines and a photo submission form can be found at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/mfm-photo-galleries.
Back-to-School Fun!To celebrate the beginning of a new
school year, we asked our readers to submit their favorite first day of
school photos.
View all submissions at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/
august-2012-photos.
Jack L., age 9, and Molly L, age 5, of OKC.
Raegan L., age 2 and Madisen L., age 4 of Edmond.
Hudson M., age 5, of Edmond on his first day of Pre-K.
Cale R., age 5, of Yukon on his first day of Pre-K.
Emma L., age 7, of Edmond on her first day of 1st Grade.
Lauren L., age 4, of Edmond on her first day of Pre-K.
