kc parent magazine april 2013

kcparent.com 1april 2013

FREEApril 2013KCParent.comSince 1985

Where you find family, you will find us.

summer camp

farm to table dining in kc

green tips to go

all year

simple ways to show your

daughter you love her

50

10-page guide

kcparent.comapril 20132

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD

Barbara S. Trites, MD

Lisa B. Fletcher, MD

Deann E. DeWitt, MD

Allison C. Henschel, MD

Sarah J. Gladstone, MD

Bryan L. Phillips, MD

Daniel E. Gershon, DO

Veronica Manka, MD

Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD

Jennifer M. Sauer, MD

Cynthia M. Dean, DO

Ashley Campbell, DO

Danielle Leivian, MD

Lauren Lee, PNP

Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP

Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP

Camille Lucitto, C-PNP

Cindy Fieser, C-PNP

Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

Angela Stott, C-PNP

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Healthy Smiles, Healthy Child

DR. HEMBERGER

Why choose us? Our Expertise...

Ask usabout ourkids campfor ages

4-11! • American Board Certified Pediatric Dentists.

• Recipient of the prestigious Kansas Dentist of the Year 2010 Award.

• Served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Kansas Dental Association.

• Recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the Kansas Fifth District Dental Society.

• Pediatric Dental Coordinator for the Kansas Mission of Mercy since 2002.

• Appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Kansas Dental Board

Pediatric Dental Specialists for Children & TeensGLENN V. HEMBERGER, D.D.S., M.S.

New Patients call today!913-345-0331 • hembergerpediatricdental.com

8575 W. 110TH, STE. 310 • OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210

We are excited and privileged to provide comprehensive dental andorthodontic care for children and teens including those with special needs.

I promise to protect you.Giving the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect your baby from 14 serious childhood diseases. For more reasons to vaccinate, talk to your health care provider or go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines or call 913-826-1261.

Immunization. Power to Protect.

Clinic Locations11875 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe, KS 660616000 Lamar Ave., Mission, KS 66202913-826-1261 • http://jcdhe.jocogov.org/

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Enough is EnoughTips for clearing clutter and getting rid of stuff

46

14 Media Mix

15 Word from Dad

18 Women’s Health

20 Healthy Kids

DEPARTMENTS

26 Party Guide

28 Go Green

34 Camp Guide

48 Calendar of Events

SPECIAL SECTIONS

APRIL2013

Procrastination5 ways to stop kids from procrastinating

FEATURES

50 Ways to Tell Your Daughter You Love Her 16

Tips to Go Green All Year 28

Farm to Table Dining 30

Co-op Camp 40

ON THE COVER

TIPS FOR GOING GREEN ALL YEAR, PG. 28




summer camp


green tips to go

all year



50

10-page guide

Our cover features Lucie from Prairie Village. Cover

and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

30

Farm to Table KC restaurants serving farm fresh fare

10


DEPARTMENTS


100%LOCAL

PublisherMichael Gimotty

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Associate PublisherDarrell Dean

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EditorMargaret Sarver

[email protected]

Art DirectorLauren Goldman

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Advertising SalesDarrell Dean

Lynn [email protected]

Electronic Media ManagerKristina Light

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Event CalendarMarisa Frymire

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ProofreaderSusan Crainshaw

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DistributionTo be added to our distribution list, e-mail [email protected]

Local Contributing WritersBill Bartlett (Belton), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park),

Amanda Doll (Lenexa), Jennifer Duxbury (Olathe), Tisha Foley (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Kristina Light (Kansas City),

Jane Blumenthal Martin (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Hallie Sawyer

(Overland Park), Karah Thornton (Kansas City), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee)

Business Office

11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

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editor’s letter Enough is enough! Have you every uttered this phrase? It can be applied to a myriad of situations.

Most recently, I used it in reference to the amount of stuff that had accumulated in the unfinished part of our basement. Once a place to store things such as holiday décor, furniture and files that I may need “some-day,” it had turned into an area of the house so full of clutter that I could barely walk in to retrieve stored spring clothing. I decided that enough was, indeed, enough.

It took several weeks, but I sorted through each box of clothing I had stored from when the girls were young (I had everything from newborn to age 10!), as well as all of the Christmas decorations. I tossed decorations no longer used and consigned much of the clothing. I reorga-nized, reboxed and redid half of the base-ment, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. While no one sees this part of the house, I feel much more at peace know-ing that it is organized—and I can walk in without tripping!

Wendy Connelly, Overland Park mom of two, felt the same way, and she, like I, decided to get serious about clean-ing the clutter. Read all of her super-help-ful tips on pg. 46 and get started today!

I am a super proud parent in many ways, but one of my “babies,” this maga-zine you are holding, recently won several awards at the annual PMA convention! Our “Back to School” guide won the gold medal for Best Special Section, while our “Kansas City Christmas Scavenger Hunt” took home silver for Best Original Interior Illustration. Honorable mentions were awarded to our “Super Moms” and “Unique & Unforgettable Family Vacations” features. In addition, KCParent.com took the silver for Best Blog, “100 Days of Sum-mer” and an honorable mention for Best Use of Multimedia.

Enjoy this month’s issue of KC Parent, and here’s just a taste of what we’re work-ing on for May: Mother’s Day, Day Trips, Women’s Health, the ABCs of Completing the School Year and much, much more!

Enjoy spring with your family!

Margaret Sarver, Editor




summer camp


green tips to go

all year



50

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KCGOINGPLACES.COM 1

the ultimate guide to family fun in KC spring/summer 2013

500+ IDEAS TO GET OUT AND PLAY!

INTO SLIDE

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Enter to win KC Parent’s American Girl® Gold Package Giveaway! One lucky reader will win a special overnight at the Kansas City Down-town Marriott, valued at $300. See details on pg. 60.

win it!


Be an example.The adage “actions speak louder than words” definitely applies here. Parents are the first teachers kids have, and if we put play before work, they will too. How many of you have scrolled through Pinterest while barking at your kids about getting homework done? Yep, guilty here, too. Procrastination is a learned behav-ior, ahem, and it’s important that we as parents provide a good example. You can even create family time around the work. Sit down and pay bills at the kitchen table while the kids do their homework. Fold laundry while they pick up their toys. Be the person you want your children to be.

Establish a routine.By setting up a daily routine, you can alleviate the need for constant nagging that may have become part of your modus operandi as a mom. Local mom Amy Hilbrich Davis has developed a genius technique she teaches in her parenting workshops. With seven kids, she had to come up with something to keep her san-ity intact. She made checklists for before and after school of specific tasks the kids need to get done before any playtime. Be-

cause her children know specifically what is expected of them, the need to constant-ly remind and cajole is eliminated.

Help them set goals.Goal setting is the perfect way to help kids accomplish those bigger tasks. Is a book report due in three weeks? Sit down with your child and help break down how many pages need to be read each night. Then establish a timeline for drafting and completing the report. By breaking these larger tasks down into smaller and more concrete ones, kids will be able to grasp what it will take to get things done. Taking the abstract away and giv-ing specific goals helps kids not feel so overwhelmed.

Reward, don’t punish.Rather than punishing a child for not get-ting his tasks done, you’ll get the results you want by rewarding him when he actu-ally follows through on what is expected of him. But Dr. Ferrari says it doesn’t have to be all or none. He suggests rewarding kids if they hit 80 percent of their goal. Catching them being good and provid-ing positive reinforcement will make you both feel much better about it.

No more rescuing! It’s a parent’s natural instinct to rescue our children when we see that they are floun-dering. Failing at something is not going to ruin them for life. Instead, the natural consequences of their behavior, or lack of, should light the fire of change you are looking for. We can talk to our kids until we are blue in the face about getting things done, but a poor grade or a missed opportunity to play with a friend because their chores/homework aren’t done will speak volumes in comparison. Life is a series of learned lessons. Things will only get harder for them if we as parents keep rescuing our children rather than letting them pick themselves up.

Hallie Sawyer is a local writer/blogger who is beyond thrilled that procrastina-tion is not a genetic trait. Read her blog at HallieSawyer.com.

It seems procrastination and chil-dren go together like peas and carrots. Some will grow out of it

as they age, but some won’t without some guidance. Dr. Joseph Ferrari, professor of psychology at DePaul University, says, “Everybody pro-crastinates, but not everybody is a procrastinator.” Here are some tips to help stop your children from continu-ing this unhealthy habit.

5 ways to get your child to stopprocrastinatingpsst...

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juicy new issue for

don’t miss:day trips • celebrating momswomen’s health • financial

responsibility • summer camp guide

may


b


Can you survive a digital detox? Take on the challenge this spring with your family during Screen-

Free Week. The Campaign for a Commer-cial Free Childhood says, “Screen-Free Week is a national celebration where chil-dren, families, schools and communities spend seven days turning off entertain-ment screen media and turning on life. It’s a time to unplug and play, read, daydream, create, explore and spend more time with family and friends.”

Dr. Jennifer Andrews of Shawnee Mission Pediatrics says that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, screen time is strongly discouraged for children under 2. For older children, one to two hours of entertainment screen time with nonviolent, educational program-ming is the suggested limit. Dr. Andrews also says, “There should never be a TV in a child’s room, as it interferes with their sleep patterns.”

Screen-Free Week is an opportunity to jumpstart a “digital diet” that may even result in a lifestyle change…big or small. Make Screen-Free Week work for you. Participate for a week or participate for a day. Do it with just your TV or include all screens. Shut down all your social

screen-free week: turn off that TV to celebrate – not suffer

What: Screen-Free Week 2013

When: April 29-May 5

Why: To get reacquainted with the “natural” world

A 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation survey of more than 2,000 8- to 18-year-olds revealed the following:

More homes in America have TVs than indoor plumbing. • Today’s environment for kids has an average of four TVs, three DVD Players, one DVR, two video game consoles and two computers (includes laptops and tablet devices). • More than 70 per-cent of teenagers have a TV in their bedroom; half of those also have a video game console. • Children and teenagers spend an average of seven hours a day with some form of a screen. • By the time today’s youths reach age 70, they will have spent 7-10 years of their lives watch-ing television.

Source: American Academy of Pedi-atrics Publications

networks or just vow to get together with friends instead of texting. Make your own rules.

“I put a sheet over each of our TVs for the week to make it ‘out of sight out of mind,’” Lenexa mom Jennifer Koskela says. Talk to your family about your goals for the week and, more importantly, what fun things you want to do together! Planning these activities as a family will build the anticipation and enjoyment of the week.

Ironically, the computer screen can help you prepare for going screen free. Once again, Pinterest delivered some awesome ideas when I searched “fun and active alternatives to screen time.” Check it out and consider these other simple, fun and inexpensive ways to enjoy your vaca-tion from the screen.

Visit ScreenFreeKC.com for a cal-endar of local events during Screen-Free Week! For more information on Screen-Free Week, visit ScreenFree.org or check out Facebook.com/ScreenFreeWeek.

It will be hard to part with her iPad for a week, but Amanda Doll is looking forward to taking on the challenge of Screen-Free Week with her family in Lenexa.

did youknow?


screen-free week: turn off that TV to celebrate – not suffer

Grow something in the garden; pot some plants or herbs. • Explore your neighborhood. • Picnic in the park. • Take a family bike ride. • Create an obstacle course. • Visit a new playground. • Adopt a new active family hobby: bike riding, walking, geo-caching, etc…

Set up a time to volunteer at a pet shelter, soup kitchen, etc. • Go see the game. Don’t watch it in pixels—see the REAL thing (Go, Royals!). • Check out the public parks in your area. • Call Aunt Edna—set up some visits to those relatives and friends you have been meaning to see. This is a perfect week to bring over a meal and spend some time catch-ing up. • Spend some time at your local library.

screens off inside

Look at photo albums and share stories about people and places. • Make homemade pizzas for dinner. • Bake cookies together for a neighbor or friend. • Play! Board games, cards, dominoes…when was the last time you played a game that wasn’t an app? • Craft! Check out InnerChild.com ahead of time for tons of fun and inexpensive craft ideas. • De-clutter and organize. Thin out the toy boxes, garages, closets and donate. • Set up some cups as pins and have a family game of hallway bowling. • Work on a jigsaw puzzle throughout the week. • Have an indoor campout with a homemade fort.

screens off outside

screens off around town

TIME TO CELEBRATEYOU

Room Rentals and Party Packages

Celebrate your child’s next birthday at your neighborhood Y. You’ll have an opportunity to be active and have fun in a safe environment. Parties include room time as well as pool time. Let us help make this a birthday they will always remember.

Visit KansasCityYMCA.org to find your local Y.


This dreamy little poem allows the reader to peek in on a little princess as she longs to end her loneliness. What better way than to find a dragon? But alas, our little princess doesn’t have a dragon. So she weeps and weeps until her tears flow out of her kingdom, across the land and into a cave where a lonely dragon sleeps. He rushes out of the cave, following the tears. He busts through her chamber doors and announces his arrival. The princess and the dragon are very happy

New releases highlight friendships for all agesBy McGeath Freeman

Best Friends Forevermedia mix

Anyone who has a cat knows how the animals think. They’re narcissists. Ham-weenie, the star of this tale, is no different. He dreams of being loved the world over. He believes he is destined for greatness. Hamweenie’s owner is a young girl who includes him in tea parties,

grooms him with a silver brush and gives him fishy treats. Ah, but it is all torture in Hamweenie’s melodramatic eyes. The watercolor and ink illustrations bring out the humor in such torment as playing video games and lazing in front of warm sunny windows. Cat loving kids will enjoy this tale of friendship.

In this follow-up to Bridget Fidget and the Most Perfect Pet, the little ball of energy that is Bridget has lost a tooth. When the Tooth Fairy leaves her a nice shiny gold coin, she knows just what to do with it. Bridget takes “special one and only” Captain Cat to Dinglebangs Universe of Toys to buy something. While Bridget runs through the store, Captain Cat falls

What’s good: Fun look into the psyche of a cat.What’s bad: Humor may be over many children’s heads.

together—playing and frolicking.

At its heart, this sweet and quirky tale is about true love and friendship. It’s about finding that special someone that completes who you are. Be it little or “biggle,” it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. What matters is in your heart. Joosse helps your little ones know that with family and friends around, they don’t have to worry about the cold, dark or loneliness.

The Amazing Hamweenie

By Patty Bowman Best for: Ages 3-7

Lovabye Dragon

By Barbara JoosseIllustrated by Randy Cecil

Best for: Ages 3-7

What’s good: A wonderful tale that should become a bedtime classic.What’s bad: Using a dragon as a child’s greatest love is a bit of a stretch.

My Special One and Only

By Joe Berger Best for: Ages 5-8

out of her backpack and into someone else’s basket. When she finally realizes the tragedy taking place, Bridget makes a frantic search and throws a tantrum. Most parents will relate to their child’s losing that special plush and the ensu-ing frantic search. Children will imagine themselves in Bridget’s shoes as well.

What’s good: A slow speed car chase in the toy store is a nice touch.What’s bad: Mo Willem’s Knuffle Bunny sets the bar for this story line.

Saltz has a secret love for Anabell Stack-poole. When his best friend, Ed, finds out, he enlists his eighth-grade class to help get them together. Because they are studying Shakespeare, Ed decides that they should put on a play. They proceed to rewrite the play to include only the

Romeo and Juliet Together

(and Alive!) at Last

By AviBest for: Ages 10-14

important scenes. With everyone on board, the story takes us through the ups and downs of rehearsals, shy leading characters, bullying, gaffes and goofs. It is a light read but very enjoyable. Avi won’t be winning any awards with this one, but he may win some new readers.

What’s good: Shakespeare gets introduced to young readers in a way they’ll enjoy.What’s bad: The kids seemed a little younger than the stated eighth grade.

And one for older readers…


“Sandi, I’m home.” I stood on the front porch and waited for her to unhook the door. When

James began walking, I installed a simple hook on each storm door. If by waiting a few minutes for entry we could prevent tragedy, so be it. It’s such a small price.

Ian toddled up to the door and smiled at me.

“Ian, go get Mommy.”His grin grew broader and he

toddled away.At 3, Ian was pre-verbal and still in

diapers. His autism spectrum disorder diagnosis wouldn’t come for another year, and we were concerned with his lagging development. Knowing he was safe, I relaxed. Sandi would be there in a minute.

I heard a sound from the house and peered through the door.

Ian toddled back to me, pushing a kitchen chair, still wearing that broad grin. He stopped at the door, climbed up on the chair and lifted the hook. I stifled a groan.

“Thanks, big guy, you’re really help-ful.” I lifted and hugged him, spinning around and making him giggle.

“Bill, you’re home,” Sandi said, her eyes wide. “I thought I hooked the door.”

I pointed to the chair and lifted Ian. Her eyes grew wider.

“He did that?” The impact set in and she groaned. “Oh, no, what are we going to do?”

“Relax, My Love, I have a plan.”I tightened the last screw on the

new, spring-loaded hooks and smiled. The new hooks stymied the boys for another four years, and then we installed patio door locks that required a key.

Older now and verbal, they always ask to go out and always obey our direc-tions to stay in the yard. This makes me more comfortable, but I’ll never forget Ian’s grin when he figured out how to unhook the door without a word.

William Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Without a Word

word from dad

•ParentalResilience•KnowledgeofParenting&ChildDevelopment

•SocialConnections•ConcreteSupportsinTimesofNeed

•Social&EmotionalCompetence

•Nurturing&Attachment

Protective Factors Strengthen Families

Enroll at YMCASummerFun.org or call 913.345.9622.

At Y DAY CAMp, thE poSSibilitiES ArE EnDlESS.Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too.


1. Tuck her in at night.

2. Ask to see her favorite app.

3. Write jokes on a sticky note and place on her bathroom mirror.

4. Ask her to be responsible for dessert at family dinner.

5. Compliment her.

6. Laugh with her.

7. Share dessert at Rozzelle Court Restaurant located in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what our little girls are made of. However, as our little girls grow into young ladies, the mother-daughter relationships can sometimes carry more spice than sweet. One thing that doesn’t change over the years is the need for our girls to know just how loved and cherished they truly are for who they are. Moms, here are 50 simple ways to love and stay connected with your sweet and spicy little ladies.

9. Share a girls’ movie night watching Ann of Green Gables.

10. Read her favorite book.

12. Hike around Lake Lenexa in Black Hoof Park located at 9053 Monticello Rd. in Lenexa.

13. Surprise her with a bou- quet of daisies.

14. Hug daily.

15. Drop off her favorite take-out lunch at school.

16. Ask about her friends.

17. Plant a garden together.

18. Go on a coffee date and let her order for you.

19. Challenge her to a game of checkers.

20. Knit together.

21. Tell her why she’s beautiful inside and out.

22. Let her plan the next family outing.

23. Take horseback riding lessons together.

24. Tell her how she’s unique.

25. Involve her in a home improvement project.

26. Let her see your mistakes.

27. Let her hear your apologies.

28. Listen attentively.

29. Ask her how she feels about important subjects.

30. Play Scrabble.

31. Fold laundry together.

32. Smile at her when she’s talking to you.

34. Challenge her to a Just Dance competition.

35. Stay up late talking.

36. Keep a mom- daughter journal.

37. Brush her hair before bed.

38. Tell stories from her younger years.

39. Organize a spa night (at home).

40. Enjoy meals together.

41. Offer to clean her room alongside her.

42. Practice her favorite sport with her.

L VE50 SIMPLE WAYS TO SHOW YOUR DAUGHTER YOUR

11. CRANK UP HER FAVORITE SONG IN THE CAR.

33. TELL HER WHY YOU LIKE HER.

8. SHARE A GRATITUDE JOURNAL (YOU EACH LIST 3 THINGS PER DAY)

FOR A LIST OF GREAT PARENT-CHILD

DATE IDEAS, VISIT KCPARENT.COM


43. Tour the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City.

44. Ask about her best and worst of each day.

45. Participate in a 5k race together.

47. Agree with her when you can.

VE49. Disagree with her when it’s for her best.

50. Place a piece of candy in her jacket pocket and remind her to look as she goes out the door.

46. LET HER APPLY YOUR MAKEUP & FIX YOUR HAIR

48. TELL HER YOU LOVE HER— OFTEN.

Jena Meyerpeter is mom to three coura-geous daughters in Lenexa.

Enroll now at KansasCityYMCa.org

ConFIDEnt HEartSYoUtH SPortS Y sports provide a structured opportunity for kids to learn the game, improve technique, stay active, build social skills, gain confidence and develop leadership. The focus is on teamwork in a positive environment where everyone plays and everyone is part of the team.

SwIM lESSonS Our programs are about more than just the techniques and strokes. They are about nurturing life-saving swimming skills, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime.


2013 Recommended Immunizations for Children from 7 Through 18 Years Old

7–10 YEARS 11-12 YEARS 13-18 YEARS Tdap Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine Tdap

MCV4

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine (3 Doses)

Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4) Dose 1 MCV4 Dose 1

HPV

Booster at age 16 years

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Hepatitis A (HepA) Vaccine Series

Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine Series

Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) Series

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Series

Varicella Vaccine Series

These shaded boxes indicate when the vaccine is recommended for all children unless your doctor tells you that your child cannot safely receive the vaccine.

These shaded boxes indicate the vaccine should be given if a child is catching-up on missed vaccines.

These shaded boxes indicate the vaccine is recommended for children with certain health conditions that put them at high risk for serious diseases. Note that healthy children can get the HepA series6 www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/ACIP-list.htm.

FOOTNOTES1 Tdap vaccine is combination vaccine that is recommended at age 11 or 12 to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. If your child has not received any or all of the DTaP vaccine series, or if you don’t know if your child has received these shots, your child needs a single dose of Tdap when they are 7 -10 years old. Talk to your child’s health care provider to find out if they need additional catch-up vaccines. 2 All 11 or 12 year olds – both girls and boys – should receive 3 doses of HPV vaccine to protect against HPV-related disease. Either HPV vaccine (Cervarix® or Gardasil®) can be given to girls and young women; only one HPV vaccine (Gardasil®) can be given to boys and young men. 3 Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) is recommended at age 11 or 12. A booster shot is recommended at age 16. Teens who received MCV for the first time at age 13 through 15 years will need a one-time booster dose between the ages of 16 and 18 years. If your teenager missed getting the vaccine altogether, ask their health care provider about getting it now, especially if your teenager is about to move into a college dorm or military barracks. 4 Everyone 6 months of age and older—including preteens and teens—should get a flu vaccine every year. Children under the age of 9 years may require more than one dose. Talk to your child’s health care provider to find out if they need more than one dose. 5 A single dose of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for children who are 6 - 18 years old with certain medical conditions that place them at high risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about pneumococcal vaccine and what factors may place your child at high risk for pneumococcal disease. 6 Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for older children with certain medical conditions that place them at high risk. HepA vaccine is licensed, safe, and e�ective for all children of all ages. Even if your child is not at high risk, you may decide you want your child protected against HepA. Talk to your healthcare provider about HepA vaccine and what factors may place your child at high risk for HepA.

For more information, call toll free 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teens

Immunization Information April 24-30 is World Immunization Week. Below is a list of recommended vaccinations for ages 7-18. For more informa-tion, visit JCDHE.JoCoGov.org/Health/Immune/Child. As always, please check with your health provider regarding any questions or concerns.

It is easy to say that you would hope for someone to donate their organs at their time of death to save another’s life. In fact, donating is said to be the most loving and generous last gift to others. Unfortunately, asking family members immediately after a loved one has passed is difficult for everyone. That is why it is so important to think about your choices in advance.

Why Donate?• To save lives. One person can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life for up to 50.• It may help your family cope with loss, knowing they helped so many others, especially at their time of sorrow.

How to Become a Donor:• Register as an organ donor with your state. Visit OrganDonor.gov and follow the instructions on how to become an organ donor. • Sign the back of your driver’s license.• Tell family, friends, church leaders or anyone else important to you what your wishes are.• Include your wishes in an advance directive or living will.

Registering with your state is one of the most important ways to make your wishes known. One may think that telling your family or signing the back of your driver’s license is enough, but ultimately your family will need to make the decision, one that must be made urgently and during a highly emotional time. Your wishes will be absolutely clear, because you will have registered in advance.

If you would like more information about organ donation, please visit OrganDonor.gov or talk to your personal healthcare provider. Register today to give the gift of hope and life to others.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mother and nurse practitioner who is asking you to think about organ donation.

Imagine the entire city of Olathe anxiously awaiting an organ donation to continue living. Actually, that is roughly how many people nationally are waiting for an

organ donation today. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, while they are waiting, 18 of them will die each day. What would you hope for if that were your mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife or child?

the giftof life

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… a dress up kind of girl. … a future doctor. … a little sister. … a learner. … a blood recipient. … a dancer. … a singe … a singer. … thankful. … strong. … brave.

Nina is a fashionista who loves singing and dancing. One day she will do wonderful things in this world when she gives great care for her patients as a kind and happy doctor. She isis also a blood recipient who battled Leukemia and won. She is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save her life.

Who are you?

I am ...

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healthy kids

handwriting’s on the wall:

signs of a problemRemember when your toddler

couldn’t express himself with words, so he would act out by throwing

tantrums, hitting or even biting? What if the same child in kindergarten developed his vocabulary but had limited dexterity for the written language—is that child any less impaired than he was as a toddler?

According to Nemours Foundation, “Writing is one of the most complex tasks that humans engage in, involving both mo-tor and critical-thinking skills.” It is compa-rable to building a brick wall. You start at the bottom, adding each skill on top of the previous one. Miss a few bricks, and the foundation for learning is compromised.

Legible handwriting takes some coordination for many children. “Our role is not to teach handwriting, but to target the underlying cause,” says Suzanne Gay, an occupational therapist with Blue Val-ley School District. “This could include improving fine motor control or strength in order to maintain a functional grasp of the writing utensil, proper positioning of the student in relation to the chair and writing surface, visual motor skills required for the student to form letters and numbers, or visual perceptual difficulties which may in-terfere with spacing and line orientation.”

Therapists generally see students for weekly sessions and monitor progress to determine the effectiveness of interven-tions, according to Gay.

Not all children with poor handwrit-ing need extra assistance, though. It only becomes a problem when the child falls behind in school, since teachers rely on the student’s written work to determine whether the child is learning.

Signs of a problem: • Very awkward pencil grip• Illegible handwriting

If your child has been assessed and therapy is recommended, here are a few things to do at home:• Play with modeling clay or play-dough, cutting out shapes with cookie cutters.• Manipulate beads, threading yarn through the beads or straw pieces to make jewelry.• Participate in sports to improve eye-to-hand coordination skills.• Have your child eat with silverware to strengthen his grip.• Practice writing handwritten letters to friends, teachers, grandparents, etc.

Is cursive outdated? Read “Is Cursive Coming to a Close” at KCParent.com.


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• Difficulty forming letters• Inability to concentrate and complete writing tasks• Avoiding writing• Many misspelled words• Letters or words that don’t follow correct sequence• Incorrect placement of words on the page• Uneven spacing between letters• A large gap between spoken language and writing ability• An exceptionally slow and difficult time writing

The role of an occupational therapist: • Evaluate the child’s muscle strength, control, coordination and stamina.• Assess the visual and perceptual ability influencing a child’s ability to form letters and shapes. • Demonstrate proper posture to support correct use of arms, hands, head and eyes• Develop handwriting curricula and collaborate with teachers on effective strategies• Educate families with home activities that promote the development of skills needed in good handwriting[Source: American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 2002]

If you’d like your child’s handwriting to be assessed, the AOTA suggests you speak to your child’s teacher to determine whether an occupational therapist’s as-sessment is needed. As always, check with your medical provider with any questions or concerns.

Stacey Hatton is a humorist, public speaker and former pediatric RN. Her blog can be found at NurseMommyLaughs.com.

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By using opportunities that your children experience in everyday life, you can help them to develop resilience, which in turn helps your children overcome trials throughout their lifetimes.

feeling rejected

When you first lay eyes on your child, you make a

promise to him or her that you will never let anything or anyone harm them. Then the real world meets your child and inflicts the bumps, bruises and emotional let-downs that come with losing a game or not getting invited to the party. Accept-ing the fact that unless you want to stick her in a bubble suit and never let her out of the house again, you are left with only choice. You work to support your child and help her become emotionally resilient despite the hardships and ups and downs that come with living in the real world.


Maize Virtual Preparatory School offers a tuition free option for K–10 Kansas students. Using the world-renowned Calvert curriculum, your child has access to a comprehensive course of study that is:

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Flexible – fits your family’s schedule and your child’s pace

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To learn more or to enroll call (316) 462-8800 or go to: MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com

Visit maizevirtualprepschool.com/eventsto register for free, fun and informative family events.

What’s Virtual School?vir·tu·al school noun An online learning

environment that gives students and families the ability to structure an educational experience that is both flexible and challenging

“When my son is left out of an event, it makes me really sad, but I can’t make people include him even if I want to. So I try to explain to him that sometimes in life you don’t always get to be included in an event,” Katrina Johnigan, Kansas City mother and educator, says. “However I also try to instill in him that when he leaves other kids out, they feel the same way, and I encourage him to be inclusive.”

Resilience is the term often used, from a psychological perspective, to describe the process of adapting to or overcom-ing challenges of adversity, loss, hardships or other stressors in life. In general, it refers to overcoming or “bouncing back” from hard times. For children and teens, negotiating their emotional experiences of being left out of a group activity with their friends or getting cut from a team can be difficult to handle and elicit an emotional response of anger or sadness. The emotions them-selves are natural and to be expected. In fact, many times they are tools that we use to help us move through the stages of “bouncing back” from adversity.

Everyday life experiences, as well as times of adversity, are all opportunities that can help your child learn the behaviors that develop healthy resilience. The good news is that being resilient is not something you either have or don’t; it can be taught and strengthened in various ways. Working to build resilience differs from person to person, even within the same family. Because re-silience varies greatly depending on life experiences, family and community structures and a person’s natural emotional tolerance, researching and teaching this trait is difficult. However, some com-mon strategies have been found successful when working with children to build healthy resilience.

As a parent, you can make sure that your child has several different sources of personal connection, both inside and out-side of the family. Expose your child to various experiences and help him build a network of people who care about him. You can encourage healthy behaviors in general to support strong mental health, such as physical activity and nutritious eating habits. Model and teach emotions by listening to him and helping him properly label how he feels. Then teach him how to express those emotions.

Discuss the idea that change is a part of life and that some-times this change leads us to things that we may have never oth-erwise done. For instance, if your child is cut from a team, it may open up an opportunity to try a different activity and help her to keep things in perspective—this is not really the end of the world. And, when playing games with your child, teach her to win or lose with a respectful attitude. “My boys play basketball and last year they won a lot of games, but this year not so much,” Johnigan says. “It was hard for them to have so many losses, but I try to talk with them about how sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and that there will be another season and that you have to get back up and keep working.”

By using opportunities that your children experience in ev-eryday life, you can help them to develop resilience, which in turn helps your children overcome trials throughout their lifetimes.

Karah Thornton is a school psychologist in the Kansas City area. She encourages the healthy expression of emotions.

feeling rejected


SOLUTIONS

Bad habits are something we all rec-ognize in other people’s children, but any honest parent will tell you

even their angelic child is probably hid-ing some behaviors more appropriate for the animals at Deanna Rose Farm-stead. Take heart: overcoming bad habits is an important part of a child’s develop-mental process, and even the most well-behaved child tries out different habits as he matures.

Tackling bad habits is not for the faint of heart. I learned early on not to make a threat I couldn’t (or wouldn’t) keep: When I told my perennially dawdling daughter she couldn’t go to a birthday party at Pump It Up if she didn’t get her shoes on, she looked at me and said, “That’s fine. I’d rather stay home.” Of course, I ended up putting her shoes on for her and taking her to the party. Needless to say, she was in no rush to put her shoes on the next day either.

According to Wendy Petricoff, an

to sticky situationsBAD HABITS ARE SOMETHING WE ALL RECOGNIZE IN OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN, BUT ANY HONEST PARENT WILL TELL YOU EVEN THEIR ANGELIC CHILD IS PROBABLY HIDING SOME BEHAVIORS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE ANIMALS AT DEANNA ROSE FARMSTEAD.

Overland Park native who is now an independent Love and Logic Parent-ing expert in Charlotte, NC, “Breaking bad habits requires commitment and consistency. Get a plan together, go over it with your spouse and/or caregiver and be prepared for how your child might react.”

“All of these solutions sound easy enough, but when parents get caught up in the heat of the moment, it’s difficult to turn off the emotion and create a plan of action that both you and your spouse can follow through with when the offending issue arises,” says Petricoff.

The good thing is kids are pretty predictable and, as their parent, you’ll likely be able to guess their reactions and get an effective plan in place. Below are some of the top complaints we par-ents have about our kids and great tips from Petricoff on how to handle these situations.


WHY DON’T THEY LISTEN?

“Parents get into an awful habit of repeating themselves when they want their child to do something. Tell your kids once, then take action. Warnings only serve to frustrate you!” says Petri-coff.

WHININGOh, the dreaded whiner. Consis-

tency and simplicity are the keys here. Stick with one line, “I’m happy to listen to children who use a nice voice.” Repeat this over and over and over and over until you think you can’t say it one more time!

BAD MANNERS DURING MEALS

“Kids who stay in their chairs and use their manners are welcome to eat with the family,” Petricoff says. “If they can’t stay seated for a reasonable amount of time, then there are two op-tions. Either dinner is over for them and it’s off to do whatever kids their ages do after dinner, or they can eat alone in

For more helpful tips on tattling, visit KCParent.com and read “Taming the Tattletale.”

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another room.”You also can simply remove the

child’s chair, leaving him or her to stand during dinner. The important thing is to find the response that works for your child. For instance, young children typi-cally want nothing more than to be with their family. So select an appropriate response and stick with it!

While consistency is key, the mes-sage also matters. When adults give children consequences, Petricoff advises they deliver them with empathy. For example, “Oh, that’s so sad you couldn’t stay in your chair. Looks like you’ll have to eat dinner standing up.”

POTTY HUMORWhether they are 3 or 13, even

the most serious kids can have fits of giggles over potty humor. If potty talk grosses you out, here’s a fun trick. Most parents would agree that it’s hard to give sweet treats to children with dirty mouths! Withhold the candy, cookies and ice cream until little mouths can use sweet words. Stay consistent and see what happens. (Note: We also tried this with our daughter during an ongoing tooth brushing battle, and this trick resolved the problem quickly!)

TATTLINGDo you find yourself listening to

lots of tattling and getting pressured by your children to intervene in their squabbles? There’s nothing wrong with charging a fee to your child if you have to get involved in their tattling. This response works for all ages: You can col-lect coins, toys or any form of payment for your time spent listening to a little tattletale!

Jane Blumenthal Martin lives in Overland Park with her husband and two children. Read Jane’s blog for working parents at ArtofEqualParenting.com.

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There are so many reasons and ways

to go green all year long that are not only

easy but fun too. You’ll also find that being

more environmentally friendly will comple-

ment your wallet, instill great habits in your

children and make you feel awesome about

giving Mother Nature a helping hand.

Start saving items for creative purposes and projects, such as egg cartons, toilet paper tubes, buttons, ribbon, milk jugs, jars, newspa-pers and old wrapping paper. Have your kids decorate old boxes to store all of your items in so you will stay organized all year long.

Here are some help-ful and easy tips to go green all year.

JANUARY Start the year out right by signing up for eco-friendly blogs, newsletters or daily reminders that keep you inspired, encouraged and on the right track all year long.

FEBRUARY Swap out your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). If every American home re-placed just one light bulb with a CFL, we could save enough energy to light 3 million homes a year.

Turn your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees and you will save 6 to 10 percent in energy costs. This also prevents the danger of scalding—and that could be a lifesaver with little ones around.

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Easy Go Green Tip: Stat washing your clothes on the cold short cycle and line dry your laundry. This will save you money and

energy and extend the life of your clothes.

gogreen


& BE GREENERMARCH Carpool. Better yet, walk or bike to your destination. The physical activity is great for you, and the less we drive, the fewer harmful emissions we create. Not only will you be showing your children that walking to the grocery store is a great alternative or biking to school is fun, you also will imbed in them healthy habits. “They love it when we ride bikes to and from school. It’s literally the first thing they ask when they wake in the morning—I love it,” says Jessie Cross, Olathe.

If you’re not able to walk your outings, then try consolidating all of your errands into one day and driving the speed limit.

APRIL Try your spring cleaning this year with all natural cleaners; you can make them or try the eco-friendly store-bought ones. Ditch the paper towels, too, and switch to old rags. “I make all of our own detergents, soaps and cleaning supplies. It makes me feel more at ease knowing what I’m cleaning my house with,” says Virginia Simms, Overland Park.

Now that we’ve hit Day Light Savings Time, the days will be getting longer. Utilize this natural energy by keeping the lights off as long as possible.

MAY School’s out for the summer. Look through your children’s old school papers and materials. Save what can be used for next year and use their old unwanted papers for scraps to write out notes or grocery lists.

Sign your children up for kid-friendly en-vironmental programs in your area that will keep them busy this summer. Make it a point to pick up trash in your neighbor-hood or your favorite park at least once a month.

JUNE Leaving for a summer vacation? Remember to turn down your thermo-stat, unplug electronics and set a timer for the lights you are leaving on for safety precautions.

Assign your children specific duties to complete every time you leave the

“THEY LOVE IT WHEN WE RIDE BIKES TO AND

FROM SCHOOL. IT’S LITERALLY THE FIRST

THING THEY ASK WHEN THEY WAKE IN THE MORNING—

I LOVE IT,”

JESSIE CROSS, OLATHE

house, such as making sure all lights are off, blinds are closed and appliances are off.

Get your kids in the habit of turning off lights as they leave each room and turn-ing the computer completely off before bed.

JULY Start washing your clothes on the cold short cycle and line dry your laundry. This will save you money and energy and extend the life of your clothes.

Schedule weekly field trips to your local science centers, museums and nature centers. These places do a wonderful job of teaching children how to protect and respect our natural resources.

AUGUST Build a rain barrel and collect water to water your flowers and garden or even wash your car. When washing your car, pull it on your lawn, so your grass—instead of the street—will get the excess water.

Bath time! Combine baths with your little ones or try reusing the bath water, if it’s not too gross.

SEPTEMBER When doing your back-to-school shopping, look for supplies that are made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Check out your local thrift stores for gently used clothes for school wardrobes and, if able, reuse last year’s backpacks. If your child packs his lunch, switch to reusable containers, bags and utensils.

OCTOBER Farmers’ markets are closing down, and backyard gardens are spent, but why not get local produce all year round? Door-to-Door Organics is a com-pany that delivers organic fresh produce and dairy right to your doorstep in the Kansas City Metro area. You’ll not only be feeding your family fresh all year long, but also supporting your local economy. “I started using Door to Door Organics when I was making my own baby food and just continued it because we love the quality and eating local all year long,” says Kristie Summers, Lee’s Summit.

Looking for Halloween costumes? How about letting the kids rummage through your closet or their grandparents’ trunks? There’s no telling what things they’ll find to inspire them!

NOVEMBER Winterize your home by conducting an energy audit; you can go to EnergyEarth.com to get started. Install weather stripping, caulk, thermal drapes and plastic sheets to help insulate your home. Also check to see whether you need to insulate your hot water heater, too.

DECEMBER Instead of buying all new gifts this year for your family, organize a toy/clothes/electronics swap amongst girlfriends. This way, everyone gets something “new” while still being thrifty and recycling perfectly good items. Also check our Craig’s List and Freecycle.

Instead of wrapping all your gifts this year, try leaving the presents from Santa un-wrapped or using newspaper instead.

Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM from Olathe who tries to go green all year long!

RECYCLED FUN! VISIT KCPARENT.COM FOR GREAT CRAFTS KIDS CAN CREATE USING EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.

gogreen


Health-conscious moms decry the notion of survival on a diet of processed foods from “who

knows where,” and while we all know the nutritional value in fast food fries is sorely lacking,

where can a mom-on-the-go find healthy, nutritious and local food in Kansas City?

gogreen


Eating local is good for the envi-ronment—think smaller carbon footprint transporting food and the

fuel consumption it requires. It’s good for the body—fresh food is packed with nutrients and short on chemicals. And it’s good for the local economy—supporting local farmers and businesses is the neigh-borly thing to do! Health-conscious moms decry the notion of survival on a diet of processed foods from “who knows where,” and while we all know the nutritional value in fast food fries is sorely lacking, where can a mom-on-the-go find healthy, nutritious and local food in Kansas City? These are just a few of our favorite restau-rants for local farm-to-table dining.

THE FARMHOUSE300 Delaware St., Kansas City, MO, 816.569.6032, EatAtTheFarmhouse.comHours: Mon.-Fri. lunch, 11:00-3:00; Wed. & Thu. dinner, 5:00-10:00; Fri. & Sat. dinner, 5:00-11:00; Sat. & Sun. brunch, 9:00-3:00

City Market is the perfect setting for fresh-from-the-farm comfort food in a casual and hip urban atmosphere. Working with a variety of local farmers and vendors, The Farmhouse special-izes in creative comfort foods. Soups, salads and sandwiches are offered on the lunch menu, with weekends featuring an extensive brunch selection. The dinner hour boasts entrees from steak and ribs to polenta and risotto.

DINING IN THE HEART OF THE MIDWEST

RIGHT IN THE HEART OF AMERICA, THE BREADBASKET OF OUR COUNTRY,

KANSAS CITY CHEFS ARE FAST BECOMING TRENDSETTERS FOR THE

CULINARY ARTS, SETTING THE BAR EVER HIGHER FOR FANTASTIC FARM-TO-

TABLE DINING. KANSAS CITY LOCAVORES (THOSE WHO EAT FROM WHAT IS

GROWN AND PRODUCED LOCALLY) DELIGHT IN FARM-FRESH FARE STRAIGHT

FROM KANSAS AND MISSOURI FARMS, AND MORE AND MORE THESE

OPTIONS ARE OFFERED AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS.

FOR MORE INSPIRATION, SEARCH FOR “EATING

HOMEGROWN FOODS,” “FARM TOURS FOR KC KIDS”

& “FARMERS’ MARKETS” ON KCPARENT.COM

gogreen

With Kids in Mind: After a week-end visit to the City Market or a tour through the Steamboat Arabia, treat the kids to brunch at The Farmhouse.

Local Vendors Include: Windhaven Farms, Thane Palmberg, Bichelmeyer Meats, Simply Food, Prairie Birthday Farms, Door to Door Organics, Booming Acres, Goode Acres, Green Dirt, Paradise Lockers, Wakarusa Valley, Crumb Family Farms, Gibbs Road Farms, Green Gate Farms, Backyard Produce, Bloom Bakery, Roots for Refugees, Jude’s Rum Cakes, Green Acres Market.

JUSTUS DRUGSTORE, A RESTAURANT106 W. Main St., Smithville, MO, 816.532.2300, DrugstoreRestaurant.comHours: Wed.-Thu., 5:30-10:00; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-11:00; Sun., 5:30-9:00

Chef John Justus refurbished the for-mer family drugstore, creating a modern, artful and decadent dining experience in Smithville. Using local ingredients and modern technique, the restaurant is the winner of awards and receives strong praise from reviewers who call it “farm-to-table cooking at its finest.” The restaurant is modern and peaceful, and the dishes are works of art, each prepared skillfully for diners seeking a relaxing and deli-cious meal.

With Kids in Mind: Patio dining is offered, weather permitting, and is the


URBAN TABLE OFFERS A GREAT KIDS’ MENU WITH A SELECTION OF SANDWICHES BUT THE FAVE FOR KIDS IS AVAILABLE ALL DAY: BREAK-FAST, FEATURING A YUMMY CHOCOLATE FRENCH TOAST!

gogreen

best choice with kids. This is the most upscale restaurant on our list, typically reserved for special occasions.

Local Vendors Include: Campo Lindo, Stone Hill, Shatto Dairy, Hi Ho Sheep Farm, Paradise Meats and more.

URBAN TABLE8232 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS, 913.948.6900, www.UrbanTableKC.com Hours: Sun.-Thu., 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Known for chic décor creating a hip and relaxed atmosphere, Urban Table of-fers a fast-casual dining experience with unique seasonal creations on the menu. Located in Corinth Square, this local café specializes in farm-to-table dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests arriving before 4:00 order at the counter, and food is brought to their table. Full table service is offered after 4:00. Using the freshest and best local ingredients, the team of chefs creates salads, sammies with homemade chips, small plates and entrees. The best bargain to sample a variety is the Good Day Deal, offering a half sandwich, salad and soup for $8.75. Be sure to save room for dessert—the flourless chocolate torte is mouthwater-ingly delicious!

With Kids in Mind: Urban Table of-

fers a great kids’ menu with a selection of sandwiches, but the fave for kids is avail-able all day: breakfast, featuring a yummy chocolate French toast! Price range is $2-7/child.

Local Vendors Include: Belfonte Dairy, Liberty Fruit Produce, Scimeca’s, L&C Meat Company, KC Bread, Bagel Works, Slice and Spice.

RENEE KELLY’S HARVEST AT CAENEN CASTLE12401 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4100, www.ChefReneeKelly.comHours: Wed.-Sat., 4:00-10:00; Sunday brunch, 10:00-2:00

Renee Kelly’s Harvest is special. The menu changes frequently as Renee is dedicated to the farm-to-table restau-rant concept supporting local farmers. With seasonal creations that are simple, elegant and delicious, Renee loves to surprise diners with new dishes. And, of course, it isn’t simply the food that makes it a great treat... it’s the setting. Housed in a castle in the heart of Kansas, guests are delighted at the beauty of the grand staircase, high ceilings and fireplaces. So how is it that there came to be a castle right in the heart of Johnson County? The story goes that Remigius Achille Caenen (Remi) moved to America from Belgium with his family when he was only 3. His


SO HOW IS IT THERE CAME

TO BE A CASTLE RIGHT IN THE

HEART OF JOHNSON COUNTY?

family settled in Johnson County as dairy farmers. Over time, Remi became one of the wealthiest and most prominent dairy farmers in the area. In 1905, he began building a 14-room home, modeled after a French Castle, Chateau Chavaniac. Over the years, it was occupied by many in the Caenen family and then served multiple local businesses. Finally, in 2003, it was purchased by Chef Renee Kelly and historically renovated. In 2004, it opened as a private event facility, and in 2012 it opened as a restaurant.

With Kids in Mind: Children’s brunch ranges from $4 to $6, with the adult menu ranging from $9 to $14, mak-ing this a wonderful special occasion venue to celebrate a birthday or achieve-ment.

Local Vendors Include: Shatto Dairy Farm, Two Sisters Farm, Gibbs Road Farm, Clearbrook Farm, Farmer Frank, Windhaven Farm, Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch, Dodge City Beef, Green Dirt Farm, Goode Acres Farm

Kristina Light enjoys celebrating special occasions at Renee Kelly’s Harvest at Caenen Castle… a special treat for the entire family and especially her four little princesses.

gogreen


Special Advertising Section

Camp GuideKC Parent’s

Interactive Education Guideavailable at KCParent.com

Accelerated Schools Accelerated Schools of Overland Park offers two summer programs from June 3 through August 9. High School students can earn credit for courses such as math, science, English, Spanish and social studies. Students entering 4 to 8 grade can attend the Academics & Arts Summer Camp, focusing on individualized

academic tutoring as well as creative expres-sion. Call 913.341.6666 for further information. See display ad on pg. 41. www.AcceleratedAchoolsOP.org

Camp ShakespeareCamp Shakespeare is a unique summer arts experience that your kids will never forget!

Students will improve their understanding of literature and renaissance times while creating their own version of a Shakespearean classic. Drama, visual art, dance, and stage combat all come together in this delightful camp, taught by professional actors in a neighborhood near you! Available for ages 5 -18. Camp dates vary per location. One, two and three week camps available, June 10-August 2. Costs between $125 - $415. Locations: Brookside, Overland Park, KC North, Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Kansas City, Kansas, Independence. See display ad on pg. 41. www.KCShakes.org.

Camp Special BeginningsMake wonderful memories with great friends and caring teachers at Camp Special Begin-nings! Your child will have a SUPER FUN sum-mer being a part of a high-quality program in a positive, Christian environment. Enjoy fieldtrips including Science City, Power Play, and KC Zoo, as well as participate in top notch educational activities including Spanish and Book Club. Camps available to 1st-6th graders for both FT and PT. 913.492.4659. See display ad on pg. 40 for free registration (new families only). www.SpecialBeginningsOnline.com

Ceramic CafeCeramic Cafe’s summer program provides in-struction in a variety of ceramic art techniques

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S u m m e r P r o g r a m S 2 0 1 3Classes are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our top teachers, all while having fun. Classes begin June 3.

Programs Include:

Creative Movement ages 3-5

Fairy Tale Dance and Story Book Ballet Workshops ages 3-8

2-4 Week Ballet Camps ages 7-13

DowntownBolender Center

500 W. Pershing Rd.Kansas City, MO W. 97th St.

W. 95th St.

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W. Pershing Rd.

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Johnson County5359 W. 94th Terr.Prairie Village, KS

(95th & Nall)

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Two Convenient Locations!

enroLL ToDaY to secure your child’s spot!

Call 816-931-2299 or visit www.kcballet.org/school

for a complete list of summer courses.

PLan aheaD wITh our Summer ProgramS for ageS 3 - 13!


including hand building with clay, ceramic painting and glazing techniques and also glass fusing. The theme is “My Creative Self” and projects encourage individual creative expres-sion. Camp sessions are divided by age groups. Creative Kids is for ages 5-7, Aspiring Artists is for ages 8 and up. One day Workshops are also offered through out the summer. Visit our web-site at www.CeramicCafeKC.com for add’l info and registration form. See display ad on pg. 55.

CLO’s Midnight FarmCLO’s Midnight Farm offers 2 different types of day camps. Horsin’ Around at Midnight Farm is a horse camp for children with or without special needs. Enjoy horseback riding, crafts and a Horse Show. Junior (June 17-21), Beginner (July 8-12) and Advanced (July 15-19). Call: 785.979.1889. Day Camp for Youth with Devel-opmental Disabilities: A full day camp to enjoy crafts, water play, wagon rides and more. June 24-28 for ages 6-14, July 23-27 for ages 15+. 785.218.9358 See display ad on pg. 37. www.Midnight-Farm.org.

Culture HouseSpend your summer at The Culture House! Our new 2013 summer programs include dance, theater, music and art ... all taught by professionally trained adults. 2-Week Musi-cal Intensives, Aida and Disney’s Camp Rock, Broadway Starz, Creative Kingdom Art, Space Pirates Stage Combat, Pretty Princess Ballet, Hip Hop, Annie Camp, Leadership, and much more. PLUS our summer production of Les Mis-erables (ages 6 to adult)! Openings limited, call

today. See display ad on pg. 7. (14808 W 117th St, Olathe) 913.393.3141. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com

Christian Youth TheaterAct, Sing, and Dance this summer with Chris-tian Youth Theater! Camps: “Backyardigans” (ages 4-5), “Rock ‘n Country” (ages 5-12), “Selections from Mary Poppins” (ages 5-12), Xtreme Dance (ages 4-11), “The Hobbit” (ages 10-15), “Avengers” (ages 10-15), “Star Wars” (ages 10-15), “Camp Willy” Shakespeare (ages 12-18), Middle School Overnight “Selections from Hairspray” (ages 12-14), and High School Overnight “The Drowsy Chaperone” (ages 14-19) with 2 full productions on July 27/28 at the Bell Center, MNU. See display ad on pg. 43. 913.681.3318. www.CYTKC.org

Dramatic TruthWhy dancers choose The Dramatic Truth Sum-mer Dance Intensive: it’s the experience and challenge! Dancers ages 12 through adult who are serious about dancing & God’s purpose within it! You will be spending a week or two 9-5 soaking in the instruction of the finest in

Christian dance, both technically and spiritu-ally. Offering Bible Study, Ballet & Modern Technique. Plus Hip Hop, Jazz, Pointe & Varia-tions, Pas de Deux to name a few. Affordable meals and housing avaialble. See display ad on pg. 42. www.DramaticTruth.org

A Fairytale BalletExperience the enchanting world of A Fairytale Ballet this summer! Exclusively for ages 2-8, camps combine cherished child-hood literature, with dance, music, props and beautiful costumes each week. Children will create a take-home prop in our prop workshop. Watch your little ballerina blossom when she becomes Cinderella and other favorite prin-cesses this summer! Camps and classes are of-fered Mon.- Sat. in the morning and afternoon, June-Aug. 913.671.7944. See display ad on pg. 43. www.AFairytaleBallet.com

Faulkner’s Pony CampWant your kids to learn what it’s like to take care of a pony? Have them join us for pony camp to find out. Faulkner’s Pony Camp is a great way for kids to get close to the Faulkner’s

Choose Your Adventure!

Summer DaysOakhill

2013

www.oakhilldayschool.org816-436-6228

Summer fun for Toddler (Age 2) - Eighth Grade

Academic, Enrichment, and Sports camps o ered all summer long!Flexible extended care programming

Full Summer Fee Discounts

June 3 - August 2Extended Summer Fun May 28-31

and August 5 - Start of School

Enroll Online!

Visit KCParent.com for the NEW Geo-based Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos, videos and more — your complete one-stop shop for camps!

La Petite Academy’s®

Sign Up for Summer Camp!

It’s everything your School-Age child wants …and more. How do we know? BECAUSE WE ASKED!

NEW THIS YEAR! Introducing La Petite Academy’s Summer Recognition program – Kids earn patches for each completed summer session!

www.lapetite.com

*Available at participating locations only. Optional workbooks available based on Fall 2013 grade level for each child age five and older. Age groups, sessions, programs, field trips, and hours vary by school. School readiness program available to Pre-K and school-age children only. Field trips available to those children meeting requirements only. See school for details. La Petite Academy® is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

11 convenient locations!Call 866-561-3413 to find a school near you.

• Excitingfieldtripsandfunactivities thatSchool-Agershelpedselect!

• Weeklythemesrangingfrom outdooradventuretocookingto dramaandmore!*

• Educationalsummerschoolreadiness programtokeepkidslearning!*

LPA S13 Kansas City Parent 4.85x4.85 ad.indd 1 2/21/13 12:04 PM


herd with a wrangler at their side. Kids will learn important equine skills and how to groom, feed and ride ponies during this fun week at the ranch. 816.761.1234. See display ad on pg. 42. www.faulknersranch.com/pony-camp.php

Ibsen Dance TheatreIbsen Dance Theatre School of Performing Arts

camp guide

is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Summer Dance Camps will be offered to ages 3 to 16 and Summer Musical Theatre Camps will be offered for ages 5 to 16. The School offers the highest quality of dance, drama and voice instruction at the most affordable prices. All Camps provide a positive learning environ-ment with age specific learning programs and curriculum. All camps are taught by profes-

sional, adult instructors. See display ad on pg. 40. www.IbsenDance.net

Jacomo Day CampJacomo Day Camp, sponsored by Jackson County Parks + Rec since 1977, offers kids 6 to 13 a “Summer They’ll Never Forget” at Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Fleming Park. Nine weekly sessions, beginning June 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (extended hours avail-able) feature swimming, archery, canoeing, fishing, hiking, science, nature, crafts, field trips and weekly themes. Call 816.229.8980 or email [email protected] for a brochure. Visit www.MakeYourDayHere.com/daycamp for online registration. See display ad on pg. 40.

Johnson County Park & Recreation DistrictFrom Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we of-fer over 50 professionally programmed and su-pervised camps conveniently located through-out Johnson County. Specializing in healthy and active options for kids of all ages, our summer fun choices include preschool enrichment, arts and crafts, sports training, computers, nature and science, leadership development, and music, theatre and dance. The choices include indoor and outdoor programs, and full and par-tial day schedules. For details call 913.831.3359

VisitKCParent.com/Guides

Search by location through Google Maps plus see photos,

videos and more.

Where your searchstarts and ends

Click into Kansas City’s most comprehensive lists of

businesses and services that matter most to moms and dads.

Is your child ready for overnight camp? Visit KCParent.com to find out.

paintglazeandfire.net

127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS

913-661-CLAY

GET READY FOR SUMMER CAMP!

Attend 1, Attend ALL!Mix & Match Class Sessions to fit YOUR schedule!!

Space Limited!

C•A•M•PA R T R A G E O U S

RegisterToday!

AGES6-12


or visit www.JCPRD.com/activities/camps.cfm. See display ad on pg. 38.

Kansas City Art InstituteWalt Disney studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute and your child can too! We offer a look at Art Around the World, Fantastic Fashions, Claymation Movies and more. Youth and highschoolers ages 6-18 can explore art and design at one of the nation’s top schools of art and design located right in their own backyard. Supervised noon time and an extended hour available. We offer a main and a north campus. For more information go to www.KCAI.edu/artforeveryone or call 816.802.3333. See display ad on pg. 41.

Kansas City Ballet SchoolKansas City Ballet School Summer Programs in-

clude once-a-week Creative Movement classes (ages 3-5) to special four-day Fairy Tale (ages 3-5) and Story Book Ballet Workshops (ages 6-8) to 2- to 4-week Ballet classes (ages 7-13). Your child will enjoy excellent training and superior attention while having fun. Classes begin June 3rd. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot. Two convenient locations: Down-town and Johnson County 816.931.2299. See display ad on pg. 34. www.KCBallet.org

The KCYA Community School of the ArtsThe KCYA Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers children performing and visualarts classes, camps and private instruction onthe campus of St. Teresa’s Academy. Spring classes now forming. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available. 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 37. www.KCYA.org

La Petite Academy Psssst! Hey, kid! Yes, you! How are you going to get the most fun out of summer? La Petite Academy’s got you covered! Join us for our

Not So Bummer Summer to experience up to nine completely different summer camps- with great field trips! Each week we’ll feature a fun-filled theme, from outdoor adventure to cook-ing to drama and much more! There’s plenty of fun for younger kids, too! Call 866. 561.3413 to find a school near you. See display ad on pg. 35. www.lapetite.com

Maranatha Christian Academy Maranatha Christian Academy offers summer camps, each week from June 3rd – Aug. 8th. We are excited to announce a partnership with TheCulture House. Students will enjoy theatre, art, dance and citizenship camps. Other camps include cartooning, sports and cooking. Before and after care is available (7am – 6pm). Ad-ditional activities include PE, science, music. Academic tutoring is offered. See display ad on pg. 57. For more information call 913-631-9286 or check our website www.mca-eagles.org.

Missouri Military AcademyMissouri Military Academy offers two fun, meaningful summer programs that build

CLO’s Midnight Farm will host 2 different types of day camps in 2013:

Horsin’ Around at Midnight Farm:A horse camp for children with or without special needs to enjoy horseback riding, horse-related

crafts and activities and a Horse Show on the last day. Horsin’ Around has 3 options:

Junior: (June 17-21) Half day camp for ages 6-8, no experience necessary.

Beginner: (July 8-12) Full day camp for ages 8-16, no experience necessary.

Advanced: (July 15-19) Full day camp for 8-16, prior riding experience required.

Call: 785.979.1889

Day Camp for Youth with Developmental Disabilities:

A full day camp for youth with Developmental Disabilities to enjoy crafts, water play, pony pa-rades, wagon rides and petting animals. Training

offered for parents of children with Autism.June 24-28 Ages 6-14

July 23-27 Ages 15 and upCall: 785.218.9358

To learn morevisit: www.Midnight-Farm.org

or call 785-979-1889

CLO’sMidnight Farm Camps

Visit KCParent.com for the NEW Geo-based, searchable Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos, videos and more — your complete one-stop shop for camps!


self-confidence and develop new skills. The Summer Academy at Missouri Military Acad-emy (June 23-July 20) is a for-credit boarding program for students grades 7-12. Students recover lost credits or earn enrichment. Sum-mer Leadership Camp (July 7-19) teaches leadership in an environment that emphasizes self-esteem and teamwork. Boys and girls ages 13-17 participate in rappelling, leadership reaction course, physical training and first aid. ACA accredited. See display ad on pg. 39. www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer

Oakhill Day SchoolOakhill Day School is ready for another wild and exciting summer of fun for children ages toddler (Age 2) through Eighth grade. At Oakh-ill Summer Days you can explore everything from academics, art, cooking, music, science, sports and much more. Summer fun begins June 3 and is offered through August 2. Morn-ing and evening extended care is available to add flexibility to your busy summer schedule. Start planning your dream Summer Days online today! See display ad on pg. 35. www.OakhillDaySchool.org

camp guide Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee HouseCamp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer camp for its 15th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited - sign up early! Check it out online and find more infor-mation as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. For more informa-tion on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 36. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Pembroke HillEmbark on an adventure that will allow you to travel to the great outdoors, across the world, into the ocean and all the way to the moon. Our 12-week comprehensive summer camp is open to all students ages 2-18. So whether you choose to create your own story, solve a story problem, or prepare to conquer the PSAT, Summer at Pembroke Hill has an adventure awaiting every student. What adventure will you choose? See display ad on pg. 37. www.PembrokeHill.org

continued on pg. 42

ignite your child’s natural curiosity!

ENROLL TODAY! SPACE IS LIMITED!UNION STATION KANSAS CITY | 30 WEST PERSHING ROAD

816.460.2226 | SCIENCECITY.COM/SUMMERCAMP

SCIE

N

CE CITY CAMP 2013

JUNE 10 - AUG 99 AM TO 4 PM

(EARLY & LATE CARE AVAILABLE)

$185/WEEKOR $165/WEEK FOR UNION STATION MEMBERS

• SPACE EXPLORATION June 10-14• CHEMISTRY AROUND YOU June 17-21• MAKER CAMP June 24-28• ANIMALS ANCIENT & MODERN July 8-12• SOLAR SYSTEM & BEYOND July 15-19• MATTER MATTERS July 22-26• DESIGN & BUILD IT July 29-August 2• EVERY LIVING THING August 5-9


Summer OppOrtunitieSMissouri Military Academy offers structured, success-oriented programs during the summer, too!

Leadership CampJuly 7-19

SummerACADEMY

June 23- July 20, 2013

For-credit boarding and day summer program for boys and girls entering grades 7-12

Combines academics and outdoor activities

Leadership-oriented camp for boys and girls ages 13-17

Activities include rappelling, orienteering, physical training and much more.

www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer


co-op camp camp guide

Have you planned out your summer? Not

yet? No fear! Loads of time remains to plan

a fun summer for not only you, but the kids

as well! The Sarver girls are both signed up for a per-

formance camp for one week, and this year, we’ll be

participating in and hosting a co-op camp. Last year

was our inaugural year with the camp, and it was a

blast, so we’re back for year two. Think a co-op camp

may be right for you? Read on to find out how to plan

a camp in just four easy steps.

fun right in your own backyard

$50 tuition credit if you enroll by July 1

IBSEN DANCE THEATRESUMMER DANCE & THEATRE CAMPS

Musical Theatre Camps at 7221 N. Oak location*Snow White - June 3-14 (Ages 8 to 11)

*Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty? June 3-14 (Ages 5-7)*Godspell July 8-19 (Ages 12-16)

816.436.72777221 NORTH OAK TRFWYGLADSTONE, MO 64118

Dance Intensives at 7221 N. Oak Location

*The Summer Dance Project June 24-28 (Ages 12-18)

*Dance Excel Workshop June 24-28 (Ages 9-11)

Three Day Dance Camps at 9550 N. McGee location*Under the Sea (ballet camp) June 17-19 (Ages 3-8)

*Supercalifragilistic (dance camp) July 8-10 (Ages 3-8)(dancers are divided into groups according to age)

816.436.88859550 N. MAGEE

KANSAS CITY, MO 64155

day camp ad - kc parent magazine.indd 1 3/5/2013 2:12:21 PM


FIND FRIENDSFind another family (or two) that

shares both kids near the same age and a schedule similar to yours. We have good friends who have daughters the same age as ours, so it was a natural fit. I work from home, and my friend works for a school, so we are both fortunate to have flexible schedules.

THINK OF A THEMEOnce you decide who’s part of the

camp, the fun begins! You can choose a theme together or on your own. We come up with our own theme and then make sure there is no overlap. Find what interests you and then turn it into a camp theme. The internet is a virtual wonderland when it comes to ideas to support your themes. Spend a couple of hours researching on Pinterst and you’ll have camp planned in

S T A G EC O M B AT

CAMP

SHAKES

PEAREDRAMADance

All come together in a summer experience your kids won’t forget

JUNE JULY&

AGES 5 -18

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&

AD1.indd 1 2/14/13 12:34 PM

no time. This year we are having “Disney Adventures” and “Around the World.” Last year’s camp themes were “Through the Decades” (complete with the girls making a music video to “Walk Like an Egyptian”) and “Under the Sea” (which included a visit to the beach at Shawnee Mission Lake and Sea Life Aquarium).

DETERMINE DETAILSNext, find two mutually agreeable

dates that work for the camps. You’ll need to decide several things. How long is camp—half day or full day? How will lunch and snacks be handled—will kids bring it to camp or will the host provide? What time does camp start? Will you have camp t-shirts? If so, get together early and use the occasion to get the kids excited for camp. What about cost for supplies and field trips? Will each host foot the bill for her week of camp, or will you collect mon-

ies for supplies? Working out these details beforehand will make for a smoother camp experience.

MAKE MEMORIESBe sure to take lots of photos

throughout the week. If you, like me, aren’t the best at remembering to take pictures, assign a camp photographer. Also take notes on what you did each day. After camp ends, use Snapfish or a similar site to put together a camp book. Once camp has closed and the lazy, crazy days of sum-mer are just a memory, your kids will love reliving the details through their camp book—and I can guarantee they’ll already be looking forward to the next year!

KC Parent Magazine editor Margaret Sarver enjoys preparing for her favorite season of all from her home in Lenexa with her husband and two daughters.

We asked KCParent.com readers, would you consider a co-op summer camp?

NO WAY, get my kids out of the house.

14%

29%Yep, we do it every summer!

57%Good idea! I had never considered it before.

The Accelerated Schools of Overland Park10713 Barkley St., Overland Park, KS

Call or visit our website: 913-341-6666 www.AcceleratedSchoolsOP.org

If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem out of reach. We offer sum-mer programs that offer students a chance to advance academically.

Summer programs are offered from June 3 to August 9. High School Summer School offers accredited courses for students in grades 9 -12 in many subjects including math, English, Spanish, history and science. Earn 1/2 credit in three weeks. 9 am - 1 pm, M-F. Middle School Academics & Arts Camp

for students entering 4-8 grade. This camp includes individualized instruction as well as art and computer graphics.

The Accelerated Schools of Overland Park10713 Barkley St., Overland Park, KS

Call or visit our website: 913-341-6666

If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem out of reach. We specialize in working with students who don’t always “fit the box.”

For more than 30 years, concerned parents have turned to the Accelerated Schools for individualized learning programs that help students of all academic levels with unique educational needs overcome challenges and excel academically.

• Accredited • Daily Report Cards

• Low Student-Teacher ratio

• Effective Reward System • Transportation Available

• Full Day School - Grades 4 - 12• After School Tutoring - Grades 1-12

• Free Academic Testing


Science CityThis summer, kids will ignite scientific curiosi-ties with fun, activity-based learning at Science City Summer Camp! From robots to chemistry, space to dinosaurs, life science to inventions, children ages 6-12 will experience the amaz-ing and inspiring world of science. Space is limited! June 10-August 9 (no session July 1-5), Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-4 p.m., FREE early/late care 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., $165/week for Union Station members or $185/week for non-mem-bers. For more information, visit our website at ScienceCity.com/SummerCamp or email [email protected] or call 816.460.2226. See display ad on pg. 38.

Theatre of the ImaginationPerforming arts. One and two week campsrun Mon-Fri, May 28-Aug. 9 at 6100 W. 127th,OP, KS. Open Pre-K -9th grades. Half-day orfull, (7:30am-6 p.m.). Shows spoof Clones, Divas, Vampires, Princesses, VideoGames and more. No auditions and no experience required. Free costumes, shows & snacks. Multiple child discount 10%. Make your own schedule, we take partials & we pro-rate. Specials: $54 half day, $99 full. $89.10/week for multiple kids. 816.561.2787 or [email protected]. See KC Parent ad on pg. 36 for $30 coupon.www.dramakc.com

TrilogyTrilogy Performing Arts Camps Learn to Sing, Dance, Act, Stage Fight and Stunt Work! Be part of great performances! New 4 week program featuring Disney’s Tarzan! Week camps with

camp guide


showcases include, Mary Poppins-Step in Time, Red Hot Vocal Camp, Lone Ranger, Jedi Stunts, Never Never Land, Princesses! Experience a state of the art GREAT LOCATION!; Day Camps at 12480 S Black Bob, Olathe KS. Half Day ages (3-5)$115, Full Day ages (6-18)$160. NEW! Imaginative overnight camps with Narnia inspired facility (ages 8-18)$350. 913.254.4444 See display ad on pg. 39. www.TrilogyCulturalArts.org

Vineyard ChristianDon’t know what to do with those long summer days but can’t afford costly summer programs for your student? Vcamp, only $40 a week, offers two weeks of fantastic fun for students going into grades 1-9. Each week of Vcamp includes great friendships, games, and fun classes. Summer sessions are June 10-14 and July 8-12 from 10 am – 4:30 pm, before and after care available at no additional charge. See ad on pg. 42. www.vineyardop.org/vcamp

YMCA Summer Day CampsKids ages 3-18 can get up, get out and grow at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s summer day camps. Traditional camps offer different themes weekly, and specialty camps include outdoor, sports, engineering, Legos, service learning through Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kan-sas City, and leadership. Locations include Blue Valley, Center, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, Spring Hill, Platte County R-3 school districts, Camp Naish, William Jewell College Tucker Leader-ship Lab and Riverside Community Center. See display ad on pg. 15. Call 913.345.9622 or visit www.ymcasummerfun.org.

summercamps!

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KCPARENT.COMPLUS, JOIN OUR 7,700+ FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS!

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pregnancy sleepAttention all pregnant women:

Are you wide awake at 3 a.m.? Is the

constant need to pee interrupting your

sleep? What about that pesky

heartburn at midnight?

Yes, yes and yes! You are nodding

vigorously. You are not alone. Almost all

pregnant women have difficulty

sleeping at some point.

While nine months of blissful nightly zzzz’s

is probably unrealistic, it is possible to

improve the quality of your sleep. Here

are some common sleep problems in

pregnant women and suggestions on

how to alleviate them.

{frequent urinating}Throughout pregnancy, your kidneys are working harder to filter an increased volume of blood, which results in more urine. By the third trimester, your growing baby puts pressure on your bladder, too, causing repeated trips to the bathroom.

Tip: Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but limit your intake in the evening hours. Also, lean forward when you uri-nate to empty your bladder completely.

{nausea}Those who experience nausea and vomiting during their pregnancy know that “morning sickness” doesn’t occur only in the mornings, nor is it always limited to the first trimester. Queasiness during the night can keep you from fall-ing asleep and even wake you up.

Tip: Avoid a heavy, fatty dinner, which can take a long time to digest. Stick to carbs and lean proteins in the evening, and keep crackers by your bed to munch on if you feel nauseated at night. Your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medicine if the problem persists.

{heartburn}Many moms-to-be are familiar with heartburn. Johanna Finkle, MD, of Rockhill Women’s Care, explains, “The combination of the growing uterus, which means less room for the stomach and other abdominal contents, and the effects of progesterone on the esopha-gus result in heartburn.” She says that heartburn is often worse at night when one lies down after dinner.

Tip: “I advise not eating two hours

Is it safe to drink caffeine when pregnant?

Okay for pregnant moms to paint the nursery? Head to KCParent.com for the answers to these and many more questions.


pregnancy sleepbefore bedtime or at least remaining sitting up for one hour after a meal,” Dr. Finkle says. “Medications to treat heartburn are usually category B and can be taken safely during pregnan-cy. Please ask your OB/GYN for a list of safe medications.”

Belton mom Carmen Gerke had awful heartburn when she was pregnant with her twin boys, now 9. “I propped up tons of pillows on the couch to sup-port my body and slept in a reclined position,” she says.

{shortness of breath}Later in the pregnancy, your growing uterus pushes into your diaphragm and ribs, causing shortness of breath. At bedtime, this may lead to difficulty sleeping and may even cause you to snore.

Tip: Using pillows to prop yourself up may take some of the pressure off your diaphragm and ribs. Belton mom Cara Kelley slept in a recliner for the last few weeks of her pregnancy to help her breathe better.

{leg cramps & aches}Many women experience leg cramps/aches and restless leg syndrome (tingling sensations and twitching) during pregnancy, preventing sleep or awakening them in the night. Aches and cramps can be caused by extra weight and hormones, which loosen ligaments in preparation for childbirth. The underlying cause of restless leg syndrome is not clear.

Tip: Dr. Finkle says, “Making sure your diet is rich in calcium and potassium can help ease the symptoms, as well as stretching your leg muscles. Finally, wonderful massages from your partner may improve the symptoms.”

{discomfort}Feel like a beached whale when you are in bed? All moms-to-be can relate. A growing belly, plus a medi-cal recommendation to sleep on your side rather than your back or belly, can make getting comfortable nearly impossible.

Tip: Pillows are an expectant mom’s best friend! Kansas City mom Amanda Schoening says, “My pregnancy body

pillow was a lifesaver. I was sad to see it go after Nora was born.”

Stacy Taylor, expecting her first baby, says, “I have a small wedge pillow I put under my tummy and use a throw pillow between my legs to take out some of the discomfort. If I don’t put the pillow between my legs, I put it behind my back to keep me from rolling over onto my back.”

{stress & racing mind}Let’s face it. Moms-to-be have a lot on their minds. Stress over finances, wheth-er they will be a good parent and that itty bitty thing called labor and delivery can cause sleep to elude you.

Tip: “I recommend relaxation tech-niques such as a warm glass of milk or non-caffeinated tea before bed,” Dr. Finkle says. “A bath can also be added to a bedtime routine to soothe mom and baby.”

Tisha Foley is thankful that the restless nights of pregnancy are long behind her. She writes from her home in Belton.

As always, check with your medical pro-vider with any questions or concerns.

Visit our all-new KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Guide!

It’s super easy to search this new Geo-based guide with maps, descriptions, video and more! Visit KCParent.com and click on “Guides.”


enough is enough

RECOMMENDED READING

7 Ways to Be a SMARTER Mom by Kansas City author Kasey Johnson

It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff by Peter Walsh

Seven: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

As clutter receded, a tide of clarity, energy and order washed in. The kids felt the joy of giving their things away to genuinely happy recipients.

Having too many choices of toys had overwhelmed them, and now they played more and appreciated what they had.

Cleaning up while kids are growing is like shoveling snow while it’s

still snowing. I wonder if these words ring as true for your household

as they did for mine. Fly Lady, webmistress of the tidiest domain in

cyberspace (FlyLady.net), has a term for this C.H.A.O.S.: Can’t Have Anyone

Over Syndrome. The problem in my home was not that I had lazy, untrained

kids who refused to pitch in and pick up (not that I didn’t nag). Rather, our

C.H.A.O.S. issue could be summed up in a single, untidy word: clutter.

Clutter came creeping stealthily into our home like upset ants. It formed

hillocks and colonies in crannies and closets and on countertops. Birthday par-

ty goodie bags? Clutter. A trip to the Golden Arches for Happy Meals? Clutter.


Backpacks spilling over with non-urgent forms to inform us that, yes, we should squeeze one more thing onto the calen-dar for-the-love-of-our-kids? Clutter.

The stuff piling into our lives unin-vited and with no place to go was weigh-ing us down. I felt drained, burdened, overwhelmed. I stopped inviting friends around because entertaining meant either shoving more junk into the closets or sorting and clearing all the excess, and I might have rather scaled Mt. Ever-est. It was as if our possessions, taking on a life of their own, were beginning to possess us.

I don’t recall the precise moment of clarity (though it surely involved bare

feet crushing Legos like some tribal ini-tiation rite), but I’d had enough. I wanted to enjoy our possessions again, to make our home a place of sanctuary, not chaos. I therefore had two options. The first involved a shot at stardom with a tour of our basement on the hit show Hoard-ers: Buried Alive. The second, for sanity’s sake, was to corral the clutter and restore order to our abode.

d-dayGetting serious about our junk,

we set a full Saturday aside for “D-Day”: Declutter Day. Enter the Hula-Hoopla, the mother of all purges. We piled all the stuff littering our home into the center of the family room—stuffed animals, unidenti-fied objects, misplaced toys and all the clothes and appliances and knick-knacks that taunted us with the regret and guilt of “Shouldn’t have!” With the elephant inescapably in the room, we placed hula-hoops around the floor with labels: Give, Donate, Trash, Keep. “Keep” came with a caution: anything kept must be useful or sentimental and be put away. Thus, the sorting began.

There were a few tug-of-wars with the kids, I’ll admit—“No, you’ve never played with it!”—“But Mom, it’s (insert fluffy name of prized toy here).” More than once, we bribed the kids with small amounts of money: “I will pay you a whole dollar to get rid of….” But on the whole, we all pitched in and dug our way out of clutter, making no less than four stops at the local Goodwill.

The benefits were huge. As clutter receded, a tide of clarity, energy and or-der washed in. The kids felt the joy of giv-ing their things away to genuinely happy recipients. Having too many choices of toys had overwhelmed them, and now they played more and appreciated what they had. Instead of “shouldn’t haves” sapping away our joy, our possessions were beautiful and—infused with memo-ries and meaning—boosted our sense of happiness. Through thoughtful simplicity, we were no longer drowning in stuff. We were swimming in a sea of sanctuary.

clutter bustersTHE GOBBLER: Our family pet, the Gobbler, lurks in shadows, hungrily stalking toys. When toys are abandoned on the floor, the Gob-bler (a fabric bag with bulging eyes and a drawstring mouth) stirs and—munch, crunch—gobbles them up! Whenever he appears scratching and growling, the kids go into mad-dash cleaning mode to rescue their toys. The idea was modified

from the “Gunny Sack” in Richard and Linda Eyre’s book The Entitlement Trap. When the kids want Gobbler to cough up one of their toys, they have to exchange three less appealing toys to buy back the one they covet. Eventually, the Gobbler regurgitates some very fine but neglect-ed toys to the Overland Park Goodwill.

RANSOM BOX: “Uh Oh! You left it out; Mom picked it up. She’s got your stuff; you’re out of luck. To get it back you must do a chore, again it is yours just like before.” Thus reads the Ransom Box lid of blogger Larissa at “Just Another Day in Paradise” blog. For a free printable of her Ransom Box chore list, visit ZitzmanFam.blogspot.com.

USE A LABEL MAKER: “I like labels for two main reasons,” says Liz Indellicate, hospitalist and mom in Shawnee. “First, they empower everyone to know where things go and where to find them. And second, labels force me to keep on top of things and give away or store them when I see how many of an item we have. Labels make maintaining order easier when I have declared an area for everything.”

ORGANIZE ON-THE-CHEAP: Mommy blogger Jessica Hill is sweeping Pinterest with 100 ways to organize your home using dollar store items. You’ll be amazed by how far your dollar can stretch your storage space: MadInCrafts.com.

ROUTINES: Thomas Moore said, “The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.” Sometimes, keeping things tidy is as simple as the “Clean-Up Song” or a “Minute-to-Bin-It” after-play routine.

Wendy Connelly and her family of four are coming clean and uncluttered in Overland Park.


C A L E N D A Rapril

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

readCelebrate the

release of local author (and KC

Parent contribu-tor) Claire Cater-er’s debut novel for kids, The Key

and the Flame with a book

signing party on April 5 at 6:00 at

Shawnee Books & Toys. 913.962.1428

partyJoin StoneLion

Puppet Theatre at St Mark’s

Church for the Puppets for the Planet Festival.

A free com-munity event with puppets,

music, painters, free lunch, art

& craft projects. 816.221.5351

flyLet’s go fly a kite!

Head to MCC-Longview on

April 20 for the Flights of Fancy

Kite Festival featuring mega

kite displays, face painting

and more! Free. 816.604.2030

celebrateThe Primrose

School of Overland Park is

open and you’re invited to the

Grand Opening Celebration on

April 13 at 10:00. Lots of free fun for the family. 913.400.2435

shopLadies, get ready

to shop for a good cause! The Spring into Hope shopping event

April 26 & 27 ben-efits Marian Hope

Center for Chil-dren’s Therapy. Tickets $10-$25.

816.695.1255

The Culture House presents Annie April 11-13 at Youthfront Auditorium. This is the final production to be performed

at Youthfront Auditorium, site of numerous events since its opening in

1966, before it is torn down. The star of Annie, Chelsea Philgreen, is the

youngest daughter of Topher Philgreen, COO of Youthfront. The

Culture House dedicates this produc-tion to the many years of service that the auditorium has given to the city.

Tickets $7-$10. CultureHouse.com


1 MONDAYFarmstead Opening Day 9:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Bring out the kids to see all of the animals and birds of prey at the farmstead! 913.897.2360

Campgrounds Open Gather up your camping gear because Blue Springs, Longview and Jacomo campgrounds are open today! 816.503.4805

Plaza Bunnies & Wonderland Animals Country Club Plaza. This is the last day to enjoy the Plaza’s transformation into an Easter wonderland. 816.753.0100

Vaile Mansion Reopens 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of our nation’s premiere examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture. 816.325.7430

2 TUESDAYChicken Little: The Musical Thru Apr 13, vari-ous times, City Stage (Union Station). Theatre for Young America performs this musical comedy. 816.460.2083

Unlimited Attractions Offered Paradise Park. Purchase and book a Premier CEdc or FEC birthday party before April 30 and receive unlimited attrac-tions free! 816.246.5224

Family Night Tue & Fri, 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones. $6/child;

$4/crawler. 913.631.7000

Life Could Be a Dream Thru Apr 21, 7:30, Ameri-can Heartland Theatre (Crown Center). The show will leave you laughing and singing! AHTKC.com

3 WEDNESDAYBird Hikes of Spring 8:30, Burr Oak Woods. Let the sounds of local and returning birds lure you out-side for a successful bird hike! Ages 10+. Register at 816.228.3766

Open Play 9:00, Stanley Presbyterian Church. On the first Wednesday of each month, bring the kids, toys and your to-go cup of coffee! 913.681.8180

True Story of the 3 Little Pigs Thru Apr 28, 10:00 & Noon, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. Hear A Wolf share his side of the story! 816.756.3500

Doo Dad Mike Concert 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Bring the family out for a high-energy rock concert. Tickets $2-3. 913.715.2575

Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. A themed story time for children ages 2-6 about the itsy bitsy spider. 913.764.7759

4 THURSDAYToddler Story Time 10:00, West Wyandotte Library. Each story time includes stories, songs, finger plays and a simple craft. KCKPL.lib.ks.us

Special Offer Tiger-Rock Martial Arts is offering a $29 easy starter course, which includes a free train-ing jersey. Call 913.829.8818.

Getting Ready Every Thu, 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Tour the gallery with a guide and learn about preparation for a westward journey. 816.325.7575

Coco Salutes Scouts 4:00, CoCo Key Water Resort. Show your Girl Scout badge and get a $5 day pass today! 816.737.0200

MPE Keynote Speaker 7:00, Emmanuel Baptist Church. Hear speakers Eric & Leslie Lundy. 913.599.0311

Pudge Ate a Prophet Thru Sun, 7:00, Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre. This is the Bible story of Jonah told from a fish’s eye view. 913.254.4444

It’s a Small World Thu-Sun thru Apr 28, 8:00, Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Hum along to this tribute to some of your favorite Disney songs. 913.764.2121

5 FRIDAYPaint Me a Story 10:30, Paint Glaze & Fire. Listen to a story and paint a pottery piece. 913.661.2529

Friday Play Group 10:30, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories and joining in songs and crafts. KCKPL.lib.ks.us

WORKSHOPSVENDORSCHILDREN’S CONFERENCE


MPE Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair Today & tomorrow, KCI Expo Center. Info on homeschooling techniques and curriculum. 913.599.0311

Book Launch Party & Signing 6:00, Shawnee Books & Toys. Reserve your spot to celebrate the publication of The Key and the Flame. 913.962.1428

First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries

6 SATURDAYProject Blue River Rescue 8:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Be part of Missouri’s biggest one-day cleanup and help us clean the Blue. 816.513.8960 CureSearch for Children’s Cancer 8:30, The Legends. Come together and honor those whose lives have been affected by children’s cancer. CureSearchWalk.org/KansasCity

Free Day for Educators 9:00, Powell Gardens. Educators of grades K-12 can enjoy a free day at the gardens by pre-registering. 816.697.2600

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9:00, Home Depot stores. Bring in the kids for a free workshop and build something together. HomeDepot.com

Brownie Girl Scout Day 9:30, Mahaffie Stage-coach. Brownies will learn sewing skills and experi-ence hands-on spring farm activities. 913.971.5111

Writing with a Feather 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. A local folk artist guides you through feather writing, a tin project, folk painting and more. 816.325.7575

$1.00 Sale 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO, LS). Two days ONLY, find amazing $1.00 deals on select resale clothing merchandise. ChildOrch.com

Momix Botanica I JCCC I April 5 & 6

and shops remain open late on the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

FanFare on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Glad-stone). Liverpool will provide musical entertainment for the grand opening of Linden Square! Gladstone.Mo.us

Momix–Botanica Today & tomorrow, 8:00, JCCC. A spectacular blend of physical theatre, circus, athleti-cism and comedy. 913.469.4445

360360 Gymnastics is a recreational gymnastics program. We offer many day, evening, and weekend classes for children of all ages.• Lots of preschool classes• Boys classes• Tumbling• Beginner gym classes• Open Gyms• FREE OPEN GYM WEDNESDAY 12-1PM

431 N. LINDENWOOD DR. OLATHE, KS | 913.707.3756 | KC360GYM.COM

Coach Eric has 19 plus years of teaching gymnastics experience in the area. Come in for a free open gym or a free trial class.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONSATURDAY, JAN. 19, 2:00-6:00

FREE!Activities for kids, open gyms,

raffles and refreshments

Coach Eric has 19 plus years of teaching gymnas-tics experience in the area. Come in for a free open gym or a free trial class.

360360 Gymnastics is a recreational gymnastics program. We offer

many day, evening, and weekend classes for children of all ages.

• Lots of preschool classes• Boys classes • Tumbling • Dance

• Beginner gym classes • Open Gyms• FREE OPEN GYM WEDNESDAY 12-1PM

431 N. LINDENWOOD DR. OLATHE, KS

913.707.3756KC360GYM.COM

NOW OPEN!

Photo by Max Pucciariello

kcparent.comapril 2013 51

Nature Nuts Story Time 10:00 or 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Ages 3-7 will hear stories from select nature books. Activity included. 816.759.7300

Puppets for the Planet Festival 11:00, St Mark’s. StoneLion will have puppets, music, stilt walkers, jugglers and more—all for free! 816.221.5351

Queen of Hearts 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Pam Corcoran brings this hand puppet show to the institute for the first time. $5 admission. 816.833.9777

LEGOLAND 1st Birthday Celebration! LEGOLand Discovery Center. Join us on weekends in April for special birthday activities and prizes. 816.471.4386

Parents’ Night Out 5:30, Legacy Christian Church. Parents can drop off individuals with special needs for a fun night and one-on-one care. 913.962.5271

Border War Reflections 7:00, Alexander Majors Historic House & Museum. A local actress presents a dramatic interpretation of Missouri’s troubled past. 816.444.1858

Diary of Anne Frank Thru Apr 14, 7:30, Jewish Community Center. See the story of Anne Frank, who goes into hiding from the Nazis with her family. 913.327.8073

7 SUNDAYVisit the Market 8:00, City Market. More than 140 vendor stalls offer fine produce, meats, herbs, fresh baked goods, flowers and more. TheCityMarket.org

Special Swim 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Join other families and people with disabilities for a free swim session. 913.895.6390

Zoological District Free Day 9:30, KC Zoo. Residents of Jackson and Clay Counties in Mis-souri receive complimentary admission today! 816.513.5800

First Sunday Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum. Share a great family moment and have a little fun, too! 816.483.8300

Story Time and Workshop 1:30, Nelson-Atkins Bloch Building. French artist and children’s book author/illustrator Herve Tullet will be here! 816.751.1278

Pudge Ate a Prophet 2:00, Trilogy Cultural Arts Centre. This is the Bible story of Jonah told from a fish’s eye view. 913.254.4444

Dawn of the Space Age Thru Apr 28, 4:00, Union Station. Be immersed with an accurate historic reconstruction of man’s first steps into space. 816.460.2020

8 MONDAYGym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Chil-dren are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209

Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your toddler in to jump and have some fun! 913.422.7010

Funville Thru May 5, 10:00, Crown Center. Experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly environment. 816.274.8444

Toddler Town 10:00, Sermon Comm Ctr. $1/child. Parents and children visit the indoor playground and participate in educational activities. 816.325.7370

9 TUESDAYScience of Rock ’n’ Roll Thru May, 9:30, Union Station. Experience a total hands-on exhibit with your family while understanding the science behind rock ’n’ roll. 816.460.2020

Enter to win a Family 4-pack of tickets to Day Out with Thomas at the Midland Railway this June. A $60 value. Visit KCParent.com and click Giveaways.

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Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys in the gym for kids 5 and under. Free. OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com

Story Time 10:30, KCKPL-South Library. Children are invited to join us for an hour of stories, crafts,

Little Acorns: Bears in Missouri 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn about the bears that actually live in Missouri! Register at 816.228.3766

11 THURSDAY6th Annual “A Downtown Affair” 6:00, Down-town Liberty. Don’t miss out on the social event of the year! 816.781.3575

Culture House presents Annie Thru Sat, Youth-front. The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in a beloved musical. 913.393.3141

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl, rent shoes and have a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000

The 39 Steps 7:30, Corbin Theatre. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with non-stop laughs, and you’ve got our show! 816.439.4362

William Baker Festival Singers 8:00, Kauffman Center. A 50-voice chorus specializing in sacred a cappella classics and spirituals. 816-994-7222

Once Upon a Mattress Thru Sun, 8:00, Sermon Center. City Theatre of Independence entertains with our spin on classic fairy tales. 816.325.7376

12 FRIDAYFREE Open Play 8:00, Parkside Coffeehouse (Cedar Ridge Christian Church). Indoor playground and toys

music and other fun activities! KCKPL.lib.ks.us

Bud, Not Buddy Thru May 24, Coterie (Crown Center). This comic Oliver Twist story follows Bud through the Depression-era Midwest. Ages 8+. 816.474.6785

Prepared Childbirth Class 6:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. This two-part evening class (Apr 16) covers the mechanics of labor and delivery. 816.792.7227

Mary Poppins Thru Sun, 7:30, Music Hall. This hit Broadway musical comes to Kansas City. Purchase tickets in advance. Ticketmaster.com

10 WEDNESDAYPop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child. 913.888.6668

Trash or Treasure? Thru June 9, 10:00, Toy and Miniature Museum. See items that Just Colcord found on the streets of KC and transformed into pieces of art. 816.235.8000


Bud, No Buddy l The Coterie Theatre l April 9-May 24

Photography by J. Robert Schraeder Photo by courtesy of Coterie Theatre.

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for children and coffeehouse. Open daily Tues-Fri. 913.393.3000

Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time. 913.962.1428

Chicken Little: The Musical Thru Apr 13, Noon, City Stage (Union Station). Theatre for Young America performs this musical comedy. 816.460.2083

Family Night Tue & Fri, 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones. $6/child; $4/crawler. 913.631.7000

Youth Arts and Crafts 4:00-6:00, Garrison Com-munity Center. Ages 7-14 can make creative projects and bring them home to show Mom or Dad. FREE. 816.784.1140

Home Show Today & tomorrow, 5:00, Gladstone Community Center. Learn about “green” home improvements and products. Gladstone.Mo.us

Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy arcade tokens, pizza and drinks and unlimited KidsGym Playland for an unbeatable price! 816.358.0088 YMCA Kids’ Night Out 6:00 (Atchison, Blue Springs & Bonner Springs). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org

13 SATURDAYFarmers’ Market 6:30, Downtown Overland Park. The market is open again! Come browse our fresh produce, locally grown. 913.895.6353

2nd Saturdays 8:00, Downtown Leavenworth. Member businesses structure fun and exciting activities around a theme each month. LeavenworthMainStreet.com

Jog with Your Dog Raymore. Take man’s best friend for a jog benefiting the Raymore Animal Shel-ter. Check website for more details. Raymore.com

Spring Sale Event thru April 21, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO, LS). After you spend $30.00, get a $10.00 store credit for your next visit. ChildOrch.com

Family Fun Day 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Bring everyone to the museum to make a craft and tour KidScape. 913.715.2550

Grand Opening Celebration 10:00-2:00, Primrose School of OP. Come celebrate our grand opening with a fun event for the entire family! 913.400.2435

Let’s Go Fly a Kite 10:00, Independence Athletic Complex. Bring your kite and help us fill the sky with color! First 50 people receive one free. 816.325.7370

Where Does That Food Come From? 10:00, Pow-ell Gardens. Our scavenger hunt will lead children to find papayas, a black pepper vine and a chicle tree. 816.697.2600

Party for the Planet 10:00, KC Zoo. Join us for a special day learning and celebrating about the earth. 816.513.5800

Great KC Pet Expo Today & tomorrow, 10:00, OP Int’l Trade Center. One of KC’s biggest celebrations of pets! GreatKCPetExpo.com

Talkin’ Truman: Look Who’s Turning 30 11:00, Truman Library. Join us as we take a look back at the Truman Home that is now 30 years old. 816.268.8200

WYCO Ethnic Festival 11:00, KCK Community College Field House. See more than 15 musical and cultural performances. FREE! FreeWebs.com/WyCoEthnicalFestival

Clay Platter 1:00, Ceramic Cafe. Make a plat-ter for mom just in time for Mother’s Day! $20. 913.383.0222

Second Saturdays 4:00, Historic Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique shops and galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials. WestonMO.com

12 dinners less than

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11 dinners ready in

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SPRING IS HERE...AND WE KNOW IT’S BUSY! BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO GIVE UP ON DINNER...


Museum (Noguchi Court). Drop in with your family for a story time. 816.561.4000

Orchestra Concert 2:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Listen to the amazing sounds of the Overland Park Orches-tra for free! 913.344.8656

Diary of Anne Frank 2:00, Jewish Community Center. See the story of Anne Frank, who goes into hiding from the Nazis with her family. 913.327.8073 ’50s Skate Night 7:00, B & D South. Enjoy ’50s music at a discount! Only 50 cents to get in and 50 cents to rent skates! 816.252.1084 15 MONDAYMoms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Comm Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your toddler in to jump and have some fun! 913.422.7010

Spring Choir Performances Thru Fri, 10:30, Crown Center. Local choirs will entertain Crown Center’s visitors each weekday. 816.274.8444

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Enjoy 20,000

tickets in advance. Ticketmaster.com

Coterie Theatre Dramatic Story Time 1:30, Plaza Library. You’re invited to be a part of our monthly interactive story times! 816.701.3481

Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, Nelson-Atkins

Sunday: Story time for Preschoolers at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org. Second Sunday of the month at 1:30. FREE drop-in, no tickets required!

Tuesday: Ceramic Cafe offers a fun story and paint time, CeramicCafe.com.Listen to a book and then paint a ce-ramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack. What a deal, and a fun way to share a creative activity with a little one! 11:00, $9.50/child, ($9 for each additional kid in the family). No res-ervations needed unless bringing a large group. (Offered Fridays, too!)

Wednesday: Animal Tales at Ernie Miller Nature Center, ErnieMiller.com.Select Wednesdays at 10:30. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises geared to preschool children. Meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. $2/person including adults, paid at site.

Friday: Shawnee story time at Shawnee Books and Toys, 913.962.1428. Every Fri-day at 10:30. Free story time with stories, craft and a snack! Story time is ideal for ages 2-6, but everyone is invited!

and...

Paint Me a Story at Paint, Glaze & Fire, 913.661.CLAY(2529) Select Fridays at 10:30. Reservations required. Paint a spe-cial pottery project that goes along with a favorite children’s book. A wonderful time for parents (grandparents or nan-ny) and children to listen to a story and paint together! $15.00 includes ceramic piece and snack; $13 for additional siblings. Ages 2+. Spaced is limited to 12 kids. Call for reservations.

Saturday: Mother Nature Reads at Lakeside Nature Center, LakesideNatureCenter.org. Every Satur-day at 10:00. Listen to a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make something to take home.

super-cool story times beyond the library

YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Platte County North & South, Prov/Ball) & 5:30 (Red Bridge). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org

14 SUNDAYMary Poppins 1:00 & 6:30, Music Hall. This hit Broadway musical comes to Kansas City. Purchase

art + family = fun l Nelson-Atkins Museum of ArtApril 21 & 28


square feet of gymnastics fun in our facility. $5/person. 913.707.3756

16 TUESDAYOpen Play Tue & Thu, 9:30, Irene French Comm Ctr. Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes toys and more. $2.50/child. 913.322.5550

Toddler Story Time 10:00, Louisburg Library. Families with little ones are encouraged to drop in every Tuesday. FREE. 913.837.2217

Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys in the gym for kids 5 and under. FREE. OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com

17 WEDNESDAYToddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. $1-2/child. Tunnels, games, puzzles . . . lots for your little one to play & learn. 913.895.6390

Baby Time 9:30, West Wyandotte Library. Story time for infants ages 6 to 23 months and their parent or caregiver. Enjoy songs, action rhymes and finger plays. KCKPL.lib.ks.us

Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Town Center). Free story time for little ones every Wednesday. 913.491.4535

Pinocchio Time Tue-Sat thru July 31, 10:00,

Stunning professional displays by the Kansas City Kite Club.Free kids’ activities.

www.MCCFlightsofFancy.orgMCC-Longview Campus500 SW Longview Rd • Lee’s Summit, MO

Saturday, April 2010 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE!

presented byMake a #1 MOM plaque out of clay

Sat. April 13th 1-2:30; $20

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Puppetry Arts Institute. A long-running special exhibit celebrating this classic Italian children’s story. 816.833.9777


Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Meet a special reptile and learn all about slithery snakes through stories and songs. 913.764.7759

have a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000

Gymboree Classes Enhance your child’s develop-ment and sign up for a free trial class in music, art, sports and school skills today! GymboreeClasses.com

FitMom & Baby 10:30, Summit Fair. Every Thurs-day, bring your baby with you to work out for FREE. SummitFairShopping.com

Life Could Be a Dream Thru Apr 21, 7:30, Ameri-can Heartland Theatre (Crown Center). The show will leave you laughing and singing! AHTKC.com

19 FRIDAYCoalition of Historic Trekkers Today & tomor-row, 9:00, Fort Osage Landmark (Sibley, MO). 816.503.4860

Lawrence Nature Center 10:00, Lawrence Nature Center. Come join us on one of our field trips and learn about the Leavenworth Virtual School! 913.684.1540

Pint-Size Super Hero and Princess Party 10:00, Harris Park Community Center. Dress up and enjoy games, crafts and snacks for a special day! 816.969.1540

Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time. 913.962.1428

Family Discount Night 6:30, Landmark Skate. Family of 4 costs just $12. Includes skates! Landmark2Skate.com

18 THURSDAYSpring Homeschool Day 10:00 or 1:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Our hands-on program includes planting wheat, participating in chores and more. 913.971.5111

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl, rent shoes and

Tree PlantingsMultiple Weekdays and Locations in AprilJoin Heartland Tree Alliance in planting riparian seedlings in parks along local creeks. To sign up, please e-mail [email protected] or call 816.561.1061, ext. 115. Must be 14 to par-ticipate with a parent; tools provided.

Kansas City WildLands Blue River Rescue Invasive Removal Saturday, April 6, 9:00-NoonVolunteer to remove invasive honey-suckle from a bottomland forest along the Blue River. Contact Linda Lehrbaum, 816.561.1061, ext. 116. Minimum age: 11, with a parent.

EarthWalk at the RiverfrontSaturday, April 20 This fun, popular spring event is a fund-raiser for BTG’s environmental sustainability programs. Youth, accompanied by their parents, can volunteer as course moni-tors. Contact Amy Smith at 816.561.1061, ext. 122. Minimum age: 11, with a parent.

VOLUNTEER WITH KIDSCombine family fun with giving back to the community.

Cultivate Kansas CitySecond and Fourth Saturdays, 9:00-NoonAn urban farming initiative working to promote sustainable community-based agriculture throughout the Metro, Culti-vate KC offers “Work the Farm” volunteer days at their Gibbs Road Farm in Kansas City, KS. This is dirty work, so it’s great for the kids who love to play in mud! Con-tact Ami Freeberg at [email protected] or 913.944.5639. Children of any age are welcome with parental supervision; unsupervised youth must be 15 or older.

HarvestersHarvesters is the only food bank serving the region and covers 26 counties in Mis-souri and Kansas. For children 6 and up, Harvesters offers volunteer opportunities sorting and packing food. Visit Harvesters.org for a list of events.

For more ways to give back as a family, log onto KCParent.com.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series l Kansas Speedway l April 21


Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Listen to a story and paint a pottery piece any way you would like. 913.661.2529

Gardening Workshops Noon, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Learn how to choose, plant and care for a variety or tomatoes and peppers. 816.931.3877

3rd Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station. The galleries open their doors to art lovers every third Friday of the month. EnglewoodStation.com

You’ve Got a Friend 7:30, Quality Hill Playhouse. Explore how music that raised the baby boomers influenced our culture and history. 816.421.1700

Kansas City Swing Thru Apr 28, 7:30, UMKC Theatre. This play is about some of the greatest stars of the Negro Leagues baseball era. Tickets: 816.235.6222.

20 SATURDAYEarth Walk 2013 8:00, City Market Park. Celebrate our planet while raising funds for Bridging the Gap’s year-round programs. Pre-reg. BridgingTheGap.org Dads & Donuts 8:30, Ceramic Cafe. A special time for dads and kids to work on a project for mom. Pre-reg. 913.383.0222

Opening Day: Brookside Farmers’ Market 8:00, Brookside (63rd & Wornall). Join us every Saturday for local and organic market items. BrooksideFarmersMarket.com

KS Action for Healthy Kids 5K Run/Walk 8:00, MidAmerica Nazarene University. Help promote wellness and encourage fitness in Kansas schools! SportKC.org

Native Plant Sale 8:00, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary. Purchase a native plant today tax free! 816.795.8177

Details call 913.631.9286 www.mca-eagles.org

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How the Marble Rolls 9:00, Shawnee Town. Come learn some of the most popular marble games–circles, squares and holes. 913.248.2360

Militia Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. See the dramatization of everyday life of militia men. 816.503.4860

Yes, I Can Drive 9:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach. This hands-on horse driving clinic is for youth ages 8-18. 913.971.5111

Puppets for the Planet Festival 9:00, City Market. StoneLion Puppets will have puppets, music, stilt walkers, jugglers and more. 816.221.5351

Cheetah Run 9:30, KC Zoo. Watch the cheetahs chase the lure at the end of a motorized track. Demonstration at 10:30. 816.513.5800

Flights of Fancy Kite Festival 10:00, MCC-Longview. Your family will all enjoy mega kite displays, face painting, an inflatable maze and more. Hosted by KC Kite Club. 816.604.2030

Nature Nuts Story Time 10:00 or 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Ages 3-7 will hear stories from select nature books. Activity included. 816.759.7300

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Pick up a self-guided activity and follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure. 816.753.5784

21 SUNDAYFamily Fun at the Speedway Special pricing and fun events at the Speedway! New youth prices avail-able. 866.460.7223

KC SuperStar Auditions 1:00, Jewish Community Center. Be a part of this competition to find the best high school singer in Kansas City! KCSuperStar.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

It’s a Small World Thu-Sun thru Apr 28, 2:00, Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Hum along to our tribute to some of your favorite Disney songs. 913.764.2121

The Orchestra Games 2:30, Kauffman Center. Wear your favorite sports gear and see the capabili-ties of orchestral instruments in the spirit of friendly competition. 816.994.7222

22 MONDAY: EARTH DAYGym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Chil-dren ages 5 and under are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! 913.541.0209

Visit Vaile Mansion 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of our nation’s premiere examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture. 816.325.7430

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May DayLanesfieldHistoric Site

18745 S. Dillie Rd Edgerton KS 66021

913-893-6645www.jocomuseum.org

Earth Day Party Noon, Shawnee Books & Toys. Participate in a fun project and learn simple ways to take care of the earth. 913.962.1428

Spring on the Farm Noon, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. Come to the historic site for a day filled with fun, activities and learning! 816.580.3387

Free College Day 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00, JCCC. Take advantage of our free classes in business, cooking and more! Pre-reg. JCCC.edu/FreeCollegeDay

Kids Team Up for Art 1:30, Plaza & Bluford librar-ies. Kids K-8 will create masterpieces using paint, glue, clay and other materials. 855.201.9922

The Little Mermaid Today & tomorrow, 2:00 & 7:00, Lewis & Shirley White Theatre (JCC). Miller Marley Youth Ballet performs this favorite. 913.492.0004

YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Vivion Rd) & 6:00 (Cleaver). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org

The Mikado Thru Apr 28, 7:30, Kauffman Center. This operetta will captivate and humor you at every turn. Call for dates and times. 816.994.7200

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Hear a variety of genres of music and favorite songs, all played on ukuleles! 913.469.4445


Shawnee Town Museum

For over 500 great family-friendly places to visit in KC, plus a whole section featuring family-friendly shows, pick up a copy of KC Going Places.

11501 W. 57th St., Shawnee, KS 66203913.248.2360 • ShawneeTown.org

Hours of Operation: Self-guided tours are available Tue.-Sat., 10:00-4:30 (March-October). The visitor center gift shop and exhibit are open year round 9:00-5:00.Admission: $3/adult, $1/child (ages 5-17). Children under 5 are free.

Hot Tips• The Homestead Open House begins May 4.• “Like” the museum’s Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest activities and events.• All ages are welcome; recommended for 2nd grade + crowd.• Classes are offered for all ages; five educational programs are available for schools and groups to choose from.• Online pre-order forms are available for the gift shop; fill one out and receive 5 percent off when you come to pick up your order.

23 TUESDAYGo, Dog, Go!: The Play Thru May 18, 10:00, Union Station. Theatre for Young America presents this lively play. 913.460.2083

Story Time 10:30, KCKPL-South Library. Children are invited to join us for an hour of stories, crafts, music and other fun activities! KCKPL.lib.ks.us

Baby Care Basics 6:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. New parents can receive tips for surviv-ing the few weeks at home with their new baby. 816.792.7227

Family Night Tue & Fri, 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones. $6/child; $4/crawler. 913.631.7000

24 WEDNESDAYToddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390

Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 Trash or Treasure? Thru June 9, 10:00, Toy and Miniature Museum. See items that Just Colcord found on the streets of KC and transformed into pieces of art. 816.235.8000

Super Why Live 6:00, The Midland by AMC. See your favorite characters live and in person. Tickets $25-$45. MidlandKC.com

Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy arcade

tokens, pizza and drinks and unlimited KidsGym Playland for an unbeatable price! 816.358.0088

25 THURSDAYTales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Toddlers ages 18-36 months can listen to a 20-min-ute story time followed with a craft. 816.701.3481 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl, rent shoes and have a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000

FitMom & Baby 10:30, Summit Fair. Every Thurs-day, bring your baby with you to work out for FREE. SummitFairShopping.com

Adults-Only Night 5:00, Toy and Miniature Museum. Explore the newest exhibition, talk with the artist and create a character. 816.235.8000

Kansas City has a rich history and sev-eral museums to showcase it. However, if you’re looking to discover what life was like during the roaring ’20s, look no further than Shawnee Town Museum, KC’s only living history museum that allows its patrons an opportunity to experience first-hand what life was like for Shawnee residents during 1929.

Before You GoMake a game with your children of comparing life in 1929 and 2013 by developing a list of fun facts regarding the current year. What are popular ex-pressions of this day and age? What’s the speed limit in town? What are popular dances? Record your findings as a family and then compare and contrast them to the listing of 1920s fun facts found on the Shawnee Town Museum’s website. While online, check the site’s events page to discover what upcoming special activities are scheduled so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

While You’re ThereShawnee is currently a bustling subur-ban community of more than 62,000, but back in 1929, roughly 500 people called this predominantly rural area home. Many of its residents were truck farmers; that is, farmers who lived on small acreages and used trucks to haul produce and goods to local markets.

out & about

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Shawnee Town Museum authentically replicates what life was like on one of these farms through its newly reno-vated homestead. Check out the 1878 farmhouse, its market shed, neighbor-ing barn, garage and outhouse. On “Time-Traveler Saturdays,” interpreters engage in period activities such as washing, cooking, gardening and ani-mal husbandry to enhance your visit. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the gift shop before you leave!

After You’ve Gone Hopefully, a visit to Shawnee Town inspires you to dig a little deeper into your own family roots. After all, his-tory comes to life best when viewed through the lens of a personal experi-ence. Consider interviewing a grand-parent or elderly neighbor to hear their story of what life was like growing up during 1929. Try your hand at one of the truck farm recipes listed on the museum’s website or print off one of the five games, activities and poems the museum provides online to get a taste of what life was like during this bygone era.

Lauren Greenlee has a penchant for history museums and looks forward to introducing her own extended family to this local gem. She writes from her home in Olathe.


Willy Wonka Jr Thru Sat, 7:00, Park Hill South High School. Christian Youth Theater performs this classic favorite you won’t want to miss! 913.681.3318

26 FRIDAYSpring Beautification Thru Sun, 8:00, Happy Rock Park. Clean out your garage and basement and drop off unwanted items this weekend. Gladstone.Mo.us

Edwardsville Days Edwardsville City Park. This festival includes a barbecue competition, craft and food vendors. 913.422.5044

Kinder Prep Open House 9:00, Maranatha. Tour the classrooms and meet the teachers. 913.631.9286

Arbor Day Celebration 4:00, Overland Park City Hall (8500 Santa Fe). Celebrate Arbor Day with this annual event. 913.327.6639

Youth Arts and Crafts 4:00-6:00, Garrison Community Center. Ages 7-14 can make creative projects. FREE. 816.784.1140

Spring into Hope Shopping Event Today (5:00)

& tomorrow (10:00), Independence Events Center. Benefits Marian Hope Center for Children’s Therapy. MarianHopeCenter.org

The Doo Dads Perform 6:00, Record Bar. Cel-ebrate the end of a great year with good food and great music! Kids FREE, $5/adults. TheDooDads.com

Kids’ Night Out 6:00, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Enjoy pizza, painting, pottery and more with friends while parents enjoy a night out. 913.661.2529

27 SATURDAYHealthy Kids Day YMCA locations. Join us for fun activities to keep families moving and encourage healthy habits. KansasCityYMCA.org

Recycling Extravaganza Electronics Recycling and Black and Veatch team up for all your recycling needs. Drop off at 11401 Lamar. 913.895.6273

Open House 9:00, Timber Ridge Adventure Center. Choose from several activities to participate in while viewing our adventure center. Pre-reg. 913.856.8849

Brownie Girl Scout Day 9:30, Mahaffie Stage-coach Stop. Brownies will learn sewing skills and experience spring farm activities. 913.971.5111

Herb Sale and Festival John Wornall House Mu-seum. Mark your calendars for our annual herb sale! Call for start times. 816.444.1858

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Earth Day 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Watch a show from StoneLion Puppets and make something to take home. 816.513.8960

Christian Festival of the Arts 10:00, KC Christian School. More than 30 artists showcase original works of art. TheArtEventAtKCC.org

Barnyard Babies 11:00, Nat’l Ag Center & Hall of Fame. See what animal babies can be found on our farm this spring! 913.721.1075

Farm and Museum Grand Opening 11:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Gladstone’s first historic preservation project opens today! AtkinsJohnsonFarm.com

Family Comedy Magic Show for All Ages 1:00, Kansas City Improv. Devin Henderson will entertain and amaze you in this show! 816.759.5233

Kids Team Up for Art 1:30, North-East Library. Kids K-8 will create masterpieces using paint, glue, clay and other materials. Hosted by Westport Center for the Arts. 855.201.9922

Cruise Night 5:00, Downtown Liberty Square. Enjoy classic cars, music, friends and fun. 816.781.3575

Polar Bear PJ Party 7:00, Kansas City Zoo. Enjoy a sleepover with friends in the new Polar Bear Passage with activities and a night hike. Pre-reg. 816.513.5800

Community Concert 7:30, Liberty Performing Arts Center. The Liberty Symphony and William Jewell Choir perform tonight. LibertySymphony.org

28 SUNDAYTrolley Run 7:45, 75th & Wornall. The largest annual event for the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired! Kids’ Trolley Run starts at 10:15. TrolleyRun.org

Visit the Market 8:00, City Market. More than 140 vendor stalls offer fine produce, meats, herbs, fresh baked goods, flowers and more. TheCityMarket.org

Community Day 9:00, Mildale Farm. Explore our farm property with your family during this free public event. 913.831.3355

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

Kansas City Swing 2:00, UMKC Theatre. This play is about some of the greatest stars of the Negro Leagues baseball era. Tickets: 816.235.6222.

29 MONDAYGym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Chil-dren are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209

Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a

paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Funville Thru May 5, 10:00, Crown Center. Experience grown-up occupations in a kid-friendly environment. 816.274.8444

Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Comm Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org

Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Enjoy 20,000 square feet of gymnastics fun in our facility. $5/person. 913.707.3756

Romeo and Juliet The Culture House performs this tragic drama of star-crossed lovers on May 3 & 4. Plan to attend! 913.393.3141

30 TUESDAYBird Hikes of Spring 8:30, Burr Oak Woods. Enjoy a bird hike! Ages 10+. Register at 816.228.3766

Science of Rock ’n’ Roll Thru May, 9:30, Union Station. Experience a total hands-on exhibit with your family while understanding the science behind rock ’n’ roll. 816.460.2020

Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Inflatables, scooters and balls. Kids under 5. FREE. OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com

Toddler Story Time 10:00, Louisburg Library. Sto-ries for families with little ones. FREE. 913.837.2217


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family

family-friendly pricing.fan-friendly fun.family-friendly pricing.fan-friendly fun.Experience the power, the pageantry, the party at Kansas Speedway. New for 2013: redesigned cars and a thrilling new track. With single and season tickets available, don’t miss Kansas City’s best fan experience. Parking is free. And a cooler full of your favorite food and beverage is welcome in the stands.

APril 21

Tickets for $99 or less. New youth prices.Call 866-460-rACE (7223) or visit kansasspeedway.com/kids.

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#KANSAS

kc parent magazine april 2013

Documents

kansas dental association

pediatric dental coordinator

cpnpangela stott

cpnpcamille lucitto

cpnpcindy fieser

cpnpsarah dedrick

cpnpjulie kirkpatrick

health care provider