Toys, Shows, and the Search for Something Greater

SAVE THE DATES 2016 PRESCHOOL ’cause parenting is a trip! Previews PAGE 48

Leap into the holidays Toys, shows, and the search for something greater

gift guide Star Wars, STEM and old-school gifts 24

FULL PLATE WITH GOT A BLENDED BUILD AN ATTITUDE MEET A REAL

SEATTLE THE STOWELLS OR STEPFAMILY? OF GRATITUDE JEDI MASTER A foodie family’s must- How to keep the holidays Tips to teach your kids Someone you DECEMBER 2015 have kitchen gear! 19 calm and peaceful 51 real thankfulness 55 should know 62 inside

DECEMBER 2015

OUT + ABOUT Let it show! PAGE 34 Our big, fun list of 70 plus jingle shows and concerts

FEATURE 62 SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW ADVERTISING SECTIONS Shaye Whitmer, Jedi master and 12 REACHING FOR SOMETHING GREATER 15–17 FAITH-BASED SCHOOLS How local families define spirituality light-saber smith 26–29 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE GIFT GUIDE OUT + ABOUT 43–44 ARTS + ACTIVITIES 24 STAR WARS, STEM AND SHOPKINS 32–33 DECEMBER CALENDAR 52–53 FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCHOOLS REGULARS 34 HOLIDAY ARTS Let it show! Our big, fun 54–56 NWAIS SCHOOLS 4 PARENTMAP.COM list of jingle shows and concerts, from 58–60 SCHOOLS + PRESCHOOLS Winter-break camps, race conversations, free sing-alongs to spectacular splurges memory apps COMING IN JANUARY 6 DEAR READER AGES + STAGES OUR HEALTH ISSUE • The truth about sugar Spirituality =/ organized religion 47 0–2 MILK ON THE GO One family bans sugar and reports back 9 PARENT FUEL Where to pump in peace and quiet Family news, snack-sized • Body-image books 51 3–10 HARMONY FOR THE HOLIDAYS 10 WELLNESS Books to build tween health and confidence Helpful hints for blended families Centering: A new way of birthing • Someone you should know 23 ASK THE EXPERTS 55 10–16 ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE MomsRising’s Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner How to cultivate thanks in an age Trigger warning for parenting; COVER PHOTO: ISTOCK / AYAKOLVLEV taming roughhousing of ‘gimme’ PHOTO AT TOP: EVERGREEN CITY BALLET / CHRIS CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY

24 62 12 WILL AUSTIN

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 3 ParentMap December 2015, Vol. 13, No. 12 navigate great stuff daily! PUBLISHER/EDITOR Alayne Sulkin EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Natalie Singer-Velush OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Elisa Murray CALENDAR EDITOR Nancy Chaney PROOFREADER Sunny Parsons OUT + ABOUT INTERN Ashly Moore Sheldon CONTRIBUTORS Nancy Schatz Alton, Bryony Angell, Will Austin, Melissa Benaroya, Tiffany Doerr Guerzon, Malia Jacobson, Tiffany Pitts, Laura Reagan-Porras, Kristen Russell, Kali Sakai, Angela Stowell PARENTMAP.COM CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Julian Haight SOCIAL MEDIA + DIGITAL PRODUCTS MANAGER Rory Graves EMAIL PROGRAM MANAGER Brenda Gage PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Nicole Persun ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS Ida Wicklund Time to make camp! Dani Carbary AD OPERATIONS MANAGER Elisa Taylor If you‘re sticking around for winter break, SALES + MARKETING SUPPORT MANAGER why not let your kids experiment with Jessica Collet SALES ASSISTANT Jen Baird new interests and skills at a local camp? MARKETING/EVENTS EVENT OPERATIONS Tara Buchan Winter wonder getaways Find dozens of ideas for cool kid care, EVENT + MARKETING COORDINATOR Need a last-minute plan for winter break? Or maybe you’d like to from circus camp to STEM camp to nature Mallory Dehbod EVENTS ASSISTANT Zoe Bloom treat your kids to a downtown Seattle stay to catch some serious camp and more at parentmap.com/ COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Christina Boyer holiday sparkle? Find super ideas for a quick holiday getaway . And if your kid balks at ART + PRODUCTION wintercamps DESIGN + PRODUCTION, PRINT that kids will love, including a Seattle staycation to see Star Wars the big camp environment, we’ll have a Emily Johnson DESIGN + PRODUCTION, PRINT + DIGITAL gingerbread houses or a trip to Leavenworth’s truly magical brand-new list of small, homey camps Amy Chinn ADMINISTRATION Christmas Lighting Festival, complete with hand-bell choirs, and where kids can learn to craft, sew, cook BUSINESS MANAGER Sonja Hanson Saint Nick sightings. parentmap.com/holidaygetaways and more: parentmap.com/tinycamps. OPERATIONS MANAGER Carolyn Brendel ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT + DISTRIBUTION Angela Goodwin More Whine pairings ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Lorraine Otani Time to ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Taracina Ullevig You don’t have to sacrifice the grown-up grog to keep the kids PARENTMAP make some EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD pleased during the holidays. We’ve rounded up the big-kid Benjamin Danielson, M.D. memories! ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN’S CLINIC and little-kid versions of delicious seasonal Joan DuffellCOMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN Family time is about swills (such as cranberry punch and John Gottman, Ph.D. making memories THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE peppermint shakes — spiked if you please!) PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY that last a lifetime. OF WASHINGTON with simple recipes for each. You’re welcome. Michael Gurian THE GURIAN INSTITUTE But what if you want parentmap.com/whinepairings Laura Kastner, Ph.D. to help preserve PSYCHIATRY + BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON those memories for Bea Kelleigh you and your kids? VICE PRESIDENT AT DOVETAILING, LLC Yaffa Maritz, M.A. We’ve tested a whole LISTENING MOTHERS + COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL PARENTS pile of new apps and Ron Rabin THE KIRLIN FOUNDATION programs to find Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINDSIGHT INSTITUTE 6 magical memory ADVERTISING INFORMATION makers, from an easy 206-709-9026 or [email protected] Fax 206-709-9031 app that combines Conversations about race matter CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS a baby journal with Since its inception in 2013, the multicultural group Families of [email protected] EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS milestone tracking to Color Seattle has grown from running small parent support groups [email protected] a social media app into a community-building resource for families of all ethnicities DISTRIBUTION [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] that turns your family throughout the city. Now the organization is working to combat ParentMap is published monthly 7683 S.E. 27th St., PMB#190 into professional racism and support families in an increasingly racialized society Mercer Island, WA 98040 storytellers. through a powerful Community Dialogues series. Upcoming topics ADMINISTRATION 206-709-9026, parentmap.com parentmap.com/ SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 year: $24; 2 years: $40 include anti-bias education and anti-racist birthing. Learn more: All rights reserved; reproduction in whole memoryapps parentmap.com/FOCSlectures. or part without permission prohibited ©ParentMap 2015 • Printed in Oregon

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4 • December 2015 • parentmap.com SUPER SEED COOKIES During the busy, tradition-packed month of December, cooking with kids is a great way to create lasting memories of the special times that accompany our favorite foods and holidays.

PCC Chef Jackie Freeman bakes up a fragrant batch of festive, colorful cookies with her guests, 9-year-old Ana and her cousin Tiffany, watch the video scan the QR code below from Farestart. Find the video and recipe at pccnaturalmarkets. These cookies have a tasty mix of crunchy seeds and chewy dried com/healthykids. fruit. Currants are a holiday-friendly upgrade from raisins, and pretty pumpkin seeds provide loads of fiber and magnesium.

Zante currants Spelt ﬂ our Organic Valley butter Shelled pumpkin seeds

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Spirituality =/ organized religion n a galaxy long ago and far away, there was no God. Certainly not the talking, walking version from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament who Icounsels, exalts, blesses, troubles, sees, hears and touches. What is it about the Star Wars galaxy that engage millions worldwide in near religious devotion? December 18 will be forever sacred for many as The Force Awakens us! Star Wars characters emerge grand in our imaginations — the somber Darth Vader, the boasting Han Solo, and take-charge Princess Leia. R2-D2, a curiously endearing machine worked its way into my heart with its stubby little body, bleeping voice and wide, round eye. Sulkin Shabbat Let’s beam down from extended family space for a moment to meet local Jedi Master Shaye Whitmer (Someone you should know, p. 62). Whitmer, who makes his own light sabers, is quite convincing from head to heart — by day he teaches sixth grade chemistry and astronomy; by night he builds his summer camp, Saber Academy. We’ve got the themed playthings covered in our Star Wars, STEM, and Shopkins gift guide (p. 24). Let it show! (p. 34) is a wild sleigh ride through the holiday arts in December, highlighting the dozens of entertainment adventures that await your family. Delight your brood with magical music and mistletoe or classical Nutcrackers debuting around the region. This month we also welcome a fabulous new column, Full Plate, from local foodie and mom Angela Stowell, of Ethan Stowell Restaurants fame. We look forward to an ongoing conversation with the Stowells about how to feed and connect with our families. With all the sparkle of gifts and shows, we all still may be “Reaching for something greater” (p. 13). Our feature profiles how four local families define spirituality. My family, like yours I presume, races through our workweek feeling likes it is one nonstop work day. This is the time of year to BREATHE. Our family steps into a sacred space every Friday night at sundown as we observe Shabbat. I’ve taken the best of my ancestors’ past practices and merged them into my children’s futures. I drop my work each Friday afternoon, start baking challah, grocery shop between risings, and transform ParentMap’s world headquarters to blessed gathering of family and friends. This keeps me sane, centered, and on Shabbat we elevate our minds to a question of the night that engages and often challenges us all (“How would you handle Syrian refugees in light of the Paris attacks?” City of Seattle “What do you love about America and what don’t you like?”).

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parentmap.com • December 2015 • 7 Who Knew Going to the Dentist Could Be So Much Fun?

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8 • December 2015 • parentmap.com news

PARENT FUEL family news, snack-sized

Antibiotics and the number of supermarkets, healthy pregnancy specialty stores and fast-food outlets in their neighborhood. The analysis Good news for the thousands showed that a higher number of of pregnant women in our fast-food outlets in the neighborhood country who are prescribed was tied to lower bone mineral density antibiotics. A new study of 290,000 and bone mineral content in newborns; pregnancies confirms that common having more healthy specialty stores in the antibiotics, known as macrolides, do not neighborhood was tied to higher bone mineral harm an unborn child’s development. density at ages 4 and 6. Researchers at the University of Montreal in Canada looked at Protecting kids against cancer potential effects of the drugs — which The vaccine against human papillomavirus include common antibiotics such (HPV) is considered critical for protection Sing, child, sing as erythromycin, fidaxomicin and against certain cancers, but according to the Singing calms babies down better than talking, clarithromycin — on unborn babies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully according to new research published in the journal They caution that more obscure four out of 10 girls and six out of 10 boys have Infancy. Researchers at the University of Montreal antibiotics still need further study. yet to get the vaccine. Now, a Harvard University found that when upset babies ages 3–6 months old Gut reaction study finds that some of the blame for that might listen to music, they remain calm for significantly lie with pediatricians. According to the study, 27 The antibiotics news is not all good this month. longer than when they listen to speech — nine percent of doctors do not strongly endorse HPV Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg minutes, as opposed to four minutes. All the fun vaccination — even though HPV is the single School of Public Health say the drugs might be of crib-side karaoke along with five screech-free most common sexually transmitted infection in making kids fat! They may do this by changing minutes for you? You’re welcome. the U.S., responsible for 70 percent of the cervical gut bacteria, leading to weight gain. The study cancer cases worldwide, as well as anal and penile Holiday helpers of nearly 164,000 children found that at age 15, cancers. Talk to your doc! Wanna get the gimmes out of your holiday? children who had taken antibiotics seven or more Research shows that giving to others leads to times weighed about 3 pounds more than those happiness in young children, and it can certainly who did not take antibiotics. “Your [body mass make the season more meaningful. A few local index] may be forever altered by the antibiotics charities to consider: Holiday Stockings for you take as a child,” says study leader Dr. Brian Homeless Children (holidaystockings.org) sews, Schwartz. “Our data suggest that every time we fills and delivers stockings full of toys to local give an antibiotic to kids, they gain weight faster homeless children. Collect and donate toys, clothes over time.” Schwartz says this underscores the need and food (gifts for teens are especially needed) to avoid systemic antibiotics wherever possible. to Hopelink (hope-link.org) or Wellspring Family No bones about it Services (wellspringfs.org). Adopt a family by In Doritos Locos Taco news this month, it looks shopping for and delivering gifts together through like living in a neighborhood with greater access Bellevue LifeSpring (bellevuelifespring.org) or any to fast-food outlets may be linked to poorer bone YWCA (ywcaworks.org). Or go whole hog and host development in early childhood, according to a holiday donation drive for foster kids through a new study. Researchers at the University of Treehouse (treehouseforkids.org/get-involved/ Southampton in the U.K. compared the bone donation-drives/holiday); it will mail you a packet mineral density and bone mineral content of to get started. n children at birth, and then at age 4 and/or 6, to — Kristen Russell

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 9 wellness

Get centered Breaking out of the exam room for better birth outcomes through Centering By Kali Sakai

hen the home pregnancy test turns 1993, she developed Centering- blue and blood test results are Pregnancy and later became executive Wconfirmed, it’s time to schedule director of the Centering Healthcare locations that offer centering prenatal visits. Typically, moms-to-be schedule Institute (centeringhealthcare.org). monthly 20-minute appointments with a health The method has caught on with Providence Regional Medical Center, Midwifery Clinic care provider to ask all the serious, quirky and providers and families, and been (Everett) confounding questions that have occurred to championed by local midwifery Group Health Midwifery (Bellevue, Tacoma and Seattle) them. In the tiny exam room, they receive the groups for years. Doctors are on Franciscan Women’s Health (Tacoma & Lakewood) usual urine test, blood pressure check, weight board, now, too: This year, the first Neighborcare Health at Columbia City (Seattle), in check, uterus measurement, and the provider Centering pregnancy residency clinic connection with UW Medicine listens for a heartbeat. in Washington state is being held at Swedish Ballard, Midwifery (Seattle) Although pregnancy feels new to every woman, Swedish Family Medicine – Cherry Hill. Swedish Issaquah, Midwifery (Issaquah) many women experience similar things. Yale- What is Centering? Swedish Family Medicine — Cherry Hill (Seattle) educated nurse midwife Sharon Schindler Rising Centering prenatal care is a method observed that many expectant mothers asked her in which 10 women or couples with • Breastfeeding initiation was higher in group the same questions, which consistently knocked similar due dates meet together, learn care skills, care at 66.5 percent, compared to 54.6 percent in her off schedule. Rising figured there had to be a participate in a facilitated discussion and develop standard care. better way for women to navigate the bewildering a support network, which includes a doctor or • The study’s authors concluded that the group gantlet of prenatal care while gaining knowledge midwife who completes the monthly standard prenatal care model resulted in equal or and confidence about what was to come. So, in physical assessments. Centering participants improved perinatal outcomes at no added cost. attend 10 two-hour sessions for a total of 20 For my one-on-one prenatal doctor visits years contact hours throughout pregnancy and early ago, I did my best to write down all the questions postpartum, versus the standard 3.5 total hours. beforehand, but inevitably I forgot something or Centering has been proven to improve didn’t know exactly what to ask. With Centering, a outcomes, increase satisfaction with the substantial benefit is the “group wisdom,” as Rising experience for both mothers and providers, and calls it, when a Centering facilitator encourages all lower health care costs. These findings were observations, intuition and insights. documented in a 2007 National Institutes of “Having a group discussion led to better Health study, illustrating how impactful Centering conversations overall. Oftentimes, someone would can be. Specifically: ask something and I would think to myself, I’m • Women in Centering/group care were only 9.8 glad they asked that. I was wondering that as well,” percent likely to have preterm births, notably less says Shannon Testa, Swedish Ballard Centering than the 13.8 percent in standard care. participant and mother of a son, age 5. • Women in group care possessed significantly Perhaps the only downside of Centering is that better prenatal knowledge, felt more ready for this method requires a greater time commitment labor and delivery, and experienced greater from the participants. If there are older children satisfaction with their care. at home or conflicts in scheduling, that could be an issue. But Centering can serve a broad population of women, from low- income families with limited access to prenatal care to high-risk pregnancies needing extra visits for closer follow-up.

10 • December 2015 • parentmap.com Long-term connections Centering was initially championed by midwives. Because of the positive impact on birth outcomes, it quickly caught the attention of physicians, including those of Swedish Family Medicine – Cherry Hill in Seattle. Their first cohort of babies will arrive in December/January, and the clinic hopes to serve 80–100 women annually. “When it comes to prenatal care, our role is to help a woman take control of her health and guide her in building a healthy life for herself and family,” says Jeremia Bernhardt, M.D., the clinical operations director at Swedish Family Medicine – Cherry Hill. The main challenge Bernhardt sees to delivering this method of care is changing old patterns and assumptions. “Centering is a different way to approach medical care. Though it is clear [from the research] that this model is better, most physicians have been trained in, and have practiced in a traditional model of office-based care,” he says. Centering isn’t new to Seattle. Local midwifery groups, including Swedish Midwifery and Women’s Health in Ballard — the area’s longest-running Centering program — have offered it for almost a decade. “The group support continues even after they all have their babies,” says Fra Na Ready, ARNP, CNM, a nurse practitioner and midwife at Swedish Midwifery Ballard. (206) 625-1900 WWW.5THAVENUE.ORG “I ran into a couple at Green Lake 2015/16 SEASON SPONSORS OFFICIAL AIRLINE

one day with their 5-year-old. They Photo by Mark Kitaoka said their group still gets together for potlucks every couple of months.” n PRODUCTION SPONSOR CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR RESTAURANT SPONSOR

Kali Sakai is a Seattle-based freelance writer.

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 11 feature

12 • December 2015 • parentmap.com Reaching for something greater How local families define spirituality in old ways and new By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

s parents, we work hard to in Washington state report attending worship Sammy uses a tea light. With the 10 flames cultivate our kids’ academic services in a church, synagogue or mosque weekly. flickering and reflecting off the silver tray, Davis learning, healthy habits and self- Miller says that all children are “born spiritual” passes her hands above the candles three times, esteem. We make sure they do and that, as parents, we can nurture this trait sings a prayer in Hebrew and then covers her eyes. their homework and brush their to help our kids thrive. Ways to do this include “At that moment, when I cover my eyes, I feel Ateeth, eat their carrots and share their toys. being open and nonjudgmental when our kids peace,” she says. But what about the teachings that are harder ask spiritual questions, developing spiritual And so begins the most important day of the to quantify? In an age of hectic schedules and an practices, and nurturing our bonds to family and week for the Davis-Jacobs-Rittenberg family: almost fervent focus on achievement, how are all creatures. Shabbat, or Sabbath. Beginning at sundown on we showing our kids how to reach for something ParentMap spoke with four Seattle-area families Friday night, and ending one hour after sundown greater? How do we expose them to the type of who generously shared some of the spiritual on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath is a time to deep, transformative connection to the human rituals they practice with their kids. These parents disconnect from the world and reconnect with spirit from which an almost magical sense of teach us about what it means to reach and teach each other, Davis explains. The ritual continues purpose and value can emerge? toward something greater, even though something with the family singing a prayer together and Science shows there are indeed measurable greater is different for everyone. dancing to welcome the Sabbath. Then the parents benefits when we nurture our children’s innate place their hands on the children’s heads and spirituality. “Spirituality is associated with bless them each in turn. After this blessing, Davis’ significantly lower rates of depression, substance An island in time husband, Rob Jacobs, often sings “Eishet Hayil” use and abuse, and risk taking,” writes Lisa Miller, The dining table is set, and the platters are filled (“A Woman of Valor”), a poem from Proverbs. Ph.D., in her book The Spiritual Child. with steaming salmon and roasted vegetables. The More prayers are sung before dinner, including But “spirituality” doesn’t necessarily mean scent of doughy warmth emanates from the two the blessing of the fruit of the vine (wine or grape organized religion. Miller defines spirituality as loaves of braided egg bread, or challah, which rest juice), the ritual washing of hands and the blessing “an inner sense of living relationship to a higher under a colorful, embroidered silk cloth. Standing over the challah. Once the bread is blessed, salted, power (God, nature, spirit, universe, the creator, before a candle-filled silver tray, Elizabeth Davis sliced and passed to everyone, the eating begins. or whatever your word is for the ultimate loving, lights two candles, representing guarding and Shabbat is often described as “an island in time.” guiding life-force).” remembering the Sabbath, in a five-branch brass Candlelight and the sound of Hebrew prayers help Today’s parents are raising their kids differently holder that her grandmother transported from the outside world to fall away. Computers and TVs than those of previous generations. There is an Russia. She then lights one candle for each of her are turned off, and cell phones are quieted, leaving increasing segment of the population that doesn’t three children. Eighteen-year-old Sophie steps this family free to focus on the faces around the affiliate with any organized religion, and this is up to light candles in holders from her mom’s table and feel the peace and joy of the Sabbath. especially true in the Pacific Northwest. A 2015 bat mitzvah, 12-year-old Hannah lights ones in a Davis feels that this important practice helps to Gallup poll showed that only 24 percent of people colorful, Star of David–shaped set, and 8-year-old connect them as a family and to God. >>

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 13 feature

Something greater continued from page 15

“The heart of Judaism is the salt-tinged air and The two have a similar ritual in the mornings to in the home, with family,” listen to the sounds ease into the day. Mother and son sit on the couch she says. But, with three kids, of the water. After a and cuddle, look out of the window and talk about keeping an ancient ritual after few minutes, DeFoort what the birds are doing or what the weather is a long week is no easy task for “Those first few asks her son to say like or how the sun is waking up. two working parents. “One of goodnight to the moon “Those first few moments after a child wakes the kids usually melts down at moments after and stars, and then up set the tone for the day,” DeFoort says. “I’m some point,” Davis says with continues Mickey’s teaching him to be present in the moment, at least a sigh. But this busy mom has a child wakes bedtime ritual inside. for a few minutes before the rat race begins. learned how to streamline “When he is ready I want these practices to be embedded in his Shabbat, planning simpler up set the tone for bed, I tell him it’s consciousness so that Mickey will remember them meals and making the challah time to talk to the later in life when he is needing tools to handle stress.” dough on Thursday nights. for the day” angels, and he lies down She also tries to make and closes his eyes,” Shabbat fun. Even though DeFoort says. The two How we are one’s best clothes are hold hands as Mickey treating others? traditionally worn at the visualizes his guardian The table in the cozy dining area is covered in Friday-night celebration, angels. Then he talks about his day and what he is a red, white and green tablecloth, and the scent Davis has relaxed the family dress code. thankful for. “We ask the angels to connect us to of toasted garlic bread wafts through the air. It Sometimes they change things up by allowing our family members and to protect them. If there is quiet except for the sound of homemade soup everyone to wear pajamas, or by serving breakfast was an argument at preschool, for example, we’ll bubbling on the stove. The lights are dimmed as for dinner. After the ritual washing of the hands, talk about it and send love to the other children a 10-year-old Maggie Hansen lights a lavender everyone must be silent until the bread is blessed, involved.” The conversation continues with a “hope” candle in the Advent wreath on the table. which results in lots of silly miming, loud discussion about what Mickey has to look forward Her family then recites a prayer together: Come, humming and gesticulating. to the next day. Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to you be During Sabbath, the family avoids electronics, DeFoort, a single mom and holistic minister, blessed. As parents Mark and Necia Hansen, along instead turning to reading, talking and playing doesn’t practice any specific religion, but she with children Maggie and 8-year-old Sammy, games, and they attend synagogue together on tries to preserve her son’s natural spirituality, a begin eating, Mark Hansen says, “Let’s talk about Saturday morning. trait she believes all children are born with. She what the candle means.” Davis and her husband feel that raising their wants Mickey to connect with something bigger, It is Advent, the season of anticipation and children with a structure of Jewish life gives them especially for those times in which he is afraid or the Hansen family’s favorite part of the religious a good foundation in an increasingly complicated confused. They emphasize this by being out in calendar. Advent is celebrated during the four world. nature, talking about God, being “present” and by weeks before Christmas, during which Christians “We hope by raising kids with a faith tradition practicing a type of deep breathing that they call look forward to the anniversary of the birth of and being actively engaged in a faith community, “belly breathing.” Jesus Christ on Dec. 25. Active in their Episcopal it’ll help us insulate our kids. But I mean insulate, “Being divorced, I have come up with ways to church, the Hansen family celebrates Advent by not bubble-wrap!” she says with a laugh. help him process the separation he feels from me lighting a candle each night at dinner. Each week “We try to teach our kids that each individual or his dad when we aren’t together,” DeFoort says. has a different theme: hope, joy, faith and peace. has value and is irreplaceable, but at the same “We practice the ‘heart connection,’ which is this time, we hope they’re learning that ‘it’s not all The circular gold wire candleholder holds four invisible string or cord of light that he visualizes about you.’” taper candles, three lavender and one pink. A connecting him from his heart to his dad.” white pillar candle fills the center. One additional DeFoort explains that she believes that the “heart candle will be lit each week (the pink candle is for The heart connection cord” is a string of energy that is visible to some, “joy” week), culminating with the lighting of the Eryn DeFoort stands on her front deck of her existing between parents and children or between white “Christ” candle on Christmas. The children Vashon Island home overlooking Puget Sound, as other loved ones. “It’s easy for young children to embellish the candleholder with pine branches she does every night. She and her 4-year-old son, see this and believe in its efficacy to soothe the and other greenery they gather from outdoors, Mickey, balanced on her hip, breathe deeply of ‘missing’ feeling.” forming the wreath. >>

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parentmap.com • December 2015 • 15 feature

Something greater continued from page 15

In the flickering candlelight, all is warm and on name tags, others smile Ambre says. For this family, peaceful in this suburban Kent home. Dinners and scoot over to make singing is spiritual. during Advent are a nice break from a busy day, room. Above us, colorful “For me, “This is a nice respite say these parents, both of whom work and go to stained glass windows are from work,” CJ says. ”The school full- time. The family then discusses the set high in the walls of the spirituality is focus is on enjoyment, and week’s theme, allowing each person to say what old building, some partially there are no mistakes.” CJ the theme means to them. covered by sheets of wood. about being admits that it can be difficult “On hope week, for example, we talk about our In the circle, children nestle to fit a weekly activity into a hopes. And sometimes the kids will say what they with their parents or sit with inspired busy family schedule. ‘hope’ to get for Christmas,” Necia Hansen says friends. A sturdy toddler is “Sometimes I come home with a smile. “But that’s OK, they’re kids.” passed to the arms of another and feeling from work and think, ‘Do I Mealtime and bedtime prayers are another woman, so that the young really want to go out again?’ important ritual, year-round. “If we forget to pray, mother can tend to her other connected But I do because I always Sammy will remind us,” Mark Hansen says. They child, who is in a wheelchair. feel better afterward. It’s sometimes choose a prayer by rolling a prayer dice When the Columbia City about harmonizing with — a chunky block of wood with a different prayer Family Chorus stands, I to something everyone. It makes me feel inscribed on each side. am struck by the variety of connected to something greater.” Necia Hansen was raised Christian, but not sizes and ages in the group, greater than “Group singing gets in a church, and Mark Hansen was raised in preschoolers singing side us beyond the story the Episcopal faith. After the couple had their by side with senior citizens. ourselves” and particularity of our first child, they felt compelled to find a church This feels more like a loving individual lives and community that fit their family. family gathering than a choir connects us to the simple “I don’t need church for my religion, but I need practice. truth of being human together,” says Tracy, the it for my village,” Necia Hansen says. The music is eclectic, ranging from the Japanese chorus director. “When we can slow down enough Necia points out their family motto, “Love each “Hotaru Koi,” sung in a round, to Taylor Swift’s to make space for community experiences such other.” These important words are stenciled onto “Why You Gotta Be So Mean?” to original as these in our lives, it is deeply nourishing. There painted wooden blocks and sit on the mantel in compositions by choir leader Kathleen Tracy. isn’t much out there for the unchurched, but we the great room for all to see. Kids and adults sing enthusiastically, led by Tracy are all made to sing.” “When the kids are arguing, we’ll say to them, on guitar, their joined voices soaring to the high While the family doesn’t attend church, Ambre ‘Are you being kind? Are you being loving?’ ceiling of the church. When we start singing considers her family to be spiritual in other ways. When they tell us there is a new kid in their class “Shine,” one of Tracy’s compositions, the singing “For me, spirituality is about being inspired and at school, we ask, ‘Were you welcoming?’” Necia becomes even more spirited. One of the stanzas feeling connected to something greater than Hansen says. “For us, spirituality is more about perfectly describes this choral group: ourselves,” she explains. “There’s a fundamental how we are treating others.” sense that whatever happens, it’s OK, because we Young & old we come here seeking shelter are a part of something bigger. That’s what I want Raising their To heal our hearts, to make a better world for our son.” To give ourselves permission to be human Fostering a connection to something greater, voices together When we know we are enough, whether it be faith in God, community, nature or Upon entering the Columbia City Church of Hope, our hearts are lifted up and we can shine . . . the universe, can give kids something to lean on I notice the words inscribed above the door: “Here when we can’t be there. There are as many ways to Find Peace.” Inside, near the front, a group has Ambre, along with her husband, CJ, and 8-year- be spiritual as there are stars in a clear night sky, gathered, sitting on pews and chairs pulled into a old son, Loren (they asked that their family’s and they are all beautiful. n circle. Its members invite me to join them, and I last name not be used), have been singing in the am handed a laminated sheet of music. The faces secular community chorus for several years. “It Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and around me reflect the ethnic diversity of this South lifts up our hearts and spirits, and reconnects us the mother of three children, including a teen. Read Seattle neighborhood. As people trickle in and put with ourselves, our family and our community,” more of her writing at TDGuerzon.com.

16 • December 2015 • parentmap.com Faith-Based Schools

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parentmap.com • December 2015 • 17 The slopes just got a lot safer.

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18 • December 2015 • parentmap.com 1215_crescendo_dance_1-2h.indd 1 11/16/15 1:11 PM family + food

EDITOR’S NOTE Angela Stowell is CFO and partner Kitchen wishes at Ethan Stowell By Angela Stowell Restaurants in Seattle, which Every year the holidays roll around, and I get at least three emails, two texts, a phone encompasses call and a handful of Facebook messages from various friends and neighbors asking 12 restaurants including Tavolàta what kitchen gadget they must acquire for their loved one. While I appreciate their and How to Cook trust in my ability to accessorize my own kitchen, most are really surprised (and maybe a Wolf. Angela also helped found Eat a little disappointed!) when my response isn’t for a new sous vide machine or high-tech Run Hope, an annual — and hard to use — wine opener. Ethan and I have always kept things pretty simple 5K and culinary in the kitchen, but it is especially important now that we have two small children. You event that benefits the Fetal Health really only need a few things to create a well-stocked, functional kitchen: a set of good Foundation. Angela knives (I like Global, Ethan likes Shun), an assortment of basic All-Clad pots and pans, and Ethan have two young sons. and a good cutting board. That said, there are a few other “must haves” we love.

VITA PREP The ultimate blender for soups, smoothies ALL-CLAD FLATTOP GRIDDLE and baby food. My youngest isn’t a huge fan of green Because everyone loves pancakes! vegetables, so I offer a fruit smoothie with spinach or BOOS BLOCK CUTTING BOARD kale. The Vita-Prep also handles hot food, which is perfect for winter soup purées. Ethan and I both love these cutting boards! We actually had the entire kitchen OXO VEGETABLE PEELER It seems so simple, but pass at Anchovies & Olives made from a Boos a good vegetable peeler makes a big difference when Block. The boards are made of high-quality trying to get dinner prepped quickly. wood and they don’t slip around. Hands down, SLOW COOKER An essential in my kitchen in the the most used item in our kitchen. winter months for soups, stews and braised meat. Also AVOCADO SAVER Another great stocking great for steel-cut oats, which take 20–30 minutes on the stuffer. I got one as a gift a few years ago and stove top. Before going to bed, I put the oats in the cooker thought I would never use it, but it’s so much and a little more water than the recipe calls for, along with half easier to put unused avocado in the saver and toss of a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods and turn the it in the fridge. cooker to “warm.” Hot cereal awaits the next morning. The great thing about gifting a slow cooker is you can spend NESPRESSO MACHINE Being from a relatively small amount of money and get a good Seattle, I realize this might be a controversial product or you can go for the higher-end All-Clad recommendation. We have amazing coffee in version. our city, but I actually like this espresso and I love that I get a no-mess almond milk latte RICE COOKER I don’t get fancy here. All I want every morning. And now you can recycle the is a basic rice cooker that allows me to walk away pods, which was a sticking point for me for and know that at least one part of our meal is awhile. going to cook itself.

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parentmap.com • December 2015 • 19 ParentLab The Art & Science of Parenting

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22 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_hallowell_tadoro_1-4.indd 1 11/20/15 2:52 PM

2016 MBB ParentMap Half Page December 2015.indd 1 11/9/15 2:16 PM ask the experts

& o o ort o tame te roon Q A Sponsored by My 5-year-old son has an intense need to roughhouse. His pre-K program allowed some body play (with supervision), but now he’s in a structured kindergarten with a hands-o policy. How do we help him get o to eep te pat at a e the physical playing he needs while also learning important boundaries? parentn (P.S. He is an only child.)

I’m new to parenting a teen, but I’ve noticed my triggers o en make When there’s an intense need for physicality, I always ask if the child’s parenting a teen hard. When my child gets detention for not following brain is reading sensory information in a neurotypical way. It’s normal the dress code, my history of having to follow rules for how girls dress to roughhouse, but if a child isn’t feeling sensations, he requires intense adds more re to the ame. What’s the easiest way to set aside your own sensations to make spatial sense of the world. So, think about your son and personal triggers with teenagers? decide if you need to look into sensory-processing issues. People love to wrongly pin things on the only child. Still, if a child tackles When someone tells you something degrading about your kid, it’s really his brother ve times, the brother is going to ght back, which is a natural hard to quiet the inner voice that says, “I’m not a great parent.” I guess we consequence. If your son hasn’t met the wall of futility — a rm “no” is like a have two superhard tasks: 1) stop our supercritical inner thoughts and 2) trust sibling tackle — he may be used to having his physicality accommodated. the system. Now, the new school: Be in close communication with the teacher, letting Take this example: My daughter set the microwave on re in an af- her or him know your son’s a good guy and you’re working on this issue. ter-school program. I was horri ed that my otherwise perfect child had Together, explore how your son can move in class and on the playground. done this, yet I was angry at her detention, which I felt was harsh. I also se- A er school, he must expend energy. He might need tae kwon do or cretly hoped the punishment worked. So I know exactly what you’re feeling, sports we aren’t always fans of, such as football or boxing. Some parents set but you have to trust the system to discipline your child because you’re not up the safest trampoline possible for their energetic angels. always there. Right now, your child is having new boundaries placed upon him, and Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we say things to our kids we later this feels bad to him. Convey a strong message: is new school is a hard, regret. en we need to model self-forgiveness and allow our kids to forgive big change, but we can do this together. Give him hope and leadership. Say, us. Say and believe “Tomorrow’s another day; let’s just try again.” We worry “Mommy is talking to your teacher and your teacher loves you.” that our kids will not let a negative comment go, but I was really mad at my Your son may or may not understand this brand-new logic, but talk about mom for things she regretted saying to me and I forgave her long ago. it. Do we wrestle in airports or while someone is driving a car? Maybe we How can we stop ourselves as we are being triggered? I tell parents, don’t roughhouse because there are more pencils and scissors in kindergarten. “When you’ve said the same thing three times, it’s probably time to stop.” I’ve Language is a small way of turning a corner in the mind. Discuss values: told my kids to remind me of this when I’m mad. ey’ve said, “Mom, you’ve “In our family we love to wrestle and be very physical, but we also respect said the same thing three times—stop!” or “I think we need to take a break for other people’s space and bodies.” He won’t fully understand this, but that’s 30 minutes!” OK, just keep saying it. I also think we need to rethink texting and social media blurts about our ere’s a ne line to walk as your son learns to adapt to no-wrestling kids (and our kids about us). It’s OK to type “Today is totally frustrating!” But kindergarten and yet not feel bad about himself. Your son’s deep physical if we write about other people, everything gets complicated and exponentially impulses are out of his control, and the burden of change for this behavior worse if they see our words from other sources. lies solely on your shoulders. Keep making sure your son feels safe, loved If nothing seems to be working, it’s OK to see a counselor. It doesn’t need and happy as he gets used to his new classroom. to be 10 years of weeping on a couch. It can be three or six sessions where Meghan Leahy is a certi ed parent coach and a parenting a professional can help you think through your triggers and come up with columnist for e Washington Post. She’s passionate about solutions. helping children grow, learn and change in a positive manner, and about helping parents bring lightness, laughter and love Cora Collette Breuner, M.D., MPH, is member of the into their homes. Division of Adolescent Medicine and the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is the chair of the Committee on Adolescence for the Get YOUR questions answered! American Academy of Pediatrics, the current director of Email them to [email protected] the Adolescent Eating Disorder Clinic and the director of the Adolescent Post them on our Facebook page @parentmap with the tag #asktheexpert Biofeedback Clinic, as well as a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Visit parentmap.com/asktheexperts for more Q&As with experts.

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 23

1215_Q&A_Ask the Experts.indd 1 11/20/15 4:33 PM w

gift guide

Star Wars, STEM and Shopkins giftOur guide 2015 breaks down this year’s holiday toy buzz

BY MALIA JACOBSON

We want so much for our kids’ holiday booty:

toys that provide fun, of course, but also

learning and maybe a dash or two of

parental nostalgia. This is our lucky year,

it turns out. In 2015, hot holiday toys

are skewing toward science and math

education; collectibles that include some

nods to parents; and goofy whole-family play.

Ali Mierzejewski, senior editor of toy review

website The Toy Insider, expects the white-

hot STEM toy trend to be counterbalanced by

a renewed interest in old-school unplugged

toys, new offerings in the popular maker toys

category and an explosion of Star Wars toys.

What might be right for your family? Here’s

a list of cool toys and kits that kids want, right

now — many of which parents will be excited

about, too.

24 • December 2015 • parentmap.com w

Force-full Star Wars toys The Dec. 18 release of Star Wars, Episode VII: The Force Awakens is triggering an avalanche of themed playthings, including many that span multiple age ranges and promote parent- child play. “The great thing about these toys is that parents who are Star Wars fans usually love playing with them just as much as kids do,” notes Mierzejewski.

toddlers and preschoolers with this gift, which lets you turn your kid’s Star Wars Scanimation Book bedroom ceiling into a replica of the Star Wars $14.95, Workman Press galaxy. An Earth galaxy mode allows users Is your 4-year-old getting in on the Star Wars to switch back and forth, comparing the two craze? If so, this sturdy board book should galaxies and building science knowledge and delight: Star Wars: 11 Scenes from a Galaxy vocabulary. Parents can stretch out on the Far, Far Away features holographic photos that floor with kids and brush up on their planet shift and shimmer as the page moves. Look proficiency. “This is a toy that parents love, for images of an exploding Death Star, the too,” says Carole Nolasco, buyer/merchandiser Millennium Falcon zooming through space and for Seattle’s Top Ten Toys.

of course, Yoda holding a glimmering green school-age light saber. Star Wars Thumb Doodles school-age $16, Klutz Legendary Jedi Master Yoda Action Star Wars toys don’t have to be high tech, Figure, Collector Box Edition robotic or pricey, says Sarah Furstenberg, $180, Spin Master owner of Clover Toys in Ballard. This one If you’re looking for a galaxy-size splurge fuses art and a Star Wars theme, allowing for your young Jedi master, check out this kids to create characters that begin with a remarkably realistic Yoda action figure. Standing thumb print. The simple concept means even 16 inches high, it speaks 115 phrases, and young grade-schoolers can carry out the craft features full voice recognition and a 360-degree relatively independently. range of motion. teen to adult Fans of the Dark Side can also check out the animatronic Darth Vader from Thinkway Millennium Falcon Bluetooth Speaker Toys ($130), a 17-inch robotic action figure that $50, iHome switches from battle to training mode, has 31 This high-quality collectible looks great on a desk points of articulation (movement) and includes or dresser, says Mierzejewski of The Toy Insider, lifelike movie sound effects. but that’s only part of its appeal. Approximately 10 by 10 inches, this lithium-battery-powered school-age speaker plays the Star Wars theme and wirelessly Death Star Planetarium streams calls and audio from as far as 30 feet $20, Uncle Milton away, featuring clean, clear sound and a blue Take a ho-hum bedtime out of this world light that illuminates when in use.

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 25 g i f t g u i d e

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1215_natural_clothing_co_1-16.indd 1 11/9/15 1:55 PM gift guide

continued from page 25 Super STEM Building kits and engineering toys The latest twist on STEM toys includes science and engineering toys for the pre-K set and classic wooden toys with retro appeal that pack surprising math and science lessons. And building kits are hotter than ever. “They play into what we call the ‘construction with function’ toy trend,” says Mierzejewski of The Toy Insider. “Building toys are adding more moving parts to up the play value, with working doors, expanding bridges and more function to keep kids engaged even longer.” With plenty of cold, wet Northwest winter days on the horizon, that’s a win.

toddlers and older school-age My First Ball Track Mighty Makers Fun on the Ferris Wheel Set $60, HABA $35, K’nex Introduce tots to engineering, physics and State-fair season may be months away, but young builders can problem solving with this basic expandable keep busy until then with this 324-piece set that features three ball and track set. Furstenberg of Clover different math and engineering builds: a working Ferris wheel, Toys loves this set for its enduring multi- a pirate ship ride and a boardwalk game. Once construction age appeal. “The intro set comes with larger is complete, kids can decorate and accessorize the rides, and wooden balls safe for age 1 and up, but there purchase snacks and tickets at the booths. are tons of really cool add-ons that make school-age it appealing up to age 10.” Couple this set Lego Elves Treetop Hideaway with the My First Ball Track Ball Ramp, and $50, The Lego Group build the set with other HABA ball track With an intricate, whimsical design that appeals to boys and sets, including the Chatter Ball Track set, girls, this set will keep makers engaged for hours building the Clamps and Ramps set, and the Marble a magic portal, a working ladder bridge, a bucket lift and a Ball Track Set for kids ages 4 and older. secret compartment. >>

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“Emphasizing kindness and responsibility, Langford provides comprehensive information for “Kastner masterfully guides parents through teen boys about one of life’s riskiest realms.” the complex maze of parenting.” , , —Laura Kastner, Ph.D., author of causecause parenting parenting is a is trip! a trip! —Yaffa Maritz, director, , cause parenting is a trip! Getting to Calm and Wise-Minded Parenting Community of Mindful Parenting only 25 parentmap.com/books

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28 • December 2015 • parentmap.com g i f t s gift guide

continued from page 27 Largest Selection of

school-age Toys in Seattle Craft-Struction Box Open $40, GoldieBlox We Keep since This 275-piece craft kit turns Healthy 1987 curious and craft-loving kids on to engineering concepts, says Play Furstenberg. While GoldieBlox is Alive known for story-based engineering kits that come with picture books, this kit encourages more open-ended play, though crafters can glean Follow inspiration from weekly how-to us on (bloxtown.com Facebook! videos at Blox Town ). Golden Teddy Awards school-age/tween Demolition Ball Wrecking Building Kit (206) 782-0098 | toptentoys.com $30, SmartLab Greenwood: 120 N 85th St | Downtown: Paciﬁ c Place Smash! Let’s face it: Sometimes the best part of building is knocking it all down when you’re done. The latest addition to the best-selling, award-winning Demolition Lab line lets 0915_top_ten_toys_1-4.indd 1 8/4/15 3:45 PM builders mix and match wall panels, floors and rooftops to construct one-of-a-kind buildings, then knock them down with the provided demolition wrecking ball, and learning about physics, momentum and problem solving in the process.

school-age/tween Physics Workshop $55, Thames & Kosmos This 300-piece set from Thames & Kosmos lets older kids play with physics principles by experimenting with gears, levers, screws, inclined planes, pulleys, wheels and axles while building 36 projects, including a Mars robot, windmill, two-speed crane, sail car and hammer machine. Builders learn about simple and compound machines along with basic physics equations; more complex projects, such as the pendulum clock, drive understanding of concepts like centrifugal force. >>

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 29 gift guide

A lae to lay, xplore earn Exciting Changes! continued from page 29 Go old school Unplugged and collectible toys Despite the surge of interest in science-based toys, unplugged or old- school playthings continue to be popular with families and kids. These toys cross over trends, spanning popular categories like collectibles and whole-family toys, says Ali Mierzejewski of The Toy Insider.

toddlers and older Animal Family Sets $25, Calico Critters These 2-inch fuzzy animal figures are growing steadily popular with little ones, says Carole Nolasco, of Seattle’s Top Ten Toys. Parents can purchase a basic family set, picking from the adorable selection of woodland creatures, and grandparents and other family members can add to the collection with the , Suare eet o ew xhiits Starter Home Cozy Cottage ($40), furniture such as a set of bunk beds ($10) Rereshed useu and accessories like the Let’s Go Camping set ($22). ondrous Sagit Rier xhiit ater ale atie ries o the Region nteratie opographial ap atershed and Salon aitat

Transportation Area, Science Exploration one, Art Studio, Toddler Area, preschool and older Drama Area, River, Dental Area, Reading Area & More Puppets We also oﬀ er a Museum Explorer Preschool! $10–$30, Folkmanis Adorably plush and just lifelike enough, onSat ap Sun pp award-winning Folkmanis puppets oddler ues aa put theater-quality stagecraft at kids’ fingertips. A favorite of The Toy Insider as well as film and television producers, these hand and finger puppets encourage open-ended play and help kids connect to the natural world. Pair a few of these with the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater 550 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington, WA 2 ($90) or the HABA Doorway 0-5- Theater ($50) for an unplugged wwwsagithildrensuseunet gift sure to spark hours of old- fashioned play.

30 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_childrens_museum_skagit_1-2v.indd 1 11/16/15 1:09 PM independent toy and gift shops

EASTSIDE Columbia City/ Village Maternity Central District villagematernity.com Bellevue Crossroads Toys Magpie Toys + Clothes Wallingford Facebook, “Crossroads-Toys” magpiekid.com Alphabet Soup Retroactive Kids Facebook, “Alphabet Soup Fireworks (seven Children’s Books” locations) retroactivekids.com fireworksgallery.net Archie McPhee Downtown mcphee.com KidsQuest Children’s The Big Wind-Up Bootyland pre-k and older Museum Store Facebook, “Great Wind Up” bootylandkids.com Season 3 Scoops Ice Cream Truck kidsquestmuseum.org Magic Mouse Toys West Seattle magicmousetoys.com $25, Shopkins Lakeshore Learning Curious Kidstuff Materials Have a kiddo into the hot Shopkins trend? You’d better be Marbles, The Brain Store curiouskidstuff.com lakeshorelearning.com quick; these tiny collectibles popularized on YouTube sell out marblesthebrainstore.com Max & Quinn’s Atomic Uncle’s Games within hours of landing on store shelves. This cute truck from Green Lake Boys (also in Redmond) Mockingbird Books atomicboysseattle.com the most recent Shopkins “season” is a great introductory unclesgames.com mockingbirdbooksgl.com Shopkins toy, with an umbrella stand, working wheels and Wee Tots NORTH SOUND Greenwood two surprise Shopkins with shopping bags. shopweetots.com Bothell Top Ten Toys (also in Toys That Teach whole family Kirkland Pacific Place) toysthatteachbothell.com Simplicity ABC Pie Face Game toptentoys.com simplicityabc.com Edmonds $20, Hasbro Couth Buzzard Books Teri’s Toybox Issaquah buonobuzzard.com Facebook, “Teri’s Toy Box” This game is poised White Horse Toys Kenmore to be a big whitehorsetoys.com Magnolia Snapdoodle Toys holiday hit (pun Nifty Toy + Gift Mercer Island snapdoodletoys.com intended). It Facebook, “Nifty Toy Gift” Island Books Bainbridge Island does exactly mercerislandbooks.com Maple Leaf Calico Cat Toy Shoppe Math ’n’ Stuff what the title Redmond calicocattoys.com mathnificent.com says: After players I play SOUTH SOUND spin a dial, a hand iplaybaby.com Queen Anne Blue Highway Games Olympia launcher splats one Marbles, The Brain Store bluehighwaygames.com Captain Little (un?)lucky player in the marblesthebrainstore.com captainlittle.com South Lake Union face with a whipped- Snapdoodle Toys Renton snapdoodletoys.com Tottini cream pie (you can also use a sponge for less mess). You Creative Mom Toys tottini.com creativemomtoys.com earn points each time you don’t get pied in the face. This SEATTLE University is the perfect game for classic silliness with the whole Tacoma Ballard Village/District ChildTrek family or a group of friends who need to blow off steam Card Kingdom Kid’s Club childtrek.com cardkingdom.com on a weekend afternoon.v shopkidsclub.com Learning Sprout Toys Clover Toys University Book Store Facebook, “Learning Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting clovertoys.com (five locations), Sprout” journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Secret Garden Books www.bookstore. Teaching Toys and Books Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well secretgardenbooks.com washington.edu teachingtoysandbooks.com Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 31 december SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 Free Ski Helmet Fitting & Giveaway Teddy Bear Suite and Festival of Trees. Sun, Dec. 13, 2015, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the penultimate day to view gorgeously PICKS Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center decorated trees in the hotel lobby; the 1500 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue sweet Teddy Bear Suite is open to view www.MakeSureTheHelmetFits.org daily through Dec. 27. FREE; donations requested. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle. Treasure Island Free winter sport helmets available for children at fairmont.com/seattle at Lakewood least 4 years old to age 18. One helmet per child. Santa Story Time. Cozy up by the fi replace Playhouse, Wearers must be present and be ﬁ tted to receive a and hear a holiday story straight from the Dec. 10–20 helmet. Quantities are limited. First come, ﬁ rst served. big guy in the red suit. Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, www.seattlechildrens.org No appointments needed. 15; 10 a.m. FREE. Redmond Town Center. redmondtowncenter.com

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Santa Train. Quick! Don’t wait to get your The Big Chanukah Show. This free musical Lego & Building Madness. Gather with 1215_Seattle_Childrens_cal1.inddtickets for this popular 1 train ride to visit variety show features the Shalom Klezmer11/17/15 2:45 like-mindedPM construction enthusiasts to Santa. Select dates through Dec. 19. $22; Band and Rabbi James Mirel lighting the build with Lego, blocks and more. 3:30–5 age 1 and under free. Northwest Railway candles. 7–9 p.m. FREE; donations requested. p.m.; check online for more dates and Museum Depot, North Bend. All ages. Stroum Jewish Community Center, branches. Pierce County Library, Parkland trainmuseum.org Mercer Island. sjcc.org Spanaway Branch. piercecountylibrary.org Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Hop on for a PEPS Lecture: The Science of How Young Math Buddies. Elementary students meet JAMES VENTURINI fantastic, fl ying, musical adventure based Children Learn. UW I-LABS speaker discusses with a teen volunteer for math games and Polar Bear on the 1968 fi lm. Friday–Sunday through children’s early relationships, learning and activities. Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15; 4–5 p.m. Birthday Party, Dec. 20. $22–$31. Ages 6 and up. Tacoma development. 6:30 p.m. $15 per couple or pay- FREE. Grades K–5. Seattle Public Library, Dec. 19 Musical Playhouse. tmp.org what-you-can. Caregivers of ages 0–5. Verdant West Seattle Branch. spl.org Health Commission, Lynnwood. peps.org

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Winter Sport Helmet Fitting and Give- Holiday Carousel. Pick your ride and take Swansons Reindeer Festival. Kids don’t away. Kohl’s and Seattle Children’s team a spin to help Treehouse help foster kids. think reindeer are real? Come meet real-live up to protect kids’ noggins.10 a.m.–1 p.m. Daily through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25). $3 Dasher and Blitzen, along with their camel FREE. Ages 4–18; wearer must be present. suggested donation. Westlake Park, Seattle. buddy Curley. Daily through Dec. 24. FREE. Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery treehouseforkids.org Swansons Nursery, Seattle.

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM Center, Bellevue. makesurethehelmetfi ts.org Polar Plaza Ice Skating. Bundle up and swansonsnursery.com Science with Dr. Tom. Join a scien-terrifi c enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Hyatt House Horse Carousel. Take a Jingle Bell Run, Dec. 24 expedition to explore the role water plays in Tacoma while you glide across the ice. Daily break from the holiday hustle with a ride our environment; observe, take samples and through Jan. 10 (closed Dec. 1, 7, 8). $4–$8; on the sparkling seasonal carousel. Daily test them. 10:30 a.m.–noon. FREE; prereg- skate rental $2. Tollefson Plaza, Tacoma. through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25). $3 istration required. Ages 5 and up. Seahurst polarplaza.com suggested donation. Redmond Town Park, Burien. envsciencecenter.org Center. redmondtowncenter.com

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Santa Visits ACM. Santa and Mrs. Claus Light the Night: A Solstice Walk. Join a Snowfl ake Lane. It’s a nightly holiday cruise in for photos in a 1906 Cadillac; candle-lit walk through the trails of Bloedel parade of toy soldiers, dancers and digital photo included. Saturday–Sunday, Reserve to celebrate the shortest day of other characters under falling snow. Daily Dec. 12–13, 19–20; check website for times. the year. 4 p.m. $15; preregister. All ages. through Dec. 24, 7 p.m. FREE. Bellevue Way METRO PARKS TACOMA Included with admission. LeMay – America’s The Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island. and N.E. 8th St., Bellevue. magicseason.com Car Museum, Tacoma. americascarmuseum.org bloedelreserve.org Fantasy Lights. Load everyone into the car Christmas Ship Viewing. Several chances Pacifi c Place Snow Show. Pause your for this 2-mile drive lined with clever light to see the parade of ships and hear the holiday hustle and bustle to marvel at the displays; tune to 95.3 FM for audio accom- Dickens Carolers today, departing Kirkland indoor snow fl urries fl ying at this downtown paniment. Daily 5:30–9 p.m. through Jan. 1. at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., with stops at Mad- mall. Daily through Dec. 24, 6 p.m. FREE. $14/car; half-price nights listed on website. ison Park (4:40 p.m.) and Madrona Beach Pacifi c Place, Seattle. pacifi cplace.com Spanaway Park. co.pierce.wa.us Park (9:35 p.m.). FREE. argosycruises.com My Fair Lady at Village Theatre, 27 28 29 through Jan. 21 TRACY MARTIN Winter Fishtival. Dive into local marine Kwanzaa Print Patterns. Make an Afri- Redmond Town Center Skating Rink. life with hands-on activities and special can-inspired print and explore the holiday No ice needed at this nifty synthetic skating talks. Today’s theme: puffi ns. Dec. 26–Jan. 4. of Kwanzaa. 1:30 p.m. Included with admis- rink. Daily through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25). Included with admission. Seattle Aquarium. sion. Ages 3–10 with families. The Children’s $7 includes skate rental; check website for seattleaquarium.org Museum, Seattle. thechildrensmuseum.org Merry Mondays special. Redmond Town Winter Wildland. Resident animals enjoy WildLights. Experience the zoo after Center. redmondtowncenter.com special winter-time enrichments such as dark, illuminated in holiday sparkle. Daily Ivar’s Clam Lights. Stroll a one-mile path fruit, tree treats and snowmen. Satur- through Jan. 3, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (closed Dec. with thousands of lights decorating trees day–Sunday, Dec. 26–27. Included with 24–25). $6.95–$9.95; ages 2 and under free. and shrubs in fanciful shapes. Daily Dec. 4– admission. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle. zoo.org Jan. 1, 5–9 p.m. FREE. Gene Coulon Memori- Redmond Town Center Carousel, Eatonville. nwtrek.org al Beach Park, Renton. rentonwa.gov through Jan. 3 JESSICA MORGAN

32 • December 2015 • parentmap.com • S

1215_PM calendar spread.indd 30 11/17/15 10:42 PM december SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAYTUESDAY WEDNESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 Free Ski Helmet Fitting & Giveaway Teddy Bear Suite and Festival of Trees. Cuentacuentos Story Time. Stop by Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Small Frye: Storytelling in the Galleries. 19th Century Christmas. Experience an Sun, Dec. 13, 2015, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s the penultimate day to view gorgeously for storytelling in Spanish with guest Hello Kitty. This little kitty’s popularity has Stories spring to life with Seattle Children’s old-fashioned, gadget-free holiday with PICKS Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center stories, music, crafts and more. 11 a.m.–4 decorated trees in the hotel lobby; the artists sharing their favorite books. Select spanned generations and crisscrossed the Theatre at this first Friday event, with 1500 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue sweet Teddy Bear Suite is open to view Wednesdays, 11–11:30 a.m. Included with globe; discover her story. Daily (closed Dec. stories and art-making session. 10:30–11:45 p.m. $5–$8; ages 4 and under free. Fort www.MakeSureTheHelmetFits.org daily through Dec. 27. FREE; donations admission. Ages 2–5 with caregiver. Henry 25). Included with admission. EMP Museum, a.m. FREE; preregister for art. Ages 3–5 Nisqually Living History Museum, Tacoma. requested. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle. Art Gallery, Seattle. henryart.org Seattle. empmuseum.org with caregiver. Frye Art Museum, Seattle. fortnisqually.org Treasure Island Free winter sport helmets available for children at fairmont.com/seattle Toddler Tales & Trails. Kids and care- My Fair Lady. A professor tries to teach a fryemuseum.org Redmond Lights. Celebrate a diversity of at Lakewood least 4 years old to age 18. One helmet per child. Santa Story Time. Cozy up by the fi replace givers enjoy story time and a short nature Cockney flower seller to speak properly in Free First Friday Night. Have a blast play- holiday traditions with the lighting of City Playhouse, Wearers must be present and be ﬁ tted to receive a and hear a holiday story straight from the hike. 10–11 a.m. $2. Ages 2–5 with caregiv- this beloved Broadway musical. Through ing indoors on a chilly Friday night. 5–9 p.m. Hall, a luminary walk and live entertain- Dec. 10–20 helmet. Quantities are limited. First come, ﬁ rst served. big guy in the red suit. Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, er. Seward Park Audubon Center, Seattle. Jan. 3; also Jan. 8–21 in Everett. $38–$70. FREE. Ages 0–10 with families. Hands On ment. 4–8 p.m. FREE. City Hall, Redmond. www.seattlechildrens.org No appointments needed. 15; 10 a.m. FREE. Redmond Town Center. sewardpark.audubon.org Ages 7 and up. Village Theatre, Issaquah. Children’s Museum, Olympia. hocm.org redmondlights.com redmondtowncenter.com villagetheatre.org

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Santa Train. Quick! Don’t wait to get your The Big Chanukah Show. This free musical Lego & Building Madness. Gather with Conservatory Story Hour. Verdant Magic Season Ice Arena. Go for a spin Issaquah Reindeer Festival. Meet Santa, Green Lake Pathway of Lights. Stroll 1215_Seattle_Childrens_cal1.inddtickets for this popular 1 train ride to visit variety show features the Shalom Klezmer11/17/15 2:45 like-mindedPM construction enthusiasts to surroundings make for an inviting story in this large, open-air, covered rink; check try out his sleigh, feed reindeer and enjoy the path around Green Lake, glowing with Santa. Select dates through Dec. 19. $22; Band and Rabbi James Mirel lighting the build with Lego, blocks and more. 3:30–5 and craft time. 11 a.m.–noon. $3 suggested website for Stroller Skate Thursdays and story time with an elf. Daily Dec. 1–23, 10:30 holiday luminaria. 4:30–7:30 p.m. FREE; age 1 and under free. Northwest Railway candles. 7–9 p.m. FREE; donations requested. p.m.; check online for more dates and donation; ages 11 and under free. Ages 3–8 other special sessions. Daily through Jan. a.m.–4:30 p.m. $10–$14; ages 1 and under food drive donations requested. Green Museum Depot, North Bend. All ages. Stroum Jewish Community Center, branches. Pierce County Library, Parkland with families. W.W. Seymour Botanical Con- 10. $9–$12; skate rental included. Bellevue free. Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah. Lake Park, Seattle. facebook.com/ trainmuseum.org Mercer Island. sjcc.org Spanaway Branch. piercecountylibrary.org servatory, Tacoma. seymourconservatory.org Downtown Park. magicseason.com cougarmountainzoo.org greenlakepathwayoflights Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Hop on for a PEPS Lecture: The Science of How Young Math Buddies. Elementary students meet Boat-building at the Burke. Watch as a Ninjabread Men Workshop. Teens deco- Treasure Island. Ahoy, young Jim Hawkins Hanukkah Under the Stars. Crafts, JAMES VENTURINI fantastic, fl ying, musical adventure based Children Learn. UW I-LABS speaker discusses with a teen volunteer for math games and Burke curator and others construct an An- rate cookies in Ninja style or any style they finds plenty of excitement and adventure games, science demos, food vendors, acro- Polar Bear on the 1968 fi lm. Friday–Sunday through children’s early relationships, learning and activities. Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15; 4–5 p.m. gyaaq, a traditional Native boat, and make wish. 6–7 p.m. FREE; preregister. Grades when he inherits a map leading to hidden batics by SANCA, music by Shul of Rock and Birthday Party, Dec. 20. $22–$31. Ages 6 and up. Tacoma development. 6:30 p.m. $15 per couple or pay- FREE. Grades K–5. Seattle Public Library, boat and paddle ornaments yourself. Daily 6–12. King County Library System, Coving- treasure. Dec. 10–20. $10–$15. Ages 8 and more. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE with donation Dec. 19 Musical Playhouse. tmp.org what-you-can. Caregivers of ages 0–5. Verdant West Seattle Branch. spl.org Dec. 5–19. Included with admission. Burke ton Branch. kcls.org up. Lakewood Playhouse. of a new pair of socks; RSVP. Stroum Jewish Health Commission, Lynnwood. peps.org Museum, Seattle. burkemuseum.org lakewoodplayhouse.org Community Center, Mercer Island. sjcc.org

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Winter Sport Helmet Fitting and Give- Holiday Carousel. Pick your ride and take Swansons Reindeer Festival. Kids don’t The Language of Watercolor. Visit Bec- Winter Magic Skating Rink. Come get Winterfest Ice Rink. Take a twirl on Polar Bear Birthday Party. Will it be cake away. Kohl’s and Seattle Children’s team a spin to help Treehouse help foster kids. think reindeer are real? Come meet real-live ka’s Studio for hands-on experimentation your glide on at Snoqualmie’s new, larger the ice at this compact indoor rink. Daily that the polar bears munch on to celebrate up to protect kids’ noggins.10 a.m.–1 p.m. Daily through Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 25). $3 Dasher and Blitzen, along with their camel with paper, color and water. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. synthetic rink. Dec. 12–20 (Dec. 22–Jan. 2 at through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25). $2–$7 cash their big day? Come find out and wish them FREE. Ages 4–18; wearer must be present. suggested donation. Westlake Park, Seattle. buddy Curley. Daily through Dec. 24. FREE. Pay-what-you-will admission. Ages 1–5 with the Ridge Amphitheater). $3–$10. Railroad only; includes skate rental. Fisher Pavilion at a happy day. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Includ- Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery treehouseforkids.org Swansons Nursery, Seattle. families. Children’s Museum of Tacoma. Park, Snoqualmie. cityofsnoqualmie.org Seattle Center. seattlecenter.com/winterfest ed with admission. Point Defiance Zoo &

POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM Center, Bellevue. makesurethehelmetfi ts.org Polar Plaza Ice Skating. Bundle up and swansonsnursery.com playtacoma.org SAM Lights. Light up the night and join The Lights of Christmas. See a million Aquarium, Tacoma. pdza.org Science with Dr. Tom. Join a scien-terrifi c enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Hyatt House Horse Carousel. Take a Emma. Book-It continues its winter tradi- a processional with musical marching lights illuminating Warm Beach Camp, plus Circus. Last weekend to cheer on the Jingle Bell Run, Dec. 24 expedition to explore the role water plays in Tacoma while you glide across the ice. Daily break from the holiday hustle with a ride tion of presenting a beloved Jane Austen corps, activities, food truck fare available listen to live music and partake in kids’ ac- characters of a puppet circus, including our environment; observe, take samples and through Jan. 10 (closed Dec. 1, 7, 8). $4–$8; on the sparkling seasonal carousel. Daily novel brought to life on stage. Dec. 2–Jan. and more. 6–9 p.m. FREE; preregistration tivities. Select evenings Dec. 3–29, 5–10 p.m. ringmaster, clown, shy lion and more. Sat- test them. 10:30 a.m.–noon. FREE; prereg- skate rental $2. Tollefson Plaza, Tacoma. through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25). $3 3. $25–$55. Ages 10 and up. The Center requested. Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle. $8–$16; ages 3 and under free. Stanwood. urday–Sunday, Dec. 5–20. $9–$11. All ages. istration required. Ages 5 and up. Seahurst polarplaza.com suggested donation. Redmond Town Theatre, Seattle. book-it.org seattleartmuseum.org thelightsofchristmas.com Northwest Puppet Center, Seattle. Park, Burien. envsciencecenter.org Center. redmondtowncenter.com

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Santa Visits ACM. Santa and Mrs. Claus Light the Night: A Solstice Walk. Join a Snowfl ake Lane. It’s a nightly holiday Winter Village and Train. Admire an ex- Jingle Bell Run. De-stress with family and Fiddler on the Roof Sing Along. Model Train Festival. Take in an cruise in for photos in a 1906 Cadillac; candle-lit walk through the trails of Bloedel parade of toy soldiers, dancers and pansive, charming turn-of-the-century model friends on this fun, festive 3-mile run or “Tradition!” Sing your heart out with Tevye eye-popping array of model trains, built digital photo included. Saturday–Sunday, Reserve to celebrate the shortest day of other characters under falling snow. Daily village with running trains. Daily through walk with holiday costume contest. 10 a.m. and his family during this screening of the and operated by grown-ups who really love Dec. 12–13, 19–20; check website for times. the year. 4 p.m. $15; preregister. All ages. through Dec. 24, 7 p.m. FREE. Bellevue Way Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25). FREE; $2 suggested or noon. $10–$20. All ages. Wright Park, beloved 1971 movie. Kosher Chinese food trains. Dec. 21–Jan. 1 (closed Dec. 24–25), METRO PARKS TACOMA Included with admission. LeMay – America’s The Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island. and N.E. 8th St., Bellevue. magicseason.com donation to “drive” the train. The Armory at Tacoma. metroparkstacoma.org buffet included. Time TBA. $24–$25. SIFF 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $7–$9.50; ages 5 and under Car Museum, Tacoma. americascarmuseum.org bloedelreserve.org Fantasy Lights. Load everyone into the car Seattle Center. seattlecenter.com/winterfest Gingerbread Village. Do not miss epic Cinema at Uptown, Seattle. siff.net free. Washington State History Museum, Christmas Ship Viewing. Several chances Pacifi c Place Snow Show. Pause your for this 2-mile drive lined with clever light Zoolights. Revel in the dazzling light Star Wars scenes made of cookies and Garden d’Lights. Plant and critter shapes Tacoma. washingtonhistory.org to see the parade of ships and hear the holiday hustle and bustle to marvel at the displays; tune to 95.3 FM for audio accom- creations — a bear family, a giant Pacific candy. Daily through Jan. 3. FREE; donations created from over half a million lights spar- Datina Folkloric Ensemble. This spirited, Dickens Carolers today, departing Kirkland indoor snow fl urries fl ying at this downtown paniment. Daily 5:30–9 p.m. through Jan. 1. octopus and more. Daily through Jan. 3, 5–9 appreciated. Sheraton Hotel, Seattle. kle and amaze. Check website for select colorful troupe performs traditional music at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., with stops at Mad- mall. Daily through Dec. 24, 6 p.m. FREE. $14/car; half-price nights listed on website. p.m. (closed Dec. 24). $8.50–$10; ages 2 and gingerbreadvillage.myevent.com free admission days. Daily through Jan. 2, and dance from Romania. 12:30–1:30 p.m. ison Park (4:40 p.m.) and Madrona Beach Pacifi c Place, Seattle. pacifi cplace.com Spanaway Park. co.pierce.wa.us under free. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 4:30–9 p.m. $5; ages 10 and under free. Bel- FREE. Seattle Center Armory. Park (9:35 p.m.). FREE. argosycruises.com Tacoma. pdza.org/zoolights levue Botanical Garden. gardendlights.org seattlecenter.com/winterfest My Fair Lady at Village Theatre, 27 28 29 30 31 through Jan. 21 Bender’s One Big KISS for Seattle Children’s TRACY MARTIN Winter Fishtival. Dive into local marine Kwanzaa Print Patterns. Make an Afri- Redmond Town Center Skating Rink. Counter-Couture: Fashioning Identity in New Year’s Eve Daytime Party. Families Radiothon life with hands-on activities and special can-inspired print and explore the holiday No ice needed at this nifty synthetic skating the American Counterculture. Last days to celebrate the arrival of 2016 with special Thurs, Dec. 17, 2015, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. talks. Today’s theme: puffi ns. Dec. 26–Jan. 4. of Kwanzaa. 1:30 p.m. Included with admis- rink. Daily through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25). explore this exhibit celebrating the style of the activities at a time that’s just right for little Included with admission. Seattle Aquarium. sion. Ages 3–10 with families. The Children’s $7 includes skate rental; check website for hippie movement. Tuesday–Sunday through ones. Noon–4 p.m. Included with admis- Join KISS 106.1 FM’s Bender Nation morning show seattleaquarium.org Museum, Seattle. thechildrensmuseum.org Merry Mondays special. Redmond Town Jan. 10. Included with admission. Ages 12 and sion. Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett. for heartwarming and inspiring stories of Children’s Winter Wildland. Resident animals enjoy WildLights. Experience the zoo after Center. redmondtowncenter.com up. Bellevue Arts Museum. bellevuearts.org imaginecm.org patients, families and staff . The radiothon will special winter-time enrichments such as dark, illuminated in holiday sparkle. Daily Ivar’s Clam Lights. Stroll a one-mile path Drama Workshop: Kids’ Improv. High First Night Tacoma. Tacoma’s awesome, broadcast from Seattle Children’s. Help us beat fruit, tree treats and snowmen. Satur- through Jan. 3, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (closed Dec. with thousands of lights decorating trees school-age improv whiz leads kids in all-ages New Year’s Eve street party fea- last year’s total of $881,000. Presented by the day–Sunday, Dec. 26–27. Included with 24–25). $6.95–$9.95; ages 2 and under free. and shrubs in fanciful shapes. Daily Dec. 4– creating characters and scenes on the spot. tures a parade and live music. 6 p.m.–mid- John L. Scott Foundation. To donate online, visit admission. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle. zoo.org Jan. 1, 5–9 p.m. FREE. Gene Coulon Memori- 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. FREE; preregister. Grades night. Outdoor activities FREE; additional www.seattlechildrens.org www.giveto.seattlechildrens.org/radiothon2015. Redmond Town Center Carousel, Eatonville. nwtrek.org al Beach Park, Renton. rentonwa.gov 5–12. King County Library System, Bothell indoor activities $10–$14; ages 10 and through Jan. 3 Branch. kcls.org under free. firstnighttacoma.org JESSICA MORGAN

32 • December 2015 • parentmap.com • S S • parentmap.com • December 2015 • 33 1215_Seattle_Childrens_cal2.indd 1 11/17/15 2:46 PM

1215_PM calendar spread.indd 30 11/17/15 10:42 PM 1215_PM calendar spread.indd 31 11/17/15 10:42 PM out + about

Let itRing in show! December with one of these 70-plus jingle shows and concerts, from free sing-alongs to spectacular splurges

By leaps and bounds: Kids help choreograph Kaleidoscope Dance Company’s holiday show, Dec. 6

BRONWEN GILBERT HOUCK 34 • December 2015 • parentmap.com Let it show!By Nancy Chaney In December, stress can loom large, even amid all the supposed joy. Here’s a surefire recipe for rediscovering the spirit of the season: Park your shopping list and gather your family and friends to hear soaring music, see a fanciful ballet, cry at a touching holiday classic or laugh until the tears flow at a holiday romp. Dress up a little (or a lot, if you like) and take in some holiday wonder at one of these 70-plus joyful shows and concerts. Note: This list is organized by region, then by the shows’ start dates. Some happen only once or twice, some a handful of times, and some have multiweek runs. Shows that appear at different venues in different regions are listed under the region where they occur first. Shows with adult ticket prices of $15 or less are marked as “cheap.” vB$

Seattle LINDSAY THOMAS The Sound of Music. This beloved musical of stage and screen — chronicling the Austrian World War II story of an unusual governess who helps a father reconnect with his children and form a family — will be many a family’s holiday splurge. With a sensational, all- local cast and favorite songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” you can’t go wrong. Through Jan. 3. $29 and up. Ages 5 and older; no babes in arms. The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle. 5thavenue.org

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Pacific Northwest Ballet debuts its much-anticipated staging of the famed Russian dancer and choreographer’s version of the PNB’s The Nutcracker, based on Balanchine’s childhood memories Sugar of dancing in the ballet in Russia. Sets are designed by Plum renowned children’s author/illustrator Ian Falconer (Olivia the Fairy

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 35 December ParentMap print ad.pdf 1 11/11/2015 2:38:38 PM

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Pig). Through Dec. 28. $32–$156. McCaw Hall, Seattle. pnb.org Do re marvelous: The Sound of Music rocks The 5th Avenue Theatre A Christmas Carol. ACT’s annual production of Dickens’ classic holiday tale traces the Christmastime redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge. Caveat: Includes scary ghosts and zombie-ish children — consider age and sensitivity of kids you take to this show. Through Dec. 30. $37–$90. Ages 5 and older; no babes in arms. ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle. acttheatre.org

A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie MARK KITAOKA Brown is feeling blue until the gang reminds him of the true meaning of Christmas in this popular Peanuts tale, with the fantastic jazz score by Vince

C Guaraldi. Dec. 3–26; sensory-friendly, all-ages Beauty and the Beast. This lavish touring Holiday Recital. vB$ Northwest Boychoir show Dec. 5. $25. Ages 6 and older. Taproot production of the beloved Broadway musical M Apprentices and Preparatory Choirs, made up of Theatre, Seattle. taproottheatre.org tells the tale of misleading appearances, loyalty Y singers ages 7–11, present their selection of songs and true love, and plays just five shows in Seattle. CM Christmastown: A Holiday Noir. In its Dec. 5. $10–$12. Ages 5 and older. for the holidays. Dec. 11–13. $35–$110. Ages 6 and older. The second year, this thriller by local playwright MY Our Lady of the Lake Church, Seattle. nwchoirs.org Paramount Theatre, Seattle. stgpresents.org Wayne Rawley features hard-boiled detective Nick CY Holiday and promises Christmas chills, cheers Three Orchestras Concert. Seattle Youth Tiny Tots Holiday Hooray! vB$ Lisa and CMY and chuckles. Dec. 4–24. $17–$34. Ages 12 and Symphony’s Symphonette, Debut and Junior Linda lead little ones in a snowy, interactive K older. Bathhouse Theater at Green Lake, Seattle. Symphony orchestras play their winter recital for sing-along featuring holiday songs and a seattlepublictheater.org the enjoyment of all. Dec. 6. $15–$23. Meany Hall, special musical guest. Dec. 11–12. $12. Ages Seattle. syso.org Once Upon a December. The advanced newborn–5 with families. Benaroya Hall, Seattle. seattlesymphony.org HASELWOOD choirs of Northwest Girlchoir —Amabile, Vivace, Merry Chris Mouse. It’s time to put your health first at the YMCA. At the Y, we FAMILY YMCA vB$ Using Japanese Amore and Ensemble — present a reflective strive to help you achieve a balance of spirit, mind, and body bunraku-style puppetry, Thistle Theatre presents Peace on Earth. Seattle Choral Company and connect with others. Discover your unique pace and path holiday program that includes Caldwell and Ivory’s the original, musical story of a mouse family faced celebrates the peace of Christmastime in the “Hope for Resolution” and the classic “Carol of to personal success with the support of caring staff and other BREMERTON with helping a fellow creature at Christmastime. soaring acoustics of Saint Mark’s, including a the Bells.” Dec. 4. $13–$25; ages 5 and younger members with shared interests and goals. FAMILY YMCA Dec. 5–20. $10. Ages 3 and older. Thistle Theatre pre-concert sing-along. Dec. 11–12. $25; students free. First Free Methodist Church, Seattle. Studio and Sunset Hill Community Club, Seattle; free with identification. Saint Mark’s Cathedral, northwestgirlchoir.org START YOUR SOMEDAY TODAY AT THE YMCA Seattle. seattlechoralcompany.org ® Bellevue Youth Theatre. thistletheatre.org • In a group exercise class, like Zumba , stroller fitness, Miracle on 34th Street. vB$ Seattle Radio or family swim. Nutcracker Sweets. This popular, one- Theatre performs a live radio production of the • With youth programs, like swimming and gymnastics To a tea: Beauty hour Nutcracker by ARC Dance caters to young holiday classic story of the “real” Santa Claus and (included with membership). TOM TAYLOR and the Beast at FAMILY YMCA his impact on the people he encounters. Show audiences and their families. Warning: It sells out • On state-of-the-art exercise equipment, working The Paramount Dec. 11–13, 19. $10–$30. All ages. ARC will be broadcast live on KIRO-FM radio. Dec. quickly. toward a new goal. Dance Space, Seattle (Dec. 11–13); Shorewood • Surrounded by supportive peers and knowledgeable staff. TACOMA CENTER 4. $5–$15. Ages 6 and older. Town Hall, Seattle. © BROADWAY.COM / MATTHEW MURPHY YMCA townhallseattle.org Performing Arts Center, Shoreline (Dec. 19). MORGAN arcdance.org THE Y IS FOR EVERYONE UNIVERSITY Y The Snowman. FAMILY YMCA STUDENT CENTER Seattle Symphony and the FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE Seattle Opera Youth Chorus accompany this A Festival of Lessons & Carols. A GORDON combined choir of Northwest Boychoir and LAKEWOOD FAMILY YMCA delightful animated movie about the adventures FAMILY YMCA MEL KORUM of a boy and his snowman pal. Dec. 5. $15–$20. Vocalpoint! Seattle sing, give readings and FAMILY YMCA Ages 6–11 with families. Benaroya Hall, Seattle. encourage the audience to sing along in a seattlesymphony.org performance designed after a traditional Christmas

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 37 Tacoma Performing Dance Company The Nutcracker December 12 December 13 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. 2:00 & 6:00 p.m.

Stadium High School Performing Arts Center 111 North E St. Tacoma, WA www.tututix.com/ TacomaPerformingDance or call 855-222-2849

Explore the whole month of December!

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Carmina Angelorum: Songs for Harp & Treble Voices. vB$ Seattle Girls’ Choir’s Prime Voci and Cantamus ensembles perform Eastside elegant holiday music accompanied by harpist ’Twas the Night . . . vB$ This holiday tradition Juliet Stratton. Dec. 13, 19, 20. $8–$12. Chapel takes the classic Christmas Eve poem into comical, of St. Ignatius (Dec. 13); First United Methodist musical overdrive, with the Big family and its Church (Dec. 19); Holy Rosary Church (Dec. 20), crew awaiting St. Nick. Through Dec. 20. $15. BEN VANHOUTEN Seattle. seattlegirlschoir.org Ages 4 and older. Studio East Mainstage Theater, Note perfect: Kirkland. studio-east.org The Nutcracker by Cornish Preparatory Northwest Boychoir It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Drama. Dance Company. Cornish dancers, including vB$ Youth Theatre Northwest actors perform Dec. dance program students ages 6–18, showcase Eve service at King’s College in Cambridge. a radio version of the beloved holiday story; 11–22 (Dec. 22 performance with Northwest their talents in this fun and fanciful version of look for a special dinner theater performance. the holiday ballet. Dec. 18–20. $16–$20. Cornish Sinfonia at Benaroya Hall). $11–$80. Various Dec. 4–6. $13–$15; $45–$55 for dinner theater Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle. cornish.edu Seattle-area venues. nwchoirs.org performance. Ages 10 and older. Emmanuel A Gift of Song — Seattle Girls’ Choir Handel’s Messiah. The Seattle Symphony, Episcopal Church; Mercer Island Beach Club for Holiday Concert. All five levels of choirs along with its chorale and select soloists, presents dinner theater. youththeatre.org come together to delight audiences with joyous this beautiful choral work that includes the An Elf’s Tale. v$ In this fun, original musical, holiday songs, both old favorites and new B moving Hallelujah Chorus. Dec. 18–20. $25–$88. Santa’s list of naughty children is growing every selections. Dec. 12. $15–$20. Town Hall, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. seattlesymphony.org year, and a creative elf feels compelled to address Seattle. townhallseattle.org this problem. Dec. 4–13. $5–$12. All ages. Ellington’s Sacred Music. Earshot Jazz The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. The Bellevue Youth Theatre–Crossroads. ci.bellevue. presents its annual holiday tribute to jazz wacky Herdman family brings new perspective to wa.us/BYT-productions.htm their church’s annual pageant, a hilarious holiday legend Duke Ellington with Seattle Repertory Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the tradition at Seattle Public Theater. Dec. 12–24. Jazz Orchestra, Northwest Chamber Chorus, $17–$34. All ages. Bathhouse Theater at Green guest vocalists and featured tap dancer Alex Christmas Carol. This Victorian mashup Lake, Seattle. seattlepublictheater.org Dugdale. Dec. 26. $14–$38. Town Hall, Seattle. has Sherlock on the verge of retirement and townhallseattle.org then visited by three spirits who give him a peek Hansel & Gretel and the Three into his future. Dec. 4–19. $17–$22. Ages Bears. vB$ The Fremont Players and 10 and older. Renton Civic Theatre. the Fremont Philharmonic return with Evergreen City Ballet’s rentoncivictheatre.org their annual panto, full of outrageous Nutcracker performances characters, catchy songs and audience include a one-hour version The Nutcracker by Evergreen City participation. Bonus: Hale’s brews Ballet. This beloved period production and snacks available for purchase. of the classic ballet features new sets Dec.12–Jan. 10. $7–$13. All ages. Hale’s and costumes and will be performed in Palladium, Seattle. fremontplayers.com three venues. One-hour shows for young children are in Bellevue and Auburn. Dec. Somewhere in My Memory. 4–6, 12–13, 19–20. $16–$32. Theatre at The full roster of Northwest Girlchoir

BELLEVUE FINE ART REPRODUCTION Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue; Auburn members, ages 6–18, performs a Performing Arts Center; Ikea Performing charming program inspired by the Arts Center, Renton. evergreencityballet.org holiday music memories of the community; sing-along included as well. The Nutcracker by International Dec. 13. $8–$20; ages 5 and younger Ballet Theatre. IBT performs the free. University Christian Church, beloved ballet in traditional Russian style Seattle. northwestgirlchoir.org with elaborate sets and costumes from

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Ukraine, plus Arabian dancers and a fierce International battle scene. Dec. 4–6, Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker South Sound 11–23. $25–$50. Kirkland A Christmas Story. This hilarious holiday Performance Center; tale follows a boy and his dogged quest for Theatre at Meydenbauer the Christmas gift of his dreams, a Red Ryder Center, Bellevue. BB gun. Through Dec. 20. $20–$24. Ages 6 ibtbellevue.org and older. Tacoma Little Theatre, Tacoma. tacomalittletheatre.com A Christmas Carol. REX TRANTER PHOTOGRAPHY SecondStory’s original A Charlie Brown Christmas. The adaption tells the classic commercialization of Christmas is getting Charlie holiday story of Scrooge Brown down, until he takes on an important in a colorful way that’s job that helps bring to light the true spirit of Through Dec. 20; pay-what-you-can designed to please Christmas. performance Dec. 4. $13–$19. All ages. Olympia audiences of all ages. Family Theater. olyft.org Dec. 4–23; pay-what-you-can preview Dec. 3. Christmas Carol Jr. vB$ In this 50-minute $22–$27. SecondStory Repertory, Redmond. A Christmas Story — The Musical. Based adaptation of the well-known story, Mrs. Claus secondstoryrep.org on the beloved ’80s movie, this musical follows the tells the tale of Scrooge to her zany elves, who misadventures of young Ralphie, his family and his Noel by the Numbers. Bellevue Girlchoir pretend to be the ghosts, neutralizing any scare quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. Through Dec. 19. and Bellevue Boychoir sing a program of factor. Dec. 12–20. $5–$10. Ages 5 and older; all- $12–$22. Ages 8 and older. Sumner Performing traditional “countdown” carols, plus new works, ages shows on Sundays. SecondStory Repertory, Arts Center. manestagetheatre.com favorites and a sing-along designed to ignite Redmond. secondstoryrep.org Sleeping Beauty. Centerstage continues its the holiday spirit. Dec. 5. $13–$18. Redmond Geoffrey Castle’s Celtic Christmas. Enjoy holiday tradition of presenting an English-style Performing Arts Center. bellevuegirlchoir.com ancient Celtic melodies in songs from Castle’s new panto production, a hilarious twist on a fairy Christmas in Sammamish. Sammamish Christmas CD, plus appearances by the Seattle Irish tale, full of fabulous songs, corny jokes and a Through Dec. 20. $10–$30. Ages Symphony Orchestra plays a selection of holiday Dance Company and the King County Firefighters surprise gag. 5 and older. Centerstage Theatre, Federal Way. favorites, accompanied by The Liberty Singers. Pipes & Drums band. Dec. 18–19. $15–$25. centerstagetheatre.com Anticipate a couple of surprises. Dec. 5–6. Kirkland Performance Center. kpcenter.org $10–$20. Eastlake High School, Sammamish. Seattle Men’s Chorus — Home for the sammamishsymphony.org Holidays. Always a holiday hit, Seattle Men’s Chorus’s festive program includes classic carols The Elves & the Toymaker. vB$ plus a lively sing-along. Dec. 3. $19–$69. Pantages StoryBook Theater presents the heartwarming Theater, Tacoma. broadwaycenter.org tale of thoughtful elves who help out a desperate Sing-along with Santa. St. Nick leads toymaker and his wife. Dec. 5, 12–20. $8–$15. vB$ Ages 3–10 with families. Auburn Avenue Theater; families in singing a selection of heartwarming favorites with live musical accompaniment. Santa Kirkland Performance Center. auburnwa.gov, also reads a story and poses for photos; professional storybooktheater.org shots for purchase, or bring your camera. Dec. 5. STUDIO EAST / STORYBOOK THEATER Magic of Mistletoe. vB$ Bellevue Youth $10. Tacoma Musical Playhouse. tmp.org Symphony Orchestra, together with BYSO’s Mistletunes and Songflakes. Masterworks Philharmonia, Flute Orchestra and Flute Choir, Storybook Choral Ensemble invites families for a program presents its annual holiday concert. Other BYSO Theater’s The of favorite holiday songs, plus a sing-along and a ensembles perform earlier the same day. Dec. 6. Elves & the possible visit from the big guy in the red suit. Dec. $12–$15. Bellevue High School Performing Arts Toymaker 5. $10–$22. Washington Center for the Performing Center. byso.org Arts, Olympia. washingtoncenter.org

40 • December 2015 • parentmap.com Red, White and Blue Holiday Concert. vB$ Magical Strings — A Celtic Yuletide. The Nutcracker by Ballet Northwest. The 133rd Army Band of the Washington National Three generations of the Boulding family and This Olympia dance company continues its holiday Guard welcomes the season with its annual concert guests gather for festive Celtic music, Irish Nutcracker tradition, featuring 200 dancers as for the community, featuring patriotic and holiday dancing, storytelling, juggling and more. Dec. well as delightful costumes and sets. Dec. 11–20. selections. Dec. 6. FREE; tickets required. Auburn 6–14. $12–$28. Venues in Kent, Tacoma, Seattle, $14–$33. Washington Center for the Performing Performing Arts Center. auburnwa.gov Mount Vernon and Bellevue. magicalstrings.com Arts, Olympia. balletnorthwest.org Joyous Journey. The Federal Way Symphony Christmas with the Gothard Sisters. The Nutcracker by Dance Theatre plays Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and This trio of Northwest-native sisters performs Celtic Northwest. Dancers from this Pierce County other holiday classics, together with soprano fiddle tunes and displays its dancing talents. Dec. 10, school present their lovely version of the classic Rachel DeShon and a surprise guest soloist. 13. $12–$23. Edmonds Center for the Arts; Auburn holiday ballet. Dec. 12–13. $22–$26. Mount Dec. 6. $28–$35; ages 18 and younger free. Avenue Theatre. edmondscenterforthearts.org, Tahoma High School auditorium, Tacoma. Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church, Federal Way. auburnwa.gov dancetheatrenorthwest.org federalwaysymphony.org Mary Poppins. vB$ Heavier Than Air Family The Nutcracker and The Tale of the Sounds of the Season. Sarah Ioannides Theatre invites families to swallow a spoonful Hard Nut. Tacoma City Ballet’s production conducts her first “Sounds of the Season,” as of sugar as a practically perfect nanny cooks up includes the rarely told Nutcracker backstory, the the Tacoma Youth Chorus joins the Tacoma a little magic to help a troubled family in turn- story of the magical Krakatuk nut; accompanied Symphony Orchestra in this musical tribute to the of-the-century England. Dec. 11–19. $10–$12. by the Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra. Dec. holiday season. Dec. 6. $19–$79. Pantages Theater, Ages 6 and older. Green River College, Auburn. 12–20. $15–$100. Pantages Theater, Tacoma. Tacoma. tacomasymphony.org heavierthanair.com tacomacityballet.com >>

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Messiah. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and The Christmas The Science of Santa Chorus together perform this beloved, triumphant Revels. The Puget Sound Studio West performs Claus. vB$ The geek-tastic work by Handel. Dec. 17, 18. $25–$45. Chapel Hill Revels’ holiday song-and- The Nutcracker in Doktor Kaboom, aka David Presbyterian Church, Gig Harbor; St. Charles dance variety show features Olympia Epley, attempts to dissect all of Borromeo Church, Tacoma. tacomasymphony.org a Nordic theme this year, Santa’s tricks, using physics to with hardanger fiddle, trolls The Nutcracker by Studio West Dance figure them out. Dec. 20. $10. All and a Finnish folktale. ages. Auburn Avenue Theater. Theatre. Studio West puts a fresh spin on the Dec. 19–23. $12–$34. auburnwa.gov classic ballet, combining traditional dance with Rialto Theater, Tacoma. some delightful surprises. Dec. 17–20. $16–$25. broadwaycenter.org Handel’s Messiah CHUSO PHOTOGRAPHY South Puget Sound Community College, Sing-along. vB$ A who’s Olympia. studiowestdanceacademy.com A Charlie Brown who of South Sound musicians Christmas. Charlie Ye Olde Merry Holiday (TV) Spectacular! Brown gets over his holiday invites everyone to sing this This variety show takes inspiration from classic blues and remembers the exultant work together with holiday television specials and includes song, true meaning of Christmas the community; listeners dance and humor. Show will be taped live with the in this play based on the popular 1965 television welcome, too. Dec. 21. FREE. Washington audience. Dec. 18–20. $19–$49. Theatre on the special. Dec. 19–24. $10. All ages. Tacoma Musical Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia. Square, Tacoma. broadwaycenter.org Playhouse. tmp.org studentorchestras.org >>

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42 • DecemberParenMap-DEC-Insertion.indd 2015 • parentmap.com 1 11/18/2015 10:26:42 AM ARTS + ACTIVITIES Treelightful DIY ornaments Making ornaments as a family is a wonderful tradition, and helps solve the problem of what to give the neighbors, teachers and babysitter. Here are few simple ones to make; find instructions and links, and more fab ideas at parentmap.com/diyornaments. WINTERWINTER CLASCLASSESSES Brilliant blocks: This fantastic idea from Ana over at Babble Dabble Do (babbledabbledo.com) is simple: just NOW ENROLLING! pick up some wooden blocks from your favorite local !CTINGȩsȩ3INGINGȩsȩ-USICALȩ4HEATREȩsȩ$ANCE craft store and let the kids craft their own designs with decorative tape, glitter, glue and paint. ISSAQUAH & EVERETT Baker’s Delight: A clever baker’s twine ornament (425) 451-1393 idea from About Family Crafts (aboutfamilycrafts.com) www.mygymbellevue.com VILLAGEKIDSTAGE.ORG not only looks really cool — but you can make it with materials around the house. You’’ll just need a small balloon, a jingle bell, baker’s twine and liquid starch. Ages 3 - 15 Try for FREE! Festive faces: This creative ornament idea from The Cheese Thief (thecheesethief.com) helps you recreate This December your little one’s face onto an ornament using a round JAZZ BALLROOM HIPHOP plastic or glass ball, acrylic craft paint and a little imagination. Another treasured keepsake! Baby’s first ornament: Want a perfect keepsake for your tot’s first Christmas? Make a classic holiday ornament from Everything Emily (everythingemilyblog. com); you use ingredients like flour, salt and water to make a salt-dough ornament with your baby’s handprint. You can also make many other salt-dough ornaments that your family can keep for years. lavidastudio.com (425) 643-5433

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1215_books_1-8h.indd 1 11/17/15 10:47 PM out + about

continuedLet fromit page show! 42

The Nutcracker by Olympic Ballet Theatre. OBT presents its annual, full-length North performance of the holiday favorite, featuring a The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and new backdrop and staging that debuted last year. Timmy Perlmutter’s Extraordinary OBT also offers a shorter performance designed for Hanukkah. Edmonds Driftwood Players schools and groups. Dec. 11–13, 17–20. $25– present a holiday double-header with two stories $37.50; $8–$20 for group performances. Everett in which challenges turn into most memorable Performing Arts Center; Edmonds Center for the moments. Through Dec. 20. $22–$25. Ages Dance Arts. olympicballet.com COLLEEN DISHY 6 and older. Wade James Theatre, Edmonds. Fremont’s The Nutcracker by Washington School Steadfast Tin edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org of Dance. This Bothell dance academy’s Soldier vB$ Nutcracker Christmas in Edmonds. vB$ Mosaic Arts is narrated, one hour in length, Choir and Orchestra presents a program of holiday and features more than 70 dancers ages 4–18. The Gift of Dance. vB$ Kaleidoscope Dance Dec. 12–13. $13. Snohomish High School. favorites in this benefit for the Puget Sound Company presents its family-friendly holiday washingtonschoolofdance.com Christian Clinic, which offers free health care to performance featuring dancers ages 7–16 who helped Dec. 5. $12. Edmonds Center for the underserved. choreograph this show of imaginative modern dance. The Steadfast Tin Soldier — A Story the Arts. edmondscenterforthearts.org Dec. 6. $6–$10. Shorewood Performing Arts Center, Ballet. Dance Fremont presents this charming, The Nutcracker by Emerald Ballet Shoreline. creativedance.org colorful ballet performed by more than 70 dance students and a special guest, former Pacific Theatre. This full-length performance of the Under the Streetlamp. In a special Northwest Ballet dancer Josh Spell. Dec. 13–14. Christmastime ballet features national guest appearance, an acclaimed vocal group, made up of $15–$20. Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, artists and is accompanied live by the Rainier former cast members of The Jersey Boys musical, Shoreline. dancefremont.com n Symphony Ballet Orchestra. Dec. 5–13. $20–$35. sings holiday standards plus American radio Northshore Performing Arts Center, Bothell. classics. Dec. 9. $34–$44. Edmonds Center for the Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s calendar editor and lives emeraldballet.org Arts. edmondscenterforthearts.org in Seattle with her husband and their first-grade son.

may the fun be with you

If silliness is as important to Sweet movie screenings Every right on its hump. Ages 3 and older, Sound of Music from The 5th Avenue you as sparkle in your holiday year, SIFF screens the legendary during Zoolights hours, through Jan. Theatre. Friday, Dec. 4, 6–8:30 p.m. shows, here are events to up the 1971 filmWilly Wonka and the 3. Rides cost $6 (Zoolights admission pikemarketseniorcenter.org/figgy- pure-fun factor this season. Find Chocolate Factory in Smell-O- extra). pdza.org/zoolights pudding more holiday fun and outings at Vision, meaning that the aroma Competitive caroling There is Klezmer, ‘Fiddler’ and parentmap.com/holidays. of chocolate will waft through the nothing quite like the annual Great chopsticks, oh my! Want to escape Merry Sithmas? Holiday theater during the movie; and Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, Christmas but nowhere to go? Head treats plus construction plus viewers will also get “Wonkariffic the street-corner sing-off in to SIFF Uptown for a non- Star Wars? You’re in, right? The goodie bags” to provide an downtown Seattle featuring Christmas extravaganza theme of the Sheraton Seattle’s even fuller sensory experience. 40-plus groups trying that includes a Fiddler elaborate Gingerbread Village Various show times at SIFF Film to out-carol each on the Roof sing-along (gingerbread creations built by Center through Jan. 3; tickets are other on streets screening of the 1971 local architecture firms and the $14–$15. siff.net around Westlake musical film (billed as “the hotel’s culinary team) is, yes, Star Crazy-cool camel rides As part Park (combine it best Jewish-themed Wars, and should draw big crowds, of its spectacular Zoolights events, with a spin on musical”), a kosher light sabers in hand. Through Jan. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium the carousel). Chinese food 3. Free to view, but donations offers camel rides, weather This year, buffet and live to JDRF Northwest Chapter permitting. Kids will love seeing a the night will Klezmer music. appreciated. gingerbreadvillage. camel’s impressive eyelashes up kick off with $24–$25. myevent.com close, sniffing its fur and sitting a bit of The siff.net

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1215_dr_cris_simmons_1-2h.indd 1 11/17/15 1:29 PM HOLIDAY SPECIALS Arthur’s Perfect Christmas MON Dec 7 | 6a Wild Kratts Creature Christmas MON Dec 7 | 7a Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas MON Dec 4 | 8:30a Peg + Cat + Holidays MON Dec 7 | 10a The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas TUES Dec 8 | 1p

more Peg + Cat + PBS kids shows KCTS9.org/kids-picks

46 • December 2015 • parentmap.com ages + stages

Milk on the go 0–2 Where to pump in peace and quiet By Bryony Angell

f you’re a nursing mother, you know how challenging it can be to find a place to nurse Iin comfort when out in public. But what if you are a nursing mother, away from your child, and you need to pump? Where do mothers on the Mamava pods go go to pump? are landing You certainly can’t do it just anywhere. (Starbucks armchair, anyone?) in the Puget Expressing milk can be a stressful task, and the Sound region lack of available, comfortable locations to hook up that machine make it even more challenging. Even when there are facilities available to nursing moms, they may not be adequately advertised and are too few in number. Katie Childers, a West Seattle mom of a 9-month-old, shared her frustration about being stuck at Seattle-Tacoma Pods have been installed in airports and malls Pease of Swedish supports Mayer’s mission. International Airport recently. “I needed to pump across the U.S., including one put in recently at “Nursing is normal, and the more public nursing at the airport and was not aware of the nursing North Seattle College, the first site in the Puget that is done reinforces that this is a normal way to room there. That’s a pretty big airport, and I feel Sound region to host a pod. More Mamava pods feed a baby.” there should be more than one room.” Instead, are destined for the Pacific Northwest: In addition Childers says, “I pumped in the family restroom to one already located at Spokane International What makes a good space near my gate.” Airport, four units are on the way to Madigan According to the Moms Pump Here website More than conveniences, public pumping Army Medical Center in Tacoma, says Sascha (momspumphere.com), which also provides a stations support the health of babies, mothers and Mayer, Mamava CEO and cofounder. helpful lactation room locator app for North the whole family, experts say. “A mother who is Awareness about the benefits of breastmilk has America, a public lactation room should provide pumping needs a private space because there’s so spread in recent years: The Academy of American the following: much more exposure while she’s setting up. She Pediatrics (AAP) recommends human milk as a • Comfortable seating needs a sink to be able to wash her hands and baby’s optimal source of nutrition and immune • Table pump parts, and an outlet,” says Emily Pease, RN, protection, and states that the benefits cannot • Outlet to connect an electric breast pump the charge nurse for lactation services at Swedish be replicated by formula. So a nursing mother is • Sink for cleaning nursing equipment Medical Center’s Lytle Center for Pregnancy and motivated to keep up her milk supply and bank as • Lockable door Newborns. much expressed milk as she can, for good reason. Chilan Ta, manager of the Women’s Center at Pease says there’s a noticeable lack of these The AAP recommends a quiet place to pump and North Seattle College, was instrumental in the public facilities for nursing mothers in the says any stress could delay a mother’s letdown procurement of the Mamava unit there. “The cost Seattle area. “There is an international sign for reflex or reduce her milk supply. of the suite is much less than designating a room breastfeeding that would be great to have any But calm, private areas in public spaces are a on campus and remodeling. The suite is portable, business post to indicate that nursing mothers are tall order in an increasingly crowded and hurried which allows our institution to relocate to optimal welcome,” she says. world that still sometimes scorns mothers for locations if areas are remodeled or the flow of Despite the lack of support for moms who need breastfeeding outside the home. “One of our student traffic changes,” she says. The college has to pump in public, more options are starting to, challenges is that we have a user audience — plans to purchase two more Mamava units in the um, flow. nursing moms — who tends to be very different future for placement on campus. Mamava, a mother-owned company out of from our actual customer — facilities operators, Burlington, Vermont, grew out of this vacuum. who are often older and male, but control the How to find a public The company produces freestanding nursing pods purchase. So we are constantly having to educate lactation room that contain seats, a table, outlets and a locking people on the logistics of breastfeeding on the go,” Some libraries, educational institutions, sports door. (Mamava means “mama, go” in Spanish.) Mayer says. facilities, transportation hubs and shopping malls

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 47 201 ages + stages PRESCHOOL Milk on the go Previews continued from page 46 provide spaces for mothers needing College (9600 College Way North, to nurse or pump. Some apps, such Seattle) is accessible to any student, as the Mamava and Moms Pump staff or visitor to the college. The pod Here nursing room finders, help sits inside the north, second-floor moms locate nursing rooms around entrance of the Health Sciences and the country. (These apps are user Student Resources (HSSR) Building. driven, so may not list every room The unit is safe, secure, attractive and that is out there.) lockable from the inside. The pod Many facilities now provide space contains several outlets, seating for as a result of the Affordable Care Act, two adults and a table. but others developed these spaces as Everett Community College’s FREE a result of visitor or user input. Over North Everett campus (2000 EVENTS! and over, Ta heard from North Seattle Tower St., Everett) offers staff and College students about the need for a students a private nursing and place to pump, and she describes what pumping lounge on the second amounted to efforts that resembled floor of Rainier Hall. The lounge Find the best preschool a game of musical chairs to find is accessed through the women’s space prior to the Mamava purchase. restroom, but is separate and program for your child! “This often involved disrupting lockable from the inside. Visiting people’s work days to arrange space mothers can obtain access via … [for instance] a student would use Security by calling 425-388-9990 or t eastse someone’s office while that person going to the Security office in EvCC’s would go to lunch.” Parks Student Union, Room 224. There is a long way to go before SAT, THUR, Westfield malls basic lactation rooms are as common The Westfield Group operates several JAN 9 JAN 14 and standardized as changing tables malls in Washington state, and for 1 – 4 pm 5:30 – 8:30 pm in restrooms. Do not be fooled by the years has promoted a family-friendly Cedar Valley Community The Jewish Day School, term “family restroom,” for instance. public space with amenities such as School, Lynnwood Bellevue The family restroom provides ample complimentary strollers, covered space but no guarantee of a place parking for families and generously to sit, a table or even outlets for appointed family lounges. Information pumping. A family restroom often about these perks is easy to find on means simply a large, locking stall or Westfield mall websites as well. freestanding room with a drain. seatte st s • Family lounge, Southcenter The more that mothers and Mall, Tukwila (2800 Southcenter SAT, SUN, advocates request and expect nursing Mall, Tukwila). Two family lounges, and pumping rooms in high-traffic JAN 23 JAN 31 one on Level 1 near Starbucks and 10 am – 1 pm 10 am – 1 pm public areas, the more commonplace Crazy 8, and the other on Level 2 these facilities will likely become. Safeco Field, Seattle STAR Center, Tacoma at the Dining Terrace. Each lounge The following are a sample of public includes toys, kid-friendly TV spaces in the Puget Sound area that programs, private nursing areas and provide a range of accommodations baby changing stations, as well as for a lactating mom on the go. These comfortable seating and access to spaces are listed from most ideal Presenting Sponsor restrooms. to just “so-so,” and all welcome any • Family lounge, Capital Mall, mother needing a private place to Olympia (625 Black Lake Blvd., parentmap.com/preschool-previews nurse or pump. Olympia). The Capital Mall’s family The Mamava Pod at North Seattle lounge features private nursing

48 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_preschool_preview_1-2v.indd 1 11/16/15 12:49 PM SHARKEY’S HAS IT ALL! • Play Video Games with your haircut • Sit in our fun chairs like Lightning McQueen • Get pampered in our Glamour Room • Have a great Princess Party for your Birthday Girl Advocates say more businesses post this FD15_careworks_1-16.inddnoonemore 1 6/1/15 10:14 PM sign and ASN SAES LES offer relevant parentmap.com/justask

facilities Bellevue Square Mall Seattle/Ballard 340 Bellevue SQ Mall 4609 14th Ave NW 3rd Floor Suite 104 areas, baby changing stations and a shoppers. Originally intended as a Bellevue, WA 98004 Seattle, WA 98107 425-453-3446 206-812-8850 large family restroom. Located near resting spot between retail flurries, the Food Court between Subway the Nordstrom lounge has quietly and Panda Express. become the best public space in $3 OFF Regular Haircuts which to nurse. While the lounges Expires February 31, 2016 Sea-Tac Airport (17801 , ase aetg s a t Only one time use per client profile International Blvd., Seattle). Seattle- are not totally private for pumping, Tacoma International Airport’s they include outlets and side tables. moms’ room is located across from Nordstrom lounges are often Seattle Taproom between the Central superior to other mall facilities. 1215_just_ask_1-16.indd 1 11/16/151115_sharkeys_cuts_1-8v.indd 10:51 AM 1 10/14/15 1:38 PM Terminal and Concourse A gates. The The Bellevue Collection’s room has adjustable lighting, rocking women’s lounge (575 Bellevue chairs, footstools, electrical outlets Square, Bellevue). The women’s and side tables. Military families can lounge located on the west side of also access another moms’ room at the second level of The Bellevue the USO, located on the mezzanine of Collection mall gives the nearby the Main Terminal. Nordstrom lounge a serious run Seattle Central Public Library for comfort, elegance and quiet. (1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle). Seattle’s Comfortable seating, outlets and flagship library’s children’s department tables are near the restroom for hosts two large, comfortable and quiet washing up. Like the Nordstrom Dr. Jinju Song seating areas as well as a respectably lounges, The Bellevue Collection Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry comfortable place to nurse or pump. women’s lounge is not designed for The family restroom within the pumping, but can accommodate a www.JuanitaKidsDentistry.com children’s department contains chairs, mother willing to try. 9707 NE 119th Way, Kirkland WA 98034 • 425-310-8338 outlets and a shelf. The key must be Safeco Field (1250 First Ave. Located in Juanita Village in Kirkland obtained from the family librarian, Accepting South, Seattle). According to the so use of the room is monitored to New Patients! Seattle Mariners website, the nursing Infants, ensure privacy. mothers’ lounge is adjacent to the Children and Adolescents Nordstrom women’s lounges Guest Services Center in Section 128. (multiple Puget Sound–area The mothers’ lounge is only open locations). Nordstrom has had the during game times. n right idea for years, providing a gracious “living room” feel to the Bryony Angell is a freelance writer. restrooms it provides for its female She lives in Seattle with her family.

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 49

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Discoverr Visit hocm.org Wonder! $2 OFF FREE ADMISSION EVENTS NOV. 15, 2015 - Come play JAN. 1, 2016 with us! Limit one coupon per party. For general admission only. Coupon not valid for Featuring camps for tots through teens! Dec. 31, 2015 Noon Year’s event. PLU 438 Make Hands On a Holiday Tradition St. Thomas School SETTLE 414 Jefferson St. NE • Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 956-0818 • hocm.org CampFair SAT, SAT, FEB 20 FEB 6 10 am – 2 pm 10 am – 2 pm Safeco Field, St. Thomas School, Medina Seattle CATERING Whatever the occasion, Auntie Anne’s Catering has a variety of NORTH SOUTH SOUND products that will bring pure pretzel delight to your event. SUN, SAT, Each pretzel is handcrafted using fresh ingredients and baked to golden brown perfection. Customize your order Or choose from one of MAR 6 MAR 19 our existing packages. Stop in, or give us a call for details and pricing. 11 am – 3 pm 10 am – 2 pm Cedar Valley Community STAR Center, School, Lynnwood Tacoma PRETZEL FIELD TRIPS Great for schools, scouting groups, day care centers, home-school groups, senior centers, birthday Presenting Sponsors parties, and other groups of all ages interested in learning the art RSVP TODAY! of hand rolling pretzels! parentmap.com/campfair Call Auntie Anne’s at Bellevue Square 452.637.8990

50 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_Camp Fair_1-2v.indd 1 11/19/15 9:34 AM ages + stages

Harmony for the holidays 3–10 Helpful hints for blended families By Laura Reagan-Porras

he holidays are stressful for most of us. But they can present special challenges T for blended families, especially newly Keeping activities blended families. According to the U.S. Census, simple helps more than 50 percent of families are remarried or recoupled at any given time. About half of the 60 diffuse tension million children younger than age 13 are currently and coaxes new living with one biological parent and that parent’s current partner. And many marriage and family family members sociologists believe that more than 64 percent of families are blended families at some point. That’s get to know each a lot of families decorating the tree, meeting mom’s other without new boyfriend’s parents, and juggling holiday dinners, gifts and feelings. pressure. I divorced 15 years ago and remarried eight years ago. I have gained some insights into what works and doesn’t work when navigating the holidays as the mom of a blended family. As a Many experts believe it takes approximately Choose simple family marriage and family sociologist, I also facilitate five years to blend a stepfamily. Be patient with holiday activities yourself, your partner or spouse, and the children. coparenting education groups for parents in Keeping activities simple helps diffuse tension blended families. Here are some guidelines for a Be open, adaptable and flexible and coaxes new family members get to know peaceful holiday. “My mom doesn’t make the turkey that way.” each other without pressure. The following list Have realistic expectations An actualized stepparent will not be threatened offers suggestions that may lay the foundation by a comment like this, and he or she will simply There is not a perfect holiday meal. There is not a for new family traditions. respond by saying something like: “Tell me how perfect gift that heals a child’s grief over divorce, or • Watch a holiday DVD and string popcorn for your mom does it. I might want to try it like that one that smooths remarriage resentments. There the tree. sometime.” is not a perfect holiday family activity that will If the child says, “Daddy’s Christmas tree has • Go to a holiday movie in a theater together. make everyone suddenly feel closer. There are only opportunities to connect. the ornaments I made when I was little,” a wise • Go Christmas caroling around your stepparent might respond: “That must be really Children may choose to connect or they may neighborhood. special to have those special not, depending on where they are in the process • Go to church, synagogue ornaments on the tree. Will you help of accepting and feeling they are a member of the me make an ornament for our tree?” or mosque together. blended family. Wherever they are in the process resources Biological parents might support • Volunteer together at a is valid. the blended family dynamics by charity or nonprofit. My husband invited our daughters (his Remarriage Success telling the child, “Not everyone does stepdaughters) to his parents’ Christmas Eve remarriagesuccess.com • Bake holiday cookies things the same way, and we can try dinner, but he did not push them to go. They were The Stepfamily together. a new way.” older and had their own traditions established Foundation stepfamily.org Learning to live with different • Make New Year’s cards with me, as their biological parent, prior to the people and different styles of HelpGuide for military service new marriage. My girls chose to go to dinner with helpguide.org/mental/ conducting day-to-day life is a personnel. his parents, but they did not want to stay for the blended_families_stepfamilies. positive skill that can help kids gift-giving extravaganza because they really didn’t html I grew up with the of blended families for years to Mister Rogers’ know all the extended family members. Tweens Stepparenting with Grace PBS show come in their interpersonal and especially may need to take their time embracing an stepparentingwithgrace.com) Neighborhood. He was fond professional lives. extended family. of saying, “I like you just

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 51 FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCHOO LS Benefits of becoming French classes grades 6-8 bilingual French national curriculum STRONGER COGNITIVE Native speaking teachers DEVELOPMENT+ FUNCTIONS Learning a second language has been shown to strengthen In partnership with Bellevue’s cognitive and linguistic Tillicum Middle School since 2003 development in children. In order to balance between two www.FrenchBilingual.org languages, a bilingual brain is constantly flexing its executive functioning. This ongoing mental exercise in attention translates into increased focus, better

PM16Mention for a free code gift! conflict management and a Asia Paciﬁ c Language School heightened ability to multitask. LM15_french_bilingual_1-8h.indd 1 Academic Success With A Second Language 9/2/1515_e_etit_viae_1-1.indd 8:57 AM 1 /3/15 9:5 AM BETTER WORKING MEMORY language for kids Knowing two or more languages has been linked to developing a Spanish * Mandarin * French better working memory — that is, Japanese * German * Hindi an individual’s ability to store and Our classes focus on instilling a love of language and culture using stories, music, process information over a short art & movement period of time. A good working Engaging curriculum for newborn – 10 years memory means increased focus PRE-K – 12th Grade • CHINESE & JAPANESE Classes available daily! and understanding in complex Summer Language Camp • High School Credits • Enrichment Classes • Kindergarten & Pre-K • Summer in China New summer camps coming 2016 activities such as mental calculations and reading Abacas & Asian Culture • Small classes & Learning Groups Seattle, Eastside, Lynnwood  comprehension. Ages 5-7 are www.spongeschool.com www.apls.org • 425-641-1703 • 425-747-4172 206-227-7138 critical years for honing working NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING 2016! memory skills, pointing to another reason why preschool is French Immersion School of Washington an ideal time to start teaching a French Immersion School of Washington child another language. 1215_asia_pac_lang_school_REVISED_1-16.inddA bilingual preschool 1 and elementary school in Bellevue11/20/15 9:47 AM A bilingual preschool and elementary school in Bellevue Summer fun with a French accent! REDUCED RISK OF COGNITIVE DECLINE Due to better executive control, bilingualism has proved to protect against dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive decline. Relative to older monolingual individuals, elderly bilinguals French language and culture typically have an improved Ages 9 - 16 memory and overall executive Sailing, kayaking, fencing, control. In short: a bilingual brain sports, theater, cooking & art seems to stay sharper, longer. — Aurelie McKinstry and Nicole Persun Being bilingual is good for your brain! Being bilingual is good for your brain! 206-380-1222 Studies show that bilingual students outperform StudiesStudies showshow thatthat bilingualbilingual studentsstudents outperformoutperform 3 branches their monolingual peers. They score better on in Seattle & Bellevue theirtheir monolingualmonolingual peers.peers. TheyThey scorescore bebetttterer onon standardized tests, read sooner, solve problems better, CHINESE IMMERSION standardized tests, read sooner, solve problems better, • Preschool / Daycare excel at math and have an edge in the workplace. excelexcel atat mathmath andand havehave anan edgeedge inin thethe workplace.workplace. • After-school Bilingual • Saturday lessons Visit ourFind Open out Housemore: Call on 425.653.3970January 9, 1:30-3:30 Summer FindLearn out more: more: [email protected] Call 425.653.3970 ENGLISH or visit www.fisw.org Camp • SAT / ACT Prep or visitor visit www.fisw.org www.fisw.org • Reading & Writing • Math 4211 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE 4211 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Bellevue, 98008 P: 425.653.3970 WashingtonInternationalSchool.com Bellevue, 98008 P: 425.653.3970 [email protected]

52 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_french_immersion_1-4.indd 1 11/9/150515_washington_international_school_1-8h.indd 11:32 AM 1 4/23/15 12:18 PM ages + stages

Harmony for the holidays continued from page 51 the way you are.” Family should be a place of unconditional love, where we are comfortable to be work toward harmony this holiday ourselves. Blended families must Lose the guilt: Give your children • Stepparents and stepchildren • Do contact hosts or family be the place where we practice this and stepchildren permission to should be encouraged to give cards members ahead of time to discuss level of acceptance. n enjoy their time at the other parent’s or gifts that feel right to them. ways to make the kids feel included. home, without guilt. By saying, “I • Stepgrandparents should give gifts • Think about titles: Does “stepuncle” know you’re so excited to go see of equal value to grandchildren Laura Reagan-Porras, M.S., feel right, or weird? This is an Santa with Dad” or “I’m so happy you and stepgrandchildren. especially important conversation is a parenting journalist and are getting a tree with your mom. • Do not compete with your ex- for new blended families. Have fun!” for example, you are spouse for a bigger, better gift as a Don’t overload. The kids are your sociologist. She facilitates freeing that child from the worry of • way of demonstrating your love. coparenting education classes how you’ll feel. It’s not about you. priority ― if it’s too much, don’t hesitate to leave early or cut down Remember gift equity: There is Think ahead and plan for with members of blended families. on commitments. nothing that makes a child feel as feelings: Holidays with blended She can be reached through her out of place on a special holiday families take a lot of planning. For • Make some special one-on-one time with each child, to do a parenting resources website, Heart than a reminder that they aren’t blended gatherings, think ahead equal or don’t fully belong. When it about how each child will feel special activity and give them your 2 Heart Parents comes to gifts, be guided by equity and what they might need to be undivided attention. (heart2heartparents.com). and inclusion. comfortable and feel welcome. —Natalie Singer-Velush FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCHOO LS

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☆ No French language BILINGUAL EDUCATION FROM experience required through Kindergarten YOUNG PRE-K (AGE 3) TO GRADE 8 ☆ International community LANGUAGE CAMPS Applications Weekly Tours & ☆ Small class size Open House Jan. 9 ☆ Tuition aid available French - Chinese - Japanese - Spanish - English Now Accepted! www.fasps.org ☆ Daily bus and hot lunch service Immersion instruction for your child through fun, themed activities (206)275-3533 ext 275 | [email protected] ☆ Accredited by: NWAIS in a beautiful outdoor setting. Onsite lodging available. 3795 East Mercer Way | Mercer Island, WA 98040 & French Ministry of 360-321-2101 • www.NWLACC.org Education parentmap.com • December 2015 • 53

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1115_woodinville_montessori_1-8h.indd 1 10/11/15 8:41 PM

where childhood is a wherejourney, childhood not a race is a journey, not a race

Nurturing self-confident,Nurturing self-confident, independent thinkersindependent since 1975thinkers. sincekindergarten–5th 1975. kindergarten–5th 5601 University5601 Way University ne Way ne open houses: open houses:: 206.524.0653 206.524.0653 sat., nov. 14 & sat.,sat., nov.jan. 914 • 1–3& sat., pm jan. 9 • ucoopschool.org1–3 pm ucoopschool.org

1215_university_coop_school-1-8h.indd 1 11/10/15 3:59 PM

COME SEE WHAT LEARNING LOOKS LIKE All-School Open House // January 30 RSVP at cwa.is/more YOUR CHILD IS (253) 620-8373 EXCEPTIONAL At St. Thomas School children learn to be leaders, collaborators, critical thinkers, and people of character. Join us for Open House on January 9, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Girls & Boys // Jr. K - Grade 12 // Bus Service PRESCHOOL – 8TH GRADE • VISIT US AT STTHOMASSCHOOL.ORG

54 • DecemberDate: 11-12-15 2015 • parentmap.comProduction Contact: Advertiser: Charles Wright Amy Senftleben, 253-620-8870 Pub: Parent Map Live Area: n/a DECEMBER Issue Trim: 4” x 5” Distributes late Nov. Bleed: n/a Printing: 4c, cmyk ages + stages

10–16 Attitude of gratitude How to cultivate thanks in an age of ‘gimme’ By Melissa Benaroya

hat parent does not want to be ourselves. This might mean taking of the importance of being grateful. acknowledged and appreciated for his actions as simple as showing They will also witness the impacts of Wor her hard work, commitment and gratitude toward your child Showing that gratitude by seeing how it makes sacrifices? I hear so many parents complain that for doing the things they are appreciation those on the receiving end feel. Our their kids don’t appreciate what is done for them supposed to do (cleaning up their kids are more likely to do what we or provided to them. Many parents feel that their messes, getting themselves ready for the do than do what we say. Showing children are rude and disrespectful because the in the morning or doing chores appreciation for the everyday things, children are not saying thank you. I hear the words around the house). A simple everyday the smallest things, will help foster “spoiled” and “bratty” used often to describe kids “Thanks so much for getting the things, the gratitude in your children. who don’t show gratitude or appreciation. Sound dishes done before dinner” can be And there are so many benefits. familiar? enough to encourage your child smallest Research from the Journal of There is no better time than the holiday season to show appreciation toward you things, will Happiness Studies in 2010 confirmed to turn our focus to the concept of gratitude and and others. that when people display gratitude, turn around any negative trends we see with our Another very effective way of help foster they experience less depression, are kids. Gratitude can be developed and nurtured, in nurturing gratitude is by modeling gratitude more pleasant to be around, do better both young people and in ourselves. We cannot it in your own relationships. This academically (for example, they have force our kids to be grateful, but we can influence can be done with your partners, in your higher grade point averages) and have them to be more grateful. Gratitude is a behavior friends and even with strangers. a more positive outlook on life. And that must be caught, and not taught. If you practice in front of your children. you might not be surprised to learn One of the ways we can influence or nurture kids, everyone in your family that research has also confirmed that gratitude in our kids is by modeling this behavior will develop a greater awareness people are more well-liked by others

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 55 S C H O O L S Tradition meets INNOVATION Register now for one of our upcoming Lower School Previews to learn about our ever-evolving programs and community.

Our Lower School Previews are for families with boys and girls entering Preschool (age 3+) to Grade 5. We invite you to tour our campus, see students and teachers interacting during a regular day of school, and meet the Lower School Director to learn more about the engaging program we can offer your child. Join us December 3 or January 28. Register at www.aw.org/preview.

Visit 827 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403 Learn www.aw.org Call 253.272.2216 Email [email protected]

56 • December 2015 • parentmap.com ages + stages

Attitude of gratitude continued from page 55 when showing appreciation and gratitude. So, what can we do? Practice! Maybe you’re not in the habit of showing gratitude as much as you l6 fabulous family journals would like. Here are a few ideas to get you going: Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal • Keep a gratitude journal. A journal for parents and children ages 4–10 (although the age range is • Sign up for a 21-day gratitude challenge. flexible) to share the evolution of thoughts, feelings and dreams over the years. From the publisher: “Great for kids who want to keep a time capsule • Create a ritual of sharing appreciation at of their own whimsical thoughts and serious ideas about the world.” A the dinner table or at bedtime. question by children’s author Betsy Franco is featured for each day, with When keeping a journal, you can either keep space provided for a response. a physical journal or use an online tool such as Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration Thanx4 (thnx4.org). You can keep a family journal Open-ended questions such as “What are three thoughts that made you (see box) or help your children each keep their smile today?” are interspersed with whimsical watercolor artwork and inspirational quotes, making this journal a great tool to encourage reflection own. The goal is to write down between three and and gratitude in kids, and to nurture your family’s creativity, mindfulness and five things for which you feel grateful. The physical self-motivation. act of writing is important — don’t just do this Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and exercise in your head. Try to spend 10–15 minutes Their Moms each day for at least one week. Studies suggest Have you ever wondered what your mom was like at your age? Or what your that writing in a gratitude journal from one to daughter’s earliest memory is? What your mom thought the moment you three times per week might actually have a greater were born? Or where your daughter would go if she could go anywhere? impact on our happiness than journaling every Meredith and Sofie Jacobs have been sharing a journal since Sofie was 9, inspiring them to create this stylish journal to help other moms and day, so don’t worry if you miss a day or two. daughters get to know each other in a new way. Thoughtful writing prompts A few pointers when writing and entertaining mini quizzes pave the way to discussing everything from friends and school to crushes and growing up. The journal features plenty of your gratitude journal: free space plus pages for drawing and making lists. 1) Be specific. Instead of writing “I’m grateful My Quotable Kid: A Parents’ Journal of Unforgettable Quotes for my friends,” maybe expand your gratitude Designed for recording the funny, witty and outrageous things kids say over statement to “I’m grateful for having friends in my the years, this book can easily be used to record any daily thoughts, wishes life whom I can count on and who help me out or ideas from anyone in the family. Speech bubbles frame the thoughts on with my kids when I have an emergency.” roomy pages, allowing for sharing and safekeeping. 2) Savor surprises. Record events that were Buddha Doodles Gratitude Journal unexpected or surprising. These occurrences tend The Buddha Doodles Gratitude Journal was curated by Molly Hahn (“Mollycules”), the creator of the Buddha Doodles series, and includes to elicit stronger feelings of gratitude. brand-new doodles not published anywhere else. Each page has a different 3) Write regularly and stay consistent. If illustration and a space to write down what you are grateful for, and creative you and your family are only going to write once a prompts and inspirational quotes help the writing flow. Also check out week, pick a day and a time that you know you will Hahn’s Buddha Doodles Gratitude Journal: Shining Your Light and be available to journal. Buddha Doodles Gratitude Journal: Interconnected. We do not have to wait until the holidays roll Stories from My Grandparent: An Heirloom Journal for around to give thanks or to think about cultivating Your Grandchild more thankfulness in our homes and families. This The prompts in this book will help grandparents use their own words to tell their life stories, from childhood to present day. Grandparents can share should be something we do on a daily basis with with their grandkids memories of school days, important lessons learned, and around our children. So, pick a practice that wisdom gained from raising a family, and the hopes and dreams they have works for you and go for it! n for their grandchild. Grandchildren can learn more about their grandparents’ lives, which will help cultivate a deep sense of respect and understanding. Melissa Benaroya, LICSW, is a parent educator and — Natalie Singer-Velush consultant in the Seattle area. She co-founded Grow Parenting (growparenting.com).

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 57

SCHOOLS + PRESCHOOLS

ere re re re br re Bellevue Montessori School Enrolling for Fall 2016 Ages preschool - 6th grade American Montessori Society accredited

bellmontessori.com | BuildingBuilding a a foundation foundation for for life life-long-long learning learning since since 1966 1966

1215_bellevue_montessori_1-8h.indd 1 11/20/15 4:49 PM e br me re rme rm e m c reerc mr m e (what we like to call Degrees & Certiﬁcates the broccoli) eee e r ercme (the popcorn!) Co-op Preschools Parent-Child Center Don’t miss a thing, sign up for weekly eNews: parentmap.com

1215_enews_1-4.indd 1 11/19/15 9:47 AM Mindfulness matters. 2016 MOVIE Academics + soft skills = a brighter future. SCREENINGS

Is proud to launch a partnership with

to bring parents outstanding film options in 2016. parentmap.com/movies

You’re invited to our Open House January 23, 2016 • 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. • Serene 5-acre campus • Farm animals on-site • Infants through Elementary

MCHkids.com • [email protected] • (425) 868-7805 5003 218th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98053

58 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_siff_1-4.indd 1 11/19/15 9:43 AM Parent_Map_rev.pdf 1 11/9/15 9:40 AM SCHOOLS + PRESCHOOLS

The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond Nurturing each child’s unique potential Call 425-883-3271 for a tour. • Child-centered, joyful atmosphere with strong Ages 15 months - 6 years academic focus

• Experienced, Montessori-certified teachers 24326 SE Issaquah-Fall City Road • Preschool, kindergarten and elementary Issaquah 98029 • Family owned and operated since 1977 425.557.7705 • Summer, before & after school programs • NEW Prep Program, (starting ages 2 1/2-3) Now Enrolling issaquahmontessori.com www.sammamishmontessori.com • 425-883-3271

Enrolling Preschool- Grade 8 0315_issaquah_montessori_1-16.inddin Shoreline 1 2/9/151215_sammamish_montessori_school_1-8h.indd 10:13 AM 1 11/9/15 2:04 PM

Giving Children an Education for Life! Faith Lutheran School provides early childhood and elementary education in a loving Christian • Children ages 2 1/2 - 6 years environment. • Nuture children’s social, emotional, and academic skills to build • Wholistic & Individualized Learning • Small Class Sizes • Small Class Size & Strong Academics, • Affordable Private Tuition a foundation for lifelong success • Yoga & Meditation, French, Music, Drama, Open Nature Awareness • Serving the Eastside For Over 30 Years • Offering Mandarin language lessons Houses Open Houses Dec. 3, Jan. 7 Nov. 5 and Bellevue or call to visit 425-772-9862 425-885-1810 • www.faithredmond.org 425-531-7586 LivingWisdomSchoolSeattle.org Jan. 27 NWAIS SUBSCRIBER MEMBER 9041 166th Ave. NE, Redmond, 98052

1215_sunny_world_1-16.indd 1 11/13/151215_living_wisdom_1-16.indd 7:39 AM 1 11/16/151115_faith_lutheran_1-8h.indd 7:32 PM NOW 1 ENROLLING for 2015/201610/14/15 2:19 PM e t o “Keen insight into the inner world of children.” —Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. Getting to CALM THE EARLY YEARS Cool-Headed Strategies for Raising Happy, Caring, International Montessori School and Independent Three- to Seven-Year-Olds • Half-day and full-day • Located in Edmonds and West Seattle • Weekly music and dance classes • Serving children ages 1-6 years • Spanish and Mandarin Chinese immersion Laura S. Kastner, Ph.D.

“Kastner masterfully guides parents through the complex maze of parenting.” —Yaffa Maritz, director, , cause parenting is a trip! Community of Mindful Parenting parentmap.com/books

& Amazon (206) 395-8209 • worldkidsschool.com • [email protected]

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 59

1215_books_GTC TEY_1-4.indd 1 11/17/151115_worldkids_1-4.indd 10:47 PM 1 10/15/15 3:17 PM SCHOOLS + PRESCHOOLS SnoSpringS School PRESCHOOL Does your child PRE-K thru 3rd Grade Previews need a tutor? How do I know when my What credentials child needs a tutor? does my tutor have? Does your child struggle in While a bachelor’s degree may a particular subject, or have not signify tutoring ability, it does a hard time completing show that your tutor had the homework or knowing interest and drive to complete how to study? Do you see a four-year degree. If your tutor • Accelerated Academic Program zeros for homework, or are is still in school herself, ask for quizzes, tests and projects • Experienced, Compassionate Teachers references and perhaps a paid bringing down your child’s trial run before committing. If your • Individualized Instruction See grade? Is your child showing child has been diagnosed with a signs of serious frustration • After School Enrichment Program pg 49! significant learning disability, you with the material? These are might want to seek a tutor with a • Science, Technology, Spanish, Fitness signs a tutor could help. special education background and/ • Now Celebrating Our 19th Year Find the best preschool What type of person will or specific training. my child best respond to? • Top 3 Finalist Small Business Award program for your child! Does the tutor have experience Does your child need an with different learning and energetic extrovert, or will teaching styles? JANUARY 2016 they do better with the Inexperienced tutors often teach quiet, gentle type? Consider the way they learn, which may not *Foundation Education* North - JAN 9 your child’s favorite be the best fit for your child. Ask teachers and coaches of Issaquah / Sammamish Plateau Eastside - JAN 14 your tutor how they might tailor the past. What personality their sessions to a kinesthetic 425-392-1196 Seattle - JAN 23 types seemed to work (hands-on) learner, or how they the best and get the best South Sound - JAN 31 might approach a session with a www.snosprings.com results from your child? student who is very visual. Snoqualmie Springs School parentmap.com/ Look for tutors that fit that description. ― Kirsten O’Malley preschool-previews

1115_snoqualmie_springs_school_1-8v.indd 1 10/15/151215_PP_1-8v.indd 4:07 PM 1 11/16/15 12:49 PM W The Whole Earth Montessori School Est. 1986 ccredited by the merican ontessori ociety

Upcoming Open Houses To RSVP please visit our website: cedarcrestacademy.org

Redmond Campus Bellewood Campus January 16th 10 am – 12 pm January 16th 11 am – 1 pm (Preprimary only) (Preprimary only) reschool ixth rade January 28th 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm January 23th 10 am – 12 pm (Kindergarten only) February 4th 9 am An exceptional academic program... (Elementary only) Kirkland Campus an authentic Montessori experience... January 30th 10 am – 12 pm Park Highland Campus (Preprimary only) February 6th 10 am – 12 pm To learn more about our programs January 28th 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (Preprimary only) (Kindergarten only) please contact us for a tour: [email protected]

Bellevue • Kirkland • Redmond

60 • December 2015 • parentmap.com

1215_cedar_crest_REVISED_1-4.indd 1 11/20/151215_whole_earth_montessori_1-4.indd 3:13 PM 1 11/20/15 7:55 PM Presented by Bellevue Parks & Community Services Bellevue Youth Theatre BIG gift giveaway

The number of kids on Santa’s Naughty List grows every year, and no Elf wants the job of giving out coal. Zippity is different from all the other Elves at the North Pole, but does he have what it takes to save Christmas and get rid of the Naughty List for good? “An Elf’s Tale” is an original musical filled with holiday spirit that will be fun for the whole family! Friday December 4 7 pm Saturday December 5 $5 show 7 pm Sunday December 6 2 pm Friday December 11 7 pm December 1–25 Saturday December 12 $5 show 2 pm WIN BIG! Saturday December 12 7 pm Sunday December 13 2 pm

Semiahmoo Resort overnight stay and golf package Performances at the Bellevue Youth Theatre-Crossroads Ethan Stowell Restaurants gift certiﬁ cates 16051 NE 10th Street, Bellevue

Tickets are $10 each if you purchase them in advance. If purchased after tech week begins, the ticket prices go up to $12 each. For An Elf’s Springfree Trampoline Tale, tech week begins Monday, November 30. D All seats are reserved and we do sell out. Buying your tickets early is over $3,000 in total value! highly recommended.

For show information or tickets, call Sheila Framke at the Bellevue parentmap.com/big-gift Youth Theatre Box Office, 425-452-7155.

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 61

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62 • December 2015 • parentmap.com See an expanded interview and meet more heroes: parentmap.com Shaye Whitmer, Jedi master /sysk and light-saber smith By Tiffany Pitts • Photograph by Will Austin

Lots of people like Star Wars. And many would like to be Jedi masters. But one Shoreline teacher and father of two has gone far beyond fandom and become just that: an actual Jedi master. Meet Shaye Whitmer, dad and super awesome teacher at The Evergreen School — when he’s not fighting the Empire or making his own light sabers. Through camps and after-school classes, Whitmer shares his skills with the up-and-coming generation of Star Wars fanatics. With The Force Awakens hitting theaters in December, his Force-channeling skills should be in even higher demand.

How did you find yourself on the Jedi path? After kids make these, they just hang them on the wall and I have always enjoyed swords and such. Pretty much if I could swing it, stare at them, right? I was game. When I was younger, I learned to fence. After 15 years of That’s completely right . . . until I give them lessons on forms and light doing that, I learned some kendo (and some other miscellaneous arts in dueling, which come the day they are finished. the interim). Between fencing and kendo, I felt pretty well grounded. I What exactly do you mean by “light dueling”? No one is learned to smith swords as an apprentice to a Japanese blade smith and a getting their hand cut off by Darth Vader, are they? traditional iron smith/farrier. Light contact to the helmet and heavily padded hands. Places where all I learned to make light sabers mostly because I got tired of throwing the safety gear is. I also teach a camp called Scenes from Star Wars, where money at someone for something that I could do myself. Basically, I the students spend some time learning the forms to create realistic fight wanted a fun project to teach myself electronics, and I thought a light choreography and light saber battles. All staged, all safe. They work on the saber would be a good thing. They are way more interesting than what delivery of lines, diction and proper emoting as well. you can buy. Is this just about weapons or are there greater lessons that Other than how to fight the Empire, what do you teach? they’re learning? I teach sixth-grade science (basic chemistry, tectonics and astronomy) Play fighting is something that all kids will do. This class teaches and fine arts. This is my ninth year at The Evergreen School. Some of technique, form, control and discipline. Even though it is largely fictional, the art classes that I teach are Board Game Theory and Design, Spring the techniques are drawn from other martial traditions. It’s an excellent Fling (catapult construction class) and Wired for Art, where I teach the way to work on hand-eye (and feet) coordination. kids basic electronics: soldering, how to do basic (and some not so basic) The maker component is also important. Kids get to learn basic circuits. electronics, volts, amps, battery solutions, how to solder, and how to I hear you teach some pretty sweet summer camps, too. troubleshoot and problem solve. They get the chance to make a unique tool I do three summer camps. [One is the] Jedi Academy course (probably going for themselves. For a while, kids lost their way when it came to making to be renamed Saber Academy), where the kids learn some basic forms, things. The maker movement has brought the idea back into the student’s footwork, light dueling and a bit of choreography. I also teach advanced hands. This is a great way to embrace it. Saber/Jedi Academy, where the kids learn to make light sabers from scratch. Have your kids watched the entire Star Wars series? And will What sort of sorcery is this? Do you really teach kids how to you be standing in line with your family on Dec. 18? make light sabers? Can they defeat the Dark Side? The boys have seen the movies. We watched them in order at first (1, 2, Week two of Jedi camp has a construction component where kids build 3, 4, 5, 6), then we tried it in machete order (4, 5, 2, 3, 6). Now we tend their own light sabers. They learn the basic wiring to watch the phantom edit, which takes all three behind it, working with LEDs and different circuit prequel movies and squishes them into 1.5 hours types. Making them is relatively easy if you have a Lights, saber, action and cuts out the unnecessary stuff. It’s based on basic design. The wiring is pretty straightforward. Find info on Whitmer’s Topher Grace’s Star Wars edit. It’s out on YouTube There are some tricky parts that I take care of, but upcoming camps and classes at and is waaaaaaay better. We will see the new movie. nothing that they couldn’t do on their own with shayewhitmer.wix.com/saberfit. We aren’t the got-to-see-the-midnight-showing- guidance. type folk. I’ll be content to wait a while. n

parentmap.com • December 2015 • 63 SEE THE ZOO

THAN EVER

NOVEMBER 27 through JANUARY 3

Open nightly 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Get tickets online at zoo.org/wildlights

COME SEE SANTA’S CAMP! NEW! On select nights, meet the jolly old elf in his camp at WildLights and have your holiday photo taken*. For Santa’s schedule, check zoo.org/wildlights. * Photos available for purchase.