July 2014 parentmap.com
’cause parenting is a trip!
The family gap year What happens when you drop it all and move abroad?
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2• July 2014 • parentmap.com 0714_02_03_TOC_B_0714_02_03_TOC 6/19/14 10:13 AM Page 3
inside
JULY 2014 feature PAGE 12 The family gap year What happens when you drop it all and move abroad?
REGULARS OUT + ABOUT COMING IN AUGUST 4 DEAR READER 16 + 21 JULY CALENDAR • Our gender issue Embracing disruption AGES + STAGES Beyond pink and blue: gender identity and kids 6 PAGE 6 28 0–4 WATER BABIES DIY rockets, a card catalog’s worth Our favorite swim gear for little tykes • Are you my hero? of reading programs, heat eats 31 What today’s superheroes teach kids 5–12 BEYOND LEMONADE STANDS about gender 9 VOICE What kids are selling this summer 32 • Back-to-school prep What your kids really need 13–18 LISTEN UP Setting intentions, school gear, to be happy this summer YA audiobooks the whole family will love wrangling the schedule 10 EDUCATION MATTERS ADVERTISING SECTIONS Thinking about the greater good 10–15 +23 SCHOOLS + PRESCHOOLS Golden Teddy 34 SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW 17–20 GOOD GROWING Ginger Passarelli and The Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Awards Soup Ladies health newsletter ✪ AND FAMILY DIRECTORY 30–35 CAMPS + ACTIVITIES
28 9 32
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 3 0714_04_05_dear_reader_0714_04_05_dear_reader 6/19/14 8:22 AM Page 4
dear reader
Embracing disruption
X
ots of mothers relish the last week of school and the wide-open, L sun-filled days that follow. I sort of freak out. I do love summer, don’t get me wrong. The late mornings, the long days, the beach, the camping (well, a little of the camping). But the schedule disruption is still crazy-making for me. Suddenly we lose the reliability of the school rhythm: Some weeks, we have camp; other weeks, we have a different camp. There are new carpools to form, babysitting to arrange, vacation details to wrangle. We need to balance the desire and high expectations for fun with the continuing responsibilities of work and life that don’t end in June. Did you pack the sunscreen? Oh yeah, we’re out of sunscreen — and off to the store we dash. It’s daunting for me to think about the massively disruptive — and ultimately über-rewarding — adventures that the families in this month’s feature took on when they left home to live abroad (The family gap year, p. 12). I get a little uncomfortable with just a change of bedtimes. But oh, if I could bottle these families’ gumption and willingness to take risks and pack that elixir in my picnic basket! What they discover by leaving their regular life and building a temporary new one in a foreign place are the kinds of lessons we all want our kids to learn. In that vein, “Embrace disruption” is my theme for this summer. I’ll try to take a page out of the gap year families’ books, and also heed the sane advice of author and cultural guru Lenore Skenazy, who reminds us that what our kids really need is not fancy tennis lessons or structured soccer camps (What your kids really need this summer to be happy, p. 9), but freedom. When kids are allowed free play and unstructured time, they naturally hone their interpersonal skills, develop patience and cultivate empathy. I will try to remember that on the days I’m not rushing my kids onto the camp carpool conveyer belt. I might not be quite ready to put up the house for rent and pack my trunks for a year in Costa Rica, as most of us likely aren’t. But I can, and will, remind myself to unplug and tap into my family, to make use of the time we do have to reconnect and totally enjoy that special brand of fun only summer inspires. And while I swing in the hammock or relax on the beach, I’ll imagine myself jetting off into the sunset on a magical gap year adventure. A mom can dream, can’t she? — Natalie Singer-Velush, managing editor
4 • July 2014 • parentmap.com 0714_04_05_dear_reader_0714_04_05_dear_reader 6/19/14 8:22 AM Page 5
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parentmap.com • July 2014 • 5 0714_06_07_page_6_staff_A_0714_06_07_page_6_staff_A 6/19/14 10:17 AM Page 6
ParentMap July 2014, Vol. 12, No. 7
navigate great stuff daily! PUBLISHER/EDITOR Alayne Sulkin
DIGITAL DIRECTOR Patty Lindley
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Natalie Singer-Velush OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Elisa Murray EDUCATION EDITOR Alison Krupnick b AGES + STAGES EDITOR Mia Lipman CALENDAR EDITOR Nancy Chaney 3-2-1 BLAST OFF! PROOFREADER Sunny Parsons CONTRIBUTORS Tired of hide-and-seek? These 10 DIY rockets, catapults Will Austin, Nancy Schatz Alton, Tiffany Doerr Guerzon, Margot Page, and other flying contraptions — easy enough to make Kali Sakai, Lenore Skenazy PARENTMAP.COM with materials you can find around the house — will fill CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Julian Haight your family’s summer days and nights with cosmic-level SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Rory Graves PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Alyssa Johnson awe: parentmap.com/launch EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Christina Boyer ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, SEATTLE Anne Doss Hardy ACCOUNT MANAGER, EASTSIDE Ida Wicklund ACCOUNT MANAGER, N. SEATTLE, SNOHOMISH, PIERCE AND THURSTON COUNTIES Eats Dani Carbary AD TRAFFIC MANAGER Elisa Taylor for heat SALES COORDINATOR Lisa Salkind MARKETING/EVENTS From bodacious burgers MARKETING DIRECTOR Jo Gubas MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER to cool-down treats, Ayva Larson summer is a time to enjoy EVENTS MANAGER Merideth MacRae ART + PRODUCTION the bounty of good food. DESIGN + PRODUCTION Emily Johnson You’ll find all the inspiration, Photo call! PRODUCTION DESIGN Amy Chinn ADMINISTRATION recipes and kid-friendly prep What’s that big ball in the BUSINESS MANAGER Barbara Cohen tips you’ll need, from taco sky? A bird, a plane? Oh, ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Tara Buchan ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/DISTRIBUTION bars and grilled goodies to right, it’s the sun! And if Angela Goodwin homemade popsicles and ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Taracina Ullevig we’re lucky, it will even be PARENTMAP garden drinks (oh my!), at hot. We love to see your EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Benjamin Danielson, M.D. parentmap.com/food. kids enjoying their summer: ODESSA BROWN CHILDREN’S CLINIC Tweet or Facebook us Joan Duffell COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN John Gottman, Ph.D. @parentmap with pics THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE, W PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON of your kiddos cooling Michael Gurian THE GURIAN INSTITUTE off with water play using Laura Kastner, Ph.D. 1 PSYCHIATRY + BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES he #waterplay. UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Bea Kelleigh VICE PRESIDENT AT DOVETAILING LLC Yaffa Maritz, M.A. w Take our vitamins? LISTENING MOTHERS + Card catalog COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL PARENTS w We’ve done the research for you with our curated list of Americans spend nearly $27 billion Ron Rabin THE KIRLIN FOUNDATION Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. kids’ summer reading programs in the Puget Sound region every year on supplements. But EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINDSIGHT INSTITUTE do you or your kids really need (parentmap.com/summerreading); ADVERTISING INFORMATION re those morning vitamins? 206-709-9026 or [email protected] how-to guide to starting a kids’ Fax 206-709-9031 activity book club (parentmap What about CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS [email protected] EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS [email protected] .com/activitybooks); picky DISTRIBUTION [email protected] and oxygen-for-moms eaters and SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] ParentMap is published monthly summer beach reads list babies? PMB #399, 4742 42nd Ave S.W. of new, must-have We’ve got the Seattle, WA 98116 Admin: 206-709-9026, parentmap.com mommy memoirs scoop on what to Subscription rate 1 year: $24; 2 years: $40 (parentmap.com swallow and what to leave on the All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or part without permission prohibited /beachreads). shelf: parentmap.com/vitamins. ©ParentMap 2014 • Printed in Oregon
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MAKES ABOUT 8 HAND PIES
1 1 /2 cups blueberries 3 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice 3 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature 1 teaspoon maple syrup 2 prepared pie crusts 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash Coarse sugar, for topping
Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. watch the video Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, scan the QR lemon zest and juice; set aside. Mix code below together cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth; set aside.
1 Roll out pie crusts until ⁄8-inch thick. Cut out Fresh and frozen blueberries as many 5- to 6-inch rounds as you can. Re- roll dough scraps and cut out more rounds.
Watch PCC Chef Jackie are particularly popular in our Place 1 teaspoon cream cheese and a Freeman work with generous tablespoon blueberry filling in the 12-year-old Dora and PCC Kid Picks program. center of each round, making sure to leave 1 her dad, Drew, to make a ⁄2-inch boarder. Brush boarders with egg Blueberry Hand Pies wash and fold dough over to enclose filling. Press shut with your fingers, then use a with a premade whole fork to crimp and seal the edges. wheat crust. Scan the kids to discover that healthy foods can be code for the video, delicious. Products that gain approval from at Transfer hand pies to the prepared baking Blueberry Hand Pie sheet and brush tops with egg wash and recipe, and kid-friendly least two-thirds of our kid judges receive shelf sprinkle with coarse sugar. Cut a small vent in the top of each pie. Bake until crust is golden ideas and fun facts. labels with bright orange PCC Kid Picks logos. and filling is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Find these labels and you’ll RECIPE BY JACKIE FREEMAN, PCC CHEF EACH PIE: 200 cal, 11 g fat (3.5g sat), 30 mg chol, 125 mg sodium, 24 g carb, find foods that an 9 g fiber, 3 g protein. overwhelming majority of kids like to eat.
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8 • JulyCHILD 2014 9354 •DrChen_HeartCenter_horiz_PM.indd parentmap.com 1 5/30/14 12:24 PM
Pub/s: Parent Map 1/2 H - Seattle Children’s Dr. Chen Heart Center PROOF# ___2__ Art Director ______Acct Supv ______Trim: 8.2”w x 5”h Live: n/a Bleed: n/a Epro ______Copywriter ______Jim ______Prod Mgmt ______Acct Mgmt ______Mike ______Color: CMYK Laser%: 100% Author: TH NEW PROOF APPROVED PDF voice
What your kids really need to be happy this summer By Lenore Skenazy
eminiscing about her childhood, one Executive function is what teachers are mom wrote, “We had all kinds of games, always wishing kids had more of: “Turn Rplaying hard every day after school, every around and do your math packet!” How weekend and from dawn until our parents made us does a child get that kind of discipline? come in at dark in the summertime. One game was The hardest way is by sitting still in class. called ‘chase and run,’ which was a kind of complex, The easiest way is by playing a game. Say team-based hide-and-seek and tag combination. . . . that it’s Ella’s turn at bat, and she strikes As with all our games, the rules were elaborate and out. It’s not fair, she thinks. The ball was they were hammered out in long consultations on too fast, the sun was in her eyes. street corners. It was how we spent countless hours.” There are a lot of reasons for Ella to feel Hammering out elaborate rules in long consulta- sorry for herself. She may even be ready to tions is also how that little girl spent countless hours cry or stomp off. But she will often hold as an adult. herself together for one simple reason: She Her name is Hillary Rodham Clinton. wants the game to continue. If she leaves, If you think back to your own childhood fun, the game is over — for her. And so, because chances are you, too, can see glimpses of the adult the drive to play is so great, she sucks it you turned into. I was speaking at a convention of up and goes to the back of the line. The early educators recently and asked, “How many of word we use for this in the adult world is “self-control.” you used to play school?” Learning self-control is a by-product of It looked like everyone in the auditorium raised free play. her hand. “How many of you played the student?” Getting kids to play with each other The hands shot down. They had assumed the is something parents usually do by teacher role, of course. Still do. (Another story of signing them up for a class or program. how free time allows kids to unfurl their imagi- God knows I spent many hours on the nations and pursue whatever their hearts desire: I sidelines of kiddie soccer, baseball and actually spent much of my childhood making pins drive,” writes Peter Gray in Learning basketball “socializing” my kids. But emblazoned with new words, because I dreamed his outlook-altering book, those are sports skills. Missing are all hard of coining a catchphrase. And guess what? I Free to Learn. Lack of free self-control is the life skills: how to organize a game did: “free-range kids.”) play doesn’t kill kids, obvi- (otherwise known as leadership); how to ously, but quite possibly it a by-product “The child is father of the man,” wrote William create two roughly equal teams; how to “stunts mental growth.” That’s Wordsworth, meaning we pass along the passions and of free play. deal with a dispute to everyone’s satisfac- because when kids look like predilections we develop as kids to our adult selves. tion, more or less; how to be good sports But Wordsworth was writing long before the era of they’re doing nothing — just goofing around with without a coach mandating, “Now, everyone shake video games and supervised playdates. Nowadays, friends or making something without having been hands.” between classes, camp, day care, tablets and nan- assigned a project — they’re really developing all If you can kick your kids outside a fair amount this nies — which are all fine and good — it’s hard for the traits they need to succeed in school and in life. summer and convince some other nearby parents to kids to find the time and space for “free play.” Free For instance: When Clinton made those teams do the same, those kids will start to play together. play is what kids (or any humans) do for fun when for “chase and run,” she was clearly honing her There might be some tears, so do yourself a favor and nothing’s riding on it. No one is coaching or keep- interpersonal skills. But when kids play with other don’t watch. ing score. If they’re lucky, no one is even watching. kids, they are also developing their attention to Do your kids a favor and don’t watch. All we’re doing in free play is what interests us most detail (Where does Ava usually hide?), their empathy Give them free time for this timeless activity, and at that moment — skipping stones, climbing trees, (I’d better throw the ball softer to little Jacob), their they just may thank you forever. n drawing dinosaurs, playing with dolls. bravery (I hope Ollie doesn’t jump out at me!) and This free play is critical to happiness and even their extremely crucial “executive function” — the Lenore Skenazy is a popular speaker, author and learning. “The drive to play is a basic biological ability to control themselves. founder of Free-Range Kids (freerangekids.com).
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 9 education matters
Why it’s important to think about the greater good By Alison Krupnick
Come and enjoy the Auntie Anne’s experience through a Pretzel Field Trip! Great for schools, Scouting groups, day care centers, homeschool groups, senior centers, birthday parties, and other groups of all ages interested in learning the art of hand rolling pretzels! • Learn about the History of the Pretzel and Auntie Anne’s • Take a tour of the store
• Learn how to roll your own pretzel with real pretzel dough • Receive a goody bag ow that the end-of-the-school-
• Girl Scout Troops receive a year frenzy is fading from “Money impacts souvenir badge Nmemory and the classroom teacher quality, Bellevue Square – and other participating locations supply lists haven’t yet arrived, educa-
425-637-8990 tion is probably the last thing on any curriculum, com- parent’s mind. But summer offers a great opportu- puters, libraries SCHOOLSnity to calmly reflect on what matters. Limited Openings for Fall! Two education advocates think that and glue sticks.” what matters is the greater good. Frank Ordway is the director of a baseline and that every school, in government relations for the League every district, has similar offerings. of Education Voters, a Washington But that’s not the case. Preschool ~ Grade 8 state education advocacy organiza- Educational inequity also goes Cinquegranelli • Small Class Size • Wholistic Montessori & Individualized Learning tion. He’s also the parent of two kids unacknowledged even when it’s visi- • Yoga, Organic Garden, Italian for 3–6 year olds Music, Drama, Art, French who attend Ferndale public schools ble, Ordway adds. Parents don’t want Enriching little • Summer Programs and a third child in preschool. to brag about their school for fear of minds since 1989 Among the challenges of sustaining upsetting other parents whose kids ENROLL TODAY parent engagement around education are not reaping the same benefits. Call for a visit! 425-772-9862 issues is getting parents to take a crit- It’s natural for us to worry, first and 206-706-0803 www.LivingWisdomSchoolSeattle.org NWAIS Subscriber Member ical look at schools. foremost, about our own kids, the “Parents are naturally inclined to schools they attend and the school believe that they are sending their district that manages these schools.
0714_living_wisdom_school_1-16.indd 1 6/12/14 12:35 PMkids to a great school,” Ordway says. And, Ordway says, national politics “Otherwise, you have to question have devolved to partisan “trench your own choices.” warfare,” which saps the public’s belief Degrees & Certificates Educational inequity is largely and trust in public institutions, mak- Co-op Preschools hidden, Ordway believes. The school ing it hard to advocate for change across town or in another district within these institutions. Parent-Child Center may not have as much to offer as “Nobody is willing to give up a little your neighborhood school, but you bit to get more,” he says. “We ask school might not be aware of that. It’s easy districts to set priorities, but when they to assume that the academics and do, [such as closing schools], the pub- enrichment at your child’s school are lic doesn’t support it.”
10 • July 2014 • parentmap.com SCHOOLS Teaching the Way a Child Why it’s important to think about the greater good By Alison Krupnick Learns... Intellectually... What does Ordway believe fami- families and families with a wide challenging academic lies should be thinking about over the range of income levels. program for every learner. C summer? Educating ourselves, and Rolfes says that, although her district M being prepared to have an honest and provides a snapshot of the broad range Emotionally… productive community-wide conversa of education needs in Washington, she Y nurturing confidence, tion about school quality and inequity. understands the difficulty in relating CMto independence and empathy. “How a school treats all kids is a parents who are having a completelyMY WhySocially… it’s so important reflection of how it treats yours. It different experience from your own. CY teaching communication is incumbent on you as a parent to An added challenge is remaining — and so difficult — to CMY and collaboration. care about other kids. Your children engaged in education issues when your will be living and working alongside kids have moved on. K think about the greater them, and they will contribute to the “When you drive through a forest ETON SCHOOL health of your kids’ communities.” and you see clear-cuts, you get angry good As the state Legislature grapples and you want to do something. But AgeA 3 through Grade 8 By Alison Krupnick with how to fulfill the requirements of when you know there are kids who 2701 Bellevue-Redmond Road the McCleary decision (the Supreme aren’t reading, you don’t tend to feel Bellevue, WA 98008 Court mandate to fully fund educa- that you can fix that. We are missing (425) 881-4230 tion in Washington state), Ordway a critical link in that people feel that says parents should be ready to weigh other people’s kids are not their prob- www.etonschool.org in on how the money should be spent. lem. We don’t get worked up when Montessori Principles and Philosophy for over 35 Years “Money impacts teacher quality, other people’s kids can’t read or don’t curriculum, computers, libraries and know math.” glue sticks. The educational envi- Rolfes wants parents to know that ronment we’ll face in 2015 will be they have more power than they think Brighton School impacted by what the Legislature to solve these problems. Private Preschool – 8th Grade decides to do.” Know which candidates “walk the talk,” she recommends, and elect those Focus on the forest who support public education. It’s and the trees important for citizens to communicate Ask Washington State Sen. Christine with their legislators and alert them to Rolfes to define the Legislature’s role strengths and weaknesses within the in educating kids, and she’ll tell you system. that it is responsible for every aspect “As engaged parents, it’s really of public education. important for us to use what we Personalized learning in a The Legislature sets the budget learned with our kids’ classes and for schools, monitors teacher quality, teachers and pass that along to other nurturing community oversees the professional standards families coming up,” says Rolfes. Our challenging, well-rounded curriculum helps students master board and pedagogical programs, sets “We all can take responsibility for the core academics while developing skills such as creativity, problem solving and collaboration. Our individualized approach salaries and recruits new teachers. improving the system from within. to instruction helps each child grow, flourish and excel. But it has absolutely no control over I know my kids have benefited from how these things are implemented at other parents doing that.” n t1FSTPOBMJ[FEMFBSOJOH t"SU NVTJD 1& 4QBOJTI and technology the district level. t#FGPSFBOEBGUFSTDIPPM programs t'VMMEBZLJOEFSHBSUFO Rolfes, a Democrat and parent of Alison Krupnick is ParentMap’s two children in Bainbridge Island education editor and a former Open House: Friday, August 29, 11am – 1pm schools, represents the 23rd District, world-traveling diplomat. Have a which includes four medium-size question or education issue you’d like Contact us to RSVP or schedule a private tour! school districts. These districts serve to see explored? Connect with her at 6717 212th Street SW, Lynnwood [email protected] military families, Native American . tbrightonschool.com parentmap.com • July 2014 • 11
BS_SeattleParentMapSno_Jul14_4x5.indd 1 6/6/2014 2:08:18 PM w
feature
Just say go: Chris Eastland, Dianne Fruit and their two sons spent six months traveling and volunteering in Latin America and Europe. “Our family is even more unified now,” says Fruit. 12 • July 2014 • parentmap.com w
The family gap year What happens when you drop it all and move abroad?
BY MARGOT PAGE
e all know a family that’s done the biggie: Did the time-out give us — especially kids In Cajamarca, Sam would ride a moto to explore it — packed their bags, pulled up — the kind of perspective on our complicated First the next town over, or take a couple of buses to a stakes, pressed “pause” on regular World culture that many parents long for? soccer game. “Or I could say, ‘Sally, could you run life and . . . left. Perhaps for Ecuador. Too hard? As it turns out, for many parents and out and get some powdered sugar?’” Smith says, WFrance. Thailand. Maybe bringing jobs with them, their kids, a gap year proved to be the quickest an exhibit writer. “And she’d come back 35 min- maybe volunteering, maybe dedicating the time path to the stuff — values, family time, real-life utes later, and I’d be fine.” Adds Huston, “At that wholly to cultural exploration and family bond- experience — that matters most. age, would we have sent her into Ballard to run ing. More than a vacation, less than a permanent All that packing and planning? Those are just errands? No, we wouldn’t have done that.” move — let’s borrow the language of the pre-college logistics. adventurer and call it the “family gap year.” PASSPORT TO Families that have taken a gap year (or two years, INDEPENDENCE DAYS PROBLEM-SOLVING or six months) get used to a standard reaction: Many families who take a gap year want their kids to Hand in hand with independence come the own- “Man, I’d love to do something like that.” But see the world as a place of thrilling potential, a won- ership and creativity required for solving problems. that first, wistful sentence is almost always followed derland to be explored. In other countries, kids are We all want to raise kids who are problem solvers by a litany of what makes the adventure too hard: given more freedom and autonomy at a younger age — but first, something has to go wrong. Travel has houses, jobs, money, school, social commitments. than here in the hovermom culture in which many a way of flinging glitches in our paths. Family after Life. How can we just leave? of us live. Such cultural support for kid indepen- family talked about their kids’ ability to rise to — It’s daunting, to be sure. But every year, a subset of dence makes it easier for parents to loosen the reins. and resolve — the unexpected. determined families turn the “too hard” idea on its Sherry Smith and Matt Huston of Seattle moved Three years ago, Dianne Fruit, a Spanish instruc- head and set out — and off — to change their lives. to Cajamarca, Peru, for six months when their tor, spent six months traveling and volunteering in My family of five was among them; we spent a year children, Sam and Sally, were 14 and 10. They Central America, South America and Europe with in Costa Rica a decade ago, and it changed us for- immersed themselves in Peruvian culture — the her family: Chris Eastland, an engineer, and sons ever. For this story, I sought out other families who kids were the only non-Peruvians at their school — Ridley and Rory. “Our kids got this great ability to also left the U.S. on a leap-of-a-lifetime to explore and the parents found themselves letting Sam and roll with the punches,” says Fruit. the common threads of our experiences: What was Sally do things by themselves “that we’d be reluctant “I don’t get as frantic now when something goes harder (or easier) than expected? What was the to let them do here,” says Huston, a middle-school wrong,” says Ridley, who was 13 during the trip. “Instead, impact on families two, five, even 10 years out? And teacher who was able to take a sabbatical. I just think ‘OK, what can I make happen?’ Back home,
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14 • July 2014 • parentmap.com EV_SeattleParentMapEast_Jul14_8.2x5.indd 1 6/2/2014 1:54:48 PM feature
The family gap year continued from page 13 every day could be an adventure, but months when their daughters, Zoey socioeconomic spectrum, and most Surprisingly, this lecture never made the likelihood that something unique and Logan, were 8 and 5. As they of us have a really good lecture about my children feel particularly lucky. is going to happen is just a lot less.” traveled through Europe, they “built that. Mine used to begin, “You have But our family had to think, hard, We parents can handle (or prevent) a little lexicon of misunderstood no idea how lucky we are . . . ,” and I about the meaning and responsibility much of the trouble that crops up on words and private jokes that has pulled it out whenever my kids even of our own privilege when a pair of our home turf. Outside it, the kids lasted more than six years since we hinted at a complaint about sharing a Nicaraguan children stood silently, 3 get to step up in ways we’d never have returned,” says Steel. She cites the bedroom or not having an Xbox. continued on page 22 dreamed. “Smartphone? time she confused During my own fam- the German word for How’d they do it? ily’s year in Costa Rica, Want. Food “chaos” with “cows” in our kids — ages 5, 9 and a conversation with an 12 at the time — had and clean Austrian administra- The Eastland-Fruit family myriad opportunities water? Need.” tor. “Now whenever Chris Eastland, Dianne Fruit, Ridley and Rory to problem-solve, most a situation dissolves notably during a weeklong trip to into a chaotic mess, someone in our Panama. family will cry out, ‘It’s all cows!’” We’d spent 12 hours on an assort- “Definitely the two of us are closer,” ment of steaming buses to get to says Zoey of herself and younger sis- the Panamanian border, only to be ter Logan. “Now that we’re back, we denied entry for reasons I wasn’t able have our separate friends and lives, to understand. The bus was long gone, like before, but . . . there’s definitely we were exhausted — and our side of something about having only had the border offered no services and each other for all that time.” nowhere to sleep. I was used to being Fruit says of her family’s year away: the grown-up, but my Spanish was “Our family is even more unified now. not up to this task. We learned more about one another As I choked back tears, our eldest and have a shared narrative that is daughter stepped up to the counter. common to just the four of us.” Home: Kenmore, Wash. Twelve-year-old Hannah spoke to the OPENING KIDS’ EYES Where did they go? Costa Rica (two and a half months) and shorter immigration official with a fluency stints in various places in South America and Europe. The whole family volunteered at a sea turtle conservation camp, and Fruit and Eastland that dropped my jaw. In Seattle she was TO #PRIVILEGE And of course, the big question: What also volunteered at the school Ridley and Rory attended in Costa Rica. still a little girl; at the border, she talked happens to us, to our kids, when we get For how long? Six months total us into Panama and out of disaster. perspective on an issue so large it has its How old were the kids? Ridley, 13; Rory, 10 TRAVELING FAR own hashtag: #FirstWorldProblems? How did they manage school? Two months at a dual-language school TO BE CLOSE “One of the most lasting effects in Costa Rica; other than that, learning on the go There’s nothing like facing the same of our travel is our kids’ increased How did they manage work/money? Fruit had a paid sabbatical problems at the same time, whether awareness of the difference between from her job as a community college instructor; Eastland took unpaid leave from his job as an engineer. Both were able to return to their jobs. they’re tiny glitches or near calami- needs and wants,” says Chris Most surprising aspect? Fruit: “When we returned, I found it hard ties, to bring members closer. A gap Eastland, Fruit’s husband. A gap to adequately summarize the trip when others asked about it. We had year makes the whole family strang- year can be anywhere, but fami- experienced so much! Even though I’m well versed in reentry shock, ers in a strange land together. Many lies that traveled in the developing I was bewildered about how to return to our ‘normal’ lives and at the families report newfound closeness world report that everyone’s sense same time incorporate how I had changed and grown.” between their kids as one of the most of what’s required was recalibrated: Most lasting effect: Languages; willingness to try new things; new awareness of need versus want; new friends lasting and tangible effects of their Smartphone? Want. Food and clean time away. water? Need. Any advice? Rory: “Don’t take everything so seriously.” Ridley: “Pack light. Be willing to go with the flow when necessary. Ashley Steel and Bill Richards, Parents want to help their chil- Record everything (write stuff down, take videos and audio recordings professional ecologists from Bellevue, dren understand that they don’t to capture how things were at the time).” Wash., moved to Vienna for six live on the “have-nots” end of the
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 15 feature
merse - Cultura e - Im l Tou erv rs f - S or n F r am ea L il ie The family year continued from page 15 s gap feet from our lunch table, hoping we everyone was friendly, and they might leave something on our plates knew me. Here, you go to the gro- when we left. cery store, and there probably won’t As parents living in one of the even be a checker anymore — just a www.globalfamilytravels.com | 206-890-3442 | [email protected] richest regions of one of the richest machine.” nations on the planet, raising kids It’s also important to note: Far- who truly understand the truth and flung lands do not exist for the responsibility of their privilege is edification of traveling families. In
0714_global_family_travels_1-8h.indd 1 6/11/14 1:08 PMhard. But when we see, live and feel taking ourselves to other countries the situation of so many who share and cultures, both visitors and cit- our world, we live the lesson. izens have the opportunity to edify We’ve got your back. Not your billfold. And we learn, tritely but truly, that each other. The question is not just, less really can be more. “I loved the “What can this kind of travel do • Family Law • Wills & Trusts people so much,” says Huston of his for my family?” but, “What can my • Guardian ad Litem • Probate • Collaborative • Small Business & family’s community in Cajamarca. family do for the world, by being in Divorce Nonprofit Law “We would go to the mercado, and it more?”
Contact us for a FREE 30 minute consultation. Call 206.971.4800 How’d they do it? [email protected] | mainstreetlawgroup.com/parentmap The Richards-Steel family Bill Richards, Ashley Steel, Zoey and Logan
0614_main_street_law_group_1-8h.indd 1 5/19/14 9:34 PM Home: Bellevue, Wash. Where did they go? Vienna, Austria For how long? Six months How old were the kids? Zoey, 8; Logan, 5 How did they manage school? The girls went to an international school in Vienna. How did they manage work/money? Steel’s Fulbright Fellowship took TUESDAYS 6:30 WEDNESDAYS them to Vienna, where they pm both continued working as 12:00 Children’s Concert Series noon professional ecologists. Entertainment Series Noon – 1:00 pm 6:30 pm June 25–Aug 6 Most surprising aspect? Steel: “How much family time there is when you take away your regular routines. The kids still had June 24–Aug 5 playdates, homework and after-school classes, but we ended up with special time together in the apartment, waiting in restaurants, Shaping visiting museums, navigating public transportation, getting lost or SATURDAYS 7:00 our community pm together exploring on purpose.” Music AND Movies Most lasting effect: “The two biggest are: a family identity built on Concerts at 7:00 pm multicultural exploration, and a set of friends in other countries that Movies at Dusk continue to enrich our lives.” July 12–Aug 9 HUNTAMER PARK Any advice? “Go slow! Traveling fast, you can skim the surface of a large Corner of 7th & Woodland Sq Lp number of places as a tourist. Slowing down, you can see things through For more information visit new eyes, be open to the unexpected and start to understand other www.ci.lacey.wa.us/events or call 360.491.0857 world views.” ;B -S2S;B -S + 'SlS(' ,,"(',S (+S% SlS+"' S(/+S1'S -"'
22 • July 2014 • parentmap.com • S/SO SCHOOLS
The family gap year continued from page 15 Of course, a year in Paris is less IT’S NOT ALL ROSY likely to highlight the inequality of And what about the downsides? Or privilege than a year in Peru. But is the family gap year just months on whether it’s economic privilege or end of rosy togetherness? cultural consciousness, living else- Everyone agrees: Extended travel where teaches our kids that the way has its challenges. we do things at home is not the For one thing, when you move to only way. a different culture, you get a different SAVE UP TO $4,549 ON How’d they do it? SCHOOL TUITION! The Page-Salisbury family Go to www.kgnw.com and click the Margot Page, Anthony Salisbury, Hannah, Harry and Ivy “Half-Off Tuitions” banner Home: Seattle, Wash. or call Chad, 206-269-6273 Where did they go? Monteverde, Costa Rica For how long? 12 months How old were the kids? Hannah, 12; Harry, 9; Ivy, 5 How did they manage
school? Inexpensive (by 0714_salem_communications_1-4.indd 1 6/12/14 12:39 PM U.S. terms) private school that draws students from Ages 2-5 the local community, but Open to non-club members welcomes international kids How did they manage work/money? Salisbury and Page both quit their jobs. With no salary income, they lived on the Learning Academy $800 difference between the mortgage payment on their Seattle house and the amount they were able to rent it for. Leaving wasn’t scary at Preschool & Pre-K Programs all, but the idea of coming back with no jobs and no rental income was. Both are again employed. Most surprising aspect? Salisbury: “Life takes longer without U.S. efficiencies: making breakfast, shopping, making dinner, etc. And efficiency is overvalued.” FEATURING Most lasting effect: Salisbury: “Rich is a state of mind. And a TeachSmart Whiteboard Learning realization that cars are nearly unnecessary in an urban setting.” CATCH Child Health Curriculum Harry: “I learned Spanish and kept it. :) Everyone else is jealous. :)” Qualified Instructors Ivy: “I feel way closer to my siblings than I think a lot of my friends feel, and I think we have that year to thank.” Small Class Sizes & Low Ratios Any advice? Page: “If your kids are old enough to have opinions, get their buy-in. Every hard moment is made better when everyone wants proclub.com | (425) 861-6247 to be here.” 4455 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA Salisbury, Hannah and Ivy: “Why are you still sitting there? Go. Stop considering, start packing.”
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 23 feature
The family gap year continued from page 23 culture. The Kardashians notwith- different the rest would be,” Sam standing, the USA does not have a recalls. In addition to the lack of lock on cultural bummers. Just ask sports at recess, “The kids all spent Sally and Sam. The local Peruvian the day in one room and didn’t move culture had a harsh surprise for ath- around,” says Huston, Sam’s dad. letic Sally, who attended fifth grade Unmoored abroad, couples can in a town where only the boys played also find themselves disconnected, organized sports — girls sat on the especially when one parent is work- Friday, August 15 at 7 p.m. sidelines, watching. ing while the other isn’t. Sharon Chen And Sam found that it wasn’t just and Peter Carlin moved their family Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m. the Spanish that made the math com- to Taiwan when Carlin, a software Saturday, August 16 at 7 p.m. pletely foreign. developer, convinced his company to “We knew school would be all in relocate him for two years. With kids Sunday, August 17 at 2 p.m. Spanish, but we didn’t think how ages 5 and 3, Chen, a stay-at-home
Performances at the How’d they do it? Theatre at Meydenbauer Center $5 per ticket • festival seating 11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue The Smith-Huston family For show information or tickets, call Sheila Framke at Sherry Smith, Matt Huston, Sam and Sally the Bellevue Youth Theatre Box Office, 425-452-7155. Home: Seattle, Wash. Where did they go? Cajamarca, Peru For how long? Six months How old were the kids? Sam, 12; Sally, 10 How did they manage school? Inexpensive (by U.S. terms) private school that drew from the local community. Sam and Sally were the only non-Peruvian kids in their school. How did they manage work/money? Huston, a middle-school teacher, was granted a paid sabbatical with a “deliverable” to complete a study of Peruvian cookery. Smith quit her job as an exhibit writer at a design firm. “That was six months of stress,” says Huston of Smith’s job search on their return.
Most surprising aspect? Huston: “Not missing other Americans. We chose an out-of-the-way, not touristy place and never regretted it.” Most lasting effect: Smith: “A sense from the kids that they can handle a lot. They’ve been through some challenging situations, and it was hard and interesting. And they want to go back.” Any advice? “It’s more work than you think to get out the door.”
24 • July 2014 • parentmap.com The Gottman Institute presents SPECIAL PARENT MAP The Siegel-Gottman PROMO CODE: Summit SUMMITPM The family gap year continued from page 23 How’d they do it? Dr. John Gottman Dr. Dan Siegel Dr. Julie Gottman The Chen-Carlin family Sharon Chen, Peter Carlin, Lucy and Leo mindfulness in relationships: a two-day clinical training july 25 & 26, 2014: Seattle, wa Register: gottman.com
• Expressive/Receptive Language skills • Articulation/Speech Development • Auditory Processing Disorder • Oral-Motor Development • Phonological Development • Reading and Literacy • Autism Spectrum Disorder 2012-13 • Dyspraxia/Apraxia Feeding Skills Best of • Social Interaction Issaquah • Augmentative Communication Pediatric speech & language therapy (425) 557-6657 • www.sctherapy.com • Issaquah
Home: Seattle, Wash. Where did they go? Taipei, Taiwan For how long? Two years How old were the kids? Lucy, 5; Leo, 3 How did they manage school? Both attended a private school with classes taught completely in Mandarin. How did they manage work/money? Carlin, a manager in high tech, JUNE 27–OCTOBER 12 was able to get a job that moved him to Taipei. Chen was an at-home mom, as in the states. 33 sculptures Most surprising aspect? Chen: “One thing that surprised me was the anxiety around second-guessing myself in the early weeks. indoors and out at There was a difference between the intellectual plan of moving for Bellevue City Hall, intangible benefits and the reality of staring it in the face. I remember walking around the city after dropping my kids off, thinking,Is this Downtown Park and just me being selfish, wanting to travel and being ‘worldly,’ whatever that means? What if my daughter doesn’t learn the language quickly?” points in between.
Most lasting effect: “Besides the obvious lasting effect of facility in a language besides English, the increased flexibility in palate.”
Any advice? “Make sure both partners are excited and willing to do it.” www.bellevuewa.gov/bellwether2014.htm www.facebook.com/BellevueArtsProgram
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 25 feature WHERE The family gap year continued from page 25 ONCE mom, was suddenly functioning without the support network she’d Deciding to quit that job or take a built at home. “Peter traveled for leave, renting the house on Craigslist, work a lot,” she says, “and that part signing kids up for school and figuring IN A LIFETIME was really hard.” out the money: Taking your family out Missing school in the states can and away presents honest-to-good- pose academic challenges, too. Lucy ness, sometimes scary challenges. Carlin was 5 when her family left. In But here’s another challenge: liv- HAPPENS ONCE Taiwan, she learned how to read and ing in an American city in a house write in Chinese — but not in English. that has more people than bedrooms “Coming back, Lucy was sig- and trying to convince the children nificantly behind her age group in that this fact alone does not make us EV E RY reading,” says Chen. “For probably underprivileged. two years that was something we had Stamps in a passport are hardly YEAR to manage with teachers.” requirements for growing qualities And social lives can suffer. such as independence, problem solv- Returning from our family’s gap year, ing and awareness of our place in the SEE THE LINEUP & GET TICKETS our newly bilingual oldest daughter, world, or for an unshakeable close- AT YOUNGERSHOOT.ORG Hannah, whose peers couldn’t fathom ness within the family. But when the how she had spent seventh grade, families in this story took themselves spent eighth grade lonely and isolated. away to another life, another culture, But downsides can lead to upsides. they found that many of those gifts Hannah says of all that pain, “I pay a just kind of happened. lot more attention now to people who Who would have guessed that this are on the outskirts. I would never kind of adventure, this time out of have learned that if I hadn’t spent time time, would turn out to be the easiest, on the outskirts myself.” most direct way to teach some of the Parents also report that in their values and life skills we desperately gap-year lives, they had time and want to give our kids? freedom to mitigate issues such In a new life, in an unfamiliar cul- as homesickness. Huston notes, ture, families live the lectures instead “Because Sherry and I weren’t work- of having to speak them. That part, it ing, we had tons of time to scheme turns out, is not hard at all. n to make the kids’ non-school hours really wonderful.” Margot Page’s work has appeared in And Sally feels like the challenges The New York Times, Brain, Child of her time in Peru have given her and The Huffington Post.She is the a giant new appreciation of home. creator of the popular Dear Drudgery When asked what she and her brother column on the Brain, Mother blog and were most thankful for on their writes about Pope Francis, among oth- return, Sally and Sam chime at once, er topics, for the Mamalode website. “Hot showers!” Her memoir, Paradise Imperfect: An Gratitude is another lesson that’s American Family Moves to the Costa hard to lecture our kids about; it’s Rican Mountains (Yellow House unlikely that any of us could talk Press) was published in 2013, and an our kids into being grateful for the excerpt was nominated for the 2013 hot-water heater. But when they Pushcart Prize. Read more of Margot’s live somewhere without one? No work at margot-page.com. Margot reminder required. lives, works and writes in Seattle.
26 • July 2014 • parentmap.com 140607 Crossroads ParentMap 4x10.pdf 1 6/7/14 11:41 AM
The family gap year continued from page 25 Be a FIUTS Homestay Family ds Mind the gap ss Host an international student CrossroadsCro for 3-10 days and connect Resources your family to the world! for planning www.fiuts.org/homestay Getting away can be as simple as renting out your
house and buying some airplane ParentMap Enews tickets. But for help with the pesky logistics, check out: Better than espresso • The Career Break and a Traveler’s Handbook puppy and website (careerbreak secrets.com). Jeff Jung offers practical advice on dreaming and planning extended travel. Find ideas, inspiration • Family on the Loose + non-stop family fun! book and website u t a .com (familyontheloose.com). Ashley Steel and Bill Richards share what they’ve learned in their years of traveling with their kids. 0614_enews_1-16.indd 1 5/21/14 9:28 AM
• Wandermom (wandermom. com). Inspiration for where to travel with children
• Transitions Abroad (transitionsabroad.com). A travel resource for meaningful work, living and study abroad
• Paradise Imperfect: An American Family Moves to the Costa Rican explore Mountains. Margot history Page’s unvarnished chronicle of what happened to her own family (and Get your game on. marriage and attitude) With unique shops, live music, and dozens of when they took a gap-year miniMOHAI! adventure. margot-page.com Drop-in program for kids ages 3–6 international restaurant options—Crossroads is anything but ordinary. Make us your destination • Expat websites worth checking out include for date night, family night, any night. 10 am–noon, second and fourth The Displaced Nation Tuesday of each month (thedisplacednation.com), N E 8 T H ST Overseas Radio (overseas For more information visit
1 5AV6 TH N E E radio.com) and The mohai.org/learn Emotionally Resilient Expat (theemotionally resilientexpat.com). crossroadsbellevue.com
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 27 calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY July 1 LEGO Workshop. LEGO guru Dan Parker returns to the museum to share tips and 2014 Summer of Learning techniques with fellow fans; kids create on PICKS their own, too. 10 a.m.–noon. $25–$35. Ages 5–12. Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle. nordicmuseum.org Summer Sounds at Skanskie. The 133rd Army Band plays its best patriotic tunes in anticipation of Independence Day. 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 19. FREE. Skanskie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor. cityofgigharbor.net ONGOING EVENT
ELISA MURRAY 6 7 8
Island Time Westlake Family Fun Day. Westlake Jetty Island Puppet Show. Take a break One World Taiko. The rhythms of Japan July means Jetty Island! This two-mile- becomes kiddie fun headquarters, with a from sandy fun to watch and meet puppet kick off Shoreline’s super summer lunch- long, man-made island by Everett is a kid’s bouncy house, music and games for kiddos. pals like Olivia Octopus. 2:15 p.m. Mondays time concert series. Noon–1 p.m. Tuesdays summer paradise of sand and water. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE. Westlake Park, Seattle. through Sept. 1. FREE; $1–$2 donation for through Aug. 12. FREE. Richmond Beach seattle.gov/parks/downtown ferry. Jetty Island, Everett. ci.everett.wa.us Saltwater Park (some shows at Hamlin Take the foot ferry over daily from July 5 Bicycle Sunday. Take your family’s ONGOING EVENT Park), Shoreline. shorelinewa.gov through Sept. 1; nifty July programs include two-wheelers out for a leisurely, car-free SPY: The Secret World of Espionage. World Cup Nord Alley. Gather with a pirate’s treasure hunt on July 12 and ride along the lake; helmets required. See the tools of real secret agents. Daily Seattle’s soccer fans from all over the world a sand castle contest on July 26. FREE; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. select Sundays through except Tuesday through Sept. 1. $16–$29; for al fresco viewing of a semi-final match. suggested ferry donation $1–$2. Tip: Make Sept. 21. FREE. Lake Washington Boulevard, under age 2 free (includes regular 1 p.m. FREE. Nord Alley in Pioneer Square, ferry reservations for groups of 8 or more. Seattle. seattle.gov/parks/bicyclesunday exhibits). Pacific Science Center, Seattle. Seattle. alleynetworkproject.com pacificsciencecenter.org Marine Park, Everett. ci.everett.wa.us
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Wildcat Weekend. Point Defiance Zoo & Low-Tide exploration. Beachcomb on Seattle Storm Kids Day. Seattle’s WNBA Aquarium celebrate its tigers and clouded one of the lowest-tide days of the year and team invites kids for pre-game fun and a leopards with special treats and cat conser- learn. FREE. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium daytime match-up against the Connecticut vation projects. Included in paid admission. naturalists will be at Tacoma’s Owen Beach Sun. Doors open 10:30 a.m.; game at noon. July 12–13. Tacoma. pdza.org (12:15 p.m, pdza.org). Seattle Aquarium $19 and up ($10 for group tickets). All ages. Seattle Outdoor Theater Festival. volunteer naturalists will be at beaches Key Arena, Seattle. stormbasketball.com Greenstage, Theater Schmeater and other around the Sound (10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Summer Movie Express. Regal theaters companies present 14 FREE shows in one seattleaquarium.org). offer up family movies for summer — at weekend. Saturday and Sunday, July 12–13. a very nice price. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and RSSEATTLE, FLICKR © Volunteer Park, Seattle. greenstage.org/sotf Wednesdays through Aug. 20. $1. Multiple Lions and Dragons and Seafair locations. regmovies.com ONGOING EVENT Seafair festivals abound in July, but one of the most unique is the Chinatown/Inter- national District’s Dragon Fest, featuring 21 lion and dragon dances, a super-cool 20 22 recycling fashion contest and parade Capital Lakefair. Celebrate our state’s Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D. This Adventure Playground. Awesome, old- for kids (Saturday, 1 p.m.) and a Food capital with a parade, fireworks and more. IMAX documentary examines the delightful school play with building materials and Walk with $2 tasting plates. Seattle. Wednesday–Sunday, July 16–20. FREE; — and endangered — lemur in its wild tools. 1–4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and some activities have fee. Various venues, home. Multiple show times daily. $6–$9; Sundays through Aug. 28. Admission by Saturday–Sunday, July 12–13. cidbia.org Olympia. lakefair.org ages 2 and under free. Pacific Science donation. All ages; under age 12 with adult. The Not-Its! in Concert. Kindie sensation Center, Seattle. pacificsciencecenter.org Deane’s Children’s Park, Mercer Island. rocks locals and tourist families alike. 11 Spectacle: The Music Video. A first-ever mercergov.org a.m. FREE. Westlake Park, Seattle. seattle. museum exhibition exploring the music Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Part of the gov/parks/downtown video art form, from Madonna to Summer Outdoor Movies in the Park series. Tacoma Food Truck Fest. Noon–5 p.m. Macklemore. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Films shown at dusk, Tuesdays through Free entry; food for purchase. Wright Park, Included with admission. EMP Museum. Aug. 19. Bellevue Downtown Park, Bellevue. Tacoma. metroparkstacoma.org empmuseum.org inome.com/summermovies ONGOING EVENT
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May the Fourth be With You Annie. Make it a family outing to enjoy this Seattle Public Library Used Book Sale. Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies. Take Why not try something new this Inde- popular musical, live in the woods. 2 p.m. Stop by to browse a selection of books for the tots to dance in the park at the Kirkland pendence Day? March in a down-home Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 17. sale from the library. Noon–2 p.m. Summer Concert series for kids. 10–11 a.m. $10–$20; ages 5 and under free. Kitsap Monday–Friday through Oct. 31. Freeway Tuesdays through Aug. 19. FREE. Juanita parade (Bainbridge, Edmonds or Auburn); Forest Theater, Bremerton. foresttheater.com Park, Seattle. seattle.gov/parks/downtown Beach Park, Kirkland. kirklandsummercon- see an airshow (Tacoma); watch chainsaw Letter Carriers Band at the Locks. Relax Zip Wild Adventure Courses. Climb, certs.weebly.com ONGOING EVENT carving at a lumberjack show (Port on a blanket or stroll the lovely gardens jump, swing, balance and zip on wildly The Harmonica Pocket. Sing and dance to Gamble); or compete for prizes on a while you listen to the summer concert fun and exciting challenge courses. Daily the swinging kids’ tunes of this kindie band, history-themed scavenger hunt around series. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 1; reservations required. part of the Edmonds Summer Concerts Lake Union (Cheshiahud Challenge). Find through Aug. 31. FREE. Hiram M. $20–$60 (does not include park admission). series. Noon–1 p.m. Tuesdays through Chittenden Locks, Seattle. Ages 5 and up. Northwest Trek Wildlife Aug. 26. FREE. Hazel Miller Plaza, Edmonds. more inspired Fourth ideas at nws.usace.army.mil ONGOING EVENT Park, Eatonville. nwtrek.org edmondswa.gov ONGOING EVENT parentmap.com/fourth
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A Seattle Children’s Publication | Summer 2014
Understanding the Power and Influence of Role Models
Who are your child’s role models? It’s witnessed some shocking twists and turns. important to know whom they admire and A star’s fall from grace provides an why — and the topic makes for a great opportunity to talk about how bad decisions conversation. can affect anyone’s life — and how abusing Growing up, all kids have role models. drugs or alcohol can ruin it. It also reinforces Some are people they know personally such why we must all take responsibility for our as relatives, teachers and coaches. Fictional actions. characters can be excellent role models, like We can help our kids understand that — Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. And star or not — no one is perfect or super- most kids have celebrity role models, often human. The most successful people are those from the worlds of sports and entertainment. who can solve tough problems, learn from Because kids can see these people every day their mistakes, and move forward with a through the media, they may imagine they positive attitude. know these stars personally. Therefore, these Your child’s role models will change over people can have a strong influence on a time, and sometimes they’ll change quickly. child’s thoughts and behaviors. other athletes have broken fans’ hearts by But do stay current on who is influencing One problem with celebrity role models is cheating to improve their performance, then your child, whether it’s a celebrity or someone that they have the power to disappoint us lying about it. Young fans who began they know personally. Ask your child what when their real-life behaviors don’t match our following Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber when they admire about these people, then listen image of them. Cyclist Lance Armstrong and these stars were just kids themselves have carefully and explore those ideas further. Also talk with your child about the people who have shaped your own life. Parents are people too, and we are still inspired by our role models. While kids will never have posters of Outdoor Movie Night their parents on their bedroom walls, we Saturday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m. really are their most important role models Innis Arden Clubhouse, Shoreline in the long run. Our everyday behaviors — Bring the family to watch an outdoor movie including kindness, honesty, compassion, and support the Little Lemon Drops Junior generosity, safety and hard work — will Guild. Purchase raffle tickets and movie snacks. influence them more than the brightest, Donations accepted for admission. shiniest star ever could.
TO LEARN MORE: TO LEARN MORE: Visit www.littlelemondropsguild.weebly.com. Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/goodgrowing. 0714_GG_FINAL_0714_GG_FINAL 6/18/14 11:41 PM Page 18
Legal Marijuana Means Greater Poisoning Risks for Children
Now that marijuana is legal for adults 21 and coma. If your child is in a home with marijuana, older in Washington, it’s more apt to be in be sure it’s stored safely out of reach and sight. homes. Children are at risk of accidental If you suspect a child has ingested it, call Poison poisoning, especially if they ingest marijuana in Control at 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical strong edible forms like baked goods, candy or help if needed. Give these professionals the full drinks. A poisoned child is likely to hallucinate details so they can provide the best treatment. and then fall into a sedated sleep. Serious breathing problems may also occur; in these TO LEARN MORE: cases, ventilator support may be needed. http://pulse.seattlechildrens.org/more-kids Although it’s rare, overdoses can result in a -accidentally-poisoned-by-legal-marijuana-study-finds.
Why Choose Pediatric Emergency Care?
Here’s a situation that families in our area face possible to get an accurate image, and pediatric every day. Your child or teen has what you’re specialists perform the exams and interpret the quite sure is a broken arm — or leg or collar- results. These doctors, nurses and technicians bone. Do you go to the nearest emergency room enjoy working with kids, and know how to calm or instead travel a bit farther to a pediatric them and manage pain. If there is a wait, you’ll emergency room? As long as the injury is not life be among families with children, and not adults threatening and the pain is not too severe, a whose behaviors and injuries may be upsetting pediatric emergency room is always a smart choice. for a child to see. And the most important benefit, These doctors are board-trained and certified in according to kids themselves? Popsicles! pediatric emergency medicine, which means they can provide state-of-the-art care especially for TO LEARN MORE: young patients. The diagnostic equipment in a Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics-programs pediatric ER uses the least amount of radiation /emergency-department.
Help Your Child Develop Good Hygiene Habits
One of the many jobs parents have is to teach after a bath or shower. Fingernails can be cut their kids about personal hygiene. It’s impor- in a curve to follow the nail’s natural shape, tant for everyone’s health and self esteem. If while toenails should be cut straight across to you model good hygiene yourself and use prevent them from becoming ingrown. Daily praise to encourage your child, they’ll have an bathing becomes necessary when a child hits easier time developing strong habits. Proper puberty and develops body odor; they may hand-washing is easy for toddlers to learn, also need to use deodorant or antiperspirant. and it’s a lifelong tool for staying ahead of Some kids embrace a daily shower routine germs. Have them scrub their hands with more easily than others. Until then, set a reg- soap and water for 20 seconds — singing the ular bathing time, let them choose their own ABC song can be used as a timing device. an easier time using kid-friendly flossing tools shampoo and shower gel, and praise their You’ll need to help little ones brush their to help them reach back teeth and do a care- fresh smell and clean glow! teeth and floss until they have the motor skills ful job. Kids can start to trim their own nails to do so on their own, at age 6 or 7. (That’s at around age 9 or 10, as long as the clippers TO LEARN MORE: generally about the time they can tie their are small enough for them to grip and use Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/safety-wellness own shoes or write cursive.) They may have easily. Nails are softer and easier to trim just /oral-health. 0714_GG_FINAL_0714_GG_FINAL 6/18/14 11:41 PM Page 19
n Kid Bits
Help for Constipation More Movement, Less Screen Time Flat Head Syndrome Constipation is a common problem that can Active kids and teens sleep better, are more Plagiocephaly, known as flat head syndrome, make anyone feel miserable. Our bodies work alert during the day and perform better in is a flat spot on the back or side of a baby’s best when we poop every day, and when the school. At least one hour of movement each head. It’s caused by pressure on the bones poop is soft so it doesn’t hurt to go. Problems day is all it takes — and it doesn’t need to be of the skull. It usually happens after birth, develop when we don’t go every day, or when intense or all at once. Spurts of 10 to 15 when infants lie on their backs in the same the poop is hard so it’s painful to go. Kids minutes get the job done. Small changes, position causing a flat spot to develop. It’s who are constipated may have tummy aches like taking the stairs or walking to school, more common in premature babies; their and spend a long time on the toilet — or even add up. Limiting screen time to make more skull bones are softer than those of full-term refuse to go because it hurts. Constipation time for activity is a double bonus. The babies and they also tend to move their tends to run in families, so some kids may be American Academy of Pediatrics recommends heads less. Limit the amount of time your more prone to it than others. Eating high- less than two hours a day of screen entertain- baby lies down, and change their position fiber foods and drinking lots of water helps, ment. So after dinner, instead of video games for them if they cannot. During checkups, but sometimes extra treatment is needed. or TV, gather the family and go fly a kite, play your baby’s doctor will check for flat spots Before trying any medicines or treatments, catch or see who can pull the most weeds. and try to determine if there’s a physical first have your child’s doctor check for a Small steps make a difference! problem that prevents your baby from blockage or other problems. moving their neck and head.
TO LEARN MORE: TO LEARN MORE: Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/videos/small TO LEARN MORE: Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/goodgrowing. -steps-healthy-lifestyle-7-5-2-1-0. Visit www.seattlechildrens.org/goodgrowing.
Regional Clinics Online Resources Quick Tip Find us near you at one of our clinics in Bellevue, Visit www.seattlechildrens.org for the following: Everett, Federal Way, Mill Creek, Olympia, Tri-Cities, • Child Health Advice Wenatchee and at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic. • my Good Growing e-mail newsletter Install window guards or stops • Doctor Finder on windows. Kids can fall from Main Hospital Numbers • Seattle Mama Doc, Teenology 101 and Autism blogs • Medical condition information windows open as little as five 206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (Toll-free) • Safety & wellness information inches. Screens keep bugs out, • Ways to help Seattle Children’s • Research Institute but they don’t keep kids in.
www.facebook.com/seattlechildrens Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communi - cations Department of Seattle Children’s. You can find Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website www.seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for non- www.twitter.com/seattlechildren commercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2014 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. www.youtube.com/seattlechildrens 0714_GG_FINAL_0714_GG_FINAL 6/18/14 11:41 PM Page 20
Classes and Events To register or view more information, please visit www.seattlechildrens.org/classes. A phone number is provided for those without Internet access. No one will be denied admission if unable to pay the full amount. If you need an interpreter, please let staff know when you register, and one will be provided. These classes are popular and often fill up several months in advance, so register early.
Parenting Classes Preteen and Teen Classes Events Autism 101 Better Babysitters 2 Low-Cost Life Jacket Sales locations WHEN: Thursday, July 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m. WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 9, WHEN: Saturdays, July 19 & Aug. 16, FEE: Free 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus, WHERE: Seattle Children’s admin. building, FEE: $20 for infant and youth sizes 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle 6901 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle (up to 90 lbs.); $30 for sizes teen to adult CALL: 206-987-8080 WHERE: Evans Pool at Green Lake, WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For parents and caregivers of children recently 7201 E Green Lake Drive N, Seattle WHERE: Overlake Medical Center, CALL: 206-684-7440 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who 1035 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue wish to better understand this disorder. The class Purchase properly fitted life jackets for children, is also available through Children's video and View more dates online teens and adults. Wearer must be present to teleconferencing outreach program in various FEE: $40 per person purchase. Purchasers under age 18 must be locations throughout Washington and Alaska. CALL: 206-987-9879 for all locations. accompanied by a parent/guardian. For youths, ages 11 to 14. Topics for responsible Autism 200 Series babysitting include basic child development, Car Seat Check FEE: Free infant care and safety, handling emergencies, WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus, age-appropriate toys, business hints and parent FEE: Free 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle expectations. WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus, CALL: 206-987-8080 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle CPR and First Aid for Babysitters For parents and caregivers of children with autism CALL: 206-987-5999 who wish to better understand this disorder. These WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come learn how to safely secure your child in classes are also available through Children's video FEE: $60 per person the car. Child passenger safety experts will check and teleconferencing outreach program in various WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus your child in a car seat, booster seat or the seat locations throughout Washington, Alaska, Oregon 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle belt and answer any questions you may have. and Montana. CALL: 206-987-9878 First come, first served. No appointments needed. For youths, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric Autism 207: Transition to Adulthood — Vocational Bike Helmet Fitting and Giveaway Training and Support CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills. WHEN: Thursday, July 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Students receive a 2-year American Heart WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Association completion card. FEE: Free Autism 208: Facilitating Peer Interactions for WHERE: Kohl’s, Children with Social Communication Deficits For Boys Only: The Joys and 18405 Alderwood Mall Pkwy., Lynnwood WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Challenges of Growing Up CALL: 206-987-1569 Autism 209: Sleep and Autism — The Bumpy WHEN: Mondays, Aug. 4 & 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come get your child properly fit for a new Road to the Land of Nod (view more dates online) bike helmet. Kids must be 1 to 18 and present WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m. FEE: $70 per parent/son pair; $20 per extra child to receive a helmet. First come, first served. WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus No appointments needed. Learn more at Babysafe 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle www.MakeSureTheHelmetFits.org. CALL: 206-789-2306 WHEN: Saturday, July 26, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. FEE: $50 per family Two-part series for parents, guardians and sons WHERE: Seattle Children’s admin building, ages 10 to 12. Focuses on what each can expect as 6901 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle boys begin adolescence. Class covers body changes CALL: 206-789-2306 during puberty, popular myths about growing up, behavior and attitude changes, girls and how to For new and expectant parents and infant communicate about the experience of adolescence. caregivers. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and treatment. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced. For Girls Only: A Heart-to-Heart Talk on Growing Up Heartsaver First Aid, CPR and AED WHEN: Tuesdays, July 8 & 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. WHEN: Sunday, July 27, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (view more dates online) FEE: $50 FEE: $70 per parent/daughter pair; WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus $20 per extra child 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WHERE: Seattle Children’s main campus, CALL: 206-987-9878 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle CALL: 206-789-2306 For parents and caregivers. Topics include how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock and Two-part series for parents, guardians and daughters other first-aid emergencies. Also includes infant, ages 10 to 12. Focuses on the physical changes of child and adult CPR and AED use. puberty and menstruation, what girls need to know about boys, social issues and sexuality. The sessions use lectures, videos, group activities and humor to emphasize family values and communication. TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 3 4 5 Red, White & Zoo. Animals snack on Fourth Community Kite Painting. Stop by to Seafair Summer Fourth. Hula-hooping, Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival. Free of July picnic-style treats. 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., help paint a kite to be part of the park’s pie-eating, sack-racing and other fun cul- boat rides, music, pond boat sailing and Wednesday and Thursday, July 2–3. Included art-kite installation. Thursdays noon–2 p.m. minating in a humongous fireworks show. toy boat building, in celebration of Seattle’s with admission. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle. through July 31. FREE. All ages. Freeway Noon–11 p.m. FREE. Gas Works Park and maritime history. Friday–Sunday, July 4–6. zoo.org Park, Seattle. seattle.gov/parks/downtown Lake Union Park, Seattle. seafair.com FREE; fee for select activities. Center for Photographic Presence and Contempo- ONGOING EVENT Tacoma Freedom Fair. Kiddie fun plus air Wooden Boats, Seattle. cwb.org rary Indians: Matika Wilbur’s Project Late Play Date. Stop by the museum for show, car show, bike show and fireworks Wallingford Family Parade and Festival. 562. Explore portraits of Native Americans, fun crafts and activities. 6–8 p.m. FREE. show. FREE; donations requested. 10 The long-running neighborhood Seafair along with audio recorded during select por- Ages 3–12 with families. White River Valley a.m.–10:30 p.m. Ruston Way Waterfront, parade invites kids to participate, and trait sessions. Wednesday–Sunday through Museum, Auburn. wrvmuseum.org Tacoma. freedomfair.com everyone to party down afterward. 11 a.m. Oct. 5. Included with admission. Tacoma Art parade; noon–5 p.m. festival. FREE. N. 45th Museum. tacomaartmuseum.org St., Meridian Park, Seattle. wallingford.org
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Frozen. Enjoy this ultra-popular animated Summer at SAM. The Olympic Sculpture Day Out with Thomas. If your little train Lakewood SummerFEST. Car show, safety movie as part of the Movies @ Marymoor Park Thursday night summer series kicks off fan wants to meet the “real” Thomas, this is fair, swimming lessons, Kidz Zone, movie series. 7 p.m. pre-movie entertainment, films with live music, art projects and food truck your chance; get tickets early. Friday– and more. 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m. FREE. Fort shown at dusk, Wednesdays through Aug. 27. fare; also check out the new interactive sound Sunday, July 11–13 and 18–20. $23–$24; Steilacoom Park, Lakewood. cityoflakewood.us FREE; $5 for 7 p.m. early seating. Marymoor sculpture by Trimpin. 6–9 p.m. Thursdays under age 2 free. Northwest Railway Milk Carton Derby. Build a milk carton Park, Redmond. moviesatmarymoor.com through Aug. 28. FREE; food for purchase. Se- Museum, Snoqualmie. trainmuseum.org watercraft and race it on Seattle’s ONGOING EVENT attle. seattleartmuseum.org ONGOING EVENT Kruckeberg Garden Tots. Stop by the Green Lake, or just watch. Plus, kids’ Recess Monkey. Local favorite kindie band We Will Rock You. This hit musical garden for a plant activity, exploration entertainment galore. Seattle. 9:30 a.m.– kicks off Auburn’s Kids SummerStage series. features the songs of legendary British rock and a craft project. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fridays 4 p.m. seafair.com Noon–1 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 13. group Queen. Tuesday–Sunday, July 8–13. through Sept. 26. $7/family. Ages 2–6 with FREE. Les Gove Park, Auburn. auburnwa.gov $30 and up. Rated PG-13. The 5th Avenue caregiver. Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, ONGOING EVENT Theatre, Seattle. 5thavenue.org Shoreline. kruckeberg.org ONGOING EVENT
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Bat Quest. Go on a search to see and The LEGO Movie. Hold on to the Piece Northwest Chorale Movie Sing Along: White Center Jubilee Days. This neigh- learn about our flying, furry friends. Select of Resistance, LEGO fans; part of the The Sound of Music. Come ready to belt borhood festival includes a carnival and car Wednesdays through Sept. 17 (times vary). Outdoor Movies at Magnuson series. 7 p.m. out the tunes you know and love; wear a show, and don’t miss the parade Saturday, $8; preregister. Ages 8 and up with adult. pre-movie entertainment, films shown at costume if you like. 7 p.m. $15 suggested July 19 at 2:30 p.m. Festival is Saturday– Seward Park Audubon Center, Seattle. dusk, Thursdays through Aug. 28. FREE; $5 donation. All ages. Lake City Presbyterian Sunday, July 12–20. FREE; some activities sewardpark.audubon.org for 7 p.m. early seating. Magnuson Park, Church, Seattle. nwchorale.org have fee. Parade along 16th Ave. S.W., Wednesday Evening Orienteering. Seattle. epiceap.com ONGOING EVENT Fort Nisqually 19th Century Family Seattle. jubileedays.org Cascade Orienteering Club invites families Kla Ha Ya Days. Carnival, kids’ fair, fun Fun Night. Partake in music, dancing and High School Musical Jr. Sing along (silently) to try out this fun way of exploring terrain; runs, frog jumping, parade and much more. games of the 1800s, and find out what the to the catchy songs of this musical based barbecue afterward. 5–7 p.m. $6–$11; pre- Wednesday–Sunday, July 16–20. FREE; “Candy Cannon” is. 6–9 p.m. $5–$8; ages 4 on the hit movie. Friday–Sunday, July 18–20. registration requested. All ages. Wilburton some activities have fee. Various venues, and under free. Fort Nisqually Living History $8. Ages 5 and up. Auburn Avenue Theater, Hill Park, Bellevue. cascadeoc.org Snohomish. klahayadays.com Museum, Tacoma. fortnisqually.org Auburn. auburnwa.gov
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Greenwood Seafair Parade. Seattle Timber! Outdoor Music Festival. Live Renton River Days. Enter the Rubber Seafair Torchlight Run and Parade. The Seahawks’ mascot Blitz serves as Grand music and nature come together in an Ducky Derby (fee) on Sunday or watch the big daddy of Seafair parades boasts giant Marshal for this Seafair neighborhood tradi- immersive, family-friendly festival. Musical “Shake, Waddle ‘n’ Roll” parade Saturday. balloons, pirates and fun for all, preceded tion. 6–8:30 p.m. FREE. Along N. 85th St., acts run the gamut from Charles Bradley to July 25–27. FREE; fee for some activities. by a run (6:30 p.m.). 7:30 p.m. FREE; fee for Seattle. phinneycenter.org/parade J. Mascis, with a special kids’ stage in Liberty Park and other venues, Renton. run. Along Fourth Ave., Seattle. seafair.com Science Magic Show. Magician Jeff Evans the mornings. Other activities include rentonriverdays.org Ethnic Fest. Celebrate the cultures that demonstrates how scientific principles can organized star-gazing and an outdoor Marymoor Grand Prix. Billed as the make up the Pierce County community with explain magic tricks. 3 p.m. (Lake Forest movie. Thursday–Saturday, July 24–26. fastest show on two wheels, this is the most music, dance, art and kids’ activities. Park) and 7 p.m. (Federal Way 320th). FREE. $65/3-day pass or $20–$35/day; camping exciting kind of bike race to watch. 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 26–27. FREE. Ages 5 and up. King County Library System, additional. Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation. Friday and Saturday, July 25–26. $5; ages Wright Park, Tacoma. Lake Forest Park Branch and Federal Way timberfest.com 15 and under free. Marymoor Velodrome, metroparkstacoma.org/ethnicfest 320th Branch. kcls.org Redmond. velodrome.org
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Water Spray Fun. Seattle sprayparks and Alan Fruzzetti Ph.D.: Families in 2014 Summer of Learning Tacoma spraygrounds are open for cooling Distress. DBT expert Alan Fruzzetti off on hot summer days. Daily 11 a.m.–8 p.m. explores the effects of emotions on FREE. Various locations, Seattle and Tacoma. families and skills to build more positive parentmap.com/spray relationships. 6:30 p.m. $35. Adults. Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme. Town Hall, Seattle. townhallseattle.org Drink in the sounds of University Village’s Ernest Oglby Punkweiler and the Wednesday Summer Sounds concert Fabulous Miraculous Time series while you eat or shop; kids’ area has Intrusionator. ‘Journey” to another time face-painting and a balloon artist. 6:30 p.m. and place. Through Jan. 5. Included with Wednesdays through Aug. 20. FREE. University admission. Washington State History Village, Seattle. uvillage.com ONGOING EVENT Museum, Tacoma. washingtonhistory.org
S • parentmap.com • July 2014 • 21
0714_PM_Calendar Spread.indd 31 6/18/14 1:41 PM ages + stages
Water babies 0–4 Our favorite swim gear for little tykes By Kali Sakai
rab your water wings and head for the pool LOOK SMART Sun Smarties rubber-frame sunglasses — it’s officially swimming season! We’ve Sun Smarties swim hat You’ll feel cooler than Corey Hart wearing his sun- Gput together a list of new and ingenious Long locks are lovely, but they can get messy in the glasses at night when you give your little rock star products to make swim time a win time for parents water. This festive swim hat keeps hair tangle-free these rubber-frame shades. Made to withstand the and kids. and away from the face, and it provides UV scalp rigors of childhood, they also include shatter- and protection! Stretchy but not skintight, it has fully impact-resistant lenses. Infant, toddler and child STAY SAFE adjustable ties in the back. sizes available. Sea Squirts life jacket $10, onestepahead.com $10, onestepahead.com Young swimmers can glide like orcas, dive like Baby Sun Legz HAVE FUN! dolphins or be “found” like Nemo in these jackets Does a slathering of sunscreen turn your little crawl- Baby Spring Float activity center inspired by marine life. Sporting a cool flexible fin er’s legs into magnets for sand and dirt? Does a typical Here’s a way to keep baby entertained — and con- on the back, this Coast Guard–approved neoprene swimsuit not adequately cover bare knees? With these tained — while in the pool. Using an activity-center bright 50+ UV-protective accessories, baby’s legs will gear makes water safety extra-fun. The jackets model, this interactive float features a removable be protected from sun and scrapes in fine style. come in three sizes based on chest measurement sun canopy plus a squeaker, a rattle, stacking rings, $19, uvskinz.com and weight range. a teether and a squeezy star. On dry land, the whole $47, swimways.com Aqua Sphere Seal swim goggles shebang folds easily into its own carrying case. With the sleekness of goggles and the visibility of swimways.com Sun Smarties UV zip suit $40, a snorkel mask, these UVA- and UVB-protective Quut Ballo water bucket Kids can’t wait to get into the sun and water, but wraparound goggles offer distortion-free clarity. swimsuits and sunscreen take time to put on. The leak-resistant frames and hassle-free buckle Everyone knows you can’t make a good sandcastle Stretchy and lightweight, this suit features instant system make Aqua Sphere’s goggles a great pick for unless you have a little water and some wet sand. 50+ UPF protection and a zipper that runs from kids’ pool-time shenanigans. With this awesome spherical bucket, your amateur neck to belly (with leg snaps on sizes 24 months $17–$30, amazon.com architects will slosh and spill no more! The easy- carry, easy-pour design is perfect for small hands. and under), so you can hit the pool or beach in $20, hearthsong.com no time! $40, onestepahead.com Float Buddy pool toy Sometimes you just need a pal. This floating, O’Neill infant life jacket huggable, water-resistant friend provides constant Does the thought of your ambling toddler near a comfort in or near the waves, great for soothing deep pool make you want to hide out indoors? This baby’s fears and going where no conventional plush infant jacket with head-up positioner and grab- toy can. Dolphin, penguin, polar bear and shark loop handle will ease your fears. Made of neoprene, buddies all feature antimicrobial, quick-drying this Coast Guard–approved jacket moves and outer fabric and stuffing. stretches while keeping your kiddo safe. For infants $25, hearthsong.com 30 pounds or less. Water Gear progressive back float $60, isnorkel.com This ingenious flotation device enables parents to Puddle Jumper life jacket change the buoyancy level as kids get used to swim- For the little swimmer who needs a life vest but ming on their own. The adjustable vest allows a full range of motion, helping young swimmers develop might be swallowed up by a puffy jacket, try the confidence while giving parents peace of mind. Puddle Jumper. A cross between a life vest and $12, watergear.com n water wings, it’s less bulky and won’t ride up. This Coast Guard–approved flotation device is designed Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health and for kids between 30 and 50 pounds. parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest $20–$50, amazon.com book is Sleep Tight, Every Night.
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Beyond lemonade stands 5–12 What kids are selling this summer By Nancy Schatz Alton
oday’s mini-entrepreneurs are taking road- life: We all go to stores and purchase items,” side commerce in new directions. Picture a says Monica Armstrong of Broadview, whose Tpop-up thrift store run by the daughters of two sons, 8-year-old Sam and 7-year-old Drew, two business owners, or a dahlia stand that pays a set up stores at an early age by procuring items family’s way to Great Wolf Lodge. from around the house (that didn’t belong to Whether they set up shop in the front yard or them — a refrain echoed by other parents). peddle services in the neighborhood, children earn This entrepreneurial spirit is in her family’s their own money in ways we probably never imag- blood line, Armstrong adds. “Many of my ined as kids: tutoring piano, baking dog biscuits, dad’s family members own and operate their making rubber-band jewelry. own businesses. I myself grew up in a toy store As usual, parents are following the passions of their that my parents created and a billiard store children this summer, and the modern world offers a that my dad still runs . . . this family-owned wealth of new opportunities. We talked with a handful business has only begun to leave an imprint of young entrepreneurs (and their parents) to uncover on [my sons’] business minds.” how they began their lives in commerce. In the pro- During dahlia season, Sam and Drew (pic- cess, we also checked in with a few experts in the Thirteen-year-old Gavin Taylor of Danville, Calif., tured at left) sell flowers at a stand they set up at the field of children and money, who added their voices has a great time tutoring a younger neighbor boy in end of their driveway. During their first summer in to this primer on getting business done the kid way. piano. “I’ve always loved working with kids. Parents business, the boys earned more than $250, and last say I am supergood with kids. I like piano, and I like year, they earned enough to take the whole family to Catching and sparking ideas to teach it,” says Gavin, who started giving lessons Great Wolf Lodge. Kids often enter the marketplace naturally. Neighbors at age 12. asked Cyanna Sjerven of Ballard to walk their dog, The intangible benefits but her younger brother Peter was more interested Turning passions into products Starting a summer business is one way to help chil- in the job. The thrill of earning his own money KidBiz, a unique program in Buffalo, N.Y., teaches dren grasp the idea that money comes from work, motivated Peter, now 10, to make fliers to find more entrepreneurship to third- through sixth-graders. not from mom’s and dad’s pockets, says Rachel dogs to walk — which he did, until he’d saved up Andrea L. Lizak, associate director at SUNY Buffalo Cruze, who cowrote Smart Money Smart Kids: $400 to buy his first computer. State’s Small Business Development Center, helped Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money with Ella Singer’s passion was ignited by the cash she start the program in 1996. After teaching a range her own father. earned selling her toys at the annual Greenwood of ages, she decided students at those grade levels Young entrepreneurs like their first taste of being Garage Sale. When her mom suggested she set up were the perfect candidates for beginner business grown-up, too. “It makes me feel more mature. I’m a stand to sell her loom band jewelry and trinkets lessons. “They are outgoing, they are talkative, and doing it myself, and it makes me feel like I’m doing because her school friends were already ordering they are learning about money and customer ser- something with my life,” says piano tutor Gavin. products from her, Ella, 9 and a half, decided to vice at this point,” Lizak says. But it’s really the joy of it that keeps them sell- earn spending money by selling her designs every Participants come to class with their marketplace ing on summer days, says Julie Pond, whose three Monday in front of her family’s Phinney Ridge home. idea ready, from dolls to Buffalo-shaped cookies. kids, ages 6–11, run an origami stand in Seattle’s “I started ‘working’ when I was 5 years old, when The kids learn how much to charge, how to mar- Meadowbrook neighborhood. “We like seeing the I first made a pop-up thrift store in my driveway. ket their items (e.g., offer a free dog biscuit to every customers happy and talking with people. It’s fun to My preschool friend Grace and I always wanted to dog) and how to work with money. Then these small be outside and in the sun, and everyone likes our be in business together. Our moms are great friends business owners set up shop on three different dates new creations.” n and both run their own businesses, so we proba- at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market. “Starting bly got the idea from them,” says Maya Sulkin, the young gives them confidence,” Lizak explains. “The Freelance writer Nancy Schatz Alton is the coauthor now 12-year-old daughter of ParentMap publisher biggest thing kids [need] to realize is they have to be of two holistic health care guides, The Healthy Back Alayne Sulkin. “Grace and I had clothes we did not having fun. It’s all about having fun.” Book and The Healthy Knees Book; find her blog at like and thought we should just sell them to other Sometimes passion for business is a family trait withinthewords.com. Her oldest daughter secured kids. We sold mini-jean skirts, lemonade, head- that kids grow into. “I think kids love to sell things, her first long-term babysitting job while Nancy was bands and T-shirts.” since it is one of the first things they experience in researching this story.
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 31 ages + stages
Listen up 13–18 YA audiobooks the whole family will love By Mia Lipman
f you’re hopping into the car The Wee Free Men, Terry Pratchett: this summer for a road trip Set in a fairyland in the British Iwith a sullen (sorry, I mean Isles, this charming series has thrilled!) teen, here’s a great way “many variations on British and to distract her from texts and Scottish accents,” says McDanold. Snapchat — crank up her favorite “Very hard to do yourself, but book on the stereo. If you follow [narrator Stephen Griggs] does our lead to these crossover novels, them beautifully.” Good for ages you might even find yourself 10 and up, so preteen passengers enjoying it. can listen in as well. Wait . . . what’s a crossover? In this era of blockbuster Conversation starters fiction, the book industry has Smart, fun and full of a special word for young adult teachable moments (YA) titles that appeal to a range Wonder, R.J. Palacio: When of ages — including yours. “It’s August Pullman switches about being able to identify with schools for fifth grade, he has a former version of yourself,” to deal with all the usual says Cressida Hanson, chil- challenges of being the new dren’s buyer at Kepler’s Books kid — plus his severe facial in Menlo Park, Calif. “Adults anomalies. The best-selling story of can remember themselves at how August conquers his fears will t h at a g e .” melt your family’s hearts. So how do you spot a stellar crossover, other than the hordes Code Name Verity, Elizabeth of twentysomethings lined up to Wein: If you or your teen loved see the movie version? “The ones The Book Thief, try this historical that are the most successful have novel set in Nazi-occupied France. a really solid protagonist — some- When a British spy plane crashes, body that’s very relatable but also one of the young women on board a strong individual,” explains Seira Escapist adventures book,” says Christy McDanold, is arrested by the Gestapo. With a Wilson, children’s and teens editor Fire up your imagination owner of Secret Garden Books in pair of narrators sporting English at Amazon Books. and press play Seattle. And if your family loves and German accents, the audio is And no matter how old we are, The Here and Now, Ann Brashares: it, you’re in luck: There are three “a beautiful performance piece,” we never get tired of being read By the author of The Sisterhood of more! Hanson says. to. “Only an audiobook is going the Traveling Pants, this postapoc- Alanna: The First Adventure, Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, John to make a three-hour drive fly by,” alyptic teen love story “looks at the Tamora Pierce: Another Grisham: Penned by the superstar says Wilson, who distracts her idea of manipulating the future by historical series, this time with author of The Firm and other legal 7-year-old with Pippi Longstocking traveling back in time — and if we and Ivy & Bean. a feisty heroine who conceals mysteries, this clever series is “lay- should,” Wilson says. In other words: The family that her gender to train as a knight — ered with information about civic listens together survives prolonged Eragon, Christopher Paolini: and is seriously awesome at issues — when the truth matters periods in tight spaces together. The first installment of the wildly it. McDanold calls Alanna and when it doesn’t — discussed Here are our top picks for taking popular Inheritance cycle is “a fun “wonderfully feminist” and in a good, constructive way,” story time on the road. escapist read” and “a good all-ages “a rip-roaring adventure.” McDanold says.
32 • July 2014 • parentmap.com CAMPS + ACTIVITIES
Your ticketket to to the t he BEST BEST summer sum m EVER!
Dead End in Norvelt, Jack Gantos: of the first two books came out in This Newbery Medal winner tells 2012 and 2013; the third is slated the story of “a kid with ADHD and for this fall. his father raising each other” in Perennial classics one of the real-life towns built from Tried-and-true family favorites scratch by Eleanor Roosevelt in the ’60s, says McDanold, who praises To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper the “hilarious audio.” Lee: This celebrated exploration of human nature has been capti- 7th - 9th Grade Hollywood blockbusters vating young readers for 50-plus Making the leap from page years, and Wilson loves Sissy 1st - 6th Grade to screen Spacek’s “awesome” audiobook Extended hours available Divergent, Veronica Roth: Set rendition. 2014 Day Camp Events: 15% military discount available Wk 1- Clay Animation Network Partial scholarships available in a dystopian Chicago, this Wk 2- Predators of the Heart D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, Wk 3- Great Wolf Lodge Transportation available heart-pounding series imagines Ingri and Edgar d’Aulaire: Turn Wk 4- Games 2U society divided into five factions Wk 5- Wild Waves your vacation into a historical Wk 6- Alley Oop Gymnastics (grades 1-6) / Paddleboarding (SALT) — and a group of teens who don’t event with these canonical tales Wk7- Games 2U Wk8- Rollerdome (grades 1-6)/ Bowling (SALT) fit into any of them. The movie read by a swoon-worthy cast: Wk9- Great Wolf Lodge was released in March, so your Wk 10- Inflatables Register Online at Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier, Wk 11- Bullwinkles Family Fun Center kids have seen it at least a dozen Kathleen Turner and Matthew times by now. Broderick. Overnightrnight summersummer campscamps forfor 4th-12th 4th grades The Fault in Our Stars, John The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien: Green: Chronicling the roller- Trust us when we tell you to skip coaster romance of two teens the snoozy film and listen to the with cancer, this rock-star writer’s book instead. Narrated by Rob latest novel (preceded by his Inglis, formerly of the Royal other smash hit, Looking for Shakespeare Company, the audio Alaska, also recommended) has “a decidedly British accent,” went cinematic in June. McDanold says.
Harry Potter 1–7, J. K. Rowling: The Giver, Lois Lowry: Before “Obviously, Harry Potter,” Hanson Roth or Collins, there was Lowry. says of the beloved series that’s This Newbery winner by a master been turned into eight popu- children’s author envisions a utopian society whose future rests 2014 Summer Camp Dates: lar films. British actor Jim Dale Family Camp - June 29- July 5 narrates all the audiobooks, in a 12-year-old’s hands. Yes, you Junior High Camp (6th-8th grade) - July 6- 12 called it — the movie comes out Senior High Camp (9th-12th grade)- July 20-26 and Hanson raves that “he’s Junior Camp 1 (4th-6th grade)- June 22-28 in August. n Register Online at Junior Camp 2 (4th-6th grade)- July 27-Aug 2 exceptional.” Junior Camp 3 (4th-6th grade)- Aug 3-9 The Hunger Games, Suzanne Mia Lipman, ParentMap’s Ages Collins: Ah, the arrow shot heard & Stages editor, was born in BLBC is on 54 acres with an 18 hole mini-golf course, ’round the world. Pretend you New England, came of age in tubing on Black Lake, 7 acre paintball course, Disc Golf, Swimming pool, Large Dining Hall, Fantastic Food, have a pixie cut and a taste for California and moved to Seattle The Blob...And More! blood, and join your teen in a to grow up. Learn more about her sci-fi fight to the death. Movies at dotdotdashes.com. Black Lake Bible Camp 6521 Fairview Rd SW Olympia, WA 98512 360-357-8425 www.blbcOlympia.com
parentmap.com • July 2014 • 33 interview See an expanded interview at parentmap Someone you should know .com/sysk By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon• Photograph by Will Austin
Everyone in South King County knows the little restaurant in Black Diamond called Mama’s Steak and Pasta — or, as locals know it, Mama Passarelli’s. Since 2004, Mama (GINGER PASSARELLI) has been serving up a menu of home-cooked meals. But not everyone knows Mama’s alter ego: The Soup Lady. Her nonprofit is dedicated to serving police, firefighters and other first responders at the scenes of crimes and natural disasters. At the recent landslide in Oso, Wash., The Soup Ladies (soupladies.org) put out more than 6,600 hot meals for all the first responders.
How did The Soup Ladies get started? Patrol, and Fish and Wildlife. I have CISM [critical One of the kids at my church was a volunteer with incident stress management] training. We do search and rescue, and eight or nine years ago, he debriefs. Even if we’re just feeding the people who asked me if we could bring food out. So we did. are out there, we need to be debriefed. Then one of the deputies started walking us What do you mean by debriefing? through the process of how to get our incident Each day when we are done, the team gets together command training, how to conduct ourselves on and talks about our day. I am not a professional, I a scene. We began getting requests to come out to just tell people what they can expect, and give them more critical scenes. When there is an active scene, or an investigation, every first responder has a job tools and resources. I tell them they can expect to to do. They can’t afford to send a vital person out feel sadness, anger and even guilt. for burgers or pizza. We are also at all the scenes of Who debriefs Mama? line-of-duty deaths for police and firefighters. I’m glad you asked that. I have someone that I call and I unload — then I’m OK. I never knew how What gave you the idea to make feeding first responders your calling? important that was until there was one incident — All I know is that when I was down in Mississippi a car that went into the Green River with two kids after Katrina, the first responders … they were kind in it. And that little guy in the car was the same age of stuck out there. Whatever they stuffed in their as my oldest granddaughter. About three days later, pockets, granola bars, power bars, or MREs in the I was in the kitchen and I couldn’t stop crying. I vehicles, that’s what they lived on. And that just felt called a chaplain and he said, “Oh, that’s critical wrong to me. I’m just a little speck on this planet, incident stress.” That’s when I knew I needed to get when you think about it. We’re not some big organi- some training in how to help my people. zation that can cook a bazillion meals a day. We only Do you only serve soup? put out about 500 or 600 meals a day. But they were No, we also make chicken pot pie, stroganoff, shep- home-cooked and they were made with love. They herd’s pie, anything high-carb and high-protein. do jobs I would never want to do, but I can cook. Everyone has a gift. What is your long-term goal for The Soup Ladies? I heard you have a pretty awesome mobile I want our organization to serve with excellence. kitchen in a trailer. I don’t want to ever lose the heart of what we’re Yes, it has 12 burners and two full-size ovens. We doing. We’re writing an operations and procedures can put out 600 meals every 90 minutes if we are manual right now on how to do what we do. I can serving soup. We only take the mobile kitchen to Only 40. Each and every volunteer is certified see this in every community, people taking care of huge incidents, extended scenes. Usually we cook through FEMA in incident command. They have their own first responders. And doing it right. Why here at my restaurant and then deliver. We have to pass a minimum of two tests plus a background should I fly to Galveston or Oklahoma? Someday it boxes that hold the food hot for 8 –10 hours; 99.99 check through the King County Sheriff’s depart- will be bigger; we’ll teach other people to do what percent of our contributions are at small incidents, ment. They are then issued credentials through the we’re doing. and 85 percent are just a drop-off, short term, 24–72 state as emergency workers. hours. There are exceptions: Oso was 16 days. What kind of training do you have? What’s your favorite soup? How many Soup Ladies do you have in the I personally am a chaplain for Black Diamond Prime rib and horseradish. It’s on my menu here at organization? Police and Mountain View Fire, Washington State the restaurant. n
34 • July 2014 • parentmap.com constructables: CRUNCH bonus whole-grain chips or crackers celery sticks yogurt baby carrots applesauce cucumber slices fruit strip A Lunch popcorn string cheese Color apple slices Protein orange segments nut or seed butter raspberries sliced ham or turkey cherry tomatoes hard-boiled egg PCHOOSElan ONE FROM EACH CATEGORY bell pepper slices hummus AND LET THEM EAT IT THEIR WAY AT LUNCH! 1 bite, 2 bites, 3 bites, 4...they'll love dinner and you'll know the real score! Quick prep + healthful ingredients – junk = You do the math! (Because they can’t yet.) MAC & CHEESE + FROZEN PEAS = POLKA DOT MAC WHOLE WHEAT TORTILLAS + SHREDDED ROTISSERIE CHICKEN + BABY SPINACH = CHICKA BOOM BURRITOS SPAGHETTI SQUASH + TOMATO SAUCE = SQUASH BREAD + CHEESE + CARROT RIBBONS = CROUCHING CARROT SLY GRILLED CHEESE COD + PANKO + ROASTED BROCCOLI = CRISPY FISH IN A FOREST Hungry for more? Find kid-friendly tips, menu plans and tested recipes at wholefoodsmarket.com/kid-friendly. CAMPS + ACTIVITIES
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Learning & Enrichment Outdoor Education Performing Arts Fine Arts 206-200-9449 Preschool Day Camp Sports Camps School Age Day Camp www.swim.guru Find registration information online: www.evergreenschool.org
new 0614_swim_guru_1-16.indd 1 Fall5/1/140714_tech_know_how_1-16.indd Lectures 9:40 AM 1 6/12/14 12:27 PM Resilient Kids: Rob Evans, M.Ed. Extreme Teens: Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. Laura Kastner, Ph.D. EARLY BIRD: parentmap.com/lectures ti et parentmap.com • July 2014 • 35
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