THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DENTON COUNTY january 2016 64 REASONS TO LOVE january mom next door meet who to WALKY see at TALKY’S KIDFILM JOANNE DALHEIM WORK IT! THE THE CASE FOR WORKING ANNUAL MOTHERS P R I VA T E SCHOOL GUIDE MENTAL FLOSS helping your child grow a healthy brain

pages / JANUARY 2016

DEPARTMENTS

REAL MOMS 5 Mom Next Door / Joanne Dalheim 6 Finding the Perfect T-shirt 6 Fresh Fizz 6 Stout Workout 8 Routines / Rachel Kaiser

KID CULTURE 23 Festival of Flicks 25 Agenda 27 EveryDay

COLUMNS

34 Manifesto words Rudy Klancnik

Finding the right balance of food, sleep, exercise and technology can help your child’s brain work better, p. 10

FEATURES ON THE COVER: 4-year-old Charlie of Coppell THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DENTON COUNTY january 2016 64 REASONS TO LOVE january Photography: BUILD A BETTER BRAIN THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST mom next door meet who to WALKY see at TALKY’S KIDFILM Nick Prendergast 10 How to optimize your child’s most 12 Our comprehensive guide to North JOANNE DALHEIM Hair/Makeup: important organ Texas’ private elementary schools WORK IT! THE THE CASE ANNUAL FOR WORKING Shane Monden, words Shelley Hawes Pate compiled by Julia Bunch MOTHERS P R I VA T E SCHOOL Wallflower illustrations Elliot Stokes GUIDE Management MENTAL Styling: Meredith FLOSS Mosshart helping your child grow a healthy brain

PUBLISHER/ Web Editor ART Account Executives PR/MARKETING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Julia Bunch Graphic Designer Samantha Barnhart, Audience Development Joylyn Niebes Calendar Editor Susan Horn Mary Beth Fitzgerald, Kristen Niebes Elizabeth Smith Editorial Designer Lisa Hammel, Susan Hassel, CREATIVE DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION Katie Galasso Nancy McDaniel, Sandi Lauren Niebes Contributing Copy Editor McKean, Kerensa Vest Office Manager Carrie Steingruber ADVERTISING Advertising Coordinator Robbie Scott EDITORIAL Associate Publisher Executive Editor Amy Klembara Diana Nelson Wendy Manwarren Generes

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4 january 2016 / northtexaschild real moms.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME WALKY TALKY? Because that’s what we were living at the time with Harper. She was just start- ing to walk and just starting to talk. It was a play on our ’80s childhood with the Walkie Talkie (two-way radios). It felt playful and youthful, and it could grow with us as the line grows. BABY TREND THAT YOU WISH WOULD GO AWAY: Glitter, glitter, glitter! Glitter shoes, glitter headbands and glitter on T-shirts. My daughter loves it, and I just love vacuuming up my purchase! BABY TREND THAT YOU LOVE: I love the Mini-Me trend — everything my husband or I would wear in a little nugget size. DO YOU COOK DIN- I’M EXCITED TO NER AT HOME? I’m a MOM NEXT DOOR / frequent EatZi’s visitor. MEET MY SON They have this sticker on AND EXCITED the door that says “See you Joanne Dalheim tomorrow,” and I swear TO SEE HOW they’re talking to me. But I’d rather do something entrepreneur MY DAUGHTER’S fast and healthy like EatZi’s and spend the rest of my INTERVIEW BY MARGIE JACINTO GOING TO BE PHOTOGRAPHY NICK PRENDERGAST time with my daughter. WITH HIM. JUST THREE THINGS MOMS SHOULD NOT ven before Joanne and Cullen ON A SCALE OF 1–10, HOW EMBARKING IN FEEL GUILTY ABOUT: Dalheim’s 2-year-old daughter, EXCITED ARE YOU RIGHT NOW THIS WHOLE NEW Having a glass (or two) of Harper, was born, the North Texas ABOUT YOUR LIFE? 10. Maybe 12 wine after you put your couple had a very clear picture because I’m coming into the last ADVENTURE — child to bed; wanting to sleep in on the weekend; of what they wanted for her — weeks of my pregnancy. I’m excited I CAN’T WAIT!” E in terms of the nursery, outfits to meet my son and excited to see eating cereal for dinner and accessories. Unfortunately, no one carried how my daughter’s going to be with because you’re too exhaust- exactly what the two had in mind. him. Just embarking in this whole new adven- ed to make diner for you and your husband. “All the girl stuff was super girly, with bows ture — I can’t wait! FAVORITE COUNTRY TO VISIT: I love and ruffles, and all the boy things were all CAN YOU IMAGINE LIVING ANYWHERE London for the fashion, the food, the people — Tonka trucks, dinosaurs and robots,” says the ELSE? San Francisco. It’s our favorite it has an edge to it. 33-year-old mom. She and Cullen were looking place — that’s where we were married. It’s a THOUGHTS ON THE WORK-AND-MOTH- for something in between. And so Walky Talky mix between Los Angeles and New York. It ERHOOD BALANCE: I’m really lucky to have was born. The hip fashion line for tots features has everything. Harper in a day care program that allows me to reversible bandana-style bibs, French terry cloth IF YOUR LIFE WERE A SONG, WHAT feel very secure about her environment when sweatpants and more. Even with their full-time WOULD IT BE? “She Works Hard for the I’m not with her, and I’m able to focus profes- jobs — Joanne is a retail consultant and Cullen is Money” by Donna Summer sionally. But then, when I go pick up her up, a designer specializing in residential architecture WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY? everything workwise needs to stop. The balance — Walky Talky is fast flourishing. Aside from Taking my daughter to the park or picking her is when you’re in one [aspect], you do that in their store online (walkytalky.co), you can find up from school. [I love] seeing my daughter’s full, and when in the next, you do that in full. the local label at nearby St. Bernard Sports. And face when I pick her up from school. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD MORE while Joanne has her hands full with Harper, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO TIME FOR? More time to travel as a family. Walky Talky and her day job, she’s also gearing LAUNCH YOUR FIRST WALKY TALKY COL- There is nothing better than experiencing up for another big life change: the birth of her LECTION — FROM INCEPTION TO SEEING something new with your husband and child. son, Jack Edward (due January 31). THE ACTUAL PRODUCT LINE? About a year ONE SUPERPOWER YOU WISH YOU HAD: I wish I could time travel and go back to ABOVE / JOANNE DALHEIM WEARS MANY HATS — RETAIL CONSULTANT, CO-OWNER OF HIP TOT FASHION certain stages [of Harper growing up]. LINE WALKY TALKY, WHICH SHE STARTED WITH HUSBAND CULLEN (PICTURED ABOVE), AND HER FAVORITE, THE MOST TREASURED GIFT YOU’VE MOM TO DAUGHTER HARPER, 2. RECEIVED: My daughter ntc northtexaschild / january 2016 5 real moms / 3 THINGS … WORDS JULIA BUNCH

finding the fresh perfect fizz t-shirt How many years have It seems so simple: a plain soft you made a resolution to wardrobe staple moms can wear casually or dress up. But stop drinking soda? Argyle for so many women, the per- dad Rob Peters knows the fect T-shirt is all too elusive. struggle, and that’s why University Park mom Amy he created a guilt-free Graham listened to friends’ complaints about flimsy alternative. Aqua Pop, fabrics and unflattering fits made in Flower Mound, is and designed a luxury line of a sparkling water created T-shirts that fit well, are comfy (not clingy or see-through) with nothing but water, and are made of a supersoft, carbonation and real silky bamboo blend. There are grapefruits, lemons and four styles — each fashioned limes instead of artificial for a certain body type, such as curvy and voluptuous or fruit flavors. Drink the narrow shoulders and lean seltzer alone or mix it with upper body — tailored to your favorite alcoholic elixir conceal extra holiday weight in problem spots, like the for a skinnier cocktail. Find tummy, waistline or derriere. it in North Texas stores Shop the collection (which such as Midway Mart and also includes scarves) online. Cupboard Natural Foods in Denton and restaurants Southcott like Salata in Flower Mound, Shirts from $85; Savory Bistro in Bartonville scarves, $60 southcottthreads.com and the Waffle Wagon food truck. Order in bulk, and it will be delivered for free in the Denton area.

Aqua Pop Individual bottles from $1.80 Flower Mound, 940/300-9530 STOUT aquapop.co WORKOUT Get your namaste on with a Nemesis India Pale Ale at Audacity Brew House’s Morning Buzz yoga. On Sunday mornings from 10−11am, Karma Yoga hosts a class for all levels for $5 per person in the taproom or on the patio when weather permits. Karma Yoga Morning Buzz at Audacity Brew House // is Denton’s own feel-good yoga movement that partners with local businesses to offer yoga classes all Denton, 940/218-1987 // karmayogadenton.com // over town, and then donates the proceeds to Little D charities. And since your $5 admission benefits the audacitybrewhouse.com Denton Animal Support Foundation in January, you can indulge in Evil Cream Soda Spiced Ale without an

ounce of guilt. No need to register online; just show up on Sundays with a mat (or borrow one for free). O’CONNOR CHRIS POP; AQUA STUDIOS; KIM JIN OF COURTESY PHOTOS 6 january 2016 / northtexaschild REAL PATIENTS. REAL STORIES. Exceptional My high-risk dental care, pregnancy had a one smile at a time! ‘‘ happy ending, thanks to Baylor.’’

Dr. Melissa Rozas Eve Wiley’s pregnancy went from easy to scary when a sonogram showed the umbilical cord wrapped four times around her baby’s neck, posing a serious threat. “Our world turned upside down,” says Eve. The doctor checked her into a high-risk pregnancy unit at her local Baylor Scott & White

Dr. Terra Compton Dr. Loria Nahatis Dr. Melissa Waters Medical Center for 24/7 monitoring and immediate access to the delivery room. “Just in case,” adds Eve. She credits Board Certified Diplomates, the nurses with being her “calm in the storm.” Then, 17 American Board of Pediatric Dentistry days into her hospital stay, the storm clouds cleared as her baby managed to unwrap himself. Eve spent the rest of her pregnancy back home, returning to Baylor for the birth of what she calls her “miracle baby.”

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For a physician referral or for more information about women’s services at a location near you, call 972-393-9779 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit us online at 632 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX 75019 BaylorHealth.com/Women. www.RozasDDS.com All services are not available at all locations. Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Health Care System, or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2015 Baylor Scott & White Health BSWWOM_13_2015 CE 12.15

© Ads with © are of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2016. northtexaschild / january 2016 7 real moms / ROUTINES the fine yet. I tell him he better get up before I have to make my way up there and get him up. 6:55AM “Project Get Child Out of Bed” take two. I go upstairs, turn on the lights and fan, pull the sheets off his body and give him another warning. 7:05AM “Project Get Child Out of Bed” take three. I pull the sheets off his body again, warn him that he is going to be late for school and tell him he has 10 minutes to get his behind out of bed, get dressed and get downstairs for breakfast before he starts losing privileges. 7:15AM Brooks finally makes his way downstairs. His hair looks like a complete rat’s nest and the breakfast argument begins, the same one we have every morning. Me: “What do you want for breakfast this morning?” Brooks: “I’m not hungry.” Me: “Eating breakfast is not a choice. You will eat something.” This goes on for five minutes until he usually ends up having a protein shake or banana. 7:35AM Finally everyone is ready for school. My husband is dressed, and we all ride our bikes as a family. The kiddos are dropped off, and my day as a stay-at-home mom/full-time volunteer begins. 8AM I arrive at Get You In Shape Boot Camp. I absolutely love boot camp. It’s outside, the people are fun and friendly and the trainers are motivating. One hour of an intense mixture of core work, cardio and weights. 9AM Boot camp is over, and I head home to shower, make a protein shake, check emails and answer a bazillion questions from parents about soccer practices and/or games. Then I head out A MONDAY :15AM My alarm goes off and I roll to volunteer at the boys’ school. out of bed quietly so as to not wake 10:30AM I would say I’m at the school three IN THE LIFE OF up my other half. I brush my teeth, to four times a week volunteering in the front throw on my running clothes, fill office, library, cafeteria or classroom in some up my water bottle and head out capacity. I truly treasure this time, seeing my rachel the4 door to meet my girlfriend for our regular children at school and feeling engaged in morning therapy session filled with talk of kids, their learning experience. husbands, school, life and whatever else we can 3:05PM Make my way through the chaos of muster up in an hour-and-a-half run. hundreds of kids to finally find my boys, get kaiser 6AM After my run, I stretch a bit and head a hug from at least one of them and ride our home to start the day. I feel refreshed and ready bikes home. to take on whatever comes my way. 3:15PM Backpacks get thrown on the counters, snacks are grabbed and the boys immediately Rachel is an advertising 6:15AM I quietly enter the house so I don’t wake up the still sleeping kiddos and husband. I head outside to play soccer. Soccer rules our and marketing account sit at the computer and check email and tootle world. This is what we do every day, seven days supervisor turned stay-at- around on Facebook for a couple of minutes, a week. Soccer = life. home mom. She manages enjoying every drop of quiet time I can get. I 4:30PM The boys come in from outside, grab five soccer teams and get the boys’ lunches made, snacks packed and more food to eat and ask if they can play on the spends most of her water bottles in bags all before that first alarm computer. I remind them that the rules haven’t days volunteering at her sounds and wakes up the rest of the house. changed and we still do not allow technology kids’ school. She lives in 6:45AM The alarms get turned off, and I hear during the week. As they sigh and groan, I tell them to grab a book or play a game before we Coppell with her husband the pitter-patter of little footsteps upstairs. Unfortunately, it is only one set of footsteps I head out for soccer. I scramble to get soccer Alex and their two boys, hear because the oldest of the two boys has to bags in order, water jugs filled and lunch bags Brooks, 8, and Colt, 6. be dragged out of bed almost daily. One little packed with that night’s dinner since we won’t guy comes down the stairs fully dressed and start heading home from practice until 7:30pm. ready to give Mom a big hug and get breakfast. 5PM We’re off to our nightly soccer practices. I get him settled eating a gourmet breakfast of Most of the time, my husband goes one way waffles and veggie sausage. and I go the other. One of my favorite activities 6:50AM “Project Get Child Out of Bed” begins. is watching my boys excel in a sport they are so First, I yell upstairs and ask Brooks if he is awake devoted to playing. Brooks already has his future

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the North Texas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by NorthTexasChild. Send your diary to

[email protected]. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space. KAISER RACHEL OF COURTESY PHOTO 8 january 2016 / northtexaschild printthe fine We Care About Your Family!

FAVORITE INDULGENCE Brownies YEARLY DESTINATION Crested Butte, Colorado, for five to six weeks in the summer NICKNAMES FOR HER KIDS Brooksie and Coltie, Bug, Bubba, Sweet Pea WHAT’S ON HER DVR Modern Family, Impractical Jokers, Grey’s Susan Heller, MD Karen Holland, MD Joan Kay, MD Anatomy, The Blacklist STORE WE MIGHT PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS CATCH HER BROWSING IN Any running store SIGNATURE MEAL Grilled chicken thighs, baked red potatoes, fruit salad and green salad FAVORITE MOVIE Moulin Rouge RESTAURANT SHE FREQUENTS WITH HER FAMILY Chick-fil-A COFFEE OR TEA Tea PRIZED POSSESSION Running medals HER BIGGEST CHALLENGE Patience — I don’t have much INSPIRATIONAL WORDS TO LIVE BY “To give anything less than your best is to Darlene Kurian, MD Natalya Shannon, MD Tammi M. Williams, MD PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS sacrifice the gift” —Steve “Pre” Prefontaine WHAT’S ON HER IPOD Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Janice Joplin, Depeche Mode, Police, 2021 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 250 Irving, TX 75061 Prince, Michael Jackson FAVORITE FAMILY BOARD GAME Monopoly HER FAVORITE APP 6750 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 206 Facebook WHAT SHE’S READING The Girl on Irving, TX 75039 the Train by Paula Hawkins BEAUTY PRODUCT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Derma e face cream 972-253-4300 HER GO-TO UNIFORM Jeans and T-shirts www.mscitx.com Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm PERSONAL HERO My parents BY HER BED WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS Book and a bottle of water

planned as a professional soccer player and Colt plans to follow in his footsteps. You can see the pure joy on their faces as soon as we enter the practice complex. 7:30PM We head home and talk about the practice and the boys’ favorite parts on the way before turning on a movie and letting the boys eat their dinners in the car. 8PM The boys take quick showers, brush their teeth and read for 15 minutes. We talk a little bit about the best parts of our day before we turn out the lights. 8:30PM Lights out. I lie in bed and snuggle with the boys for a few minutes until they are relaxed and fall asleep. I head downstairs to spend some time with my husband, chatting about our days and watching whatever TV shows we’ve got on the DVR. 10PM My eyes can barely stay open. Time for Mommy’s lights to go out and get some rest just to repeat tomorrow. I love

ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE GALASSO KATIE BY ILLUSTRATION my life. ntc northtexaschild / january 2016 9 10 january 2016 / northtexaschild BUILD a BETTER BRAIN How to optimize your child’s most important organ

WORDS SHELLEY HAWES PATE ILLUSTRATIONS ELLIOT STOKES

unter Deal Worse yet, “it was obvious he Early experiences play a vital injury research programs at the is a typical didn’t care,” Deal divulges. “I’m role in the formation of brain Center for BrainHealth at the 13-year- not sure if it was because he didn’t waves and neural pathways. University of Texas at Dallas. old. The feel challenged or he wanted to Parents, therefore, can sculpt However, optimizing this intri- Richardson rush through his work to get back faster brain development with cate 3-pound mass of matter only teen gets to his games.” basic parenting skills, Keator gets more complicated as your good grades The Deals started to wonder: stresses. It’s a simple, intuitive child grows. H as an eighth How can we boost our adolescent’s recipe that includes talking, read- Research has shown that chil- grader, he’s obsessed with video brain power? Is it too late? ing, singing, caring, loving and dren’s brains are not like those of games and, well, he doesn’t open giving ample affection. adults. The brain undergoes more up about his feelings much. But his SURPRISING BRAIN FACTS “You don’t need any special change during the teenage years dad Fred says something started to According to Dr. Cynthia Keator, toys or videos to stimulate a than at any other time except for the unravel this year. He brought home a neurologist with the John and baby’s brain,” urges Keator, who first two months of life. According B’s instead of A’s, languished for Jane Justin Neurosciences Center adds that the American Academy to Cook, the human brain is still hours in frustration over home- at Cook Children’s in Fort Worth, of Pediatrics (AAP) warns developing until 25 years of age, put- work and even submitted a single the majority of brain development against any type of screen usage ting preteens and teens like Hunter sentence in lieu of a developed (90 percent) occurs between birth before age 2. in a vulnerable position. argument on a take-home essay. and age 3. In fact, 60 percent of a Even though more than 90 Cook explains that adolescence “Everything about him screamed baby’s energy fuels neural activity percent of brain development is is a critical time when the frontal lack of focus,” Fred Deal says. “He in the first month of life. achieved by the age of 5, the brain lobe — often called the CEO of didn’t seem capable of filtering out “If a baby’s body would grow continues to mature throughout the brain — is primed to undergo the insignificant from the significant. at the same rate as her brain, the childhood as cells generate extra rapid development of important, There was so much going on and it baby would weigh 170 pounds at connections, notes Dr. Lori Cook, lifelong executive functioning skills, was hard for him to concentrate.” one month,” Keator marvels. who oversees the pediatric brain such as planning and organization,

northtexaschild / january 2016 11 higher-order reasoning and deci- acknowledges that strategic screen “The way to tell if your child is sion-making, as well as emotional time is OK and even beneficial for getting enough rest is to ask, ‘Do growth and personality. learning. “However, while they can they wake up on their own?’ If And there is a major road- go wide in breadth of information, they don’t, they’re not getting block for a lot of kids on their they are hindering the ability to enough sleep, and a child who way to better brains: addiction dive deep in knowledge.” doesn’t get enough sleep is rest- to technology. Cook cites recent What happens is that kids less, inattentive, moody and they research that indicates a child will don’t develop the ability to think worry more,” he explains. have spent a full year glued to critically (pivotal to holistic The brain is actually work- screens by the time she reaches 7. brain development). The brain ing just as hard during slumber Shockingly, also suffers with “too many (when learning locks in) as it is the average tabs open,” Cook says. Kids are during the day, Cook says. “It’s American toggling from screen to screen a time when the busboys of the child spends and juggling multiple devices brain come out and flush out seven hours at once. It leaves them prone to the toxins. If a child doesn’t get a day in front irrelevancy. (How many of us enough sleep for this process to of a screen, have started reading one thing work properly, they will start out while the AAP on the Internet only to fall down at a disadvantage the next day,” recommends the rabbit hole chasing another, she explains. no more than completely random thought?) Nutrition is certainly key to two hours. The fallout, Cook says, is that feeding the thinking muscle. In Worse yet, kids technology rewires our brains to addition to a balanced diet low on are glued to be addicted to distraction. sugar and simple carbs, Housson their screens Multitasking, once thought suggests parents serve kids pro- right up until to be a desirable habit, is actually tein first thing in the morning, bedtime, caus- “toxic at a brain level” in this new a small step that stimulates cog- ing disrupted age of social media and computer nitive function. “Protein helps sleep hygiene, gadgets, Cook declares. boost your child’s attention span, Cook says — concentration and memory,” the blue light BACK TO BASICS Housson informs. cast from Dr. Matthew Housson, a clinical Also important to brain mobile devices psychologist in Dallas, acknowl- health is exercise — and not just is thought to edges that technology is a hot school recess and PE. Parents have the same topic when it comes to children's should reinforce at least 30 effect as caf- brain health right now. It’s also minutes of activity at home feine. Sleep, by not going anywhere, so parents each day, such as bike riding the way, is the need to be thoughtful in how they and playing outside. “Exercise most important thing for brain approach its use, starting with is multipurpose. It serves as a health, according to experts, who kids at a young age. relaxation tool, a stress reliever; recommend at least 8–9 hours of “Screen time should be relax- plus, there are the physical ben- sleep every night for adolescents. ing. There shouldn’t be any efits,” explains Housson, who Children ages 5–12 need 10–12 tension surrounding it,” advises specializes in the assessment and hours, ages 3–5 require 11–13 Housson. “TV episodes and treatment of children with vari- hours, and babies anywhere from video game or computer playtime ous learning, academic, atten- 12–15 hours. should be limited” to no more tional and behavioral difficulties. Our digital dependence is than two shows or about 50 min- “There’s research that says that clearly shaping the way children utes per day. kids with attention issues thrive learn, develop and behave. Housson adds that if kids if they have 30–45 minutes of Cook believes that access seem demanding with screen time, aerobic activity in the morning.” to so much information via the take it away during the week and So let the kids walk the dog with Internet is creating what the have a scheduled plan for weekends. you before heading to school. Center calls “Google brain.” “Bored kids want screens,” he There is a “constant sense of submits. “Kids who know they are information overload,” she going to a museum, having a picnic “YOU DON’T explains. Cook offers the analogy in the park or playing family board of students highlighting text for games don’t request screen time NEED ANY salient information: Their pages even on weekends.” are filled with solid lines of yel- Experts stress that there are SPECIAL TOYS low. Everything seems equally several other habits parents should important and there is less impe- adopt to enhance brain develop- OR VIDEOS TO tus to engage the brain. ment throughout childhood. “Technology is wonderful in “I always talk about sleep first STIMULATE A that it gives kids global access and with parents. It’s an anchor point perspective,” notes Cook, who to a healthy brain,” Housson says. BABY’S BRAIN”

12 january 2016 / northtexaschild DO AS I DO to any learning context. The train- Brain training can begin at home, “TECHNOLOGY ing, which instructs participants starting with quality engagement. how to think strategically, enabling Dave Thompson sees a REWIRES deeper understanding and creativ- recurrent theme at all ages as a ity, has been successfully adapted psychologist in the Lewisville OUR BRAINS not only for students, but also for Independent School District: healthy adults and individuals parents very concerned about TO BE ADDICT- with traumatic brain injuries. their kids and their behaviors Cook shares one of her favor- or school performance who try ED TO DIS- ite approaches: brain “interval to “fix” the problem by giving training” or bursts of high- their kids “things” to keep them TRACTION” intensity studying followed by a BRAIN busy. But what they really need is quick cool down/recovery. That TRAINING unfettered time with the parent, students discover how to syn- might mean breaking up home- The Deal family might have gone look- Thompson stresses. “Parents just thesize information, uncover work into blocks of time, such as ing for neurotherapy for Hunter after hand kids an iPad when what the deeper meaning and discard an intense 30 minutes spent on his academic focus waned, but there child really wants is their atten- irrelevant information. “Any Spanish followed by a 10-minute are many reasons to seek increased tion,” he says. scroll through Instagram. brain fitness for your kids. Training child interested in becoming exercises help reduce anxiety, manage Thompson says kids will then more efficient with their cogni- The program also advocates stress and strengthen attention spans. act out at school with behaviors tive capital can benefit from this what Cook calls “brain breaks.” Give your child’s mental well-being that are exhibited through anxiety high-level training,” says Cook, We’re not talking about flop- a checkup, and perhaps a tuneup, at one of these local centers. Therapies and depression. “Parents have who conducts assessments and ping down in front of the tube or good intentions but they don’t another screen but rather a full- and methods vary by practice, but intervention with the program. all focus on the same end product: spend enough time connect- SMART focuses on top- on reboot. Kids are encouraged a well-adjusted, rested, focused and ing with their kids,” he reports. down processing of information to refresh their minds, not their sharp child brain. —Julia Bunch “Either they don’t have the time rather than bottom-up learning, Snapchat scores; otherwise, they or they are not committed to a unique twist on other train- end up wiring their brains to be Acuity Brain Center doing it.” Brain wiring is affected in a constant vigilant state rather Colleyville, 817/355-8000 ing approaches, Cook explains. acuitybraincenter.com when kids don’t get enough sero- The research behind the SMART than in the present moment. tonin, dopamine, oxytocin and program shows that generalized Cook encourages practicing Brain Performance Center endorphins (“feel-good chemi- meanings are more powerfully the “brainpower of none.” Take Irving, 817/500-4863 cals”) that are released when they short breaks throughout the Southlake, 817/500-4863 stored and retrieved than specific thebrainperformancecenter.com experience validation, security and details, which are rapidly lost. day to give the brain a chance affirmation, Thompson insists. The result of this training? Higher to reboot. The idea is not “zero The Center for Biofeedback and Social interaction and bonding performance in school. thought” but rather “zero effort.” Behavior Therapy are integral to brain development. Currently SMART is offered Your brain solves complex Addison, 469/358-1309 onlinebiofeedback.com He urges parents to limit their at various local public middle problems when you step away to own distractions at home and schools as part of a research reflect on ideas instead of pushing Crossroads Counseling and spend at least 15 minutes talking initiative funded by institutions when overloaded. Neurofeedback to their children about their daily where teachers are trained to Deal reveals that Hunter Grapevine, 817/268-0015 high and lows, dreams and hopes. apply the principles in class. is less inclined to reach for his Richardson, 972/918-9100 neurotherapydfw.com He also recommends “filling their It’s also available to individ- screen as a default distraction fol- love bank” with words of appreci- ual students at the Center for lowing the SMART program — a Focus for Living ation and a real voice (versus text) BrainHealth for a fee that ranges welcome side effect that is com- Burleson, 817/295-8708 when you can’t be together. from $1,200–$1,800. mon among participants, Cook focusforliving.net Fred Deal first encountered says. Kids who take the program also start to withdraw from friends Neurotherapy Associates of Texas GETTING SMARTER SMART during a real estate Denton, 940/243-7586 Driven to nurture and unlock meeting in Dallas’ medical dis- who are still hooked to their neurotherapyassociatestx.com the unfathomable potential of trict. Desperate for intervention devices. They learn to cultivate the mind, UTD’s Center for for his own son, he was immedi- attachments (priming right brain Neurotherapy Center of Dallas development) versus hashtags. Dallas, 972/991-1153 BrainHealth set out on a quest to ately spellbound by the premise neurotherapydallas.com improve brain health fitness. of the program. Instead of focusing on memo- He enrolled Hunter much STRATEGIC ATTENTION The Sams Center rization and over-reliance on to the teen’s chagrin. But soon While brain development may Plano, 972/733-3009 media, BrainHealth scientists his study habits and attitude seem complicated, by implement- greatbrain.com developed the Strategic Memory improved dramatically. Deal ing what Cook calls “strategic and Reasoning Training (SMART) says Hunter learned to mini- attention,” or laser focus, and program that teaches kids in mize distractions. It took him adopting healthy screen, sleep, grades seven through 12 to think half the time to complete home- exercise and eating habits, critically and focus on how to work (self-directed) and his families can harness the immense learn rather than what to learn. drive returned. potential of a developing mind. With SMART, which is SMART offers a series of seven It’s never too late to “empow- based on more than 30 years cognitive strategies to improve er children to be their own neuro- of cognitive brain research, brain efficiency that can be applied engineer,” Cook asserts. ntc

northtexaschild / january 2016 13 E S T. 20 12 Our comprehensive guide to North Texas’ private elementary schools ★ The PRIVATE

SCHOOL ADDRESS CITY ZIP WEBSITE YEAR ESTABLISHEDRELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

Coram Deo Academy 4900 Wichita Trail Flower Mound 75022 coramdeoacademy.org 1999 Christian Pre-K–12 $4,000–$7,000 Y N 5% 600 Y 15 12 to 1 CPAA, ISEE, Stanford ACCS, AdvancED, NAUMS

Denton Calvary Academy 1910 E. University Drive Denton 76209 dentoncalvary.org 1999 Christian K–12 $5,000–$8,000 N N N/A 320 Y 15 15 to 1 Stanford AdvancED, TAAPS

16 to Explorations Preparatory School 1501 Flower Mound Road Flower Mound 75028 explorationsprep.org 2002 None Pre-K–8 $6,975–$9,225 N N N/A v Y 16 Iowa AdvancED 1.5

Faustina Academy 1621 W. Grauwyler Road Irving 75061 faustinaacademy.com 2003 Catholic Pre-K–12 $4,800–$6,100 N N N/A 203 Y 16 16 to 1 Stanford NAPCIS

Grace Christian Academy 3200 Firewheel Drive Flower Mound 75028 gcapatriots.org 1970 Baptist K–12 $5,250 N N N/A 61 Y v 7 to 1 OLSAT, Stanford NAPS

Highlands School, The 1451 E. Northgate Drive Irving 75062 thehighlandsschool.org 1986 Catholic Pre-K–12 $9,800–$14,100 Y Y 15% 450 Y 15 15 to 1 CogAT, Iowa, Stanford AdvancED, TCCED

Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic School 2323 Cheyenne St. Irving 75062 hfns.com 1965 Catholic Pre-K–8 $5,995 Y Y 45% 130 Y 11 11 to 1 CogAT, Iowa AdvancED, TCCED

Immaculate Conception Catholic School 2301 N. Bonnie Brae St. Denton 76207 catholicschooldenton.org 1995 Catholic Pre-K–8 $4,880–$5,980 Y N v 237 Y 18 v CogAT, Iowa TCCED

Lakeland Christian Academy 397 S. Stemmons Freeway Lewisville 75067 lakelandchristianacademy.org 1994 Baptist Pre-K–12 $2,000–6,000 N N N/A 560 Y 8–16 16 to 1 Stanford ACSI, AdvancED, TEPSAC

Liberty Christian School 1301 S. Highway 377 Argyle 76226 libertychristian.com 1983 Christian Pre-K–12 $5,936–$17,940 Y N 17% 1,320 Y 17 16 to 1 CTP4, ERB AdvancED

Montessori Country Day School 7400 Hawk Road Flower Mound 75022 mcountryday.com 1987 None Pre-K–5 Varies N N N/A v N v v Iowa v

Redeemer Montessori School 2700 Warren Circle Irving 75062 redeemermontessori.org 1978 Episcopal Pre-K–6 $6,000–$8,950 Y N 5% 125 Y v v Iowa AdvancED, AMS

St. Francis Montessori 1018 W. Pioneer Road Irving 75061 stfrancisirving.org 2009 Catholic Pre-K–5 $3,500–$5,500 Y Y 50% 50 N 20–30 20 to 1 Iowa AMI

St. Luke Catholic School 1023 Schulze Drive Irving 75060 stlukeschool.us 1955 Catholic Pre-K–8 $5,045–$6,424 Y N 50% 140 Y 15 v CogAT, Iowa TCCED, AdvancED

Selwyn College Preparatory School 3333 W. University Drive Denton 76207 selwynschool.com 1949 None Pre-K–12 $3,000–$15,000 Y Y 20% 160 N 10 12 to 1 ERB, Woodcock-Johnson AdvancED, ISAS, TAAPS

Sloan School, The 3131 N. O’Connor Road Irving 75062 thesloanschool.com 1985 Christian Pre-K–5 $7,800–$9,200 N N N/A 147 Y 13 21 to 1 Stanford ACSI

Temple Christian Academy 2501 Northshore Blvd. Flower Mound 75028 templechristian.com 1980 Baptist K–12 $6,410 Y Y 10% 112 Y 10 10 to 1 TerraNova ACSI, AdvancED

KEY: ACCS = Association of Classical and Christian Schools; ACSI = Association of Christian Schools International; AMI = Association Montessori International; AMS = Ameri- can Montessori Society; CogAT = Cognitive Abilities Test; CPAA = Children’s Progress Academic Assessment; CTP4 = Comprehensive Testing Program; ERB = Educational Records Bureau; Iowa = Iowa Tests of Basic Skills; ISAS = Independent Schools Association of the Southwest; ISEE = Independent School Entrance Exam; NAPCIS = National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools; NAPS = National Association of Private Schools; NAUMS = National Association of University-Model Schools; 14 january 2016 / northtexaschild Our comprehensive guide to North Texas’ private elementary schools COMPILED BY JULIA BUNCH '16 PRIVATE SCHOOL List PRIVATE SCHOOL

GRADES ANNUAL TUITION FINANCIAL AIDSCHOLARSHIPSOFFERED% RECEIVING AID OR SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALFINANCIAL ENROLLMENT UNIFORM AVG. CLASS SIZESTUDENT/TEACHER RATIOSTANDARDIZEDTEST USED ACCREDITATION

Coram Deo Academy 4900 Wichita Trail Flower Mound 75022 coramdeoacademy.org 1999 Christian Pre-K–12 $4,000–$7,000 Y N 5% 600 Y 15 12 to 1 CPAA, ISEE, Stanford ACCS, AdvancED, NAUMS

Denton Calvary Academy 1910 E. University Drive Denton 76209 dentoncalvary.org 1999 Christian K–12 $5,000–$8,000 N N N/A 320 Y 15 15 to 1 Stanford AdvancED, TAAPS

16 to Explorations Preparatory School 1501 Flower Mound Road Flower Mound 75028 explorationsprep.org 2002 None Pre-K–8 $6,975–$9,225 N N N/A v Y 16 Iowa AdvancED 1.5

Faustina Academy 1621 W. Grauwyler Road Irving 75061 faustinaacademy.com 2003 Catholic Pre-K–12 $4,800–$6,100 N N N/A 203 Y 16 16 to 1 Stanford NAPCIS

Grace Christian Academy 3200 Firewheel Drive Flower Mound 75028 gcapatriots.org 1970 Baptist K–12 $5,250 N N N/A 61 Y v 7 to 1 OLSAT, Stanford NAPS

Highlands School, The 1451 E. Northgate Drive Irving 75062 thehighlandsschool.org 1986 Catholic Pre-K–12 $9,800–$14,100 Y Y 15% 450 Y 15 15 to 1 CogAT, Iowa, Stanford AdvancED, TCCED

Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic School 2323 Cheyenne St. Irving 75062 hfns.com 1965 Catholic Pre-K–8 $5,995 Y Y 45% 130 Y 11 11 to 1 CogAT, Iowa AdvancED, TCCED

Immaculate Conception Catholic School 2301 N. Bonnie Brae St. Denton 76207 catholicschooldenton.org 1995 Catholic Pre-K–8 $4,880–$5,980 Y N v 237 Y 18 v CogAT, Iowa TCCED

Lakeland Christian Academy 397 S. Stemmons Freeway Lewisville 75067 lakelandchristianacademy.org 1994 Baptist Pre-K–12 $2,000–6,000 N N N/A 560 Y 8–16 16 to 1 Stanford ACSI, AdvancED, TEPSAC

Liberty Christian School 1301 S. Highway 377 Argyle 76226 libertychristian.com 1983 Christian Pre-K–12 $5,936–$17,940 Y N 17% 1,320 Y 17 16 to 1 CTP4, ERB AdvancED

Montessori Country Day School 7400 Hawk Road Flower Mound 75022 mcountryday.com 1987 None Pre-K–5 Varies N N N/A v N v v Iowa v

Redeemer Montessori School 2700 Warren Circle Irving 75062 redeemermontessori.org 1978 Episcopal Pre-K–6 $6,000–$8,950 Y N 5% 125 Y v v Iowa AdvancED, AMS

St. Francis Montessori 1018 W. Pioneer Road Irving 75061 stfrancisirving.org 2009 Catholic Pre-K–5 $3,500–$5,500 Y Y 50% 50 N 20–30 20 to 1 Iowa AMI

St. Luke Catholic School 1023 Schulze Drive Irving 75060 stlukeschool.us 1955 Catholic Pre-K–8 $5,045–$6,424 Y N 50% 140 Y 15 v CogAT, Iowa TCCED, AdvancED

Selwyn College Preparatory School 3333 W. University Drive Denton 76207 selwynschool.com 1949 None Pre-K–12 $3,000–$15,000 Y Y 20% 160 N 10 12 to 1 ERB, Woodcock-Johnson AdvancED, ISAS, TAAPS

Sloan School, The 3131 N. O’Connor Road Irving 75062 thesloanschool.com 1985 Christian Pre-K–5 $7,800–$9,200 N N N/A 147 Y 13 21 to 1 Stanford ACSI

Temple Christian Academy 2501 Northshore Blvd. Flower Mound 75028 templechristian.com 1980 Baptist K–12 $6,410 Y Y 10% 112 Y 10 10 to 1 TerraNova ACSI, AdvancED

OLSAT = Otis-Lennon School Ability Test; Stanford = Stanford Achievement Test; TAAPS = Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools; TCCED = Texas Catholic Conference Education Department; TEPSAC = Texas Private School Accreditation Commission; TerraNova = TerraNova Tests & Assessments; Woodcock-Johnson = Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities;  = Information not provided // Schools that aren’t listed either don’t offer grades 1–5 or couldn’t be reached by email or phone. Information is based on the 2015–2016 school year and subject to change. Tuition rates could reflect 2014–2015 numbers; many schools will not announce tuition changes until spring of 2016. northtexaschild / january 2016 15 20TH ANNUAL camp FREE EVENT 2016 DFWCHILD CAMP FAIRS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Dallas • 10am–3pm Shelton School, 15720 Hillcrest Rd. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Fort Worth • 12–4pm Trinity Valley School, 7500 Dutch Branch Rd.

benefitting SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

The importance of school leaders to the success of our children’s education is often underestimated. Their philosophies, aspirations and initiatives are key to a thriving educational model. Meet some of these visionaries and gain some insight into the workings of a flourishing school.

People often ask me the differences between private and public education. This question is multifaceted and, to some degree, philosophical, as parents have to define for themselves the type of education they want for their child. The National Center for Education reports that there are over 6 million students that receive their education through private schooling. Here’s what the experts that study the differences between private and public education report regarding a private school education. 1. Private schools offer curricula rich and vast in content and experiences. 2. They don’t have the pressures to “teach to the test” for federal funding. 3. Between 60–80% of private school educators have an advanced degree. 4. They are culturally diverse which provides opportunities for great learning. 5. They typically have fewer student behavioral issues. 6. They offer small class sizes. 7. Life at school often mirrors family life so relationships have depth and are meaningful. 8. Fine arts are generally part of the curriculum and aren’t subject as often to budget constraints. Each family determines for themselves what differences they deem significant. Clariden offers those qualities that many families search for in a quality education for their child. I’m looking forward to another successful year that reflects the Sallie Wells Clariden difference. Head of School Sources: NAIS Member School Facts At A Glance 2009–2010; Private School Universe Study

The Clariden School of Southlake 100 Clariden Ranch Rd., Southlake, TX 76092 682-237-0400 • [email protected] www.claridenschool.org

St. Luke Catholic School welcomes each child in Jesus’ name, developing within each student a love for God, learning and others. As a historically rich school, St. Luke’s offers multiage teaching in grades 1–4 in language arts and math. We offer faith-based educa- tion, small classes, outstanding academics, a nurturing environment and a dedicated and experienced staff. 100% of our eighth grade students have gone on 1023 Schulze Dr., Irving, TX 75060 972-253-8285 Kathy Carruth, Principal to high school and of those 100% have graduated. www.stlukeschool.us

northtexaschild / january 2016 17 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

At Explorations Preparatory School, we believe students learn best when they are challenged, engaged and enjoying their learning. We accomplish this by providing our students with opportunities to learn through exploration and hands-on lessons and projects. Students are encouraged to learn and apply new concepts, creating a deeper and more meaningful understanding. At EPS, we don’t focus on having students simply memorize facts for a test; we want to see what our students can actually do with the information they’ve learned. Problem solving and critical thinking are central to all learning at EPS. Beyond academics, Explorations also puts a high priority on students’ social and emotional growth. To be successful, students must develop a healthy outlook for learning and the ability to collaborate with others. EPS’s small, family-friendly environment is a warm and caring place for students to learn and grow into successful, motivated, lifelong learners. EPS students score in the top 1.3% of schools nationwide on the Iowa Assessment (2015). PreK–8th Open House: Thursday, January 21, 6–7:30pm Middle School Preview: Thursday, January 7, 6–7:30pm Andrea M. Slaughter, M.Ed. Director

Explorations Preparatory School 1501 Flower Mound Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 972-539-0601 • [email protected] www.explorationsprep.com

In his fifth year as principal and his Open House twentieth year in Catholic education, Matt Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 9am demonstrates a passion for developing the full potential of each student as well as a desire and willingness to express and model his Catholic faith for the students, faculty, staff and parents. His leadership, along with outstanding faculty and strong academic curriculum, fosters a foundation for lifelong MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL learning through the development of mind, body and spirit. Mary Immaculate School 14032 Dennis Ln., Farmers Branch, TX 75234 Matthew J. Krause (one mile NE of I-35 and 635) Principal 972-243-7105 • www.mischool.org

The Novus Academy is a college and Kathy Edwards, the founder and head of career preparatory school for students in The Novus Academy has 28 years of extensive grades 1–12. Our excellent staff and faculty experience within public school, private provide a much sought-after academic school, therapeutic and university settings. program, school environment and culture. Novus instruction is designed to ensure that no student is ignored, overlooked or left behind. We recognize the individual strengths, needs and talents of our

students. They learn to understand their 204 N. Dooley, Grapevine, TX 76051 difficulties without becoming defined by 817 488-4555 www.thenovusacademy.org Kathy Edwards them and build upon their existing and Founder and Head of School developing skills.

18 january 2016 / northtexaschild SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Grapevine Faith exists to develop and We invite you to visit our campus, meet our graduate authentic Christian leaders. In faculty and talk to our students. We would partnership with Christian families, we love to show you Faith in action! Upcoming educate children ranging from Pre-K Open Houses: January 19, February 23, through 12th grade. Faith offers a unique March 22 and April 19. Please visit educational opportunity for students through grapevinefaith.com for complete details and a challenging, Christ-centered, biblically to register for an Open House. based school program with excellence in academics, athletics and creative arts. We strive to infuse a biblical worldview in every aspect of the school experience, and encourage ministry and mission mindedness to the local community and beyond. Grapevine Faith is independent and inter- denominational. We serve families on our 730 E. Worth St., Grapevine, TX 76051 817-442-1605 campus near historic downtown Grapevine. [email protected] Ed C. Smith, Ed.D. Faith is coeducational, evangelical and www.grapevinefaith.com President college preparatory with selective admission. MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Happy New Year! Did you make a New another way we are improving our campus for Year’s resolution? Maybe you have resolved our students. to spend more time with family, exercise more As we partner with our POPCS community or to eat healthier. Other resolutions may have to equip our children for their next academic included getting organized or managing stress steps, we remain committed to providing better. A poll I read recently indicated almost an exceptional educational experience and half of us make a resolution, but less than 10 developing lasting relationships. percent are successful. At Prince of Peace Christian School, we are 100 percent committed and 100 percent resolved to being a school ministry of continuous improvement. We are excited and blessed to see our campus expanding to better serve nearly 1,000 children and their families. Construction will be completed on our new school dining space and kitchen this 4000 Midway Rd., Carrollton, TX 75007 spring. The athletic field expansion, including 972-447-0532 Chris Hahn www.popcs.org Headmaster the on-campus baseball/softball field, is

As we begin the honor of celebrating its 30th our highly regarded Montessori International year, I have reflected on what makes The Baccalaureate education. Westwood School different. Our foundation I invite you to discover The Westwood Way. is one of believing in the uniqueness of each Admission Preview: Thu., Jan. 7, 6–7:30pm student, and Westwood is the embodiment of the small school, big experience sought at every age level. Students from toddler through grade 12 connect with the world as they choose to conduct a class meeting or confidently climb a mountain in adventure leadership. I am proud to serve this nurturing community in a school that inspires students 14340 Proton Rd., Dallas, TX 75244 Heather Lourcey 972-239-8598 Head of School to achieve a voluntary joy in learning through www.westwoodschool.org

Want more information?

Learn more about these schools and their leaders on our website: dfwchild.com

northtexaschild / january 2016 19 Put me in, coach!

Jim Mueller is a husband, father and youth sports coach. He is also a highly experienced family lawyer.

When the welfare of children is paramount in a divorce, Jim is the attorney you want. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he has made the exclusive list of Texas Super Lawyers.* But even more important, he coaches families in conflict on how to raise well-adjusted children. “It’s something my kids teach me every day,” says Jim Mueller. “I coach them, but they’ve taught me much more about what makes your kids happy and healthy.”

If you are facing a di icult family law matter, contact Jim Mueller at 214 526-5234 or [email protected].

* Thomson Reuters 2011-15

FAMILY LAW CONTESTED DIVORCE COMPLEX PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS CHILD CUSTODY / VISITATION LITIGATION / APPEALS

4311 Oak Lawn Avenue, Ste. 450 Dallas, Texas 75219 214/526.5234 | vbmmp.com Advertisement

A More Civilized Divorce 6 tips from a top Dallas divorce lawyer BY LARRY UPSHAW

or one young mother, the dreaded moment finally ar- rived when she had to admit that her marriage was failing after 11 years and the birth of three daughters. How will she manage the changes? What will she say to the girls? Her friends warned Fher about the divorce process. Will it leave her kids scarred for life? Will she and her soon-to- be ex-husband become enemies engaged in pitched battles until the girls grow up and have their own lives? Studies indicate that about 40 percent of all marriages in this country end in divorce. State totals are not very exact, but Texans have always been among the most divorce-prone. Dallas attorney Jim Mueller sees people like this mom caught in the chaos of family law matters every day, and he is dedicated to mak- ing certain that parents and children withstand Dallas attorney Jim Mueller applies a simple test to his actions in family court — how would the process. they affect his own kids? “You have to understand that you are in a marathon and not a sprint,” Jim says, “espe- cially if you have small children who will be in your care for many years.” He believes that your children may wonder why you married that altogether, you may opt for a more formal most parents want to act in the best interest of person. Judges also don’t like a parent who inten- mediation process known as collaborative law. their children, even when divorce is imminent. tionally works to foul that other relationship. Ask your attorney about it. To help them craft a more civilized divorce that doesn’t destroy the kids, Jim offers the follow- Understand that possession for You should prepare your kids for ing six tips to those starting down that road. both parents is presumed to be in the new normal. the best interest of the children. Life will change for everyone in the family. You are free to decide what type In Texas, joint custody of Schedules will need to be worked out. You of divorce you children is the norm. Un- will need to set boundaries and make as will have. less your spouse is a bad many rules as possible to avoid conflict in

Will it be a nasty, conten- person, and you can show this new environment.

tious divorce or a civilized You want to have it in court, both of you will one? Begin with both get visitation anyway. Show Look to the future. parents telling the chil- the divorce that you are reasonable Your children may be small now, but soon dren about the divorce that no one “ and it may pay off in some enough they will be teenagers and have a say together. Let them know “ other negotiation. Besides, about where they live. As they get older, kids this is not their fault, and talks about, the later on you may need the have friends and activities that become as im- that both parents still boring divorce ex’s help as a sitter. portant as parents. And in many cases, parents Put me in, coach!love them. This is a very remarry or move outside the local area. crucial first step. with no drama. Mediate as many issues as you Moms and dads who follow these guide- Never speak ill of can outside the lines, Jim Mueller says, will show their the other parent to courtroom. children how to handle difficult transitions. the kids. “You want to have the divorce that no one talks Jim Mueller is a husband, father and youth sports coach. In Dallas County, nearly every divorce case about, the boring divorce with no drama.” He is also a highly experienced family lawyer. This can hurt the relationship between the chil- goes to mediation. Mediation can be less Put me in, coach!dren and the other parent, but it can also cause expensive and produce less angst than going Larry Upshaw is a writer and CEO of Texas Law Marketing problems for you. If the other parent is so bad, directly to court. To avoid the courtroom who has published seven books on divorce. When the welfare of children is paramount in a divorce, Jim is the attorney you want. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he has made the exclusive list of Texas Super Lawyers.* But even more important, he coaches families in conflict on how to raise well-adjusted children. “It’s something my kids teach me every day,” says Jim Mueller. “I coach them, but they’ve taught me much more about what makes your kids Jim Mueller is a husband, father and youth sportshappy and coach.healthy.” If you are facing a di icult family law matter, contact Jim Mueller He is also a highly experienced family lawyer. at 214 526-5234 or [email protected].

When the welfare of children is paramount in a divorce, Jim is the attorney you want. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he has made the exclusive list of Texas Super

Lawyers.* But even more important, he coaches families in* Thomson Reuters 2011-15 conflict on how to raise well-adjusted children. “It’s FAMILY LAW CONTESTED DIVORCE COMPLEX PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS CHILD CUSTODY / VISITATION LITIGATION / APPEALS something my kids teach me every day,” says Jim

Mueller. “I coach them, but they’ve taught me 4311 Oak Lawn Avenue, Ste. 450 Dallas, Texas 75219 much more about what makes your kids 214/526.5234 | vbmmp.com happy and healthy.”

If you are facing a di icult family law matter, contact Jim Mueller at 214 526-5234 or [email protected].

* Thomson Reuters 2011-15

FAMILY LAW CONTESTED DIVORCE COMPLEX PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS CHILD CUSTODY / VISITATION LITIGATION / APPEALS

4311 Oak Lawn Avenue, Ste. 450 Dallas, Texas 75219

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Flower Mound Just Got saFer! Grand Opening Free Evaluations January 23 Free Family Swim 3:00-6:00 Free Drawings 3000 Waketon Rd Flower Mound, TX 75028 (817) 552-SWIM (7946) Ads with © are of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2016.

22FM Grandjanuary Opening.indd 2016 1 / northtexaschild 12/11/15 4:42 PM kid culture.

festival of

Fa La La Chocolate Me!, came out in with Lisa September 2011. flicks Loeb Bonus: Get a free signed an insider’s guide to kidfilm You may not have copy of Mixed Me! at the event. heard much from WORDS JULIA BUNCH North Texas native and mom Lisa Loeb, the voice Meet the behind the 1994 hit “Stay” off the Real- McMullans ity Bites soundtrack, but your kids likely Even if you don’t have. That’s because the local mom know Kate and Jim McMullan hether you’ve got junior Hollywood hopefuls and songstress recently released her fourth (yes, fourth) children’s by name, or mini movie buffs in your clan, KidFilm, the album, Nursery Rhyme Parade! which you’ll certainly recognize their longest-running annual film festival for kids in the features 37 classic bedtime hits like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Skip to books on your U.S., presented by USA Film Festival of Dallas, is My Lou” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Join child’s bookshelf. W Loeb as she sings the ditties. The onomatopoeia- an event the whole family can enjoy. Running the weekend of January filled books such as I’m Bonus: Score free copies of Loeb’s Dirty!, I’m Fast! and I’m Mighty! have 23 and 24 at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas, this collection of CD Nursery Rhyme Parade! and kids sounding out words and syllables signed posters of the artist. children’s cinema works and events — 12 feature and short films, and learning all about dinosaurs and animations, and comedies — offers something for all ages and tastes trucks. Meet and mingle with author Kate and her illustrator husband Jim (yes, even for pre-K kids with very short attention spans). Oh and the Read-a-Long with Taye Diggs Actor and author Taye Diggs reads his as they chat about their new book best part? Every show and event at KidFilm is free. Pick up tickets new children’s book Mixed Me!, a sto- about an ice-cleaning machine, called I’m Cool!. an hour before the flick begins (showtimes are 12:30pm, 2:30pm and ry about a day in the life of a biracial child. Diggs and the book’s illustrator, Bonus: Snag free signed copies 4:30pm each day) at the box office. Tickets are given on a first come, Shane Evans, collaborated on the of various books by the author first served basis. No reservations. Find the full schedule online story after being inspired and illustrator. ntc by their own mixed-race starting in early January. experiences and back- USA Film Festival of Dallas’ Kid- Here, we’re sharing our top three picks off-screen for interactive grounds (Diggs has a Film // January 23−24 // Angelika son, Walker, with ex- Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird events, including readings, meetings and a sing-a-long during the wife Idina Menzel). Lane, Dallas // 214/821-6300 // festival. Keep an eye on the festival’s website for final event details, The duo’s first book, usafilmfestival.com // Free

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ISTOCK.COM/101DALMATIANS; JUAN PATINO; KATE AND AND KATE PATINO; JUAN ISTOCK.COM/101DALMATIANS; OF COURTESY PHOTOS GROUP PUBLISHING CHILDREN’S MACMILLAN MCMULLAN; JIM including dates and times, which weren’t finalized at press time. northtexaschild / january 2016 23 9th Annual Baby Bonanza & Adorable Baby Contest at WIN KIDS SPORTS AND LEARNING CENTER Saturday, Jan. 23rd – 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

sponsored by:

Photos By: Scott Young Photography

THE CROSS TIMBERS GAZETTE

It’s a FREE play date for all babies newborn to 3 years and their families! • Fun playtime activities at the best equipped Baby Gym In the Metroplex! • Plan to let the entire family swim at Emler Swim School’s newest location at WinKids. • Win Free Prizes, Swim Parties and giveaways! Adorable Baby Contest Dress your baby in their favorite sports outfit and show off their stuff to the judges to win this cutest baby contest ever! A GRAND PRIZE worth over $500 will be awarded! Call Win Kids or go to winkids.net for details. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Tidwell at Win Kids 972-355-9988, [email protected]

3000 Waketon Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028 www.winkids.net kid culture / AGENDA

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

ILLUSTRATION 5 best things to do this … KRISTEN ALMEIDA

give do go play see

WANT TO FIND Before flipping on the Join the CCA Hope It’s boots, chaps and On January 30–31, the If your kids watched MORE OF THE BEST Super Bowl, help tackle Dash on Saturday, cowboy hats at the Harlem Globetrot- Wild Kratts – A Creature FAMILY-FRIENDLY hunger by registering January 9, to help make Fort Worth Stock ters land at the Ameri- Christmas on PBS over ENTERTAINMENT your family online for this a happier, healthier Show and Rodeo, can Airlines Center for the holidays, don’t IN NORTH TEXAS? SIGN UP FOR THE the Souper Bowl of year for local families. coming January three performances miss the chance to see WEEKEND GUIDE Caring, a national cam- Register online now for 15–February 6 for of trick shots and ball Martin and Chris Kratt in AT DFWCHILD.COM/ paign running January the race/walk hosted its annual run at the handling wizardry you person for Wild Kratts NEWSLETTER. 18 through game day by the Lewisville-based Will Rogers Memorial won’t see anywhere Live! Watch as the two on February 7. You’ll nonprofit Christian Center. Download the else in the world. See goofy brothers share receive a free packet Community Action. The free smartphone app the red-, white- and fascinating facts about of resources, including event begins at 9am at to help navigate you blue-studded basket- animals and animal sci- posters, a soup pot Highland Village’s Unity toward the children’s ball team for tickets ence on stage on Mon- sticker and fliers, to help Park. Stick around after barnyard and petting starting at $28.50, and day, January 18, at the you collect donations the race for a free pan- zoo. Only have one get the Magic Pass for Bass Performance Hall. of food items and/or cake breakfast. 5K is $40 day to go? Make it an additional $22 to Tickets start at $27.50. funds. Then donate for adults, $20 for kids; January 16 when the shoot hoops with the Fort Worth, 817/212-4280 them to the local $10 for 1-mile fun run. All Western Parade Globetrotters on the basshall.com hunger-relief charity of Highland Village, runs through down- court and learn tricks your choice. 972/221-1224 town. General admis- during a half-hour, ccahelps.org/hopedash 800/358-7687 sion is $10 adults; $5 pregame event. souperbowl.org/dfw for ages 6–16. Dallas, 800/745-3000 Fort Worth, 817/877-2400 americanairlinescenter.com fwssr.com northtexaschild / january 2016 25 You’re Invited FREE Women’s Health Screening Event Saturday, February 20, 2016 | 8:00am – 11:30am • Cholesterol • Blood Pressure • Sleep Apnea • Heart Screening • Body Composition • Glucose Checks or Body Mass Index

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No RSVP needed! We know women Visit TexasHealthFlowerMound.com for more information. 4400 Long Prairie Road | Flower Mound, TX 75028 and we know health. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound is a joint venture owned by Texas Health Resources and physicians dedicated to the community and meets the definition under federal law of a physician-owned hospital. Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital.

26 january 2016 / northtexaschild kid culture

EDITED BY ELIZABETH SMITH everyday. 01/18 WILD KRATTS LIVE! @ BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

01/29 A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD @ DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER JANUARY

1 FRIDAY $18 for children ages 2–17. Includes ON STAGE general admission. Lone Star Circus’ Zingari Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skill- RECREATION EXHIBIT man St., Dallas. 214/740-0051. dct.org. 1:30 and 7:30pm First Day Hike Ray Roberts Lake State Critter Kingdom Fort Worth Museum of Science Jan 1; 1:30 and 5:30pm Jan 2; 1:30pm Jan 3. See the Park – Isle du Bois Unit, 100 PW 4137, Pilot Point. and History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth. 817/255-9300. brand new production, a tribute to the old Gypsy roots 940/686-2148. tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ray-roberts- fortworthmuseum.org/critter-kingdom. 10am–5pm of many circus families that features acrobats, aerialists, lake. 2–4pm. Kick off 2016 by joining a park ranger on Mon–Sat; 12–5pm Sun. Through Feb 28. See bugs, equilibrists, jugglers, clowns and four-legged stars. a 2.2-mile hike along the paved Randy Bell Scenic Trail butterflies and birds in this exhibit highlighting artifacts Tickets start at $22. and learn about some of the native flora and fauna of from the museum’s vast collection of natural wonders, RECREATION North Texas. Strollers are welcome. Meet at the Haw- presented in celebration of the museum’s 75th anniver- Panther Island Ice Coyote Drive-In, 223 N.E. Fourth St., thorn Campground parking lot. $7 adults; free for ages sary. $15 adults; $11 children ages 2–12. Fort Worth. 817/698-0700. pantherislandice.com. Daily 12 and younger. PARADE FESTIVAL through Jan 18. General hours: 3–10pm Mon–Thu; Fort Worth Herd Fort Worth Stockyards, 130 E. Exchange Ave., 3–11pm Fri; 11am–11pm Sat; 11am–10pm Sun. Open Day 1 Dallas Fair Park, 1121 First Ave., Dallas. 214/368-8686. Fort Worth. 817/625-9715. stockyardsstation.com. 11:30am holidays; hours vary by day. Ice skate on real ice at day1dallas.com. 10am–7pm. Celebrate New Year’s Day and 4pm daily, weather permitting. Line up along the Fort Worth’s only outdoor ice skating rink and get free at this kid-friendly family fair with activities centered streets and watch genuine cowhands drive a herd of about access to the Coyote Drive-In concession stand. $11 on the 10 most popular resolutions, plus performances 15 Texas longhorns through the stockyards. FREE includes admission and ice skates. Movie theater tickets and a fireworks show. Proceeds benefit Vogel Alcove, a EXHIBIT are sold separately. nonprofit child care center for homeless children. $10 International Pop Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood adults; $5 children. St., Dallas. 214/922-1200. dma.org. 11am–5pm Tue–Wed NATURE CHRISTMAS and Fri-Sun; 11am–9pm Thu. Through Jan 17. See works Penguin Days Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas. Christmas Sparkle Settlement to City Museums, 206 W. by artists from across the globe in this exhibit that 469/554-7500. dallaszoo.com. 9am–4pm daily through Hudgins St., Grapevine. 817/410-3185. grapevinetexasu- chronicles the global emergence of pop in the 1960s Feb 29. Ages 3 and up can visit the African penguins and sa.com/christmas. Open daily through Jan 3. 10am–4pm and early 1970s. $16 special exhibition admission; free all the other animals at the Dallas Zoo for a discounted Tue–Sat; 11am–4pm Sun. Join an ornament scavenger for children ages 11 and younger. price. $5; free for ages 2 and younger. hunt, get a hair glitzing and make your own sparkle CHRISTMAS ON STAGE paintings, sparkle ornaments and cotton wreaths, plus Lone Star Christmas and ICE! Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Peter Pan 360 Threesixty Theatre, 2450 San Jacinto St., custom sparkle prints on the 1881 printing press. FREE Gaylord Trl., Grapevine. 817/778-1000. gaylordtexan.com. Dallas. 214/880-0202. peterpan360.com. 7:30pm Jan EXHIBIT Open through Jan 3. Hours vary by day. See ICE! featur- 1; 11:30am, 3:30 and 7:30pm Jan 2; 1:30pm Jan 3. See Creatures of Light – Nature’s Bioluminescence Perot Museum ing Christmas Around the World, the holiday display this innovative live stage production in the Threesixty of Nature and Science at Victory Park, 2201 N. Field St., hand-carved into more than two million pounds of ice, Theatre, a 100-foot-tall tent structure lit with a high- Dallas. 214/428-5555. perotmuseum.org. 10am–5pm ride down ice slides, sit in Santa’s sleigh, watch Chinese resolution projection that immerses the audience into Mon–Sat; 12–5pm Sun. Through Feb 21. Learn how a artisans carve in the interactive Frostbite Factory and go a virtual Neverland. Recommended for children 5 years vast array of organisms use a natural phenomenon to snow tubing. ICE! tickets start at $21.99 for adults; $12.99 old and older. Adult tickets start at $35. Children 12 and

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE KRATT BROTHERS COMPANY; LINDA BLASE BLASE LINDA COMPANY; BROTHERS KRATT THE OF COURTESY PHOTOS attract mates, lure prey or fight off predators. $26 adults; for children ages 4–12. Prices vary by other activities. younger get a $15–$20 discount per ticket. northtexaschild / january 2016 27 kid culture / EVERYDAY

ON STAGE International Pop See Jan 1. Lone Star Christmas and ICE! Shen Yun Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St., Dallas. See Jan 1. Lone Star Circus’ Zingari See Jan 1. Panther 888/974-3698. shenyun.com. Multiple showtimes Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Peter Pan 360 Jan 1–3 and 6–10. Discover 5,000 years of Chinese See Jan 1. Shen Yun See Jan 1. The 12 Days of Christmas See civilization through this grand production featuring Jan 1. The Trains at NorthPark See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. classically trained dancers, an orchestra and ani- mated backdrops. Appropriate for ages 4 and older. Tickets start at $66. 3 SUNDAY EXHIBIT CONTINUING: The 12 Days of Christmas Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Gar- Christmas Sparkle See Jan 1. Creatures of Light See Jan 1. land Rd., Dallas. 214/515-6615. dallasarboretum.org. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. In- 9am–5pm daily through Jan 3. Nighttime viewing ternational Pop See Jan 1. Lone Star Christmas and ICE! See of the illuminated gazebos 6–9pm Jan 2. See the Jan 1. Lone Star Circus’ Zingari See Jan 1. Panther Island dramatic exhibition of 25-foot-tall gazebos designed Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Peter Pan 360 See for each day of the popular carol, featuring life-sized Jan 1. Shen Yun See Jan 1. The 12 Days of Christmas See Jan Victorian-costumed mannequins and whimsical 1. The Trains at NorthPark See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. animals. Daytime admission: $15 adults; $10 children ages 3–12. Nighttime admission: $20 nonmember adults; $10 nonmember children. 4 MONDAY CHRISTMAS CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. The Trains at NorthPark NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Central Expy., Dallas. 214/631-7354. thetrainsatnorth- Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. park.com. 10am–9pm Mon–Sat and 12–6pm Sun through Jan 3. See the miniature toy trains exhibit with steam engines, coach cars, a ticket booth, a 5 TUESDAY train station and cityscapes on 1,600 feet of track. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of ARTS & CRAFTS First Tuesday at the DMA Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Dallas. On level two outside the Nordstrom entrance. Harwood St., Dallas. 214/922-1200. dma.org. 11am– $7 adults; $3 for children ages 2–12. 2pm. Enjoy art activities, story readings, performanc- EXHIBIT es and gallery activities. Designed for children ages 5 Think – An Exploration into Making the World Work Better and younger but open to all ages. FREE Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth. 817/255-9300. fwmuseum.org. ARTS & CRAFTS Pictures and Pages Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp 10am-5pm Mon–Sat; 12–5pm Sun. Open through Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. 817/332-8451. kimbellart. Oct. See this 6,600-square-foot interactive exhibit org. 10:30–11:30am. Listen to a reading of The Colors designed by IBM to showcase how technology and of Us by Karen Katz and do simple art activities innovation have transformed the world. Free with for ages 4–6. Maximum of two children per adult. admission: $15 adults and $11 children ages 2–12. Registration is required. FREE CONTINUING: See dfwchild.com for more events. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. 2 SATURDAY Think See Jan 1. NATURE Butterfly House Discovery Tours Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. 6 WEDNESDAY 214/428-7476. texasdiscoverygardens.org. 11am EDUCATIONAL every first Sat. Join entomologist John Watts for a Read to Rover Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oak- family-friendly tour of the Rosine Smith Sammons land St., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. Butterfly House, followed by the daily butterfly 4:30–5:30pm. Practice reading one-on-one with a release at 12pm. Free with admission: $8 adults; $4 certified therapy dog. For children reading on their children ages 3–11. own, ages 6–11. Registration is required. FREE ARTS & CRAFTS CONTINUING: Kimbell Kids Drop-In Studio Kimbell Art Museum, Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. 817/332-8451. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. kimbellart.org. 1–1:45pm Jan 2, 9 and 16. Discover Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. great cities during this program for children ages 12 Shen Yun See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. and younger and their adult companions. Sign-up begins one hour prior to the program. FREE ON STAGE 7 THURSDAY Pokemon – Symphonic Evolutions Bass Performance ON STAGE Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth. 817/212-4280. Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Medical Center of Lewisville fwsymphony.org. 7:30pm. See carefully timed visu- Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St., Lewisville. 972/219- als from recent and classic Pokemon video games 8446. friscoyouththeatre.org. 7:15pm Jan 7–8; 2:15 as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs and 7:15pm Jan 9; 2:15 and 5:15pm Jan 10. Watch new arrangements. For all ages. Tickets start at $50. the kids of Frisco Youth Theatre act and sing songs ARTS & CRAFTS from the award-winning animated movie. For all Target First Saturdays Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 ages. Run time is two hours. $10 in advance; $12 at Flora St., Dallas. 214/242-5100. nashersculpturecen- the door; $20 for front row. ter.org. Open 10am–5pm. Activities 10am–2pm. Join SCIENCE a train-themed art project and explore the big idea First Thursday Late Night – Color Perot Museum of “part/whole” at this family day for preschoolers and Nature and Science at Victory Park, 2201 N. Field St., elementary-aged children. Listen to a story reading, Dallas. 214/428-5555. perotmuseum.org. 7–9pm. join a yoga session in the garden and enjoy more Explore rainbows, investigate the color spectrum family programming. FREE and create projects with LEDs in conjunction with CONTINUING: the traveling exhibition Creatures of Light – Nature’s Christmas Sparkle See Jan 1. Creatures of Light See Jan Bioluminescence. For all ages. Free with admission: 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. $19 adults; $12 children ages 2–17. 28 january 2016 / northtexaschild ARTS & CRAFTS JumpstART Stories & Art Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 200, creatures of Irving. 972/252-2787. irvingartscenter.com. 10am. Celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day and the birthday of author A.A. Milne and read stories about the beloved bear from the Hundred Acre Wood. Then browse the galleries in this program for ages 2 and older. FREE NATURE Stories and More Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. 214/428-7476. texasdiscoverygardens.org. 11am every first Thu. Read a children’s LIGHT book, make crafts and eat themed snacks, then watch the daily butterfly release nature’s bioluminescence at 12pm. For ages 5 and younger. $8 adults; $8 kids ages 3–11; $3 kids ages 1–3. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Shen Yun See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. 8 FRIDAY GAMES Lego Builders Club Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St., Denton. 940/349- 8752. dentonlibrary.com. 4:30pm. Drop in and get creative by building with the library’s Legos. For ages 6 and older. FREE DANCE Step It UP Georgia Farrow Recreation Center, 530 Davis Dr., Irving. 972/721-2519. ci- tyofirving.org. 6–9:30pm. Watch youth and teens perform elaborate synchronized group stepping routines that incorporate cheerleading, military and drill team moves. $5 in advance; $10 at the door. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Shen Yun See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Beauty and the Beast, Jr. See Jan 7. 9 SATURDAY NATURE Bird Walk Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville. 972/219-3930. llela.org. 7:30–10:30am each second Sat monthly. Bring your own binoculars and watch for hundreds of bird species in LLELA’s forests, prairies and marshes. For children ages 10 and older. Register online. $2 program fee; $5 gate admission. Cash or check only. SCIENCE Discovery Days Perot Museum of Nature and Science at Victory Park, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas. 214/428-5555. perotmuseum.org. 10am–4pm. Build circuits, travel near the sun via a portable planetarium, learn how to grow your own plant and explore the world of light in the Creatures of Light traveling exhibition. For all ages. Free with admission: $19 adults; $12 for ages 2–17. HISTORY Dutch Oven Cooking Log Cabin Village, 2100 Log Cabin Village Ln., Fort Worth. 817/392-5881. logcabinvillage.org. 1–4pm. Watch a cooking demonstration presented by the Prairie Dogs Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society. $5 adults; $4.50 ages 4 and older. COME GLOW WITH US! PLAYTIME Family Winter Games Lee Park Recreation Center, 3000 Pamela Dr., Irving. 972/721- Make time to experience the magic of “living 2508. cityofirving.org. 10am–2pm. Join games of friendly competition, win prizes and get snacks and refreshments. For ages 6 and older. Register by Jan 4. $5 per person. light” with your children. Come and immerse NATURE yourselves in a bioluminescent world filled Family Zoo Adventures Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas. 469/554-7500. dallaszoo.com/education/camps-classes/family-programs. 9:15–11:15am. with flickering fireflies, iridescent deep-sea Discover how some of the smallest creatures on earth have some of the most creatures, glowing mushrooms and more! important jobs during this insect investigation-themed program with activity stations, animal encounters and special zoo tours for kids ages 4–12. $15 zoo members; $20 nonmembers. FILM PURCHASE TICKETS AT PEROTMUSEUM.ORG TO Planetarium Shows UNT Sky Theater, 1704 W. Mulberry St., Denton. 940/369-8213. SKIP THE BOX OFFICE LINE! WE’LL SCAN TICKETS skytheater.unt.edu. 2 and 8pm each Sat. Watch short films about space explora- tion on the planetarium’s high-definition projection system. Check the website for STRAIGHT FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE AT ENTRY. scheduled shows. $5 for adults; $3 for ages 12 and younger. Cash only. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York in International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Shen collaboration with the Canadian Museum of Nature, Yun See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Kimbell Kids Drop-In Studio See Jan 2. Beauty and the Ottawa, Canada and The Field Museum, Chicago. Beast, Jr. See Jan 7. The Perot Museum is an AAM-accredited institution, supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Satellite image of globe used within the Perot 10 SUNDAY Museum logo provided courtesy of NASA. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. northtexaschild / january 2016 29

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Shen Yun See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Beauty and the vine. 817/410-3185. nashfarm.org. 10am–2pm. Step Beast, Jr. See Jan 7. into a 19th-century home to witness the domestic duties of a farm family. See costumed interpreters use tools and techniques of the period for sewing, 11 MONDAY spinning, weaving, dying, ironing, laundry and Your vision, our passion CONTINUING: making candles. Registration is Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter required. $3 for ages 3 and older. Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd PLAYTIME See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Kids Rock Denton Civic Center, MEETING Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think 321 E. McKinney St., Denton. See Jan 1. 940/349-8733. dentonparks.com. YOUR 7–10:30pm. Play basketball and FAMILY’S 12 TUESDAY soccer, dance to music from a PLAYTIME DJ and have fun with a bounce EYE CARE Family Fun Night Coppell Public house, video games on the giant Library, 500 Southwestern Blvd., screen, dance contests and ping- NEEDS Coppell. 972/304-3658. coppelltx. WANT MORE pong. For kids in first–fifth grades. gov/library. 7pm. Join this all-ages $10 per child. program for stories, songs and FREE FUN? ARTS & CRAFTS activities. FREE Use the search Late Night at the DMA Dallas STORY TIME function on our Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood Twilight Toddler Time Emily Fowler online calendar St., Dallas. 214/922-1803. dma. org. 6pm–12am. Join the Professional Eye Examinations Central Library, 502 Oakland to find free events Eye Injuries & Disease Treatment St., Denton. 940/349-8752. museum’s annual birthday party in your area at and the closing weekend of the Contact Lenses dentonlibrary.com. 6:30pm. Enjoy dfwchild.com. International Pop exhibit. Enjoy Eyewear Gallery Including Children Frames stories, songs and activities in this evening story time for toddlers family-friendly activities, sing We accept most insurance plans including medicare and medicaid. ages 12–36 months and their karaoke and listen to a live music group play songs from The Beatles caregivers. FREE to Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga. 1135 Kinwest Parkway CONTINUING: Free admission. International Pop admission is $16; Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Suite 100 free for kids 11 and younger. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Irving, TX 75063 CONTINUING: 972.432.2020 Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. cargoeyecare.com Jonathan Cargo, O.D. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. 13 WEDNESDAY Think See Jan 1. ARTS & CRAFTS Wonderful Wednesdays The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. 817/738-9215. 16 SATURDAY themodern.org. 4–4:45pm. Visit the work of Anthony SAFETY Caro during this docent-led program for families with MLK Day of Service and Safety Rally Georgia Farrow Rec- young children ages 4 and older. Includes a story and reation Center, 530 Davis Dr., Irving. 972/721-2519. ir- short gallery project. Sign up at the information desk vingevents.org. 10am–1pm. Learn about community on the day of the program. FREE organizations, join a bike rodeo from 11am–1pm for CONTINUING: Irving elementary students, learn about bike safety and earn free bicycles and helmets. FREE in association with ICPA Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. MUSIC offers year-round Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. UNT Instrument Petting Zoo Emily Fowler Central Think See Jan 1. Library, 502 Oakland St., Denton. 940/349-8752. den- tonlibrary.com. 3pm. Learn how to play woodwind, THEATRE CLASSES brass and percussion instruments in this program & shows! 14 THURSDAY led by North Texas Student Music Educators. For GAMES ages 8–14. FREE Random Fandom Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 CONTINUING: Broadmoor Ln., Flower Mound. 972/874-6167. Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. fmlibrary.net. 4–5:30pm. The Teen Advisory Group is Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. selecting one fandom to feature with crafts, games Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. and trivia. FREE Think See Jan 1. Kimbell Kids Drop-In Studio See Jan 2. CONTINUING: Planetarium Shows See Jan 9. Fort Worth Stock Show and Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Rodeo See Jan 15. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. 17 SUNDAY SPECIAL EVENT Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Irving Arts Center, 15 FRIDAY 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. 972/252-2787. irvin- RODEO gevents.org. 6–7:30pm. Enjoy a program featuring Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Will Rogers Memo- live musical and theatrical performances in honor of Singing! Dancing! Acting! Improv! rial Center, 3400 Burnett Tandy Dr., Fort Worth. Martin Luther King Jr. FREE 817/877-2400. fwssr.com. Gates open 8am–8pm. MUSIC Ages 6 & Up in Plano & Dallas Daily through Feb 6. Watch the rodeos and western Peter and the Wolf White’s Chapel United Method- parade, play midway games at the carnival and ist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake. discover the farm animals inside the children’s barn- 817/665-6000. fwsymphony.org. 2pm instrument yard and petting zoo at the annual festival. General petting zoo; 3pm concert. Listen to an orchestra admission: $10 adults; $5 for ages 6–16. Rodeo concert in which a different instrument portrays tickets sold separately. each character from the classic story. Run time is AcademyAtDSM.org / 214-969-7469 HISTORY about 45 minutes. Come early to see, touch and play © Ads with © are of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2016. Frugal Farm Wife Series Nash Farm, 626 Ball St., Grape- various instruments. $10. 30 january 2016 / northtexaschild CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. International Pop See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. 18 MONDAY SPECIAL EVENT Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lewisville High School Auditorium, 1098 W. Main St., Lewisville. flower-mound.com. 6:30pm. Honor the legacy of Dr. King at this 23rd annual celebration with entertainment and a keynote speaker. For all ages. FREE SPECIAL EVENT MLK Jr. Day Celebration Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St., Denton. 940/349-8575. dentonparks.com. 11am. Honor the legacy of the late civil rights leaders at this annual event with a flag football game, a rally at the UNT Union Building, march and program. FREE ON STAGE Wild Kratts Live! Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth. 817/212- 4280. basshall.com. 6:30pm. See Martin and Chris Kratt from the animated televi- sion series live on stage in an all-new show, learn fun facts about animals and watch the brothers activate their Creature Powers with Creature Power Suits. Tick- ets start at $27.50. A limited number of VIP meet and greet tickets are available. CONTINUING: 2016 Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Panther Island Ice See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. 19 TUESDAY EDUCATIONAL Legos and littleBits North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 6:30–8pm. Explore electronics and invention by building and creating with electronic modules that snap together. For ages 8–17. Registration is required. FREE They can’t be CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Mom-Approved without Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. 20 WEDNESDAY your nomination every year! PLAYTIME Spring Preschool Dance Party Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St., Denton. Tell us who you trust for 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 10am. Dance to kid-friendly music and have fun with shakers, scarves and bubbles. For ages 1–5. FREE CONTINUING: a chance at a Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. $150 Visa gift card. 21 THURSDAY HOME-SCHOOL Home-School Science Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 2:30pm. Explore the science of bridges, sky- scrapers and structures and learn about tightrope walker Philippe Petit by reading The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein. For ages 6–11. Registration is required. FREE CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Survey closes Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. 22 FRIDAY February 28th EDUCATIONAL Legos and littleBits Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St., Denton. 940/349- 8752. dentonlibrary.com. 4:30pm. Explore electronics and invention by building and creating with electronic modules that snap together. For ages 10–17. Regis- dfwchild.com tration is required. FREE CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. 23 SATURDAY ARTS & CRAFTS Children’s Workshop Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. 817/332-8451. kimbellart.org. 10am–12pm. Connect with artworks, new friends and creative activities during this workshop for children ages 6–12 and their adult partners in the Pavilion education studios. Call to register. $15 nonmem- bers; $12 members. northtexaschild / january 2016 31 kid culture / EVERYDAY NEW COUNSELING CENTER IN BARTONVILLE NATURE 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Travel to the Tropics Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 See Jan 15. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas. 214/428-7476. texasdiscoverygardens.org. 10am–3pm. Wear bright, tropical clothes to the climate-controlled butterfly 29 FRIDAY house and learn about tropical butterflies and the ON STAGE countries they come from. Free with admission: $8 A Year With Frog and Toad Dallas Children’s Theater, adults; $4 kids ages 3–11. 5938 Skillman St., Dallas. 214/740-0051. dct.org. We have a passion for families; Multiple showtimes Jan 29–31, Feb 6–7, 13–14, CONTINUING: helping in the parent-child relationship 21 and 27–28. See this Tony-nominated Broadway Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan plus educating parents in parenting and musical that follows two unlikely best friends from 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan hibernation to planting, swimming and sledding. behavior management 1. Think See Jan 1. Planetarium Shows See Jan 9. Fort Tickets start at $15. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. Serving children, teens & adults CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan Depressions • anxiety • trauma 24 SUNDAY 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan relationship and/or family concerns ON STAGE 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Curious George – The Golden Meatball Charles W. Eise- See Jan 15. mann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson. 972/744-4650. eisemanncenter. Specialization in pre-teen com. 2:30–3:30pm. Watch the actors of Theatreworks 30 SATURDAY & teen-specific issues USA in this new musical about George’s adventure EDUCATIONAL Big Denton Playdate Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 • self-harming behaviors to Rome, where he discovers the secret ingredient to cooking. Part of the Family Theatre Series. Tickets Oakland St., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary. • conduct disorder com. 10–11:30am. Enjoy a playtime and learn how • anger management start at $13. to turn ordinary household objects into your child’s • suicidal ideation CONTINUING: favorite toy. For ages 1–5. FREE Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan SPORTS 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Harlem Globetrotters American Airlines Center, 2500 Angel Koenig, M.ED, LPC See Jan 15. Victory Ave., Dallas. 800/745-3000. americanairli- Clinical Director nescenter.com. 2 and 7pm Jan 30; 12:30pm Jan 31. Bartonville Town Center See the star-studded roster perform ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family (469) 831-7452 • www.MindfulCounselingTexas.com 25 MONDAY EDUCATIONAL entertainment for the team’s 90th anniversary tour. Call for a free phone consultation today! Batteries Not Included Flower Mound Public Library, Tickets start at $28.50. Accepting BCBS Blue Choice PPO & Blue Options Networks 3030 Broadmoor Ln., Flower Mound. 972/874-6167. CONTINUING: fmlibrary.net. 3:30–4:30pm every fourth Mon. Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan Explore the world through nonfiction books and 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan STEAM activities during this program for kids in K– 1. Think See Jan 1. Planetarium Shows See Jan 9. Fort third grades. FREE Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See Jan 15. A Year With Frog CONTINUING: and Toad See Jan 29. LCA Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 31 SUNDAY PRESCHOOL EXHIBIT See Jan 15. LAKELAND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PRESCHOOL David (Shannon) Goes to the Museum Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. 972/252-2787. 26 TUESDAY irvingartscenter.com. 1–5pm. This is the last day to CONTINUING: see the exhibit of works by internationally acclaimed Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan picture book creator David Shannon, organized 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Literature. FREE See Jan 15. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 1. 27 WEDNESDAY Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo See STORY TIME Jan 15. A Year With Frog and Toad See Jan 29. Harlem Mo Willems Story Time Emily Fowler Central Library, Globetrotters See Jan 30. NOW ENROLLING FOR 2016–2017 502 Oakland St., Denton. 940/349-8752. denton- library.com. 11am. Celebrate the works of award- ACCEPTING NEW FAMILIES winning author Mo Willems at this special story time FREE denotes free event admission. Other costs, such as parking, may apply. FOR FALL 2016 featuring Pigeon, Elephant, Piggie and more. For kids Times, dates and locations are subject to change. Please call ahead before ages 1–5. FREE every event. If you have an event that you’d like us to consider for the next 12 MOS.–PRE-KINDERGARTEN CONTINUING: calendar, please go to dfwchild.com and click on calendar to submit your – CALL TODAY – Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan event. Or fax to 972/447-0633 by the 10th of the month prior to the month 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan of publication. Events must be open to the public and of interest to families in Celebrating God’s Greatest Creation ... a Child. 1. Think See Jan 1. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo the North Texas area. Please include name and description of event, address, See Jan 15. • ABeka Reading Curriculum phone number, website, time, date, cost and age served. We reserve the right • Academically Accredited Preschool to edit or withhold submissions. • Hands-on Exploring and Learning 28 THURSDAY • On-site Library & Gymnasium EDUCATIONAL • Art and Music • Computer Lab Measuring Pennies South Branch Library, 3228 Want to see even more • Hands-on Math & Science Labs Teasley Ln., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary. events? Search our up-to- com. 3:30pm. Make life-sized drawings and learn the-minute online calendar 397 S. STEMMONS FWY. • LEWISVILLE, TX 75067 about the different units of measurement. Best for by date, location and event 972-219-3939 • LCAPRESCHOOL.ORG ages 5–8. FREE facebook.com/LakelandChristianAcademyPreschool type at dfwchild.com. CONTINUING: Creatures of Light See Jan 1. Critter Kingdom See Jan 1. Fort Worth Herd See Jan 1. Penguin Days See Jan 32 january 2016 / northtexaschild THE SOURCE

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his will be the first States, I don’t think he’s the guy presidential election for the job. that truly resonates Marco Rubio My daughter digs with both of my kids as him because he’s young and decent T they’ve reached an age looking. My son likes him because where they’re starting to take notice he’s from Florida, where his favorite of all the noise on TV about politi- NFL team, the Dolphins, plays. cians. And man, I’m having a really I tell them that Senator Rubio is tough time trying to help them the Republican version of the guy navigate through the rhetoric. currently in the White House and When I was a kid, I remember that he’s my personal front-runner something about President Nixon since he’s fiscally conservative — waving as he got into his chop- and because I’m a Dolphins fan too. per and President Ford taking his Jeb Bush I really thought I’d be place. But honestly I only remember talking to my kids about him be- President Ford because he played head (he’s Ted Cruz ing our next president. But … football at Michigan, my all-time in middle He’s from Carly Fiorina I didn’t realize favorite team. school). I Texas. He the term RBF existed until someone When President Reagan took tell them that scares me. I don’t tweeted a photo of Fiorina next to over for President Carter, I still didn’t Clinton won’t likely tell them much more those three letters. I’ll let you figure really worry about who occupied see many votes from than that. out what it stands for, but suffice it the Oval Office. Of course, once you our great state, but it Bernie Sanders to say that Fiorina should smile a graduate from college, get a real job won’t matter. She’s got My daughter loved bit more. My daughter likes that she and start paying for a house, a car, tons of cash and name Larry David’s parody was a big-time business woman, al- insurance, property taxes, etc., you recognition, and her of Sanders on Saturday though that big-time business didn’t care a lot more. husband will likely be Night Live, so that’s do very well under her leadership. My kids certainly have some the most wheels-off enough to capture her My son likes that she’s as aggressive time before that. For now, they’re First Man ever. Who vote. If they could, in debates as Gary Patterson is on just asking a lot of questions about wouldn’t want to watch you know, vote. I tell the sideline. all the folks wanting to be the next that reality show? her that Sanders will At the end of the day, it’s not ex- president of the United States. Donald Trump probably be Clin- actly an all-star presidential lineup Rudy lives in Flower In my lifetime, never has a presi- Speaking of reality ton’s running mate, card. I explain to my kids that with Mound, sells stuff to dential race been so, well, depressing. shows, The Appren- which will keep him the long road leading up to this job, I don’t love any of the candidates. But tice star stirs up make the house payment, out of her way. there’s a lot of media scrutiny, which wanting to be a good steward of the several questions spends weekends on dusty Chris Christie likely scares off this country’s best democratic process for my kids, I put from my kids: “Is his ballfields and recently had My son likes him be- and brightest from even throwing together a cheat sheet so they can hair real? What’s the a GPS chip attached to his cause he resembles their hats in the ring in the first keep the presidential lineup straight deal with this wall daughter. Follow him on my son’s uncle and place. And the prize at the end is as we steam toward the second on the Texas border Twitter: Manifesto10. because he roots for a thankless job that doesn’t pay all Tuesday in November. he keeps talking the Cowboys despite that much considering the hours, Hillary Clinton My daughter about?” When I try to explain that being the governor of New Jersey. the pressure and the liabilities that asked me why she wears so many his candidacy seems as plausible to Sure he’s polling just higher than come with it. pantsuits. I couldn’t answer that one, me as me taking the White House, my high school baseball coach right Luckily, we still have lots of time but she certainly is in dire need of a I’m met with skepticism. After all, now, but he may have a connection to hear debates, understand positions stylist who was born after 1960. For he’s already on TV all the time for to Tony Soprano so please don’t and make decisions — all very adult better or worse, she’s the front-run- some hokey comment or stunt. I’m count him out. things. But kids are paying attention ner. I remind my kids that Clinton’s hoping Trump is just a bad dream Ben Carson Dr. Carson doesn’t too, and it’s our job as parents to help husband was the two-term president that we’ll all wake up from in the engender questions from kids them understand the candidates and who had a questionable relationship near future. But considering every- because I think he’s forgettable. If the process in the race for the White with a certain intern and the truth. one’s frustration with Washington, I were sick, I might want Carson House. Now let’s cross our collective My high school-aged daughter un- D.C., sideshows like Trump are on my team, but when I’m voting fingers and hope that the best man derstood. It went right over my son’s likely here to stay. for the next president of the United (or woman) for the job wins. ntc 34 january 2016 / northtexaschild

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