Holiday Happenings & Gifts

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 1 what’s inside November 2016 • Volume 29 • Number 11

6 Dysgraphia 10 Politics 101 27

all about for kids November

cover story departments 4 ..... editor’s note THE UNOFFICIAL, Homemade versus fast food KID FRIENDLY 8 ..... education connection What grade should kids begin FOOD TASTE TEST: to focus on careers MAKE IT OR BUY IT? 16 ..... teens today 12 Get your teen ready to launch into adulthood features 27 ..... all about November Calender of events and activities 6 ..... Dysgraphia: Children need to be able to “write” to succeed in school special 10 ..... Politics 101 – Talking about elections with your kids sections 24 ..... Birthday party life lessons learned 20-23 community spotlight 2016 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS & GIFTS 5 ..... Shady Side Academy welcomes Fox Chapel Country Day School as second PK-5 campus Winter Party Guide 24-26 Cover: Abby and her mom Ashlee from Hopewell Township. Cover photo: TreyThomasImages 2 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 Winter Party Guide

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 3 editor’s note special occasion, but not healthy as a Homemade meals regular diet. • Preparing most of your meals at home vs. helps train your taste buds to appre- ciate a healthier fare. Your creative fast food cooking skills are bound to improve Publisher: Lynn Honeywill considerably as you learn enjoyable [email protected] he U.S. is the birthplace of fast ways to cook with flavorful and healthy food. Americans eat fewer than 70 ingredients. More meals cooked and Editor: Patricia Poshard Tpercent of their meals at home and eaten at home may help trim the your [email protected] less than a third of American families waistline too. Production and Web Designer : eat meals together more than twice a Kerri Lutz • [email protected] • Food-borne illnesses caused by week, according to Emory University. This bacteria-laden or under-cooked meats Art Consultant: fact, together with the obesity epidemic, Diana Ruhe and vegetables regularly make head- seems to point towards a need for a [email protected] lines and occasionally claim lives. While fundamental change in American food food you buy at the grocery store might Marketing & Finance: culture. be similarly contaminated, attention [email protected] Ann Howley dove into her assignment to proper food handling and cooking Calendar Editor: for this November’s cover story, “The techniques may keep you safer. [email protected] Unofficial, Kid Friendly Food Taste Test: Make It or Buy It,” by conducting her own • And, maybe the most important factor Social Media: taste tests asking young kids to weigh in we have lost sight of, children benefit [email protected] on homemade and fast food versions of greatly from the ritual of eating meals Advertising: the same recipes. Believe me, it is a great together. Family meals provide oppor- East/South Sales read! tunities for sharing the day’s events [email protected] A collective return to the home- and create a relaxing transition from North Sales cooked meal may offer significant health busy daytime activities to slower-paced [email protected] evening ones. and social advantages over current Editorial/Social Media Intern: trends. This inspired me to do some • Cooking meals at home and involving Maria Castello thinking on my own about the fast food your children in food preparation is the phenomena that exists today … even at best way to teach them healthy eating Founding Publisher: my house sans kids, it is easier to eat out. habits. Statistically, children who grow Marilyn McCabe Honeywill Here are just a few reasons it might be up in households where meals are 1931 - 2013 healthier to eat meals made at home. eaten together perform better academ- • Cooking your own meals affords you ically and show less tendency toward Pittsburgh Parent is published the peace of mind that goes along with engaging in risky behaviors according 12 times a year by Honey Hill Publishing, Inc.

having complete control over the type to Washington State University nutrition P.O. Box 674, Valencia, PA 16059

and quality of ingredients in your meals researchers Martha Marina and Sue 724-898-1898 • pittsburghparent.com

and the degree of cleanliness that goes Butkus. Office hours: Mon - Fri, 9am-4pm. Subscriptions: 1 year—$18 into their preparation. Just a few thoughts as we all try to • Preparing meals at home allows you to Pittsburgh Parent is distributed monthly to over 800 manage our time and our health in this locations in and around Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, easily accommodate family members fast paced world we live in! n Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties. or guests who have allergies or food Distribution of this paper does not constitute an endorsement of information, products, or services. The intolerances, some of which, such as publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement peanut and shellfish allergies, can lead or listing which is not in keeping with the publication’s to life-threatening emergencies. standards. The entire contents of the publication are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or copied in any • Restaurant and other commercially form without permission of the publisher. Copyright Honey prepared foods are notoriously high in Hill Publishing Inc. 2016. All rights reserved. fat, salt and sugar. These foods are fine Patricia Poshard, Editor Distribution Audited By as an occasional indulgence or for a

4 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION SPONSORED CONTENT Shady Side Academy Welcomes Fox Chapel Country Day School as Second PK-5 Campus

By Shady Side Academy

Families in Pittsburgh’s Children spend time playing, north suburbs now have exploring and learning outdoors greater access to the region’s on the beautiful wooded best PK-12 education, campus, as well as in the bright, as Shady Side Academy welcoming indoor classrooms. welcomes Fox Chapel Country Ideal student/teacher ratios Day School as its second support a learning environment in PK-5 campus in 2017. which small groups of students The two highly respected are given a foundation in math, independent schools signed reading, science, language arts, a merger agreement this past Spanish and other academic summer. areas, carefully designed to With the merger, Shady meet the needs of varied levels Side Academy now offers and learning styles. The solid families the choice between academic curriculum, along with two PK-5 campuses, one a strong commitment to the in Point Breeze and one creative and performing arts, in Fox Chapel. While both builds confidence and social junior school experiences skills while preparing students for are distinct, they are equally alive with engaged and curious Shady Side’s Middle School. learners who are well-prepared to succeed at Shady Side’s FCCDS campus facilities includes a library, technology Middle and Senior Schools. center, gym, science lab, auditorium, arts facilities and SMART Fox Chapel Country Day School is located on 17 acres of Boards. Outdoor spaces include an educational garden, athletic wooded grounds within the Fox Chapel parkland area. The field, playground and outdoor classroom. school enrolls more than 100 students in junior pre-kindergarten “We are very excited about formalizing a relationship that (age three) through fifth grade. Founded in 1948, the school has been very close over the years,” said Fox Chapel Country provides a foundation that is centered in academics and the Day School Head of School Sharon Smith. “Historically, Country arts, in which each child can achieve both academic success Day has been a strong feeder for Shady Side’s Middle School, and personal self-confidence. Historically, a majority of FCCDS so many Fox Chapel Country Day School families are also graduates have gone on to attend SSA Middle School, which is Shady Side Academy families.” located less than a mile up the road. “Sixty percent of our Middle School enrollment is from the From the moment you enter Fox Chapel Country Day northern suburbs, but many of those families don’t join us until School, its motto, “Childhood is a journey, not a race,” is sixth grade because the commute to our Junior School in Point unmistakable. The unhurried, nurturing environment fosters Breeze is simply too long,” said SSA President Tom Cangiano. happy and creative students who come to school ready to “This merger will give more North Hills families access to a discover and learn each day. Shady Side Academy education at an earlier age.” Each morning, students participate in school wide Students who live in a school district within ten miles of the and classroom meetings, learning the value in caring for FCCDS campus are eligible under Pennsylvania law for bus others, themselves and their environment. Close, supportive transportation by their home school district at no cost. School interactions promote lifelong friendships, with the older children districts falling in that ten-mile radius include Allegheny Valley, serving as “buddies” and mentors for the younger children. Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton, North Allegheny, North Talented and dedicated teachers work with parents from Hills, Penn Hills, Pine-Richland, Pittsburgh Public Schools, the very beginning, recognizing that each child’s educational Plum, Riverview, Shaler and Woodland Hills. journey is unique. Families interested in learning more about Fox Chapel Country Day School are encouraged to attend the school’s Admissions Open House on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9:30 a.m. The campus is located at 620 Squaw Run Road East, Pittsburgh PA 15238. To RSVP for the open house, to inquire about admission for the 2017-2018 school year, or to simply learn more, visit www. ShadySideAcademy.org/CountryDay or call 412-963-8644.

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 5 Signs of dysgraphia Dysgraphia: Make sure (ages 4-6) • Difficulty learning the alphabet and identifying letter sounds to the your child has the “write” stuff to letter. By Sue LeBreton • Difficulty learning the letters in succeed at school their own name. • Avoiding drawing and writing. their child seen by a medical doctor or a • Avoiding fine motor centers or psychologist, the professionals who are stations. qualified to assess spatial dysgraphia and processing dysgraphia. • Poor ability to cut with scissors. In processing dysgraphia there is a • Awkward pencil grasp. missing link between working memory • Poor pencil control for curved and the muscle movements required to letters. do the printing or writing. People with this form say they cannot see the letters or • Good at copying, but cannot words in their “mind’s eye”. compose own words. Spatial dysgraphia occurs when the • Frustration and shutting down person has difficulty understanding what behaviors. the eyes are seeing. They struggle to see • Self-esteem slipping, feelings of how objects are positioned relative to being stupid. each other and how things are similar or different. Signs of dysgraphia Unfortunately, both spatial and pro- (ages 7-12) oes your child avoid homework cessing dysgraphia remain with children • Mixing upper and lower case or become distressed when that throughout their lifetime, so parents must letters work with educators to provide modifica- Dhomework involves printing or writ- • Poor spelling. ing? Does he have an awkward pencil tions and accommodations. “It will help • Poor spacing between words. grasp? Is his printing or handwriting your child develop sound study habits difficult to decipher? Can he communi- and realize this is a condition that can be • Poor placement of letters and cate his ideas verbally but struggles to worked with. It is not some- words on the line. organize thoughts on paper? If any of this thing that needs to be • Tiring when writing due to sounds familiar your child may have a disabling. Today’s awkward pencil grasp. learning disability called dysgraphia. children are fortunate to • Saying letters and words out loud Students with learning disabilities have while writing. normal intelligence but have difficulty with be able to their brain’s ability to receive, process, benefit • Difficulty thinking of words to store or analyze information. These from technol- write. disabilities are usually diagnosed after ogy compared • Poor comprehension of what is children enter school. This is when par- to kids in the past written. who could only have ents and teachers are more likely see the • Self-esteem slipping further. gap between affected children and their dreamed of such help,” peers. If not addressed, this gap increas- says Painter. Signs of dysgraphia in es over the years as learning becomes Despite the availability of a wide array teens and adults more complex. The sooner children are of technology, Painter has noticed that • Mixing print and cursive styles of identified and receive help, the better they both parents and educators are hesitant writing. to use the technology because they fear do in school and socially. • Difficulty brainstorming main idea, that children will not learn the skills if they There are three distinct types of supporting sentences. dysgraphia: motor, spatial and process- use this “crutch”. Her practical experience • Poor organization of writing ideas ing. Children can have one or more of disproves this. “Anybody can succeed in general. these types of dysgraphia. Helen Painter, if they are given the right tools, lifelong Occupational Therapist and author of tools. There is no excuse for not helping • Difficulty organizing what has Dysgraphia: Your Essential Guide, says these kids today,” says Painter. already been written down. that it is crucial to determine which form If you suspect your child may have • Widening gap between speech of dysgraphia your child has so you can issues with dysgraphia have a physician and written work. or psychologist perform testing so that choose the appropriate treatment and • Work avoidance. accommodations. your child can get the appropriate sup- Motor dysgraphia is the easiest to rec- port and counseling. n • Taking huge amount of time for ognize as it is when a child struggles due work completion. to poor motor skills such as a poor pencil • Decreased comprehension when grasp. Often a child will be screened and Sue LeBretons’ son was finally diagnosed writing requirement increases. with dysgraphia after many years spent begin working on those fine motor skills • Difficulty with grammar and focusing on motor skills. He has both with an occupational therapist. Painter spelling. suggests that the motor issue (if it occurs motor and processing dysgraphia and • Lowered self-esteem. as the sole form of the disability) can be has become a happier, more engaged almost fixed in a month or two. If issues student with the help of technology. (Source: Dysgraphia: continue she says parents should have Your Essential Guide by Helen Painter)

6 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 7 education connection Dear Teacher

By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

Right grade to focus on careers

When is the right age for children to begin focusing on a Q: career? The counselors at our children’s middle school have a program to help the students become more aware of the career choices available to them. The eighth-graders are even being asked to identify a career path so they can take electives to bolster their interests. This seems awfully early to me, as so many college freshmen scarcely have an idea of what they would like to be. What do you think? - Career Decisions

For a long time, middle-schools have had the exploration A: of careers as part of their curriculum. This is not new. The idea is sound. It lets children in middle school see the vast range of career options that exist. And it has the added benefit of letting them see the level of education required for different careers and can help them make better academic decisions in high school. Furthermore, the earlier children explore careers, the longer they have to explore a variety of careers and narrow their choices. In addition, it may influence students who are likely to drop out to stay in school in order to gain the training needed for a specific career.

8 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 Learning disability services

What should parents do after a school agrees that their child Q: has a learning disability and is eligible for services? - Next Step

The special education process is complicated at best. So the first A: step parents should make is to educate themselves on federal and state laws and regulations concerning special education services. A good source for this information is the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) in their home state. The centers do have different names in each state. You can easily find the one in your state by visiting the Center for Parent Information and Resources online at parentcenterhub.org. Many states also have Community Resource Centers (CRC) that largely provide the same services but focus more on helping parents with low incomes or limited English proficiency. Both PTI and CRC centers will provide parents with information on the phone or through emails and websites. They are staffed with knowledgeable people. Many really understand the process of getting the right help for children with learning Register and start lessons in November disabilities, as they often have children with disabilities. or December and get a pair of Goggles These centers often have workshops, or Swim Diaper FREE! conferences and seminars for parents. They also may publish newsletters. Must be original ad Most of their services are free. However, Offer expires December 23, 2016. parents should ask if there are costs for the services that they are seeking. n

Parents should send questions and Goldfish Swim School — Wexford comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. Call 724.799.8850 or visit us online at com or ask them on the columnists’ www.goldfishswimschool.com website at www.dearteacher.com

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 9 Politics 101: Talking elections with kids By Maria Castello

tion. Says Pittsburgh licensed professional e all know counselor Lindsay Brain: “It’s a great children opportunity to expand thinking skills of Woften ask children… and reinforce key values their parents difficult that parents strive to teach.” and complicated questions, and questions regarding U.S. and international politics, presidential candidates, and the electoral process are certainly not exempt. As this year’s election seasea-- son continues to rage on, you may soon find yourself (if you haven’t already) in the difficult position of trying to help your children navigate through the Here are some ideas, then, for how person’s character (whether they be a murky, perplexing nature of the parents can use the election season presidential candidate or your next-door United States political system. as an excellent all-around educational neighbor) and treating everyone with “Starting from a young opportunity for their kids: respect, no matter how difficult this may age - early elementary school be. This will be important for your children - parents can begin to discuss Teach the importance of to remember no matter where they go in how elections of government participating in politics/democracy life. officials impact their world, says Brain says, “[The physical act of voting] Dr. Deborah Kruglak Gilman, is an educational experience and helps Emphasize the importance of Ph.D., of Pittsburgh. “The best increase [children’s] understanding about research and proactive learning time to begin talking to young the voting process. Many children are Take your children to the library and kids is when they show interest curious and actually visiting the polls can in issues that impact them.” help them choose books on the United help the child learn. However, parents States’s history, presidents, politics Kids learn about United States must vote independently and supervision history and politics from their and government. Help them research while the parent is voting could be a websites about these same topics. For teachers at school, but also concern for some. Whenever possible, from friends, other family mem- elementary school-aged kids, Gilman rec- take the time to vote and take your kids ommends books like Duck for President, bers, books, and, increasingly, with you so they can see the physical the Internet and social media. by Doreen Cronin, Max for President, by process of voting. Watch the debates Jarret J. Krosoczka and Vote! By Eileen Naturally, these sources often and allow your children to watch them, raise more questions than they Christelow. For older kids, she recom- too. This will help them understand the mends the magazine TIME For Kids, the answer, and this is where you, privilege and responsibility held by those as a parent, can step in. Nick News app, the video game Political of us living in a democratic society like the Machine 2016 and the Scholastic News You may not be sure how United States. to clearly and intelligently talk website. And, as Brain says, “The best to your children about these resource I am aware of for discuss- Discuss the existence ing politics with children is your child’s issues - you may not even really of moral ambiguity understand them yourself. It’s teacher. Understanding what your child still worthwhile, however, for “It’s best not to stress absolutes with chil- is learning in school can help parents you to make an attempt to dren because things are rarely all-good grasp how much information or detail help your kids understand the or all-bad in life in general, but especially about politics their child is ready to hear.” basics of national politics and in politics,” Brain says. “It’s very rare to Ask your child’s teacher about additional n this year’s presidential election. totally agree 100 percent with any candi- resources. As the American author James date and it’s ok for children to understand Baldwin wrote, “It is certain, in this.” Areas of grayness almost always Maria Castello is an Intern from the Uni- any case, that ignorance, allied exist in life, especially within the political versity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh Parent with power, is the most fero- sphere and the election season is a great Magazine. cious enemy justice can have.” time to begin teaching your children this Talking to your kids about lesson. “When discussing political opin- politics might seem like a dif- ions, above all, parents should be positive ficult and daunting task. There and accepting about the fact that differing do exist many ways, however, views exist,” says Gilman. “Help children for parents to use a competent, to see all sides of an issue,” she adds. respectful conversation about Demonstrate respect politics as a great opportunity for their children (and maybe Respect is an important and neces- even for themselves!) to learn sary virtue in all aspects of life. Explain about more than just the elec- the importance of not attacking another 10 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 Politics 101: Talking elections with kids By Maria Castello

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 11 THE UNOFFICIAL, KID FRIENDLY FOOD TASTE TEST: MAKE IT OR BUY IT?

By Ann Howley

m not a nutritionist. I don’t consider myself a “foodie,” and, judging by the existence of chicken and beef in my deep freezer, I’m not a vegetarian. I don’t kid myself. I’m not even a great cook. I’I’m just a mom

Not too long ago, when I was singlehandedly raising two young sons while working full time, I was a busy, guilt-ridden mom who could not live up to her naive pledge to only cook from scratch for her children. Feeding your child is a parent’s most primitive and primary responsibility, and like most moms and dads, I took it seriously. I worried about chemicals, dyes, pesticides, preservatives, sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and calories. I pushed my kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. But no matter how hard I tried to make baked salmon and wilted spinach appealing, my boys would have been perfectly satisfied if I let them subsist on mac n cheese, pizza and chicken fingers. I admit it. I caved into pressure. I took shortcuts. I occasionally bought kid-friendly frozen and prepared foods that I thought I would always have the maternal willpower to avoid. The truth is my sons were ecstatic with a frozen pizza on a Friday night, and if I made a pot of macaroni with that suspicious orange powdered cheese, half the kids in the neighborhood would be over for lunch. Ultimately, I rationalized that I only had so much time, energy and creativity to devote to cooking, but when I didn’t make a meal from scratch, I felt like a cop out. Times are changing, though. The public has increasingly demanded more transparency and accountability with respect to preservatives, hormones and genetically modified foods. Over the last few years, the food industry has started to offer healthier, simpler and more nutritious choices. Organic foods, once relegated to a lone shelf, now take up an entire aisle at the grocery store. With a lot of fanfare, Cheerios recently went gluten-free. It seems like there are a lot more healthy options today and it made me wonder. If parents want to feed kids their favorite foods, is it still better to make it from scratch or buy it? Given the constraints of time and budget, can parents feel better about buying frozen and prepared foods today? When it comes to the most popular kid foods, would kids choose hormone-free-non- GMO-nothing-artificial-store-bought varieties over homemade? I decided to put it to the test. Since I’m a few years removed from cooking for school-aged children, I called my friend, Jessica Moslander, to ask if she would be willing to host what I called The First Ever, Unofficial, Kid-Friendly Food Taste Test. (I should have added Unscientific.) “My kids are picky and probably won’t try much, but I’m sure I can gather a few kids for you,” Jessica replied. “Great!” I said, silently fearing the embarrassment of writing about a taste test if all the kids refused to eat. “It’ll be fun!” 12 to DiGiornos Rising Crust Cheese Pizza, because that’s what my boys always liked. Then when I got to the frozen foods waffle section, there were numerous organic options available. But sud- denly I remembered a sleepover when neighbor kids refused to eat my homemade waffles because they didn’t pop out of a toaster. “Those aren’t real waffles,” young Joey had said. Having a long standing axe to grind, I put a box of The ground rules frozen Eggo waffles in my basket. At least they were “Homestyle.” I spent $67.08 for the prepared foods and the FOOD TASTE TEST: My plan was this: ingredients I needed and I already felt like I was I would select five of the kid-friendliest foods and prepare two spinning a little out of control. 4. Waffles aversions, one homemade and one store-bought for the panel The next morning, I organized myself and MAKE IT OR BUY IT? of kids to try. Here were my choices:5. Fruit cups spent the morning cooking and baking, which 1. Chicken fingers required searching for key ingredients I thought 2. Mac n cheese I had. In doing so, I discovered a small bottle of 3. Cheese pizza root beer concentrate in my cupboard. Since I have never used root beer concentrate, I had For the store-bought products, I would attempt to buy no idea where it could have come from. aorganic, if possible, or brands with as few ingredients and I called my husband to ask if he remem- artificiality. bered buying root beer concentrate. He suggested that maybe it was an ingredient Since I possess only modest culinary talent, and I get that Sarah, my stepdaughter, might have aimpatient and frustrated if a dish takes more than 30 minutes used when she was going through her to prepare, all the homemade recipes had to be easy, quick vegan phase. This surprised me because and require only basic, simple ingredients. I couldn’t imagine any scenario in which I decided this test was not going to be about cost, because root beer concentrate was something aI assumed that most parents understand that, unless their that would appeal to a temporary children expect truffles and lobster in their macaroni, it is vegan. invariably less expensive to cook from scratch. I could have Nonetheless, the more press- calculated the cost of each dish, but that would have required ing dilemma was that I couldn’t find me to extrapolate how many pennies it would cost to use two that small yellow tin of dry mustard and a half cups of flour from a 25-pound bag in my pantry. I that had been sitting on the shelf can do the math, but please don’t make me. Let’s just agree for years. So, in one of my many that cooking from scratch is cheaper. cooking compromises, my recipe for Ronald Reagan’s Favor- I would devise a score sheet, so the kids could keep track of ite Macaroni & Cheese was going what they liked and didn’t like. a to be made sans dry mustard. (We I had no idea what was going to happen. may be in an election year, but this is not a a political statement. This is just a well-known recipe I remember making and liking.) After preparing food all morning, I packed everything up, along with plates, napkins and scorecards and headed to Jessica’s Cranberry home to face five kids, who were hungry and ready to eat. At least, I hoped they were.

Preparation continued on page 14 The day before the test, I searched for recipes online, pulled out my ancient, food-stained Betty Crocker Cook- book, made a list and went to Giant Eagle. Grocery shopping stresses me out. I try to be a good shopper. I look for bargains and compare cost and ingredi- ents, but I spend too much time reading labels and agoniz- ing over small details. I doubt and second guess myself and usually end up randomly picking something without confidence in my choice. There was a beautiful display of melons in the produce department. I wanted to buy a cantaloupe, which should have been a simple task. Unfortunately, I have a long history of incompetence when it comes to selecting a ripe melon. So after spending 20 minutes picking up, turning over, pok- ing and prodding the cantaloupes, I still went home with, what you’ll read later, a hopeless piece of fruit. I also did not strictly adhere to my goal of sticking to or- ganic and minimally-processed products. I lose focus when I’m faced with too many choices. When I had to choose The neighborhood children: between dozens of frozen pizzas, all promising to be varying Bree, Cassidy, Ivy, Alex and Kayla! degrees of real, non-GMO and preservative-free, I gravitated November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 13 The Test I met my esteemed panel of 6 to10 year old taste-testers, including Jessica’s two kids, Alex and Kayla Moslander, plus neighbors Bree Archey, Cassidy Stopchick, and her sister Ivy. I passed out the score sheets and showed them the emoji grading key, which consisted of these 3 symbols:

I explained that I brought two different kinds Alex grimacing! of the same foods and I wanted them to try grimacing! Bree enjoying! each one and circle the appropriate symbol.

Here’s what happened

Kid friendly... continued from page 13 like Kraft. I rationalized that it was made with organic pasta and contained cheese from “Cows Not Treated with rBST.” Whatever Chicken fingers that means. Curse my weak will. I found the most basic recipe I could find to make homemade The results of this taste test surprised me. I had such high chicken fingers. I bought what was advertised as all natural, hopes for my Presidential version. It looked delicious, and later minimally processed, no added antibiotics, growth stimulants, my husband and I enjoyed the leftovers. But Alex and Kayla hormones or artificial ingredients and vegetarian diet fed chicken refused to try my mac n cheese. In a blow to President Reagan, tenders. Please note I paid a few extra bucks for all that pedi- all the testers circled the happy thumbs up emoji for the store- gree. I dipped the chicken first in flour, then egg, and shook it up bought version, which proves that, as I feared, kids love Kraft. Or, in a mixture of bread crumbs, parmesan cheese. I baked it for in this case, Kraft-ish mac n cheese. Dang. about 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven. The store-bought version was a bag of Tyson Multigrain Chicken Breast Fillets, which touted five ancient grains, none of the added “bad stuff,” and the chicken pictured on the bag Which pizza is looked delicious. homemade? The kids overwhelmingly liked the homemade chicken fingers. Three of the kids highlighted their choice by drawing a star or a happy face next to the emoji, which we agreed meant they RE- ALLY liked it. One of the girls liked the Tyson product more, but Alex wrote “no taste” next to the thumbs down emoji. These results gratified me because I felt really good about the homemade chicken fingers. They were easy to make and by substituting the flour and bread crumbs, it wouldn’t be hard to make the dish gluten-free. Best of all, they were delicious. (I tasted them, too.) Mac n cheese I had no intention of buying macaroni and cheese in a box for this test. For years, I doubted that anything in that blue Kraft box could legitimately be called “cheese,” and when I had eventu- ally succumbed and fed my kids boxed macaroni and cheese, I was sure that my days as a responsible parent were over. I didn’t know what store-bought product I was going to buy, but I was certain it would not be a Kraft-type brand. Then a few weeks earlier, when talking to my sister-in-law, Brooke, about this upcoming taste test, she told me that she always buys organic Kraft macaroni and cheese for her daughter. “Madison loves it!” she said. So, when I stood in the pasta aisle, feeling confused and overwhelmed again by too many choices, my sister-in-law’s endorsement made me gravitate to the enemy Kraft section. When I couldn’t find an organic version, I decided on a box of Annie’s Homegrown Macaroni & Cheese, which looked exactly

14 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 Pizza I dreaded the thought of making homemade pizza because I have never been able to get the hang of yeast. My husband is an expert. He bakes bread, rolls, pizza and calzones like it’s his second nature. He understands yeast. “The water can’t be too hot,” he says when my dough fails to rise. “Why did you add the salt with the sugar?” he admonishes, confirming that my natural instinct is to kill yeast. I almost chickened out and asked him to make the homemade pizza for me, but decided against it. Simplicity was the key, so my crust was made with nothing more than flour, yeast, salt and two tablespoons of olive oil. My sauce was even more basic: a can of tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano and a teaspoon of sugar. The most enjoyable part was kneading the heck out of the dough, which felt cathartic since I was certain my pizza was going to be a flop. Kids with their Then a miracle happened. The dough rose, and when the scorecards! fully assembled pie, with its puffy crust and melted mozzarella cheese, came out of the oven, I felt victorious. pieces disintegrated into mush, which made the sliced straw- I am proud to say that my homemade pizza smashed the berries, blueberries and grapes look like they were swimming in DiGiorno competition. The kids drew extra happy faces and a sea of green slime. I ended up scooping out as much melon stars next to my pizza and both Cassidy and Ivy wrote “awe- mush as I could, thereby keeping my streak of melon failure some cook!” on their score sheets. Only sweet, little Kayla gave intact. DiGiorno an extra star, but that will not stop me from believing However, three of the girls equally liked both types of fruit. that I finally conquered my fear of yeast. “Both amazing,” Bree wrote. Alex wouldn’t try the fresh fruit and gave an emphatic thumbs Waffles down to the Dole product. His ever-discerning sister, Kayla, If there is one area that I have demonstrated meal mastery, it refused to try any of the fruit. is breakfast. I always cooked a hot breakfast for my sons. Eggs, waffles, pancakes or French toast started the day. This was something I was proud of. Rarely did my boys eat cold cereal Make it before heading off to school. Granted, breakfast is the easiest meal to cook, but I always felt better knowing that they had a hot meal. or buy it? I immediately forgave our former neighbor children for I can’t speak for any parent but myself, but after shopping, refusing to eat my homemade waffles, but I welcomed another cooking and baking both prepared and homemade foods, I can referendum on the topic. unequivocally say that I felt much better about serving the home- To my delight, my homemade waffles were a hit over the made versions. Overall, my small group of taste testers generally Eggo brand. That’s not to say the kids didn’t like the frozen liked the homemade foods better. waffles. Cassidy and Ivy wrote “OK” on the score sheet, and What surprised me is that cooking these dishes from scratch again, Kayla added a few extra smiley faces to her Eggo score. was much easier than I remembered. Maybe it’s because I But I was pleased with Alex’s assessment of my waffles. don’t have to feed youngsters day in and day out anymore, so “Looks good and tastes better,” he wrote. there’s no weariness factor playing in to my assessment. If I had And on the back of the score sheet, Alex added: organized myself better, I realized I could have prepared the mac n cheese, pizza, chicken and waffle batter ahead of time to add extra convenience to meal preparation. In hindsight, I wish I had done that more when I was raising my sons. Fruit cup When I told my twentysomething son, Michael, about this There’s not a lot of cooking involved in preparing fruit, but I taste test, he said, “You’re a good cook, Mom. I always en- was curious. Would the testers prefer fresh fruit over “canned” joyed the meals you made… except pancakes,” he added with fruit? When I think of fruit in a can or a cup, I still remember the disgust. heavy, sugary syrup that used to drench traditional “canned” fruit. What?! How could I screw up pancakes? Were they root beer But now, most lunchbox fruit containers advertise 100 percent flavored? fruit juice or “no added sugar,” which indicates a healthier trend. I have a message for Bree, Cassidy, Ivy, Alex and Kayla: I bought Dole Mixed Fruit Bowls in 100 percent fruit juice for Be glad I stuck to waffles. n the kids to test. I also bought fresh strawberries, blueberries, green grapes and cantaloupe to make a fresh fruit salad. However, when I cut Pittsburgh writer and regular contributor, Ann K. Howley, would into the melon, it was green inside. What I thought was a canta- like to thank her five fabulous taste testers, and especially Alex, loupe, definitely was not. I had to examine my receipt to see that who wrote “2nd best cook ever behind my mom.” I’m sure his I bought something called a “Galia” melon? mother, Jessica, makes great pancakes. Unfortunately, it was so overripe that when I cut it up, the

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 15 teens today Bittersweet bonding: Get your teen ready to launch into adulthood By Christina Katz

on’t hold onto your teens too tightly, parents. The high school years are meant to be a prepara- Dtion to launch them from home out into the world. Bear in mind that entire books have been written to help adults recover from the behavior of their misguided parents, who unconsciously clipped their wings because they couldn’t cope with the uncomfortable feelings that come with letting go. Your goal is to stay alert as you bravely prepare for a separation that is inevitable. If you feel weepy and clingy about the physical distance that will arise between you and your future young adult, you will set her up for feelings of guilt and obligation that won’t serve her as she forges her own path in the world. Teens need incremental independence and appreciate your assistance getting used to the consequences of their choices. If you coddle your teen, do all her thinking for her, intercede in the face of every life challenge, swiftly grant every whim, and then abruptly withdraw your assistance after college, your child is bound to struggle. Don’t set your child up for a big fall, especially if you have a well-behaved or reticent teen, skilled at avoiding parent upset and disappointment. A rebel- lious or strong-minded teen will be less concerned about hurting their parents’ feelings and can make choices that please him more easily. But teens of any disposition need support and encourage- ment to make a smooth transition from

16 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 the safe haven of home into self-reliance. Besides, there are ways to keep teens close to your heart while gently encourag- ing the independence that will help them grow the wings they will need to soar out into a world full of happy life choices. Create a say anything space Don’t shy away from serious topics with your teen. Drugs, alcohol, date rape, sexual assault, gender identity, sexual preference and birth control are just a few topics that need to be faced squarely and discussed openly with your teen before he leaves home. One way to broach these topics might be to watch and discuss topical films together that you wouldn’t necessarily share with younger children. The key here is to establish an open door of communication through which no topics are off-limits. If this makes you squeamish, it’s time to deal with uncom- fortable topics whether you like them or not. Enlist your spouse’s ear to get your concerns off your chest first and share the responsibility of holding challenging discussions. Everyone in the family will likely become more accepting, mature and open-minded thanks to your willing- ness to open up.

continued on page 18

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 17 Bittersweet... continued from page 17 Discuss relationship wisdom Intimacy with another person requires a strong sense of individuality. Encourage your teen to see all relationships as learn- ing opportunities. Use high school social situations as opportunities to discuss what she needs and wants in various types of relationships, to consider what attracts and repels her and to explore which groups feel the most comfortable. Peer pressure is strong in high school, so if you don’t ask these questions, your teen’s self-awareness may not increase. Conversations about the role of relationships encourage self-knowledge, which can lead to happier connections in the long run. When it comes to creating lasting relationships with others, self- awareness is paramount. Therefore don’t place too much emphasis on finding “the one” or being part of the popular crowd. Your acceptance of the needs and wants of your teen will go a long way towards her future happiness. Illuminate paths to earning

Most teens like money. Money means, among other things, freedom to a teenag- er. Modern money skills include exploring the possible ways to earn as well as the savvy ways to save, spend and invest. If you find you spend a lot of time discuss- ing managing money, maybe it’s time to educate yourself on current paths to earning. Try to keep your fearful assumptions about possible career paths in check. If your teen is an artist, explore the plethora of online earning opportunities that exist today. If your teen enjoys physical move- ment, research the jobs that allow her to be on her feet rather than sitting behind a desk. And try not to obsess about future job security. Get a career counselor involved to help your teen explore jobs that maximize her natural talents and curiosities. Interrupt anxiety with spontaneity Making the leap from home into the big wide world is a major life transition that can trigger worry. A helpful technique for any parent to learn to help break the cycle of negative thinking is anxiety interruption. When you notice the tight shoulders or the snappy disposition, why not suggest a little walk or drive or maybe even a spontaneous shopping trip. This 18 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 may seem like a strange parenting habit but what you are helping your teen do is break the cycle of stress before it starts affecting the decision-making process. Focusing constantly on the problems at hand blocks spontaneous solutions from bubbling up. So when your teen is struggling with what feels like a big deci- sion, teach him how to move away from stress, let go of anxious thinking and shift focus until clear thinking returns. Some- times the easiest way to have a break- through is by getting into a calmer, more receptive state of mind. Reconsider ultimatums Let your teen decide where he stands on family traditions and rituals. “As long as you are living in this house, you will go to church every Sunday along with the entire family,” is one possible approach. But another way is to establish a cut-off east end date for family obligations. Perhaps after 412.421.8565 the age of 16 your children could decide 2345 Murray Ave, Suite 210 whether or not they will attend a family Pittsburgh, PA 15217 commitment like religious services or not. If your teen does not wish to join in, let her experience what it’s like to abstain. Then, if she decides to come back north hills around you will know it’s because she 412.369.0600  /Reed Orthodontics wants to rather than because she must. 4725 McKnight Road, Suite 107 And if she does not wish to participate TinaReedOrthodontics.com Pittsburgh, PA 15237 right now, it’s your job to get used to the idea. Your teen will grow up and make her own choices in the future, anyway. If this is a hard truth for you to swallow, perhaps you need to start practicing relinquishing pressure now. Emphasize ways to decompress Anticipate alone-time shortages, especially during the emotionally intense graduation year. Then strive to instill self- reflection, self-care and self-expression, so these habits will be there to comfort your teen in the future. Writing, drawing, biking and knitting all induce a state of creative flow. As the departure date to leave home approaches, you may notice teens are more absorbed with friends and social activities than interested in spending time alone. But moments of quality down time are when people connect with inner guid- ance and are crucial to leading a healthy, well-rounded life. And remember, if you want your teen to discover and follow his bliss, you are going to have to set a good example. Your hobbies will come in handy, as you both cope with the natural feelings of grief that are sure to arise as you and your teen prepare to part on happy terms. n

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is readying herself for the inevitable day she has to say goodbye to her teen. But, like many parents, she can’t say she’s looking forward to it. November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 19 2016 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS & GIFTS

ACTIVITIES Nov. 18 – Santa Claus Is Shopping In Town Nov. 25 – Christmas Parade in Saxonburg Santa Arrives, luminaries, carolers, food, Live nativity & Santa Clause, 7pm AND PARADES entertainment & more, 5-9pm, • insidebutlercounty.com Main Street, Monongahela & New Eagle Nov. 7 – Santa’s First Stop Nov. 26 – Reindeer Round Up • monongahelaareachamber.org Santa will arrives at 6pm, light the tree, holiday FREE, Share your Wish List with Santa, face crafts & refreshments, Cranberry Twp. Municipal Nov. 18-Dec. 23 – Peoples Gas painting, make a reindeer hat & pom pom magnet, Center • twp.cranberry.pa.us/ Holiday Market 11am-2pm, Fifth Avenue Place, Downtown Inspired by the German Christkindlmarkts, stroll Pittsburgh • FifthAvenuePlacePA.com Nov. 10 – Light Up Night through an illuminated Market Square, weaving Parade, Santa & fireworks, 6pm, New Castle Nov. 26 – Enon Valley Light-Up Night through Alpine-style wooden chalets, brimming • lawrencecountychamber.org Games, crafts, refreshments & tree lighting with gifts, live performances, Santa & much more, ceremony to follow, 6pm, Enon Valley Community Nov. 12 – Christmas on Main Street M-Th, 11am-8pm, F & S, 11am-9:30pm, Sun, Volunteer Fire Hall • visitbeavercounty.com Saint Nick arrives, strolling carolers, musicians, 11am-6pm, Market Square, Pittsburgh carriage rides, demonstrations, food & much more, • downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays Nov. 26 – Beaver Falls Annual 10am-6pm, Main Street, Volant Lighted Christmas Parade Nov. 19 – Pine Holiday Dazzle • volantshops.com Lighted parade featuring floats, fire trucks, Indoors & outdoors, Santa, bonfire, carriage rides motorcycles and jeeps, 7pm, Seventh Avenue, Nov. 18 – Light Up Night Sleepover & fireworks, 4-7pm, Pine Community Center Beaver Falls • visitbeavercounty.com Themed activities, Omnimax movie, late night • twp.pine.pa.us snack & continental breakfast, 6pm-9:30am, Nov. 26- Dec. 17 Nov. 19 – Holiday Light Parade Carnegie Science Center Creation Stations 6pm, Hermitage • mercercountypa.org • (*PR) carnegiesciencecenter.org FREE holiday children’s activities featuring the Nov. 19 – Mascot Skate Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, a new theme Nov. 18 – Light Up Night at PPG Place Join more than 30 local mascots for a special each Saturday, 11am-2pm, Fifth Avenue Place, Ice Rink and Holiday exhibits open for season, holiday skate party, 1-3pm, The Rink at PPG Place Downtown Pittsburgh • FifthAvenuePlacePA.com 5pm, PPG Place, Pittsburgh • ppgplace.com/ • ppgplace.com/directory/the-rink/ Nov. 26 – Candyland Celebration Nov. 18 – Annual Light-Up Night Nov. 25 – Beaver Light Up Festival 1-5pm, Downtown Butler • insidebutlercounty.com Fun for the whole family, entertainment, activities, FREE children’s photo with Santa, horse-drawn music, magic and memories all across Nov. 26 – Spirit of Christmas Parade- carriage rides, parade, hot chocolate, donuts, the Golden Triangle, Pittsburgh Christmas Trees & Memories fireworks and live entertainment, 5-9pm, Beaver • downtownpittsburgh.com/holidays 5:30pm, Downtown Butler • beaverareachamber.com • insidebutlercounty.com Nov. 18 – “It’s a Wonderful Life” Parade Nov. 25 – Light Up A Life Parade, music, crafts, roasting marshmallows, Nov. 27 – Afternoon with Santa Help Light Up A Life of a child in foster care, hayrides, and Santa lighting a tree, Downtown Enjoy cookies and milk, and take a turn on Santa’s cookies & milk, photo with the Elf on The Shelf & Indiana, PA • downtownindiana.org lap for a photo, 2-4pm, Hartwood Acres Mansion personalized Christmas ornaments, • alleghenycounty.us/parks 5-8pm, Beaver United Methodist Church • adoptionconnectionpa.org continued on page 22

2020PITTSBURGHPITTSBURGH PARENT PARENT • November • November 2016 2016 holiday happenings & gifts HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

21 holiday happenings & gifts NovemberNovember 2016 2016 • • PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH PARENT PARENT 2121 HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWS HOLIDAY Nov. 4-5 – Christmas Spree, Nov. 26, Dec. 10 & 17 – Rudolph, Frosty Coffee & Tea PERFORMANCES The Grinch & Friends Christmas crafts show, cookies, A Heartwarming Tribute to the Classic Christmas Nov. 4-5, 11-12 & 18-20 – The Wizard of Oz coffee & tea, 9am-2pm, Specials of the 1960s & 70s, Live On Stage! The Comtra Theatre, Cranberry Twp. Memorial Park Church, Allison Park Strand Theater, Zelienople • thestrandtheater.org • comtratheatre.org • memorialparkchurch.publishpath.com Nov. 10-13 & 17-20 – The Music Man Nov. 26-Dec. 18 – Gift of the Ice Queen Nov. 4-6 – Christmas in the Family-friendly, musical comedy, Stage 62, Gemini Theater, McKees Rocks Village Craft Festival Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall • geminitheater.org Children’s tent & playground, crafts, food, parade • stage62.com & much more, 10am-5pm, Eldersville • christmasinthevillagepa.com Nov. 11-13 – Disney’s HOLIDAY EXHIBITS, “Beauty and the Beast” LIGHTS & TOURS Nov. 5 – Farkleberry Craft Show Performed by Sing Hosanna!, Succop Theater, 9am-3:30pm, Cranberry Municipal Bldg., Butler County Community College Nov. 18 - Jan. 7 – Wintergarden Opens Cranberry Twp. • cranberrywomensclub.org Spirits of Giving Around the World & Gingerbread • singhosanna.org Nov. 5 – John McMillan House & train exhibits open, PPG Place, visit the Nov. 12 – A Simple Space Christmas Affair Craft Show website for hours • ppgplace.com EQT Bridge Theater Series, recommended for ages 9am-3pm, John McMillan Presb. Church, 7-15, 11am, August Wilson Center • trustarts.org Nov. 18 - Jan. 1 – Overly’s Bethel Park • 412-833-4704 Country Christmas Nov. 12 – Hillman Performing Arts Series Nov. 12 – St. Ursula Parish Gates open 5:30pm, Westmoreland County Presents Rhythmic Circus, 7:30pm, Hillman Craft & Vendor Fair • overlys.com Center, Shady Side Academy Senior School 9am-2pm, St. Ursula’s, Allison Park Campus • thehillman.org Nov. 25 - Jan. 2 – Christmas in the Park • 412-486-6700 5-11pm, Grove City Memorial Park, Grove City Nov. 12 – Fiddlesticks Family Concert - Nov. 12-13 – Annual German Christmas • mercercountypa.org Around the House! Market/Weihnachtsmarkt For ages 3-8, stories and music about favorite Nov. 24-27 & Dec. 2-4 – 11am-6pm, Mercer St., Harmony traditions and celebrations., 10am, Discovery Time Annual Beaver County Festival Of Trees • harmonymuseum.org Brady’s Run Park Lodge, Beaver Adventures & 11:15am, performance start time, Nov. 13 – The Pittsburgh Polishfest • beavercountyfestivaloftrees.org Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Heinz Hall Polish folk dancers, musical entertainment, Polish • pittsburghsymphony.org Nov. 25 – Santa’s Arrival Christmas caroling, holiday crafts, Kid’s Kraft Nov. 13 – Dog Loves Books & Lighting of the Diamond Corner & more Noon-5pm, University of Pittsburgh Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series, 6:30pm, Ligonier • ligonier.com/events.php • facebook.com/polishfest.pgh/ recommended for ages 3-10, Nov. 13-20, visit Nov. 25-Dec. 23 – Kennywood Holiday Lights Nov. 19 – Holiday Arts & website for times & locations Fri, Sat & Sun nights, Pennsylvania’s tallest Crafts Show & Cookie Walk • trustarts.org Christmas tree, holiday themed entertainment & 9am-2pm, St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, Nov. 22-27 – Finding Neverland more, Kennywood Park • kennywood.com Franklin Park • stbrendans.org Presented by PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh, Nov. 21- Dec. 14 – Candlelight Mansion Tours Nov. 18-22 – Greater Pittsburgh Arts Benedum Center • trustarts.org Every room in the Mansion is decorated in keeping & Crafts Holiday Spectacular Nov. 25 – Fancy Nancy with the season, visit website for exact dates & Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-6pm & Sun 10am-5pm, Splendiferous Christmas times, Hartwood Acres • alleghenycounty.us/parks Monroeville Convention Center 11am, Palace Theatre, Greensburg Nov. 26 – Dec. 11– Annual Festival • familyfestivals.com • thepalacetheatre.org of Trees Christmas Tour Nov. 25-27 – Festival of Trees Nov. 25-26 – A Very Electric Christmas Over 20 trees decorated in this year’s theme, visit Decorated trees & wreaths on display, Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents, website for days & times, The Stewart House, entertainment, food & craft booths, F & S 10am- Byham Theater • trustarts.org Hermitage • hermitage.net/historicalsociety 7pm & Sun 10am-3pm, Neshannock High School, New Castle • visitlawrencecounty.com

2222 PITTSBURGHPITTSBURGH PARENTPARENT •• NovemberNovember 20162016 holiday happenings & gifts MINIATURE RAILROAD Miniature R.R. & Village Daily, newest model opens Nov. 17, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh • carnegiesciencecenter.org Nov. 12 - Jan. 15 – Annual Holiday Train Display F, S & S, W PA Model Railroad Museum, Gibsonia • wpmrm.org Nov. 25 - Dec. 31– Model R.R. Christmas Open House F, 5-9pm, S & S, Noon-5pm, Beaver County Model R.R. & Historical Society, Monaca • bcmrr.railfan.net Nov. 26 - Jan. 8 Ohio Valley Lines Model R.R. S & S, Noon-5pm, Ambridge • ohiovalleylines.org Nov. 25 - Dec. 18 – Santa Trolley Toy train display, decorated street cars, caroling & more, F, S & S, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington, PA • pa-trolley.org

holiday happenings & gifts NovemberNovember 2016 2016 • • PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH PARENT PARENT 2323 Winter Party Guid e BIRTHDAY PARTY life lessons learned By Kerrie McLoughlin

birthday party may look like just Gratefulness. Nobody wants to hear, pointment is okay, but that we should be a birthday party to you now, but “I already have this” or “I didn’t want this” gracious about it. It’s kind of like being Awhat I see is a breeding ground for when they give someone a gift. Likewise, a sore loser versus being a happy loser life lessons kids can learn that will carry kids should not be opening gifts at break- … even though there is disappointment them through their lives to help make neck speed and tossing them over their going on, you want your kid to learn how them successful, happy and kind. And shoulders like they are rocks. Your kid to still say thank you and show apprecia- aren’t those things that we really want for should always be saying “thank you” sin- tion for the gift giver’s time and money or our kids anyway? Read on to check out a cerely and looking the gift giver in the eye. skills that went into the gift. few teaching opportunities for your child’s Some parents have their kid sit in a chair Consideration. Yes, it’s your kid’s next birthday party! while they open the gift while sitting right party, but consider where everyone would next to the gift giver so they can have a It might not always be have a good time when planning your Inclusiveness. moment together to have some apprecia- possible to just invite your child’s closest party venue. If it’s at your house, think up tion shown and a picture taken. friends. Maybe their school has a policy some fun games everyone might enjoy about birthday party invitations that’s all Graciousness and disappointment. and build in plenty of time for just playing about including everyone so hurt feelings I’m lumping these two together because around. Have a friend with food allergies, are kept at a minimum. Maybe your child they seem to go hand in hand. The birth- such as gluten or dairy? Make sure to has cousins who are younger or older … day child gets disappointed by not getting pick up something special for that friend or neighbors of all ages who are also their something they really wanted … or some- … cookies or their own piece of cake; friends. If you’re okay with “the more the times not getting anything they wanted at it’s easier than ever these days. They merrier,” then include young and old at all during the entire party. That’s when it’s this shin-dig and pop in your earplugs! time to step in and talk about how disap- continued on page 26

24 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 winter party guide Winter Party Guid e

winter party guide November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 25 Birthday... continued from page 24

are probably used to bringing their own treat when they go to parties and will be surprised that you thought of them on your child’s special day. No, your kid isn’t springing for the cost or taking the time to drive to the store, but she is definitely watching you! Sharing. Your kid may get some pretty good stash at his birthday party, and other kids are certainly going to want to play with the new goods. I’ve seen some parents not let their kid even open the gifts until after all the guests have left so they don’t have to deal with this conun- drum, but I think that’s a mistake and here’s why: it doesn’t teach the birthday kid anything, and I am all about teach- ing opportunities, even when they are inconvenient for me! Instead, explain to your kidlet, pre-party, that she is going to be getting some cool new stuff and that she can put some of her favorite things up right away but that she should share some of the things and play with them WITH her friends, not hoard and hide them all away! Listen, as an adult, I do not expect you to share your sweet new ride with your friends, but I know you will share a room in your home, your food, your coffee and maybe even a meal or some clothing. Again, the kids see what you do so practice what you preach! Giving back and donating. Not every kid is showered with gifts from parents, extended family and friends every year. HAVE YOUR Not every kid gets to even have a birth- BIRTHDAY PARTY day party. And it’s also true that some AT OUR PLACE! kids barely get enough food to eat each day or don’t have any school supplies when it’s time to start school each year. Choose the party package that best suits So why not have your altruistic kid ask your needs AND enjoy the Museum with for gifts for someone else one year? In your guests after your celebration. my town, our local food bank supplies a For information visit birthday cake and all the fixins as long as pittsburghkids.org/birthdays the guests bring canned goods, take the tour and help out for a bit. Also, if your child has a particular love for, say, animals … how about hosting a birthday party for or at a local animal shelter and — instead of presents — asking for donations like food and other supplies? Instead of lecturing, which we all know gets tuned out anyway, get your party on with some cool hidden lessons that will take your kid beyond their kid years and into a fun and full life! n

Kerrie McLoughlin puts on five birthday chaotic parties per year for her kids and lives to tell about it at TheKerrieShow. com.

26 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016 winter party guide all about November

Bounty Fall Fest Clair St Upper of the Township of courtesy Photo

(*PR): Pre-register

1 Tuesday Muck-N-Mess Get your hands ooey & gooey Windows Through History 1800’s Lewis & while creating art work, ages 3-6, 1-2pm every Clark, “hands-on” living history series for girls Reality Tours Three-hour interactive program, ages 7-14, dress in proper period clothing, tools needed to reduce the risk of substance Friday thru Dec. 16 (no class 11/25), Pine Community Center, Wexford • twp.pine.pa.us dancing, cooking, sewing & crafts, 10am- abuse, for parents and children ages 10+, for 1:30pm, The William Vicary Mansion, Freedom locations, dates & times visit candleinc.org • bchrlf.org/programs/windows-through-history 5 Saturday – Daylight Savings Ends Lutherlyn Saturday Safaris – Indian Cave Turn back your clocks one hour & 2 Wednesday and Native Peoples of Lutherlyn Designed replace your batteries in all of and open for families of all sizes and shapes ParentWISE Parenting Classes Enjoy a your smoke alarms!! meal, earn incentives and have fun while you as well as scout groups and youth groups, learn, 6-8pm, Wednesdays, thru February Plunge With The Pumpkins Swim thru a 9:30am-noon, Environmental Education Center 15, Central Presbyterian Church, Tarentum or winding river of floating pumpkins in the indoor at Camp Lutherlyn, Butler • lutherlyn.com pool, 11am-1:30pm, Boyce Mayview Park Pool, Thursdays thru February 16, Family Services of Peanut Butter & Jam: Music for Upper St. Clair • (*PR) twpusc.org Western Pennsylvania, Greensburg • fswp.org Preschoolers Informal concerts designed SPIN (Single Parent Information Network) Butler YMCA Turkey Trot 5K run/walk race specially for preschoolers and their For Single Moms & their Kids, dinner & then & features a Kids 1 mile Turkey Race, 8:30am- accompanying grown-ups, 10 & 11:30am, moms attend a meeting & children play games noon, Butler YMCA • visitbutlercounty.com McClintic Hall, Calvary Episcopal Church or do homework, 6:30-8pm, 1st & 3rd Wed Great Pumpkin Smash Bring your jack-o’- • chathambaroque.org at Anchorpoint’s Offices or 2nd & 4th Wed at lantern and roll it off our roof, pumpkin related Doggy Nature Walk Dogs must be on leash, Heritage Church demos throughout the day, it’s a physics filled 10am-noon, Deer Lakes Park Veterans 2 • (*PR) anchorpointcounselingministry.org compost-able event you don’t want to miss, Parking Lot • alleghenycounty.us/Parks Carnegie Science Center Star Party Dusk (weather permitting), Nov. • carnegiesciencecenter.org 3 Thursday 5 at Wagman Observatory, Deer Lakes Park CPR: Infant, Child & Teen with Children’s and Nov. 12 at Mingo Creek Park Observatory, Tot Hikes Take a walk around the Museum Hospital For parents and adult community Mingo Creek Park • 3ap.org grounds and into the Outdoor Classroom to members, choking rescue & CPR, Nov. 5, 10 & explore the natural world from a tot level, 12, visit website for times & locations Thursdays, 11am, Children’s Museum of • (*PR) upmc.asapconnected.com 6 Sunday Pittsburgh • pittsburghkids.org/education/tots Bounty Fall Fest Family fun entertainment, Free Admission Sunday Westmoreland 4 Friday food trucks, live entertainment, 11am-4pm, Museum of American Art, first Sunday of every Coolspring Corn Maze Corn maze, hayrides, Boyce Mayview Park, Upper St. Clair month, Greensburg • thewestmoreland.org pedal tractors, mountain slides & more, F, S & S • (*PR) twpusc.org thru Nov. 6, Rt. 62, Mercer • coolspringmaze.com Sundance Arena Rodeo Bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, kids events & more, 7 Monday Family Drum & Dance Family bonding 7:30pm, 1st Saturday of each month thru May, Parents-Kids Adventure – Curious through drumming & dancing, 6-7pm, Two Fredonia • sundancearena.com Chemistry Ages 3-5 with an adult helper, Rivers Artisan Coffee Works, New Castle 1-2pm, Carnegie Science Center • visitlawrencecounty.com • carnegiesciencecenter.org

November 2016 • PITTSBURGH PARENT 27 8 Tuesday – Election Day 13 Sunday 26 Saturday Sunday Science & Nature Program Second Family Day FREE admission, art projects, Sunday of each month, Nature Talk for adults scavenger hunts, special discounts and more, and for Nature talk participants can drop off 11am-3pm, The Westmoreland Museum of their children ages 8-13 at Nature Explorers, American Art • thewestmoreland.org a hands-on investigation of the natural world, 10 Thursday 1pm, Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector 30 Wednesday • carnegiemnh.org/powdermill/ Techs Car Seat Inspections Technicians Growing Up Together for Daughters with teach how to correctly transport children & en- Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC Three sure that everyone is buckled up safely, hands- 15 Tuesday hour course on accepting puberty’s impact on educational service, Nov. 10, 3-6:30pm, Growing Up Together for Sons with Magee- on your 8-11-year-old daughter, for parents Richland EMS, Gibsonia • patechs.com Womens Hospital of UPMC Three hour and their daughters, visit website for times & course on accepting puberty’s impact on your locations • (*PR) upmc.asapconnected.com 11 Friday – Veteran’s Day 8-11-year-old son, all of this is presented in a parent/son/peer environment with interaction by all, visit website for times & locations • (*PR) upmc.asapconnected.com Most Every Day Mothers of Multiples For moms or moms-to- be of twins, triplets or more, 8pm, third Tuesday Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Free of every month (except June, July & December), Flag Folding Ceremony Join local veterans programs for all ages year-round, library North Hills Community Baptist Church, to help to unfurl a giant 36-foot American flag, information • carnegielibrary.org noon-2:30pm, Senator John Heinz Regional McCandless Township • npmoms.org Carnegie Museum of Art Mon-Wed & History Center • heinzhistorycenter.org/events Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm; Thur, 10am-8pm; Sun, Free Entrance Day in the National Parks 18 Friday Noon-5pm; Tue: CLOSED • cmoa.org FREE entrance into all National Parks to North Country Trail Hike At Moraine State Museum of Natural History Mon-Wed & celebrate Veteran’s Day • nps.gov/findapark/ Park FREE, hiking the NCT from the Bike Fri-Sat, 10am-5pm; Thur, 10am-8pm; Sun, feefreeparks.htm Concession on North Shore Drive to the historic Noon-5pm; Tue: CLOSED • carnegiemnh.org Preschool Party Story, snacks & crafts, Davis Hollow Cabin for a total of 4.2 miles, 1pm Carnegie Science Center Sun-Fri, 10am- 7-8pm, Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw • northcountrytrail.org/wam 5pm & Sat, 10am-7pm • snhlkids.blogspot.com • carnegiesciencecenter.org Veterans Day Parade 11am, Columbus Inner 20 Sunday Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Open Belt, New Castle • visitlawrencecounty.com Giving Thanks on the Frontier See a daily 10am-5pm • pittsburghkids.org traditional meal for the Miller family being The Andy Warhol Museum Mon, Closed; prepared at the open hearth, pit & bake oven, 12 Saturday Tue-Thur, Sat & Sun, 10am-5pm; Fri, 10am- Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park Brown Bag Concerts FREE, open to 10pm • warhol.org everyone, bring a friend & bring a lunch, meet • olivermillerhomestead.org Mon-Sat, 10am-4:30pm & Sun the Resident Artists afterward in an informal Fort Ligonier 11am-4:30pm, through Nov. 1, Ligonier reception, Noon-1pm, Pittsburgh Opera 24 Thursday – Thanksgiving • fortligonier.org Headquarters • pittsburghopera.org Fort Necessity Open daily, 10am-5pm, Point American Girl Fashion Show A fun filled State Park, Pittsburgh • heinzhistorycenter.org event for girls, their families, friends & their favorite dolls, proceeds will benefit the Junior Fort Pitt Museum Open daily, 10am-5pm, League of Pittsburgh’s Initiative to securing Point State Park, Pittsburgh access to nutritious food for children living • heinzhistorycenter.org below the poverty line in Pittsburgh, Sat, Nov. Friendship Hill National Historic Site 12, 11am & 2:30pm; Sun, Nov. 13, 1 & 9am-5pm, through Sept., Point Marion 4:30pm, South Hills Country Club • jlpgh.org • nps.gov Family Ever After 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun The Duquesne Incline Open 365 day a year, Walk Helps raise funds and awareness for the West Carson St., Pittsburgh more than 1,000 children in Allegheny County’s Annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Dogs • duquesneincline.org foster care system, 9:15, race start, North Park & strollers are welcome, 8am, Zelienople Boathouse, Allison Park • active.com The Monongahela Incline Open 365 day a Community Park • myzeliepark.org year, Station Square, Pittsburgh Sewickley 5K Heart & Sole Run/Turkey Trot • portauthority.org 8:30am, War Memorial Park, Sewickley • sewickleyborough.org Please submit info for our December Calendar by November 4 [email protected]

28 PITTSBURGH PARENT • November 2016

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