Our Kids Magazine April 2020 by Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985

FREE April 2020

Magazine

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING During the Pandemic

5 REASONS

TO GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE

SMART START Ten brain-building games to play

CAMP DIRECTORY

table of

CONTENTS

April 2020

volume 36 • number 4

4 6 8 10 17

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SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING DURING THE PANDEMIC

COVID-19 & AT HOME LEARNING FIVE REASONS TO GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE WHY SUMMER CAMP IS GREAT FOR … PARENTS Magazine

SEVEN ANGER MANAGEMENT HACKS FOR PARENTS Magazine

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SMART START BABY

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P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181

PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas 210-526-0312

ADVERTISING: Pat Ramotowski 210-209-8673

DISTRIBUTION Taspas Delivery

Amy Sugarman 210-987-2202

On the Cover

MODEL NAME: ELLA OBREGON VILLANUEVA

OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

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Publisher’s NOTE

Times They are a Changin Our Kids Magazine lost an old friend and former employee and I lost a good friend and colleague in March. His name was Ron Martinez. While I only worked with him for a few years, Ron made a big impact on my life and on the magazine. When I first met Ron, I was still new to the industry - just out of graphic design school. Ron was already an experienced and very talented designer. I picked up all the tricks of the trade from him. But what I remember most about Ron is how he enjoyed life to the fullest despite his disabilities. Ron’s attitude, ideas and talent helped make Our Kids Magazine what it is. That being said, I want to dedicate this issue to Ron Martinez. I, like many people, spent the weekend in isolation mainly due to the necessity of social distancing, but also because we are working overtime to adapt to this rapidly changing environment. In these uncertain times and being isolated at home, we now have the extra time to spend time with our kids due to school closures, but just because school is out, doesn’t mean there isn’t school work. Most school districts are having online classes for students. In this month’s issue, Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, President of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, has ten tips for families as they adjust to the new reality of learning at home. This virus is affecting everyone in some way or another and Our Kids Magazine is no exception. Currently, schools, restaurants and public libraries are among closures to encourage social distancing. This means that we will not be delivering April magazines to these locations. However, there are still 500 other locations that will have magazines for families to pick up. Many doctors offices, Whole Foods, all military bases and, of course, your local HEB will all receive magazines. While you are standing in line waiting to get into the grocery store or trying to find some eggs and toilet paper, pick up Our Kids Magazine from HEB’s free magazine stands. We don’t know what the future will bring, but in hopes that our lives are back to normal next month, we are continuing our camp section this month. This is an excellent resource for parents to use when planning where their kids will go and what they will be doing this summer. Unfortunately, we will not be running our Calendar in April issue. With the recommendation of keeping gathering down to 10 or less people, pretty much all events that normally fill our monthly calendar have been cancelled or venues are closed. I am sure you are tired of hearing about the Coronavirus, and by now, all the Corona jokes have gotten old. One thing I haven’t seen on the news is how to communicate with your kids about the virus and how to help them cope with their emotions of uncertainty. This month we have guidance provided by child trauma experts on how to help children adjust to these new conditions and address their worries, please read “Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being During the Pandemic” By Jessica Dym Bartlett, Jessica Griffin, & Dana Thomson. Stay safe and mindful.

Rudy Riojas

Our Kids Publisher

April 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Feature

Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being During the Pandemic By Jessica Dym Bartlett, Jessica Griffin, & Dana Thomson

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently reports that the risk of exposure to COVID19 is low for young Americans, research on natural disasters makes it clear that, compared to adults, children are more vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their daily lives. This resource offers information on supporting and protecting children’s emotional well-being as this public health crisis unfolds. Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, everyday life has changed and will continue to change for most people in the United States, often with little notice. Children may struggle with significant adjustments to their routines (e.g., schools and child care closures, social distancing, home confinement), which may interfere with their sense of structure, predictability, and security. Young people—even infants and toddlers—are keen observers of people and environments, and they notice and react to stress in their parents and other caregivers, peers, and community members. They may ask direct questions about what is happening now or what will happen in the future and may behave differently in reaction to strong feelings (e.g., fear, worry, sadness, anger) about the pandemic and related conditions. Children also may worry about their own safety and the safety of their loved ones, how they will get their basic needs met (e.g., food, shelter, clothing), and uncertainties for the future. While most children eventually return to their typical functioning when they receive consistent support from sensitive and responsive caregivers, others are at risk of developing significant mental health problems, including trauma-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Children with prior trauma or pre-existing mental, physical, or developmental problems— and those whose parents struggle with mental health disorders, substance misuse, or economic instability—are at especially high risk for emotional disturbances. In addition to keeping children physically safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important to care for their emotional health. Below, we summarize recommendations for promoting the emotional well-being of children in the face of these types of adversities. 4 Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

Understand Reactions to the Pandemic Children’s responses to stressful events are unique and varied. Some children may be irritable or clingy, and some may regress, demand extra attention, or have difficulty with self-care, sleeping, and eating. New and challenging behaviors are natural responses, and adults can help by showing empathy and patience and by calmly setting limits when needed.

Sensitive and Responsive Caregiving The primary factor in recovery from a traumatic event is the presence of a supportive, caring adult in a child’s life. Even when a parent is not available, children can benefit greatly from care provided by other adults (e.g., foster parents, relatives, friends) who can offer them consistent, sensitive care that helps protect them from a pandemic’s harmful effects.

Social Distancing, Not Social Isolation Children—especially young children—need quality time with their caregivers and other important people in their lives. Social connectedness improves children’s chances of showing resilience to adversity. Creative approaches to staying connected are important (e.g., writing letters, online video chats).

Provide Age-Appropriate Information Children tend to rely on their imaginations when they lack adequate information. Adults’ decisions to withhold information are usually more stressful for children than telling the truth in age-appropriate ways. Adults should instead make themselves available for children to ask questions and talk about their concerns. They might, for example, provide opportunities for kids to access books, websites, and other activities on COVID-19 that present information in child-friendly ways. In addition, adults should limit children’s exposure to media coverage, social media, and adult conversations about the pandemic, as these channels may be less age-appropriate. Ongoing access to news and social media about the pandemic and constant conversation about threats to public safety can cause unnecessary stress for children. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

A Safe Environment for Children

Create a safe physical and emotional environment by practicing the 3 R’s: Reassurance, Routines, and Regulation. First, adults should reassure children about their safety and the safety of loved ones, and tell them that it is adults’ job to ensure their safety. Second, adults should maintain routines to provide children with a sense of safety and predictability (e.g., regular bedtimes and meals, daily schedules for learning and play). And third, adults should support children’s development of regulation skills. When children are stressed, their bodies respond by activating their stress response systems. To help them manage these reactions, it is important to both validate their feelings.

Keep children busy

When children are bored, their levels of worry and disruptive behaviors may increase. Adults can provide options for safe activities (e.g., outside play, blocks, modeling clay, art, music, outside time, games) and involve children in brainstorming other creative ideas. Children need ample time to engage in play and other joyful or learning experiences without worrying or talking about the pandemic.

Increase Children’s Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy is the sense of having agency or control—an especially important trait during times of fear and uncertainty. Children often feel more in control when they can play an active role in helping themselves, their families, and their communities. For example, children can help by following safety guidelines (e.g., washing their hands), preparing for home confinement (e.g., helping to cook and freeze food), or volunteering in the community (e.g., writing letters or creating art for older adults or sick friends, sharing extra supplies with a neighbor).

Create Opportunities for Caregivers

Children’s well-being depends on the well-being of their parents and other caregivers. Caregivers must take care of themselves so they have the internal resources to care for others. To this end, adult caregivers can engage in self-care by staying connected to social supports, getting enough rest, and taking time for restorative activities (e.g., exercise, meditation, reading, outdoor activities, prayer). Seeking help from a mental health provider is also important when adults struggle with very high levels of stress and other mental health challenges.

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COVID-19 AND AT-HOME LEARNING With COVID-19 causing widespread school closures, children across the country are being given alternate resources, some online, to study outside of the classroom. Temporary solutions being devised for remote education range from online classroom tools like Google Classroom, to Zoom and podcasts by teachers. While parents are adjusting to this new scenario, during this time it’s also important to help kids stay focused on learning and avoid overuse of games, social media, and videos. “This is a stressful, unpredictable time for everyone, including families, parents and children. You can help your children by providing them with a structure and routine, and being a positive force in their education,” says Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, President of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development. With that in mind, Children and Screens has put together ten tips for families as they adjust to the new reality of learning at home.

1. DIGITAL QUARANTINE

Consider limiting your children’s cell phones and tablets until their schoolwork is done satisfactorily, so that it can receive their undivided attention. Apps, games, and messaging features are fun, but they can also prove distracting. It may not be an option for everybody, but ideally, try to give your kids a dedicated device such as a school laptop for maximum online learning.

2. MAKE SPACE FOR LEARNING

Your children will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space devoted to learning. Ideally, this will be a different set-up than where they normally play games or watch television. Keep in mind that children will be in this space for many hours each day, and parents should watch out for any orthopedic issues that may arise related to comfort and posture.

3. MONITOR THE (COMPUTER) MONITOR

In this new learning milieu, you can help by monitoring your children’s levels of interest and engagement in adapting to their new schedule and at-home materials. The simplest way to do this? Observation. Look at your child’s eyes to see if they’re following along with the screen. Check if they’re taking notes or zoning out. Ask questions at the end of a lesson. While this may require taking an hour off from work or stepping out for an early lunch, it’s important to confirm that your children are indeed learning. If you find that your child is not engaging with the lessons, don’t be afraid to contact the school district or teachers to better explore the 6 Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

issue. Sometimes, easily remedied technical problems such as bad audio, poor connection, or an unhelpful camera angle can make all the difference.

4. DIGITAL RECESS

Make sure that your children take plenty of breaks in order to get physical activity and time away from screens. Set alarms similar to those they would encounter at school and encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day.

5. FACETIME

In-person interaction is ideal for kids, but until it’s safe for them to return to school, encourage your children to video chat or text message rather than simply scrolling through social media. You don’t want your children to feel socially isolated, but at the same time, you want to protect them from becoming wholly reliant upon their devices. Sit your children down for face-to-face conversations about screen time. In order to give them agency, discuss how much time they think is reasonable to spend online and make a “contract,” committing to goals for on-screen vs. off-screen hours.

6. KEEP IT OLD SCHOOL

Overuse of screen time can have adverse impacts on young brains, so it’s essential in these special circumstances to be extra careful when it comes to the littlest ones. As much as possible, parents should encourage print and book reading. If available, request textbooks from your child’s school along with other print materials in order to offset the amount of online learning they will be doing. Studies show that remote education can be challenging for all ages, but especially young kids, so do whatever you can and always err on the side of caution. Stimulate self-expression by having discussions with your children about what they are doing, and also encourage creative writing and imaginative story telling. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

7. WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER Remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Check in with other parents to see what they’ve found effective or to ask if they need help. Share your concerns and useful hints. If you need contact information for other parents or resources, reach out to the PTA or your child’s school. It is important that we all work together as a community for the good of our children and families.

8. PLAN YOUR WORK & WORK YOUR PLAN Good planning can relieve stress for both children and parents. Check in with your kids about their plans and help them develop a written schedule not only for the day, but for the week as a whole. Help them prioritize and learn to create goals, tasks, and deadlines, just like adults do when they go to work. Tasks that may not have been difficult for them while attending school in person can become more challenging when learning from home, so it’s important to reinforce boundaries and offer incentives for healthy behaviors. To avoid disruption, some afterschool activities may be offered via online video apps, Facetime, or Skype.

9. THIS AIN’T NO VACATION Even though staying home from school might feel like a holiday, remind your kids that they’re not on vacation. Assignments, grades, requirements, and tests like state exams, SATs, and ACTs aren’t going away just because classes have moved online.

10. DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN Plan off-screen activities for the whole family. Between school and work obligations, it’s rare for parents and children to have this much time together, so turn it into an opportunity for bonding. Write predictions for a TV show that the whole family watches. Organize a tournament, family card games, charades, or chess, or get outside for a hike or walk together after school. Follow your community’s guidelines about safe behavior and events, of course, but make sure you still find time for fun with your kids. Without a doubt, this is a challenging time for parents, teachers, and children alike. Studies show that screen time can have both positive and adverse impacts on kids, and the shift to online education will only increase your child’s time with their devices. “Hopefully these common sense practices can help you and your family navigate this new terrain and make the most out of at-home learning,” says Dr. Hurst-Della Pietra. You can write to me at info@childrenandscreens.com with any problems or suggestions that were not covered in this article.” Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development is a 501C(3) national non-profit organization founded by Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra. Children and Screens advances interdisciplinary research, supports human capital in the field, informs and educates the public, and advocates for sound public policy for child health and wellness.

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CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Five Reasons to Get Your Kids Outside By Christa Melnyk Hines

Today’s kids typically spend several hours a day immersed in low-sensory, pixelated landscapes rather than outdoors playing in the mud, climbing trees, examining bugs, rolling down hills or making up games. As a consequence, they are less focused, get frustrated more easily, and struggle with more advanced social skills like negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution. “Technology is addicting and it’s keeping kids from engaging the senses, developing the muscles and all of the fundamental things that help children develop properly,” says pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident and Capable Children. “We’re at the point where we are seeing kids have pretty significant sensory issues because it’s almost like a sensory deprivation of our environment.” Research finds that time outdoors improves our overall fitness, helps us sleep better, enhances creativity and cognitive skills, boosts our ability to fight disease, and even helps children with ADHD and anxiety better regulate their moods. Regulates emotions. “Exercise and nature are the prescriptions that have helped my kid,” says Tammy Muzrall, whose son Nathan, 11, struggles with anxiety and social issues. “Nature is calming. It’s healing. It naturally rebalances you. All you have to do is walk in it.” About four years ago, she began taking Nathan to a forest school near her home. Facilitated by Kelly Daniels, a ShinrinYoku Forest Therapy Guide trained through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, the school is situated on 10 acres and invites people of all ages to engage with nature through play, exploration and awareness. Our bodies are inherently designed to interact with our natural environment. Movement and outdoor play helps 8 Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

us regulate our emotions. Physical activity strengthens the vestibular system, which is where the body manages balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system feeds into the limbic system, which is the body’s center for emotions. “If a child tends to be hyperactive, or if they are moving a lot or really fidgety, that means they need to move more. That movement will help their body to naturally regulate their emotions,” Hanscom explains. Fosters social skills. Nathan enjoys both the social and playful aspects of the forest school. “To find other like-minded kids who are wired like us was a breath of fresh air,” Muzrall says. “He loves jumping in the pond and climbing the trees. And, sit spots are his favorite.” During “sit spots,” each child finds a patch of grass, a tree or any spot that appeals to them where they can sit alone and notice their surroundings. They don’t have to sit perfectly still. They can dig around in the dirt, watch for wild animals or listen to the birds. Daniels says children often arrive at her forest school hyper, fidgety, nervous and sometimes cantankerous. After circling up, talking and playing a game, the kids, who often range from six to 11 years old, do the sit spot exercise. “They are experiencing nature in a slow enough way where they go: ‘Oh. I remember. This is what it feels like to be peaceful.’ They almost don’t even know what that feels like anymore,” Daniels says. After 15 to 20 minutes, the kids circle up again and share their experience if they’d like. One child might report seeing a wild turkey with its babies while another might talk about a snail crawling up her arm. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Daniels says the children return to the circle “almost reverent. They become respectful of other kids’ speaking. They start to listen. By the end of the camp, they’re mellow, hanging out, respectful and kind.” Even 30 minutes a day spent sitting in your yard, witnessing nature in action is therapeutic for adults and kids alike. Promotes creativity. Kids often complain that spending time outside is boring or uncomfortable. Hanscom suggests encouraging your kids to get inspired by your environment. Try throwing in a few age-appropriate supplies and tools to rev up their imaginations. “Place out different adult items like trays or kitchenware by mud puddles,” she says. “Bring out baskets with pulleys, string and scissors, or planks and trucks by a slow moving river. Giving them materials quickens the process of being creative and having ideas of what to do outside.” Invite friends for a day of outdoor play rather than just for a few hours, which will give kids time to inspire each other and come up with ideas for their discoveries. For example, how many ways can they use a stick? One child might use it to scratch letters in the dirt while another begins building a fort. Cultivates environmental stewards. Conservationists worry that disengaged kids also become less interested in caring for the environment.

Jodi Crutchfield, a mom of two children Addi, 9, and Sammy, 6, believes in fostering an appreciation and empathy for the world outside with her children. “They have learned how cool animals, bugs and spiders are. We can play with them a little bit, but we don’t hurt them and we put them back where we found them,” Crutchfield says. “They understand the idea of leave no trace. They pick up garbage when we are on hikes and can spot a piece of garbage 100 yards away. I was so proud last summer when both kids finished a week-long camp and both earned ‘Most Connected to the Environment’ award within their camp troops.” Enhances mindfulness. Time spent in nature grounds us in the present moment giving us space free of distractions where we can focus on the sights, sounds and smells surrounding us. Even if your child is reluctant, gently coax them out the door to explore a nearby trail or simply relax in the sunshine with you. “They don’t know that it’s going to be good for them,” Daniels says. “They go around with technology bombarding them all of the time, and they forget who they are. They forget that they came from the earth, and they’re going back to the earth. You are part of everything. You’re part of the forest. You’re part of nature. It’s part of you.” Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. As the mother of two boys, she knows first-hand how time spent running around outside can be transformative to how well her family sleeps and manages day-to-day stress.

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CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Why Summer Camp Is Great For …

Parents By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Most parents know that kids benefit tremendously from going to summer camp. But have you ever thought about how sending your kids to camp can benefit you - the parent? Based on my own experiences as a seasoned parent of summer campers as well as conversations with other parents, I can assure you that camp is great for you too. Parents are used to always putting their kids first. From the moment they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed at night, they’re constantly on our minds. What do they need? What can we do for them? Imagine what happens when they go off to summer camp and the house is suddenly quiet. Here’s what happens: slowly but surely you begin to relax in a whole different way. Suddenly, you can hear your own thoughts, and that’ll give you the mental space to reflect on what YOU would like to do - to put yourself first for once. Use that mental space to do things you’ve been wanting and meaning to do all year. Perhaps there’s a hobby you’d like to pursue. While the kids are at camp, you have the time to take that yoga or painting class, and you get to choose - all by yourself - whether you’d like to do it after work or on the weekend. Get together with some friends you haven’t seen for a while. If they’ve kids at camp, too, chances are that they’re available and eager to spend some time with you. Go on a romantic date or two with your partner. The possibilities are endless. Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. 10

Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to remember to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while. Another great thing about sending your kids to summer camp is that it’ll give them an opportunity to develop and reach important developmental milestones without you being there every step of the way. They’ll become more independent, more mature, and much better at solving problems on their own. Trust me: Every time my now-teenage son came home from camp, I could tell that he’d grown in leaps and bounds. Seeing how your kids grow also makes you trust them more: you realize that they’re able to develop new skills and take care of themselves even when they’re not under your watchful eye. Ultimately, summer camp is great preparation for the day that all parents will face: the day when their kids move out and they become empty-nesters. You will miss them - a lot - and they’ll miss you too. But, if you’ve done your job well and you have developed deep and meaningful relationships with them, your kids will always come back to visit. Just like they will each year after summer camp. Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Summer Camp 101 By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Allergies

If your kids suffer from seasonal allergies, like grass or tree pollen, tell the camp physician or nurse and pack all the medication they need. It can be a real drag for them to walk around the whole time with a runny nose or watery eyes. If they suffer from more serious allergies, like animal or food allergies, inform the camp that your kids shouldn’t come into contact with those allergens. Our son is very allergic to horses. We didn’t think anything of it before we realized that his camp has alpacas, which can induce the same allergic reaction as horses.

Email, Phone, and Care Packages

Every camp has a policy about how they prefer you to communicate with your kids, whether by email or phone, and about how many care packages you may send and what you can put in them. Know those policies, and follow them. Kids don’t want to be called out for not following the rules. It’s embarrassing, and it can hurt them socially.

Making Friends

Some kids find it easy to make friends, and others have a harder time. If your kids have a difficult time, ask if they can bunk with one or more of their regular friends from home. Most camps

permit that. Explain to your kids that no matter how confident the other kids may appear, chances are that they are nervous too. Use yourself as an example and tell them what you did when you were a kid – it makes the situation much more relatable and manageable.

Homesickness Your kids can still get homesick even if they’re rooming with close friends. It can happen to any camper, no matter how wellprepared and seasoned they are. Find out how the camp handles homesickness. Can you call your kids, even if there’s a no-phone policy? Is it possible to visit them outside camp visiting days? Pack some family photographs or a favorite stuffed animal with their belongings; it can help put them at ease.

Safety You want your kids to have fun at camp, but you also want them to be safe. One of the best things you can do to prepare them, if they don’t already know how, is to teach them how to swim. Most camps include a swimming program with access to a pool. Another popular activity is hiking. Be sure that your kids have footwear with good traction. More generally, teach your kids how to have fun without putting themselves in any danger. Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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April 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES DAY CAMPS & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Abby’s Attic Sewing & Crafting Studio #1 9815 Culebra Suite 112 78251 210.541.5088 http://www. AbbysAtticSewingSchool.com Abby’s Attic Sewing Studio offers beginner sewing camps for ages 8 and up! We teach your child all the fundamentals of learning to use a sewing machine safely and proficiently, while also emphasizing math and reading skills, manners, selfpatience, fine motor skills, and so much more. Half days or full days; before and after care available too. All materials and snacks provided. Two convenient locations. AbbysAtticSewingSchool.com

Camp Cloud at the Tobin! Choose to Dream (210) 836-8200 ChoosetoDream@outlook.com Choose2Dream.com July 6th– August 2nd, 2020 Our month long (4-week) theater camp offers elementary through high school students the opportunity to develop in the musical theater realm. The program will strengthen acting, choreography, and vocal skill sets. The camp features an intensive approach that will leave parents and audiences in awe! At the end of the final week campers will perform 4 fantastic shows presenting this year’s summer camp production.

Camp Einstein Various Locations in San Antonio 972-333-7371 www.CampEinstein.org We believe you learn the best when having fun! Our exciting STEM classes are designed to spark creativity and learning through hands-on activities! From CSI Forensics to Green Engineering we offer many enriching camps for all ages. Come join the fun this summer. Camp Humane

San Antonio Humane Society 4804 Fredricksburg Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78229 education@SAhumane.org SAhumane.org/summercamp Is your child interested in learning about the animals who live at home and out in the wild? Let them spend a week this summer with the animals the San Antonio Humane Society’s Camp Humane! It’s a great opportunity for your child to receive a unique learning experience about the humane treatment and care of domestic and wild animals. Attendees will participate in workshops, crafts, games, service projects, animal expert presentations, and hands-on animal experiences. Five sessions will take place this summer and registration is limited, so be sure to register your child soon to save a seat for this fun-filled educational experience.

Camp Invention Multiple San Antonio locations 800-968-4332 Invent.org/camp

Imaginations will soar in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Elevate! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate in handson STEM activities exploring concepts of flight, Earth’s ecosystems and sports innovations! Visit invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL25 to save $25 (expires 3/31) or LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/12).

Camp Metro for Girls Sally Cheever Girl Scout Center 5622 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd San Antonio, TX 78237 210-349-2404 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp

Crystal Sea Drama Company Summer Fun Camp Crystal Sea Drama Company Fine Arts Studio 8414 Speedway Dr. 210-849-0934 www.crystalseadrama.org

Join us for a great time this summer as we explore various areas in theatre at Theatrical Thursdays in June, July and August include Improvisation, Drama as Ministry - Get Sketchy, Project Costume, Field Trips. Two week Camps are July 15 – 27: Tech Camp - Dream it! Build it and Drama and Dessert 2019 – Mystery Theatre. Call for details.

Dorothy Keck Dancers 1532 Austin Hwy. SATX 78218 210-829-8489 www.dorothykeckdancers.com

The premier summer camp for girls to develop her G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) potential. Girls will explore other countries, travel through space and learn survival skills. Only $175 per week. Meals and before & aftercare are offered. You don’t need to be a Girl Scout to join the fun!

Join us for a fun-filled summer dance camp! Learn different dance styles and create themed crafts in each two or three day camp. Each camp has a unique theme such as Moana, Mermaid, Olaf, Trolls or Diva; find one to fit your child’s interests! Camps range from 4-10 years old.

Country Home Learning Center 8 locations in San Antonio 210-687-1002 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

iD Tech Held at 150 Prestigious Campus Locations 1-888-709-8324 www.iDTech.com

Join us for an INCREDIBLE Summer Camp Experience! *Kinder – 13 years *Child Approved Special Events *Fun-filled days with activities every child enjoys *Kids’ Choice Special Interest Clubs *Exciting Weekly Field Trips.

iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 450,000 alumni and over 20 years of experience. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including NYU, Caltech, and Imperial College London. Students build indemand skills for futures in coding, game

SUMMER CAMPS &

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sanantonio.madscience.org FOR ALL THE FUN DETAILS, VISIT ROLLINGOAKSMALL.COM/KIDX

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Dorothy Keck Dancers Register Now for Dance Classes

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CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES development, robotics, and creative arts. Visit iDTech.com.

Jump Rope Express 210-269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com

Throughout its 19 year existence, JR Express has trained thousands of kids all across the U.S. The “fun factor” is the foundation of all the games, activities, drills and challenges that are taught. It is what makes the classes so appealing to kids and keeps them looking forward to every class. The program emphasizes progressive mastery of specific jump rope skills that will get your kids in top form. It increases speed, agility, strength, endurance, stamina, balance, timing and hand-eye-foot coordination. It is also a great tool to help boost your child’s confidence while encouraging self-expression, self-discipline, diligence, and fulfillment. In addition, working together as a group helps foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and the spirit of camaraderie.

Jumping Dragons Performance Team 210-269-0725 Coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com

Calling all Jump Rope Enthusiasts! We are very pleased to announce that the Elite Jumping Dragons Performance Team is looking for members. The team consists of jumpers in elementary and middle school.

Fiscally Fit Summer Camp for Teens Junior Achievement of South Texas 403 E. Ramsey Ste. 201 210-490-2007 www.jast.org Junior Achievement’s Fiscally Fit Camp for Teens is a Fun, Innovative, Relevant, High-Tech, way for teens to learn sound money management skills for making intelligent, life-long personal financial decisions. If your teen lacks the basics of money management or thinks money grows on trees, this camp is for him/her. Secure your teen’s financial future with this week- long camp that includes a real life “adult for a day” simulation. (6th – 9th graders)

Mad Science of San Antonio Multiple Locations 210-651-1143 sanantonio.madscience.org Mad Science camps are designed with exciting, fun and hands-on science activities. Children will design, create, build and assemble a variety of interesting projects. 9 different camp themes are available including robots, rockets, spy academy, camp eureka, grossology and more! Mad Science has camp locations all over town. Register now: Pay Later!

Summer Camps and Workshops Northwest Vista College 3535 N. Ellison Drive Pecan Hall Room 101 San Antonio, TX 78251 210-486-4428 www.alamo.edu/nvc/youth/ parents

San Antonio College Summer Camps Alamo.edu/sac/summercamps

NVC Community Education is a great place to learn! Their K-12 programs are committed to the development of STEMbased learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), as well as, arts and environmental education. They take pride in offering these high-quality programs that help students reach their full potential.

San Antonio Botanical Garden Summer Camp 555 Funston Place 210-536-1400 Sabot.org Explore the San Antonio Botanical Garden this summer with STEAM-based camps focused on hands-on exploration, nature-inspired art, ecology and botany. From Eco-Explorers to Little Gardeners and CHEF camps, the Botanical Garden inspires budding naturalists, scientists, botanists, artists and chefs to dig deeper into the world of plants and fun.

San Antonio College offers a wide range of affordable summer camps for elementary, middle, and high school students—including an American Sign Language Music Camp a Television Production camp, and even several Space camps! Learn more about all our camps and register today at alamo.edu/ sac/summer-camps!

SeaWorld Camp SeaWorld San Antoni0 San Antonio 78251 210-523-3608 SWTDayCamps@seaworld.com https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/ educational-programs/day-camp/ SeaWorld San Antonio provides a variety of day-camp programs for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Counselors trained in youth development will lead groups in games, songs, and activities that can only be found at SeaWorld while campers experience one of a kind animal shows, visit animal habitats in the park and behind the scenes, and ride some thrilling roller coasters (campers must meet height requirements). SeaWorld San Antonio Camps are licensed as a youth camp by the state of Texas and accredited by the American Camp Association.

Are You Ready For An Adventure? EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS . . . We oﬀer a nationally accredited, innovative educational program in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, where a warm and caring staﬀ utilizes an exclusive curriculum and the very best in educational toys and equipment! • Full & Part Time: Infants – Age 13 • Drop-Ins Accepted • Exciting, Theme-Based Educational Units • Includes All of Our "On-Campus" Enrichment Destinations • Hours: 6:30am - 6:30pm SUMMER CAMP . . . Join us for an incredible Summer

Camp experience! • Kinder – 13 Years • Fabulous Weekly Field Trips to Exciting Destinations • In-House, Special Events • Splash Days in Our Waterpark • Kids’ Choice Special Interest Clubs

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• Country Home Waterpark • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • 1950’s-Style Soda Shop for Cooking & Science Projects • Country Home Movie Theater • Putt-Putt Golf Course • Arts/Crafts Lab & Computer Lab • Large Indoor Gym & Basketball Court • Student ABCMouse.com Accounts • iPad Station & Interactive Whiteboard

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April 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Southwest School of Art Summer Art Studios 300 Augusta San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 200.8213 https://www.swschool.org/ summer-art-studios

The Clowvazar Academy Summer School Program 12746 Cimarron Path #20 210-690-4800 www.clowvazar.com

Southwest School of Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Art Studios is the most comprehensive and largest summer arts experience for students in San Antonio, offering nine weeks of classes from June 1 - Aug. 7, for students ages 5 - 18 taught by artistteachers and focusing on fundamentals such as drawing and painting, as well as experimental design and classes that explore world cultures. SSA is unique in offering media such as clay, printmaking, photography, and 3-D design.

St. Anthony Catholic School 205 W. Huisache Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212 210-732-8801 Our summer camps offer weekly themes that engage children with readiness skills through hands-on activities. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a well-balanced curriculum promoting intellectual, emotional, and social development. With special guest speakers, field trips, summer BBQ, and swimming, your child will want to come back every year. Space is limited, call today.

The Clowvazar Academy holds academic camps in June, July and August from 9AM to2PM with the option to extend the day to 7:30AM to 4:00PM. Visit us online for pricing details.

The DoSeum 2800 Broadway 210-212-4453 thedoseum.org

Keep the learning and fun going all summer long with The DoSeumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer camps! Your child can engage in large-scale collaborative art pieces, challenging hands-on STEM investigations, and moreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all taking place in our indoor and outdoor exhibit space. Whether your child is a future painter, engineer, or a combination of the two, The DoSeum offers a wide variety of programs for kids ages 3-11.

The Little Gym of Stone Oak 20711 Wilderness Oak, Ste. 106 San Antonio 78258 210-481-5452 www.thelittlegym.com/ sanantoniostoneoaktx/ The Little Gym of North San Antonio 12730 NW Military Highway, Suite 106 San Antonio 78231

1-on-1 In-Home ABA Therapy ABA Therapy for children and young adults in the Autism Spectrum Disorder and with other special needs. We strive to improve the quality of life of our clients and their families.

(844) 568-2001 www.AdBAnce.com

Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

210-545-3770 www.thelittlegym.com/ NSanAntonioTX Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out, Funâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In! Combining physical activity, gymnastics, games, Lego-building, and crafts! Your child will spend three adventure-filled hours that will focus on serious fun! Each week revolves around an interactive learning theme with different, creative lesson plans that will keep your child engaged. We will help your child beat the heat by staying cool at The Little Gym. Please call us to book your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spot before itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too late!

University of the Incarnate Word Cardinal Soccer Camps 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX, 78209 210-841-7396 https://uiwcardinals.com Cardinal Summer Soccer Camps are designed to provide a fun learning environment for all players from all levels of youth Soccer. The focus is on developing technical skills in challenging exercises whilst allowing the campers the opportunity to express themselves in competitive games. There are 4 core topics that we will focus on to help develop the core principles needed to become a successful soccer player.

YMCA of Greater San Antonio Summer Day Camp Multiple Locations 210-924-2277 ymcasatx.org/summer

YMCA camp programs offer youth an opportunity to meet new friends and discover new interests. Activities vary by location but include field trips, crafts, swimming, sports and more. Camp is an excellent way to ensure kids stay engaged socially, physically, and academically throughout the summer. Financial assistance is available.

Zoo Camp San Antonio Zoo 210-734-7184 Ex. 1501 www.sazoo.org

Zoo Camp is the wildest camp in town! Week long camps for Kinder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8th grade begin May 26 and end the week of August 14. Registration opens February 15. Get outside and play!

SPECIAL NEEDS Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) 515 Skyline Drive Center Point, Texas 78010 (210) 671-5411 campmail@campcamp.org https://campcamp.org/

Since 1979, Camp CAMP has provided safe, fun-filled recreational experiences for individuals with special needs at its 55-acre summer camp along the

EST. 1963

â&#x20AC;˘ 18 Months - Kindergarten â&#x20AC;˘ Afterschool Care 1st through 5th grades â&#x20AC;˘ Summer Camp 5 through 10 year olds â&#x20AC;˘ Located on six wooded acres with pool

(210) 696-0213 www.suburbanschool.com

5409 Encino Park Rd. San Antonio, Tx 78240

Phonics - Reading - Writing Composition Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep. ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL - Autism Exp. 1:1 - Pre-K to 8th Grade

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inspiring students to excel and do their best!â&#x20AC;?

Call or Text 210-722-4947 inspiringexcellencetutoring.com

The Clowvazar Academy ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION â&#x20AC;˘ K-12Â â&#x20AC;˘ YEAR-ROUND

General Ed., Special Ed., Gifted-And-Talented

Differentiated Education

for children with anxiety, learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or autism, or those simply needing a small class environment. We place students in learning groups based on ability not age.

Apply Online Today!

www.clowvazar.com | 210-690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120, San Antonio TX 78249 FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Guadalupe River, in Center Point, TX. Camp CAMP serves individuals (aged 5 – 50) with mild to severe disabilities from diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spina Bifida, visual impairment and/or hearing impairment. It is a certified Texas Youth Camp and accredited by the American Camp Association. Campers’ siblings are welcome to attend camp with them. In 2020, the six-day camps begin May 24 and run through August 7. Summer 2020 applications are now available at www.campcamp.org. Camp CAMP strives to be affordable to all families through our Scholarship Tier program or through Respite funding for campers who have Medicaid Waiver and General Revenue service programs in Texas.

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path, #120 www.clowvazar.com Each summer The Clowvazar Academy opens three summer sessions in June, July and August for students with Anxiety, High Functioning Autism or other related learning differences. We accept students from Kindergarten to High School. Limited seats are available. Visit us online for tuition information and requirements.

]

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Girls’ Camps

Camp Honey Creek 401 Honey Creek W. Camp@camphoneycreek.com www.camphoneycreek.com

Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Camp Honey Creek for Girls is committed to helping girls of all ages develop into well-rounded individuals with good moral character, strong values and high self-esteem.

iD Tech Held at 150 Prestigious Campus Locations 1-888-709-8324 www.iDTech.com

iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including Stanford, NYU, HKU, and Imperial College London. Students build in-demand skills for futures in coding, game development, robotics, and design. Visit iDTech.com.

Camp La Jita Utopia, TX (on the Sabinal River) 210-349-2404 or 800-580-7247 www.girlscouts-swtx.org

Ages 7-18 Sports, horseback riding, canoeing, dance, crafts, backpacking, swimming, archery, photography, etc. Non-Girl Scouts welcome. Please visit

our website for more information.

Camp Sierra Vista for Girls 175 Rio Vista Road, Ingram, TX, 78025 830-367-5353 sierravista.dir@gmail.com www.vistacamps.com

Small, private, traditional camp in the Texas Hill Country. A summer tradition of fun, friends, exciting activities, lifelong memories and life-changing experiences. Make forever friends while having the time or your life.

Heart of the Hills Camp for Girls Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4650 info@hohcamp.com www.hohcamp.com

Ages: 6-16 • Liberating all-girls atmosphere, Guadalupe River, airconditioned. Family style dining. Worldwide enrollment, personable! Fun, instruction-oriented, doing the right thing; more than 40 activities. Family owned, operated.

Rocky River Ranch P.O. Box 109 • Wimberley, TX 78676 512-847-2513 www.rockyriverranch.com

Girls ages 7 -14 enjoy the experience of a lifetime at Rocky River Ranch. Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas hill country in Wimberley, Rocky River Ranch has been operating as a private summer camp for girls since 1953. We are a

residential summer camp offering three different session lengths and a wide variety of activities.

Boys’ Camps Camp Mondamin for Boys P.O. Box 8, Tuxedo, NC 28784 800-688-5789 mondamin@mondamin.com www.mondamin.com Ages 7 - 12 • Aug. 5 - Aug. 18 - August Camp is a two-week session designed to introduce campers to the program at Mondamin. The time allows for great friendships and experiences such as independence and working toward goals. We will touch on all our activities and take many overnight trips. The short period is an excellent choice for those wanting a taste of camp fun.

Camp Rio Vista for Boys 175 Rio Vista Road, Ingram, TX, 78025 830-367-5353 www.vistacamps.com Ages 6-16 A Texas Summer tradition since 1921. Beautiful facilities, funfilled program, exciting activities and dedicated staff provide a memorable learning environment for your son. We emphasize fun, confidence and success!

6th – 9th Graders If your teen lacks the basics of money management or thinks money grows on trees, this camp is for him/her. • Innovative Week Long Camp • Fun, Relevant, High-Tech Camp • Real Life “Adult For a Day” Simulation • Learn Sound Money Management skills

Junior Achievement of South Texas

210-490-2007 • www.jast.org 403 E. Ramsey Ste. 201

Drop In Licensed DayCare Mother’s Day Out Program Full Day Summer Camps Ages 5-12 yrs Now Offering – After School Care with pick up!! Open late on Friday nights for Parents Night Out

210-651-3610 Playtodaydropin.com

April 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

CAMP & SUMMER ACTIVITIES Camp Stewart for Boys Hunt, TX 78024 830-238-4670 www.campstewart.com

Ages 6-16 • Camp Stewart for Boys is a privately owned, Christian-oriented, nondenominational camp for boys ages six to sixteen. We are located in the heart of the famed Texas Hill Country, near headwaters of the Guadalupe River.

Texas Catholic Boys Camp – Camp Tecaboca Mountain Home, TX 5045 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025 830-866-3425 office@tecaboca.com www.tecaboca.com

A boy’s camp offering horseback riding, archery, canoeing, swimming, and bead craft, with morning prayer and evening campfire stories. Co-ed Camps

Camp Balcones Springs 104 Balcones Springs Drive, Marble Falls, TX 78654 830-693-CAMP info@campbalconessprings. com www.campiscool.com

A premier Christian sports and outdoor camp dedicated to building quality relationships through spiritual impact and fun. Features air-conditioned cabins with a 4:1 counselor to camper ration.

Deer Creek Camp Medina, Texas 78055 830-589-7123 www.deercreekcamp.com

Deer Creek Camp, located in Medina, Texas, is a Christian Adventure Camp where we capture both the stunning outdoors and a Christ-centered community. From swimming in the Medina River to riding down the longest tandem zip line in Texas. Come see for yourself why Deer Creek Camp is The Place to Be.

His Hill Ranch Camp Overnight & Day Camp Comfort, TX 78103 830-995-3388 camp@hishill.org www.hishill.org

His Hill Ranch Camp is a Christian, nondenominational overnight & day camp offering 1 week sessions through the summer for children 8 - 18 years old. His Hill is a wonderful place for young people to be taught about Jesus Christ from God’s Word while having fun in the outdoor life of the Hill Country.

Mo-Ranch Summer Camp 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX 78024 800-460-4401 ext. 250 or 253 www.summercamp.MoRanch. org

Ages 8 – 15 • We are a co-ed, residential camp located within one of the Hill Country’s most beautiful conference centers; the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch

Assembly. Located along the Guadalupe River, Mo-Ranch sits on almost 500 acres of gorgeous Hill Country property. We offer a wide range of traditional camp activities including archery, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing.

T Bar M Camps and Retreats New Braunfels 830-620-4263 www.tbarmcamps.org Camp is one of the most lasting, rewarding experiences parents can give their children. It builds self-esteem, gives kids a sense of independence and allows them to take a breather from the day-today. Over 10,000 people experience T Bar M Christ-centered Adventure every year. Come see what It’s all about.

YMCA Camp Twin Lakes 204 E. Little Elm Trl Cedar Park 78613 512-257-0709 camptwinlakes.ymcagwc.org YMCA Camp Twin Lakes offers week-long overnight and mini overnight summer camp just north of Austin. Join the YMCA for 6 weeks of Full Overnight Camp in 2017. Kids ages 8-16y/o. New Cabins have bathrooms and A/C, experienced counselors, nutritious meals & new friends. All the activities you love and a whole lot more! Conveniently located in Cedar Park.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP Agape Bereavement Camp for Children Burnet, TX 214-674-1205 info@campagapetexas.org www.campagapetexas.org Ages 7-12 • Camp Agape’s Children Summer Session will be held August 5th8th at Forest Glen Camps, $50 application fee that is refunded at the end of camp. Camp Agape is a non-denominational, Christian-based program that supports children and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The trained staff and volunteers are committed to sharing the belief that through Christ there is HOPE, and will provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children to heal from the pain of grief.

Charis Hills Camp Ingram, TX 888-681-2173 info@charishills.org www.charishills.org Ages 7 – 18 •Charis Hills is a Christian Summer Camp specifically designed to help kids with learning differences (ADHD, LD, ED and Asperger’s) find success. Our focus is on building self-confidence, social skills and independence.

Do you or your child need help with:

Weekly Camps June and July 2020 Hands on STEM based learning, subjects range from Forensics to Cyber Security, camps include breakfast and lunch. Learn more at samsat.org

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info@bullyingempowerment.com www.bullyingempowerment.com

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Owl Creek Farm

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Open on the Weekends All Year • Petting Zoo • Pony Rides • Hay Rides • Play/Climbing Areas • Birthday Parties

info@samsat.org (210)-338-0439 16

Do you or your child help with:  need Anxiety?  Depression? • Anxiety? • Depression?  Coping skills? • Coping Skills? • Stress?  Bullying? ContactDr. Dr.Vanessa VanessaC.C.Cantu, Cantu,Ph.D., Ph.D., Contact LPCLPC

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Feature

Seven Anger Management Hacks for Parents By Christa Melnyk Hines

Between screaming toddlers, squabbling siblings and saucy teens, keeping your cool can be tricky--unless you have a few anger management parenting hacks up your sleeve.

Recognize anger rising

“Everybody has their own unique physiological stress signs,” says Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our AllAbout-Me World. Perhaps you clench your teeth and narrow your eyes. Maybe your arms stiffen at your sides and your fingers curl into fists. Not sure what your sign is? Ask your child. “They’ll always tell you--’Right before you get mad, Mom, you do that weird thing with your eyes,’” Borba says. Our youngsters have their own signs too. Maybe your daughter starts yanking at her hair or your son furrows his brow. “It’s almost the sign they’re going to use the rest of their life,” Borba says. Once you’ve identified each other’s anger signs,

come up with a nonverbal time-out signal to use the moment you feel anger rising. The signal gives you each permission to walk away and calm down before resuming the conversation.

Empathize Avoid taking your child’s bad mood personally. Your child may have had a rough day at school. Maybe they did poorly on a test, got their feelings hurt at recess, or perhaps they’re simply tired and hungry after a busy day. Give your kids time to decompress before peppering them with questions or demands. “If we can look at the world through their eyes and really feel compassion and empathy for them, it’s just going to shift everything in terms of how we approach different kinds of situations,” says child psychologist Dr. Vanessa LaPointe, author of Discipline Without Damage: How to Get Your Kids to Behave Without Messing Them Up

April 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Create a “Stress Box”

Place items that can help your kids decompress for a few minutes after a busy day. Include an iPod loaded with soothing music, books, bubble blowers, a journal or coloring book with gel pens, flex bands and a squishy stress ball. Make a box for yourself too! - Michele Borba, Ed.D.

Know your triggers

Family tensions generally run highest between four and six p.m. Often we’re rushing to feed hungry, irritated kids, distracted by work issues, helping with homework, and running to get everyone off to extracurricular activities. In a notebook or on your calendar, jot down times and circumstances when you’re most likely to lose your cool. Once you identify a pattern, make a plan for how you’ll address the stress and better regulate yourself in the future.

Press pause and breathe

Taking deep breaths is such a powerful way to

self-soothe that even the Navy Seals use the technique, Borba says. “The moment the stress starts to come on take a deep slow breath, inhale, hold it, and exhale it twice as long as you inhale. Do it a few times,” she instructs. “Exhaling twice as long as you inhale is the fastest way to get the relaxation response, and it instantly soothes you.”

Role model self-care

Adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise will help you better manage stressful situations. “The reality is that as a mother, father or any kind of caregiver trying to grow up human beings, you are no good to them if you are lying on the ground gasping for air,” LaPointe says. Invite your kids to join you in activities that help you manage stress to show them how to cool off when they’re upset, angry or sad. For instance: “I’m going to do some yoga. That always helps me feel better. Want to try it?” or “I had a hard day and need to get some fresh air. Do you want to go for a walk with me?” Also, show your kids how you calm yourself in the midst of frustrating situations that you can’t immediately exit from. For example, if you’re stuck in traffic, turn on soft music, tell each other jokes or riddles, or

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play a game like “would you rather”. Not only are you maintaining calm in the car, you’re connecting with your family in a positive way despite external annoyances. “Our kids watch us and they learn how to handle life by mirroring what we do,” Borba explains. “Unless your child learns how to self-regulate, his empathy goes down. His stress builds and then he’s in survival mode and can’t feel for another person.”

When you lose your cool

You lose it with you eight-year-old when you discover that he stuck chewing gum to his bedroom carpet--for the third time. You blow up at a driver who cuts you off in traffic in front of your kids. You and your spouse get into a heated debate at dinner. What now? “Even if you didn’t create the situation that led to the upset, to the meltdown, or the breakdown in the relationship, it’s always the parent’s job to fix it, “ LaPointe says, who offers this recipe for repair: 1) Name what happened: “I got angry and yelled.” 2) Apologize. “We are okay.” 3) Talk about a future point of connection to close the loop: “I’m looking forward to going fishing with you this weekend.” “If you don’t close the communication circle, and you haven’t landed fully on the apology-- the ‘we are okay’ part--and moving on with other things in life, kids will come up with their own catastrophic end,” LaPointe says. For example, a child might think: “Mom doesn’t love me anymore.” By acknowledging the situation and doing the necessary repair work, our kids learn how to manage inevitable conflict in their own relationships. In the case of the driving incident, apologize afterwards and explain your reaction to your kids, “Wow, I’m sorry I yelled! That guy really scared me. I thought we were going to get hit!” Chances are they’ll do that back to you: “I’m sorry I yelled at you, Mom. I got a bad grade on my science test and that’s why I blew up.”

Need help?

Unmanaged anger can seriously affect your health and relationships. Talk to your doctor if you need help. If you don’t get help, Borba warns, your kids may begin to believe that they’re somehow responsible for your anger, which can negatively affect their health, their level of empathy and their overall resilience. “There are no take backs when it comes to parenting,” Borba says. “Kids can’t interpret your anger, and so they hold it in and it can become deadly to your relationship and to their self-esteem.” Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She is the mom of two teenage sons. April 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Baby

Smart Start Baby Ten brain-building games to play By Malia Jacobson

Playing with your baby yields more than sweet smiles, squeals, and coos. According to researchers and child development experts, simple, everyday games can boost your baby’s brain development, fostering growth in language, science, math, and organizational skills (called executive functions) along with social and emotional learning. Babies at play are learning about themselves and their world, says Sarah R. Lytle, Ph.D., director of outreach and education for the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) at University of Washington. “Babies are these natural scientists. They’re always playing games that are actually experiments. Every time a baby drops their spoon off their high chair, they’re figuring out their world and how it works.” Here’s how to help your little scientist along with games that benefit cognitive development from birth through age one.

Back and forth

Baby gym

No, you don’t need to take your baby to spin class. But physical activity—think tummy time, crawling, scooting, walking practice, or parent-child swim—can boost brain growth. Canadian researchers found that physical activity benefits cognitive development, especially executive functions and language skills, in children from birth through age five.

Why, thank you!

When your baby hands you a toy and looks at you expectantly, they’re initiating a game that develops social and emotional intelligence, says Lytle. Play along by responding with delight (“Thank you so much!), waiting a beat, then handing the toy back, and keep the back-andforth going for as long as your baby stays interested.

Quality interactions with loving caregivers are vital to cognitive development in general—things like responding to babies’ coos and cries, gazing into their eyes, and making silly faces. “In a high-quality interaction, you want to see a true back-and-forth exchange between a parent and a baby. When the baby babbles, the parent responds like they’re having a conversation,” says Lytle.

Bust a move

Where’s the cup?

Rhyme time

By four to seven months old, babies begin developing object permanence, or the knowledge that something still exists even when it’s not visible. Simple games like moving a cup just out of sight and asking your baby 20

“Where’s the cup?” help your baby toward this memory milestone.

Our Kids Magazine | April 2020

Exposing babies to music introduces the concept of rhythm, which benefits mathematical skills, says Lytle. Encourage this learning with mini dance sessions as early as the newborn stage (holding your baby, of course), spending 5-10 minutes bouncing and swaying to the beat of songs you know and love. Reading books filled with rhyming words, like The Cat and the Hat, help your baby develop phonological awareness, an important component of language and literacy, says Lytle. “Books work well for this because as FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

parents we don’t normally speak in rhymes. And we tend to get into verbal ruts and use the same words over and over again. Books expose babies to words and rhymes you might not normally use.”

Face it

Just hours after birth, babies show a preference for gazing at faces, which boosts visual development and cognitive growth. Stanford researchers found that by four months old, babies facial recognition skills rival those of adults. A simple game like placing your face 10-12 inches from your baby’s face, then switching with another person or even a stuffed animal and waiting for your baby to respond, can help babies hone this important skill.

Skill-building

That shape sorter you may have received at your baby shower is great for developing spatial awareness and mathematical ability, says Lytle. Once babies get a bit older, building blocks can help continue that development. “With blocks, babies are testing their environment and really getting into some complex concepts related to math, like volume, distance, and how structures work,” she says.

Baby comedian

“Parents sometimes think that in order to build

language skills they need to ‘fill their baby’s bucket’ with a lot of words,” says Lytle. “But the back-and-forth interaction is what really benefits cognitive growth.” Try responding to your baby’s early coos and first words with a hearty laugh, a squeal or a surprised face. The sillier the better, since babies are often delighted by these responses and more interested in keeping the interaction going.

I get it Playing together provides opportunities to boost social and emotional skills by helping your baby understand and process emotions, says Lytle. “When your child becomes frustrated, talking about the emotions they’re feeling is important. When parents say ‘I understand why that made you upset,’ they’re scaffolding [or supporting] important social and emotional concepts.” Focused, attentive interactions with loving caregivers are the best brain-builders, says Lytle. When caregivers play with babies, they can make the experience even more beneficial by focusing on their baby and tuning out their phone and other distractions. “To create a highquality interaction, it’s important to be fully present and really focus your attention on your child.” Malia Jacobson is a health and family journalist.

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Don’ts & Dos on Coronavirus by Jane M. Orient, M.D.

DON”T DO

■ Don’t panic. That is always good advice. Do not

join a mob at a big-box store. Somebody there is no doubt infected. Plus, there’s the risk of getting trampled or injured in a fight over the last roll of toilet paper. ■ Don’t go to the emergency room or urgent care unless you are severely ill. There will be sick people there, and you might catch something. And if you have the flu or a cold or COVID-19, and don’t need IV fluids or oxygen, they can’t do anything for you. Telephone advice lines instead. ■ Don’t waste. Expired medications are probably still good. Most drugs or essential ingredients are made in China, and supplies are running out. ■ Don’t touch your face or your eyes. That is very hard—preventing that is one function of a mask and eye protection. ■ Don’t fall for internet scams, or malware. Hucksters will always be around to try to profit from panics.

Now for some dos:

■ Do prepare to take care of yourself and your family.

Be sure you have a fever thermometer, disposable gloves, plastic garbage bags, and cleaning supplies. A pulse oximeter is good to have to check oxygen levels. ■ Do clean and disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, telephones, computer keyboards, toilets, and countertops often. Virus can persist there for days. ■ Do wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer. With SARS-CoV-2, most disinfectants work, including 70-percent-alcohol-based sanitizers. ■ Do take your vitamins. Most people may be vitamin D deficient. Your need for vitamin C escalates with infection. ■ Do protect your immune system, with adequate sleep, exercise, fresh air, and diet, especially avoiding sugar if you feel ill. ■ Do help your neighbors, and be responsible about protecting others as well as yourself from contagion. Some of the views expressed are controversial, Consult your doctor.

Jane M. Orient, M.D. obtained her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974. She has served as Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) since 1989. She has served as Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), also the managing editor of the Journal of (AAPS) and is currently president of Doctors for Disaster Preparedness.

Our Kids Magazine April 2020

Articles inside

FIVE REASONS TO GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE

Smart Start Baby

SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING DURING THE PANDEMIC

WHY SUMMER CAMP IS Magazine GREAT FOR … PARENTS

Magazine SEVEN ANGER MANAGEMENT HACKS FOR PARENTS